standard disclaimers apply
Himura Battousai, the head of the Death eaters was flanked by his comrades cum bodyguards Sanosuke and Aoshi were led down a long winding corridor by a visibly shaking little man. Not that anyone was going to tease him about that.
Battousai had a mane of fiery red hair and a pair of golden eyes that shone like tiny suns in the darkness. Despite their semblances to suns, they were the direct opposite; they absorbed the light in their surroundings. It was rumored that looking straight into his eyes was fatal as they would suck all the joy out a person. No one ever made fun of Battousai as the icy aura that clung to him like his sword warned seriously against it.
"Are you certain that we have to work with Hell's Gate? They barely even have a proper head quarters," asked Sanosuke for thousandth time.
"It'll keep things simple. We can avoid a huge mess with their help," replied Battousai, unfazed by Sano's incessant complaints and queries.
"You should suggest they redecorate," Sano grumbled as a leaking pipe dripped all over his head. They were walking down a corridor that resembled a dark, gloomy and dilapidated alley.
"Where are we going?" asked Aoshi suddenly, scaring the wits out of their guide.
He gulped at Aoshi's cold tone and stammered, "The Boss's private…chambers…Boss said that you deserved VIP treatment."
"At least their boss has eyes," grinned Sano, pleased at the reply.
They finally stopped when the reached a dead end that had a rickety wooden door.
"This is your Boss's chamber?" exclaimed Sano. "Don't make me laugh."
The guide stood at a lost, shifting his weight between his legs and wringing his hands nervously. In the end, he opted to knock on the door.
"Enter," a voice called out from behind the door.
The guide opened the door fearfully and whispered, "I've brought Battuosai and his men, Boss." His hand trembled violently as he gripped the metal knob tightly. The metallic clanging caused by his shivers broken the stillness within the dark room the door led to.
"Show them in and leave," order Kaoru in a cold voice as she proceed to turn on the lights.
Battousai entered to gaze at a porcelain beauty dressed in dark blue and black satin. The material shimmered under the dim lighting of the room and making Kaoru look more beautiful than she already was.
"Good evening, Battousai. Have a seat," gestured Kaoru towards the plush couch that surrounded a glass coffee table.
"Good evening to you too," Battousai replied politely as he took the seat offered. Sano and Aoshi trailed behind him and flanked his sides.
"Could I interest you in some wine? I just open a bottle of Moncalf 49. A rather pricey wine but well worth its weight in gold."
"It would be my pleasure. As I recall, it is one of Hell's Gate signature wines. Only a hundred bottles are available each year."
"That's true. Achieving a monopoly of supply does have it advantages," Kaoru consented as she presented Battousai with a crystal flute of a golden liquid before taking a seat at the other end of the table.
"How do you find it?"
Sipping a little of the wine, Battousai's eyes widen in amazement. "Marvelous. What it lacks in subtlety, it makes up with sensuality."
"True. I always equated it to sipping liquid gold," Kaoru drawled lazily as she studied Battousai's profile. She had known that he was Battousai from the moment he stepped foot in her chamber. He excluded an eerily calm and powerful grace that was usually found in great warriors. While he was not threatening physically, his aura made up for that and more.
"What brings you here?" Kaoru enquired casually. "I don't remember stepping in your territory or any other reason that could warrant such a visit from you."
"You have not offended me nor have you stepped over the line," Battousai replied in the same indifferent tone he was legendary of. "I came here for an entirely different matter."
"What matter is of such great magnitude that you, the leader has to pay me a visit?"
"Nothing that is very serious, though I would appreciate the cooperation."
"What, pray tell."
"The Federal Bureau Investigation has embarked on a rather successful crusade to eliminate our gangs. To date, their new commander, Hajime Saitou has rounded up most of the other gangs within this working zone. They may have no direct link to us but his actions have become increasingly annoying.
I was hoping that I could interest you in a partnership. To waste Hajime away. He is presenting himself to be a very annoying pest."
Kaoru smirked a little as she replied, "I understand what you mean. He too has caused me quite a lot of trouble. While I support the alliance, I fail to see the need for your presence here today. You could have simply just sent one of your men to discuss it."
"True again," Battousai answered as he got up to stand. "I could have simply dispatched one of men to deal with this alliance but I prefer a more personal touch in this case. I have a personal interest in this case."
"Oh?" Kaoru raised a delicate eyebrow at his comment.
Battousai advanced so close to Kaoru that his breath tickled her loose strains of hair. He took a deep whiff smell of her scent. It was dark, distinctly female and had a hint of…
"Jasmine," he said out loud as he leaned in even closer to Kaoru's face.
"Night blooming jasmine to be exact," Kaoru corrected as she stared unflinching into his eyes.
Battousai's lips curved slightly in a smile as he discovered she wore no make up. Her cheeks were rosy by nature, like rosebuds waiting to open.
"What is your interest?" Kaoru asked, breaking the silence that hung between them.
"Well, I do believe it's none of your business." Battousai declared.
"As you say," Kaoru shrugged as she looked away. "Then I believe that this meeting is over. Please leave. My members will work with yours from now on until Hajime is eliminated."
"As you say," Battousai stood upright slowly and left along with Sano and Aoshi without as much as a backward glance.
When Battousai and company left, Karou let out a breath she was not even aware she was holding. Battousai was engulfed in an oppressing aura that it was almost impossible for her to breathe. It was amazing that she even could continue the conversation in a calm tone that was the exact opposite of her state of her mind.
Taking a sip form her glass that was trembling in her shaky hand, Kaoru took a long calming breath to steady her emotions. Battousai was indeed a dangerous man. She could not have been happier that he was NOT her enemy.
thanks to all those who have reviewed
pls R&R
