Title: Kaoru's Music
Author: Bradybunch4529
Rating PG-13 to R
Disclaimers: Not mine in any way. Just borrowing them for awhile.
Summary: AU Modern Kaoru is considered a piano virtuoso and Battousai is a leading mob boss. What happens when the two worlds collide?
Reviewers:
Apathetic Empath2:Hello again! You do get around don't you? I figured that I would go more in depth this time around. So this chapter should be better in that regard. You do make me smile! I was upset about the descriptions too, they weren't quite as vivid as I normally like. But I'm just the writer, it just worked out this way. So glad that you like the situation. Should be fun to see how it's going to work out.
Egustogustason:Now that is a tongue twister. I hope that I spelled it right! Thanks!
Timewarper: Thanks for reading. It was a bit confusing! Believe it or not I did only bold those items. I don't think that the document manager for this site likes me. I'll try harder this time.
Prince Aoshi:Glad you enjoyed! If you'll remember he's supporting her and keeping her upright. So picture her falling forward, landing on his chest and looking up at him. She's not really standing upright at this time. I'm sorry if this was confusing.
Froggi3: Thanks! Me too!
Blobbub: :bows deeply: Glad that you enjoyed the descriptions. I was a bit disappointed in them to be truthful. Hopefully this chapter will be as good! Thanks for the compliment!
NARGIEGIRL21:Glad you enjoyed! I will do my best!
Half-breed-demon-fox:Thanks!
REIGNASHII: Thanks! Thrilled you enjoyed it!
Meghan: It would be interesting to know wouldn't it? Thanks for stopping by!
Flaming-amber:cute screen name. Thanks so much. I'm glad that you enjoyed the word play. I worked really hard on it. It was short but hopefully this chapter is better.
Gabyhyatt:I hope I spelled it right. Thanks!
Shadow654: Thank you so much! It should be interesting.
Aya45: Sorry. It just seemed to work out that way. Thanks for your support.
Meeko2: hooked huh? I'm thrilled you enjoyed! I hope this one guys as well.
Pirate006 ( ):So glad that you enjoyed!
Neko-Yuff16:Thanks so much! You'll just have to wait and see. You can never tell.
Tif ( ): Thanks! You are too sweet!
Chapter 2: The Performance
"How could you have been so careless," Saitoh Hajime's voice thundered in Kaoru's ears. "You don't know the city and you don't know the dangers." He waved his cigarette for emphasis and glared at her with his dark eyes.
"I know," Kaoru agreed, her eyes fixed on his dark one. "And I'm sorry."
"You're sorry!" Saitoh yelled again. "It was dangerous and stupid!"
"You're absolutely right," Kaoru agreed again, her head nodding.
Saitoh sighed and fell silent as he watched her. Soujiro watched calmly with a smile on his face, waiting for Saitoh to finish. Finally Saitoh nodded at the girl and motion with his head, "your mother is waiting to help you get ready."
"Okay. Thanks dad," Kaoru told him and pressed a kiss to his cheek before leaving the room.
Both men watched her go, affection for her visible in their eyes before focusing on each other. Soujiro waited as Saitoh quietly contemplated him for long moments. Cigarette smoke hung in the air and Soujiro found himself wishing that Saitoh would heed the no smoking rule. But the 'Wolf,' as he was sometime called, quit following rules a very long time ago.
"Tell me," Saitoh commanded and Soujiro obeyed. It took only a couple minutes for him to relay everything he knew to the older man. "So the Batoussai is fascinated by our little raccoon hmmm?"
"It would appear so," Soujiro agreed.
"Not surprising. Kaoru has always had a strange effect on people," Saitoh commented and then stood up. "We should expect him soon. He won't just let it go."
"I will go and make arrangements," Soujiro replied and bowed slightly before leaving the room.
Kaoru hurried down the corridor, dodging around the staff that was rushing around trying to get everything ready. She had requested a dressing room that was away from everything else, preferring the peace and quiet before a concert. As she made her way around the crowd she found herself remembering the first time that she had ever met Saitoh Hajime.
