Chapter Ten
Pretenses
Noticing that she'd been staring at him for so long, Kaoru turned her head away and gladly grabbed one glass of white wine served by the waiter.
"I thought you're not drinking?" Aoshi narrowed his eyes down on the wine glass pressed between her fingers.
"Wine's an exception." She grinned and took a sip on the beverage, "It's good for the body."
Aoshi tried not to sneer and ended up hiding the twitch of his mouth through drinking all the contents of his glass. From the corner of his eyes he could see Asako's fast approach towards them. He swallowed all the wine in his mouth and returned the glass on the waiter's tray as he passed before him. He glanced over to his housemaid and quickly grabbed her hand with his.
Kaoru gasped at the sudden jerk and almost spilled her beverage on her oh-so-dazzling dress. She half curiously, half-irately looked up at him. I practically said 'thank you' and now he's holding my hand? What's he up to? She tried to pull her hand away but to no avail her hand remained crushed in his. He grasped tightly on her hand and furtively gave her a warning look.
"I saw that." He muttered, seeing her make face from the corner of his eyes.
She had no other choice but to remain still. Looking up, she noticed him looking somewhere afar. She followed the direction on his eyes and saw a girl in a hot pink cocktail dress strutting towards them along with a much refined young woman and a red haired man. W-wait… isn't that—? A gasp escaped her lips as she recognized their faces. Kenshin and—and Tomoe! Oh my God, Tomoe's here too? She can't believe this. Well, duh! Obviously she's here. She's Kenshin's girlfriend, remember? She closed her eyes and thought numerous curses inside her head. Great! I'm gonna get myself busted! Oh, why ever did I agree on accompanying this egocentric brat! Her eyes settled on the stoic doctor next to her and profusely glared daggers. She was so busy mentally cursing at him that it took her some time to notice Asako, Tomoe and Kenshin standing in front of them.
"I'm so glad you made it, Aoshi-kun." Asako flashed her porcelain-like teeth, obviously fawning over the blue-eyed doctor.
Aoshi-kun? Kaoru bit the inside of her cheek trying as much not to laugh out loud. I never thought I'd hear someone call him like that… With this thought she snapped out and laughed. Noticing Aoshi's glare and the other's surprised stares, she immediately covered her mouth.
Hearing her laughter, Asako sharply turned her head towards the unwanted guest. "I can see that you've brought a friend along with you." She eyed Kaoru from head to toe. Their joined hands never left unnoticed. How could her Aoshi-sama date a girl like that? She's a lot prettier and sexier… unlike this one…
Kaoru stopped snickering when she felt Asako intently eyeing her before posing a fake smile. She didn't just eye me like that, did she? Slowly she could feel her blood boiling. This girl was a lot nastier than the others.
Aoshi and Kenshin noticed the exchange and could feel the bad blood between the two girls. Tomoe on the other hand feigned innocence and abundantly smiled on the other guests.
"Asako-san," Aoshi started with a sigh, "This is Kamiya Kaoru." he turned towards Kaoru and did the same, "Kaoru, this is Tachibana Asako. Probably the host of this dinner party." Then he turned his gaze towards the couple standing on each side of Asako. "And this is Tomoe, my cousin."
Kaoru's eyes bulged out from their sockets as she heard him say those words. They—they're cousins? Doc's Tomoe's cousin? They're related?
"Hello Kaoru." Tomoe elegantly smiled and moved to place a peck on each of her cheeks. "It is nice to meet you."
"Er…" She was so stunned that the only thing she could do was to nod. Did she just—? She looked towards Kenshin and saw him smiling at her. He probably told her everything... She inwardly sighed in relief. Well, thank God!
"And this is Himura Kenshin, her fiancé."
Kenshin had to pretend that he didn't know her. And so he took a step forward and offered her hand. "I am pleased to meet you, Kaoru-san."
"H-hai…" she wryly smiled and shook hands with him. This felt so damn weird.
"You look astoundingly beautiful tonight, Kaoru-do—" before he could even finish his sentence, his best friend immediately gave him a warning look, "-san."
"Arigato." She shyly looked away, really pleased another compliment for the second time. Thou her joyous moments ended when she saw Tomoe's jealous glare towards her. She quickly released Kenshin's hand and took a step back.
Aoshi again reclaimed her hand and held it tightly onto his, feeling quite pleased on the effect it's causing on Asako.
Tomoe noticed this and then stared straightly onto her cousin's eyes. "Aoshi, can I speak with you for a moment?"
He quite expected this and nodded. He followed her on the far corner near the bar and spoke in hushed tones. Kenshin was about to do the same with Kaoru although he was immediately pulled into a conversation by a group of his acquaintances.
All was left was Kaoru, Asako and her haughty eyes.
Kaoru shifted and looked elsewhere. She didn't like Asako. Not one single bit of her makes her comfortable.
"How long have you and Aoshi-kun been going out?" she asked, the stuck-up tone never leaving her voice.
