Author's note:

My beta reader is still rather busy at the moment. So please bear with me on my grammar.

Previous chapter: Kaoru, Kenshin & Sano went to the flower fair and met Megumi. Kaoru got jealous and ran off while Kenshin chased after her. Kaoru went into Victoria's secret with a plan in mind. And Enishi, finally, made his grand appearance.

Disclamer: I do not own any character in Rurouni Kenshin. I just borrowed them to improve my vocabulary and grammar.

Lingerie, seduction & … ?

Kaoru, each hand gripping the handles of loads of shopping bags, walked the along the corridor back to the apartment with a contented smile. She transferred her purchases from her right hand to her left when she reached the apartment door. Her freed hand went into her bag, searching for her keys.

She was about to insert the key into the key hole when the door suddenly swung opened, startling her.

"Where have you been!" Sano questioned annoyingly when Kaoru came to sight. He was looking into the fridge, intended to fetch something to drink when he faintly heard the dangling sound of keys right behind the door. Guessing that might be the cue to the end of his waiting, he quickly reached for the door knob and opened the door.

"I went shopping." Kaoru answered cheerfully, bringing up her left hand to show Sano her fruits for entire day. She wondered why Sano was sounded annoyed. 'He must be hungry,' she suspected.

"You went shopping?" Sano repeated Kaoru explanation disbelievingly. His mouth slight apart and his eyes curiously assessed her. "You happily went shopping while Kenshin is searching for you like crazy?" A question that was directed to himself rather.

"Why would Kenshin …" Kaoru grasped, her mouth wide agape and followed by a short scream. 'Arghhh! Why didn't he call me? Where is he?" She dumped her purchases onto Sano's chest before she rushed into the apartment looking for Kenshin. "Kenshin!"

Sano was taken back by Kaoru's shopping bag shoved onto him and her sudden scream. He juggled the bags with both his arms. "He is not here. He is still fanatically looking for you! And you were not contactable!" He answered back. He turned around, facing into the apartment and back kicked the door closed. He saw Kaoru pacing to the telephone. He strolled towards Kaoru, hugging Kaoru's bags of purchases to his chest.

"Hello? Kenshin. It is me. I am home." Kaoru said softly to the phone. "Alright, I'll see you shortly." She put down the telephone receiver and looked up to Sano who was standing in front of her. "I'll go down and wait for Kenshin."

"Kaoru, wait…" Sano's call was ignored. Kaoru closed the door behind her.

Sano sighed. "Kenshin can't teleport himself, you know" Sano murmured to no one in particular. He looked at the bags in his arms, shook his head and sighed at the same time. 'Woman…,' he thought to himself.

Sano walked into Kaoru room and lowered the bags in his arms onto her dressing table. He was about to turn around and exit her room when his eye sight caught something of interest. He carefully picked up one of her many shopping bags and stared at the label printed on the bag. "Victoria secret..?" He blinked. He knew it wasn't right to peep into her purchase, let alone her new bought undergarment, however he could not contain his curiosity.

He looked behind him from his shoulder, to his left and right, making sure there wasn't anyone catching him in act of crime, before his cautious fingers sneak opened her bag. He looked in to the bag and smiled slyly. His arm went into the bag and touched the soft silky material. He picked up a pearl white satin laced nightwear. He held the scanty nightdress by the string. "W-wow!" He observed in amazement.

He put the night dress down on the dressing and peeped further into the bag. He then pulled a matching night robe. His eyes widened at the sight a very small lacey panty. He reckoned that the panty barely covers anything at all! Involuntarily, his mind pictured Kaoru wearing the panty. He shook his head violently when he realized what he was imagining. Feeling that he had seen enough, he carefully folded the lingerie, trying very hard to remember how it was folded before he took them out. He put them back nicely, not to arouse any suspicion.

Sano walked out of Kaoru's room still smiling. He threw himself on the sofa and turned on the television. 'Should I moved out and give them the privacy?' He wondered. He was definite that Kaoru had bought the lingerie solely for the consumption of Kenshin's eyes.

He smiled wickedly.

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Kaoru stood, waiting impatiently for Kenshin to return at the front the apartment building. It was fifteen minutes passed but she could not help feeling that it took forever for Kenshin to come back home.

She was looking out at the direction of the road where she expected Kenshin to be coming from when she saw a familiar car driving in closer. She got excited and at the same time anxious. She quickly walked to the parking lot to meet Kenshin.

As Kenshin turned the car engine dead, he saw Kaoru approaching. He was overjoyed to see her. He had gotten very worried when he could not find her after three hours of search. He felt so helpless that it was at the tip of his thumb to call Hiko and request for a search party. Never mind if he was going to get an earful from Hiko, as long as Kaoru was found. Fortunately, his ego was saved by a call from home.

He got off from the car and walked towards Kaoru. The moment she was within talking distance, he quickly explained, "Kaoru, there is nothing going on between me and Megumi. There has never been!" He hoped that she was had cooled down over the earlier incident.

