Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

Hello my darling readers! Here goes another chapter

Healing by KatsunoCZ

Chapter 11

Koishijiro picked up the ringing phone finally and said impatiently, "Hello."

It was Professor Suzukaze, "Good afternoon, Kamiya-san. I'm calling you about your daughter."

Koishijiro sat up straight in his chair, "What about her? I haven't hear from her for a while,"

"Lately she has not been paying attention during classes…"

"Is she failing any if the classes?" Koishijiro asked, cutting in before Suzukaze could finish his sentence.

"No," Suzukaze replied, "In fact, she always gets A's and is one of the top three students in all classes."

"Oh," Koishijiro said. "Has she been skipping any classes?"

"No, not yet."

"What do you mean by 'not yet'?"

"Lately, your daughter has been spending a lot of time with one of the artists in the Univeristy."

"An art student?"

"No, he is Amakusa Shougo, the university hires him as a consultant in the Art Department. He is a professional artist."

"Are they in a relationship?"

"That, I am not so sure."

In the art studio… (Friday)

Kaoru was painting on a canvas board while Shougo stands behind her, giving her comments and helping her. Kaoru brushed the colour carefully onto the face to enhance the feel of the shadows and turned around to Shougo.

"Is this okay?" She asked, smiling at him.

Shougo looked at the painting for a while before answering, "Yeah."

Kaoru smiled again and exclaimed, "Phew! I've finally got it this time round! This is the sixth time you made me draw it again!"

Shougo frowned.

Kaoru laughed and her eyes twinkled mischievously, "But you're the expert so I'll always listen to you!"

With that she got up and threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. Shougo blushed and was surprised by the sudden hug. Then, Kaoru released him, smiling gratefully at him now, "Thank you, Shougo. For everything."

Shougo smiled back at her awkwardly and Kaoru chuckled at Shougo's expression.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Shougo said.

And to both Shougo and Kaoru's surprise, it was Saitou who walked in. He was in his usual black suit and carrying a briefcase with a wolfish grin on his face.

"Hello," he said.

"Hello," Kaoru and Shougo said together. The both of then were both dismayed by Saitou's sudden appearance. For Shougo, it was because he knew that something was going on between Saitou and Kaoru. For Kaoru, it was because she was not ready to face him yet, she was still very confused and would like it better if he show up again after her emotions have settled.

Saitou, however did not seemed to notice the tensed atmosphere in the room. Either that or he didn't care. Casually, he walked towards them.

"How are you, Shougo?" he asked.

"Fine," Shougo replied.

Then, Saitou turned to Kaoru and bend to kiss her lightly on the cheek, "When will you be going to work?" I'll walk you there."

"Around five," Kaoru replied.

"Then we should get going right? I'll walk you there." Saitou said, taking her arm.

Shougo stiffened

"Erm…" Kaoru packed her bag quickly with the other two men watching her like a hawk.

Once she was ready, Saitou took her hand and led her out of the door.

"Bye, Shougo…" Saitou said.

"Bye, bye Shougo!" Kaoru called.

The door closed behind them, leaving Shougo staring at the door blankly, a storm brewing within him.

"Do you go to Shougo's everyday after your classes?" Saitou asked, while walking together with Kaoru to The Iwasaki's.

"Yes, if I have enough time, I always go."

Saitou nodded and asked, "What kind of art do you study?"

"I actually study medicine in the university, I just love art and Shougo agreed to help me."

Siatou nodded again and for the rest of the way to the Iwasaki's, they remained silent.

When they arrived in front of The Iwasaki's, Kaoru said, "Thank you for walking me here."

"You're welcome. I'll see you around, "he replied.

Kaoru nodded and up at him, Saitou just looked at her and walked down the street. She stared after him with a sad smile on her face.

That was what made Kaoru so confused. He could be so cold, mysterious and distant but yet so passionate when he kissed her. She knew nothing much about the man she was falling hopelessly in love with, except that he was a brilliant lawyer, rich and that he was worshipped by women wherever he went. She wanted to know so much more and she wanted the unrest feelings in her heart to settle down.

She was so immersed with her own thoughts that she didn't noticed that Tae was watching her.

"Ne, Kaoru?"

Kaoru spun around in surprised. "Tae! Sorry, I'll go change now!"

