It was a long time to get to this point, but of course I can't have it be easy. There have been some comments about other threads that have popped up and all I will say is this: The story is about Kenshin and Kaoru. Of course, the other relationships come along with it. And while I've had them on them off to the side, once I decided to focus on our favorite pair, it made the progression of this tale so much easier. That being said, having those other perspectives, particularly at this stage of the game, is always intriguing.

As always, I do not own the characters below.

"Your offer is quite intriguing." Kenshin fought down his frustration, knowing the man was just drawing out his decision. "I just want to know one thing."

"And that is?"

"I want your reassurance that my resort isn't merely being absorbed into the Hiten Mitsurugi Hospitality group. While I do admit that I am ready to sell, I do not wish my efforts to become just another property lost in a large conglomerate."

He had been asked the same assurances the evening before, but from a different man. It gave him pause and he studied the man in front of him. A thought occurred to Kenshin. "Is that why you have entertained the offer from Shishio Industries?"

Tagahashi shifted and his eyes glanced away. "I admit that his offer is quite tempting despite they are not in the hotel sector. Makoto has assured me that my hotel would become the pillar of what they are attempting to accomplish."

"Even with his shady dealings?"

"Nothing is proven." The man shook his head. "But I do admit, the rumors do give me pause."

He felt his shoulders ease. Kenshin moved to his desk and picked up a folder. He crossed the room to where Tagahashi sat and handed it to him. "As you can see, I've lined up several investors who are willing to put their trust in me. One of those is the son of one of your original partners, Takagi. There is nothing tying Hiten Mitsurugi to this property."

The man offered a wisp of a smile. "And who would run the property?"

"I will. If you agree, I will be looking to stand down from the board. I will look to buy out the Palladium and in turn, your resort will become the second flagship of an empire I am looking to create on my own. Seijiro Hiko will have no say in the direction I look to take the property."

Tagahashi studied the numbers and glanced up at him. "You would rather step down than take over your uncle's empire?"

"As someone who has built something from nothing, I would imagine that comes as a surprise. But as you have no real successor, hence your desire to sell, I myself want to create something for myself."

"And your family?"

Kenshin paused. Despite the events of last night, he hadn't not had a chance to fully give much thought to that aspect of the future. "Of course."

The man closed the folder down and looked up at him. "Your fiancé was quite delightful."

He smiled softly, thoughts of the woman filling his head. She had look so bewitching that morning, the sunrise basking her in the soft glow while she slumbered in his bed. He had wanted nothing more than to curl back up around her and forget the world. "That she is." He admitted aloud.

"I must admit, when you first approached me several months ago, I was hesitant. Your reputation proceeded you and I was apprehensive to sell my life's work to someone who didn't see a legacy without family."

Kenshin blinked in surprise, not realizing that could have been the reason for this deal not to go through. When he had agreed to the lie, he wanted to appear to have stability. It never fully occurred to him that would be the logic behind Tagahashi agreeing. Even Takagi had told him that Kaoru was the reason he was willing to invest. Hearing what the man said, he sat back and considered for the first time, what a future with Kaoru would look like. "Kaoru-dono and I have only known each other a short time, but she has definitely made an impression. I can't think of what my life would be like if I had not met her." He admitted truthfully.

"Love has a way of changing our perspective."

Love? Kenshin hadn't at all thought about love. However, he now couldn't deny that perhaps he did love her, or was probably on his way to that end. "That it does." He murmured.

"I heard there was some drama last night, after we spoke."

Kenshin froze, recalling he had hit Akira. "Nothing major. Someone was out of line."

"In regards?"

He thought through his words slowly. "Someone had insulted my fiancé."

Tagahashi recoiled in surprise. "I can't imagine anyone could offer anything terrible in connection with that lovely lady." He eyed him shrewdly. "I take it the matter was handled?"

"Perhaps not as discreetly as I would have preferred, but it was justified. The man in question was being decidedly rude."

