Disclaimer : I don't own RK. All original characters are mine to claim.

Synopsis: Modern day A/U. K/K story. Kaoru loved him for 5 years. Now, 8 years later after their last meeting, they're together again. Are some people really meant for each other?

'…' – thoughts

A/N: Kenshin is very OC in this fic. He's not Battousai. He's not Rurouni. He's simply Kenshin. And Hiko is not his adoptive father. Also, this story will go slowly, so all the details will be revealed in their specific times. ^__^

On with the story!

~~~~~~

We Were Meant For Each Other

Chapter 2 ~ Interaction

For the first time in many years, Kaoru's mind was a complete blank.

The one she never thought she would be seeing again, was right in front of her. Working at the same city, at the same place….as her partner.

Ironic.

Of all the people in the world, fate has brought him to meet her again. How many times was this going to happen? In high school, it was mostly like this. Out of all people to be paired up with, they would get stuck with each other, whether it was for a school project, or to offer a Christmas present. By the hands of Luck, they would be together.

She stood in front of him, shocked, not blinking, with her mouth wide open.

He was different. More mature; his once short red hair now pulled into a low ponytail at the base of his neck. The blue suit suited him. His structure was well built, as she could see that by his posture and his large shoulders. She had wondered, so many times in the past, what it would have felt like to be in those arms. Silly dreams… His eyes were still the same, though. Still the most beautiful violet colour Kaoru had ever seen. They now held more experience, but they were still gentle. Still the same…

"If you keep staring like that, you may damage your eyes. People need to blink" a familiar voice jolted Kaoru back from her shock.

She blinked twice, closed her mouth and swallowed. Hard. In a shocked way, she stretched her arm, shaking his hands.  "Hi."

Kenshin shook back and plastered on his face a playful smile. "You seem surprised."

"I am shocked." Kaoru answered, honestly. And she was! It's not everyday that, out of luck, you get stuck with someone you never thought to see again.

Kenshin lifted his chin higher, an egotistical half smile appearing, showing his perfect white teeth. "Well, I seem to have that effect on people" he said, grinning.

Kaoru let her hand drop from his and rolled her eyes. Great. One Hiko is annoying. Two…is suicide.

Hiko laughed and grabbed Kenshin by the shoulder. "Ha! I like this boy already! He has my spirit! Isn't this amazing Kamiya?"

"Yes…joy oh joy…" Kaoru said sarcastically, frowning mentally. It seems he never lost that personality of his …

"Well kid, I'm sorry to inform you but you'll have to put up with this humor of hers" Hiko said to Kenshin, faking pity.

Kenshin smiled. "I think I can get used to it. Again." He said, looking at Kaoru, who glared at him. Again? Yeah right… one would think he was actually my best friend… *snort* we barely talked of anything else, but school. Occasionally, we would talk about football, weather, vacations, weekends…nothing personal…not at all a best friend's relationship…

Hiko drop his hand from Kenshin's shoulder and returned to his desk, putting on his glasses. "Okay then! Since we already know each other, and we've previously discussed your contract, you two may go. Staff's meeting in 15 minutes. Kamiya, show him everything he needs to know." Hiko said, seating in his enormous chair. "Leave." He said, waving his hand in a dismissal motion.

Kaoru and Kenshin nodded and turned to leave the office. Closing the door behind her, Kaoru turned to Kenshin. "He's funny. Not like my ex boss. He was a pain." He said, wincing slightly, remembering his former boss.

Kaoru made a disgusted face. "He's not funny. You'll find him terribly annoying once you start meeting him every day."

Kenshin smirked. "Are those bad memories speaking for themselves?"

"No, it's my daily routine." Was the simple answer. Kenshin lifted one eyebrow.

Kaoru sighed. "Never mind. So, let's start?"