"Wait, was that Hajime-san just now?"

Kaoru nodded, "Yeah."

Tae smiled, "Okay, you better go change now."

Kaoru smiled back and rushed into The Iwasaki's and Tae walked in after her.

The Next Day…

"Shougo!" Kaoru exclaimed, opening the door to the art studio.

Shougo dropped his paint brush in surprise.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you." Kaoru apologized, rushing to his side and picking up the paint brush.

Shougo waved it away and said, "didn't you have to work at The Iwasaki's ? I didn't know that you are coming today."

"One of the other waitresses changed shifts with me because she helped me out the other time, so I'll be working on Sunday instead of today!"

Shougo nodded, "Why are you so hyper today?"

"Because I don't need to work today and I can spend more time with you, painting! The art studio is not opened on Sundays…"

Shougo laughed, "You're just like a little girl…"

Kaoru laughed too, "I know. I can relax this way, it makes me feel like I have no troubles or worries at all. In fact, art makes me forget all my woes."

Shougo looked deep into her eyes at what she was saying and say earnestly, "If you are unhappy or if you need some help, you can always tell me. I'll help you."

Kaoru smiled gratefully, "Thank you."

"I notice that you've become skinnier these days, how are you coping now that you've move out from your father's?"

"How did you know about that?"

"Gossip among the professors…"

"Suzukaze?"

"Yeah."

"Damn him, he reports everything to my father, doesn't he? And he still wants to spread things around. What else did you hear?"

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yes,"

"He also mentions that your father wants you to carry on his position in his hospital."

"His position? Damn, I can never escape from his clutches, can I?"

"You can."

"I can? I don't want to become a doctor, I'll go crazy doing something that I don't enjoy…but yet I'm studying to become one. I don't think I have a choice."

"You do. It's right in front of you but you just fail to notice it, that's all."

"What is it?"

"You can become an artist."

Kaoru laughed, "Me? I've just started learning from you. I'm barely coping with my job, art and class work…I can't possibly become an artist."

"I'll be opening an art gallery soon, how would you like to be my partner?"

"Your partner?"

Shougo nodded, "You can put some of your paintings in the art gallery, it'll be introducing you to the public like a professional."

"But I am an amateur!"

"You are, but your works aren't. It's up to the standards of being displayed."

"But…"

"Believe me Kaoru, I know about these things."

Kaoru nodded weakly, "Are you sure Shougo? I'm afraid that I might pull you down or embarrass you…what if people don't like my paintings?"

Shougo laughed, "Then, I pity them because they are obviously missing out on something great. Don't worry Kaoru."

Kaoru smiled gratefully, "I thank you for trying to help me but I am still unsure, you see, I'm new at making my own decisions and I'm afraid to do something different."

Shougo reached out to tuck a few loose strands of hair behind her hair tenderly and smiled gently, "I understand that you are confused now. Don't worry, you don't have to make up your mind about this now. You can tell me when you've made your decision. Just want to let you know that I'm always here for you."

Tears gathered in Kaoru's eyes upon hearing Shougo's kind and touching words then, she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight, "Thank you…thank you so much…"

On Saturday

Misao put the finishing touches to her make-up before walking out of her room.

Kaoru was studying at the dining table.

"Kaoru," Misao said, "how do I look?"

Kaoru looked up from her book and at Misao, a smile creeping on her lips, "Gorgeous."

Misao was wearing a pretty green sundress. She looked so cute and refreshing. Just the sight of her would brighten up anyone's gloomy day.

"Do you think I look nice enough for Seta-san to fall in love with me?"

Kaoru laughed, "Yes, Misao. But love don't come so easily…"

"But it seemed to have come easily for you. You love Saitou and he seems to like you too."

Kaoru shrugged uneasily, "Note that you've said: 'he seems to like you too'. He doesn't like me as much I like him, we don't even have to talk about him loving me…"

Misao looked confused, "If he doesn't love you, why are you still wasting your time on him? I still don't trust him."

"It's not so easy, Misao. It isn't so easy to walk away from someone you are crazy about…"

Misao looked at Kaoru sadly, "Kaoru…I think you should-"

Kaoru cut her off, "Misao-chan, you'll be late for Seta-san if you continue to talk to me. We can talk when you come back."

"But…"

"Go, Misao. I'm fine, just go ahead and have fun."

