Mornings after

by hye kyo

Disclaimer: Nope, RK isn't mine…

Author's Notes: Oh well, things have started to pile up. I haven't had the time to update When She Cries but I will certainly, if not this week next week it is. So I'm sorry, the last chapter was short. I haven't replied to most reviewers yet, I promise I would. I promise really. I didn't have the energy to respond last time because I lost my cell phone. But I've gotten over it. Anyway, there isn't much in this chapter. But I do hope you'll like it still. Anyway, many commented that this story is turning a bit angsty and dramatic. Maybe it's quite getting off-hand, you know, the story taking a tun on its own. But don't worry, things will strat to cool down by chapter 15...or 16...and then a really funny scene (at least for me) in chapter 17...hahaha...

Read and Review! Thanks!

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Chapter eleven: finding out

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"Have you tried?" Megumi whispered. Kenshin was just behind the door, it requires utmost care and vigilance.

"I've called her many times but her phone's always off," it was Misao at the other end.

"But you should—" Megumi heard the sound of the doorknob turning, "Hey, got to go…he's here." And then without even letting Misao speak, she returned the phone back to its cradle just as Kenshin appeared in the doorway.

"Any call for me?" his eyes were trained on the phone.

Megumi shook her head, hoping he didn't catch the scene earlier. "Are you expecting a call?"

He shook his head. To Megumi the shake of his head seemed forced, which made it all the more suspicious. Why were they hiding anyway?

"I'll be out for lunch okay?" she said as she continued scrutinizing his expressions.

"Okay," he said and turned towards the door, "Just don't take too long."

"Okay," she said, her hands itching to get hold of the phone.

---

Kenshin was weird last Friday night and was much weirder Monday night. She wanted to ask him how he was, how was breakfast with his father, how his work was. She wanted to be able to comfort him.

She stood up from her swivel, walked over to the paper shredder. There were too many unnecessary papers in her bin. She fed them to the shredder. It's voice was shrill.

"There's a call for you," Ayu walked over to her and said.

She mouthed thanks and hurried to the side table. She picked it up, "Yes, this is Kaoru."

"Thank goodness Kaoru!"

Kaoru rolled her eyes. She knew who it was, "Misao?" To Misao, overacting was a norm.

"Yes, the one and only."

Kaoru leaned on one foot and thought of all the remaining papers in her bin. The cordless phone she stuck in between her chin and her shoulder blade. "Is there anything new?"

She heard Misao giggle. "I have new stuff to share."

"Really?" she rolled her eyes again. What was it this time? The very last time Misao had called like this was when she talked endlessly about her date with the refrigerator Aoshi. She wouldn't want to hear any of it.

"Really Kaoru," Misao snorted, as if realizing what Kaoru has in mind, "This is not about Aoshi don't worry."

"Oh," Kaoru muttered. A couple of sheets stuck in the shredder. She pulled the cord off and managed the papers out of the shredder. She quickly returned the cord. It came shrilling back to life.

"If you have time let's meet with Megumi."

Kaoru slipped another batch into the shredder, shifted her weight on her other foot, shifted the phone on her other shoulder blade and looked at her nails. She needed some manicure. "Nope, I can't. Tuesday's hell day for me."

"But I have great news!" Misao was really enthusiastic.

"Save it for tomorrow," she said. "Or better yet tell it to me now."

"No," Misao squealed. "Megumi's presence is needed."

"Then tomorrow, what do you say?" she asked, finally on the last batch of papers. After this she'd be going to the stockroom to do the inventory. She should've just applied in the advertising department instead.

Misao was quiet for a while and then said, "Wait, I'd have you on hold. I'd talk to Megumi."

"Just get back to me," she said and ended the phone. She has no time for such gossips now. She has to concentrate on her job and on her pregnancy.

---

Kaoru rolled her eyes as she spotted Kenshin looking at his watch. He was already at the parking lot, standing by the open door of his car.

"Do you have an appointment elsewhere?" she suddenly asked as she came into hearing range.

