Author's note: Thanks for waiting patiently. I couldn't say that I am happy with this chapter after sitting on it for so long (I have been saying once too often, haven't I?) but I supposed it serve my purpose. Anyway, I hope that you will enjoy it.
And thanks to those who have took the time to review. I appreciate every review. Thanks to those who gave me idea how to write this chapter. And because majority approved of me writing details, I got carried away in writing details. Hence another long chapter with few major event.
Previously, Hiko revealed to Megumi that Sano was his son. Hiko had asked Sano to take Seijuro surname.
Sano got angry with Kenshin when Kenshin told him that he and Kaoru was already married. Sano didn't feel like part of the family. However, Kenshin bluntness in expressing his brotherly love for Sano, dissipated Sano's anger.
Enishi flew back to Japan to look for Kaoru but Kaoru had resigned from her job. He went to her apartment to see her but he was surprised to find out that she had moved and she lived two other males in the apartment. What shocked him the most when he learnt that one of the man who was not Hiko is her boyfriend. He was confused.
Kaoru had a heart to heart talk with Kenshin about their marriage. Kenshin assured her that he will not regret his decision and nothing is more important than to be with her.
Warning : 'Limey' and not beta.
Family men (Part Two)
Eyes tightly shut, he laid on his stomach with both his hands raised above his head on the pillow. Unaware of the time, Sano continue to sleep soundly in his dark bedroom. Although it was his first night sleeping his new room, he had not a problem getting comfortable in a foreign room. Exhausted and happy after long session of father and son talk, Sano immediately dozed off upon hitting his head on the pillow. Even as the knocking on his bedroom door was gradually getting louder, it did not stir him the slightest.
"Sano," Anji knocked on the Sano's room door with applied strength, "it is time to get up. Your father is waiting for you."
There was only silence as response. Anji sighed and finally gave up on knocking on Sano's door. On that instant, he regretted equipping the bedroom with the hyper expansive bed which guaranteed its user a deep sound rest.
Anji's large palm wrapped itself around the door knob and twisted it opened. He walked into the room and found Sano laid unmoved with the one side of his face plastered against the pillow. Anji reached for the central controller by the bed side and pushed a button. Automatically, the blinds - cocooning Sano in his peaceful sleep – began to raise itself, allowing the morning ray to brighten the room. However, that did nothing much to drive Sano to consciousness.
"Sano," Anji gently shook Sano by the shoulder, "it is time to get up. Your father is waiting for you." He said softly. He didn't want to startle Sano for he knew Sano would be quick at reflex, defending himself against potential harm.
"Sano, wake up." Anji tried again.
"Hm?" Finally registering the changed of lighting behind his close eye lids, Sano slowly woke up.
"Sano, wake up. Your father is waiting for you." Anji stood unmoving from the bed side until he was sure that Sano had fully awakened.
Sano made a small grunted noise. "What's the time?" he asked with his eyes still closed. He turned on his back.
"It is six in the morning."
"What? Anji, for god sake, it is only six in the morning. Why the hell are you waking me up for?!"
"Your father wish to take you somewhere this morning. He is waiting for you at the dining."
Sano immediately jolted awake.
"Please come down to the dining area once you are ready. Breakfast will be served." Anji made a move to leave.
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It was still early in the morning but noises of things being shuffled around and drawer being opened closed aggressively were generated from behind the close door of Kenshin's bedroom. His wife had literally over turned her bedroom looking for her missing belonging.
"Where is it?" she asked no one. Exasperatedly, she continued to look into her handbag, again, in case her eyes were playing trick on her. "It should be here… somewhere…" she muttered to herself.
"Kaoru, what are you looking for?" Kenshin asked as he stepped out of the bathroom. He stifled a laugh at the sight of his wife; she was crouching on her hands and knees under her dressing table with her cute behind sticking out of her dressing table. Kenshin hardly think it was possible for her phone to have dropped in the area she was searching for, even if he had not thrown it into the koi pond.
"I'm looking my mobile phone. Have you seen it?"
"Nope, I haven't seen it this morning," he answered truthfully.
"Where can I possibly put it…?" Her face appeared from under the dressing table, looking terribly annoyed and at the same time desperate. She sighed and dropped her shoulders while sitting on the carpet floor. Her hair was a mess.
Kenshin was feeling a little guilty but he quickly justified his action. "Have you tried giving yourself a call?" He had the nerve to ask.
"I did but it was not reachable. I guessed it must have run out of battery..." she trailed off before the she annoyingly barked, "Where is the darn phone!"
"Maybe you dropped it somewhere at the uni," he moved to squat in front of her.
She looked up at him, looking at little lost.
He smoothed her hair, "Let's not worry about the phone first. Let's go have breakfast, Hiko is waiting."
"But I feel so naked going out without a phone," she whined.
"You can carry mine," he suggested. He had thought she was really adorable acting all like a baby.
"But it is your phone. What if someone wants to get in touch with me?" She pouted.
"Don't worry about it. If someone important, like Misao, wants to get in touch with you, she will know to call me if she can't get you through yours."
She whined again and her forehead rested on his shoulder.
He kissed the top of her head. "I'll tell you what, we'll get Anji to divert all your call to my phone. And we will get you a new phone in Shanghai."
"Shanghai? Why can't I get a replacement now?" She lifted her head and looked at him.
