Author's note:
Thank you nes for reviewing my piece before it goes public. I shall try to minimize my mistake the next time.
Disclamer: I do not own any character in Rurounin Kenshin. I just borrowed them to improve my vocabulary and grammar.
The Girl Who Cried Wolf
Kaoru gave her extraordinary heavy limbs a toss to her right. Her eye lids were still tightly shut. Although she was barely awake, subconsciously, she registered that she had been sleeping for a long period of time and it would be soon before her submission to awakening. Drowsily, she wondered when her alarm clock would set off its faithful wake up call. Slowly she cracked opened her very lethargic eye lids and her slightly blurred vision was looking for the digital alarm clock on her bed side table.
'Oh… it is only a quarter past seven.' She shut her eyes again for a forty wink. But before she could count to three, "Shit!" She shot up from her sleeping position.
She hastily grabbed hold of her clock and stared quickly at the item on her hand. Indeed it was a quarter past seven and she had overslept! She jumped out of her bed, not even bothering to change her sleeping attire nor tied up her hair, and rushed out from her room to the kitchen.
"Good morning. How are you feeling today? Why are you up so early?" Kenshin was standing in front of the stove with sunshine smile and a ladle in his hand, apparently cooking a simple porridge meal.
"Early? I overslept! I was supposed to get up at six to prepare breakfast & lunch box!" Kenshin was glad to hear Kaoru exclaiming exasperatedly. It was a sign that she was well and no longer ill.
"Kaoru, I remember telling you last night that you needn't to bother about this morning's breakfast. Sano and I could always opt for cafeteria's lunch. No big deal." He smiled and returned to stir the simmering porridge.
"Yes but still…." She sat herself on the dining. Since she didn't have to worry about breakfast anymore and she doubted she could get to the kitchen area to start on their lunch box with Kenshin standing in there, she realized that she was longing to go back to sleep.
'Must be due to the effect of the medication. It is still in my system.' She thought. She rested her left cheek on the cold dining table while staring lazily at Kenshin's figure.
Kaoru's thoughts took her to the alarm clock – why did it not set off at the intended time? She remembered quite clearly that she did set the alarm before she dozed off. 'What could have happened? It is not possible that I turned it off unconsciously in my sleep. Well, it is possible but unlikely.' She watched Kenshin taking something from the kitchen cabinet and adding to the pot. 'Do you think that maybe, perhaps, Kenshin had came over to the room when you were not aware and shut it off for you? After all, he did want you to stay in bed…" For a second, she gave serious deliberation of the possibilities of her last thought before she giggled. 'Yeah, right. Trust Kenshin to sneak into your room while you are sleeping. That is totally absurd. What are you thinking Kaoru! '
Only if she knew…..
Kenshin turned away from the pot to Kaoru when he heard her soft giggling. Concern crossed his face when he saw how she had rested her head on the dining table.
Kaoru's eyes trailed Kenshin's features silently as he turned off the stove and walked towards her. He placed the back of his palm on her cheek before the very same hand traveled to her forehead. "Are you still feeling sick?" He asked even though her temperature rated normal to his palm.
"Mmmmh…" She was not even sick to begin with, but she couldn't help purring a little. She craved for Kenshin's attentive attention. She had not any sense of guilt for pretending.
"Come on. Let's put you back to bed again." He helped her to get up from the chair to her room. She obliged and dragged her lazy self to her room.
"I will call Hiko and tell him that you are not feeling well, so he doesn't have to come for dinner tonight." Kenshin said thoughtfully as they were approaching her room.
Kaoru, whose mind was in a trance to go back to bed, woke up to a full alert mode when Kenshin mentioned about canceling tonight's dinner. "No! I am not sick." She quickly grabbed hold his hand and placed it on her forehead. "See! I am just sleepy. There is no reason to cancel tonight's dinner. I'm looking forward to see Hiko."
Kenshin was assessing her condition. He was amused and trying very hard to suppress his laughter. Her eyes were wide opened with an expression that could only be read as a child with a tooth ache being denied of her candy. 'She is just so adorable' He thought. Before he could say anything, a yawn was heard.