Kenshin immediately turned, embarrassment registering in his face. "Uh…I was just…checking the time…"

Kaoru rolled her eyes again. Last night he was absurd. And tonight's just like last night. She would have none of these.

Kenshin walked over to her side, opened the door for her and said, "Let's go."

She doesn't want to. She felt like Kenshin's mind was on somewhere far.

"Come on," Kenshin said, glancing at his watch again. "It's getting late."

Late? She frowned. So here he goes again. She watched as Kenshin walked back to his side of the car, slipped inside and closed the door. From where she was, with the opened door of her side of the car she could see him glancing discretely at his watch.

"Kaoru?" he turned and looked at her.

"You go ahead," she said, feeling annoyed.

"What?" he asked, suddenly getting out. He stood face to face with her with the body of the car getting in between them.

"You seem to be in a hurry," she said, imitating his act of glancing at his watch. "And it's getting late."

"Kaoru," Kenshin's voice was hushed.

"It seems that you still have something to do. You should've just told me." She pushed the door close, tightened her hold on the strap of her bag and sighed.

Kenshin opened his mouth to speak but eventually decided to keep quiet.

"Well then, see you tomorrow," she said, turning around to go to the other direction.

"Then at least let me drive you to the bus stop," he stuttered.

She shook her head and forced a smile as she glanced back at him, "I'm going back to the office, I just remembered I still have tons to do."

"Kaoru…" he murmured.

And she walked away. It was a bad feeling.

---

She didn't return to the office. She lied to him. She hailed a cab, got in and decided to go home. She wouldn't need dinner anyway. She was actually full from Tae-san's onigiri.

---

Kenshin knew Kaoru must be really upset. She said she still had lots of things to do at the office but he has this feeling that she was lying. Maybe he looked so disinterested these past days. His mind had been occupied lately.

He received a call from Tomoe that night as he went home. Because Kaoru refused to have him drive her home he arrived on time. However, Tomoe wasn't there. Eventually he received a call saying she couldn't make it because she got caught up in something. Kenshin simply had to accept it with a smile.

And that fact made him feel so guilty. Kaoru noticed him glancing at his watch and that started her foul mood. Maybe tomorrow night he just has to make it up to her.

---

"I haven't been seeing Kenshin," Hiko noted as he poured coffee from the brewer into his cup.

Misao shifted through the channels. She glanced at him and said, "He's busy at work."

"Really?" Hiko mused. Kenshin should be. He took a seat on one of the stools facing the television at the breakfast counter.

"I'm going out for lunch daddy," Misao mumbled as she scooped cereals into her mouth. "Yuck, it's stale." She went to the sink to rinse her mouth.

"Why?" Hiko arched a brow.

"I'm going to see Kaoru," she said as the aftertaste made her nauseous.

Hiko thought. "How's Kaoru?"

"She got a new job. And she seemed happy with her new job."

"Your brother should've just offered her one at the company," he took a sip from his coffee cup and cringed as he realized it was still too hot.

"He did but Kaoru declined," Misao went back to her stool.

Hiko changed the channel. "Kaoru's such an independent girl."

"She really is," Misao beamed. Okay, so maybe she idolizes Kaoru a bit too much.

"Does she have a boyfriend?"

Misao's beaming face suddenly darkened. She narrowed her gaze, "Don't tell me you're going to set her up into one of your matchmaking schemes?"

"Why not?" Hiko laughed.

"She already has a person in mind." Misao crossed her arms over her chest.

"Who? Your stupid brother?" and then Hiko laughed.

Misao frowned. Her brother? And Kaoru? So not possible! "Of course not."

"Why not? At least Kenshin would learn a lot from her."

Misao's frown went deeper, "I don't think so. They get irritated with each other very quickly."

Hiko shot her a challenging look, "Who knows? Opposites attract you know."

"Yeah right," Misao dismissed him, "Just like your vulgar self and pristine mommy."

Hiko rolled her eyes, "I am not vulgar. Your mommy liked me the way I am."

Misao laughed, "Yeah right." And then she stood up from her stool and went to the kitchen door. Before turning the knob she said, "I'm leaving. I'll see you when I get home. There's some cold soup in the ref. Just reheat it okay?"