"I know." Kaoru smiled. "I am sorry that I ran off and acted like a child." She looked her pretty feet.

"No, I am sorry that thing turned out badly. Where have you been? I tried calling your mobile phone. I was really worried." Kenshin lifted her chin up to meet his eyes.

"I went on a shopping spree and I didn't realize that my mobile phone was turned off by itself." Kaoru explained quietly.

"Y-you went shopping?" Kenshin didn't know what to feel at the moment. He felt relieved and happy that he finally saw her and she was no longer angry. Yet, he had a sense fury slowly building up when she told him that she happily shopped around while he almost went out his mind, searching for her.

"Uh-hmp" She nodded innocently. She looked at Kenshin with her wide eyes and smile uncertainly.

Kenshin didn't know what else to say. Looking at her innocent angelic face, he decided that he wasn't going to get angry over the matter. "Don't ever do that to me again, alright? No matter what happens. We can argue, we can fight but please no more running away… please…" Kenshin pleaded with his eyes.

Kaoru nodded obediently. "I'm sorry. It will never happen again."

Kenshin sighed. "Come on. Let's go back. I am really hungry after running around for hours." Kenshin gestured Kaoru to walk.

"I'm so sorry." Kaoru said bashfully. "I'll make you something nice to eat." Her eyes lit up, trying to redemption herself.

Kenshin smiled broadly. Perhaps in years to come, when he looked back at the day's incident, he would laugh it off.

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The security guard watched Enishi stopped his car right at front of the condominium.

Enishi turned the engine dead and got off the car. The arrogant young man was not bothered if his car was obstructing the traffic flow. The security guard dared not voiced his concern as he knew Enishi was Sayo's boyfriend. It would be wise to cross line with the owner of the building. It may just cost him his job.

Enishi walked right into the building, to the elevator, ignoring the security guard. He entered elevator and pressed the top floor. He looked straight ahead, bore no expression on his face. The elevator stopped and opened the door. He was immediately greeted by the only door on the floor. He stepped out and hit the door bell.

'Good evening, Mr. Yukishiro. Missus is will be out shortly. Please come in and have a seat." The maid moved to the side to allow Enishi to come in.

Enishi did not greet the maid and strode casually to the balcony. He could see the city of Tokyo from where he stood. He thought that it would be a sight if the sky was dark. He hardly came into her home. Sayo would normally be ready to go by the time he was at her door step. Even if he did come in, he hardly remained long enough to enjoy the view. He wondered briefly what was holding her up. She was taking too long in his opinion.

"Mister, your tea." The maid set a cup of tea on the thick broad rail and excused herself.

Enishi did not touch the cup of tea. He did not feel comfortable being in her home despite her place emitted a sense of warm homely feel. He guessed that the human factor played a primary aspect of it. He hardly was comfortable with anybody other than with Tomoe and probably, Soujiro, his personal assistant.

"Enishi… I apologized for keeping you waiting." Sayo finally came out from her room.

'About time….' Enishi thought as he turned around to meet her. His eyes widened at the sight of her. He slowly walked towards her, his eyes never left her face.

Sayo smiled at the effect she had on him.

When he finally stood in front of her, he asked, "What happen to your hair?" He fingered her then, straight sleek black hair instead her usual brownish wavy hair.

"I've straighten it. Do you like it?" Sayo's eyes sparkled. She felt invigorated that Enishi was touching her hair. She believed that he approved of her new hairstyle.

"We should be leaving now. Tomoe is waiting." Enishi's hand fell to his side. He turned and walked toward the door.

'Shy thing… How cute.' Sayo thought and followed Enishi out.

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Enishi stopped at the front of Sayo's condominium for the third time that day. He got off the car and went around the car to open the door for Sayo. He walked Sayo up to her place. It was getting late.

When they reached the top floor, they stepped out, facing the door. She stopped short and took a deep breathe before she turned to face Enishi. "Would you like to come in for a drink?" She asked. Her left hand was clasping her right fist.

Enishi was in a good mood that night and he wanted to explore the night view from her balcony. Hence he agreed to come in.

Sayo was delighted and quickly ran through her hand bag for the keys.

"What are you doing?" Enishi enquired when Sayo took out a set of key to open the door.

"I have given the maid the entire night off. So, she is not around tonight." Sayo managed to open the door. "Come in." Sayo offered once she stepped into her condominium.

Enishi walked in and closed the door for her. Sayo went to the kitchen immediately.

Enishi proceeded to walk towards the balcony. He slide opened the glass door and greeted by the strong breeze. Within his expectation the night view of lighted Tokyo was spectacular from her balcony. That night, clouds were heavy, shielding the moonlight. Therefore the darkness magnified the effect of the lighting on the street of Tokyo. He had made the right decision, he thought.

"Your tea is ready." Sayo laid the teapot and two sets of cups and saucer on the coffee table.

"Thank you." Enishi was still pinned to the balcony enjoying the night view.

