The couple nearly jumped at the sound of the loud intruder. Kenshin swore as he took his phone and answered it.
"Hey, Kenshin! Where are you man?" Sano's loud voice came from the other end. Kenshin was glad Sano was nowhere near and that his back was to Kaoru for his eyes were shining a dangerous gold. He was just sharing an intimate moment and his best friend blew it for him!
"I'm coming, Sano." Kenshin switched off the phone and turned but Kaoru was long gone. Feeling down, he walked back slowly to the car but the memory of Kaoru by the wall in his arms made a smile grow on his lips. Kenshin grinned. Kaoru was one heck of a woman and her reaction to his kiss was a welcome. Next time, maybe things can get better.
Or not.
Kenshin had a feeling that Kaoru would avoid him for good after this. As he slid in the back seat, Kenshin realised something. A woman in love with her husband would not so desperately cling to another man even if it were her ex. There was something in Kaoru's married life that was bugging him. Kenshin knew he had to get to the bottom of this or he would go crazy.
Kaoru sighed in relief as she took the opportunity to get away from Kenshin. She could not belief how she had responded to his kiss. If Enishi found out, she will be hurt for sure. Enishi was too possessive a man and being his wife gave Kaoru little chance to mingle with others her age.
As the young lady went back to work, a man stood up from the corner and pocketed his film.
The four young people sat in Misao's house and sipped hot tea served by Okon. They sighed as the delicious hot tea made its way down their throats. Life was bliss.
"Ne, what is it that you wanted to ask me about?" Misao asked as she leaned back on the couch crossing her legs delicately like a cat. Aoshi stared at her legs before composing himself. He knew Misao simply did that to catch his attention.
"Well, do you know Kamiya Kaoru?" Kenshin asked as he amusingly took note of the events unfolding in front of him. Misao glanced at him briefly before eating a toffee sweet. She licked her lips as she eyed Aoshi and turned to Kenshin. Aoshi mentally shook his head.
"Yes, yes I do. She is my friend. What do you want with her?" Misao asked as she licked a bit of juice that escaped from her lips. Aoshi suddenly excused himself to the kitchen. The three of them watched his retreat before Misao laughed.
"It's always amusing to see his reaction," she said and turned to face Kenshin, her eyes keenly taking his form and accessing him. "Why the questions about Kaoru?"
Kenshin looked at Misao before sighing grimly. " I saw a bruise on her wrist. She refuses to tell me how she got it. I suspect she is being abused by her spouse." Misao smiled and was silent until Aoshi returned and took his seat. "I suspected the same."
"What?" Sano and Kenshin asked in unison.
Misao sighed. "Kaoru had never seriously dated anyone since I knew her at the age of 15. She brushed away any boy that wanted to get close to her. The only guy I know she kept contact with is Seta Soujiro. However, three years ago Sou-chan left for England to accompany his fiancée. They have been keeping in touch until she got married.
You would expect that a girl like Kaoru would start dating first before she got married. I know that she was stalked once. The man harassed her like crazy. Then, suddenly he stopped the same day she called to announce that she had just tied the knot. There are only 2 possibilities: the man had died or left for someone else or she married her stalker.
Personally, I believe she married him.
Ever since her marriage, Kaoru changed like hell. She was so glum and sad. She refused to meet any of her family members though Saito-san and Tokio-san had frequently visited her. She refused to give me her phone number and house address. Kaoru just...pushed us all away.
Then, one day when she was changing I noticed bite marks. Well, hecki is a normal thing. But to see bruises was another thing all together. She flinched when I touched her shoulder. I begged her to tell me what was going on, she refused. It has been going on for a year now. Once...Kaoru ended up in a hospital. She would not tell why and didn't allow anyone to see her."
Misao finished her drink and looked up at the men. " No one knows what happened. Maybe Saito-san does. He doesn't want to tell. Why all the questions about her?"
Kenshin hid his eyes behind his bangs. He didn't want his friends to see them. "I have fallen for the girl master cursed me with. I can't believe he was right. He told me one day I would regret letting her go and today, I really wish I did otherwise. I don't care if Kaoru accepts me or not. For the things I put her through, freeing her from this guy is the least I can do to make up."
Misao leaned in with interest. " What did you do?"
