Author's Note: As an important note: this is set AFTER The Final. I have the movie verse in mind when I wrote this. Also, I'm sorry if I wasn't clear enough about this, but the first FIVE CHAPTERS of this convoluted mess can be found at "a distant part of the sky"
Unbeta-ed so sorry but got so excited that I managed to finish another chapter so... here it is.
Kaoru couldn't guess what Kenshin told, or perhaps threatened Sanosuke with, to make him finally see reason and agree to go to Kyoto but whatever it was, it made her friend want to leave as soon as possible. Strings were magically pulled and a train ticket had been procured the same day, scheduled for departure the following morning.
For someone who had been very vocal about not wanting her to go to Shanghai, Kenshin had been surprisingly helpful. It made Kaoru's heart twist just a little bit more inside her chest. She knew exactly why: guilt. It was like a thorn that had wedged itself inside her heart.
Kaoru recognized their situation as a reversal of roles when Kenshin had left for Kyoto, despite her tearful pleading, offering the comfort and safety of their newly-formed family.
How naïve she had been that day! Men were always allowed – expected even – to put aside their personal feelings, to leave their families behind all in the name of duty. For the country. For the people. For peace. Hadn't she gone through the same thing when her father had left her? Hadn't her father explained all these to her in the days before he had set out, never to return to her.
And yet, she had still hoped. Foolishly.
It was the same kind of foolishness that allowed her to think that she will be afforded the same courtesy: to choose the path to take. The resistance from Kenshin, Sano and Yahiko made sense. Kaoru understood it, accepted it even. It was reasonable and she almost yielded but her rebellious nature resented the fact that she had to bend to their will, even though, yes, they were just trying to protect her.
It was the very same reason why her father had to leave. To protect her. So that she could live and prosper; safe and untouched by the tragedies and violence of war.
Did Otou-san believed that it would be the last ever war? If yes, then his sacrifice felt all the more bitter for it. He lost his life and she was left vulnerable and lonely, constantly grappling for answers. All the unfinished lessons from her father.
Be strong, Kaoru-chan. Continue my legacy, my teaching; master the art the Kamiya Kasshin-ryū. Become a woman of worth, someone who is gentle but brave. A woman who is independent but nurturing.
But how, father, how?!
The answers wouldn't come easily, now. She had to learn it by herself. She had to pretend to be brave and strong and to believe in the pretending, so that it was almost true. It was a slow process, listening to her own instincts, accepting and learning from her own mistakes. Knowing who to trust, who to avoid. And she wasn't always right.
Like now, for instance. She was suddenly unsure of how she was going to go through with Saitou's plan. She almost wanted to back out but then she reminded herself of what was at stake. So, no. She can't give up now.
I can do this. I am smart and brave and capable. I am Kamiya Kaoru. There is no such thing as giving up.
She wondered if these were the very same words her father had told himself when he had to leave the dojo at the start of the Seinan Wars.
Strangely enough, now that she was in the same position as her father, Kaoru felt just a little bit closer to him. As though she had taken a small step in understanding the father that she had lost.
Sano being Sano, had enough time to throw himself an impromptu going-away party which thankfully didn't end up in a drunken disaster.
It very nearly did. Sano had plied Yahiko with endless cups of sake until her poor student started babbling about the traumatizing vision of Yukishiro and Saitou running away to get married in Shanghai.
"Chotto matte," Megumi interrupted, raising the hand holding her sake cup, the clear liquid sloshing out and dripping down her arms. "Isn't Yukishiro supposed to marry our Tanuki?"
Kenshin muttered something incoherent before very calmy setting the record straight, informing everyone in the room that nothing of that sort will happen. "That it will not. It will not be allowed."
Kaoru was too busy violently swatting Sanosuke in the arm to notice the intensity of Kenshin's stare, the undisguised possessive tone in his voice. "You told her!" She screeched instead. "You weren't supposed to tell her!"
Sano dodged her efforts to strangle him, turning his attention towards a still blabbering Yahiko. "Ya big mouthed brat! Why are you still talking about that stupid watermelon?!"
"What watermelon?!" Megumi piped up; her words slightly slurred.
"The one that Yukishiro gave Kaoru." Yahiko grumbled, shaking his head in disdain.
Megumi gasped dramatically, sending her an accusing glare.
Kaoru rolled her eyes. "It doesn't mean anything!"
Yahiko was shaking his head, "Of course it does, busu. Why are you being so stupid?!"
"Say that again you brat!" Kaoru dared, lunging at Yahiko but was effectively stopped by Sanosuke, effortlessly dragging her back to her seat.