Sayo watched Enishi's back, longing for it. She suddenly felt the butterfly in her stomach flapping violently. Her breathe was catching and she could the beating of her own heart. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before she walked towards Enishi.

Enishi heard her coming but made no move to turn around. He jumped slightly when Sayo unexpectedly hugged him behind.

"Enishi…" She hugged him tighter, as if afraid that he would jump off the balcony. She stood on her toes to kiss his nape softly before resting her cheek on his shoulder blade.

"Sayo…" Enishi grabbed her wrist, released her hold on him and turned to face her. He took a step back from her, keeping a distance with his hands on her upper arms. His face was expressionless. There was no want, no needs, no love and no desire in his eyes.

"Why can you only look at me like that?" She made an impassioned plea, almost tearing. "Why don't you need me? Why don't you desire me?" She asked exhaustively.

"Sayo…"

"What is wrong with me? Why don't you love me!" She questioned demandingly. She desperately needed to know.

"Sayo…"

"Get out!" She tried to calm her voice.

Enishi was still looking at her with the same expression as before.

"Get out of my home!" She lost it, her eyes tearing. She fisted her hands, her eyes on the floor. She couldn't bear to look anymore into his cold emotionless eyes.

He released her arms and walked into the living, away from her, to the exit.

She closed her eyes, hugging herself. She bit her lips to stop herself from crying out loud, at least not until she was all alone. She had never been so humiliated in her life. It was the first time she practically threw herself into anybody's arms. She had never been rejected by anyone. She did not know how to deal with it. She really loved him. She felt so much hurt that she would just jump off her balcony. No longer able to keep her composure, her knees crushed to the hard floor.

Enishi was a few steps to the door when he heard her crumbling down to the floor. He saw her sitting on the floor, her claves by her respective side. He saw how her long straight hair cascading down her waist, how the wind blew the side of her hair. He was reminded of someone.

He stood dumb for a moment, staring at her back before he looked around for the switch board. He found where it was in an instance and walked towards it. He turned off all the light in the condominium and proceeded to walk towards the balcony.

She was too absorbed with her own emotion to realize that her home was in complete darkness until Enishi strong arms wrapped itself around her waist from behind, pulling her to him. She almost choked on her tears, shocked.

Enishi gently kissed the side of her neck and whispered, "I miss you so much… So much…"

"Enishi…" She whispered back. She closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side.

"Shh… Don't speak. Not a word…" Enishi coaxed. He took a thick lock of her hair in his hand and kissed it. He breathed deep into her hair.

"Enis…" Her words died on her lips when he turned her to face him and abruptly kissed her with his eyes closed.

She returned his kiss, both her hands cupping his face.

Their lips were locked when he easily picked her up and carried her to her bedroom.

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Kaoru tossed to her right. She stilled for only a moment too short and tossed to her left. She had been repeating the rhythm for the passed hour. She turned on her night stand, propped on her elbow and grabbed her alarm clock.

"Half past midnight…" She sighed and slumped onto the bed, holding the clock to her stomach.

She got up from her bed after momentarily staring at the ceiling and tip toed to the door. She stuck her ears on the door, trying to listen to the other side of the door. She removed her ears and slowly turned the door knob. She opened a small crack and suspiciously peeped into the living area. It was pitched dark. She carefully closed the door and turned on the night lamp.

She quietly slide opened her wardrobe and dug into it. She found what she was looking for; a pearl white satin material folded nicely on her palm. She put the material onto her bed and started to take off her pajamas. Only in her panty, she picked the skimpy night wear and easily slipped into it. She looked herself in the full length mirror and surprised her own eyes. When she tried on the same night wear in the store, she didn't think it was too obscene.

The night dress was only hung onto her body by the thin loose string over her shoulders. The night dress exposed the chest area above her breast and the neckline cut down till the valley of the breast, leaving glimpse of the side of her swell. The material that covered three quarter of her breast was only lace, exposing her flesh. The length of the dress was just slightly below her crotch.

"I am not seriously going to wear this thing out, am I?" She doubted herself. Suddenly, she can't believe that she actually bought the night dress. It was as good as not wearing anything at all, in her opinion. She guessed that her mind was clouded by her seductive plan when she was at the store. The only consolation to the dress was that that material was comfortably soft and silky, leaving her skin feeling pampered.

She sat on her bed, thinking over her plan again. She sighed.

'There in nothing wrong with you dressing like that for him. You have the right to be sexy and he has he right to look..,' the voice in her head remarked.

Well, that might be so, she thought. Still…

'There is no harm to a little spice of seduction…It is legally right'

The image of Megumi seducing Kenshin earlier in the afternoon played in her mind.

'You want him, go get him…'

She stood up confidently. She inhaled deeply, held it and exhaled at once.

She once again looked in the mirror and resolute, "Yes! I can do it! Kambate!"

She wrapped herself with the night robe and secured the knot tightly and strode to the door.