"We will be moving to Shanghai soon. There is no reason to get the phone now. Besides you can have mine. I am not going to leave your side so it is fine," he smirked while his index finger lightly touched the tip of her nose.
She was a little skeptical of his explanation. She had a feeling there should be other reason why he insisted on them sharing phone.
"Come on," he helped her to her feet, "let's go down before Anji start knocking on our door."
She sighed and allowed him to walk them out of the bedroom to the dining area.
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Sano was the last to be seated on the dining. "Why are we having breakfast this early?" he asked while yawning.
"We are going to the tailor after breakfast," Hiko answered.
"Tailor? Why?" Sano asked.
"Isn't it a little too early to go the tailor?" Kenshin interrupted before Hiko had time to explain.
"The timing is just right," Hiko explained briefly. His expression was stoic as ever.
Hiko's children merely stared at each other, wondering. They knew it won't help to ask any further question, hence, they changed the subject and talked among themselves instead.
After breakfast, Anji drove them to one of Japan's most expansive street, concentrating on the retail of branded merchandised. Even a posh area, too early in the morning, looked deserted and dead. Boutiques would usually start trading after ten a.m., however, that particular morning there was one boutique that had apparently opened for business before eight a.m.
Anji stopped the car right at the front well lighted boutique. The moment the passengers in the limousine got off, both the glass doors of the boutiques were instantly opened wide. The boutiques personnel formed two lines along side of the entrance, welcoming its exclusive guests.
Sano felt a little awkward being greeted as such.
"This is a little too exaggerated, isn't it?" Kaoru whispered to Kenshin who nodded as response. She looked up at the signboard. "Shimuza," she whispered. 'Hiko has really an exquisite taste,' she thought.
"Mr. Seijuro," a middle age, short and almost balding man came out to greet with the most charming smile, "it is a pleasure to see you again." He shook Hiko's hand.
"You looked happy, Tama. They are my sons," Hiko gesturing towards Kenshin and Sano, "and this beautiful lady here is my daughter-in- law," he said with a smile.
Tama held out his hand to Sano, Kenshin's later and shook them. Kaoru held out her hand to shake his but instead he took the back of her hand to his lips. "A beautiful lady, it is," he agreed with Hiko. Instantly he felt alarmed when he very quickly realised the young man with red hair, who at first glance resembled none of Seijuro's bloodline, staring dagger at him. 'Indeed, he is his son,' he concluded.
Kaoru simply blushed at that compliment. She thought that Tama looked awfully familiar but she couldn't remember where she has seen him before. Then it suddenly dawn to her. "Oh my god!" Kaoru squeaked, pulling Kenshin's shirt by the sleeve, "That's Shimuza Tama!"
Tama was already walking Hiko into his boutique.
"Who?" Kenshin asked with a hint of confusion.
Sano leaned it to find out who Tama was.
"He is a famous suit designer in Japan," Kaoru explained, all excited. "His is really a good tailor and his workmanship is the world best but he is selective with client he would hand made for."
"Hm… Alright," Kenshin acknowledge. He didn't really understand Kaoru's excitement. To him, no matter who had made it, it is just another piece of clothing.
Sano was disappointed as Tama was no one spectacular. Not to him, at least.
The boutiques staff closed and locked the glass door when their guests were in the boutiques. A 'Closed' signboard was hanged on the glass door.
The guests were seated in a large comfortable arm chairs and served with beverages of their preference. Anji chose to stand behind Hiko.
"Sano, Kenshin," Tama maintained eye contact with both Sano and Kenshin, "I hope you don't mind me calling you by your name, do both you have any style preference for your suit?"
Kenshin and Sano looked at each other. How many style you can have in a suit, they both thought simultaneously.
Knowing that the young men in front of him wouldn't give any positive response, he explored further, "What do you like to do in your past time?"
The brothers quirked their brows, giving Tama an enquiring look.
"The reason I ask is because I normally like to understand my client better so that I could sew something that fits their personality," Tama explained.
'For god sake, it is just a suit!' Sano thought.
"They are not really into fashion and all," Kaoru tried to help out. "Both of them are pretty much down to earth."
"Show them what you have," Hiko suggested.
"Very well," Tama said. He would still prefer to get to know his client. He obtained two bounded catalogues and handed each to the young men.
Kenshin passed the catalogue to his wife. He leaned slightly over to his wife and watched as she flipped through the thick catalogue. While Kaoru was getting excited at every turn of the page, he didn't notice much difference in style from one to another. He sighed. "My wife can decide what I wear," he finally said.
'A family man…,' Tama concluded silently.
"Well," Sano set the catalogue down on the coffee table, "I'll have whatever he," he referred to Kenshin, "is having."
"Sano, we are not placing order for food here," Hiko said and shook his head.
Kaoru tried not to laugh at Hiko's sarcastic remark.
Tama wasn't too pleased either. However, this was a job that he could not refuse. "Very well," he clapped his hands together and stood, "let's start with the measurement. Let's start with Sano."
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Soujiro exhaled exasperatedly as he walked out of the faculty building. He had just paid a visit to Prof. Kanryuu but there wasn't much that can be told by the professor about Enishi's mysterious Kamiya. To Soujiro's surprised even from his information network failed to produce much information on Kamiya Kaoru. Other than her academic background and that she was from Kyoto, there was nothing. Her family background had remained mysterious.