Half awaken Sano walked past the two very still people, oblivious to the fact that Kaoru was securing Kenshin's hand on her forehead. He gave another loud yawn before he closed the bathroom door behind him. Both Kaoru and Kenshin could only stare stupidly at Sano as he made his way, as if thinking that if they both stood statue like, Sano might not see them.
Kaoru let go of Kenshin's hand when she heard the bathroom door close, snapping her out of her daze. For a moment, Kaoru thought she was doomed, being caught in the act by Sano. While there wasn't any hint of indecency in holding Kenshin's hand to her forehead, still, she was uncomfortable having Sano to witness it. She did not understand her own reasoning. She was thankful that Sano's brains had not been fueled with enough blood to interpret the scene before him.
Kaoru sighed and looked at the floor before she said, "I-I……. am feeling much better now." She had almost confessed that she was not truly sick. "I want to have Hiko over for dinner tonight..." She trailed off while trying very hard to hold back a blush that was threatening to break the surface of her fair complexion. She felt embarrassed and silly ( for reacting like a five year old a while ago. 'See if Kenshin is going to like you any better now!'
Kenshin noticed how her cheeks had turned slightly pink. Noting the she was somehow embarrassed to look him in the eyes and that the atmosphere had suddenly turned rather awkward, two fingers from his left hand reached her chin, gently elevating Kaoru's head to level with his. He then brought his right hand to rest on her forehead, again.
"Mmm….I see. Indeed. You are not sick. You are just sleepy." He said in the most unconvincing manner with a smirk creping from the corner of his lips.
Kaoru felt like smacking him out of his smirk, ignoring all together the sensation that she was experiencing under his gentle touch, for treating her like a five year old. Then again, who could have blamed for his resolved when she did acted like a five year old.
"Ok. You win. I will not deter your beloved Hiko from coming tonight" Kenshin tried his best at humor to lighten the mood. Sensing that she was not convinced by his statement, he continued, "I promise." His eyes grew a tad larger than they were already, looking at her carefully seeking for her acknowledgement.
Kaoru made a mistake by looking right into his eyes. She found herself entirely trapped and lost in the swirl of his eyes. 'His eyes…They are so beautiful…..so captivating…even more enchanting during the daylight than under the moonlight. I could just surrender myself to this pair of eyes….'
"Kaoru….?" Kaoru was not responding and Kenshin started to worry that she might be fainting any minute too soon. Almost instantly he removed his hands from her forehead and chin, proceeded to encircle his arm loosely around her slim upper body – ready to catch hold of her if she decided to blackout.
Kaoru felt his arm snaking around her and robotically took a step forward, closing the distance between them. She brought hands up parallel to his shoulder and placed them gracefully on his shoulder blade.
Kenshin grew slightly disorientated at the woman in front of him. She had a dreamy expression with her three quarter opened daze filled eyes. She closed in another inch. He had a feeling that his heart was going to stop beating very soon. Is she…? Should he…?
Meanwhile, Sano saw himself grinning mischievously through the bathroom mirror as he brushed his teeth. Lowering his upper body to the sink, he gaggled and spat, whispering to no one in particular, "Those two fool…" He shook his head with a smile. He hastily wet his face before turning away from the mirror and turning the door knob.
A 'click' was all Kaoru heard before she repulsed away from Kenshin's forceful magnetic attraction as if both were magnets of the same polarity.
Sano opened the bathroom just in time to catch a glimpse of Kaoru leaping backwards, away from Kenshin. Kenshin looked shocked and at the same time disappointed. 'Uh –oh…Wrong timing. Again.' Made believed that he saw nothing, he strode casually across the living area back to his room.
A tomato faced Kaoru murmured something which sounded like "I need to clean up before breakfast" to Kenshin as she walked quickly into the bathroom.
Kenshin sighed restlessly when the image of Kaoru's rear was replaced by a closed door. He couldn't decide whether he was even more confused or more certain of their relationship. He supposed he would have gotten his answer if Sano were to patiently wait a little longer in the bathroom. But no, Sano had to come out of the bathroom at the peak. He then turned to glare at Sano. He felt like strangling his best mate.
