Disclaimer : I don't own RK. All original characters are mine to claim.
Synopsis: Are some people really meant to be? Or is life just a big coincidence? Kaoru and Kenshin are going to learn that, sometimes, time is the best answer for everything. Modern day AU. KK story.
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 To Each Other
Chapter 7 Beginning
"But how are we going to do that? I mean…how we are going to put me inside?" Kaoru asked, confused. It was seven o'clock in the afternoon and the team was reviewing the very last details. Tomorrow was the big day. She was rotting in nerves already, afraid something went wrong. Sure she volunteered but, now that she thought about it, it was more spontaneous than she'd planned. She was risking, not only her life, but her partner's as well.
The man sitting in front of her, on the other side of the table, replied wisely. "We're going to sell you, of course. Yukito-san is going to pretend to be a former business man, if you know what I mean. Now, broken and after selling his own tea house, he has no alternative but to sell his precious girls, hence, you. No spying material will be used, so there won't be any suspicious raised in that meeting. If everything goes as planned, you'll be inside the tea house around noon." He paused. "That's when Kenshin-san arrives and spots you inside the house. He'll ask to be with you and so, no one will have the opportunity to even ask for your 'services'." He smiled then at Kaoru, assuring her. "It'll be alright."
Kaoru nodded, uncertainly. She was not so sure. Not only her role in the mission unnerved her, but the tension between herself and Kenshin wasn't helping at all. Somehow, he didn't make her feel as safe as before. Maybe it was because of their lack of dialogue since yesterday. He refused to look at her, or even acknowledge her presence. Sano had notice their tension and asked her what's going on, but she refused to explain him. Forgetting about that, she focused on what was being said. It was as vital for her as breathing.
"You just have to do one last thing before it starts." The man paused, opening a drawer from the table and taking out a small metal article. Kaoru creased her brows in deep thought. Where had she seen those before? Earning an amused smile from the man, he answered her silent question. "This is an old tape-recorder. One of the lasts we have here. It is absolutely free of any magnetic technology and, therefore, invisible to the alarm systems Kanryuu has at his service at the tea house you'll be working. Now, why are you going to need it?"
Kaoru nodded, interested.
"This is where you and Kenshin-san are going to record your moans and cries during your supposed sexual act." He said, naturally.
Kenshin coughed the water he was drinking, while Kaoru dropped her jaw, feeling her eyes widen so much she feared they'd fall for a second. Blushing madly, she heard Kenshin ask, as embarrassed has her. "Excuse me!"
The man raised his eyebrow. "What? You expected to enter her room and all one could hear from inside was whispers? Oh sure, that wouldn't be suspicious at all." He said, sarcastically. When all he received was silence as an answer, he continued his explanation, sighing slightly. He was dealing with two adults behaving like kids! "Remember this: you're new at the house, so they have no idea whether you're good or not in your service. Once you have a client entering your room, you can be sure there will be someone behind your door, listening to every sound coming from inside. Now," He paused, placing the tape-recorder on the table, glancing at the two. "If you don't record your supposed reactions to the act, how're you going to tell him the information you held if you have to simulate the moans? Simple: you won't be able. Screaming and whispering at the same time is something the human being can't do." He said, pointing it out as if they were two kids.
Well, they were acting like ones, Kaoru silently agreed. But, then again, moaning to a tape-recorder wasn't something she was prepared to do. Or even wanted to. Yet, analyzing the situation, she'd rather record now than having to repeat it over and over again. But…
"But won't they notice that the moans and cries are all the same?" She asked, blushing.
"No. because you'll be recording different sets. And plus, you won't have someone at your door everyday. The important is to live the first night without any suspects. After that, you can relax a bit."
Relax? Right… Kaoru thought, troubled. This was getting harder by the second!
"So, let's start recording? It's late and you need a good night sleep."
"N-now? With you here!" She stuttered.
The man blinked. "I'll leave, don't worry. Just be sure to press the large red button. That's the rec." He said, raising from his seat and closing the door behind him.
