EDITED REPOST, 10/10/05. If you love me leave me a review about the editing…?
Disclaimers: The usual. Kenshin doesn't belong to me. He is rightfully Nobuhiro Watsuki's.
CHAPTER 17
The coldness was all around. It gave an unbearable chill that rapidly spread throughout the body. No major visible light source was apparent therefore everything looked shapeless and was shrouded with immense darkness. An odd damp smell lingered through the air, mold and wood.
"Ughhh…" came a slight moan from the girl on the floor. Where…where am I? The thought was so cliché but it needed to be addressed. Waking up in a dark, unrecognizable place definitely hadn't been on Kaoru's to do list. Audibly she moaned again and managed to roll her aching body over. Sitting up was painful as hell, and it seemed like her neck was the cause of it. It spread out sharp needles of warning to course throughout her shoulders, and head. Ok, she began to recollect her thoughts, I was at the bridge, and then I saw that weird man there. We talked, and…
As if on perfect cue Kaoru distinct footsteps approach from somewhere ahead of her.
"You're awake."
Duh, she thought but instead of verbally answering all she could muster up was a cough; her body shook, and her neck throbbed. "Where are we?" she whispered, her eyes still scanning warily ahead. "Why did you bring here?" The man paused without looking at her. He was staring beyond her, and seemed to be deep in thought.
"I…I can get you money if that's what you want." Anything to get out of this place. Who knows what he's planning to do with me.
"No. I don't want money. I want your cooperation, and your agreement."
"My co-operation with what? Kidnapping? Torture?" At that last word he erupted into laughter. "You… think…that's torture?"
"Yes," she narrowed her eyes at him. "When you knock somebody out, and leave them unconscious, yes I would call that a form of torture!"
Taking note of how she had raised her voice, he smiled and replied smartly, "Talk as loud as you wish Miss. Kamiya, no one will hear you."
Trouble…This guy is whack. What the hell does he want? Cooperation of what kind? I don't think I can take anymore… she stopped her words and thought of the pain between her legs. Anything but that. Oh god, I have to get out of here! Different thoughts ran through her head, and her eyes widened as her nerves panicked, hitting dead ends each time.
"Relax," he regarded her with smoothness upon reading her frightened facial expression.
"How? I don't know why I'm here or what you're going to do to me."
"I'm not going to harm you. I promise."
"Then why the hell am I here!" Frustration burst at her. They were getting no where with this. And to top it off he wasn't answering her.
"Answer me." She shouted again. He didn't even glance at her as he walked away, and exited through a side door. She heard a lock click, and echo throughout the building. Kaoru didn't even bother to double check the door. Well first she couldn't move because she was freezing to her bones and her damp clothing wasn't helping at all. Second, her stomach was grumbling like a fierce tiger. All she could concentrate on now was calming herself and her aching body. He returned about half an hour later. He wasn't very surprised either when he couldn't spot Kaoru at first. His senses roamed the room accurately, pinpointing her location and even as her leg flew up he caught it, and flung her violently. Kaoru palms hit the pavement with a loud smack.
"Don't you ever do that," the man said to her without even batting an eye. Looking up at him from the floor, she raised her voice, her anger more apparent than anything else. "Why am I here! What are you planning to do to me!" When she got back shakily onto her two feet she managed to hide the obvious pain she was in. She hadn't broken that fall properly, and hitting the pavement like that reverberated through every bone in her body. Not to mention her lower extremities were starting to throb with soreness again after that leg stretch.
"Patience," he smiled up at her, and tossed her a bag. Catching it with both hands she met his eyes suspiciously. "What's this?" He shrugged and whirled around. "You talk too much."
"What's IN THIS!" She repeated with a raised voice.
"Check."
She kept her eyes on his back even as she opened the bag. At first she was scared she was going to feel something disgusting like a severed arm but her hand came in contact with something surprisingly soft… fabric? She pulled out some clothing. Next came an apple and then something sealed up in plastic. It was like those pre-made sandwiches you could purchase at select gas stations. I still must be around or in the city then. How come I can't hear any traffic or anything?
"Change, eat, and then we discuss the terms."