Sano sensed Kenshin's eyes dangerously narrowing at him. "What!" He dared asked.
Kenshin closed his eyes. Mentally, he was hitting his head continuously against an imaginary wall. 'Why does this always happens to me! What have I done to deserve this sweet torture?' He sighed and shook his head in chorus. He turned his back to Sano without answering the man's question and headed towards the kitchen.
Sano swallowed hard and quickly walked into his room, locking the door before Kenshin picked up anything lethally sharp from the kitchen.
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Kaoru, whose hands were clasped together supporting her buttock, leaned her upper back against the closed bathroom door. She looked up to the bright lighting with a grin. She couldn't believe herself that she was actually audacious enough to make the first move to almost seal their first kiss! Though she was far from 'almost' if not for, what was then termed as 'idiotic Sano's' interruption, still, by her account, she had broken her own record. To even think that she had shied away at his advance just last night and this morning….'The medication must have done wonders to my courage.' She reasoned unscientifically.
'There would be always the following steps once you manage the first one.' She was determined and was looking forward to it. She no longer had to speculate endlessly when Kenshin would plan another of his courtship.
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Kaoru rested herself on the sofa, indulging in cup of tea that Kenshin had made for her before he left for work with Sano. She was also beginning to enjoy this bad habit of hers- having her heels resting on the edge of the coffee table. It would be over Aoshi's dead body if she could do that back in Kyoto.
Kaoru rotated the cup in circular motion in her palms, seemingly, appreciating the print on the cup with a voluptuous smile. In truth, it wasn't the cup that she was emotionally caught up with but the very thought that it was Kenshin who had made her this cup of tea. While this was not the first cup of beverage that Kenshin had prepared for her, yet, this particular cup gave a very peculiar feeling that she couldn't seem to describe. Fuzziness in her stomach? Warming of the heart? Sensuality steering her emotion? Echoing of her desire? Kenshin's melting smile? A more appropriate description would be all the above mentioned emotions thrown into a blender – undefined happiness flooding her being.
'Better stop day dreaming and get started already. There is much to do for today.' Though her mind was rational, her limbs made no effort to neither move from the sofa nor put the cup down. Her mind was incoherent with her emotions.
'Kaoru, Hiko is coming for dinner tonight.' She reminded herself. She sighed smilingly, bringing the cup to her lips. She took a small sip of the once hot tea, in spite of the liquid never fail to warm her from heart.
'Buzz…..Buzz……Buzz ….'
"Coming……" The doorbell finally got Kaoru to her feet, placing the cup on the coffee table. She walked to the door and had a pretty good idea who would be behind the closed door.
"Morning, Mrs. Najimo. Nice of you to check on me. I am feeling much better now, thank you." Kaoru greeted as soon as Mrs. Najimo came to her display. She did not mean to be rude but once Mrs. Najimo started her strings of questions, Kaoru doubted that she would be given the chance to answer them until very much later.
"Morning dear. I am so glad to know that you are feeling much better. I promised Kenshin that I'd come see you, so, here I am. Come, let's go in and we shall discuss." In no time, Mrs. Najimo gently held Kaoru by her elbow and carefully led them both to the living area.
Kaoru couldn't help feeling that by the way she was being held, it was as if she was highly traumatized and was about to break any minute. As she was being led to her living area that she was familiar with, even if blindfolded, she registered in her mind that neither she or Mrs. Najimo had closed the door and she couldn't help feeling that there're more people trailing behind them. She briefly turned her head to look behind her while still moving forward. She was shocked with her mouth slightly opened to see Mrs. Sakata, Mrs. Kaneshiro, Mrs. Hoari, Mrs. Seto, Mrs. Tamao, Mrs. Yasuko, etc… etc…walking into her apartment.
She was still reciting all the names of those ladies around her even when she sat on the sofa. She had a feeling that probably the whole community of ladies was now located in Kenshin's apartment. If there was anyone in the world who had anything against this group of these sweet old ladies in the community, then this would be a perfect opportunity to kill all birds with just one stone. In some part of her mind, she was amazed that Kenshin's apartment could hold that many guests.