Hiko felt sorry for himself, "I am the daddy here and my little princess's treating me like this? Poor me."

Misao only laughed him off as she disappeared.

---

Kaoru saw Misao and Megumi waving as she opened the glass door. She smiled at the maitre' d and then hurried to their table.

"So," Megumi said, "It's been a long time."

"Is it really okay for you to still go out?" Kaoru expressed concern as she sat down.

"Of course," Megumi said, feeling proud, "I am a healthy mom."

"Don't worry about Megumi, we have more important things to discuss."

Kaoru furrowed her brows as Misao beckoned for the waiter.

---

"Seta-san!" Tae squeaked as she was surprised by his sudden appearance. She had just closed the door and was about to turn when Seta-san appeared from nowhere.

"Did I scare you?" he asked grinning.

Tae could only laugh, "You've seen the records I showed you?"

He nodded, and then after a bit of hesitation, he asked, "Why didn't you ask Kamiya-san to deliver those in my office?"

Tae sent him a sly look, "She told me she's going out early for lunch."

"So she isn't here?" a look of dismay crossed his face.

"Soujiro," Tae said dropping business ethics. She grinned at him.

He quickly shook his head, "You're getting the wrong idea."

Tae laughed and beckoned him to come closer, "She'd be back at one and then I'd ask her to bring you some stuff upstairs."

Seta grinned and then looked away, his face looking so boyish and young, "You can ask someone else."

Tae assured him with a nod, "Don't worry."

He couldn't contain himself, "Well…thank you…"

Tae knew she wasn't getting the wrong idea.

---

"So, would you tell me now?" Kaoru finished her plate. She daubed at her mouth with the table napkin and turned to Misao who was emptying her glass and then at Megumi who was checking her cell phone.

Misao placed her glass back with such seriousness and then turned to her, "Okay."

"Be ready," Megumi said. "I actually didn't believe it myself."

"So?" Kaoru asked, growing impatient. "I wanted to know now. Who is this about?"

Misao swallowed, looked intensely at her and said, "Guess who!" she broke into a fit of laughter.

Megumi quickly chimed in.

Kaoru frowned, punched Misao lightly and said, "Now's not the time for jokes. I'm serious. Who are we talking about?"

Megumi cleared her throat and after receiving a go signal from Misao she said, "Okay…this is about Kenshin."

As if simply telling who it was about was a revelation in itself, Kaoru felt her eyes widened. "Kenshin?"

Misao grinned, loving the effects on Kaoru. "Yeah, it's about my brother."

And then Kaoru hesitated to ask. Do they know? Of course not. They wouldn't include her like this if they knew about it. She swallowed hard and tried to sustain her expression lest Misao become suspicious, "What is it about?"

Misao leaned closer, just as what Megumi did and after a while whispered, "She came back."

Kaoru frowned. Another riddle. "Who?"

Misao turned to Megumi who leaned closer, nodded at Megumi and mumbled, "Yukishiro."

Kaoru frowned again. Who was Yukishiro? She couldn't remember anyone with that name. "Who is Yukishiro?"

Misao and Megumi exchanged puzzled looks and then Misao said, "Kaoru…what are you talking about? Don't tell me you don't know Yukishiro?"

"No really," she stammered, "Who is Yukishiro?"

Megumi leaned back on her seat. The excitement gone.

"Kaoru really now. You couldn't possibly forget Yukishiro Tomoe, Kenshin's fiancé." Misao had also leaned back on her chair.

And that sparked something. Kaoru's eyes widened as realization hit her. Tomoe was back and what does that mean?

Misao slowly smiled, acknowledging Kaoru's surprise. She slowly leaned closer. "So?"

"So?" Kaoru asked back, not really knowing what to say.

"Now, tell me about this Tomoe," Megumi interrupted, "You told me Misao you'd be telling me about her once we tell Kaoru."

"Right," Misao said, straightening up and placed both hands on her lap. She then looked at Megumi, "She was my brother's ex. Three years ago she left for some 'personal' reasons."