"Calm down you two! Jeez. This is supposed to be my going away party. Stop talking about Yukishiro!"
"Get your hands off of me, Rooster Head!" Kaoru twisted against Sano's hold.
"Or what? You're going to come running to Tiny Eyeglasses for help?" Yahiko boldly taunted.
"Oi!" Sano interrupted, "you do not talk to Jou-chan like that!"
Kensin had no choice but to drag Yahiko to his room before things further escalated. Megumi watched them disappear into the darkened hallway, humming softly before curling herself on Kenshin's vacated seat, murmuring how warm it still was and then promptly falling asleep, a dreamy smile stretching her face.
"Really, Foxy? In front of me and Jou-chan?!" Sano muttered, sounding hurt which made Kaoru strangely sympathetic or maybe just thankful to know that she would always have Sano's back, even though they weren't seeing eye-to-eye with this whole Shanghai thing.
She fondly wrapped her arms around Sano, forgetting her earlier rage at being manhandled. She pressed her forehead against his bicep, inhaling the comforting scent of sake and the musty odor of his jacket. She crinkled her nose, "You really should wash your clothes more often, Sanosuke."
"Che, Jou-chan you complain about the strangest of things." He very kindly patted her head, careful not to ruffle her hair, obviously aware of her semi-drunken state and what it does to her volatile mood swings.
"You're a great friend, Sano. I'm really sorry we're arguing." She sniffed gently, feeling her face heating up both from the alcohol and her emotions that were all over the place. Guilt and stubbornness were truly awful combinations.
Sano pulled away from her, hands on her shoulder so he could look into her face, "Who says we are? I'd never fight with you, Missy. You and I, we're almost alike."
Kaoru frowned, sputtering indignantly as she ducked her head, trying to smell her own clothes
"Alright, not like being drunk and smelly, but we're both – ya know, full of crazy ideas. That's why you're my most favorite person!"
Kaoru's hiccup turned into giggles when Sano quickly glanced at Megumi, making sure she was still soundly asleep. "I'm sorry for making you go to Kyoto, then." She kept her head down, hands clasped on her lap. Sano's warm, affectionate eyes were making her feel bad about asking him to leave on an errand he really didn't have to do, if it weren't for her own pigheadedness. She peeked up at him when he dropped his hands from her shoulder, sighing and rubbing his face.
"You've got a big heart, Kaoru." Rarely did Sano ever use her name and in such a somber tone at that. She bit her lips, unsure of what to say. He gave her a small nudge, looking down on her. "Can't fault you for that, neh? None of us can, 'cause if we did, that'll be the height of hypocrisy. There wouldn't be a Kenshin-gumi if it weren't for you." He frowned, as though realizing something. "Not that it's an open invitation to make Kenshin's demented brother-in-law part of our family, 'cause that's just nuts. I'm definitely drawing the line there."
Kaoru swore it wasn't like that. She wasn't doing it for Enishi. She was doing it for Kenshin. So that Saitou wouldn't have to use her like this ever again. She wanted to take that control back. She was doing it for herself, too. It was insulting the way she has been treated the past year – like she was some hapless woman, always taken against her will. Never without a fight, mind you, but still, it grated on her nerve and left her feeling belittled. She was done with that. She needed to take a stand otherwise, what would be left of her pride? Of her father's honor?! She didn't spend years and years learning kenjutsu, trying to be strong and worthy of her father's teaching just to be reduced as mere pawn. Truly, If Sano had been in the same position as her, he would have done the same thing.
Sano made tsking sounds. "I hate it that you got it into your head that it's the only way to get out of Saitou's thumb. That manipulative bastard." A hint of anger flashed in his darkened eyes. "Kenshin said this was your decision to make and even though I've never said it – well, I'm saying it now – I do trust your instincts, Jou-chan. It was a smart thing, making demands like that. And pretty fuckin' ballsy, too." His face made a weird expression, a cross between a scowl and a smirk.
Kaoru watched eyes brows arching as Sano suddenly threw his head back, hooting like a crazed animal. "The look on Saitou's face!" Sano choked out in between his laughter. "Kami, that was the best thing I've seen in a long while. So, thanks for that." And this time, Kaoru allowed Sano to mess up her ponytail.
"You're welcome." She responded brightly, feeling pleased with herself as she re-adjusted the ribbon in her hair. "And thank you, too."
Sano gave her a look of utter confusion.
"For what you said." She mumbled, feeling herself blushing. "That meant a lot."