The couple stood silent, looking at the machine as if it were a bomb almost blowing. Kaoru raised her eyes and glanced at her partner, sitting to her right, looking at the machine intensely. There was the feeling again. She WAS a burden. Oh God…
"I'm sorry." She whispered at him, lowering her head. Guilty was not a pleasant thing and she felt like she was drowning in it. "I'm sorry I dragged you into this. I should have listened to you when you said I didn't know where I was getting in to. I was so obsessed with the idea of losing the story, that I made a selfish decision. I never realize the danger I was putting ourselves in, or the situations we would have to go through." Stopping her speech, she sighed silently, never looking at her partners face.
Kenshin, on his side, was looking at the top of her head intensely. His jaw was clenched, as he thought deeply about the entire situation. Taking a deep breath, he shook his head. "Don't apology."
Kaoru blinked and looked up at him.
"You didn't drag me into this. I dragged myself. As I recall it, you didn't ask me to join you. Actually, you even questioned my decision." He paused. "When I said we were partners, I didn't want you to think I was doing it due to the feeling of responsibility, or something alike. I did it because…I know I'll be there for you. Because I want to be there for you."
"Why?" She asked quietly.
"Because I don't want to lose you. Even if, sometimes, we fight over work or different opinions, that doesn't mean I'm willing to work without you by my side."
Kaoru blinked, smiling softly. How nice and honest. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He answered quietly. "Now, let's do this, ne? After all, we are adults. Or have you never done this before?"
"What makes you think that?"
"You still look like a nun to me." He replied, chuckling at her enraged expression.
"Good. Than that's it. Go home and rest. Tomorrow, the real mission starts. Good night you two." The man said, closing the door and heading to his car at the parking lot.
Kenshin and Kaoru stood there looking at the retrieving man, before heading to the car.
Once again, silence filled the journey home, not because of some misunderstanding, but due to the tension of tomorrow morning. It would all began tomorrow and no one knew when it's going to end. Kaoru could only hope it would end soon. And she knew, the ending was in her hands. Shredding slightly, she let out a small sigh.
"Are you worried?"
She looked at her partner. "A little." Pause. "Are you?" She asked, glancing at him sideways.
"Yes." He answered, his brows creased, as he kept his eyes set on the road ahead from them. It was always the same, and Kaoru was staring to enjoy the small routine established between them.
They stopped on a red light and she studied his face. Concern was written all over his face, making her swallow. She hesitated for a second. "Do you think something bad is going to happen?" She asked in a little voice.
She watched as he kept staring ahead, ignoring her question. Not bothering to question him again, she settled more comfortably against her seat, waiting for the green light to come out.
Five minutes later, the car stopped in front of her house. Instead of opening the door, she turned to him. "You didn't answer my question. What is troubling you?" She said softly.
Kenshin hesitated for a while, before replying. "I'm af-" He stopped. "I'm afraid of not being there in time." He answered truthfully, not looking at her.
Taking in the meaning of his words, she smiled lightly, suddenly feeling stronger than before. Touching his shoulder softly, he glanced up.
"You know…I was kind of scared a while ago but, know that I think about it, I'm not who I am today due to living only in safe situations. People need difficult moments in their lives in order to grow up. I don't know what's going to happen and," She paused. "If I could re-make my decision, I would. But I can't. And neither can you. So, I'm going in there and help solving this case and…I'm not going to be afraid because…you're there to protect me, right?"
Kenshin stared at her for a second, before nodding firmly. "That's right. That's right." He replied, giving a small smile. "I'll be there, just like I promised you."
Kaoru smiled at him and whispered goodnight, before stepping out of the vehicle, closing the door. Just before entering the building, she turned and waved at Kenshin, who waved back and drove away. She watched as the car drove away and sighed.
What were they getting into?
Kaoru took a very, long, deep breath, closing her eyes tighter than before. Sitting in those police-station plastic chairs, she tapped her foot on the ground endlessly. Her black leather high heel clapped on the floor, making her aware of every second passing by. They had dressed her in a dark mini skirt and a light blue almost non existing top, making her feel even more uncomfortable than she already was. Blue eye shadow adorned her eyes softly, as a light rosy lipstick gloss shined at her lips. They left her hair just the way it was so, at least that she recognized in herself. Other than that, Kamiya Kaoru was no longer there.