Sano patted Kenshin's back supportively. " He fell for Tomoe though he was betrothed to Kaoru since her birth. So, when he finally wanted to break it off, he said some pretty nasty things with the help of Megumi, my fiancée and me. Let's say... You are a tomboy, you act like a guy when you are a girl, not even an ogre would want to marry you, you don't know how to cook, you can't arrange flowers, you dress like a nerd, you study too much, you are too young and you are just not pretty! ... These are some of them. Trust me even if you were Kaoru, you'd hate us for life."
Misao glared at him. " I don't know how to arrange flowers and I am far younger than Aoshi-sama. What's so wrong with that?"
Kenshin got up and sighed. " Nothing is wrong. Then, we were just kids. Well, teens. I had an image to uphold. Now, older and wiser I regret everything." He walked to the door and turned to look at Misao.
" Thank you for your help. I'll see what I can do to help Kaoru."
Misao smiled softly as she latched herself to Aoshi.
You do that Himura. I want her to be happy. You do whatever you can do.
Kenshin walked out silently. He was glad that Aoshi had arranged this talk with Misao. It gave him an insight on Kaoru's life. Part of him wished it was all his imagination but he knew this was reality and she was suffering quietly. Who could this guy be that even the Mibu wolf is stepping carefully at each stone?
He looked up at the blue sky and wondered whether Kaoru could enjoy life's simple luxuries.
"Where ya heading Kenshin?" He turned to eye his tall friend. They had been partners in crime too long. Now, it was time to change things.
"Saito's place. Wanna come?"
"Nah. I hate that guy. He gives me the creeps and he is darn annoying. You go ahead. I have a date with kitsune."
Kenshin smiled as he saw his friend leave Misao's residence. Turning around, he made his way to the subway station. It was time to meet the wolf.
" I never thought you'd be coming around asking about Kaoru, Himura," Saito said as he took out a cigarette. He lighted it up and turned to eye the man he so despised. Maybe despised was too strong a word but Saito resented Kenshin since that evening the engagement was broken.
" You and I both know something is not right in her marriage. I don't understand why you are not doing anything about it. You're sister is suffering and you are leading a happy life here." Kenshin could not believe that Saito could so casually sit and smoke when right now Kaoru is having a horrid life. Tokio came in with their drinks and Saito immediately put out his cigarette when she took a seat beside him.
"It is not that we don't want to do anything, Himura-san. It is just we are incapable to do anything. Kaoru marrying that monster is a way for her to help us. She did it without our knowledge," Tokio said as she gently placed a slender arm on her husband's knee. "If we knew, we would have done something but now it is too late."
"Why would she want to marry him? I heard she never seriously dated anyone. How could she so easily marry a man without any of you knowing?" Kenshin asked refusing to accept Tokio's explanation.
"She wanted to protect us. Me and Yahiko especially since we are the easiest targets."
"Protect you from what?"
"Protect us from being kidnapped, Mr. Himura."
"Kidnapped?"
"Yes." Tokio looked at his with sorrowful eyes as a hand rubbed her belly. "Yahiko had been kidnapped and hurt three times when she repeatedly rejected the marriage proposal. There was time we thought he would never come back. Then, I was followed one day when I brought my son to the clinic. It was the last straw for her. She accepted the proposal and married him the same day. It was only later that we found out. It was too late."
"Why would anyone attack you when you are under Saito's care?" Kenshin asked amazed at the man's boldness.
"Because I cannot look after my family 24/7. Kaoru took matters into her own hands. This way they left us alone. But she has to suffer by herself. It is not an easy task but she took it anyway." Saito looked coldly at Kenshin. "This psycho doesn't even know her much less met her. I don't think he was aiming for her directly. It must be someone else."
Kenshin leaned back on his chair. " Who?"
Saito shrugged. "I don't know but I am sure he can help us," he said as he pointed to the kitchen. Kenshin craned his neck and saw a young man walking outside with a banana. "Who is he?"
"Seta Soujiro. He is angry that Kaoru had not called to wish him on his birthday and realised things are not as flowery here as he initially thought. So, he flew down hoping to clean up the mess before he leaves." Saito seemed pleased at the idea and looked at Kenshin. "You do know him, right?"
"Aa. I heard about him from Misao-dono. How can he help?"
