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?
Italics – thoughts
A/N: Kenshin is very OCC 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 3 ~ Memories
A week had passed since Kenshin's arrival. By now, everyone was acquainted with his presence and he was already starting a friendship with Shiro. The desk had been delivered by the afternoon, and they found her perfect for the chosen spot. The glass didn't contrast with the light colours of the office and it suited it, in some way. Kenshin was delighted, to say the least. He seemed in love with the furniture.
After lunch, the problem started.
Working together had been an adventure for Kaoru and Kenshin. Having to change her way to work didn't please Kaoru a bit. They started working together on Jinei's story, and found out that they were completely different from each other. Arguments followed that conclusion, ending when Kaoru gave up, and agreed with Kenshin's method. Their interaction was already a daily routine, and everybody was amused whenever they would start an argument. Even Hiko explored that interaction, finding it amusing and entertaining.
So the week passed like the wind.
Kaoru opened her eyes at the sound of the alarm clock, and sighed. It was January 16. The day was here again. All memories started to form in her mind, against her will. Four years…has it really been that long? Time indeed flies. She stopped the alarm, sitting on her bed. This day was always painful to her. It was the day she was flooded with memories of four years ago. Good memories. Painful memories.
The day when Love died. It just walked away, without warning, without reason. Disappeared…leaving her empty…hopeless. Leaving her alone. Getting out of bed, she walked to the window and opened the curtain. It was raining. Why is always raining in this day?
Walking to her wardrobe and picking her clothes, she headed to the bathroom, lost in thoughts. When she was reaching it, Misao came yawning out of her room. "Morning Kao. Damn it's cold! Is it raining? Why can't we be in spring or summer? I'm so tired of winter…honestly…" she trailed off, noticing that Kaoru wasn't answering.
"Hey, are you okay?" she asked, touching her lightly shoulder.
Kaoru blinked and glanced at Misao, who was looking worried at her. She gave a little smile. "Uhum…yeah, I'm great. You were saying?" she asked, absently. She didn't need Misao lecturing her again about what happened four years ago. She knew she had to forget…but it's easier said than done.
Misao frowned, remembering what day it was. Again this? Oh Kao, when are you going to stop this? When are you going to get rid of this grief and finally put the past behind your back? She sighed and shook her head lightly. "Kao, you really need to stop this---"Kaoru cut her off, not wanting to discuss this matter. It was better when she was left alone with her thoughts. The past was hers and hers alone.
"Please Misao, not today. It's nothing, really. You're imagining things. I was just thinking about what I need to do, because Jinei's case is getting solved tomorrow, and we'll have to cover the whole story and I was just thinking! Okay? Don't worry about me. I'm fine."
She smiled. "Thank you for worrying about me…you really are the best friend I could have." She gave Misao a small hug. "I'm going to take a fast shower and then you can have yours. Okay?" Not waiting for the answer, she entered the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
You can fool everyone Kaoru. Everyone but me. Misao thought, entering her room.
~~~~~
"Good morning Kaoru-dono, Misao-dono! I wish you a good day, and may this rain wash all your problems away!" Bob greeted the young women, as they entered the building. Misao closed the umbrella and smiled at him, returning the greeting, while Kaoru nodded at him and headed to the elevators. When they reached the 7th floor, Hikari met them, already giving the notes she had.
"Hello girls! How're you today? Horrible weather isn't it? Anyway Kaoru, Hiko wants you in his office as soon as you can, because he wants to discuss Jinei's case and the new one he's giving to you and Kenshin. Here you have some people that called you, including Gensai-san, although he just wanted to know how you have been. Kenshin's already here. He's in the office. Oh, and Kaoru, you've receive an invitation to a press party in two months. Great isn't it? Just imagine…all the famous journalists and reporters are going to be there! You're so lucky!" She sighed in delight.
Kaoru smiled lightly. "Thanks for the notes Hikari. You said Kenshin's already here? That's good. I didn't want to wait for him to go to Hiko's office. " She said, heading to her office. "Later Mi."
Misao returned the greeting and headed to her office, silently hoping this day would end fast. She wanted her friend back. And soon.
Kenshin was already working on something on his computer when Kaoru entered the room. Lifting his head from the screen, he greeted her, taking off his glasses. "Good morning! Hiko wants us in his office as soon as we can. I was waiting for you to arrive." He grinned. "I bet you're surprised. Me getting in here first than you! Well, there's always a first time for everything!" he said proudly.