"Sure. Lead the way." He answered, glancing around. There were lots of journalists walking around, talking to each other, entering and leaving offices. Once you exited the elevators, you would be in front of a large receptionist desk. To the right and left of it, you had two corridors, each with an amount of doors that leaded to different rooms.

"We're starting from the ground-floor, okay? I want to introduce you to Bob. He's the doorman so; it might be useful to know him, in case you need something." Kaoru said, heading to the elevators, Kenshin walking by her side, analyzing the views.

Kaoru caught him doing that. "Are you looking for hot babes as usual?"

Kenshin jerked his vision to Kaoru and frowned. "I was eighteen, Kaoru. We had damn hormones jumping around. It's not my fault. It was stronger than me."  He said, innocently. Kaoru lifted one eyebrow.

The elevator reached the floor, and the doors opened.

"Blaming the hormones now, are we?" she said, while entering in the elevator. She then pressed the button to the ground-floor and turned to him.

"I'm not blaming the hormones. And I wasn't looking for hot babes, okay? I was just analyzing the floor. I'm not a pervert." He said, with a stubborn expression on his face.

Kaoru chose not to answer that. She remembered when they were in high school. She didn't love him anymore, but still, they talked on the internet. Mostly because of school, obviously, since she was the intelligent one and he needed help to pass on exams. But she knew of his perverted talks with his friends. Pervert. What was I thinking? Then again, when I 'loved' him, he wasn't like that…

Kenshin was observing her from the corner of his eye. She was very different from the girl he had in his memories. Sure, she was still beautiful, and still oblivious to that, but that's what made her even more beautiful. Her hair was longer than it was before. Her body had improved, he could see that. But her smile and her eyes were still mesmerizing, although…there was something that kept the full happiness they once had. Sure, they were still shinning with energy, as usual, but… there was still something different. He wondered what it could be. But he was sure that, whatever it was, she didn't deserve it. He'd never loved her in the past, and he had always questioned himself about that. Why had he never fallen in love with her? She offered her love to him for years. He knew of that; he was not that oblivious. But somehow, he only had eyes for the popular babes. *mental snort*… Maybe I've lost the most precious creature in the world…BAKA!…don't think that way… your life is great now, no need to change it… why the hell did you think otherwise? Getting out of his musings, he spoke.

"You're different" the sentence brought Kaoru back from her thoughts. She looked at him with a surprised look. Different? Was that a compliment?

The elevator reached the ground-floor and the doors opened.

"What you mean different?" Kaoru asked, getting out of the elevator, Kenshin behind her.

"Well…you're not like the Kaoru I remember."

Kaoru gave him a blank look. "Well, I was seventeen when you last saw me. I'm twenty-four now, so…it's normal to be a little different." She said, reaching the balcony near the entrance of the building. Bob smiled and gave Kenshin a questioning look. They proceeded with the introductions. After a little, Kaoru checked the time. Noticing it was almost in time for the meeting, they said goodbye to Bob, who bowed. "Have a good day, filled with joy, happiness and success. Until later."

Kenshin returned the questioning look, before turning around and follow Kaoru.

Reaching her, they waited for the elevator to reach the floor.

"Why did he say that?" Kenshin asked, as the doors opened.

Kaoru shrugged, and pushed the button to the 7th floor. "I never really found out why. He always says something like this, so you might as well start getting use to it. But it's welcome though. At least you know that everyday, even in the early hours in the morning, someone will have something nice to say." She said, smiling to him.

Kenshin nodded absently, pondering on her words.

They reached the floor and got out of the elevator. Kaoru turned to Kenshin, only to find him smiling towards someone. She followed his gaze and found…Misao. She was with her back turned to them, chatting happily with Hikari. Kenshin and Misao had some kind of friendship. Well, at least it's more than mine. You could actually call it a friendship…mine was…a co-working relationship…just like now.