She thinks I'm going out with—? Ha! No wonder! An evil thought came across her mind and determinedly grinned as she said, "I'm sorry, but I think my going out with Aoshi-kun's none of your business." She in return smirked, not wanting to be overpowered by this snooty bitch.
Asako crossed her arms and defiantly raised her chin, "You'd better stay away from him or else—!"
Kaoru simply arched an eyebrow, "Or else what?"
Calmly, Asako deeply breathed and pulled yet another bogus smile, "Just wait and see what I can do."
Kaoru narrowed her eyes and nodded, "Bring it on."
With an angry huff, Asako turned on her heels and walked off.
A victorious smile spread on Kaoru's face with thoughts of making Asako's night miserable running continuously inside her head. Her head turned towards the corner where Aoshi and Tomoe stood, still in depth with their own conversation. Maybe that's the reason why he brought me here. That Asako girl's a total pain in the a— but her thoughts were immediately interrupted when she saw a familiar stark white hair moving towards her. She narrowed her eyes and realized it was the man she met in the elevator. Enishi—was it? She watched him walk towards her, now noticing how undeniably good-looking he was in his own punk image.
He grinned at her and said, "Still alone, I see."
Kaoru frantically shook her head, "Actually, I'm not. My date's here…" she proved to Asako that indeed she was Aoshi's date. She needed not to deny it anymore or it'll cause her more trouble.
"Really?" he bemusedly asked, "Where is he then?"
"Over there, speaking with his cousin, I suppose." She pointed over to the bar where both Tomoe and Aoshi stood.
Enishi's eyes widened as his eyes followed the direction her finger's pointing at. "You're with Aoshi?"
Kaoru whipped her head towards him and nodded, "Yes, with Aoshi. Do you know him?"
He chuckled, his laughter resonating pleasantly onto her ears. Hmm… I wonder why… she thought, her brows furrowing as she watched him laugh.
"Why, he's my cousin too, Kaoru-san."
Kaoru's eyes bulged, "E-eh?" it was unbelievable to think that she'd been discovering all these stuff tonight. "Y-you mean you're Tomoe-san's brother?" Geez, people just love surprising her…
"Tomoe's my older sister." His eyes happily twinkled, "I didn't know you're acquainted with them."
"Er… well, Tomoe-san's my senior way back from high school. We're not really friends but I can assure you we're acquainted." She replied.
"And my cousin?"
"Pardon?"
"How did you meet my cousin, Aoshi?"
"Oh!" Kaoru released a nervous laugh, "It's a long story."
Sensing that she didn't want to talk about it, Enishi quickly dropped the subject. "I'm glad that my cousin's dating again." He spoke, "It's been a while since the last time I've seen her with a woman."
Yeah, right. I've just seen him making out with someone a few nights ago… she sneeringly thought.
As if reading her thoughts, Enishi chuckled again and said, "I mean a woman to settle with."
A wry smile pulled the corners of her mouth, "Well I'm not exactly—"
"Well, this is a surprise. I never thought you'd come." Tomoe managed to cut her off as she and Aoshi approached them.
Kaoru mentally thanked her for her perfect timing. She's almost in the verge of explaining things about her exact relationship with their cousin.
Enishi grinned at her sister and replied, "I wasn't planning to. But after receiving that life threatening message on my machine, I decided to drag myself here instead."
Tomoe didn't laugh, but she did smile. A happy smile rarely seen on her face which made Enishi delighted as well. She turned to Kaoru and casually addressed, "Kaoru-san, I hope my brother's not bothering you too much?"
"Oh no-no," she smiled and shook her head, "He's very nice. We're just talking about—stuff and such…" and with that she released a nervous laugh. She caught Enishi's eyes staring at her and she profusely looked away, feeling slightly unease.
Kenshin then spotted their group and immediately approached. He placed an arm around Tomoe's waist and lovingly kissed her on the cheek. Kaoru's eyes slightly widened and then narrowed as she looked away again, for the second time. This made her completely oblivious to the angry look Enishi sent his sister's fiancé as he approached and freely kissed her in front of him. Aoshi noticed this and sighed.
"Asako-san said dinner's ready. We're supposed to occupy table five." Kenshin said to them.
"Okay." Tomoe nodded and she followed Kenshin. The white haired punk begrudgingly followed in suit.
Kaoru was about to walk too when suddenly, she felt her hand being tugged behind. She glanced back and saw Aoshi's eyes telling her to stop. "What?" her brows drew in a frown.
"Kamiya," The blue-eyed doctor looked around and then said, "I hate to say this but—I need you to do something for me." He gravely looked onto her eyes.
"A favor?" she supplied, not liking how his eyes sternly locked on her inquiring ones.
"Yes." He closed his eyes, not liking the fact that he's asking a favor to someone like her.
As if reading his thoughts, a mischievous glint appeared on her eyes, "That'll cost you, doc." A wicked grin spread on her face as she looked up on Aoshi's glaring eyes.