Partially, Kaoru felt touched and grateful for these wonderful ladies had taken the trouble to care for her well being just because she had a common cold. In which, she was not even catching. She felt bad for having to lie to them. Now, she would have to continue her role as the drama queen.
On the other hand, it was totally ridiculous and too extravagant of them to rush to see her, barely half an hour after Kenshin left for work. As if the entire group had nothing better to do than to busy themselves with their neighbor's common cold. She dared not imagine what would happen if it was more than just a common cold. 'What if I was pregnant?' She was taken aback at her very thought. "… Hang on. What am I thinking! Me! Pregnant! I think it's about time for me to stop day dreaming…'
"Erm... Maybe I should get us all some tea" Kaoru finally broke the silence after sitting uncomfortably, in her recognition, being stared at with what appeared to be a touch of sympathy. 'Though I don't think there would be enough cups to serve everyone. Note to self: Must get paper cup the next time I go grocery shopping for contingency purposes – in case I decided to fall sick and my sweet neighbors get wind of the news.'
"That won't be necessary, dear. We have that all sorted out, don't we ladies?" Mrs. Najimo quickly but gently pulled Kaoru down to her seat as she was mid-way getting up from the sofa. Mrs. Najimo then glanced over her shoulder to Mrs. Sakata and Kaneshiro.
Kaoru trailed Mrs. Najimo sight and just realized that Mrs. Sakata and Mrs. Kaneshiro were already pouring tea and cup passing on to the furthest person like a game of musical chair only without the chair and music. 'They even brought cake along with them. How thoughtful. Probably me being sick was just another reason for them to get together. They are after all retired folks. Every single bit of news or event of out the ordinary routine would excite them.' Kaoru thoughtfully concluded. A cup was passed to Kaoru and she accepted it with grace and gratitude.
"Kaoru, there is much to discuss about now." Mrs. Najimo gave the impression that she was about to start a lecture. Kaoru nodded and was trying to avoid looking bewildered.
"Kaoru, you're probably wondering why we are all here?" Mrs. Najimo spoke of Kaoru's mind. Kaoru wondered whether she was expected to answer the question but probably not since Mrs. Najimo continued with her great speech. "Kaoru," Mrs. Najimo placed her warm wrinkled hands around Kaoru's, whose hands was wrapping her cup, "please know that we are all here to help you and we are here for you. You can come to us with any problem, at any time. We understand, Kaoru, that none of this is your fault."
'I am sooo lost.' Kaoru could no longer contain her confusion from her facial expression. Nonetheless, if she wished to get to the bottom of this, she would have to play along. Therefore, she nodded again, willing Mrs. Najimo to carry on.
"Right now, Kaoru. We need to get you married to Kenshin as soon as possible." There was no compromise in Mrs. Najimo's tone.
'W-what?' Kaoru's eyes stretched out wide. If she was still in a daze and feeling slightly drowsy like before, she was now fully awake. Kaoru looked away from Mrs. Najimo to the rest for some assistance to bring some light to her understanding of the situation. She only saw how all of them nodded in agreement with Mrs. Najimo.
Noting how Kaoru was shocked at her suggestion, Mrs. Najimo further explained the obvious, "You can't hide it much longer, dear. It will be soon before it is visible to the rest of the world."
"Visible?" Kaoru clearly did not understand a single thing that Mrs. Najimo was trying telling her.
Mrs. Najimo could not resist rolling her eyes and sighed restlessly, "Baby grows in the stomach, Kaoru. No matter how slim or skinny you are, your stomach will bulge as the baby inside you grows."