"Was only saying the truth. And hey, you don't gotta worry too much, okay? I know you can handle yourself." Sano grinned at her, "Go and wreak havoc in Shanghai, if you really have to."
Kenshin came back just in time to hear Sano's sage advice and Kaoru's gleeful giggling. He pleaded with her, good-naturedly, not to listen to Sano.
"Che, Kenshin this is a private conversation. Go bring the Kitsune to her room, why don't you?"
Kenshin simply nodded his head, understanding that she and Sano needed more time to say goodbye. He wordlessly knelt down, carefully scooping Megumi up.
"See, I trust Kenshin too." Sano intoned playfully as soon as Kenshin was out of the room. "And Megumi, cause she's asleep." He winked at her and Kaoru felt a wave of affection for him. She suddenly had a new found appreciation of their relationship. She had always felt that Sano was more of Kenshin's friend, but it clearly wasn't the case. She took his large, forever-bandaged hand, gently squeezing it.
"Promise me, Roster Head, you'll be careful, okay?"
Sano squeezed back, smiling benevolently. "Missy, are you kidding? Weasel and I are going to fuck things up in Kyoto."
Oh no. Kaoru thought, smile frozen on her face, her eye muscles nervously ticking. Poor Aoshi-san. She would definitely have to find a way to apologize to him later on.
Things have calmed down. Somewhat. Sanosuke left yesterday for Kyoto and she had to admit that he was right: now that he was gone, it was obvious that his chaotic energy mirrored hers. They were perfectly matched in that department; all the thinking and doing of outrageous ideas. Like accepting Enishi's dinner invitation, for instance.
She was already ten minutes late and yet she was still dragging her feet, her silent companion trailing behind her. Kaoru bit the insides of her cheeks, determined not to say anything. If Kenshin wanted to act like her bodyguard, instead of her friend, then well, that was entirely up to him. She wasn't going to sweetly ask or tearfully beg or order him around, since none of that had worked and when it comes to stubbornness, that was where she and Kenshin had equal capacity for.
Enishi had visited the dojo earlier, happily noting Sano's absence before telling her that he had made dinner reservations for them. She knew that this was eventually bound to happen, but she cringed at the way Enishi had all but ordered her to wear her nicest kimono.
"I'm already wearing my nicest kimono." She angrily snapped.
Enishi looked properly appalled, as his eyes travelled up and down, frowning in distaste. "Kami-sama. I should have known." Was the weary reply.
"Maybe", Yahiko suggested in a low growl, "next time you don't just fucking show up and expect people to do your bidding, you arrogant jerk."
Seemingly used to Yahiko's rude behavior, Enishi just sighed, rolled his eyes up to the heaven and parted with the curt instruction to "try and look presentable, Kamiya."
Kaoru had heard of Enishi's restaurant of choice. Some fancy and no doubt expensive ryōtei that had just opened outside of town. Apparently, the owner was someone he knew or used to had business dealings with and for this reason alone, Kenshin and Yahiko wanted to come with her.
It can't be helped, she knew that. Of course, they were worried about her safety so as a compromise, she allowed one of them to go with her. She could not believe she had to watch them play three rounds of janken to determine who gets to suffer through dinner with Enishi.
Kenshin employing his legendary skills to win was against Yahiko, his lightning like speed as he flexed his hands from close-fisted rock to open-palmed paper was a sight to behold but it stopped being funny as soon as he decided to take this "guardian duty" way too seriously. Refusing to even walk beside her or to talk to her.
It was baffling. Why did he even insist on coming if he was going to ignore her the whole time?
It wasn't like it was some sort of romantic thing! It was more of a business meeting. She had said this herself, wanting to assure Kenshin and Yahiko and yet both of them had just grudgingly mumbled at her, pouting and huffing all day.
Just to spite Enishi and to prove her point, she wore a gray kimono which she paired with a wide lavender obi. The only remarkable thing about it was the delicate needle work. Silver threads were used to depict a dozen herons, gracefully dancing and swooping across the fabric; gently soaring from the hem and winding up towards her back. The tips of a silver-white wing settling on the shoulders. She didn't even bother changing her hairstyle.
"Isn't that a little too nice?" Yahiko asked when she stepped out of her room.
"What are you talking about?!" Kaoru fumed. She actually wasted time looking for the oldest kimono she owned. How is this old, ancient thing nice?! She turned towards Kenshin who was wearing a haori the color of twilight. "What do you think, Kenshin?"
Kenshin's eyes followed the movements of the herons before giving her a forlorn smile. "Kaoru-dono would look nice in anything, that you will."