'There's always a first time for everything'
The phrase repeated itself in Kaoru's mind over and over again. Yes…indeed there's always a first time for everything…even suffering… Kaoru nodded and greeted him back. "Good morning Kenshin. I suppose we should be going to Hiko's office before he storms in here with one of his outbursts" she said, putting her suitcase next to her desk.
It was still raining. Just like four years ago. She could still feel the rain on her face, mixing with her tears. The day had been grey, as had been her soul. It had cried with her, suffered with her…
"Kaoru?" Kenshin brought her back from her memories, with a slight frown on his face. What's with her today? He thought, not understanding her behavior.
"Sorry…got carried away with the rain. Let's get going?" She asked him, grabbing her notebook, just in case. Kenshin grabbed his own notebook and trailed behind her, still confused about the way she was acting. She was fine yesterday…so why is she acting so distracted today? He thought, looking at the back of the raven haired woman.
They reached Hiko's office and Kaoru knocked twice at the door, before hearing the answer.
Once inside the room, they greeted Hiko and sat on the chairs in front of his large and magnanimous black desk. He went straight to business. "Good morning both of you. I called you here for two reasons. First, Jinei's trial is tomorrow, am I correct?" he asked, glancing at Kaoru, who nodded. "Well, good, I want the story out on the front page of papers the day after tomorrow, is that understood?" The two journalists nodded.
Hiko proceeded. "The second reason is that I've gather some information about Kanryuu. It is all for now, but I trust you'll be able to proceed from here. Remember the two of you, this story is very important. I want our company to be the first covering the whole thing. So keep gathering all information you can get. Kaoru, isn't that tall friend of yours in FBI?" Kaoru nodded. "Yes. I was already planning on visiting him, to see what I can get. And I assure you Hiko. We'll be the first press to public the news. You won't be disappointed." She said, professionally.
Kenshin nodded in agreement, extremely curious about this friend in FBI. I wonder if I know him…
"Good. That's what I like to hear. Here you have the information. Start working on this as soon as Jinei's case is over. You may leave now." He said, handing Kaoru the papers and waving his hand in dismissal. The two rose from their seats, bowed and left the room.
Kaoru was flipping through the papers as they headed to their office. Then something caught her attention. "Hey, listen to this. Kanryuu owns more than five tea houses here in Tokyo, two disco-bars and a restaurant. It's unbelievable…all because of drug dealings…disgusting…" She said to Kenshin, shaking her head. "And to think that innocent people attend to those places without knowing how powerful the owner is…and how dangerous."
Entering their office, Kenshin closed the door behind him, while Kaoru headed to her desk, still thinking about Kanryuu. "I really hope they can arrest him as soon as possible. The sooner he's caught the better. And we'll be there, covering it all. It'll be our biggest new ever." Even though she was trying to be excited, Kenshin still noticed that her voice lacked with conviction. Something was definitely wrong. And he was going to find out what it was.
"Kaoru, are you alright today?" He voiced his question. He doubted she was going to answer, but he could at least try. Just as he though, Kaoru looked at him, pretending not to know what he was talking about. "Of course I am. Why do you ask?" He stared at her face.
She had dark circles under her sapphire eyes, and was awfully pale. "You don't look fine. And plus, you're distracted today. I was talking to you and you were just staring blankly at the rain, completely ignoring me. How can that be fine?" He asked, gazing straightly into her eyes. She broke eye contact and played with the ends of the papers on top of her desk.
"It's nothing. I'm just…thinking. Jinei's case is ending and Kanryuu's starting…just…thinking about it. I'm fine, okay?" She answered, rising from her seat, not wanting to press the matter. Misao is enough…I don't need it from Kenshin. He doesn't know what happened. And I don't want to explain it. Needing to get out of there, she walked to the door. "I'll be right back." She said, exiting the room, leaving Kenshin with his thoughts.
~~~~~
A young woman entered the small café near the University, sitting at the balcony, ordering a cappuccino. Grabbing her book from her purse, she opened it and resumed her reading. When the waitress brought the cappuccino, someone started talking loudly on the phone booth inside the coffee shop. This man was talking, with someone he kept calling 'darling', with such passion, that the young woman couldn't stop but smile at the scene.
This 'darling' was very lucky to have someone like this man, since he was telling her to 'never give up', and that he 'would always be with her'. Being a hopeless romantic, she found the scene adorable.