Megumi's eyes narrowed, "Personal…" and then she beckoned Misao to continue.

"They met back when my brother was still studying in Germany. You know, the usual love story. She came from a well to do family. She was the right-out-of-romance-novels-heroine type. You know what I mean right?"

Megumi nodded, now leaning forward.

"So they eventually got together and eventually got engaged five years ago. And because I know you're good in math Megumi that means they were engaged for at least two years."

"Two years." Megumi nodded and then said, "Well, that's more than enough time for engagement I guess."

"Well, to some yes," Misao commented and then said, "Eventually they got separated. It took my brother a long time to get over her and I think the reason why he hadn't actually, seriously, looked for someone was because he still couldn't get over her."

"Oh," Megumi gasped. She turned to Kaoru and realized she was still staring in space. She turned back to Misao, "Until now?"

"Maybe, we both saw how they were right?"

Kaoru grasped what Misao said. So maybe Kenshin wasn't over her yet. And what does that mean for her?

"Why did they break up anyway?" Megumi asked as she took a sip from her water glass.

Misao leaned closer, "I heard she went away to marry someone else."

Megumi's eyes widened, she suddenly pulled back and cried out, "To marry someone else?!"

"Sshh," Misao quickly pulled her, "Don't be so loud. Anyway, we only knew she was engaged a year ago. The personal reasons she gave when they broke up…those I do not know."

"So you mean she might be married already? I mean by now?"

Misao shrugged her shoulders, "I couldn't say for sure. Why would she want to see my brother if she's married already?"

Kaoru turned to Misao, her heart palpitating, her stomach doing some odd somersaults, "They were seeing each other?"

"Yes," it was Megumi who answered. "We've followed them once actually."

Kaoru thought. So that must be the reason why he was always disinterested, "When did they start seeing each other?"

"Last week…that was on a…on a Thursday," Megumi nodded as she said.

Thursday? "What time Thursday?"

"Kaoru," Misao suddenly interjected, "Why? Were you with my brother last Thursday?"

"Ah…no," she lied, "I just wanted to know the time."

"Well, it was in the evening…somewhere around eight to eight thirty…Couldn't remember exactly."

Thursday evening. That was when he was canceling all her calls. So that must be the reason why he was so weird. And maybe that was also the reason why Kenshin was acting strange the following Friday night.

"And then they met again this week. If I remember correctly that was last Monday. And then I happened to answer a call for him from Tomoe about a date on Tuesday night."

Tuesday night? That was last night. She felt her heart pound more loudly. She knew it, something was up. So he was actually hurrying to go wherever they were supposed to meet. That's why he had been continuously checking his watch. What to do?

"So what do you think?" Misao asked, breaking into her thoughts.

Kaoru looked down on her palms. She doesn't know what to think. What now? This means that Kenshin's will to marry her was downed by more than a half. Maybe by now he has no determination and intention whatsoever of marrying her. She understands, she's trying to understand.

"I think a reconciliation is bound to happen," Megumi commented.

Reconciliation? Kaoru had wanted so much to talk him out of marrying her and now that an opportunity presents itself, why doesn't she want to acknowledge it? Has she grown fond of him? No, maybe she just actually got used to the idea of getting married to him.

"So Kaoru?" Misao asked again.

"Well…" Kaoru murmured, "I guess…I guess it's alright…"

Misao frowned, "Alright? What do you mean alright?"

"Tomoe's a very nice girl, very pretty, intelligent and very lady-like. I think it's okay…if the two of them decided to get back that is…"

Megumi laughed and then nodded, "Really? You think so?"

Well, she guesses it would be alright. It may be hard to understand but at least she knew it would be alright. She'd make herself understand that it's all right.

---

A/n: So the scene with the three stalkers was very long. But I guess this chapter revealed much about the relationship between our redhead and the villainess. Haha, I'm so cruel to Tomoe. She's quite fine actually, I just don't like her that much. Anyway, I'll try to update faster and better. There's a lot more heading our hero's and heroine's way! Yuck, so corny…the way I said it