"Very well," he bitterly spoke, "I will add the payment on your next month's salary. Depending on how well you will perform."
"Pardon?" she asked, quite surprised after hearing the word 'perform'.
How am I supposed to explain this? "Look, Asako likes me and had been following me around. I need you to do things that will stop this chase. I'm running out of excuses."
"That's already pretty obvious, you know." Kaoru spoke.
"Pretty obvious?" he asked.
"You bringing me here, making Asako jealous, blah… blah… blah…" she made motions on her hand and then sighed, "You could have asked me before. In that way I could have been more prepared to do this."
Aoshi eyed her suspiciously, "So, does this mean you're going to do it?"
Kaoru spitefully laughed and replied, "Tsk, tsk… when it comes to money, everything's possible!" she gladly hooked an arm with his and guided him towards the dining hall, "I'll do it despite of how much I hate giving you any favors. But since you're going to pay me, this will be an exception."
Aoshi felt relief upon hearing her compliance with this scheme.
A scheme suggested by no other than his cousin, Tomoe.
Flashback…
"Asako's really livid when she saw you arriving with her." Tomoe said who now took a sip on her wine. She instinctively glanced over to where Asako and Kaoru stood. "She's hoping to have you all night."
"What a shame, I was hoping for the opposite." He too couldn't help not to glance over the unusual exchange between Kaoru and Asako
"Tell me, dear cousin. How did you and this Kaoru met?" Tomoe nonchalantly asked, despite of the fact that she already knew the answer. She imperturbably spun the contents of her wine glass as she waited for his answer.
Aoshi, sensing that his cousin would most likely persist on knowing answered, "She's my housemaid."
Tomoe gasped, placing a hand on her chest as she melodramatically said, "No."
"Yes." He nodded, "She applied as my secretary before but now since she got to attend school and all, I hired her as my housemaid."
She arched a fine dark brow, taking another sip of delicious wine and then said, "Don't tell me you brought her on purpose?"
He looked at her and was quite disappointed at how good she was in reading people's mind. He lacks all several of emotions and still she can see through the cold exterior. It was Tomoe's special talent of judging other people. Finally he resigned after receiving that forceful look from his cousin. "Yes. I did bring her on purpose."
"And that purpose would be?"
"Driving Asako away." He replied with a shrug of his shoulders.
Tomoe fell silent after hearing his reply. She drank the remaining contents of her glass and placed them back on the bar next to them.
"Are you upset?" Aoshi asked.
Tomoe frowned, "Why do you ask?"
"It seems to me that you like Asako and—"
Tomoe's frown deepened, "Who say's I like that brat?"
Now, Aoshi too drew his brows together, "I just assumed that you do since you're one who's forcing me to date her."
"She's a pain in the ass, Aoshi." She sincerely replied.
This indeed surprised the blue-eyed doctor. It's very rare for her to speak ill about other people. "I thought you considered her as a friend."
Tomoe profusely rolled her eyes, "You know me better than that." She defensively spoke, "Who wouldn't be annoyed with a girl who keeps on following and calling you day by day just for the sake of having a guy like you for a date?" she pointed a finger on her chest as she went on, "My situation's a lot harder than yours."
"Then why are we here?" he questioned, not knowing the purpose of attending a party assembled by the woman they both hate.
"It was Mr. Tachibana who invited us, Aoshi. He's the CEO of the company, we can't just ignore him. My parent's will be highly disappointed if we did." She said matter-of-factly.
"True." He nodded and then glancing over to Kaoru again. He could see both scowling at each other and Asako appeared to be more ready to start a cat fight. And then the next thing he knew, Asako was strutting away leaving a sneering Kaoru behind. He inwardly smirked as he watched plentiful of emotions play on her face.
Tomoe sighed and then said, "If you want to drive Asako away, you must do something that will make her hate you."
"That is Kamiya's purpose."
She shook her head, "No, that wouldn't be enough." She looked thoughtful for a moment and then muttered, "Make her jealous and—Aoshi, are you listening to me?" she noticed him looked over to Kaoru and saw a familiar figure conversing with her. She glanced over to her cousin and saw a scowl crossing his face. She inwardly smiled, realizing something she never thought she'd see in him.
Aoshi intently watched his white-haired cousin converse with his housemaid. He saw him laugh and the other hesitantly looking up at him. What are they talking about? He wondered, not liking the exchange between Kaoru and Enishi at all.
"Aoshi." Tomoe composedly called and this made him tear his gaze away from the two, "I need you to talk to Kaoru-san and convince her to participate with the plan."
"What plan?" he asked.
"The plan devised to cut the chase between you and Asako."
"But we haven't planned it yet."
Tomoe lightly laughed and replied, "Trust me, cousin dear, you don't need to plan it at all. Just use your charms and Kaoru's participation and you'll be done with it no time."
Aoshi looked at her and said, "Something tells me that I shouldn't trust you."