Four-year old Kaoru Kamiya hurried down the stairs of the orphanage. It always reminded her of the scary houses in fairy tales. The shadows lurking around made her wonder if monsters were waiting to eat her. And for a little girl that had just lost her parents, the shadows seemed so big.
The orphanage was silent around her, most of the kids in class or tied up with chores. Kaoru was too young for class and had managed to slip away from the nun that had been watching her. It wasn't hard, Kaoru reflected, the woman had 10 other kids to watch. And Kaoru had been taught how to move silently when her daddy had taught her Kendo. As all thoughts of her parents did, this one made her sad and Kaoru was determined to ignore it.
Instead she peeked down the stairs, listening for any movement. When she heard none she descended into the lobby, avoiding the fifth step that always squeaked. Around her the scent of pine cleaner and bleach hung in the air. There were several stained glass windows that let in a thin stream of sunlight. It had been raining for the past two days and everything was rather gloomy.
A chill hung in the air as Kaoru moved across the floor to the door of the parlor. The hardwood floors made no sound as her small feet crossed it. Her black hair was slightly disheveled and falling out of the ponytail that she had put it in this morning. Her small hands reached out for the doorknob, a slight frown of annoyance crossing her face as she realized that the knob was just out of reach.
A huff of breath escaped her and she frowned as she considered what she needed to do. Normally the door was open and she didn't have to worry about this. Her arms crossed her chest and her foot tapped slightly as she thought about it. Suddenly asmile crossed her face and she rushed across the floor and disappeared into another room. Soon she reappeared dragging a chair across the floor. It made a slight screeching sound and Kaoru hushed it as she put it against the door.
She scampered up the chair and reached for the doorknob again, this time her small hand wrapped around it and she twisted. It popped open and Kaoru gave a slight screech of victory before covering her mouth and looking around again. When she didn't see anyone she jumped off of the chair and rushed into the room. The door closed behind her with a tiny snick and Kaoru grinned broadly at the sight of the piano in the center of the room.
It was directly beneath the windows and sun streamed over it. And despite the gloom of the rest of the room, to Kaoru the piano seemed to shimmer and glow in the light. She hurried across the floor, her feet barely touching the ground. She didn't look around this room, it was hardly used and she was normally alone in here.
She climbed up to the piano, wiggling to get on the bench and settled in front of the keys. A small frown crossed her face and her blue eyes glinted as she realized that she was pushed back from the keys. A long-suffering sigh escaped her and her blue eyes rolled as she considered how inconsiderate people could be. She slipped off of the bench, her dress tangling around her waist before sliding down to her knees. She went around to the back of the bench and pushed it forward.
Taking a step back she narrowed her blue eyes as she judged the distance between the bench and the keys. Another push had the bench closer and Kaoru nodded with satisfaction. Once again she climbed up onto the bench and wiggled her way over to the center. Her hands stretched out and she smiled as they brushed over the keys.
A delightful twinkling of sound cascaded over her ears and her eyes closed as she did it again. For several moments her hands rested on the keys, her eyes closed as she decided which piece she would play today. The thunder and lightening had reminded her of one of Beethoven's pieces and Kaoru decided that she would play that today. Her fingers repositioned themselves and she took a deep breath before raising her hands. The breath escaped in a rush and her hands slammed down on the keys.
The clashing notes rose into the air, echoing around her for a second before her hands once again crashed onto the keys. In seconds her fingers were flying over the keys, bringing it to life. The pain and suffering that she felt poured into the keys and Kaoru lost herself in the driving tempo. Her small body vibrated with the constrained power she was using.
When she finally finished she sat there for a long moment. Slightly surprised that the nuns hadn't come and got her when she started. They were rather strict as to when she could play. She turned around on the bench and started to get down only to freeze as her blue eyes met the black eyes of the man standing behind her.