They were going to meet the manager of Sakura Tea House in precisely an hour and she was shaking all over. Not by fear, but extremely adrenaline and expectation with the result of this mission. Kenshin was sitting in a chair across the room, surrounded by three men, telling him, once again, everything he needed to know once he entered the doors of the tea house. He was looking at them with interest but, as if sensing her eyes on him, he glanced at Kaoru from the corner of his eyes, smiling softly at her.
Half an hour later, Yukito-san approached Kaoru, mentioning her to get up. It was time. He grabbed her hand, squeezing it for a second, telling it would all be alright. The only thing she had to do was keep silent and just act like…a highly recommended hooker. She nodded, following him to the car, sitting at the back seat. Just as she was going to close the door, Kenshin placed his hand on top of it, stopping her from closing it.
He bended forward, looking straight into her eyes. "Don't worry."
"I'm not worried." She answered smiling. "I know you'll be there for me, remember?"
He nodded and closed the door. The car's engine started and he stepped behind, watching as the car drove away.
Kaoru played with her fingers restlessly as they droved to the place. They were getting closer by the second, making her heart beat faster than it already was. Even though she assured Kenshin that she wouldn't be afraid, he wasn't going to be there until noon, meaning that she was to be alone for at least…seven hours.
Oh God.
Looking outside the window, she noticed they were entering the lower and dangerous area of the city. The streets were darker, even if it were still two in the afternoon. Abandoned dogs searched for food in the garbage; dark alleys could be seen between almost every building, which were torn and old. This was a total unknown side of this city; somewhere she never allowed herself to get into. She was glad this mission wasn't real. She couldn't bear the thought of being sold to work at such place for the rest of her life. Or even worse…be kidnapped and obligated to work in this kind of place.
That single thought made her shiver in anger. They're going to put an end to it all. She just needed to enter their circle. Which reminded her of something. Glancing to her left, she looked at her supposed former owner. "Ano…Yukito-san…how are you so sure they're going to buy me?"
The man turned his head to her direction. "Have you looked yourself up in a mirror? With all due respect, he won't be able to say no."
Kaoru blushed slightly, before nodding. No use in further questions.
"Don't forget Kaoru-san; you're a professional in this area, so you must act like one all the time. Look at him arrogantly, sensually; show him you know what you're doing. Also, they he might request for you to stand up and show yourself. This doesn't mean for you to get undressed. You must simply turn around, showing your body language." He informed her briefly.
"Okay, I'll remember that." She paused for a second. "What's going to happen once I'm sold to them? Do you have any idea?"
"We aren't absolutely sure. According to our files, once a girl is sold to a place like that, she's submitted to an acknowledgement with the place and its staff. Then, you'll be showed your room and proceed to get ready for your first night. If everything goes out well, once you step into the room, Kenshin-san will already be there and will choose you before any other man has the opportunity to." He told her confidently.
Kaoru was about to give him a small smile when she felt the car halting. Glancing outside, she noticed they were at the back of a building.
"We're here." The driver said.
Yukito-san patted her shoulder, causing her to look at him. Fear and anticipation could be seen in her deep blue eyes. He sighed, giving her a gum to chew on. "Kenshin-san will be there to catch you if you fall." He told her quickly, before stepping out of the vehicle.
Taking a second to apply some lipstick at her lips, she closed her eyes briefly, demanding herself for control. Don't forget, you're a professional. Act like one. She told herself, closing her small purse and stepping out of the car.
"Do you have the tape?"
She nodded, touching the purse. She was to bring the tape, while Kenshin would bring the machine later on. They didn't scan people at the entrance due to the high technology displayed inside. Anyone caring something other than cell phones or similar machines would be caught up and banished from the house.
"Alright then, let's do this!" He said, knocking twice at a strong steeling door. After a couple of agonizing seconds, the heavy door opened, revealing a tall, well-built man who stared down at them.
"What's your purpose in here?" His deep voice asked.
Kaoru shivered inwardly. This was giving her the creeps already! The man's right arm was tattooed from the top to the very bottom, revealing images of dragons, devils and other evil mystic creatures. His hair was all shaved up, making his bald head shine at day's light. His face was round, adorned with severe dark eyes and a deep frown at his lips.
What a horror of a human being… Kaoru thought briefly.
"Shuuichi Ikeda to see Tobita Nobuo." Yukito-san replied steadily.