"Oh, but you have to!" she exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Or face the consequences of having a stalker forever until you get tired of it and end up marrying her."
He winced at the thought and shook his head, "Spare me with the details."
She laughed and hooks an arm with him, "I assure you, everything will turn out just fine."
End of Flashback…
And up until now, Aoshi couldn't help himself not to be doubtful with his cousin's idea.
Dinner went as what both Tomoe and Aoshi had planned. Kaoru did her part, every now and then smiling and scooting near him whenever Asako would raise her livid eyes towards them. She sat across Aoshi and had been constantly trying to pull him into a conversation. Unfortunately, Aoshi would plainly ignore her and pretend to be engrossed to whatever Kaoru's talking about. And that includes the lame story of peas propagation in Europe, which he found quite amusing. The stories she came up with may be senseless but it does help him a lot from avoiding Asako's poor attempt of conversation.
Kenshin was above all confused on what was happening. Why was Kaoru acting so weird tonight? It was very unusual for her to flirt around especially to someone she considers as her employer. His eyes then narrowly stared at Aoshi, noticing that he himself is enjoying this kind of treatment. Why so? That he couldn't answer. But just as when he noticed how his fiancé's silently watching this with a swirl of interest playing within her eyes, he knew she got something to do with this. He questioningly looked at her and she mouthed 'later' in return.
Enishi on the other hand intently watched them, his eyes plainly focusing on Kaoru, noting how adorable she looked whenever she smiled and laughed. Though there's something he noticed within this cheerful façade. She may be laughing but something in her eyes tells him that she's not wholeheartedly enjoying it. He turned his eyes over to Aoshi and noticed the same thing. What's going on? He wondered. Then he glanced at the girl next to him and saw Asako sending the couple a sharp glare whenever she hears Kaoru's laughter. Ah… he came into a realization and a smirk instantly played on his lips and like his sister, he watched this scene with complete interest.
Aoshi noticed everyone's confused stares and inwardly smirked at how this charade affected them. He leaned to his side and whispered on Kaoru's ear. "You're doing well." He cast Asako a quick glance and then feigned a small smile towards her.
Kaoru looked up and saw him smiling down at her, noting how uncomfortably close his head next to hers. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks and quickly she looked away. He's just pretending… this is not real… a pretense—yes, we're acting in pretenses… somehow Kaoru found herself confused to whether enjoy this night or keep on pretending she's enjoying it. Why would you want to enjoy it anyway? It's not worth it… she mused. And as she looked up she saw Asako glaring daggers at her. She nervously sent Aoshi a smile and then muttered under gritted teeth, "I'm expecting a good amount of money for this."
"You will." He muttered back, "You have my word."
She grinned and nodded, "Good."
Deserts came in and all indulged themselves on the wonderfully presented chocolate soufflé. Tomoe looked at the two and then said, "Aoshi, I hope you don't mind me asking…" upon speaking, she got everyone's eyes settled on her, "What attracted you to Kaoru-san?" from the corner of her eyes she noticed Kenshin almost choke out the wine he's drinking.
Kaoru blushed at the question.
Asako whipped her head and glared at her.
Enishi looked at them, waiting for his cousin's answer.
Aoshi on the other hand, calmly placed back the fork on the plate and replied, "Everything."
Kaoru's eyes widened at his answer as she turned her head and surprisingly looked at him.
"—and her unusual passion for peas propagation." He added, smirking as he noticed a frown crossing his housemaid's once confused face. Kaoru scowled at him and in return she kicked his leg. It was Aoshi's turn to frown after receiving that blow. And so, he kicked her leg for pay back.
"Oof!" Kaoru gasped, wincing at the pain Aoshi had caused. She glared at him and then reached down to rub her sore leg.
Tomoe softly laughed and nodded. Then she turned her head towards Kaoru and asked the same question, "How about you, Kaoru-san? What attracted you to my cousin?
"Eh?" the blue-haired culinary student had no idea how to answer the question. And then an idea of pure vengeance crossed her mind as she smiled and replied, "Everything—" she turned to him and grinned, "Including his unusual mood swings every morning. I find that highly attractive in ma—ow!" she winced, receiving yet another kick beneath the table.
She turned to him and saw him sneering at her.
"Kaoru-san, are you alright?" Kenshin worriedly asked after noticing the look of pain on her face.
Kaoru nervously laughed and dismissively waved a hand. "I'm fine." She kept her fake smile, turned towards the doctor and muttered, "Quit it."
"You're the one who started it."
Asako mercilessly murdered her soufflé, her eyes burning as she stared down on the couple before her. This isn't what I was expecting! I'm the one who's supposed to be in that chair, not her! She looked around and saw the others quite fond to whatever they're doing. Well, except for Enishi who continuously ate and Kenshin who's now conversing with Tomoe in hushed tones. And since nothing else seems to interest her, her eyes landed back onto the doctor she loves and the useless woman she loathes. I must do something to separate them… whenever Aoshi would lean on Kaoru's ear to whisper something, livid fire runs through her veins. I'll teach that bitch a lesson…
Just as then, she stood up and excused herself. All the other people occupying the table watched her leave.