"B-baby!" If Kaoru thought that earlier she had out stretched her eyes to the limit, she was wrong as her eyes opened even wider than before! So much so that her eyes ball almost dislocate itself from the socket. "B-B-But I am NOT pregnant!" Kaoru finally understood where Mrs. Najimo was getting at. She could almost jump in protest from her seat. She heard the buzzing sound of the door bell which she was currently too preoccupied to attend to it. Her major concern at present was to think of a way to get herself out of this hot soup that she had somehow landed herself into. 'That is what you deserve for lying' 'I SAID I was having a cold, NOT PREGNANT!' "How could I be pregnant! I am still a virgin…" She trailed off softly at her last sentence as she defended her honor and dignity. She looked at her cup of tea. She could feel her face as red as a beetroot.
"It is ok, Kaoru. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You can trust us with you secret. We will talk to Kenshin about it and get things sorted out before your belly grow any further and induce suspicion." Mrs. Najimo reassured Kaoru. Her hands tighten its grip on Kaoru's. The rest the ladies nodded in agreement.
'Talk to Kenshin about it? Oh god…' "No... This is a misunderstanding! I am not pregnant!' Kaoru noted that none of the ladies seemed to believe her. "I can prove it. Pregnancy test!' None was convinced.
"Kaoru, there is no need to panic. It is alright. Remembered that we are here for you. We will take care of this matter in no time, won't we ladies?" The committee members of 'Project: Kaoru's Premarital Pregnancy' nodded in unison, concurring with their president. Kaoru could only look at them with her large eyes, speechless and in despair.
'I can't get out of this alive, can I?' Out of a sudden, she felt herself spacing out, trapped in her own world. She imagined if Kenshin were to be confronted by the ladies, how he would immediately pack her luggage and buy her a one-way-ticket back to Kyoto. She imagined if Aoshi were to find out, how he would be fuming in red from his toes to the last end of his hair. Between her and Kenshin, she was not sure which would he kill first.
'Snap out of it, silly woman. Why would Aoshi be mad? Come on, it is not like you are really pregnant. Even if you are, doesn't that actually solve all your problems? Think! Kaoru, think! Resolves problem...' Lost within her thoughts, she vaguely felt her cup leaving her hands.
Kaoru looked from a distance to see who had removed her cup and thereafter took hold of her wrist. She saw Mrs. Takuya smiling at her. Funny that Kaoru had thought that she did not see Mrs. Takuya earlier. Mrs. Takuya turned her hand over where the palm was facing up and rested her hand on a very small pillow meant, she thought, for the hand. Gently Mrs. Takuya's index and middle finger tapped on her opened wrist with Mrs. Takuya's thumb supporting the back of the wrist.
Kaoru came back to world again when she grasped what Mrs. Takuya was doing - Mrs. Takuya was reading her pulse! If she had deduced correctly, Mrs. Takuya would be her savior for the day. She could almost hear the angels singing and birds chirping happily. She heard Mrs. Takuya telling her to relax. Kaoru kept her eyes fixed on Mrs. Takuya's expression. Mrs. Takuya smiled at Kaoru's wrist, looked up and smiled assuredly to Kaoru. Mrs. Takuya released Kaoru's wrist and turned to the busy crowd.
"Ladies…. Ladies…." Mrs. Takuya said softly, trying the gain the attention of the small crowd that busied themselves with a wedding plan. "Ladies," She tried again, only this time, she was a little louder, "Kaoru is NOT pregnant." She stated clearly.
Mrs. Najimo and the small crowd tuned down immediately and eyed at Kaoru. Kaoru nodded a few times in agreement with Mrs. Takuya. Then, the small crowd turned back to Mrs. Takuya and shook their head in question – Kaoru was not pregnant? Mrs.Takuya could only reply shaking her head numerous times.
By now, the small crowd turned to eye on Kaoru again. Kaoru could almost see Mrs. Najimo's jaw dropped to the hard floor while the rest of the sweet ladies stared at her with a blank expression. Their eyes widened when Mrs. Takuya added further, "And she is still a virgin."
"I am!" Kaoru was shocked with her eyes as wide as the rest. "I mean I am, but how can you tell?" Kaoru had no doubt for one second that she was still a virgin but she was surprised how can one attest to that sort of statement unless the person in speech was the one who took her virginity away from her. Then again, if that particular person had indeed deflowered her, it'd probably be wrong of him to make such statement. And by all means, Mrs. Takuya was definitely in no position to tell, simply because she was of the same gender!