The man turned sideways, saying something to, what Kaoru supposed, was a small micro, asking if the information given to him was correct. He nodded shortly, turning to the two strangers standing in front of him. Looking serious at Kaoru, he replied. "You may enter." He stepped aside, letting them step inside before him. Glancing around to check there was no one spying, the big man closed the door.
No turning back now. Kaoru thought, walking through the small, dimmed light corridor. Intense cigarette smell assaulted her nostrils, as they approached a small room filled with smoke. She could feel her distaste building up within her already. Tiling her head slightly to her side, she tried to steal a previous glance to the people inside the room.
They reached the entrance and she swallowed. The big man stepped aside, waiting for them to enter, in order to close the door. Kaoru stepped inside, standing beside Yukito-san, grabbing her purse a little stronger than before. Lifting her eyes, she looked at the man sitting in front of them, looking at the sight in front of him in delight.
Kanryuu…
Thick, brown hair was parted on the top of his forehead, spreading aside, barely reaching his eyes, which were wide and dull as a lunatic. They reminded Kaoru of Jinei's eyes, but instead of blue, Kanryuu's eyes were deep dark brown, gazing at her in a madly and lustily way. A betraying grin was set at his lips, showing the excess of confidence he had in himself and alerting anyone he was not a trustful man.
He was sitting between another two large men, dressed in black, obviously his bodyguards. "Aa, you've finally made it! I was beginning to think you had given up the idea on selling your most precious. Take a seat." He said, gesturing the two to sit across the table. Kaoru and Yukito-san sat in front of the three men steadily, showing no fear what so ever.
Kanryuu looked at Kaoru and grinned. "I believe you're his precious? I'm Takeda Kanryuu. Usually, I don't come to the selling meetings, but I must say, with the way your owner described you, I was much curious." Turning to Yukito-san, he smiled lustfully once again. "And I'm very please to see you didn't fail describing her. She's marvelous."
Yukito-san nodded. "Yes, she's indeed. My precious mistress. Every man entering my tea house would desperately requests a time alone with her, even if it were just five minutes. She's very talented. The ways of pleasure are well known by her. You won't regret your decision. The day she enters your house, you'll wish for nothing more."
The conversation happening between the two men was making Kaoru feel nauseous. She felt like an object being sold. Then again, she was an object being sold. And to a fate less than pleasant.
"One million yen is my final offer." Kanryuu told firmly to Yukito-san, after a while of discussion.
Kaoru held her breath. She was worth that amount of money?
"But I-"
"Look, since when was any of this negotiable?" Kanryuu asked coldly.
Yukito-san nodded reluctantly, pretending he was unsatisfied with the amount of money he was receiving. They had discussed how he should act when the negotiation was happening. He did a good job. Turning to Kaoru, he looked at her sadly. "It seems you no longer belong to me, my precious flower."
Kaoru smiled sadly at him, as if sad for not working to him anymore. Honestly, she couldn't imagine someone being sad for no longer be a prostitute, but there are people capable of everything, so they agreed with her sadness over the depart. "Don't worry, my Ying Fa. You'll be happy in here."
"Ying Fa?" Kanryuu asked, arching an eyebrow.
Yukito-san nodded, turning to him. "It means Sakura in Chinese. It is how we used to call her."
Kanryuu thought about it for a moment, playing with his bangs. "Hum…Ying Fa…perfect." Leaning forward, he grabbed Kaoru's chin, pushing her face close to his. Trying her best to keep her seductive face, Kaoru obeyed his silent command and leaned over with any resistance. Kenshin would be there for her as soon as possible. Looking right into his eyes, she felt the same nauseous in her stomach when he spoke the next three words. "You are mine."
Kenshin breathed in three times, before stepping out of his vehicle, heading to the entrance of the tea house. Checking the small pressure of the tape, hidden in the most awkward place, he resumed his walk. Fighting to keep his heart from bursting out of his chest, he walked over the two men at the door.
Knowing he wasn't going to be scanned, he limited himself in bowing at the two, keeping his face as stern as he could. He was a business man, very strict, that didn't like to share what he considered his and was capable of doing anything beyond imaginable just to keep what was his. Possessive is the perfect word to describe who Kenshin was playing.