He was tall, stretching towards the ceiling, and skinny. Kaoru's eyes widened as he blew cigarette smoke into the air and before she could stop herself she blurted out, "you're not supposed to smoke in here!"
The man merely raised an eyebrow at her and Kaoru could feel herself flushing. There was something about this guy that made her nervous. Her small head tilted to one side as she looked up at him, noticing the dark hair that tumbled around his face and yet was cut short around the rest of his head. His fingers were long and slender with calluses that she could feel when he touched her cheek
"Don't touch me," Koaru told him and pulled away slightly. She frowned up at the man and one small foot swung out and slammed into his shin. He flinched and stepped away from her.
"Feisty aren't you?" He murmured as he rubbed at his knee.
"I'm not supposed to talk with strangers,"she told him with a glare.
"Indeed not," he agreed with a slight nod.
Kaoru said nothing, continuing to watch the man. For a moment she thought that she saw a slightly smile twitch up the corners of his lips. But it never continued and Kaoru decided that she didn't see it.
"Where did you learn to play?" He asked casually.
"Sister Mary Thomas taught me the basics," Kaoru announced with a smile. She enjoyed talking about music. "Do you play?" Kaoru questioned eagerly, her body leaning towards him now.
"My wife does," he admitted. "And who taught you to play that piece?"
"I did," Kaoru announced proudly. "I found the music and taught myself how to play it."
"You did huh?"
"Yes."
"And how long of you been playing?"
"Since I got here," Kaoru explained and smiled up at the man. While he still seemed slightly dangerous, the man had discussed music with her.
"I see," the man replied thoughtfully. "You should go back upstairs now. Before they start looking for you."
"Okay," Kaoru agreed and allowed him to help her down from the bench. She smiled up at him and waved good-bye as she hurried to the stairs.
The next day the man and his wife had come back and she went home with them. And her life became filled with music.
"Kaoru?" Tokio's voice gently interrupted her thoughts.
"Yes?" Kaoru looked up in surprise to see that she had managed to get back to her dressing room and her mom was staring at her with a slightly worried expression on her face.
"Are you okay?" Tokio as her daughter as she walked over and brushed a hand across Kaoru's face and into her hair.
"I'm fine Mom," Kaoru assured her. She took her mother's hand and brushed a kiss across the palm. "I was just thinking."
"Are you sure Kaoru? Your father didn't upset you did he?" Tokio questioned as she followed Kaoru into the dressing room.
"Dad was fine. You know how he gets," Kaoru told her with a smile. The two shared an exasperated look tinged with fondness and amusement before Kaoru turned away and reached for the brush.
"I do," Tokio agreed and then paused for a moment. "Did you enjoy your walk?"
"I'm sorry if I worried you," Kaoru apologized softly. "But I had to get away."
"I understand. But your father worries. Obviously nothing happened and you are back safely," Tokio clucked and went to the closet.
Kaoru fought back the wave of guilt her mother's words caused her. While she didn't believe that she would ever meet the Battousai again, she hated to lie to her mother. And this was a very big lie. But at the same time she didn't see any reason to worry her mother. While the Battousai had seemed quite determined when he told Soujiro that she belonged to him, Kaoru decided that he had probably been doing it to scare her. She sighed and stared at her reflection in the mirror. There was bruising in her eyes that hadn't been there before. This tour schedule was killing her and she really did need to sleep. Perhaps tonight she could convince Soujiro to stay with her. She closed her eyes and an image of burning amber eyes flashed behind her lids. Her eyes snapped open and she glared at her reflection.
Kaoru took a deep breath and pushed him from her mind. She had a performance to give tonight and that was all that mattered. Her eyes drifted closed and she allowed the music that she was going to play that night rush over her. When her eyes opened again, her eyes were a deep shining sapphire and her mind was filled with music.
"Hey Kenshin," Sano called as he strolled over. "Why are you going to that fancy benefit? I thought you said would turn yourself in first."