Just then, Misao turned and stopped dead in her tracks. She stood there for a moment and then…

"HIMURA!!!" She came running to him and gave him one of those bear hugs she usually gave everyone.

Kaoru just stood there, staring. Well, ooookay, it wasn't THAT much of friendship for Misao to do this…then again…Misao is Misao…  Just as the other day…she hugged that little old lady just because she found her adorable…*mental chuckle*

Misao backed up from him and gave a big smile. "I'm so surprised! How long has it been? I never thought I would see you again! What are you doing here anyway? Don't tell me you actually made it through college? And what's with the long hair?"  She asked all in one row…as usual.

Kenshin chuckled. "To which question do you want me answer first?"

Misao opened her mouth to answer but was interrupted by Hikari.

"Hello. I'm very sorry to interrupt this reunion between friends, but you all have another important meeting starting…well…now, and you need to get going, before Hiko-san starts yelling about getting late." She said, smiling.

Kaoru nodded. "She's right" she said, while turning to Kenshin, "If we're late for the meeting, you'll see how Hiko is definitely NOT funny."

"You're right about that Kao. Let's go." Misao said, heading to the meetings office. Kenshin turned to follow her, since he didn't know where the room was, and notice that Kaoru was heading to one door, to the left of the elevators. "Where're you going?" he asked, curiously.

"I'm going to put my suitcase and coat in my office." She paused, rethinking her answer. "Well, actually is OUR office now so… you want to come and see it? Or you'll see it after the meeting, with the rest of the floor?"

"I'll go with you." Kenshin said.

"'Kay". Kaoru answered and turned to direction she was heading.

Kenshin followed and waited for a second, waiting for her to opened the door. After entering the room, he paused and glanced around. The office was nicely decorated, thought obviously by a woman, but still very comfortable. Once you entered, you would be facing a large window behind Kaoru's desk. To the right, you had one three seats sofa, cream coloured, with a small table beside it, and to the left you had one, rather large, book-shelf. There were a few awards hanged on the wall, and a beautiful painting above the sofa. Nice, Kenshin thought.

Kaoru grabbed her notebook and a pen, and turned to Kenshin, noticing him observing the room. "Like it?"

Kenshin nodded. "Pretty good. Although it's a little too feminine for my taste. Maybe a few changes would be nice." He said, pondering.

Kaoru glared. "Don't even THINK on changing my office!"

"Our office." Was the simple answer.

Kaoru greeted her teeth. "Whatever!" she said, leaving the room.

Kenshin grinned and followed. They reached the meetings room and entered. Everybody was talking and Hiko wasn't there yet. Misao was seated on the sofa and called them.

As Kenshin and Kaoru seated themselves beside Misao, Hiko entered the room and closed the door. Before the meeting began, he introduced Kenshin to everybody, explaining his role in the company. Then each one introduced themselves to Kenshin, who just nodded and thanked them all. When they were finished, Hiko continued the meeting. "Alright then. Kaoru, when is that Jinei's case going to be solved?"

Kaoru opened her note book. "Well, Jinei's case is almost finished. The court announced yesterday that the final decision will come out in one week.  The evidences point to his incrimination and he'll probably be condemned to 10 years of prison. We'll just have to wait."

Hiko nodded. "Good, just show Kenshin what you've done so far and start working on the story together. Also, I want you two to start covering the Kanryuu's drug ring. I'll give you what I have. I want that story out faster than any other press in this country, is that understood? So keep tracking all information you can."

Kaoru and Kenshin nodded.

Hiko turned to another journalist. "Well, how are things in 'Fitness and Health'?"