Misao picked up her bag and opened the door, she smiled wearily at Kaoru, "Here I go…"

Kaoru smiled reassuringly and said, "Don't worry, just be safe."

And as the door closed behind Misao, Kaoru slumped back in her chair and sighed.

Okita looked at the screen on his cellular phone. It was Enishi, calling him. He pressed a button, "Hello?"

"Hey," Enishi's friendly voice boomed into his ears.

Okita laughed, "Why are you so happy today?"

Enishi laughed too, "How about let's meet up at our favourite restaurant for dinner tonight?"

"Our favourite restaurant?"

"The Iwasaki's."

"Oh! What's the occasion?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing. Just want to meet up with up and catch up on things, we haven't go out just to relax for a while."

"But from your voice, I don't think that's it, Enishi. There is something else on your sleeves, I can almost 'see' it from your voice."

Enishi laughed again, "We'll see, we'll see…just come to The Iwasaki's okay? You'll never know if you don't come."

Okita laughingly agreed and disconnected the call after they had said their goodbyes. What is Enishi up to now?

Kaoru glanced at the clock tiredly, it was only 7.15pm. She still had so much to do. Suddenly, Tae tapped her on her back and said lowly, "Your hair is getting messy, go tie it again."

Kaoru nodded and headed towards the waitress' changing room. She looked into the mirror and indeed her hair was in quite a mess. Strands of raven hair had come out of her bun and she looked tired and worn-out. She shook her head violently in attempt to wake herself up, she can't go on looking like this or else she would give the customers a bad impression.

She combed her hair and tied it high up into a tight, elegant bun. Then, she applied some concealer to hide her dark eye circles and some lip gloss. She plastered a smile on her lips and sighed, she looked like an idiot.

Sighing again, she left the changing room to go to work again.

Enishi looked about him but he could not see Kaoru anywhere. He was so sure that she works on Saturday nights. Okita had not arrived yet…if Kaoru is not here, then there was no point of meeting Okita here.

Then, he saw her coming out from a door. She was smiling and her blue eyes were sparkling. Even in uniform, she took his breath away. He didn't not know why he was so attracted to her, it was like she had this special aura about her that called to him.

"What are you smiling about?"

Enishi looked up and saw Okita standing beside him, smiling amusedly at him.

Enishi shook his head and laughed, "Nothing. You're finally here...let's order."

Okita nodded and sat down, now looking at Enishi confusedly.

For a moment while the waitress was taking down their orders, Okita's gaze shifted to Kaoru.

"Enchanting, isn't she?"

Okita almost jumped at being caught looking atKaoru and was surprised to find out that it was Enishi who wasspeaking. He, too was looking at Kaoru, and there was something in Enishi's eyes that made him felt uncomfortable. Why is he looking at Kaoru that way?

"She's my fiancé…" Enishi added, still looking at Kaoru dreamily.

Okita's heart nearly jumped out of his chest, "Your fiancé?"

Enishi nodded and turned back to look at Okita, "Remember the girl I told you about? The one that isn't in love with me yet?"

Okita nodded slowly, "Yeah."

"That's the girl, right there." Enishi replied, pointing at Kaoru.

Okita blinked, trying very hard to make sure that his eyes weren't playing tricks on him while he followed where Enishi was pointing at.

"Which one?" he asked. He had to make sure.

Enishi laughed, "I can introduce you to her if you want to. I'm still friends with her even though we are not lovers."

Okita was about to protest but he was too late, Enishi was already waving to Kaoru.

Then, he thought he saw Kaoru frowned before walking over to their table.

"How may I help you?" she asked, smiling. Her voice all business and polite.

Enishi laughed, "Can't a friend ask you to come over so that I can say 'hi'?"

Kaoru smiled wider and said, "Okay. You've said 'hi'. Now I need to get back to work."

Enishi laughed again and caught her wrist before she could get away, "Now, now. Don't disappear so fast, I have someone that I would like to introduce you to,"

Kaoru turned to look at where Enishi was gesturing and her eyes met two familiar hazel ones, staring back at her. She cursed herself inside her mind. Why does everyone knows everyone?

"Souji-san," she managed to say.

"Kaoru," Okita replied, nodding his head.

Enishi stared at them, "You two know each other?"