"I practice acupuncture, Kaoru. I can tell all sorts of things that your body is experiencing or lacking by reading your pulse." The Mrs. Takuya convincingly explanation justified her earlier declaration.
While Kaoru was aware that pulsing reading can tell of a person general health condition, she had no idea that it could also ascertain of ones chastity.
"Oh well," Mrs. Najimo finally said, after an unusual moment of silent from her, "… we are glad to hear that you are not pregnant."
Kaoru had thought that Mrs. Najimo was much less than 'glad' than her words were by the look on her face which was no longer lively and almost dull as compared to before Kaoru's false pregnancy was announced. In fact, the once excited crowd had lost all their excitement and positive energy to carry on. They seemed to look forward towards Kaoru's pregnancy and forthcoming wedding as if the events would engrave a spectacular memoir on their part.
"Well, since we are all gathered together here, we should just celebrate for today's wonderful bright sunny day." Mrs. Takuya tried to lit back the spirit. "Let's not put the food and tea to waste. They look lovely and I am really hungry." Mrs. Takuya took a piece of the cake nearest to her and gave it a bite with a blissful expression. Soon, the once dead crowd arose from their grave and silence was no longer in recognition.
Kaoru was simply amazed how the crowd in front of her could conveniently forget that just minutes ago they were scandalizing her of being pregnant and minutes later they were focusing of praising one another of their baking skills. And there Kaoru was, sitting quietly to herself, trying to collect the pieces of her, scattering around the floor as a result of the provocative accusation.
Those sweet harmless ladies had almost ruin Kaoru's master plan to be with Kenshin. No doubt that he had shown love interest in her but she was sure that he would not compromise if it was Kaoru's dignity and honor at stake- it was that sort of man Kenshin was. If he had sent her back to Kyoto, it would be even harder (than it was at the present) for Kaoru to realize her dream. 'I should be thankful that the scandal now is burned to the ground. It could have been worst' she thought positively. She sighed almost inaudible and rose from her seat.
"I shall see what I can find to serve you ladies with?" Kaoru faked a smile before she headed to the kitchen. She had wanted to distant herself from the ladies as far as possible without appearing to be rude. She wanted some quiet time to herself to get over the ordeal that has been imposed upon her. Though the kitchen was not exactly a good place to shield herself against the noisiness from the living area but she was alone. So she had thought.
"Kaoru," Mrs. Takuya startled Kaoru as she, out of nowhere stood beside Kaoru, apparently looking for whatever that Kaoru was looking for in the kitchen cabinet, "...Don't take it to heart. It is alright now." She seemed to be able to read Kaoru's mind. Kaoru smiled gratefully even though Mrs. Takuya was not looking
"However," Mrs. Takuya continued too softly to the extent that Kaoru had to strain her ears to listen. "Be this a lesson to be learnt. You should be more careful. Take more precaution to avoid this rumored scandal to turn into your real nightmare. I understand young people nowadays do not value the notion of sex before marriage, but, modernization or not, it is not appropriate nor it is honorable for a maiden to be pregnant. To a certain degree, it will cost disgrace to your family. Please keep in mind and always practice safe sex." Mrs. Takuya advised without looking at Kaoru as though she was whispering to the cabinet instead.
Kaoru was taken aback by Mrs. Takuya's word of advice. "B-but Mrs. Takuya, you…you…"
"Attested that you were still a virgin?" Mrs. Takuya sensed that Kaoru was confused.
Kaoru nodded.
Mrs. Takuya chuckled softly. "Kaoru, do you honestly think that I can really tell whether or not you are sexually active by putting slight pressure on your veins?"
Kaoru's eyes widened in puzzlement before she managed, "If not, why did you…"
"Say that you are still a virgin?" Mrs. Takuya appeared to be amused by Kaoru's confusion.
"Because Kaoru, I do not like the fact that THAT Mrs. Najimo has taken advantage of the situation and blow things out of proportion and turn this into one biggest news of the century when this only concern you and Kenshin. In my opinion, she has no sense of respecting other's privacy." Mrs. Takuya's voice was filled with resentment and annoyance.