"My little birdie is going to be there," Kenshin told him as he straightened his bowtie before stepping back.
Kenshin used the mirror to check his reflection and make sure that everything was in place. His black dress shoes gleamed in the light, his black tuxedo pressed and crisp, the bowtie perfectly centered under his chin. His cuff links were pearl and gleamed whitely against the black of the suit. His white shirt was crisp and gleaming, perfectly pressed. His red hair was secured at the base of his neck, rather than in the high ponytail. His eyes were a deep violet rather than the burning amber. The Battousai was staying home tonight but Kenshin Himura, respected businessman, was planning to visit a certain pianist. Kenshin gave a satisfied nod and turned away from the mirror.
"Birdie? What birdie?" Sano questioned as he rubbed a hand through his hair.
"He's talking about the one that got away you stupid rooster," a new voice interrupted.
"Stuff it foxy woman," Sano gritted out as he turned to look at the woman walking towards them.
Megumi's black hair was flowing around her shoulders; her lips painted a vivid red and her eye make up deepening the dark brown pools of her eyes. Her red dress was off the shoulder, showcasing the milk-white skin and her ample bust. It fell straight to the floor, skimming her hips and thighs before ending at the floor. As she took another step, the flash of bright red high heels disappeared under the material swirling around her feet.
"You look very nice Megumi," Kenshin complimented her.
"Thank you so much Ken," Megumi simpered at him. Ignoring the snort coming from Sano she stepped closer to Kenshin. "It was so nice of you to invite me to the benefit."
"It's my pleasure," Kenshin assured her as he offered her his arm. "I'm just glad you could come on such short notice."
"Anything to help you," Megumi assured him with a smile as she tucked her hand into the curve of his elbow.
"You mean anything to allow you to attach yourself to him," Sano chided.
"Stuff it Rooster head," Megumi hissed at him.
"You should at least be honest Fox. You just want to help him out of his clothes."
"Who asked for your opinion?" Megumi demanded as she stepped closer to Kenshin and glared at Sano.
"When you act like a two bit whore, people are going to comment," Sano told her easily. A grin lighting up his face at the anger on hers.
Kenshin was getting ready to intervene when a voice spoke from the door. "The car is ready Kenshin," Aoshi announced.
Kenshin nodded and escorted Megumi forward. Sano watched them go with a confused expression. He shook his head and stuck his hands in his pockets, whistling a tune as he headed for the kitchen. He still didn't understand what Kenshin hoped to accomplish by taking a woman with him to claim another. Sano really didn't think that Missy would like that much.
"Here are your seats Mr. Himura," the usher pointed to two seats in the box and stepped back. Kenshin nodded and handed Megumi into the room, his attention already focused on the stage below him. "Have a good evening," the usher told them before closing the balcony door."
"Thank you," Megumi called and settled into her seat. She looked over at her companion and had to bite back a smile at his expression.
Kenshin was concentrating solely on the stage. His eyes gleamed with swirls of amber and a smirk twisting his lips. While the clothes and the hair might be the businessman, the expression was pure Battousai. It made Megumi curious to see the woman that had caught his interest. She had to bite back the small flash of jealous and envy that flashed through her. While Kenshin had always been kind and had accepted her as a member of his organization, he had never followed up on any of her invitations. In fact, she had never seen him show any attention to any female before.
The sound of applause startled her and Megumi switched her attention to the stage. Kenshin was leaning forward now, a gleam of anticipation burning in his eyes.
"Welcome Ladies and Gentleman," the announcers voice cut through the hushed mumblings of the crowd. "To our fifth annual charity benefit." He paused as applause rippled through the crowd. "I know that you are all anxious to get on to the performance but I would like to announce that we have raised over 1.5 million dollars this evening." He smiled at the crowd as applause and cheers rose. "And now lets get the show on the road."