'Who exactly is this Kamiya Kaoru?' Soujuro thought. 'Why is Enishi so obsessed with her?' Enishi's obsession over the girl was comparable to Tomoe. It shocked Soujiro and he couldn't understand. From her photograph, Kamiya Kaoru looked ordinary, nothing spectacular. Sayo looked much better, in his opinion.
His memory brought him back to previous night when Enishi had been breathing down his neck for the entire night, seeking to find out more about Kamiya Kaoru and Seijuro Hiko. He had wanted to ask what was so special about this girl and what it had to do with Seijuro but he knew best when to keep his mouth shut.
And the guy named Kenshin, Himura Kenshin, the live-in boyfriend of Kamiya Kaoru was another mysterious figure. Nothing more could be found out about him other that his superficial background. For god sake, she even had a boyfriend! Soujiro honestly didn't know how to break the news to Enishi.
Soujiro pulled his mobile phone and made a call. "It's me. Any new on your side?" he asked. "I see. What about that Himura guy? Alright, keep trying and keep me informed on your progress." He ended the call.
Yet again, nothing. Someone had gone all the way out to keep their identity a secret. 'Why' was the question Soujiro was interested to find out. Come to think of it, Soujiro thought Kamiya and Himura probably make a good couple together - they shared such common background.
His mobile phone rang, snapping him out of his musing. He sighed heavily before he answered the call. "Hello Enishi. Yes… No, I haven't… I know… Enishi, calm down and give me a little more time. I'll get you Seijuro's home address by today, alright? Yes, I have double checked, there wasn't any immigration record on Kamiya or Seijuro. They are most probably in Japan. … I'm looking into it."
He pushed the 'end call' button and rubbed his temple. Enishi was going his insane ways. Again. Just when he was about to placed his phone into his pocket, another call came in. It was from Sayo. For the first time, he didn't feel like answering her call. He knew what she wanted and he didn't want to tell her the truth or lie to her. He stared at his phone until a 'missed call' message appeared on the screen. He sighed again and looked up the sky. 'What the hell I am doing?'
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After almost three hours being locked up in the boutique, Sano was getting a little vapid. While all his family members were busy selecting the designs and materials, with an exception of Kenshin who merely accompanied his wife, Sano sat alone on a long and properly cushioned bench facing the window pane. His legs were stretched out in front of him while his arms were stretched behind him, supporting his slanted body. He watched as the streets slowly turned to life.
Soon enough, Kenshin was getting a little bored. He turned to look around and found Sano. He turned to his wife, wanting to inform her that he will join Sano. However she was too busy with her discussion with Tama to pay attention to him that he just shrugged his shoulder before he walked over to Sano.
"Hey," Kenshin took a seat beside Sano.
"Hey…."
"What are you looking at?" Kenshin asked as he followed Sano's view.
"Pretty much just people walking up and down. And I realized something interesting," Sano said with a smile on his face.
"What it is?"
"You have no idea how many women just spend their day doing shopping and how fast they can buy things," Sano revealed.
Kenshin chuckled. He looked over his shoulder and concluded that it would take a while before Kaoru and Hiko realised the brothers were sitting idly. He leaned in closer to Sano and whispered, "Last night, I flipped through one of Kaoru's magazine..." Kenshin paused not knowing how to broach the subject.
"And?" Sano encouraged.
"I have always assumed that men are the one who are more into sex. I didn't know that women paid much attention about getting satisfied and reaching orgasm," Kenshin finished off rather quickly.
Sano was silent for a while before he said, "Okay, and?"
"Well… hm… so, how do you know if your partner is… satisfied?"
"Didn't the magazine tell you?" Sano whispered back.
"It was a women's magazines and so they only talk about it in a women's perspective, which I wouldn't a clue since I don't know what it feels like to be a woman," Kenshin explained. "I mean, how can a man tell whether or not he has done it for her? I can't be asking her, can I?"
"No…No… Never ask her. It wouldn't be man enough if you ask her," Sano adviced. "The man is supposed to be on top of things. We are supposed to know how to please our women."
"How?" Kenshin asked quietly, trying not to be too keen on knowing.
"Well…"
"What are you two whispering about?" Hiko rested his hands on his sons shoulder, startling them.
"Nothing!" Both Kenshin and Sano answered simultaneously.
Hiko suspiciously raised his brows but decided to let it passed. Instead he said, "You should have more patience when you go shopping with woman."
Kenshin and Sano just nodded. They knew that much already. They have been shopping with Kaoru before. They knew.
Almost instantly a roaring sound caught Sano's sensitive ears. He turned to the street and carefully followed the brilliant red Ferrari as it stopped right in front of the shop.
"Wow! This is a brand new model. What a beauty…" Sano remarked.
Hiko smirked at Sano's comment.
The driver got off the car and was walking to the entrance of the boutique. He tried to push open the glass door but it wouldn't open. The man looked a little confused as he looked into the boutique before he looked at the sign hanging on the door.
It was Anji who had asked the shop assistant to open the door for the man. The man sheepishly walked towards Hiko.
"Mr. Seijuro, I apologized for the late delivery. Here's the key," the man handed the car key to Hiko.
"Thank you," Hiko took the keys in his hand and tossed it towards Sano.
Sano caught the keys with his quick reflexes. His eyes widened.
"It's yours." Hiko smiled.
Sano grinned broadly. He opened his mouth but no a single sound came out. He was too overwhelmed.