She opened her bedroom door and marched right towards where Kenshin was resting. Just right outside of Kenshin's bedroom, Kaoru was breathing hard. She stared at his bedroom door. Her nervousness was beginning to eat at her from within. Slowly she lifted her trembling hand to the door knob.

Before she could touch the door knob, she hastily turned around and took a few steps, towards the direction of her room. "I can't do it!" She hissed quietly to herself, closing her eyes.

'Yes, you can..'

She turned back to Kenshin's door again. She glared hard at the door knob, as if challenging the knob to a duel. Once again, she lifted her hand and almost immediately the same hand fell back to her side, her shoulders down. "Who am I kidding, I can't do it…" She whined.

'Do you want him or not!'

Kaoru looked up and closed her eyes. "Even if it is over my dead body… I don't care… Whatever happens…" Her hand wrapped the door knob quickly. She was about to turn when she heard another door being opened.

"What are you doing there, Kaoru?" Sano asked without thinking.

"Ahh!" Kaoru shrieked a little. "Wh- what.. why are you up?" She felt very naked and automatically clutches the opening of her robe tighter to herself. She was thankful that the only light there was at the point of time was from Sano's room. Therefore Sano should not be able to detect her flushed complexion.

Sano immediately understood the situation and casually explained, "I can't sleep. I need a drink." He went to the kitchen, pretending he suspected nothing.

"I-I-I was going to the bathroom when I thought that… I heard noises from Kenshin's room. S-so, I wanted to check on him. In case if anything happens to him." Kaoru struggled to explain.

"Uh-hm." Sano looked in to fridge and pulled out a can of beer. He turned around and looked at Kaoru.

"Well, the noise stopped. So, I am going to sleep." Kaoru started walking towards her room.

"Kaoru," Sano called. "The bathroom is over there." He pointed out.

"What?" Kaoru was puzzled.

"You said you wanted to go to the bathroom before you heard noises." Sano took a sip of his beer.

"Ah.. yes.. You reminded me." Kaoru hurried to the bathroom.

Sano tried not to laugh out loud when Kaoru closed the bathroom door. He shook his head and dragged himself back to his room.

Kaoru sat on the toilet bowl, both lids down, with her hands covering her face. "Oh my god…. This is so stupid… and embarrassing…." She stood up and looked into the mirror. 'Kaoru, you are useless." She dropped her head. She turned around and pulled the flush to complete her act. Her courage had just been flushed out as well.

She went back to her room, utterly embarrassed and disappointed.

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Enishi was staring that ceiling. Although in the darkness, he could still see the dark figure hugging tightly to his body. He felt the pressing of her bare breast on his chest. He carefully removed her hand from his body and slowly got out of the bed. In the dark, he moved around the large room searching for his clothing. He found his pants, shirt and shoe but failed to locate his socks. He gathered his clothing in his arm and closed the bedroom door behind him. He dressed himself outside of the bedroom. He did not want to awaken Sayo.

Once decently dressed, he left Sayo's place.

He drove home in high speed. He wanted to be home very quickly.

Once he was back in his house, he went to his room immediately. He stripped himself to skin and went straight into the shower. He made sure there wasn't any traces of Sayo's scent lingered on his body.

He came of the shower and put on pair of boxer and t-shirt before he went out of his room. He desperately needed to see her.

He turned the door knob slowly and found her lying by her side on the bed with her back towards him. Her long silky black hair spilt over her pillow and mattress. She fell asleep with her night light turned on. He smiled at the Calla Lily displaying on her dressing. He walked into her room and turned off the light by her night stand before he carefully climbed onto the bed next to her. He had her back facing him. He re-arranged her spilling hair before he rested his head on his bended right arm while his left arms went semi-circular across her waist. He buried his nose and breathed into her hair.

Semi-consciously she was aware that someone was holding her by the waist. She shifted slightly in her position. "Enishi, you are back. What time it is?" She need not turn around to see who was sleeping next to her. She recognized the hold on her.

"I'm sorry. It is two in the morning. Did I wake you up?" He whispered tenderly into her ear.

"No. It's alright." She answered drowsily. "You were at Sayo's?"

It took him a while before he replied her, "Yes."

"I thought so. I would have expected you to come in after dawn." She snuggled closer to his warmth.

"I like this one very much." She continued when Enishi said nothing. "So, don't hurt her like you did to the others in the past. I can tell from her eyes that she is really in love with you. Don't break her fragile heart, alright?"

Enishi did not answer.

"Tomoe…" Enishi whispered her name after a long while.

"Hmm…?" She was about to fall asleep again.

"Tomoe, I miss you. Miss you so much…" He crushed her tightly to his chest. "Don't you ever leave me."

Tomoe smiled sleepily. "My silly brother, one fine day, you will get married and your wife will take good care of you. When the time comes, you won't need me no more. You will have a family of your own. Nevertheless I will never leave you because you the only brother that I have… It is only with you that I will never have to say goodbye to." She held onto his hand on her stomach, securing it with her own.