The man said goodbye to 'darling' and hanged up. Grabbing his bags, he headed towards the balcony and sat down next to the young woman. As his food was placed in front of him, he looked at her and smiled. "I'm sorry I was talking so loudly back then. It was my little sis. Did I disturb your reading?" A harsh but gentle voice asked the young woman, who looked up from her book and, realizing he was talking with her, smiled shyly, shaking her head. "Not at all. Actually, I found your speech very…captivating."
The young man raised an elegant eyebrow. "Oh, were you spying my conversation?" he asked, amused. The young woman blushed. "Oh, I…no! I wasn't spying. But you were talking so loud that anyone could hear it." She answered, embarrassed. He chuckled. "Okay okay." He said, holding his hands in defeat. "I see you're a student." She cocked her head to the side, confused. "How do you know that?" She mentally checked herself. She wasn't wearing anything that could give her away.
The young brown headed man smiled. Pretty smile, the girl noticed. "Because everybody in this coffee shop is an University student. At least that's what I've heard. I can be wrong though. I've just arrived." He said, pointing to his large brown bags. She smiled. "No, you're right. This is our usual café. At least it is for me. So you're a new student?" He nodded. "Yes, I'm in Advertising." The young woman smiled and nodded, reaching her cappuccino. Finishing it, she sighed and continued reading her book. He kept staring at her. After a pause, he spoke again. "Can I buy you a coffee?" His voice was smooth and strong at the same time. A tingle of hope could be heard in that question.
She looked at him, surprised. She had just finished her cappuccino…and she didn't know this man. Embarrassed, she glanced at her watch, trying to find a way to escape. Looking at him, she answered. "Well, actually I need to get going…because classes are almost starting and…" She trailed of. He nodded. "Yeah, and I still have to go to my residence, to sign my staying there. But I still want to buy you a coffee. May I?"
Not resisting, the woman smiled lightly and nodded. He grinned and grabbed the coffee jar from the balcony, filling her empty cup. Shocked at this, for it was not what se was expecting, she giggled. He smiled and brought his hand in front of her. "Watashi wa Matsuno Taiki desu." She looked at his hand, pondering. Should she? Or shouldn't she?
Looking at him, she smiled, and shook his hand.
"Kamiya Kaoru".
~~~~~
Kenshin knocked at Misao's office door, to see if she was inside. When she answered, he entered and closed the door. Misao stopped typing something on her computer, and looked quizzically to him. "Himura? You need something? What's with the face?"
Indeed, Kenshin was with an incredible frown. His eyes told her that he wasn't going to give up on whatever matter he was here to discuss. Walking to her desk, he stopped and put his hands on the dark wood table. "What's happening with her?" Misao blinked. Twice. What? She thought, confused. "Who?"
Kenshin rolled his eyes inwardly. "Kaoru. Who else is acting strange around here?" He asked, impatient. He hated when people acted oblivious to what was happening around them. He watched Misao carefully, as she looked back to her work; her face compromising.
She knew.
"Well?"
Misao hesitated for a moment, before looking up. "It's not my place to tell you. If she didn't explain, then it's not my job to do it. But please, don't push the matter. She already had enough." She sighed sadly. "If that was all you wanted to know, than you can leave Himura. Don't worry. She'll be back to normal in a couple of days. Do you want anything else?"
Kenshin stood there for a while, before shaking his head, sighing in defeat. "No, that was all." He thought for a moment. "I can't help her, can I?" Just as he expected, Misao shook her head. "She has to do this alone. I'm sure that one day she'll tell you. Just remember: don't push the matter, okay?" Kenshin nodded and thanked her, leaving the room, terribly annoyed.
Damn it.
~~~~~
Getting out of the coffee shop, they turned to each other and smiled. Neither of them wanted to leave, even though they needed. For some awkward reason, they found themselves drawn to each other. Kaoru was the first to break the silence. "Well, it was nice to meet you Matsuno-san. Thank you for the coffee." She said, smiling. "I guess I'll see you around." Taiki nodded. "Yeah, I'll see you around, since I intend to buy you a coffee again. That is…if you don't mind my company." He said, his eyes gazing intensely into hers.
Kaoru blushed again. She wasn't used to someone flirting with her like this. And on the first time they met no less. Let's just say that she wasn't a super model. She'd had two boyfriends before, but they didn't last more than five months. And here was one handsome young man, flirting with her, asking for her company. Shaking her head, she answered. "No…I don't mind your company. I'm surprised you enjoyed mine. But anyway…I need to get going…classes are starting." Taiki nodded and grabbed her hand. Lifting her to his lips, he kissed her hand lightly.