Kenshin smiled and slapped Sano at the back of his shoulder, congratulating him.
Hiko observed Sano's expression and said, "You're welcome." He smiled.
Sano's mouth was still moving but still no words coming out from his throat.
When Kaoru finally had a chance to notice the men were gathered together, she walked over to them curiously. She interlaced her fingers with Kenshin's. "What's happening? Why is Sano blushing?"
"He just got a brand new car. A Ferrari." Kenshin pointed towards the red vehicle.
"Wow! That's awesome. Why are you still standing here? Come on, let's go out and have a closer look!" Kaoru pulled Sano by the wrist.
Sano was still speechless but allowed Kaoru to take him out to the front.
"This is amazing!" remarked Kaoru.
Sano gently caressed the body of the car like a passionate lover.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" asked Kaoru. "Go on, get in behind the wheel already!" she exclaimed excitedly.
Sano turned around, facing Kaoru with a stunned expression. "You mean I am free to go now?" His eyes twinkled.
"Of course you are," Kaoru replied, "It is not like you interested in picking up the material anyway."
Sano looked towards Hiko and Hiko nodded.
Sano bared his teeth and went around the car to the driver side.
"Hold on," Hiko halted Sano, "you are not driving the car in that," he pointed at Sano's oversized t-shirt and baggy khakis. "Tama, can you do a quick a fix?"
Tama nodded happily.
"My sons will go out in style."
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Kaoru waved goodbye as Anji drove off the limousine ferrying Hiko. She smiled and sighed in relief before she turned to Kenshin.
"So, what do you want to do now?" he asked her.
"Hm… What do you want to do?" she answered with a question.
"Do we want lunch first? After that we can go shopping if you like."
"We'll lunch but I'll pass on shopping. Enough of shopping for the day," she said. She realized how bored Kenshin was while she was busy with Tama. "Let's bake a cake,' she suggested.
"Alright," Kenshin looked a little surprised. "Why all of a sudden?"
"Hm… I thought we should do something that both of us will enjoy." She smiled.
Kenshin stared at her blankly and she quickly added, "Well, if you don't want to. We could just catch a movie at home."
"No, I like baking," he broke a smile before he led her into a sidewalk café.
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Sano couldn't wipe the grin of his face. He was driving a Ferrari! And he owned it. He couldn't wait to take Megumi for a ride in his brand new car. As he pulled over at the parking lot of the hospital, onlookers were staring at him. Or his vehicle. Oddly enough he felt great. He shook away his arrogance and ran into the hospital building.
"Sano, what-," before Megumi could complete her question, Sano pulled her off her chair and dragged by her wrist out of her consultation room, leaving her current patient in stupor.
"Sagara Sanosuke, where are you taking me?" she asked trying to keep up with his leaping steps. "I have a patient!" She was trying hard to scream at him.
"Your patient looks healthy enough. I have something important to show you. And it is Seijuro Sanosuke now." He grinned from ear to ear.
"Really? Is this what is all about?"
"No, I want to show you something else."
"What is it that you wanted to show me?" she asked but he merely smiled again, wanting to surprise her. Only then did she realized he was clothed differently. She had never seen him in a suit before. His new style brought out the charm in him and he looked stunning despite his silly grin. Her anger almost dissipated at his brand new look. She blushed slightly when she realized people were staring at them.
"Look, Hiko brought me a Ferrari!" he exclaimed excitedly once they reached the parking lot.
"That's wonderful," she gave him a hug. She wondered if that was all she was being dragged out in the middle of her consultation. She couldn't decide to be angry with him or not.
"Come, let's go for a ride," he opened the door for her.
"Sano, I'm still at work!" She was between a laugh and a frown.
"Work can wait. I want to take you for a ride," he pleaded.
She looked at him apologetically but she had not the heart to decline his offer. He looked like five year old with a new toy to show off - just adorable. "Alright," she gave in and went into the car.
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After lunch, Kenshin walked alongside Kaoru on the pathway, his arm holding a bag of baking ingredients. As they strolled passed the bridal house, he noticed Kaoru slowing her pace, staring into the bridal house.
"You want to go in and have a look?" He stopped his footing.
Startled by his question, she turned around sheepishly, "No, let's go home and bake a cake." She began walking again.
He tugged at her wrist. "Kaoru, we can go in and have a look before we go home," he assured her.
She took a glance at the mannequin behind the glass panel, "No, I don't want to. Let's go home." She gestured Kenshin to walk.
He obliged but wondered why she didn't want to go in when she obviously keen to.
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Holding a cup in one hand and two eggs in the other, Kaoru schemed through the recipe, making sure that she had it right before she mixed the ingredients together. Kenshin stood five steps away from her, leaning against the kitchen island, quietly admiring her. As she broke an egg onto the flour, he intently watched as she lifted her lashes to the recipe again. Her eyes lingered on the recipe.
He pushed himself away from the kitchen island and padded towards her. Standing closely behind her he had his palms firmly planted on the edge of the table top, boxing her. He moved closer, his cheek brushing against hers. She smiled at the contact.
"What are you doing?" he whispered tenderly.
"What does it look like I am doing? I am baking you a cake." Carefully but uncertainly, she stirred in the ingredients.
"I can see that," he jerked his head forward, staring at her face, "but why do you have to keep gawking at the recipe?" he asked, smirking.