She continued to stare at the back of his head. Obviously he was waiting for her to change her clothing. It wasn't as if she wanted to do it in front of a complete stranger but she could barely handle the damp clothes against her skin. Surprisingly the new sweatshirt and jogging pants fit her form comfortably. The apple though she sniffed at suspiciously. Laughter from ensued. "What? Do you think you're Snow White or something? It's not poisoned, Kamiya. Might as well make it clear to you now that there would be no point in poisoning you."
Kaoru's wild stomach didn't need to be told twice. God I'm so hungry, I could definitely take a chance and not regret it.
The apple was juicy and she devoured it quickly, licking away the juice that trailed down her chin. The dark cloaked man observed every movement she made from eating the apple to pulling away the plastic from the sandwich. Noting that she must have been hungry, he found it amusing to watch her practically inhale it all.
"How did you know these would fit me?" A peculiar question to be asking you're could-be-killer but does he really know me, and has he been watching me as well as he claims?
"A victim of mine," he smiled beneath his cloaked face. Kaoru made an odd sound that resembled choking. "Victim of yours?"
"Haven't you realized who I am yet? Let me give you a hint, I'm feeling generous. I must say that I found the police sketches to be quite amusing."
Kaoru was silent.
"You must know what I'm talking about. That 'mass murderer' or whatever they've taken to calling me. The trend changes ever so often."
She reacted then, putting a hand to her mouth as she gasped. Her eyes widened like a rabbit's, and she found herself moving back trying to get some distance between them. The man sighed at her, and put a hand to his head. "Listen you stupid girl, if I wanted to kill you I would have disposed of you right away but I didn't. I'm keeping you alive for a reason; I need your help, and in turn I'll help you back."
Continuing to stare, Kaoru acted as if he were speaking some foreign alien language.
"I can help you…" he repeated indifferently but more slowly.
"These clothes," she began in disbelief, "Are from your victim?" Kaoru whispered.
"God, are you ever… STUPID! I said YES! Hey, hey, I wouldn't do that if I were you because, if I may say, I'd thoroughly enjoy watching you strip." Kaoru paused mid-way with the shirt pulled up to her stomach. Sick bastard, she thought as the contents in her stomach churned, and burned painfully. Ok… ok… just breathe. Relax, and co-operate for now. Just relax, and co-operate Kaoru. "How do I know I can trust you? How do I know that you aren't lying to me?"
"You don't. Sometimes in life you just have to make choices. I know it must be awfully frustrating since the hardest choice you ever make is whether you should buy that new shirt or not, but this time around Kamiya, things are going to be different. You're just going to have to believe me on that. Maybe I am being a fool but please do not assert me of that. I am making willing to make a generous offer to you. Believe me when I say that I've never re-considered any of the lives that I have ever taken. When I go after someone, that's it. You are a lucky girl Miss. Kamiya because I understand the situation you are in."
Her brows crinkled. "Situation?"
Smiling knowingly, he casually said, "Let's not waste any more time on these minor details." Produced two chairs from the right hand corner he set them around a metal can which he lit a fire to. He then turned back to Kaoru and gestured with his hand.
"Sit."
When she didn't move his patience began to wane. "I'm not going to do anything to you damnit! Just sit the fuck down before you make me angry!" Quick to comply then I see, he internally thought as she quickly maneuvered herself and sat down.
"I need your help with something," he started to say as soon as she took her place across from him. "Your company, the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu's main head office located here in Tokyo requires all of their employees to use special identification cards doesn't it?"
Kaoru looked hesitant for a moment. "Yes they do."
"And these security cards contain all their personal information, and technical data such as the time they swipe in, out, where they go, and what not?"
"Yes."
He leaned back in his chair, and raised an amused eyebrow. "Interesting. Tell me this Kamiya, why use such extreme measures? I understand that the company is very successful but why survey everything that an employee does?"
"The head office deals with all the accounting so naturally there would be money in the building. My parents also had some very valuable items such as katana's from the Edo period there. Everyone's personal belongings are in that building which range from laptops, to cell phones, expensive software, and training supplies."
A dark shadow fell across his eyes. "You have access to inside the building." It wasn't a question. Kaoru gently pushed aside a lock of her black hair out of her eye. "Yes."
"You have all the passwords, and security cards don't you?"
She paused hesitantly again. "…Yes."
"Good. That's all I needed to know."
Kaoru placed her hands near the burning fire, soaking up the warmth into her body. She felt like hitting herself when her voice faltered. "Why wouldn't you kill me? I could go to the police, and tell them everything." He seemed to find her statement amusing as he started to laugh. "You could do that but don't say that I didn't warn you."