Blushing even more, Kaoru retrieved her hand gently, not wanting to seem rude. "Well then, see ya sometime Matsuno-san." Bowing a little, she started walking with her back to him when she heard his voice again.
"Taiki."
She stopped dead in her tracks. Turning to face him, her face showed confusion. "What?"
Taiki smiled. "Call me Taiki, if you please. Matsuno-san makes it sound older." He said, sticking out his tongue. Kaoru laughed. "I've never thought about it that way. But if you prefer, then okay, Taiki-san." He nodded, grinning. "Good. I'll see ya around, Kaoru-san."
He bowed lightly and turned to the opposite direction. Kaoru kept watching him, until she too turned to leave. Just as she started walking to the University building, Taiki turned to look at her. Smiling lightly, he shook his head and resumed his walking. Kaoru chose to look over her shoulder on that exact moment, watching him as he crossed the street.
Sighing, she turned to her left.
Kaoru closed her eyes, feeling one single tear sliding down her cheek. How can one person who seemed so perfect, turn out to be…so hurtful. Angrily, she wiped the tear away and washed her face. Since she didn't use any make up, she didn't need to worry about ruining it. Turning the tap off, she grabbed the towel and dried her face. She didn't know why she still cried over this. Nothing would bring it back. And she didn't want it back.
It all belongs to the past, and that's where is going to remain.
All in the past.
~~~~~
Kenshin was frustrated for two reasons. First, he hated not being able to help someone. He just felt so helpless watching Kaoru suffering for some reason he didn't know and they refused to explain to him. Second, because he couldn't understand this agony. Sure, they were partners and he cared for her well being. But this felling inside him was stronger than that simple relationship. And it scared him.
He was actually angry. Angry because she was suffering. Angry because he didn't know why she was suffering. Angry at himself for not being able to help her. Angry at whoever or whatever situation that was making her suffer. Angry for feeling this angry.
The question was why he was feeling this way? He'd never liked to see someone suffering. That was true. But he felt as if…seeing her suffering…made him suffer as well.
And that confused him.
Maybe he was growing found of her. Maybe closer to a best friend. It was more then natural. After all, they were partners. They worked together 12 hours a day. Maybe their interaction was developing a new relationship. Deeper than just a co-worker relationship. He pondered on that.
Yeah. He was becoming her friend. He cared for her happiness. He wanted to see her smile. He wanted her to enter their office with the usual energy she has. He wanted to see his real partner again. Not her shadow.
Kenshin smiled. He couldn't believe that, for a second, he thought he was falling for her. That would be absurd. He chuckled. That would never happen. They were partners.
Friends.
And plus, he had girlfriend. Now that he thought about it, he realized that he hadn't said anything about her to anybody yet. But he decided that today wasn't the best of days. Other time, he promised himself. It wasn't as if he'd had the time anyway.
His first week in the company had been occupied with all the changes in his life. From knowing new faces, to adjust to Kaoru's method, which he hadn't, the week had passed before he even noticed. Personal news would have to wait. Besides, they had never those kinds of talks, where you ask one to another about relationships. They weren't like that.
And somehow, he liked it that way.
One point in common. Funny, he thought, returning to his work.
~~~~~
The day had finally come to an end.
Kaoru entered her apartment, turning the lights on, Misao close behind her. Sighing, she put her suitcase on the floor. To her, it seemed like she'd been living this day since forever. Tired was the best word to describe her condition. Her body hurt; her legs were screaming in pain, demanding a hot bath. But most of all, her soul was hurting. Badly. And there was nothing she could do. She'd tried to fight the pain, but she knew she wouldn't be able to forget until she met someone capable of erasing all the pain and suffer from her heart. Someone capable to fill her soul again.
Which wasn't happening soon. She could tell that.
Misao entered behind her, sighing loudly. "Finally! How can a day pass so slowly? Can you explain to me? I don't even remember waking up this morning! And boy, I'm starving! What's for dinner? I cook, you cook, or we order something?" She said, putting her suitcase beside Kaoru's, as usual. Just then, her stomach roars. She turns to Kaoru, grinning. "See what I mean?"
Kaoru chuckled. "You're always hungry Misao. You're even worst than Sano." She smiled lightly, remembering the time when Sano and Misao entered a food competition between each other. The ended up with a huge stomach ache. Not being in the mood to cook, she passed the task to Misao. "You cook. I'm going to take a long hot bath to relax my muscles."