Enishi returned his gaze back to the couple and what he'd seen truly surprised him. Aoshi now returned on consuming his dessert while Kaoru scooted further away from him, eating her soufflé as well. I wonder what they're up to…
Just as when Kaoru finished her dessert, Asako stood in front where the band plays and liberally took the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen." She started and everyone's heads turned to watch her. "I am Tachibana Asako, your host for tonight. I am very thankful that you all had been able to attend this banquet. And as sign of gratitude, we prepared a special presentation for all of you to enjoy." An evil glint appeared on her eyes as she turned towards Aoshi's table. "May I call on Kaoru-san to come up on stage and perform a wonderful piece in the piano?"
Kaoru's eyes widened at the sudden announcement of her name and instantly whipped her head towards Asako who's evilly smirking down at her. That bitch… she angrily thought, not expecting her to do a payback such as this.
Shit… Aoshi thought, admitting that he too was surprised. He glanced over to Tomoe and saw her shrugging her shoulders. He knew for a fact that those who belonged to the higher class are required to learn an instrument or two. He glanced over to Kaoru who looks rather surprised and nervous at the same time. And finally he came to a realization that Kaoru had been his housemaid for the past six months and still he had not one single idea of where she came from.
Everyone in the hall applauded, waiting for this girl named Kaoru to step on the stage and play the piano. Kaoru looked around and then sighed. Begrudgingly, she stood up and went up to the stage. As she arrived there, she received a wicked smile from Asako. In return she glared furiously back. She approached the beautiful, sleek grand piano and sat on the piano stool. Nervously she bit her lip, looking up and noticing everyone's eyes settled on her. Shivers ran down her spine at the sudden tension. What have I got myself into? She thought, swallowing the lump on her throat as she stared down on the black and white keys.
"So, Kaoru-san. What will you play for us tonight?" Asako mockingly spoke, posing a fake smile as she faced the audience.
Kaoru hated the fact that she's sitting in front of these people with the thought that there's a possibility for these people to recognize her. That means her true identity will be revealed. An identity she had been keeping from Aoshi for the past six months. She glanced over to Asako and mentally cursed her to hell and back. Angrily, she raised her hands and slammed all the white keys in unison, causing an awful, deafening sound.
Asako smirked. Just as what I've thought. She doesn't know how to play the piano… where did Aoshi-sama meet this tramp? On the streets, I bet…
Aoshi winced just like everybody at the sound. He's starting to regret his decision of bringing Kaoru. She's a mess… he pinched the bridge of his nose out of frustration. All he wanted to do now was drag Kaoru out of that stage and go home.
Kaoru took a deep breath and then started pressing a couple of keys.
Asako's cruel laughter died down when she heard a rather pleasing sound coming from the piano.
Some of the audience gasped as Kaoru started playing gracefully. Closing her eyes as the music softly resonated on her ears.
Aoshi opened his eyes and looked up, stunned at the fact that his housemaid caused this wonderful, piano piece.
Kenshin smiled; delighted that Kaoru chose to play than to embarrass her self. For second there he thought Kaoru had suddenly forgotten to play the piano. Of course he had thought wrong. Kaoru had been playing the piano since she's six year old. How could she ever forget such talent? This is the reason why he wasn't so surprised when Kaoru started playing. And the piece she plays right now didn't surprised him either. The piece was called Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin, one of Kaoru's favorites.
The rest watched in admiration, truly enjoying Kaoru's piano solo.
Aoshi watched her and could not believe what he's seeing. Never had he seen her in such grace before. He noticed her fingers fluidly pressing the keys as the music beautifully resonated around her. She was excellent, elegant and noticeably beautiful. Kamiya… a smile formed on his lips, raising a hand as he ran his fingers through his hair. Another compliment… but then, he realized she deserves it.
And as it ended, everyone pleasingly applauded, awed at how magnificently this young girl performed.
Asako's jaw dropped, in a state of disbelief and stun. She can't believe her plan back fired. She looked around and saw everyone appreciating her piano solo. Much to her disappointment, her parents stood up as well and applauded.
Kaoru stood up and bowed in appreciation. She glanced over to Asako and noticed that she's looking at her as well. Their eyes met, hers filled with satisfaction while the other filled with loathe and disgust. She haughtily smirked at her as she trotted down on the stage, walking her way towards the banquet hall's huge mahogany doors.
Aoshi noticed her leave and he too stood up. "Tell Tachibana-san my compliments for this party." He said to Tomoe and then bid them good night as he strode off to follow his housemaid.
As he left, Kenshin turned towards Tomoe and asked, "Tell me what's going on."
"Nee-san, I'd like to know too." Enishi spoke, staring questioningly at his older sister.