He once again buried his head into her thick mane and whispered almost inaudibly, "I need only you, no one else. Want only you… Only you… Don't leave me. Ever."

Her eyes widened, no longer able to succumb to sleep. Despite he never meant for those words to be heard, she heard him loud and clear. She felt a squeeze in her heart, a pang of guilty arrowed right through her heart.

'What have I done….?'

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"Mr. Shinomori, your lunch appointment with Mr. Seijuro is due. Miss Makimachi has gone down to the lobby to receive him." Aoshi's secretary prompted him.

Aoshi merely nodded to the lady in mid forty. He raised himself from the director's chair and smoothed his suit before he walked out of the door. He was organizing his thought when his mobile rang.

"Aoshi, Mr. Seijuro is here. I'll have him in private area at the restaurant." Misao informed.

"I'll be there." Aoshi replied.

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When Aoshi reached the restaurant, Hiko was seated while Misao stood next him laughing of something.

Hiko saw Aoshi coming. Misao saw how Hiko's expression had changed and looked up.

"Mr. Seijuro, a pleasure to meet you again. Sorry to keep you waiting." Aoshi extended his hand.

Hiko stood up and shook Aoshi's hand. "It is fine. I terribly contended to be in the presence of the lovely Makimachi here."

"Mr. Seijuro, you are flattering me. I shall leave you two alone and asked the Captain to serve you both." Misao left the scene professionally.

Aoshi took his seat opposite of Hiko. "I have given much deliberation on your preposition over the weekend. I decided that I would like to take up my parent's legacy. I thanked you in advance for the future guidance and will be in debt to you for your extended help."

"It would be my honour." Hiko smiled.

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"Hello Misao." Kaoru greeted the instance she answered her mobile phone.

"Good morning! How's the new phone?" Misao, as usual, cheerfully greeted.

"It's fine. The only problem is that this phone has too many funny gadgets that I have not a clue what they are for. Kenshin should have got something simpler for me instead." Kaoru complained.

"Well, nothing less than the best for the loved ones." Misao commented.

"…." Kaoru blushed slightly.

"What are you doing there?" Misao enquired.

"Nothing much. Just the usual." Kaoru shrugged off.

"You are such a good wife… Anyway how did the 'plan' go?" Misao sounded really excited.

Kaoru could only sigh heavily to the phone.

"What is that supposed to mean…?" Misao's voice went softer. She sensed that things might not have gone according to plan.

"I told you that sneaking into his room was a failure, right?" Kaoru paused for Misao's response.

"Uh-huh." Misao nodded.

"Well, the dressing skimpy clothing definitely did not work – AT ALL! I can't bring myself to crawl secretly into his bed, with him, so I did exactly what you asked me to – wear skimpy clothes and parade in front of him. But how can I even turn him on when he is not even looking!" Kaoru said in a breath's time.

"That is not possible." Misao was positive that no matter how proper of a gentleman, he will tend to glance if not stare at a sexy object. Let alone if it was the apple of his eyes. Even the stoic Aoshi, who had seen all of her, will still turn to stare if she was not measurably covered. "What were you wearing then?" Misao was curious.

"Like what you told me to - hyper short shorts, spaghetti strap, body hugging tops and whatever else that you have told me to wear. For the whole week that I have been wearing those really uncomfortable clothing, he did not even lay an eye lash on me!" Kaoru exasperated exclaimed.

"Hm… Maybe he was too shy to look. After all, it is Kenshin that we are talking about here."

Kaoru sighed. "Or maybe the way I dress was too extreme that I looked more like a cheap prostitute rather than just plain sexy. Kenshin just couldn't bring himself to look at me. Even Sano, whose eyes practically give a scan at any female object on the street, didn't even dare bring his head to look at me except for the very first stare that he gave me when he saw the new reformed me." She sighed again.

"You know that is not true. Maybe…" Misao was abruptly cut off

"You know what he did?" . Kaoru was too uptight with her own negative conclusion to even listen to Misao's opinion. She paused for a breath but waited not for Misao's response before she continued, "I was dishing myself on the sofa, by my side, displaying my long smooth legs on top of the other, like you told me to and you know what he did! He took a blanket and covered my entire legs! It was getting cold he said! Oh god!" Kaoru continued ranting while Misao quietly listened.

"And remembered you asked me to purposely have my spaghetti strap and bra strap fall off my shoulder? You told that was a sexy move? Well, it was darn sexy alright that he told me that my strap are falling off and grabbed me shirt and insisted that I put them on! How sexy is that! I felt so ridiculous and not to mention, so very un-sexy!" Kaoru sighed again. "Maybe I am just not Kitsune… Why trying to be someone that I am not cut off to…" Kaoru lowered her voice.

Misao was trying not to laugh out loud. "Kaoru, you silly girl. He is definitely turned on by your lack of clothing." Misao concluded confidently.

"What! Misao, are you even listening to me? He got me covered up instead!" Kaoru found it unbelievable that Misao came about the conclusion.