He leaned in closer towards her. "Believe me, Kamiya you don't want to double cross me. If that's what you'd like to do then go straight to it." He seemed to be daring her but she knew better.
"You said before that you would be able to help me back. How?"
"What do you need help with? Since my expertise relies heavily on, well what is it now according to the police? Assassination? Murder? Beheading? Mutilation?"
"I get it!" Kaoru shouted angrily. He back at her while cocking his head to the side.
"I could always assist in offing someone."
That twitched her ears.
"Maybe that man that was at your apartment…"
And that caught her eyes.
"How about him? If I may give my opinion here it didn't seem like you enjoyed the sex as much as he did." At that profound statement Kaoru stiffened. Languidly, enjoying her reaction he added, "And it wouldn't take a specialized therapist to notice the lack enjoyment missing from your side."
Sheer horror flushed her cheeks and she found that her hands were trembling terribly. "I told you," he warned, eyes drooping to blink drunkenly, "I've been watching you."
"How…how dare you!" Kaoru fumbled, and turned her face away. Embarrassment panged at her. He saw me. He saw us. Enishi and me… together… oh my god…
"I must say myself that you have a lovely body…"
"DON'T!" she yelled and covered her ears. On the other hand he continued to talk as if she were sitting there completely undisturbed. "Is he troubling you?"
"That's none of your business!"
"I've hit a nerve haven't I?"
"Yes you have damn it! How dare you spy on my private life! You're just as foul as he is," Kaoru spat out. "That bastard, he ruined my life. He ruined EVERYTHING for me," she found herself admitting to an audience of one. He absorbed himself in her words and studied them, scrutinized them carefully.
"That sounds quite harsh."
"Not as harsh as what you've done," Kaoru reminded him. "I'm not about to tell you the whole story ab—"
"And I'm sure I don't want to hear it anyhow. If this young man is someone that you'd like out of the picture then just say the word. But you must help me first."
She closed her eyes then. How come every single time I find myself in trouble it starts off by making a deal that I'm forced into? It's going to bad from worse. I should have just jumped off that damn bridge when I had the chance. Wearily she lifted her head and another realization struck her with a golden light. But he's offering to make everything better. Wouldn't life be worth living if Enishi was gone? Think about it for a moment Kaoru.
But, she countered back, that's if he keeps his promise. You're talking to a crazed killer here who just wants you to comply, and then god knows what he's going to do with you afterwards.
"I'm going to need time to think about this," she said aloud. So much is going on right now…
"If you mean for me to let you go back home, and to decide… I think not." His sounded stern like a principal. "You will make your decision here. I'm giving you ten minutes."
Kaoru sat up from the chair nearly knocking it backwards. "What! Ten minutes?"
"Yes, and if you give me any problems it'll be cut down to five."
She put her hands up in front of her chest gesturing for him to listen. "Wait, wait. First tell me why you need to get into that building so badly. Honestly, is it for the money?" She asked him seriously, and kept her tone down.
He shook his head, and grit his teeth down. "This has absolutely nothing to do with the fucking money. Is that all you stupid teenagers worry about? Money?"
She managed to refrain from yelling out that she was not a mere teenager but a young woman. Now's not the time for that, she almost mentally slapped herself. Ok, so he claims its not the money, then what? What else could he want from there? She tried to think of ideas but none came to her. "You're being so secretive about this all. I don't understand…wait…" She started speaking in hushed tones to herself as she gathered her thoughts. "This isn't about money… why would it be? It's about what you do best which you already stated…" she trailed off, eyes widening to meet his. "Who is it?" She sprang the question.
"Who what?" There was a grim tone to his voice, and he rolled his eyes at her.
"Who are you after? Who are you going to kill?"
"What does this have anything to do with killing?"
"But that's what you do! You kill people, women for that matter! Innocent women who—" He clamped his hand onto her wrist tightly with an iron like grip. "No one is innocent. I have my reasons which are beyond your understanding. Drop this now."
Looks like I'm the one who hit a nerve this time, Kaoru thought as she wretched her arm out of his tight grip.
"Have you decided then?"