How a compliment could sound so melancholic was a feat only Kenshin seemed capable of. And incredibly, in that instant, Kaoru truly missed Sanosuke. He would have thrown an impressive tantrum by now and she knew exactly how to deal with that at least.
Men! They were such strange creatures who refuse to talk and share their thoughts and then expect you to understand what's making them all grumpy and aloof!
Kaoru arrived at the restaurant to find Enishi already waiting for her at the entrance; arms folded, looking incredibly tall and formal in a black silk kimono adorned with golden threads, which later on she discovered was an elegantly stitched outline of a crouching tiger.
Kaoru almost stumbled at the force of Enishi's piercing glare. She felt severely underdressed, which irritated her, because why was she supposed to care, anyway? Nervously tugging at her ponytail, she tried not to feel embarrassed by the fact that Enishi clearly made an effort to look – well, presentable. It looked like he even had a new haircut; his straggly white hair slicked and combed away from his eyes.
Dashing would be a term Tae-san would probably use. Thankfully, Kaoru wasn't Tae-san.
Looking presentably irritated, Yukishiro Enishi allowed a curt nod as a greeting before savagely sliding the shoji doors of the restaurant open. The snapping sound it made felt like a wordless reproach.
Kaoru gritted her teeth and rolled her eyes. As Sanosuke would often say, oh fucking joy.
Their server, who introduced herself as Hina, was a beautiful young woman definitely better dressed than her. She wore a stylish vibrant green kimono with white diamond patterns; her medium-length hair expertly braided at the side. A butterfly hair ornament, the same color as her kimono added to her over all glamourous look.
Kaoru could not help but cringe as they were escorted towards a private room that faced a tsuboniwa that was lighted up by several stone lamps. They were cleverly placed so that light and shadow accentuated the loveliness of the garden, even in night time. She could see the different, darkened shades of green of the many shrubberies that were planted in the garden. The distant sound of a water feature – a small fountain probably – filled up the almost rural looking, but immaculately clean room.
She'd never been inside a ryotei before. She was a little wary, though thankful for the privacy. Kaoru remembered hearing stories about how it was often filled with politicians plotting the downfall of the government. It was said to be a favored meeting place of for spies, too. Which of course, made sense.
Chinese spies. Mafia spies. Plotters of chaos. Enishi's usual dinner company.
Determined not to let that thought rattle her, she silently admired the lone hanging scroll that depicted a small garden during spring – probably the very same courtyard garden outside their room. The colors were bursting with life and was clearly drawn by a skilled artisan. Looking around, she couldn't help but comment on how everything about the room, despite its simplicity, was well made.
Enishi grunted in reply before turning his attention towards their server. They conferred in low voices, Kaoru trying to pretend she wasn't in the least bit interested in their brief but seemingly intense discussion.
Maybe Hina was a spy herself!
Kaoru felt her nose scrunching up. Was that even possible? Or was Kenshin's paranoia rubbing off on her?! Hard to tell, especially with Enishi being in cahoots with all sorts of criminals and corrupt government officials. She wondered just how powerful were the men that Enishi served – or why couldn't it be the other way around? They could be under the influence of power and money of the Chines mafia – no wonder Saitou was determined to get that kind of information from Enishi!
When they were finally left alone, Kaoru boldly flicked her eyes up at her silent companion (her second silent companion of the night!) only to discover that he was already looking down at her, black eyes glittering with some unreadable emotion.
This wasn't the first time she'd found herself alone with Yukishiro Enishi. Their interactions were always awkward and unbearable. She could still vaguely feel his fingers wrapped around her neck, tightening it's hold ever so slowly until black circles started dancing behind her eyes, her chest lit on fire.
He was also probably remembering the way she had hit him in the face just a few days ago, knocking off the very same eye glasses that he'd just removed. He dropped his chin as he methodically wiped the lenses before folding its frame and Kaoru couldn't help but watch Enishi's hand disappearing into his kimono, carefully putting away his glasses inside a side pocket.
He definitely has amazingly quick reflexes, Kaoru thought, as he placed his hand on top of their chabudai. His movement were seamless and almost elegant. Her glance lingered on his long, slender fingers as they soundlessly tapped against the surface of the table: rapid and erratic – the only thing that didn't match his cool, stoic demeanor.
The earlier sound of the fountain had receded and now the silence around them was almost suffocating. They warily eyed each other, Enishi's dark eyes gave no hint of what he was feeling. Why he even bothered wearing those glasses was beyond her. Nothing would have given him away; that blank expression made her insides clench in anxiety.