He disappeared from the stage and the conductor gestured to the symphony, instruments rose. A woman walked on stage, her long blond hair cascading down her shoulders. Her long silver dress sparkled in the lights. She took her position at the center of the stage. As the symphony began to play, her soprano voice rang out over the crowd.
Kenshin sat back, ignoring the opera singer on the stage. While he knew that his little birdie was the last performer, he had hoped for a glimpse of her early in the evening. He could feel both her and Soujiro's ki in the building. Along with another presence that he hadn't felt in years and had really never expected to feel again. But Kenshin shrugged that off; he was more concerned about making sure that Kaoru understood that he hadn't been kidding.
Kaoru hovered in the wings several hours later. The male opera trio was finishing up their third encore of the evening. Kaoru had to admit that the crowd had been delightful and all of the performers had enjoyed themselves. She had even taken the chance to catch up with several of them that she knew from other performances during the evening. But she still wished it was over, too much had happened today and Kaoru really wanted to hide under the covers. And she still had the meet and greet tonight. Maybe she could skip it.
A whisper of sound reached her ears and Kaoru smiled slightly. "Hello Sou. I wondered where you had gone off to."
"Just checking up on some things," Soujiro assured her as he smiled at her. His hand cupped her shoulder and he stepped closer to her. "Are you ready?"
"I think so," Kaoru told him. "I would have preferred some more time with the conductor and the symphony. Their timing was a little off."
"I'm sure it'll go beautifully," Sou told her and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I'll be right here if you need anything."
"Thanks Sou," Kaoru smiled at him before stepping forward.
The leaving artists nodded to her and she returned the gesture with a smile. The curtains dropped closed and several stagehands were positioning her piano in the center of the stage. Kaoru winced slightly when she saw that it was a different one than she had practiced on this morning. She hated when they did that. Now she had no clue what the piano sounded like.
Kaoru listened as the announcer introduced her and the curtain began to rise. She walked out onto the stage, her black velvet dress swirling around her feet. Her hair was drawn back from her face in a simple twist, held in place with a gleaming silver barrette. She walked over to the piano, her hand resting on the curve of the piano as she turned to face the crowd.
Her blue eyes were calm and shadowed as she bowed to them. A small smile on her face as she turned to the piano and sat at the bench. Her hands rose over the piano keys and silence fell. For long moments she was still and then her fingers began to dance over the keys. The sounds of Bach rose into the air and Kaoru lost herself in the music.
The symphony fell in with her, the instruments framing her notes and caressing her senses. Kaoru's eyes closed and her body began to sway as the music continued to swell around her. This piece was lighter than the piece she had played this afternoon, but it showcased her emotions. There was a swirling uneasiness beneath the perfect notes, a brilliant counterpoint to the joyful harmony.
Kenshin's gaze was focused on the woman that had just walked on stage. Her simple black velvet gown showcased her figure and highlighting the creaminess of her skin. The fabric cupped straight shoulders, dipping to show just a hint of cleavage before cupping the fullness of her breasts. The fabric clung to her tiny waist and dropped to the floor. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and as she bowed the spotlights showed a gleaming silver piece in her hair.
Kenshin couldn't prevent the possessive smile that curled his mouth as she straightened. His entire body hummed with the need to claim her and as she settled onto the bench he knew that he wouldn't wait long.
Megumi watched Kenshin with interest. His violet eyes were swirling with gleaming amber and tension tightened his muscles. Her attention focused on the performer. There was an innocence that was apparent from here. There was also passion, Megumi decided as she listened to the emotion that poured through the music.
Megumi smiled slightly to herself as she returned her gaze to the woman on stage. She did wonder how Kenshin was going to handle this situation. Megumi had the feeling that this was going to be very interesting. She couldn't wait.
A/N:I was so hoping to get the second meeting in this chapter but it didn't work out. Both of them are way too stubborn. Next chapter for sure! I hope that this clears up a couple things that were bothering my readers. Let me know what you think. And if you don't review, thanks for stopping by!