"Well, I just don't understand but I'd like to. Who are you after? I can't think—"
"There is nothing FOR YOU to understand! If you agree then you must follow what I say, and I'll help you in return. If you don't," he paused in mid-sentence, and withdrew something from behind his back. Kaoru saw the light of the fire reflected off the long, shiny katana that he was unsheathing deathly slow. "I'll kill you."
Ok, ok… no goddamn it this is NOT ok! I have to let him inside my parents company, and god knows what he's going to do inside. Oh Kami-sama, awhile ago I was ready to kill myself, and now, now I really don't want to die!
Imagine life without Enishi, a little voice inside her head reminded. Oh it would be so good. I wouldn't need to do anything for him ever again. The blackmail would be over, and I would actually be able to live again. The good outweighs the bad, and I'm desperate right now. What other choice do I have? She thought about it again for several minutes before coming up with an answer. I don't want to die when I can live for much more, she concluded.
"I… I'll help you," Kaoru said weakly.
"Good. I was hoping you'd make the right decision. I need to get several things in order before I carry out my actions so that means in the meantime you are to be on standby. I will let you know when I need you."
Kaoru slumped into the chair, and nervously bit her fingernail.
"And if you even think about double crossing me," his voice penetrated through her, forcing her eyes up into his. "I will kill you without hesitation. You've seen what I can do."
"Wait," Kaoru tried to say but he cut her off.
"No. This is it Kamiya. Not a word to anyone else."
"But I—"
The words didn't make it past her lips as he melted into the shadows. The sheathe of his sword collided with the back of her head causing her to slip off of her chair, and into his arms. The man paused briefly, eyeing the girls face. A smile crept to his lips.
Everything is almost in order…
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Kaoru! Kaoru!"
Someone's calling me.
I should probably get up. I'm so tired but I feel so warm; so light, and warm. Kaoru snuggled into the solitude, half succeeding in her attempt to burrow within the serene warmth.
"Kaoru! Wake up! Please!"
"Mmmmm," she moaned a reply.
"Kaoru," the voice whispered frantically in her ear.
"Hmmm…? What?" Bolting up straight, she met pain head on and yelped out loud. Someone else cried out as well, and when Kaoru opened her eyes she met his genuinely soft lavender ones.
Kenshin…? But… what's he doing here?
"Is it really you?" she whispered her words and slowly reached a hand up to touch his hair that showered over her face. Apparently it looked as if he had been trying to rouse her but now he was rubbing at his forehead. A faint red blotch was starting to appear, undoubtedly caused by her. Exuberance overwhelmed her completely. If she was able to jump up and wrap her arms firmly around him she would have. Everything about him was so welcoming. It felt like ages since they had last seen each other. Right now his signature warmth and light cologne melted into her senses, and she enjoyed every second of it. Oh Kenshin, I've missed you. But the heavy, weighty burden fell back onto her shoulders once more. Anata, I can't tell you. My heart longs to do so but I'm sorry, I can't.
Instead of saying any more words she tried to get up but was halted by the pain in her neck. I almost forgot about that. I don't think I'll ever get used to being knocked out, she thought weakly as she lay limply in Kenshin's powerful arms.
"Kaoru, are you alright?" There was concern written in his voice, care imprinted on his eyes. She stared back up at him and found that his own lavender eyes were scanning her thoroughly, his warm hands pressing at areas on her body, making sure she was ok.
"Kenshin," she murmured below her breath.
"Do you know where you are?"
"I think so," she quietly replied, gazing around. The rich red painted walls were obviously familiar. So were the golden chandeliers that hung at either end of the hall, casting pale a light over her and Kenshin.
"We're at my apartment."
Both his arms shifted and Kaoru turned her attention back to him. He looked almost hesitant but decided to speak anyways. "I know this isn't exactly an appropriate moment to start this all up again but… I'm really sorry about what I said before, Kaoru. The circumstance right now isn't right for this but I am truly sorry. I originally came here to talk to you, I couldn't keep away anymore and when you didn't answer your cell or your house line I got worried. I drove over here as fast as I could and that's when I found you lying unconscious in front of your door." Bolts of anger flashed through his eyes and Kaoru took comfort in his protective body and tone. "What the hell happened?" he growled angrily. He had meant to maintain a calm composure but finding her in the condition that she was in… that cut the anger right through his body and made him shake with fury. If someone's done something to her— if ENISHI has done something to her, Kami-sama be with him when I get my hands on him.