Kenshin gaped at him in surprise but then he quickly looked away when Enishi sent him a 'don't-look-at-me' glare.
Tomoe smiled and replied, "I was fairly expecting you'd ask that question, koi." Then she turned to Enishi and furrowed her brows, "But you—?"
Enishi snorted and shrugged his shoulders, "You know how much I hate it when I'm left out."
She softly laughed and nodded, "Alright."
I can't believe I did that! A happy smile spread on her face as she walked her way towards the elevator. The fact that she succeeded on performing in front of those many people and sending Asako a haughty glare before leaving brought true satisfaction. As the elevator's door opened, she elatedly stepped in and sighed. She can't stand ne'er a single minute in that dinner party and so she decided to return back to the apartment alone. As she pressed the button, a hand immediately took hold on the door to prevent it from closing.
She gasped; a hand immediately held her chest as her heart started pacing faster than normal. "Dammit! People just love stunning me to death!" she was even more surprised when she saw the tall figure of her employer stepping inside the elevator. She widely stared at him and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Aoshi fixed his tux and looked at her from the corner of his eyes. "I'm going home. And you?"
Kaoru irately indicted, "Why are you following me?"
"Don't think highly of yourself, Kamiya. I'm not following you." He tucked both of his hands in his front pockets and went on, "I'm tired so I decided to go home."
Kaoru snorted and said, "Admit it. You can't stand staying there with Asako for more than a second." She grinned and playfully poked his side.
"Look who's talking." Aoshi sneered, "I noticed the way you eyed her when you went down the stage."
"Who wouldn't?" Kaoru crossed her arms and pouted, "She hates me that's why she called me up to the stage to embarrass me." She then proudly laughed and said, "She thinks she's a lot smarter than me. Ha! I did well with my piece and everyone liked my performance. You should have seen the look on Asako's face when I started playing."
Aoshi inwardly smiled as he watched her babble. She seems to be a lot happier now than before they entered the banquet hall. "Who says you performed well?" he teased, knowing that this remark may irate her. "That was awful. You should be ashamed for soiling such classical piece. You know, if Gershwin's still alive, he'd sue you."
Kaoru looked at him in utter disbelief, knowing that he's only doing this just to irritate her. She took a few calming breaths and then opened her mouth for a snappy comeback. But unfortunately the elevator chimed and stopped on the first floor. The door opened and Aoshi stepped outside, walking without as much of throwing a glance at her. "Why you—aargh!" she stomped her foot and followed him.
The valet handed him the keys and both he and Kaoru stepped inside his car.
Buckling the seatbelts, Aoshi started the engine and drove off.
Kaoru tiredly sighed and sat back, dazedly watching the road before them. "It must be hard…"
"Hm?" he glanced at her and then turned back on his driving.
"… to have so many admirers like that. I mean, if I was on your place, I'd be scared."
"That's why be thankful," he sarcastically replied, "Having an ugly face has its perks."
A nerve popped on Kaoru's forehead, her temper rising dangerously. "What did you say?"
Aoshi glanced at her and saw her fuming. Despite of this, he went on with his usual teasing, "I'm just telling the truth."
Didn't I just hear him say I'm beautiful earlier this evening? She knew he was just teasing. But tonight is one of those nights when she's not in the mood to exchange verbal insults with him. "Y-you—argh! I'm so mad at you I just can't decide whether to torture you verbally or physically!"
"There's no reason for you to get mad at me, is there?"
One of her eyes started twitching after hearing his question. "No reason? No reason!" thin strands of patience were thinning and she knew she'll explode in no time. "I'll give you reasons!" she lifted her hand and lifted her forefinger; "First, you drag me into this party for a reason that you want to avoid a certain brunette admirer." She lifted her middle finger and exclaimed, "Second, you forced me to participate with this charade of yours—"
"I did not force you. As far as I can remember, you willingly participated in that charade in exchange of money." He nonchalantly interjected, still concentrating on his driving.
Realizing that what he's saying was true she resentfully complied and went on, "—okay, skip number two, on with three!" she lifted three fingers and said, "Third, you're the reason why I was dragged in that stage to perform a piece."
Aoshi groaned, never had he expected she'd gone this far. He was only teasing and now she's snapping the hell out of him. He couldn't take it anymore.
"And not to mention," She added, "That you are the reason why half of women's population here in Tokyo hates me! Oh, if I only knew I'd undergo these kinds of predicaments just to be your housemaid, I should have never taken the job!" she knew she had been exaggerating, but undergoing a lot of pressure and then get insulted by the end of the day does snaps the living shit out of her. She's not bionic; she's a human being like everyone else. She can't let him insult her for the rest of her life! Or at least for the next four months… she mentally corrected.
"Are you done?"