She blushed and kept her head low. He raised his brows, waiting for her to answer.
"This is my first time baking a cake," she said softly, avoiding eye contact. "Unlike you, I don't have a natural talent for this. I can simply turn a simple recipe into a disaster." Her face crumpled when she noticed the batter was lumpy.
He smiled at her explanation. He lifted his palms from the kitchen top and mould around her hands. He steered her hands to fold the batter. Gently, they folded until the batter become as smooth as silk.
"Why does it come so easily to you?" she whined. "I hate you," she mustered.
He chuckled. "I wasn't born with this gift. I fell in love with a girl who adores food and I thought I might just pick a skill or two to impress her… "
She turned away from the mixture bowl, gazing at him. His hands were still steering hers.
"She is a gift from heaven. She is the prefect spice for seasoning. All I need it to think of her while preparing and food will turn out great. That's my secret ingredient," he revealed, his eyes still cast on the batter.
She bit her bottom lip, her eyes never left his face. She felt as though a cup of warm and rich hot chocolate just filled her heart. She raised her heels and pecked him on the lips.
Surprised, his hands stopped. For a lingering moment, he just looked into her misty eyes. Neither one spoke. Lowering his head, he pressed his lips onto hers. She closed her eyes, indulging in a fulfilling deep kiss. With their lips still locking, he released her hands and pushed the mixture bowl further away before he moved her to stand chest to chest. Gradually he stepped in closer and closer as his arms snaked tightly around her until her back to hit the edge of the kitchen top. Fortunately for her, his hands cushioned the impact. His hands momentarily rested on her lower back before it went further down and without warning lifted her up. He sat her down on the kitchen top.
Unwilling distance to come in between their lips, she cupped his face. Never once she opened her eyes. In dire need for air they broke apart. However, his wet lips continued to find its way down to the side of her neck. Her eyes fluttered as she arched her neck, giving him better access. She held onto his shoulders.
His hands glide up to her upper back, supporting her. His lips traveled further down her neck to the base of her shoulder. Using his lips, he slowly pushed away the material hiding her collarbones. At every lap of his tongue against her tantalizing skin, it made him hungered for more. He bent his body forward and tightened his arms around her, pressing her body securely against his. In the state of ecstasy, her hands left his shoulder and blindly stretched behind her.
All of a sudden, she yelped and snapped her eyes open.
"What's wrong?" he was startled.
She pouted and carefully lifted her left hand from the mixture bowl. Batter was dripping from hand onto to the bowl.
He burst out in laughter.
She grimfaced, "What are you laughing at?" In the midst of her annoyance and his laughter, she smeared his face with her left palm. Victoriously, she chuckled at his astonished expression.
He knitted his brows before he set to assault her – tickling her.
"Ahhh… Kenshin…. Stop it…. Kenshin… No!!!!" She squirmed, compressing her abdomen area.
"I'm not stopping until you're sorry," he smirked, continuing to tickle her at the area, he knew, she was most vulnerable.
"Kenshin!!! Stop! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" she screamed in between her laughter fit.
"You are not sorry until I say you are." Seemingly enjoying himself, he launched his next series of attack.
"AHH….." Her body could no longer resist and fell flat by her side on the kitchen top. "Kenshin! I'm sorry…. Stop!" She continued to curl into a ball, trying to fend off his assaulting hands. On impulse, she flung out her arm and accidentally knocked the bag of flour and the bowl containing the remaining of the batter onto the floor.
The loud crash stopped froze them on their spot. They glanced at the direction where they last saw mixture bowl before the turned to stare at each other. They both caught some flour on their faces and hair as she sent the bag of the flour diving to the ground. They chuckled concurrently.
"This is all your fault," she accused.
"You started it first," he defended.
"Still your fault," she slapped his arms. "Now, help me get up. We need to clean…" 'before Anji see this', she wanted to say but it was too late.
Anji was already standing at the door frame, his expression darkened. When he initially heard her hysterical laughter, he turned on a deaf ear. When he heard the crash, he jumped and rushed to the scene. He was worried. However, when he saw their compromising position on his kitchen top, partially covered in flour, his expression changed instantly.
"Out," Anji demanded.
"Anji," Kaoru got off the kitchen top with Kenshin's help, "I know you love your kitchen clean," she walked towards Anji. "We created the mess, we will clean it up. Don't worry. Carry on with whatever you were doing before," she pushed him out of the kitchen. "Don't worry, it will be cleaner than before," she assured.
Anji was a little skeptical as he reluctantly left the kitchen to the two love birds. He was doubtful whether can the couple concentrate on cleaning up.
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Enishi stopped his car at the road shoulder across to Seijuro Hiko's house. He surprised to find a prominent man such Seijuro lived humbly in such a small house. He tapped his fingers on his steering wheel as he observed the house. He didn't exactly know what he had wanted to do.
'Is she in there?' was the first thought that came to mind. Even if she was in there, what he was to do? He can't possibly knock on the door and asked to see Kaoru. He sighed. He had tried to reach her numerous times via phone but no avail.
Enishi sat up straight when he realized someone was coming out from the side entrance of the door. Although that person's head was covered with flour but he couldn't miss the flaming colour of that person's hair! 'Why is he here? Who is he?' He watched as Kenshin came out to dispose a large rubbish bag.