Immediately after passing the doors of the house, the mixed sense of cigarettes, perfume and body odors assaulted his nostrils. Even thought the room was ventilated, the smoke was as thick as fog. The place was very large, with a great amount of tables set in front of an average stage, with lights turned to the center of it. There were two bars, were men were already seated and talking to each other about God knows what. I think not even God wants to know…Kenshin thought disgusted. Many women were walking around only in their underwear, which were extremely provoking. One door could be seen to the right of the stage which leaded, as he guessed, to the rooms where the 'service' was to be done.
"Good evening handsome. Can I get you a table?" Kenshin turned to his right, to see a young woman purring next to him, playing with his left ear. Her face was extremely adorned with dark make over, making it impossible to figure it out who was underneath.
Focusing on the mission, he raised an eyebrow elegantly, putting his arm around her slim waist. "Yes, of course. I want one near the stage." He asked her in a husky voice. He knew how he looked and being charming wasn't something he hadn't done before.
The woman smiled seductively, leading him to a table near the stage and the door he had spotted a while ago. "I'll bring you something to drink hon'." And with that, she walked away, leaving Kenshin to glance around the room. Kaoru was still nowhere to be seen and he sincerely hoped he hadn't come too late. The young woman places a bottle with warm sake and pours some in the little dish. Thanking her, he takes a sip, letting the warm alcohol set at his stomach.
Just as he was about to take another sip, someone walked up to him. "Good evening sir. We're pleased to know you choose our tea house for your pleasure tonight. I'm Inoue Junichi and I'm the manager of this place. If there's anything I can do for you, please, just ask." He said politely, bowing deeply.
Kenshin was about to deny his services when something caught his eye. The most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life walked into the room, shining all over. Her petite figure was adorned with a short but stunning silver dress, making her shine like the most precious star in the sky. Kaoru had just entered the room.
Turning to the man, he asked him. "Who is that young woman?" He pointed in her direction.
The man, Junichi, looked over the place Kenshin was pointing and furrowed his brows. "The one with the red skirt?"
"No, the one dressed in silver."
Junichi quickly adverted his gaze from Kaoru and shook his head at Kenshin, dubiously. "Oh, that one is new, good sir. She just arrived today. We don't know how she works and I would be terribly disappointed if she was to displease you."
"She must start with someone, mustn't she?" Kenshin asked coldly.
"Y-yes, b-but—"
Kenshin cut his word. "I'm going to make a deal with you then. If she pleases me enough, I'll pay you one million yen to have her every night I come here. And even when I'm not coming, she is to be touched by anyone but me. I don't like to share, you see?" He said icily. "If she doesn't please me at all, I won't pay her for her services and you are to give me another woman for my self entertainment."
The man blinked quickly, swallowing. "One million yen? That's a great amount of money…"
"Do we have an agreement?"
Not a word was spoken for a while and Kenshin peered at Kaoru from the corner of his eye. She was walking between several drunken me, moving her hips in a very seductively way, slowly making her way over them.
"Very well. We have an accord mister…"
"Kiuchi Hidenobu."
"It was a pleasure dealing with you Kiuchi-san." He said, turning to a woman who was passing by. Giving her some indications, Kenshin noticed the same girl approaching Kaoru and the two entered the door to his right. It did lead to the rooms as he expected. "You may enter Kiuchi-san. Someone will tell you the exact room."
Kenshin raised from the seat and followed Kaoru. The door was connected to a set of stairs leading to the nests of pleasure. He climbed the stairs, relaxing a bit from all the events happening in the room he just exited. At the top of the stairs, the young woman that had accompanied Kaoru was waiting for him.
"It's the room to your right. Have a pleasurable night."
He nodded and faced the door. Breathing in, he prepared himself for whatever he was going to face inside. Grabbing the door knob, he turned it slowly and entered the room.
To be continued…
A/N: HEY THERE! Long time no see, ne? I know I know…I just have been on a MAJOR writers block with this story. Do you know when you have all the ideas but you just lack of inspiration to place them on paper? Oh, it's terrible! But it's finally done and I'm happy with it! I hope you enjoy it too!
Next chapter: Megumi
Yes, she's entering the story also! And, as always, major OCC! But I love it (winks)!
Ja ne my fellow readers!
Agnes