"You're a very stubborn girl, Kamiya Kaoru." Was his way of starting their conversation, an obvious reference to her choice of attire. He finally stopped the incessant tapping of his fingertips as he regarded her with a sigh. "But I knew that already, so." And as though the statement settled everything, he turned his attention towards their prepared meal.
Kaoru scowled as Enishi quietly re-arranged the bowl of miso and the three small ceramic plates of side dishes. He seemed highly engrossed in making everything line up perfectly and out of pure exasperation and mainly because he called her a girl in that condescending tone, Kaoru slammed her palm down on his chopsticks. "Stop that. Or will I stab you with it!"
"A favorite weapon of yours." Enishi murmured, effortlessly pulling the chopstick from her grasp. "That's twice you've threatened me with it."
Kaoru couldn't remember when she could have ever – but maybe he was right. He had a way of doing and saying that things that maddened her like nothing else ever had. Maybe it's his nonchalant, disinterested way of talking. Maybe it's just his over all personality.
"It's not a very effective way to hurt someone, Kamiya." Yukishiro continued, "unless you go for the eyes. But," and here he held the chopstick upright, pinched between his thumb and index finger, "I suppose it all depends on your strength."
Kaoru balked at this. "This is why people think you're insane. I'd never actually –"
"Then don't say such things. Keep your intentions to yourself. Why give your opponent a chance to prepare for the strike?" He pointed the blunt end of the chopstick at Kaoru before laying it back down on the table, painstakingly ensuring that it was placed in a perfectly straight line.
Kaoru let out a menacing growling which Enishi answered with another one of his long-suffering sighs. He leaned forward. "May I remind you that you are the one who was ten and half minutes late for our reservation. They would have given away our room if it hadn't been under my name."
"You made Kenshin wait outside!" Kaoru seethed finally remembering the real source of her anger.
"He said he'd wait outside." Enishi corrected her.
"You could've invited him!"
"Yes, that wouldn't be awkward at all."
Kaoru angrily huffed, because well, he had a point. She had always been aware how childish it was to always speak what was on her mind; a lady should always be careful of what she says but she could never quite stop herself from blurting out her thoughts. "You should really make an effort of making peace with him."
"Any why would I do that?" Enishi asked.
"Well, you've read Tomoe-san's diary, didn't you?!"
"I told you I did."
"Then why are you still acting like a jerk. Your sister loved Kenshin."
"Enough. Let's make this clear Kamiya. We will never talk about my sister. Never. Do you understand? I don't care what silly ideas you have inside your head about love and forgiveness – you don't know anything about my sister. Whatever Battousai had told you, that's his own version. That's what he tells himself so he can live with what he has done. Of how he killed her."
"It was an accident. He didn't mean-"
"Don't make me threaten you." Enishi's eyes hardened with an icy assurance that the threat would not be pretty at all. Kaoru bit her lips, tried to swallow down her indignation and her impulse to defend Kenshin.
"And anyway," Enishi continued, "the reservation was for two people only. I thought I made that clear? Let him wallow in his own made-up terrors; wondering about all the nefarious plans I have."
"Do you?" She asked, pointblank.
"Do I what?"
"Have nefarious plans."
"I wouldn't be poisoning you tonight, definitely. Saitou would try to kill me and the mission to Shanghai will become unworkable. I'm beginning to think that Makoto was right and Battousai's brain had become addled over the years of useless wandering."
Kaoru bristled. "It wasn't useless! He was helping people out. It was his choice."
"Just like it's his choice to wait outside. Like a shadow. Like what he used to be. Like what he still is."
"He isn't-"
"He is. He will always be. It's a part of him and denying it is both pitiful and laughable." He glared at her, a clear message that this wasn't something that was open for debate. He'd made up his mind and there was nothing Kaoru could say or do that will change the way he thought of Kenshin.
She felt a little sad that their relationship as brother-in-law could not be salvaged. In essence, they were really each other's last remaining true family. By way of marriage, they had become brothers. She kept this to herself of course, she had an inclination how Enishi would react to this particular truth.
"Now should we start eating?" Yukishiro asked, "I asked them to prepare fourteen courses tonight. My treat, of course. It's time we spend time and finally get to know each other. We'd be under great scrutiny; it's best we prepare ourselves for that."
"I already know enough about you." Kaoru answered, unable to keep the petulance out of her voice. You're unable to accept the truth and you let it affect your relationship with everyone around you.
"Not as much as I know about you." Enishi answered with his usual smugness.
Kaoru shook her head. "You don't know anything about me, Yukishiro."
"Ah, you're angry. But it's true. I've been spying on you and —"
Kaoru felt her eyes bulging with disbelief. "What?!"