Kenshin senses perked up when he sensed someone was menacingly watching him. Subtly, he became extremely alert, scrutinizing his surrounding. He found his source of discomfort. He immediately recognized the person behind the wheel. 'What is he doing here?!' Kenshin straightened his back and stared back to Enishi.
Enishi did not back down. Without breaking eye contact, Enishi made a call. Forget about phone etiquette, he posted his question to Seijuro, "What have you found about the Kenshin guy?"
"Nothing much, I am still looking…"
"What is his relationship with Kaoru?" Enishi asked abruptly.
"… Boyfriend," Soujiro answered.
"I want details." Enishi hung up.
Kenshin made a move to walk across the road but he halted and turned around.
Enishi wondered. Shortly, he found his answered. He caught a glimpse of Kaoru coming out from the side entrance but Kenshin was blocking his view.
Kenshin apparently stopped Kaoru from stepping out. Kenshin took one last glanced across his shoulder before he went back in to the house with Kaoru..
Enishi could feel his temper on the rise. 'What is the meaning of this?!'
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For the entire evening, Kenshin was not at ease. He was not comfortable with Enishi's appearance earlier in the day. He needed to speak with Hiko. He sighed before he knock on Hiko's study.
"Oi Kenshin, what are you doing?" Sano asked, walking towards Kenshin.
"I was just about to see Father, are you looking for me?"
"Well, yeah. Sort of…" Sano said sheepishly.
"What about?"
Sano looked a little uncomfortable. He pulled Kenshin closer and whispered, "Do you think you can sneak out Kaoru's magazine which you were reading last night for me?"
Kenshin gawked at Sano for a moment. Then he chuckled. "Alright, I'll try." He patted Sano on the shoulder and at the same time, shook his head. He added, "Let me know when you found the answer to your question. I'm going in to see Father." He knocked on Hiko's study and went in.
"What?!" Sano asked to no one in particular. "He was the one who wanted to know…" He shook his head and walked back to his room.
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"Is there a problem?" Hiko asked the moment Kenshin walked into his study.
"No, not exactly. I just came to find out how is it going with the preparation for the wedding." Kenshin answered naturally but Hiko could see there was something that his son was not telling him.
"Everything is going well. The wedding will be scheduled in two weeks time."
"I see," Kenshin began to fidget, "I was thinking, perhaps Kaoru and I should go back to Tae's to oversee the preparation. This is, after all, our wedding and we should really get involved in it. Besides there is nothing much for us to do here. So…"
"Does this have to do with the Yukishiro?" Hiko interrupted.
Kenshin's eye widened. He can't seem to hide anything from his father. "Er…"
"Yukishiro Enishi had people asking about Kaoru and you. What kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into this time? I do know the project that Kaoru had been working on is funded by Yukishiro."
Although Kenshin could have guess but he couldn't help balling his fist. Why Yukishiro is persistent in pursuing his wife? "Yukishiro has taken a liking towards Kaoru. He was here this afternoon."
"He came to the house?" Hiko was surprised, the same time angry.
"No, he didn't. He only observed from across the street. He wanted to see her but I don't think he was sure if she was here. But how did he know that she might be here? Has it been leaked?" Kenshin had been wondering.
"It hasn't been leaked yet," Hiko mused for a second. "He had seen me with Kaoru before. He must have linked two and two together."
"When?" Kenshin sounded shockingly surprised.
Hiko surpressed himself from rolling his eyes. Indeed his son was a one who had never thought of the consequences of his own action. "You specifically gave me order to personally pick Kaoru from work, remember?"
"Oh…" Kenshin remembered.
"When are you intending to go back to Tae's?" Hiko asked.
"First thing in the morning,"
"Are you that insecure? What do you think your wife would fall for Yukishiro?" Hiko pulled his leg..
"I…"
"Anyway, it's good if you leave tomorrow morning. But please leave before dawn, otherwise you might have difficulties leaving without being known." Hiko advised.
Kenshin was puzzled. "Why?" he asked.
"Because tomorrow, the world would know I have sons…"
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Enishi was still in slumber when his mobile phone rang. He grunted. He was already suffering a pounding headache from the previous night's whisky and the shrilling sound of his phone was adding to his pain. Irritated, he snapped at the caller, "What?!"
"Enishi, I have sent an email to you. You better look at it now. It about Seijuro," Soujiro explained immediately.
Enishi snapped wide awake and got up from bed. He rushed to his study and checked his mailbox. Soujiro had sent him a few links and he opened the first one leading the front page of a business magazine. The headline read, 'Hiten Corp has heirs!' He saw a number of photos of three men being taken while they were in a boutique. He recognized Seijuro Hiko and the red head from the photos. He didn't know the third figure.
As he scrolled down the webpage, he saw a photo which caught his interest. The last few photos were taken with a lady. And she looked a lot like Kaoru. She was holding the red head's hand.
Enishi could feel his heart beat beating faster. He scrolled further. He screened through the article. A particular phrase caught his attention – 'daughter in law, Himura Kaoru.' His heart deflated.
Disbelieving, he closed the page and clicked on the next link. It read 'Seijuro Hiko's two sons – heir to Hiten Corp.' He read. He opened up another link and read. And in all that he had read, it all said the same, his Kaoru was married to one of Seijuro's son. His mind went blank. 'How would this be?'
It was easier to convince Kaoru to leave the older man but she married Seijuro's son! 'What I am going to do?' He was beaten. He allowed his shoulder to drop as he slumped back onto his chair.