"The hell I am!" she yelled back, crossing her arms as she looked over to the window. She can't believe this. How can he be so insensitive? She bitterly thought, once again finding herself engrossed on the road they're passing by. Then suddenly, the car stopped much to her surprise. She quickly glanced at the doctor and asked, "What's wrong?" she narrowed her eyes and glared at him, "Its not busted again, is it?"
Aoshi unbuckled his seatbelt and replied, "Get out of the car."
"What? Why?" she asked, utterly confused.
Her question was left unanswered when the blue-eyed doctor opened the car's door and stepped out. She had no other choice but to follow and so, she too got out. She looked around, her brows creasing as she realized they were parked in a very unusual side of the road. "Where are we?" she asked, closing the door behind her then approached her employer.
"Follow me." He dominantly said and then he strode off.
Again, Kaoru had no other choice but to follow him.
They kept on walking, Kaoru struggling to avoid the tree branches stubbornly swatting her face. Where is he taking me? She noticed that the reason why the twigs were hitting her face because her employer carelessly releases them from his grasp. He's doing this on purpose! She irritatingly thought, gasping when a twig was about to hit her cheek again.
After a few minutes, they finally arrived in a clearing. Kaoru had her head low as she tried to avoid from stepping on something she wouldn't want to see in her new shoes. And as she looked up, something caused her eyes to widen and gasped.
"Wow…" Kaoru gaped awe-struck at the sight before her. She was now standing in front of a steep cliff, a nice view of the lively city before her. Bright lights flourished Tokyo, inadvertently creating lovely scenery. Her brows furrowed and immediately turned towards the quiet doctor beside her. He seems to be enjoying the view as well. "Why are we here?" she asked.
Aoshi tucked both of his hands on his pocket and answered, "I want you to yell."
He wants me to what? She mused, "Pardon?"
He turned to her and saw confusion clouding her bright blue eyes. "I've had enough of you taking all your frustrations on me back in the car. I want you to yell everything you desire to tell me without you profusely tormenting me with your whining." He noticed that Kaoru was on the verge of cussing him again. He immediately grabbed her shoulders and turned her so she was facing the cliff instead. "Go on, do your thing." He mockingly spoke, mimicking the words she said to him back from the hotel.
She side glanced at him and glared. But she had to admit, he has a point. Nodding to her self, Kaoru took long deep breaths and then finally opened her mouth and yelled, "I HATE THIS LIFE!" she breathed and yelled again, "I HATE YOU, SHINOMORI AOSHI! YOU'RE THE WORST EMPLOYER I'VE EVER HAD!" after this, she released fits of laughter, holding her stomach out of pain. She turned to the silent doctor beside her, his arms were crossed and eyes were closed but she could tell he's starting to lose his cool. She could see his left eye twitching, "C'mon-doc-go on-and-yell-too!" she spoke between giggles, playfully poking his shoulder. But much to her disappointment, he remained unenthusiastic, which gave her instantly an idea of what to yell next. She raised her hands and placed it around her mouth in attempts of making her voice louder, "SHINOMORI AOSHI'S A WIMP! HE'S THE MOST TIMID-SISSY-GUTLESS DOCTOR I'VE EVER MET!"
She kept on the laughing but it seems the stoic doctor doesn't find it humorous at all. Sensing his not so pleased attitude, she turned to him and said, "I thought you wanted me to yell everything I desire to tell you?"
"I did." He calmly replied.
"Are you upset?"
Aoshi cracked an eye at her, deeply satisfied to see her troubled face. With a sigh, he grabbed the railing before them. He never did this before and definitely never dreamed of doing it in the future. But... what the heck? There's always a first time in everything. It wouldn't hurt him if he'd try. Just as long as no other people would see him doing it. But Kamiya's here. She's watching… his inner voice told him, it's just Kamiya. I'll black mail her if she ever felt the urge to tell somebody. With this thought, he took a deep breath and shouted, "THE FEELING'S MUTUAL!" taking another breath he went on, "KAMIYA KAORU IS THE STUPIDEST-SLOW-KLUTZ WOMAN I'VE EVER MET IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!" he turned to her and smirked, "How's that?"
Kaoru puffed her cheeks, completely annoyed from the fact that he just insulted her—big time! How dare he insult me like that! She thought, her temper rising again. Maybe he felt insulted too, Kaoru. Remember, you called him timid, sissy and above all—gutless. He insulted you as a get back. Her inner voice said to her and she mentally nodded in agreement. Her inner voice had a point. And so, she grinned, planted her hands on her hips and then turned to the cliff as she shrieked, "I'M SICK AND TIRED OF YOUR MOOD SWINGS! YOU'RE WORST THAN A PREGNANT WOMAN!"
"AND I'M SICK AND TIRED OF YOUR RANTS! YOU'RE MAKING MY EARS BLEED!" he yelled back.
"I HATE YOU!"
"I HATE YOU TOO!"
"I WISH YOU ROT IN HELL!"
"IN THAT CASE, I'M TAKING YOU WITH ME!"
"LIKE I'D LET YOU DO THAT!"