"Relax. Do you want to hear my analysis of the situation?" Misao was tempting Kaoru.

"…"

"Do you?" Misao repeated her question when Kaoru did not answer.

Kaoru paused for a while. "Since when did you ever ask my permission to speak of your mind?"

Misao grinned in victory thought Kaoru can't see it. "First of all, Sano, the well known pervert, did not even give you a second look. Why?"

"…"

"Hello? Are you there?" Misao checked.

"Just hurry up and tell me already." Kaoru was getting impatience.

"Alright. Alright. The only reason why Sano was not looking was not because he found you repulsive but because Kenshin would probably gorge his eyes out if he does. The only reason why Kenshin had your covered up was not because you were unbearable but because he did not you to expose your flesh in the presence of Sano. And the only possible explanation; why Kenshin did not want to have Sano to look at your state of dressing is because he finds you uncontrollably sexy that he did not want to share. I guess that he meant only for him to see and to touch. So, he would rather have you wrapped up like mummy than have you walking semi naked for the public eyes, even if it is just Sano. Then again, because it is Sano that Kenshin has to take extra caution." Misao was contemplating on possibility. Sano seemed capable of raping someone with only his eyes, in her opinion. "Men can be very possessive and protective over what was theirs. Makes more sense now, doesn't it?" Misao wrapped up her analysis.

"Oh...," was all Kaoru could think of saying. She was digesting Misao's word. It never occurred to her that that might be the case. For entire week she has been having negative thought that she was sulking too much to think outside of the circle. When realization hit her, her lips began to grin broadly.

'In any case, what I am doing now it right then?' Kaoru thought to herself, forgetting that she was still on the line with Misao.

"So, happy now? We can go shopping now?" Misao asked, knowing that Kaoru must be smiling her way to seventh heaven.

"Hm.." Kaoru nodded. Then it dawned to her, "What shopping?"

"I am thinking of getting second half of the day off from Aoshi. I feel like going shopping." Misao spoke of her intention.

"Ah…. That might not be such a good idea. I have something on today."

"Oh. I see." Misao was disappointed. "Kaoru, I have meaning to ask, what exactly you are doing there?"

"Er….." Kaoru ran through her some for some possible cover up.

"You don't sound like you are at home. I heard cricket sounds on the backdrop. Where are you exactly? It sounded as if you were in the middle of a jungle or some sort." Misao continued to strain her ears to listen to the background noise.

"Of course not. I am… just strolling along the garden." Kaoru denied as she observed her surrounding. She was indeed surrounded greens and tall lanky trees. The tree branches were thick enough to block the sunlight from shinning through the mini forest. She came to University of Tokyo's reversed forest to collect some plant. She remembered planting some of the species in the forest. The ranger had seen her once too often that he had just allowed her into the forest without any university passes.

"So, what are you doing this afternoon? How about tomorrow? It is Saturday, I won't have to apply for leave." Misao suggested without waiting for an answer from Kaoru.

'Tomorrow?' Kaoru thought. Sano had mentioned earlier that he will not be home for the entire day and Kaoru reckoned that it would be the perfect time to drug Kenshin. During her tertiary years, she had done a thesis on Eurycoma longfolia Jack., an ancient aphrodisiac, commonly used in South East Asia. Hence she illegally went into the forest in order to come with the concoction.

"Not tomorrow as well. I am sorry" Kaoru felt guilty. However, she believed that Misao would be more than understanding should Kaoru reveal her plan for tomorrow.

"A date with Kenshin, I presume?" Misao teased.

Kaoru hestitated before she answered, "Something like that."

"Oh well, in that case I shall let you off the hook. I guess I just have to go shopping with boring old Aoshi instead." Misao pretended to sound disappointed. "Anyway, keep me posted on your development ya? I got to get back to work now. Talk to you later. Bye." Misao waited for Kaoru to response before she hung up.

"Alright then. I shall talk to you soon." I hope. If Kaoru's plans works, she will have plenty to share with Misao. Kaoru was laughing evilly in her head.

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Kaoru checked to make sure that no one was behind her before she took out a small bottle containing powdery substance. She had spent her entire yesterday afternoon grinding the roots into powder - the essence would be stronger in that form.

Kaoru opened the bottle and tabbed a little of the powder into a blue cup of sweet herbal tea and leave the other, white cup uncontaminated. The powder was very bitter and she had to mix with something sweet to reduce the bitterness. She stirred the blue cup with a smile slowly making its way to her lips.

'Will that dose be enough?' She wondered. She poured the powder into the blue cup a little more. She stirred and stopped for while before she emptied the entire bottle into the cup. 'Better be safe than regret. Kenshin has very strong restraint. Seventy milligram won't kill him. Probably kill me though.' She blushed ferociously.

"Your herbal teas are ready. Sano, yours is the white cup. Kenshin's is blue." Kaoru said out loud. She walked into Sano's room, 'Sano, did you hear what I say, the white one is yours."