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Saitoh watched as smile creased Hiko's face as Hiko studied the photo in the magazines.
"This car does look good, doesn't it?" Hiko referred to one of the photo where all four members of his family were standing outside of the boutiques appreciating the red Ferrari, "I see why Sano likes it."
Saitoh continued to puff his cigratte. He knew it wasn't the car that perked Hiko. He gave a small smile at the thought how long since he last saw Hiko being happy.. Though appeared to be indifferent, he silently shared Hiko's joy.
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Soujiro was getting worried over Enishi. Ever since their conversation in the morning, Enishi seemed to have vanished. He called him on his mobile but Enishi didn't answer. He went to his estate but Enishi wasn't there. Enishi didn't return to the office either. Of the places Soujiro thought Enishi might be, he went but there was no sign of Enishi.
Soujiro stepped out of his car and handed his keys to the valet. He entered to the reception area. If Enishi was not there, he didn't know where to look for anymore. The private club was his last stop. He went inside the pub. It was dimmed and it was difficult to find a person although there were only a few patrons. Hence, he looked for the manager instead. Finally Soujiro manage to locate Enishi as the manager led him to Enishi's table.
At the sight of Enishi, Soujiro concern rose another level. Enishi had emptied four bottles of whisky on his own and he looked pretty much drunk.
"Soujiro, my pal. Come, drink with me," Enishi waved his hand fanatically.
Soujiro thanked the manager before he sat down with Enishi. He didn't say anything to Enishi, just observing. He began to realize how obsessed Enishi was over Kamiya Kaoru. As he watched Enishi poured him a drink, he remembered the time when Tomoe accepted Akira's proposal. Enishi was in a drunken state for days.
"Why her?" Soujiro asked softly but Enishi was too drunk to understand or even listen to him.
"Come, bottoms up!" Enishi shouted and washed down the liquor in a gulp.
"Enishi, stop. You had enough. I'll take you home." Soujiro stood up, intend to help Enishi stand.
"No!!!" Enishi slumped back onto the settee.
"Enishi, why are you doing this to yourself?" Soujiro raised his voice. "She is married, Enishi. Forget about her."
Enishi looked sternly at Soujiro. "What do you know? What do you know how I feel? What do you know about love?!!"
Soujiro didn't answer but he knew. He knew Enishi kept on yearning for the unattainable, looking passed the love that was right in front of him. 'Sayo…' he thought of her. Soujiro sat down again.
"It took me so long to find 'her'. It took me so long to love another… Why can't I have her? Why is God being so unfair to me?!!! Why can't I be loved?!!!!"
"Enishi, you have no idea how lucky you are. Why are you so stupid? You have no idea what I would do to be in your shoe," Soujiro said extremely soft, not meant for anybody to hear. He sat quietly for half an hour before he pulled out his phone and made a call.
"Soujiro – "
"Hello Sayo. Do you have time now?" Soujiro asked. He didn't know if he was going to regret his decision in the future but at that moment, it would be best for both Sayo and Enishi.
It didn't take long for Sayo to turn up at the club. Soujiro helped Sayo with the unconscious drunkard Enishi and drove them back to Enishi's home. After putting Enishi in his bed, Soujiro excused himself.
"Sayo, sorry for having to trouble you but I'll leave Enishi in your good hands. Please take care of him," Soujiro said, standing at the bedroom door.
"No, I thanked you for bringing him back to me." Sayo hugged Soujiro.
Soujiro was stunned for a moment before he closed his eyes, savouring her warmth. Perhaps, he thought, this would be the closest that he could get to her. If he can't be the man in her heart, then he will be the man to watch over her heart. "You're welcome," he said.
As Soujiro closed the door behind him, leaving Sayo and Enishi alone in the room, he felt a stabbing pain in the chest area. His legs reluctant to move but he forced himself to walk away from the room. 'I am walking away because I love her,' he convinced himself.
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Sayo cast away a flyaway hair on Enishi's forehead as she carefully traced his features. She had not seen him for a long time and she missed him so much. Her fingers stopped when Enishi stirred uneasily. His usually fair complexion had turned red and his face cringed uncomfortably.
Sayo stepped away from the bed to the bathroom. She came back with a cold damp hand towel in hand. Attentively, she dap the cold towel on his forehead and then his cheek.
The cool effect jolted Enishi to semi consciousness. Slowly he peeled opened his eyes and smiled boyishly. "You're here…," he grabbed Sayo's hand holding the towel.
Sayo was stunned. She had never seen him smile like that before. It was so natural that she felt as if he had finally lowered the barrier and showed her his true self; not the cold and expressionless man she was used to.
"You came back to me… I miss you…" He threw his arms over her body and hugged her tightly. "Don't leave me."
Sayo was speechless. He said he missed her. She wanted to faint. "I miss you too…," she uttered finally. "I miss you so much…" She pressed her body against his.
Enishi rolled, pressing himself onto top of her. He looked deep into her eyes, his thumb brushing her soft cheek. Although in his drunken state, she felt all of his love being poured onto her. His eyes could not conceal his true feeling. She has never seen him holding so much emotion before.
He lowered himself and gently kissed her lips. "Stay with me. I'll be good to you," he convinced before he invaded her mouth with his tongue.