Okita and Koaru stared at each other, not knowing what to say.

"We've met through friends," Kaoru said uncertainly.

"Yeah," Okita said.

Enishi laughed, and was about to ay something more when Kaoru cut him off again.

"I've got to get back to work."

She left quickly, walking as fast as her legs could carry her.

Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!

Kaoru could not believed that it was happening! Okita was out there with Enishi, and she wondered what Enishi had told him…that she was his fiancé? Or else Okita would never look at her with that look in his eyes. With such surprise, it was almost like he was accusing her of something…

It cannot be!

She had already told Enishi that the engagement was off, he wouldn't tell tales, would he?

She hoped not, because if he did, she'll make sure that he'll suffer the consequences.

Misao could not help it but she just could not stop herself from staring at Soujiro. She suspected that the handsome young man handling the wheels beside her might be even more alluring and beautiful than her.

He had such kind, blue eyes and soft black curling hair that curled about his neck gracefully. He was so nice to her, always being such a gentleman. He held the door opened for her whenever they went, pulled her chair for her to sit down at the restaurant and listened to whatever she had to say. He was also always smiling so warmly, and also not aware of how much his smiles were affecting her.

They laughed, joked and had lots of fun. So much so that Misao was sorry that the evening was over when Soujiro brought her home late at night.

"I had fun tonight. Thank you." Misao said, smiling happily at Soujiro.

Soujiro nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I had fun too. You make everything seemed like fun."

Misao blushed, "Eh?"

Soujiro laughed and bent to kiss her lightly on the cheek, "Maybe we should go out again. A movie, perhaps?"

"Really?"

"Really."

Misao's smiled widened and she asked, "When?"

"Friday night, next week?"

Misao nodded eagerly, "Okay."

Then, she got out of the car and watched Soujiro drove away.

Her mind was dizzy, she could almost still feel Soujiro's lips being pressed onto her cheek…

11.30pm

Kaoru sighed and changed into her own clothes, work was finally over. She had tried her best to avoid the table that Okita and Enishi was sitting at and she was still angry at how Enishi had behaved. Like some stupid young boy. She was sure for now that he was there to annoy her. Always looking at her with a stupid smile on his face. She was tensed all through out, she couldn't relax and now she was thinking of beating him up one day for making her this nervous today.

She sighed again, putting on her brown trench coat over her simple red dress; telling herself that she should just forget about it and have a good night's sleep.

But obviously that wasn't what was planned for her tonight.

As Kaoru stepped out of the restaurant, onto the empty streets, she saw a slim figure in front of her, leaning against a lamp post.

Souji Okita…

A/N: Hey there, this chapter is FINALLY finished! My whole body is aching from a challenging and dangerously mountain climb. Wow, I don't know how many bruises I have on my body. Not to mention the cuts. I'm just very glad that I survive without killing myself. Half of the time I didn't know what I was doing, I just felt like I was Tarzan or Spiderman.

Okies, people. Please review and tell me what you all think! Let me know how I am doing…feedback is always appreciated!

anime pixie : yeah, hahaah! Thank you for your review, I'm glad that you liked that last chapter, I hope you like this one. There is not much of SaitouKaoru here, but I still hope that you'll enjoy it. More of their moments will be in later chapters!

Tameka-tanuki-jouchan:OooHHH…I'm happy that you like those moments between Kaoru and Saitou, I was afraid that I didn't do good with that one. Thank you! I hope you like this chapter, let me know!

YaymeQ: Thank you for saying that it is a unique fic and thanking for stopping by and reviewing. Yes, you are right, it's okay to tell me about my mistakes. It's not rude at all! I hope you like this chapter!

Kaori-Angel:Heheheh, yes you helped! Yeay and thanks! Hmmm…what will Kaoru do when she find out that they are brothers? That will be at a much later chapter, I'm still not so sure. I do hope you enjoy this chapter, let me know what you think!

FairyMage: Hey there! Thank you for taking time out to review my last chapter even though you are busy. Thank you! I'm glad that you like the last chapter…it's cute? Hahahah! I hope you like this chapter!

Pixel-the-evil-fairy:it's okay, thank you for your review…..and here is the update! I do hope you like this chapter and please do review again!

Jrz: hello dear, how are ya feeling? Thank you for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter dude…..Hehehehh!

Reviews are goooood.