"Don't worry, you are genuinely not pregnant." Mrs. Takuya reassured Kaoru with a smile. "This would be a little secret between the two of us. My mouth is sealed. Mrs. Najimo will never find out about this. You are far too sweet and innocent to be harassed and dictated by that Mrs. Busy-Body."
'Oh god...Someone please help me!' Kaoru felt like dropping dead to the floor. Nevertheless, she took Mrs. Takuya's word that Mrs. Takuya would not start the rumor. Despite of, she couldn't help feeling frustrated and helpless. If that is how it was going to be, she thought, she would be better off if she was actually bedding Kenshin! At least then the assumption would be of the truth and fact.
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Kaoru was finally left alone again in the apartment. She had been grateful and appreciative for being left alone in Kenshin's apartment. Once again, thanks to Mrs. Takuya, the ladies had adjourned their little tea party.
Kaoru took a look at the time and realized that she was running out of time. She haphazardly changed her clothing, grabbed her handbag and car keys; slipped into her sandals and practically ran out of the apartment to where Kenshin's car was. In truth she was catching up with time, however, she was also trying avoid being stopped by any of the neighbors. She had had enough of them for one morning.
As she was driving to the hyper mart, she mentally went through her shopping list. She emphasized in particular on stocking up sake for Hiko's consumption. She got slightly agitated when she brought to mind that Kenshin had wanted to cancel tonight's dinner because of her sweet little lie. Having feeling somewhat insecure, she plug-in her hands-free kit to her mobile and speed dialed for a familiar number. She waited impatiently for the other part to answer her call.
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Hiko was looking sternly at his employees in the conference room while holding the management report to his hand. He was about to forcefully throw the report back to the preparer's face when his mobile rang. He maintained his autocratic air and waved his hand to his fellow employee, signaling them to leave the room at once as he reached for his ringing mobile laid on the large meeting desk.
"Kaoru..." Hiko mannerism changed immediately from a tyrant to caring father. "Where are you?" Hiko gathered that she was somewhere other than home since there was some noticeable noise distraction tapped in the line.
"I'm on my way to the hyper mart. And don't worry, I am using my hand-free kit" Kaoru reassured him as she knew that Hiko was rather finicky on the issue.
Hiko smiled to mouth piece. "Good. So, what do I owe you for this call?" He turned the wheel of his chair to face the glass panel separating him from the great blue sky. He strummed his free fingers gently against the desk.
"Hm… I was just wandering if Kenshin called you today?" Straight to the point, she went.
"No. Why? Am I expecting his call?" At the back of his mind, he went through a list of possible scenarios.
"I see. Well, ok then." She sounded rather relieved to Hiko's comfort.
"Anyway, if Kenshin does call you, don't answer his call." She demanded but changed her mind shortly. "No, wait. Answer his call but ignore whatever he has to say about me. I am perfectly fine as you can already tell. And I am on my way to get stuff for tonight's dinner so, you better turn up for tonight… Or else, tomorrow, I shall packed loads of overnight cooked food and have it brought personally to your office and start nagging loudly 'why you stood me up'. Understand?"
"Yes, m'am." Hiko chuckled. He had no choice but to oblige. Her threat was considerably scary. He could not have any outsider witness the one of the prominent yakuza being bossed around by a young lady who was half of his size. Neither could he treat or even speak to Kaoru the same way as he dictated his men. Kaoru had sunk deep into his heart that he had began to love her as he loved his son.
"Great. I shall see you tonight then. Bye." She waited for Hiko to bid his goodbye before she hung up.
"See you tonight, Kaoru." Two knocks on the door were heard but Hiko completely ignored it. However the person on the other side of the door did not seem to get the message and turned the door knob, walking into the conference room. Only one person would dare walking into Hiko's private conversation: he was none other than Saitoh Hajime, Hiko's right hand man.
Saitoh walked next to Hiko and waited for Hiko to acknowledge his present. Instead Hiko ignored his presence and made a call to Kenshin.