"All part of my jinchuu. Which we will also not discuss, ever."
"You're the one who brought it up. I don't even care about that!"
"I'm not surprised. You have a penchant for dismissing the past so very easily."
"I don't - "
"Oh yes, you do. And I know exactly why. Do you want me to tell you why you have such an aversion to it?"
"You can keep it to yourself, thank you very much! Spying on me! Ugh. It's so creepy. And it certainly doesn't mean you know anything about me. You'll never understand my thoughts or feelings."
"Maybe so, but your actions tell me a lot. It speaks so much louder than words. And so does your eyes. You've got remarkable eyes, Kamiya."
It was his impolite directness that was distressing, Kaoru decided right there and then. Always so confrontational. The opposite of Kenshin who always gave her space, the silences in their conversation so that words would not have to be uttered, and everything can remain as is, untroubled and serene, like a frozen lake during winters.
Kaoru squirmed in her seat, ignored the way Enishi was staring at her. Reminding herself of her plan, she didn't give Enishi any time to talk about anything else. She demanded straight away that they shouldn't be making any announcements for their engagement or having dumb parties to celebrate a fake betrothal. It was a waste of time and money.
She knew Enishi wasn't going to agree with this. Maybe not tonight, not right away anyway. It didn't matter, Kaoru already knew that she'll walk out by the time their first course arrived. She couldn't stand the thought of Kenshin just waiting outside. Waiting for her. Thinking things. Kami-sama only knows what goes on inside his head. Leaving Kenshin alone to mull things over was a bad, bad idea. And there was absolutely no need to stay and indulge Enishi in whatever game he was playing at.
"I have plenty of money." Enishi insouciantly informed her, interrupting her thoughts.
Kaoru took a deep breath, determined not to lose her patience. "Doesn't mean you have to waste it."
Enishi frowned. "What am I going to do with all my money then?"
"Maybe help the poor." She suggested, brightening up at the prospect. If she could convince Yukishiro to share his wealth, wouldn't that be a great way to atone for his sins? He could be a – what was it, that term Oguini-sensei had said a few weeks back when they were having tea and talking about Japan moving towards modernity? About wealthy business men engaging in charitable activities. Jizen katsudō.
She really liked that idea. It would certainly suit Kenshin's brother-in-law. What better way to give back to the society that he had victimized?
Of course, Enishi made a dismissive wave of his hand. "Dole outs doesn't help anyone, Kamiya. It teaches people to be lazy and dependent."
There goes that idea, Kaoru thought feeling her eyes narrowing with annoyance. "I am not going to be sucked into this kind of argument." She muttered, more as a warning for herself than as an answer to Enishi's disappointing lack of charity. She'll get back to this topic and change his mind. Whether it be by words or force. Kaoru took a deep breath, sat up straighter and forged ahead, determined to win this round. "It's not like there aren't any spies here right now. I'm sure members of your Shanghai mafia frequents this place. Maybe our own server is a spy. Maybe she's already passing along all the juicy details of our dinner. That should be enough of an announcement."
She watched as Enishi's eyebrows rose, perfectly arched in a way that reminded her of Megumi. That same look of amusement that was especially reserved for her moments of naiveite.
"Hina-chan?" Yukishiro asked, his face stretching into a grin. "You think she's a spy?!" He leaned back in his seat, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Tell me, what gave her away, Kamiya?"
Was that a chuckle?! Kaoru felt heat rising up her cheeks. The low sound of Enishi's laughter, the first she'd heard that wasn't a crazed kind of glee but a genuine expression of delight, sounded – well, nice. "Oh shut up," She replied irritably, "you know what I'm talking about. And anyway, do you really think that my friends – my real friends, my father's friends even, wouldn't think it odd that I'm suddenly marrying you? It would raise more suspicions if we turn this into a public spectacle. And honestly, I can't figure out how am I supposed to introduce you."
"As your future husband, Kamya." Enishi deadpanned.
She couldn't help but cringe. "Oh, sure. That'll be easy. 'Minna-san, this is Yukishiro Enishi, Kenshin's brother-in-law from Shanghai who tried to kills us all last winter and now we're about to get married but before that we need to take a trip to China.' Sounds really believable Enishi."
"You don't have to put it like that." Was his helpful advice.
"I am not going to lie to my friends! The less people know, the better."
"No announcement in the papers? No engagement parties?"
Parties! Kami-sama, he was planning on having more than one?! Kaoru shuddered at the thought.
Noting her reaction, Enishi rolled his eyes. "Alright. Fine."