All the emotions she was feeling made her want to cry in his arms. Nothing more would have pleased her than to cry it all out and tell him everything. The truth of everything starting with Enishi. That's impossible to do though. I have a killer on my ass and the moment I open my mouth to anyone else, that's it. What can Kenshin do against power like that? I have a responsibility and that's to protect everyone from the harm I've dragged myself into. Even so her emotions nagged at her internally. I want to tell him everything…
But I can't.
"I… I think I fell." It was a complete lie but since she looked and sounded hazy Kenshin would fall for it completely. Or so she hoped.
"When did you fall?"
Drat. "Uh, yesterday."
He kept at it. "And yesterday was?"
"The day before today."
He sighed but kept his eyes suspiciously on her. "Today is Tuesday, meaning school meaning you had classes today and yesterday, Monday, but you didn't show up for either days. Where have you been?" Biting her bottom lip in an agitated way, Kaoru found that she could not think of a reply quick enough. Inside her mind was reeling. It's been two days! I've been lying here knocked out for two whole days! Why didn't someone notice me earlier? And supposedly the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu pays this apartment for the extra security!
"I'm not too sure about what's going on," she pouted and said it in one of her most innocent voices. "I fell and hit my head and that's all I can remember. I was stepping out of the elevator and I heard my phone in my apartment ringing so I started to run. I guess I slipped. Sorry. I mean sorry to have worried you."
His arms wrapped around her tightly into an almost suffocating embrace. "Don't apologize."
If she was supposed to be finding comfort within his physical body she wasn't. Slowly it was draining, as were her relaxed feelings. Odd it was that he was gripping her tightly, so much so that she could barely breathe. Truly it wouldn't have bothered her that much but right now… right now…
At once, Kaoru threw herself back with all the strength that she had in her weakened body. Severely startling Kenshin, he let go of her, surprised and stared as her wild eyes flashed back and forth, almost with an insane edge to them. "What's wrong," he voiced his concern. "Don't," Kaoru warned dangerously as he extended an arm towards her. How could you be so stupid, Kamiya Kaoru? Are you really that much of a fool? Did you already forget what happened with Enishi? Remember what Kenshin said to you? When he was apologizing, did you remember exactly just what he said to you? Can you still forgive him just like that? It made her sick to think that she had wanted to be held in those same arms that had told her basically to get lost at one point.
All it took was a moment of distraction and Kenshin utilized it as an opportunity. She found herself once more within his strong, supporting grip but this time around she didn't want it. She actually loathed it greatly.
"Don't struggle. You're hurt, and you're only going to make it worse," he advised her when she stubbornly glared up at him. "Let me go," she demanded. His refusal only added to the fires of her mounting anger. It was a silly thing to do but she attempted to knee Kenshin for all it was worth. Regardless of her fast movements that surprised him, they did not catch him off guard. But Kenshin let her go then, appalled at the fact that she had tried to hurt him.
"Now stay the hell away from me. I mean it," Kaoru warned him uneasily. Though her head was spinning in a painful way, she managed to keep her voice moderately steady.
"Kaoru?" He looked at her in disbelief. Of course she has a right to be angry but she's just so… not herself. What's with her?
"I know your lying to me. What really happ—"
"Get AWAY FROM ME!" she cut in. "I hate you!"
As if to further mock her afterthought images of Enishi's body hovering over hers filled her mind, fanning out in a disgusting display that made her physically cringe. Everything else tuned out. Once again the memories overtook her and she could feel the roughness of his touch, the way he forced himself inside of her, oblivious to her cries. His groans echoed loudly in her ears, and she instinctively covered them. Kaoru backed away from Kenshin until she hit the wall behind her.
"Get away, get away, get away, get away!" She repeated tirelessly until he was forced to actually take a few steps back.
"Kaoru! Look at me!" Kenshin yelled desperately. He brushed his red bangs out of his eyes, and tried to reach out to her. What the hell is going on with her! Why is she lashing out like a threatened animal!
"DON'T!" She screamed, and shifted herself to the opposite side away from his hand. Kenshin stood dumbfounded, and surveyed her as her hands moved to either side of her neck, then to her breasts, her ribs, her thighs. She cried out loud in dismay, and moved her hands to her behind. Kenshin then heard the distinct sound of keys jingling. Kaoru sighed heavily, and removed the set of keys from the back pocket of the black pants.