Misao nodded, understanding her situation. Turning to the kitchen, she grinned. "Kitchen, my friend, prepare to face Makimachi Misao!"
Kaoru shook her head and turned, heading to her room. Pulling her hair into a bun on top of her head, since she wasn't washing it, she headed to the bathroom. Once inside, she decided to take a shower instead of a long bath. Turning the tap on, she let the water run for a second, before stepping in the tub.
The contact of the water on her shoulders relaxed her tighten muscles. She rolled her head from side to side, her eyes closed in appreciation. After a while, she sat in the tub, with the shower still on. Suddenly, an illusion of rain appeared before her eyes. An illusion of four years ago. Everything played in her mind, over and over again. Soon, she found herself crying silently, her tears mixing with the falling water.
Time was lost.
"Kaoru? Are you okay?" Misao's question woke her from the other world. She'd lost track of time. Brushing the water from her face, she lifted herself from the bath tub and told Misao she'd be out in a minute. Washing her body, she turned the tap off and stepped out of the tub, drying herself in her pink towel. Her mother had given it to her. She loved this towel. It was almost as if she would be closer to her mother.
Dressing her pajamas, she brushed her hair and headed to the living room. Dinner was already served and looking very good. As she sat on her chair, Misao entered the living room. Looking at Kaoru, Misao frowned slightly. "What took you so long? I was starting to think you were drowned." She said, sitting on her chair, to Kaoru's right.
Kaoru smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry Mi. I guess the bath really relaxed me. I needed that. It was a long day." She said, eating her dinner. Misao just nodded, already eating her meal. Dinner was silent. Kaoru was lost in her thoughts, yet again, and Misao was busied worrying about her best friend. She really needed to stop this. She was determined to have a little talk with Kaoru after dinner. She would make her friend forget that asshole once and for all. After all, it's been four years.
Life goes on. And there's nothing you can do to change it.
After cleaning the kitchen, they sat on the big sofa, in front of the television. Kaoru had her head laid on Misao's lap, while she absently brushed her best friends' hair, as they watched "My Best Friends Wedding" for the fifth time. They were addicted to this movie. When the actors were singing together at the restaurant, Misao felt something wet on her knees. Worried, she glanced at her best friend. "Kao? Are you crying?" The answer was muffled and Misao barely understood. "What?"
Kaoru took the hand away from her mouth and answered. "It's so pretty and so sad at the same time. They're happy together, but they're not staying together. And it's so sad. And George is so sweet! And he's gay! Why is life like this? Why does she play with your emotions like this? Why couldn't they be together? Why does Love do this to you? What is Love good for if it just makes you suffer?" She sniffled and sighed. Lifting her head from Misao's lap, she wiped her tears and leaned in the sofa.
Misao stopped the player and turned to Kaoru, her face serious. "You have to stop this Kaoru. You have to stop dwelling in the past." Kaoru looked at Misao. "What?" Her best friend stared right into her eyes. "It's been four years Kao. I think it's time for you to think the bastard off and move on! You can't spend your entire life mourning over him!" Kaoru narrowed her eyes and spoke forcefully. "You don't know what you're talking about. You have no idea how I felt! Do you know what it is to find--"
Misao cut her speech. "I know that story all too well Kaoru! I was there right after the incident! I know you suffered. But it's in the past! All in the past! Life goes on! You have to move on too! And you know I'm right!" She said, throwing the truth to her best friend. Kaoru just kept staring straightly into Misao's eyes. Sighing, Misao calmed down.
"Get rid of this grief Kao." Kaoru broke eye contact and looked absently at the ground. "Put the past behind your back. Move on with your life.
Maybe then you'll feel different about Love."
Kaoru looked at Misao. "I don't feel anything about Love, Mi" she said, rising form the sofa and leaving the room.
The movie was forgotten.
~~~~~
To be continued…
A/N: Yes, Kenshin has a girlfriend. What? You actually thought it would be that easy? But that would be no fun! *winks* And life isn't always a fairy tale. *sigh* unfortunately. So…I'm trying my best here. Please tell me what you think! I really need those reviews! Onegai!!
Next chapter: Old Acquaintances
Vocabulary:
"Watashi wa Matsuno Taiki desu" – I'm Matsuno Taiki.
Until soon!
*Agnes*
P.S: REVIEW!! REVIEW!! ^__^