"Fine? That's it."
"Yes. We don't always have to fight about everything. Do you not find it tiresome?"
"Of course, it's tiresome! It's like having to deal with Sano and Yahiko only it's so much worst because there's very little-" Kaoru paused. She was about to use the the word affection, but that wasn't quite the right term. It was true though. They didn't have the kind of friendship that allowed the type of arguments that she had with Sano and Yahiko and even, to some extent, Kenshin.
Kaoru suddenly wondered if it would have been possible for them to actually be friends. If they had met in different circumstances. If he hadn't wanted to hurt Kenshin - if he hadn't actually succeeded in hurting, not just people she knew, but the people of her community, would she have been able to forgive him his past, just as she had done Kenshin's?
But it was different, wasn't it? When she met Kenshin, he had been trying to atone for his sins. Yukishiro on the other hand had been doing the complete and total opposite. He had been out for blood. Much like Aoshi-san when they had first met him. But they'd been able to look past that, hadn't they? She wondered if it was mostly because of Misao vouching for him or because Aoshi had chosen, in the end, to fight on their side; helping Kenshin to defeat Shishio. Maybe it was the combination of both.
Yukishiro had yet to do anything that would earn her trust, much less her sympathy. She was sorry that Yukishiro had lost his beloved sister at such a young age and in a violent way but the path he'd chosen to take hadn't healed the wounds of losing Tomoe-san, instead it had festered and infected him with so much anger and darkness that the only way for him to live was to seek out Kenshin and avenge his sister's death.
Now that he knew the truth about Tomoe-san and Kenshin, he hadn't done anything truly harmful other than annoy Kenshin. Did that indicate the possibility of redemption for him? Had he truly given up his obsessions with revenge? Or was he just bidding his time and would, given a chance, attack them once again?
Kaoru tried to listen to what her instincts were telling her but it was impossible to hear herself think with Yukishiro staring intently at her, waiting for her to finish her sentence. She opened her mouth and closed it again, licking her lips, unsure of how to put into words the many entangled thoughts inside her head.
Yukishiro rolled his eyes and must have decided he wasn't entirely interested in what she was going to say. "You've made a good point, Kamiya. I think it's wise counsel. I accept it. We should leave it at that."
Kaoru decided to get back to the more familiar territory until she could figure out exactly how she felt about Kenshin's brother-in-law. She steered their conversation back to The Land of Bickering. "You're not just saying fine to shut me up? You aren't going to go behind my back and do it anyway?"
"I'm truly honored at how highly you think of me." Yukishiro answered in obvious sarcasm.
"I just thought – I expected you to be more, I don't know – less agreeable."
Looking slightly surprised at her calmness, Yukishiro waited for something more scathing from her and when she kept her silence, he shrugged his shoulder, nonchalant as ever. "Well, I'm more than agreeable. On one condition."
"Of course. Why didn't I see that coming?!" Kaoru grumbled, silently berating herself. She should have known.
"Why do you insist on wearing such tragic, ugly colors? I appreciate the heron, it was surprisingly thoughtful, but other than that…"
Kaoru blinked. What? "What?! What are you talking about?!"
"Herons." Yukishiro replied, giving her a look that made her feel like she was a child about to be given a long lecture on something she ought to know. "In poetry, they are often associated with the cold of winter. And Yukishiro, of course means snow."
Kaoru felt her jaw dropping and immediately closed it at the look of triumph plastered in Yukishiro's face. "I didn't even realize it until you've mentioned it." She hadn't meant to wear anything that Enishi would deem as a nod to his family name. Now it suddenly made sense why Kenshin wasn't so happy about her choice of kimono. She hated that she wasn't always aware of these things as most educated women, such as herself, should be. She wasn't very good with poetry and clothes and it was extremely aggravating that Enishi had to point this out to her.
"You see, this is why what you wear is important. It's a subtle way to communicate."
"I wear clothes because it's necessary and not to send secret messages. What does orange communicate?!"
"For the Chinese, orange means good fortune and abundance."
"You just made that up." Kaoru accused irritably.
Yukisiro didn't confirm or deny it, instead he made a sweeping gesture between them, "This gray and lavender combination? Boring. It doesn't do you any favors."
"I don't need to prance around town wearing tangerine to look pretty. I'll have you know they call me The Rose of Martial Arts around here!"
"Tell me, Kamiya just how many women kenjutsu instructors are here in your community? Or even in the whole city for that matter?"
Kaoru felt her eyes dangerously narrowing into tiny slits. "I don't like what you're implying, Enishi."