At that moment, Sayo felt on top of the world. She was willing to give her all to him. He was tender as he neck her. That night, she felt, he was an entirely different man from the first time he made love to her. Though he was gentle the first time, that night, she heard him spoke the words of love that she could never imagine him saying. As he fumbled but gently undressed her, she felt precious. Every move he made, every kiss he dropped amplified his love.
As he made his way into her, whispering, "I will take care of you," she felt the world rained with flower petal. She felt alive. His love was overwhelming her.
As he moved slowly, he whispered, "I am so in love with you. I'll make you the happiest woman on earth. Don't go with him. I love you… Kaoru…." He sealed her lips.
'Kaoru...' She couldn't believe her own ears. 'This couldn't be…' A name that was not her own kept repeating itself, tormenting her. 'This couldn't be…'
"Kaoru…" he moaned as he pushed in deeper.
And she stopped breathing.
As he continued to move in her lifeless body, moaning, tears uncontrollably ran down her temple. Her world no longer rained flower petals. Her world had stopped moving altogether. It wasn't her that was in his loving eyes. It wasn't her that he was making love to. It wasn't her that he loved.
It was all Kaoru, the woman who had captured his heart. It was Kaoru who had ruined her life.
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Blissfully, he lips curled upwards even in his sleep. Subconsciously, Enishi felt at ease, wrapping his body around warmth. Fragments of what happened the night before kept flashing at the back of his mind. She was there like she did the first time, holding a wet towel. His Kaoru came back to him.
Wanting to wake up to her beautiful smile, he opened his eyes slowly. However, his eyes jerked opened widely when the first thing that he saw was Sayo's face. He jolted up and moved away from her.
"Why are you here?" he asked bluntly. In a flash, he thought he saw her grief
She moved closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You don't remember?" she asked, smiling. "You had too much to drink and I brought you home. You asked me to stay, not to leave you. You said you love me," she pecked him lightly. "Don't worry, I will not leave you. I'll always be by your side." She pressed her body against his, nudging at the base of his neck.
For a moment, Enishi was dumbfounded. It was all just a dream. Kaoru didn't come back to him. He unlocked Sayo's arm around him, keeping a distance between their naked bodies. "Get dressed," he said as he got up from the bed.
Sayo momentarily closed her eyes and swallowed her tears. A smile quickly replaced when she opened her eyes again. She got up, walking towards Enishi. She wrapped her arms around his muscular built and rested her cheek at the back of his shoulder.
"I can stay if you want," she whispered tenderly, almost pleading. "You don't have to go to work. I can keep you happy… I'll do everything for you…"
Enishi did not respond, looking outside his window. His heart was cold. He felt nothing. She was standing naked behind him, her breast pressing against him but yet, he felt nothing. All that he could think of was Kaoru - What was Kaoru doing? Who she was with now? How was he going to win her over?
"I need to get back to the office. I've got something important to do," he released himself from her clutch.
"Alright then. You are just like father, working so hard. But I can live with that. I just love the way you are." She walked to the bathroom. Just before she closed the door, "Enishi, please remember that I'll always be by your side." Behind the closed door, her forehead rested against the door with her eyes closed. Tears were rolling down her cheek again.
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He had given specific order not to be disturbed. He didn't want to answer any phone or see anybody. All he wanted was to be left alone.
Enishi sat with his back against his desk, looking outside the sky. No matter how much he wanted to have kaoru, yet, his couldn't think of anything. His mind was a blank as a piece white paper. He didn't know what to do and it was killing him. Was he going to allow the love of his life walked away just like that?
There was a knock on his door. He didn't answer. His secretary knocked again. Hearing response, she nervously turned the door knob and peeped inside.
"Mr. Yukishiro," the middle aged woman called out quietly, "Miss Yukishiro is on the other line. Do you wish to answer her call?" she asked timidly.
Enishi immediately snapped back to live upon Tomoe's name.
"Tomoe," his voice brightened up, "is everything alright?"
"I should be asking you the question," she said. "You haven't called me for two days and I was worried sick. And your mobile phone could not be reach. What is going on? First, you flew back to Japan in a hurry and then you went missing. Enishi, tell me, what is happening over there? Are you alright?" Tomoe said everything in one breath time. It was not usual for her to lose her composure.
He smiled. "Everything is fine. I was just hit with a dead end but don't worry. There is nothing that I couldn't fixed." His confidence came back upon hearing Tomoe's voice.
"You are hiding from me, are you?"
"Don't worry. Problem will be solved soon. Don't worry. Just wait for my good news," he answered.
"Speaking of good new, I have one for you," she tried to hold back her excitement. "You are going to be an uncle!" she exclaimed. "I'm pregnant!"
Enishi went flabbergasted for a moment before the corner of his lip slowly curled up into a broad grin. "That's wonderful. That's good news!" Finally, the day he'd been waiting for had arrived. "How pregnant are you?"
"Three months, the doctor said…"
Good, he thought, her fetus was stable and he could, then, get rid of Akira for good. He laughed. Tomoe was pregnant, Akira will be out of the picture and he was going to have Kaoru. He could finally built his dream family.
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Author's note: So, what do you think? Tell me your honest opinion. I like reading them.
Thanks for reading.
Hopefully, things will move faster with the next chapter.
P/S: I need some help with the next chapter. Does anybody know anything about Japanese Style Wedding? Please drop me a note if you do. Thank you.