"He is working with Scotland Yard as a special agent. He will be of good use. Right now, he has collected sufficient evidence to put Enishi behind bars. But that is not what I want. I want the man dead. Soujiro is planning a way to get rid of the bodies. He is good at that. I can't stand seeing my sister hurt. But if I do anything rash and these two get hurt, Kaoru would have my head. Probably with her cooking," Saito said with a sigh and closed his eyes.
"Who is he? Her husband?"
"I don't really know. But his name is Enishi."
Kenshin looked up at the ceiling of his room. Images of Kaoru sprung up in his mind finally finishing at the scene in the alley. Their first real kiss and Kenshin could feel the desperation and need in that one kiss.
He turned restlessly on his bed.
Enishi.
That name was so familiar. He dare not think it was Tomoe's little brother that married Kaoru. If that was the case, why her? Then again, there are many people by the name of Enishi. Not just them. At least he hoped not.
Kenshin feared that he would kill the man if he laid another finger on Kaoru. How was he to help the young woman so far from here?
He turned and forced himself to sleep. He would have to think of an idea the next day.
Enishi slammed his table. Photographs of Kaoru and Kenshin scattered around. He was mad...furious at the pictures, at her. How dare she do this when he was not around? He had flown in the moment his spy called to inform him that he had an important news about Kaoru.
That slimy woman!
How dare she sleep with another man... with Himura? He would punish her. He would show her the true meaning of betraying him. Enishi drove madly to his condominium.
Kaoru was startled when Enishi barged into the bathroom. She screamed when he roughly pulled her out of the bathtub, dragging her small form across the room without a stitch of clothing on. Remembering where the towel was, she stretched out her arm and caught hold of it when her head banged the bathroom door. Pain filled her as she screamed.
"Enishi! What is going on?" she yelled when he finally let go of her and stood looming over her. Kaoru felt fear fill her form but refused to step down. She had been tormented long enough. The pain in her head felt like a hundred hammers banging constantly making her loose her gaze.
"What is going on? Dousite? You don't know?" he asked cynically as his eyes bored into her cerulean ones. Kaoru stared back.
"I don't know!" she yelled back, covering her body with the towel. A warm liquid made her touch the back of her head and she gasped when she saw blood on her fingers.
"You have been sleeping with Himura! I have picture to proof this so don't bother denying it!" he said furiously as he threw the pictures on her face. Kaoru took them and realised it was the one at the alley. She sighed.
"It was only a kiss and it was his fault. You can't blame me for it!"
"Oh yes I can. Then, he broke my sister's heart. He left her with that man, Akira. Akira was broke. He had no money. My sister had to live a poor life. She had to work hard. What did Kenshin do? Nothing! Now he wants to take you away from me? No way! I'd kill you first before I let you go with him!" Enishi looked like a hungry lion waiting to pounce on his prey.
Despite her throbbing head and steady fall of blood, Kaoru could not help but notice the connection of Kenshin's name. "Kenshin...your sister?"
"That's right. He dumped you for my sister. Nee-san married Akira because Kenshin dumped her. He had no right to dump her! Ever since she married Akira, her health steadily deteriorated. Akira could not pay for her medical expanses and they asked Kenshin for financial help. He refused to help them. Just because of stupid economic crisis, he couldn't give them money! Liar! He just wanted to see them dead! And he got his wish. She died after being hit with a virus. She didn't have a chance."
Enishi stared angrily at Kaoru. "But what does all this have to do with me?" she asked confused by the information dumped at her. Kaoru leaned back at the wall, trying to steady her shaking feet.
"You were his fiancée. If his master wanted, he would marry you and you two would live happily ever after. Like hell I'd allow that to happen after he left my sister to die! I had to make sure he never married you by marrying you. Now you betray me and have an affair with him? I won't let that happen!" he looked at her with hatred shining in his eyes.
All Kaoru could think was how unfair life is.
"You married me and tortured my family for him? There was no guarantee he would come back for me. How could you ruin my life for your own selfish need?" Kaoru yelled as she sunk to the ground.
Enishi walked to her slowly. He grasped a handful of her black locks and pulled her up roughly. "I'll never let him get you. Ever!" he swore as he banged her head repeatedly on the wall. Kaoru barely had the energy to push him back. Her body was so tired...so worn out. Besides, Enishi had this crazed look in his eyes.