"I'LL PULL YOUR LEG!"
"YOU'RE SCARING ME!"
"I KNOW!"
"DOC!"
"WHAT?"
"DOC!"
"WHAT?"
"YOU'RE CRAZY!"
"SO AS YOU!"
That was the last of it and Kaoru fell onto the ground, laughing as hard as she could. Tears were forming on the corners of her eyes, the pain of her stomach doubling as she went on laughing.
Aoshi couldn't help but to sit on the ground as well and release a small laugh. He glanced at the laughing woman next to him and saw her recoiling from the pain of her mirth. A smile pulled on the corners of his mouth just by watching her. Somehow he felt relieved to see her enjoying herself. He turned his head and looked up on the dark skies, breathing so he could regain all the energy he released from shouting. He had to admit, he had enjoyed the yelling exchange too. It was different, very refreshing and unique. It does help a lot from relieving stress.
Kaoru finally subdued from laughing and turned to look at the silent doctor. For some reason, the moonlight bathing the blue-eyed doctor's stoic features made him look ethereal. Never had she thought he'd look more handsome than ever. A lot of girls may want to trade places with me… A sigh escaped her lips and once again she found herself staring at his face.
"What are you staring at?"
"E-eh?" Kaoru's face flushed and frantically she looked away, "Nothing."
"You're staring at me." He vainly spoke, still his eyes focusing on the skies.
She flushed more and replied in a stuttering voice, "No I wasn't!"
"Yes you did."
"Did not!"
"Did to—" Aoshi immediately caught himself from arguing so childishly with her. He wouldn't lower himself from doing that—again.
Realizing that he finally dropped the subject, Kaoru calmly breathed and looked up into the sky as well. They sat there in companionable silence, observing the stars that occupied the black heavens.
"Did you have fun?" Aoshi suddenly asked out of the blue.
Kaoru turned to him and saw him still looking elsewhere. She smiled and nodded, "Yeah that was fun." She slightly lowered her head and muttered, "Thank you."
This time, Aoshi finally glanced and stared at her, "What for?"
"For taking me here."
"Ah," he nodded, "You're welcome."
What's wrong with me? Why do I feel so embarrassed? I never acted like this… well, except for Kenshin of course! Stuttering in front of Kenshin was understandable. She liked that guy since like—forever! But stuttering in front of Shinomori Aoshi? That was unusual.
She returned her gaze back onto the city and happily sighed, "This is incredible…" she glanced at Aoshi and spoke, "I bet you've taken a lot of girls here with you, huh?" for some odd reasons, that question quite disappointed her. And she wasn't sure if she'd want to hear his answer.
"…"
"…"
"You're the only person I've ever taken here, Kamiya." He replied.
Her eyes went wide upon hearing this. I'm the only one? Despite of the confusion and stun enveloping her bothered mind she asked, "Really? Why?"
Aoshi chuckled and looked straight into her eyes, "I just discovered this place while we're driving down the path. How could I ever bring another woman here before you if this is my first time as well?"
"Oh." She disappointedly lowered her head, wasn't expecting and somehow never wanted to hear that kind of answer. And here she thought he had special reasons. Dream on, Kamiya… dream on…
"Are you still mad at me?" he asked.
Kaoru was startled with his question yet still, she shook her head, "I've said enough… I'm no longer mad at you—at the moment, that is." She immediately added since she knew tomorrow she'd have another reason to get mad at him. It was almost like a habit. Her day's not complete without having a nonsensical quarrel with him.
So lost in her thoughts, she didn't noticed him stood up from the ground and approach her. Not until she saw a hand in front of her face.
"Then let's go home." He said while his arm extended towards her.
She looked up and saw him looking down at her, "Okay." Nodding, she hesitantly placed her hand onto his much larger one and helped her onto her feet. And as she stood there just a few inches away from him, something unexpected happened. She found herself deeply drawn onto those icy-blue eyes, magnetizing her own as they both stood there, her hand grasped by the other.
Aoshi himself had not a single idea of what's going on. The only thing he knew is that he found himself staring down on this certain girl with incredibly gorgeous sapphire eyes. His eyes traveled from her own onto her lips which were now slightly parted as she, in return gaped up at him.
In an instant, both were now fully aware of how dangerously close they stood next to each other. She quickly withdrew her hand away as he tucks his own back to his pocket.
Kaoru's heart started pounding inside her chest as she nervously shifted her eyes away from the handsome doctor. What had just happened? She wondered, frantically thinking of something to say to avoid her from pondering the situation further. "Er… it's g-getting late. We m-must get back." Here she goes again, on with stuttering. How pathetic.
Aoshi nodded, "Yeah. Follow me." He too, for the first time could not find any witty remark to say to her. And so, he had no other choice but to walk ahead or suffer more from the building-up tension.
Dusting off the leaves and dirt off of her bum, Kaoru followed the doctor and together they went back to the side road in, once again, a companionable silence.
TBC