"Hello?"
"Baka, is Kaoru sick?" Hiko didn't think that there was need for a proper greeting. Although Hiko had a fairly good idea the reason for Kaoru's inquisitive call, he needed more details.
"….." Kenshin was stunned by Hiko's question. He had thought that it would prove to be unfruitful to wonder how Hiko knew about it since Hiko had always been resourceful in obtaining information.
"She was catching a cold last night but she seemed to be alright this morning after her medication." Kenshin finally answered.
"Seemed to be? How could you be so reckless about it? Do I need to send a doctor over to have her inspected?"
"That is not necessary. I do not think that she will appreciate it." Kenshin thought that he was being a little too protective over Kaoru but Hiko had just proved him to be less caring when compared to his father.
"Baka, you should be more careful with her. Please have some sense to put on warmer clothing on her before you take her out for a walk in the evening." Hiko scolded.
"I will." Kenshin was quite forceful with his punctuation. He did not even bother to ask how did Hiko know about Kaoru and their routine evening walk.
"I shall see you tonight." With that, Hiko hung up.
Hiko turned to Saitoh who was still standing next to him as he lowered his mobile to rest on the desk.
"Miss Kamiya is sick?" Saitoh enquired.
"Apparently she was."
"Shall I arrange for a doctor?" Saitoh was reminded of Himura Hitomi.
"Not required."
"Very well. Shinomori Aoshi is in town. Would you like to arrange for a meeting?" Saitoh suggested knowingly that Hiko might want to discuss with Shinomori in regards of this Kamiya girl if not business prospect.
"An arrangement won't be necessary. I had a feeling; Shinomori will be here to see me. Very soon." Hiko sniggered. He had expected Shinomori presence to be much earlier.
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Author's note: Sorry for the long delay, if there was anybody who even waited. Anyway, this chapter is my version of 'filler' – totally has nothing to do with the plot (except the last few paragraph) but I am just buying time while I try write the conversation between Hiko and Aoshi. Er… it seems pretty difficult for me.
Anyway, thank you for the following people who had took their time to review:
Nes Thank you for ever wonderful support. :) As I was studying the revised copy that you have revised, I realized you must had took a great deal of time looking at it. Even I, myself took so long to get it right. I hope your head did not smoke while you reviewed my chapter. :) That is the problem with me, the longer the chapter, the more there is for you to correct.
I am so glad that you like chapter and the development. You liking the story give a little confident to post it as I really thought (initially) this chapter was really pointless. And I hope the next time round, I will give you any more headache. I am so sorry for that.
Thank you so much for your help. Lots of kisses.
KK4eva411 Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. Good to know that I have people who actually like what I wrote. I just hope that manage to keep you contend with the my coming chapter which is gong to take me ages to come out with. :) You know, you are the first who complemented me for being a good writer. blush! Thank you. Anyway I have gone beyond the flame that I have received. It doesn't bother me anymore. I shall do what I can.
chixxy () Really appreciate the fact that you like my story. And thank you for concern of my review count. I supposed not many find my story appealing as you do. Thank you for your encouragement.
Enishi is definately in the story. How can I miss Enishi the great:) but due to geographical constraints, having a little trouble to fit him in. As for Tomoe, I can't seem to find a role for her. I mean I personally don't hate her but I don't like her to be paired with Kenshin either. So kinda difficult to fit her in at the moment.
Kenshin is fully aware of his own background and he knew that Hiko is his father and what Hiko does for a living and why Hiko disconnect all ties to him. I do hope that you will be patient with me as I am really slow at updating.
Via x Infinito I am really happy to know that you have enjoyed the previous chapter. I would have love for them to kiss at tha point of time but I decided to a little mean to both as I have other plans for them. Have you ever had that feeling that the more you yearn for something, the hardest it is for you to get it? To a certain extent I just love to torture them a bit. Hahahahahahaha! Like in this chapter I actually did the same as well, though it wasn't my original plan to do so.
I do hope that I will not disappoint you in the next few coming chapter. Basically nothing much will happen until they get together.