My car, where the fuck is my car? Shit, I have to check downstairs. If it's not there it's got to be back at the bridge.
She tried to dodge Kenshin as she ran towards the elevators but he grabbed her in one swift motion. He held her tightly.
"What's going on with you? I've never seen you like this, and it's freaking me out Kaoru. I want to HELP you for Kami-sama's sake, and you aren't letting me!"
"You can't help me."
He paused, and let her go. "Why not? Of course I can. If this has anything to do with Tomoe, don't worry about it. I've already decided that I'm going to have to split up with her."
Kaoru closed her eyelids tightly, and shook her head. That IDIOT! After everything, and my efforts will be worthless! I can't believe him!
"You can't!" She told him firmly.
"Why? Don't you think I've thought about this? She's not the same anymore, and I've been keeping her around for the wrong reasons."
"Don't make up this bullshit! You love her you idiot! You have to stay with her!"
Kenshin swung his head sharply sending his red pony tail over his shoulder.
"Since when did you start deciding my feelings for me? This is MY decision!"
"I started deciding them the minute you told me that I'm a fucking problem that just seems to cause you more, and more pain. Remember that?" Tears stung at hers but she wiped them away not caring. The only warning she got was the fierceness in Kenshin's deep violet eyes. Something unreadable flashed through them, and the next thing she knew she was pinned against her apartment door. He was holding her there, not roughly but inescapably. She flinched, and refused to meet his eyes but his hand roughly guided her chin up.
"I'm an asshole. I said that out of anger but that still doesn't justify it. I'm sorry for that Kaoru," he apologized softly. The sweet smell of his breath and the deep scent of his aftershave intoxicated her, and fumbled her thoughts. "I want you to know this right now Kaoru. I care about you a lot, maybe more than you believe. You seem to think that you can hide your reasons for being with Enishi but I promise you I will find out even if you can't tell me yourself. Don't you think it pains me to see you mistreated when you're with him? I want to know exactly what he's done to you in the past, and don't tell me you didn't know him because you DID. You are so much better than that, you deserve bett—"
"Someone like you right?" She interrupted. "Someone who's already dating someone else. When we first met you never told me that you had a girlfriend. Ever since then you came onto me several different times and you never tried to stop yourself. Are you a justifiable good boyfriend now?"
Kenshin's grip against her shoulders tightened.
"It's not like that," he almost growled. "Tomoe and I don't even have a relationship anymore. And that time you didn't LET me tell you the truth! I was going to say it Kaoru, but you kept cutting me off! I knew it was wrong but god, there's something about you that makes me lose control. No rules apply when I'm with you. I'm admitting this right now to you and to myself; I'm not in love with Tomoe anymore. I had a need for security, and she was the only one that was there. How can you love someone when your heart is somewhere else? Tell me that!"
"Why are YOU telling me this now? Do you think that we have a chance to be together or something?"
He shook his head. "No that's not my intention. I can't say what the future holds for us Kaoru." A new golden light shone in his eyes, and it almost made Kaoru feel hopeful.
"Look, even if we are just friends let me help you as your FRIEND. What really happened to you?" His touch softened, and with one hand he reached behind her, and gently ran his hand down the back of her neck. Suddenly she felt more aware of herself. I must look like crap compared to him, Kaoru thought. Dressed in a white, and blue printed dress shirt, and blue faded jeans he looked so handsome, and stylish, much more presentable than herself. She could just tell that her hair was tangled up, and knotted. She was also tired, and she was pretty sure that the dark circles under her eyes expressed that. And right now Kenshin was speaking nonsense. He has to stay with Tomoe. We can't be together no matter how bad he or I want to be. Everything I've done was for his sake. No, she had to get out of this mess before it grew even bigger. In order for that to be achieved she had to lie. "Kenshin," she began, "I don't think I feel the same way about you anymore." She braced herself from the look in his eyes but it still pierced her.
Anguish.
That was the only way to describe it.
"I mean I may have been attracted to you in the past—"
"The past? You mean a couple nights ago? Is that what you consider to be the past?"
"Yes I do," she replied sharply. "I consider that to be the past. I want you to stop following me around. I just want to be left alone. I never want to talk to you again so just go to Tomoe! And need I remind you that I have a boyfriend?"