Finally she gathered as much strength as she could and pushed his body away. Enishi staggered behind. Composing himself, he reached for her once more but Kaoru already made her way towards the balcony. As he tried to grab hold of her, she tried to move causing her to trip over a pot and fall down 20 stories from her room!
Kaoru closed her eyes. Maybe it will all be over now, she thought as her body fell quickly. It'll all be over.
Suddenly, she felt a pair of arms encircling her and she didn't fall flat on the ground. Opening her eyes for the briefest moment, Kaoru saw a face she never thought she would see.
Kenshin.
Kenshin's heart nearly fell out when he saw Kaoru falling head first to the ground. Relying on his instincts and speed, he rushed and jumped up, catching her safely in his arms. Her body was only clad in a towel and her head was bleeding terribly. She needed a doctor. He needed to take care of Enishi.
He passed the bundle in his arms to Sano who was looking that the situation with anger. Sano immediately took off his shirt and covered Kaoru before placing her in the car. He quickly drove away heading to Megumi's hospital. Although angry and furious with Enishi, he realised that Kenshin's rage surpassed his own. His eyes were blazing such a dark gold that he was sure Enishi would run away after a glance at Kenshin.
Kenshin stared angrily at Enishi. His mind raced back to the call he received that morning.
"Himura, I have the information you need."
"What is it Aoshi?" Kenshin asked as he drank a mug of coffee.
"She is married to Yukishiro Enishi."
His mug fell down and broke. Sano and Megumi turned to him. Hiko who was coming down took a seat opposite Kenshin and switched on the speaker.
"He was the man who stalked Kaoru and her family for three months. He proposed on Valentine's Day and she rejected him. He kidnapped Yahiko. Then, after two more rejected proposals and kidnapped cases he changed his technique. Yahiko ended up with a fractured arm on the third case. Tokio-san was his next target. His men followed her twice and when she had to run away once, Kaoru went to meet him personally and they got married.
She had ended up in the hospital the first month of their marriage. Abuse case but she refused to make a report. Saito and Tokio were not allowed to see her under her request. The second time because of a miscarriage. She was in the hospital for two weeks. Enishi didn't visit her once. No report. The third time was because of a broken arm and a few broken ribs. Saito managed to get hold of her but she refused to talk to him or acknowledge him. Their only contact is the phone.
Yahiko and Tokio had reported being constantly followed but never attacked during this time. Saito was once taken off a case because there had been a break in at his home when Tokio was there with their son. He cannot watch over his wife, son and brother all the time.
All this started after Tomoe-san died a month before he started harassing her. Maybe there is a connection."
Kenshin placed the entire puzzle at once and realised what Enishi is doing.
"He is taking revenge on Kaoru because he thought I killed his sister. Why Kaoru?"
"Maybe, baka deshi he was afraid you might marry her and live happily ever after. You were attracted since the first time you saw her," Hiko said as he drank a bottle of sake.
It was time he took care of Enishi. He needed that man to know that Tomoe was already near death because she had rare diseases. It was not his fault at all. Then, he would kill him. After all, Aoshi and Soujiro promised to take care of the goons while Saito would keep the body count hush hush.
Kaoru slowly opened her eyes. The familiar smell of the hospital filled her senses and she blinked a couple of times before adjusting her eyesight. The first person she saw was Yahiko.
The young boy sat by her side, holding her hand. His tear stained face looked at her adoringly as he rubbed her hand comfortingly with his own. She smiled when she realised his hands were bigger than her own.
"You have grown," Kaoru whispered. Immediately, Yahiko looked up with Tokio stood beside her. Kenshin and Misao came nearer. Kaoru smiled at her family.
"Is it over?"
"Yes, my dear. It is." Tokio wiped a stray tear away as she smiled at her sister-in-law. The joy of seeing Kaoru was shadowed by the sorrow of seeing her bruised petite form.
"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, Kaoru. It was because I wasn't strong enough that you had to go through all this. I am terrible. I cannot even protect my self. I let..."
"Shush...It was not your fault. Enishi was a monster. You were too young to handle big tycoons like him. Besides, I'm glad you are alright. I'm looking forward to our usual bickering at home, Yahiko-chan!" Kaoru said softly adding Yahiko's hated nickname for affect.