"Yea. Yea. I heard you, the white one." Sano wondered what was with the coloured cup.

Kaoru did not feel secured and decided to bring Kenshin's drink to him. "Kenshin, your drink."

Kenshin took the cup and thanked her. He walked out of his room, to the kitchen with her. Her mobile phone rang and she cursed inwardly. She thought that she could witness Kenshin drinking his tea. She went into her room.

Kenshin was about to take the first sip of the warm tea when his mobile phone rang. He put down the cup on the table top and went to attend to his phone.

Sano came out from his room in a hurry and grabbed the blue cup which was nearest to his reach, thinking that they were of the same drink. "Shit! What is this!" He cursed quietly on the first gulp. He had never tasted anything that bitter before. He, anyhow flushed the entire drink down his system as he did want to get into trouble with Kaoru. She was a real fusspot and he was running late.

Kaoru heard the door slammed closed. She quickly ended her call with Misao and went into the kitchen area. The blue cup was empty but white cup was still fully filled. She took the blue cup in her hands.

Kenshin walked out of his room. Kaoru saw him and a sudden panic stroke her. "D-did you finish the drink?" She asked warily.

Kenshin shook his head. He was taken aback by the sudden saddened look on her face. She stared into the empty cup.

'Oh god…' She mused to herself.

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Sano blasted his car air conditioning to the maximum as he drove. All of a sudden, he was experiencing hot flushes. The air conditioning was of minimal help to put out the fire that was accelerating within him. He puffed. He was getting really uncomfortable. He felt like ripping of his clothes and jumped into a pool of ice.

"I think I might be coming down with a fever…" He said to himself. "Maybe Kitsune can have a look at me when I get to her place."

Sano was heading to Megumi apartment. On the day of the flower fair, he had said that he would be sending her home. However, it turned out that Sano had conveniently forgotten, out of his anger, that he did not drive his own vehicle that day. He had ride with Kenshin and Kaoru in Kenshin's car. Hence, it was Megumi who then had driven Sano home instead. Megumi had made Sano promised to come up to her apartment to help her with some handiwork in exchange for his free ride home.

Even if not for repaying her, Sano would be delighted to help out. He had, in a way, fancy Megumi but by the thread of fate, they never seemed to get along well. It didn't help when Megumi had a serious crush on Kenshin. He had thought that if Kenshin had liked Megumi, he would sincerely wish them both, happiness. Though it turned out that Kenshin already set his eyes on Kaoru, he didn't think Megumi and himself would go very far from barking at each other.

Unknowingly to him, while he was thinking of Megumi, large amount of his blood had circulated in the center of him, intensified the burning from within him. He was sweating. He swallowed. Out of the blue, an image of a sultry Megumi came into his mind. He violently shook his head.

'I am really sick….' He concluded.

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The door bell rang and Megumi got up from her sofa with a novel on her hand and went to the door. She opened the door without having to look at the person before she opened or after she opened. "You are late!" She turned away from the door and went back to her living area.

Sano stood stupor staring blankly at Megumi retreating figure. She had her shorts on, which elaborated her slim legs that were of perfect shape. Her hip was swaying side to side as she moved. He could only ogled at, he imagined, the soft bouncy perfectly rounded flesh above her legs. He was pinned to the floor. He opened his mouth a little but no words came out.

Megumi sensed that something was not right. She couldn't hear any foot steps nor the closing of the door behind her. She turned around and was shocked to find Sano still standing at the door like an idiot that he usually was, only with a very unusually reddened complexion. "Sano?" She was getting worried and walked toward him when silence was the only response.

As she turned around, he slowly looked up from her crotch, to her stomach, traveled to her breast and his sight stopped there. She had a large T-shirt on but the T-shirt mould the shape of the breast perfectly. As she moved closer him, he was never able to take his eyes from her two mount.

"Sano, are you feeling well?" Megumi was standing a step away from him. She was genuinely concerned at his state of health. She raised her hand to take his temperature.

He heard her sweet voice calling his name and he looked up at her beautiful face. He could smell her sweetness. Before her hand reached his forehead, he grabbed her wrist mid air.

They both look momentarily into each others' eyes. While he held his gazed upon her steadily, hers were wavering thinking of what was going on with him.

"Sano, what's wrong?" She was too apprehensive over his state of being to worry about her current position. She dropped her novel on the floor before raised her other hand and was immediately caught by Sano on the wrist.

He moved a step forward causing her to clumsily take a step backwards.

Sudden awareness of her situation causing her more worries. "W-What are you doing?"

"Megumi…" Sano purred. He moved forward again.

"What's wrong with you?" She had never heard him speak in such seductive tone before. He kept advancing and she had no choice but to go backwards. His grip on both her wrist tightened. "Sano…"

"Megumi…." He called again.

Her buttock hit the back of her sofa, halting her movement but he was still advancing forward until their chest meet and she could not longer arched her upper body backwards. His face was a breath away from hers and his sturdy eyes were piercing into hers.