He smirked at her. "You'd be delightful in yellow."
"Delightful." Kaoru couldn't help but sneer.
"Charming in hunter green." He continued, leaning towards her, close enough that Kaoru noticed that his lashes, strangely enough, didn't match his white hair. They were thick and dark and probably a lot longer than hers. Which was really unfair.
"In midnight blue, you'd be radiant. Men would not be able to take their eyes off of you."
Kaoru made gagging noises.
Yukishiro shook his head. "You want to be the rose, but you refuse to act like it. A rose isn't beautiful because it has thorns. People take out the thorns before they can really admire the flower."
Of course, that's all he'd ever care about. Appearances and lies. Just when she was trying to think him redeemable. "You'd want a simpering idiot for a wife, wouldn't you?"
Yukishiro frowned at her. "I'd want an equal for a wife."
Equally insane. "Yes, while being dutifully delightful in yellow."
"Or alluring in crimson." This time Yukishiro seemed to let the words roll out of his mouth and there was something markedly different in the way he was looking at her, in the way his eyes darted to – was it to stare at her lips? Or lower?
"Stop it." Kaoru hissed indignantly, suddenly wanting to protectively cross her arms against her chest. Damn stupid Yukishiro Enishi and his stupid low voice and the way he was positively leering down at her.
"Desirable in indigo. The same shade as your eyes."
"You know lots of colors, Enishi. That's great. Congratulations."
"Do you know that trading clothes from all over the world is a great way to cover up smuggling armaments? I know all sorts of things, Kamiya. The price of garments, for example, varies depending on their color. Centuries ago, Tyrian purple, a reddish-purple dye made from the fluid of murex shellfish, was the most expensive fabric in the world. Only royalty could afford it."
Kaoru wordlessly stared at him, unsure of what to do with this information.
"Purple, of course, is the wrong color for you. But perhaps - something of a deeper shade. Komurasaki. That's it. It would bring out the paleness of your skin. You'd look ravishing."
Kaoru swallowed hard, briefly contemplated if stabbing Enishi in the eye with her used chopsticks will shut him up.
Yukishiro, of course, was quick to catch her discomfort. "I see you have a problem with accepting compliments. I'll have the best time rectifying that."
"Kami help me if you don't stop with all of your stupid colors." She answered with all the viciousness she could muster.
Yukishiro merely smiled at her. "What time should we meet tomorrow, then?"
Kaoru was losing track of their conversation. "For what?" She asked genuinely confused.
"To purchase your new wardrobe."
Kaoru angrily huffed, blowing her bangs off her forehead. "This is absolutely necessary?"
"Yes. I can't bring you anywhere looking like that, Kamiya. Why is this so hard to understand. I do not move in the same circles as you do. Especially once we arrive in Shanghai."
Kaoru knew that there was no escaping this. She just needed to accept that she would not be able to win it all. There were sacrifices that needed to be made. "Fine." She finally answered, trying not to sound defeated.
Yukishiro titled his head, raised both of his eyebrows. "Fine, just fine?" He blinked at her in obvious disbelief. "No throwing of sake cups or trying to punch me in the face?"
"It's called compromise, Enishi." She answered with gritted teeth. "We'll keep this engagement low key and you get to dress me up like some stupid porcelain doll."
"Hmmm. Yes." Enishi replied after starting at her for a full second. "An exquisite porcelain doll." And this time, there was something definitely dark and menacing in the way he held her gaze. Kaoru couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine.
End Notes and Trasnlations
Chotto matte – wait a moment
watermelon in Japan—like many other fruits, in fact—is considered a luxury: something you'd give to a really important senpai as a thank you or summer gift rather than something essential for your seasonal diet.
ryōtei (料亭) - type of traditional Japanese restaurant. Traditionally, ryōtei only accept new customers by referral and feature entertainment by geisha, but in modern times this is not always the case. Ryōtei are typically a place where high-level business or political meetings can take place discreetly. In the 1840s, the Japanese government used spies to monitor the activity around ryōtei, due to the high profile and wealth associated with their patrons and the spending clampdown during the time of the Tenpō Reforms.
Janken (じゃんけん) - rock paper scissors
Tsuboniwa - Courtyard Garden. Gardens within the walls of a residence or in a small, enclosed space beside them
chabudai - a traditional table used in Japan that requires floor seating, such as a tatami mat or zabuton cushion. The short-legged table ranges in height from 15 to 30 centimeters. Typically, it was made of wood and round in shape, though oval and square shapes also exist.
jizen katsudo - charitable activities
Komurasaki - Dark Purple