Yahiko's tears fell once more and he hugged her form. His sobbing didn't cease even though Kaoru rubbed his head encouragingly. He held on to her tightly refusing to let go. That was until she started turning blue from the lack of air and Sano pulled him away.
"Jeez, she might go into a relapse if you don't let go of her, kiddo," Sano said as Megumi checked Kaoru.
"Leave her alone. She needs rest. You people are too noisy and distracting," Megumi scolded as she pushed them away.
Kaoru laughed as she was helped out of the hospital. Life was getting better and better and the fact that Enishi was not going to destroy it anymore was a happy thought. Using her savings, Kaoru undergo a plastic surgery to clear the marks on her body.
Now, she looked brand new.
As she entered the house, Kaoru was surprised to see a surprise party and laughed with all her friends. Her relationship with Sano, Kenshin and Megumi had improved so much that they were now quite close during her 1-month stay at the hospital. They had apologised for their behaviour many years ago. Megumi especially was sorry that she had caused Kaoru to go away. Even Aoshi seemed nice to Kaoru. When she needed a quiet company, he was ready to share his presence.
"Time for gifts!" Tokio cried out and everyone cheered. Kaoru looked in expectation when an unusually large box was wheeled in front of her. She hesitantly opened it and screamed when something popped out ...or rather someone!
"Sou-chan!!!!!!!??" Kaoru yelled happily as she hugged him tightly. The guests whistled as she kissed him on both his cheeks.
"That's for the birthday I missed," she said as she latched to him. Soujiro smiled. "Thank you, dollie," he said teasingly as he hugged her. Kaoru grinned. This day could not get any better.
"I can't believe you decided to go out on a date with me," Kenshin said as he sipped his drink 3 months later at a fancy 5 star hotel. Kaoru laughed.
"We are friends now. I hate avoiding people. It makes you miss them more," she said as she smiled at him.
"Does that mean you missed me for the past 10 years?" Kenshin asked with a mischievous wink.
"Iie. I hardly thought about you...much," Kaoru replied a slight pink tinge on her cheeks. Kenshin grinned naughtily.
"You just cannot forget about me, Kaoru. After all, I am handsome and smart. Rich and definitely quite well known. I'm fast and strong. What else do you need from a man?" he asked slyly as he gazed into her azure eyes.
Kaoru huffed. "A little down to earth attitude would do fine," she grumbled as she looked away.
"Come on. A little less violence from you would do good to," Kenshin teased her some more. Kaoru got up annoyed.
"Thank you for the dinner, Himura-san. It was good while it lasted. I'll hail a cab," Kaoru said and left without a backward glance.
"KAMIYA KAORU!"
Kaoru turned in surprise, irritation and embarrasement when Kenshin called out loudly. Everyone's eyes were on her and the man currently walking slowly towards her, his eyes gentle and loving boring into her own. Kaoru's blush deepened as she looked helplessly at him.
Then, some, including Kaoru gasped when he knelt down on one leg reaching for her hand with his own. The other held a diamond ring.
"Will you marry this humble one and lead a life with him although he is a terrible, horrible person? Will you chase away his nightmares with your touch and comfort his cold body with your warmth? Will you allow him to walk by your side, helping you through life's cruel ways? Will you let him be your strength so that you do not need to be strong alone?
I love you, Kaoru. Will you marry me?"
Kaoru stared at Kenshin's sincere eyes. She could feel his love flowing from his heart mirrored in those amethyst orbs. She knew he was not like Enishi.
The whole place was quiet. Not a sound could be heard. Everyone waited for Kaoru's reply.
Slowly she nodded. "I will." Then, in a happier note, her love shining boldly in her eyes she answered even loudly as she flung her arms around him. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
Kenshin slipped the ring around her finger and hugged her. He carried her small form and twirled them around in joy. Kaoru laughed happily and Kenshin could see the forgiveness and joy in her eyes. He kissed her there and then deepened the kiss passionately.
The customers whistled and clapped for the couple causing the to embarrass-ly break apart and leave.
Walking to a new beginning.
Author's note:
Finally it is OVER! I hope you all enjoyed this.
Glossary:
Doushite: why
Baka deshi: idiot pupil