"Sano…?" She called uncertainly.

"Megumi…" He purred again before he dipped to the side of her neck.

Her eyes widened in shock, lest to say, before she struggled against him, "Sagara Sanosuke, what the hell are you doing! Get off me this instance!"

He was unaffected by her struggle. He lazily moved his mouth from her neck to her mouth, muffling her words.

As he moved in her mouth, her struggle broke down. Her body relaxed and she pressed onto him as she indulged into the longing kiss that she has been yearning for.

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Sano was gawking at the ceiling. "WHAT DID I JUST DID!" He turned to his side and found Megumi sound asleep with her face turned to the other side. Her hands were clutching the cover over her very naked chest. He opened the cover on his chest and peeped into it. "Oh god. This is real" He whined. He was completely naked under her cover on her bed. This was not dream as he thought it might be.

He did not know what got into him. He felt everything that had happened, happen in a state of blurriness and yet it was instilled vividly in his mind. As if it was all a dream. How could he forced himself into her, he thought.

"I am so-ooo doom!" He stated softly. He imagined how Megumi could be crying a storm and accused him of raping her. He imagined how he will be found guilty by the jury and will be sentenced to imprisonment for his crime of passion. Even Hiko can't save him this time. His mind was playing the consequences of his action when suddenly the other naked body stirred.

Automatically he sat up straight rigid and watched for the next movement apprehensively. She stirred again and turned her face towards him with her eyes still closed. Her lips curled almost a smile, like she was contended, he noticed. She slowly opened her eyes and gave a questioning look.

'Why is he sitting up like that?' Megumi thought.

Sano felt a cold sweat just broke out from his temple. "Megumi, I…" He did not know where to begin. Apologize to her perhaps.

Megumi noted that he was nervous and scared beyond reason. Megumi sat up, letting her sheet fall freely from her chest. His eyes widened at the sight of her chest marked with love bites all over. At once he realized that he was staring and immediately looked up to her face. He blushed.

Megumi moved closer and wrapped her arms around Sano's neck, "Sano, shut up and go to sleep." She pushed him down for a kiss.

He was surprised at how affectionate she was towards him. He had thought that she might have screamed "Rapist!" at his face and slapped him.

She broke the kiss and rested her head on his chest. "I don't care and I don't want to know how many women you have slept with in the past. From now on, I will the last count and the only one." She declared, leaving no room to compromise.

Sano, then, reliased what she was actually saying and implying. They both had, finally, took a giant leap forward in their relationship. He smiled and raised his hand to smooth her hair. Though in the future, she will be a hand full, he didn't mind. He'd be more than happy to take full responsibility of his action. 'Hey, what do you know, I just got myself a girlfriend!' He grinned broadly. 'Hang on. Wait a minute…..' he thought further

"But you are my first." He remarked out of a sudden.

Megumi raised her head and turned to him. She wore a disbelief expression on her face.

Sano smiled. "You are the first and will be the last." The tip of his index finger touched her nose. He had never seen such a beautiful smile on her face before but he was sure that he will be seeing of that more often.

"I am hungry." Sano was back to his usual self.

"Too bad. No thanks to you, I am still too sore to move around." Megumi continued to rest on his chest. "You'll have to wait until the pain ease off a bit." Megumi said in a perfectly casual manner.

Sano was embarrassed and guilty when he recalled how rough he was on her. He was like a wild beast on the loose and he could not control his aggressive desire. He suspected that he might have been drugged prior. His mind did a backward replay of his day to investigate the caused of his animalistic behavior. He started feeling really hot from the inside after drinking Kaoru's herbal which was supposed to give a cooling effect instead. He remembered how Kaoru was emphazising on which cup he should be drinking from. He grinned devilishly and unintentionally laughed out.

"What?" Megumi asked, looking up.

"Nothing. I am sorry." He apologized for causing her pain. "This won't happen again. I'll be gentle the next round." He patted her head to rest.

"Hm.." Megumi continued to rest.

He couldn't tell Megumi that the only reason why he did what he did was because he had accidentally drank a love potion meant for Kenshin. He believed that Megumi would not take the news well. Hence he decided to help Kaoru and keep this other little secret of hers to himself. He probably should have thanked Kaoru instead. Otherwise, there was no way he was going to get with Megumi so easily and quickly.

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Author's note:

So, how do you like this chapter? I really appreciate readers' honest opinion, so, leave me a review, alright? Thank you. :)

I was having dinner with a friend last night and she was telling me how my chapters were too looooooong (yes, I made her read my story and she is now officially a Fanfiction addict but unfortunately she is into Harry Porter's one) and I took too darn long to post that she can't remember what happen in the previous chapter to be able to follow what was going on in the current chapter. Therefore, she had actually suggested that I should break my long winded chapter into segment and post them in shorter and regular interval. So, any comment on that?

Thank you to those who had took the time to review. I think I have replied all review.