Unaffected by her words, he just stared. A sudden impulse urged him to kiss those soft lips that were uttering such harsh words, to clean away any doubt she might've had, and to knock some sense into her. Because just a moment ago it had seemed like Kaoru was going to open up, and let him inside for the first time but she suddenly snapped shut concealing everything again. Kenshin startled her with his next word.
"No."
"No what…?" She asked him hesitantly. Kaoru could feel herself drowning in his bright violet eyes, and no matter how hard she tried to look away, the lavender waves were tugging her under.
"I refuse to believe that," he stated firmly. His fingers traced a path from her neck to her lips, then up to her cheek. Her eyes intimately followed his as if he was holding her in a trance.
"I don't know what Enishi has done to you but I WILL find out." His voice sounded clear, and determined, brushing aside the doubts that Kaoru had in her mind.
"There's a lot that you aren't telling me Kaoru, and I can see it so clearly in your eyes." And at that she knew they widened guiltily. It only reassured him.
"I understand if you can't say anything but I will find out."
Unwillingly he released her, easing away the pressure from her arms.
…I wish I could hold her forever like that. I'd protect her from anything, and everything, Kenshin thought. Reaching down his hands found hers, and they locked together. Leaning forward slowly, he pressed his forehead against hers, and closed his eyes. Kaoru, bewildered, continued to watch him. "I don't love her," Kenshin whispered. "One day I'll be able to make you understand." The words confused her but he continued to whisper, "I'll go now Kaoru-dono. I want you to take care of yourself." Involuntarily her eyes shut. Kenshin's warm words sank inside, and dwelled comfortably into her heart. She could feel his light breathing against her lips as he bent his head to close the gap between them.
The kiss was much different than any of the ones that they had previously shared. It was so innocent, and filled with emotion. There was no lust behind it, only sincerity and a powerful emotion that blew at her mind.
Love.
Allowing him to take control, Kaoru gave in willingly. A soft sigh was emitted from her lips causing Kenshin to deepen the kiss. I've always wanted a love like this, the sweet thought coursed through her body. Allowing no other thoughts to interrupt, Kaoru cleared her mind, and allowed herself to enjoy the brief moment that was given to her. It seemed like time stopped until Kenshin reluctantly pulled away. She pressed her lips together to keep the warmth he had given her there for as long as possible. He observed the way her lashes fluttered slightly as she opened her dark blue eyes. Even with that first glance Kaoru knew. It shocked her body, and her lips parted but no words came out. She knew exactly what was going through his mind.
That simple kiss was all he needed in order to confirm his thoughts. The need she had tried to hide so well had come undone with his kiss. He could still taste the unyielding passion and desperate need imprinted on his lips.
Kaoru was in trouble. There was no doubt about that now.
I swear to you Kaoru, I'll find everything out, and then I'll save you from that bastard.
He left. Without glancing back or looking over his shoulder he walked to the elevator, and Kaoru watched him till the last bit of his red hair disappeared inside. Molded against the doorway, unable to move, her body just leaned in against the wood, still able to feel the warmth that his body had left behind.
He knows that something is up. But will he be able to save me before this consumes us all?
Thank you to: scythe195, jyzelle, JBella, animeguzman, kenshinlover2002, grimnemesis, hermhermi, gabyhyatt, Twilight Amarathine, kitsune (Btw, I can't find your story. I tried searching it up but no luck :S If you'd like to continue this further email me so we can talk about it through that), K&k, Xujin, crest fallen212, erica6060, Reignashii, lyn, sprinkles73, BLONDE GOTH(I hope you are feeling better now. I'm glad you enjoyed your spring break… as for me I'm a full time bum at the moment so everyday is spring break :D), fclgd14, kara mcpherson, tameka (you are an observant one that deserves a thumbs up for picking up on that)????, and Phi-Dono for the reviews. I appreciate it everybody ; )
Seriously some of your guys' comments about Enishi make me laugh out loud so much. Everyone hates him with such a passion. I'm glad I can evoke feelings out of you all even if it is just anger, hehe.
If you're looking for some good 'R' stories I have some to tell you guys about.
The one that I'm currently tuned into is called 'The Other Side of the Moon' by Heaven9. The story line is so frickin' good.
Also try Shin Sakai's 'Pretty Man'. It's an Aoshi/Misao fic.
I guess that's all for now. Take care everyone, and see you later!