~~~~~

The meeting ended, and Kaoru, Kenshin and Misao were waiting to get out of the room. When they were able to leave, Misao turned to Kenshin. "What do you think so far? Like it?"

"I didn't see much yet. I liked the doorman. He says those strange phrases. And I liked everybody here. They were nice." Kenshin answered.

Misao gave a wide smile. "Yeah, Bob's just like that. Those phrases are just adorable! You'll like to work here. We're all great people, right Kao?" she said, turning to her friend, who nodded. "I guess. If you don't count with Hiko." She said, smirking.

Misao laughed. "You're right! Hiko and that ego of his." She said, shaking her head. "Well, I'm off to work. I still have a lot to do. Are you showing him the rest of the floor?"

Kaoru nodded.

"Okay then. Are we lunching together?" Misao asked, glancing at them.

Kaoru turned to Kenshin, who nodded. "Sure. I don't know anything in here, so…fine by me."

"Okay then. You'll eat the excellent food of the Akebeko! I guarantee you, once you try it, you won't wish to eat anywhere else than there!" Misao said, throwing her fist in the air.

Kenshin smiled. "Always enthusiastic, aren't you Misao?"

Misao only grinned. "What? You don't Expect me to change that much? What for? I'm happy as I am!" she said, winking. "Okay, then. Until lunch guys! Ja!" And she was off to her office, which was a couple of doors to the right of the meeting's room.

Kaoru chuckled. "Okay so, let's see the rest of the floor?" Kenshin nodded. Kaoru proceeded to show every room to him, who just followed her with interest.

~~~~~

They reached their office, and Kaoru dropped her notebook on her desk. Turning to Kenshin, she noticed him analyzing the space beside the book-shelf. "Looking for the best place to put your desk?"

Kenshin turned to her and grinned. "Actually, yes, I am. I think the desk should go right there." he said, pointing to the empty spot, just occupied with a large vase with a small tree growing inside of it. "I just don't have the desk to put there yet."

Kaoru pondered. It was really necessary to buy him a desk, so that he wouldn't be around her, complaining about that. "Well, there's a furniture store 20 minutes from here. We could go there now, since we have to get you installed." Glancing at her watch, she checked the time. "It's 11.00am. We have plenty of time. We catch a taxi and we're off."

Kenshin stared at her for a while. "Why don't you buy a car?"

Kaoru rolled her eyes at him. Again this? "Why don't YOU buy a car?"

"I have a car."

"Oh…good for you! Can we go now?" She said, slightly annoyed. What is it with men and cars?

Kenshin smiled, playfully. "Taxi or car?"

Kaoru glanced at him. "Are you offering?"

"Well, I don't know where the store is."

"I'll take that as a 'yes'. Let's go then!" Kaoru grabbed her purse and headed to Hikari's desk, Kenshin behind her.

After informing Hikari where they were going, they went to the elevators. Reaching the park, Kaoru went ahead. Looking to the cars parked in there, she tried to imagine which one was his. "This way." Kenshin said, heading to the left of the elevators. The parking lot was full. The typical smell of gas filled Kaoru's nostrils and she made a face in distaste. She hated that smell. Disgusting…*frown*

Kenshin noticed her expression. "Why are you making that face? Don't like the gas smell? That would explain part of my question." He said, grabbing his keys and clicking the alarm's button. An alarm sounded, and Kaoru looked at the car with its lights blinking.

It was a black Volkswagen Golf, in very good shape. Not even a scratch could be seen. Then again…it's not much light in here…but still…very nice taste…

Kenshin opened her door. "Like it?"

"Very much. Good choice." She said, sitting in the front seat. Kenshin closed the door and rounded the car, opening the driver's door, seating himself.

"And no… I don't have a car just because of the gas smell. That would be stupid." Kaoru said, fighting with her seatbelt.

"It could happen." Kenshin said, putting the keys into the ignition.

Kaoru put her seat belt. "Well, that's not the reason."

"Okay! I was just asking!" Kenshin said, defensibly.

"And I was just answering!" Kaoru exclaimed.

"Fine." He said, starting the car. They got out of the park and got to the main road.

Kaoru stare at him for a while. Deciding not to push this stupid matter, she looked out the window, getting lost in her thoughts. This somewhat argument was just like…the past. Four years didn't seem enough to erase it from her mind. She had tried so hard to forget but the memories were still there…

"You have to tell me the directions." Kenshin said, quietly, snapping her out of her reverie.

Kaoru glanced at him; then at the road. "Turn on the second right."

~~~~~

Twenty minutes later, they reached the store. After parking the car, they entered and were greeted by a middle aged man. "Welcome! Kamiya-san! How nice to see you! How can I help you? Are you here to buy furniture to your apartment, yet again? We received a new collection just yesterday."

Kaoru smiled. "Hello Hirotaka-san! I'm not here to buy something for me. Your costumer today is my partner, Himura Kenshin. He's looking for a desk to his new office. And maybe something more…I don't know…" she trailed off, looking at Kenshin.

Hirotaka smiled and nodded at Kenshin. "Well then, Himura-san, we have just the thing! If you follow me, I'll take you to our desks section, and you'll be able to make your choice! This way please." He turned, and headed to the desks section, with Kaoru and Kenshin trailing behind.

Reached the section, Hirotaka turned and pointed to the desks in exposure. "These are our fabulous desks. We had some new, from the new collection we've just received. Please, look around and take your time. Anything that might jump out at you just let me know."

Kenshin nodded, thanking him. Hirotaka bowed, and left.

"So let's start. Do you have anything in mind? Like style, colour…type of wood…?" Kaoru asked, glancing at the desks.

Kenshin started walking, analyzing the furniture. "I don't know…What you think?" he asked, turning to face her.

"Well, it's been 8 years since we last seen each other, and even back then, I didn't know anything about your furniture taste…so…" she said. "But, in my opinion, a creamy desk would stay nice in the office…since the colours are white and cream…"

Kenshin wrinkled his nose. "But that's feminine."

Kaoru raised her eyebrow. "What do you mean feminine? How can a simple creamy desk be feminine?"

"It's creamy."

"And what's wrong with that?" she asked, not getting the point.

Kenshin shrugged. "Nothing. But it's too feminine for my taste. I liked Hiko-san's furniture, though…" he said, continuing walking around the many desks.

Kaoru gave him an incredulous look. "It's black."

"It's masculine."

"It's menacing."

Kenshin looked at her. "It's not menacing. It's masculine. It sends strength, it's a protector…" he said with conviction.

A protector? Kaoru gave him a look. "It's a colour."

"It's masculine."

Kaoru rolled her eyes. "Well, aren't there any other non feminine colors other than black?"

Kenshin ignored her question. "Maybe a glassy desk…" He looked around, in search of one. Sure enough, he found one, and headed towards it. Kaoru followed. "Glass? What for? To be all scratched at the end of the month?" She asked, glancing at the desk.

Kenshin glared at her. "I'll be careful with it. And wasn't you who asked for another type of desk, instead of black? Well, here you have it. I'm buying this one." He announced, and turned to find Hirotaka. Kaoru watched him walk away, and stood there, gazing at the desk. Not bad… he's right, at least it won't change my office… glass doesn't offend in any aspect…now black…

~~~~~

The ride back to the company was silent. The furniture had been bought and requested to be delivered as soon as possible. After exiting the store, none of them spoke. Although both wanted to ask a million of things, they didn't know where to start. So they stayed in a comfortable silence. It was amusing the interaction they had.  They hadn't seen each other for 8 years and yet, they were arguing, provoking and joking with each other as if they had been very good friends since forever. And that had never happened. Even in high school, they were never like this with each other. It had never been a real relationship.

They reached the building at 12.30pm. Since the lunch break was at 13.00pm, Kaoru told Kenshin to wait in the car while she went upstairs. Reaching the 7th floor, Hikari called Kaoru, saying that Genzai-san had called her, asking if she could stay with his grand-daughters for the night, while he went to the hospital, to see his sick sister. Kaoru took the note and headed to Misao's office. Knocking on the door, she opened it and entered. Misao was working on something on her computer. She stopped typing and looked at Kaoru. "Where's Kenshin?"

Kaoru seated in a chair and sighed. "He's downstairs in the car, waiting for us to go down. Are you finishing that?" she asked, mentioning the computer.

Misao glanced at the hours and closed the file she was working on. "It's almost 13.00pm. I'll finish it later. Let's get going before Kenshin dies of boredom." She said, chuckling. Kaoru smiled and nodded. They left the floor and reached downstairs. Sure enough, Kenshin looked as if he was preparing to fall asleep. Noticing them, he straightened himself in his seat and unlocked the car. Misao seated in the passenger seat, while Kaoru sat in the back seat. Asking for directions and receiving them, Kenshin headed to the Akebeko.

~~~~~

To be continued…

A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you all for your reviews, you're amazing! Anyway, I'm sorry if the plot isn't appealing. I have some plans for this story and I'll try to put some hints in each chapter, until the mystery is revealed. So please be patience. This is my first fic and I don't have the same skills as other great writers out there…*sigh* I wish I had…anyway…I'm also sorry for my spelling mistakes…I'm improving on that!

So keep reading and reviewing on the story of this humble amatory writer, because if I see that people aren't responding, I might give up…*sigh*

Just one more thing: special thanks to Chiki-san, for checking up my mistakes. ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU! *bows*

Ja mata ne!

*Agnes*