"It would have no impact on your business?"

"No. In that arena you have nothing to fear."

"I trust the matter is resolved; I admit, I might have done the same thing had I been in your place." The man winked, indicating he might be privier to the details that had occurred. "That only leaves me one last question for you."

Kenshin looked up at him. "And what is that?"

"I know you had only expressed interest in my property on the coast. But perhaps over the next few years, you might be interested in expanding and acquiring the mountain property as well? I need to slow down as I get into my old age, but if you accomplish what I believe you will, I'd be honored if you would consider taking over the other property too. It isn't as lucrative, but I know you would be able to make it into something spectacular."

He fought down the burst of elation and nodded his head slowly. "I believe that would be more than ideal, for both of us."

Tagahashi grinned and rose to his feet. He held out his hand. "Then Himura-San, you and I have an accord. I agree to sell you my resort."

He let out his breath and returned the man's grin. "I promise, you will not regret this decision."

"I know I won't." He turned to pick up his coat and his case. "I'm headed back to Gold Coast this afternoon. Have your assistant draw up the contracts and send them to me. Come join me this weekend. I can show you around and we can sign the final papers."

"Absolutely. Megumi will have them waiting for you on your return."

Tagahashi nodded and headed towards the door. "I look forward to working with you through this transition. Tell your beautiful fiancé hello for me. And congratulations!"

He disappeared through the door. Kenshin turned toward the window, hardly believing it. Behind him he heard footsteps. "Well?"

"He's agreed."

There was a moment of silence and Kenshin turned around. Aoshi stood there. "And?"

Kenshin let out a slow breath. "Have Megumi draw up the papers. I head to the coast tomorrow morning to finalize the details." Finally unable to help himself, he broke into a huge grin.

Aoshi strode towards him and held out his hand. Kenshin accepted it and then was startled when the man pulled him into a hug. "Finally."

"Yes." He pulled back. "Sorry. It's just been a long time coming."

Kenshin chuckled at the rare display of emotion and moved back towards his desk. He looked up when he heard the clicks of Megumi's heels. "In addition to the contracts, I'll need a plane ticket booked to take me to the coast. I'll be signing the final deal there."

"Of course." He looked up and saw the pair exchange a grin. "When would you like to leave?"

"First thing tomorrow. I want the evening to make sure everything is in order before Tagahashi and I sign the papers."

"Will you be traveling alone?"

He hesitated. "Yes." He imagined Kaoru would need to work.

"I'll see to the arrangements." She turned and left.

Aoshi watched her go. He turned back to him. "What will the next steps be?"

He paused, a frown marring his good mood. "What are you referring? I believe I just gave you and Megumi what the next steps would be."

"You know what I'm referring to."

"I do not."

"Kaoru?" Kenshin hadn't given much thought to that, other than he couldn't wait to go home and share the news with her. "Your arrangement is slated to end in less than a week."

He definitely hadn't given thought to that. Just half an hour ago he was contemplating the possibility to actually have a future with her. "I need to focus on this. When I get back, she and I will talk."

"And what will you talk about?"

He looked up at the tall man and offered him a grin. "Future's looking bright."

"Bright is good."

"Aoshi." The man turned back to face him. "There's one more thing I need to do."

"Yes?"

"Have Megumi call Anthony. I have an investment of my own I'd like to make."

Kaoru applied one last layer of lip gloss and flashed her teeth in the mirror. She had arrived home late the previous evening. All the hours she had given up had left her behind at the restaurants and she had stayed, catching up. Though if she was honest with herself, she was anxious about seeing Kenshin again. She hadn't seen him at all since they had slept together. The note he had left her, and Sano's words, left her feeling better than she had initially felt when she awoke alone. However, it was also Sano's reminder that the agreement between her and the redhead was quickly coming to an end. She still hadn't waded through exactly what she felt for the redhead, but she knew she wanted something. Sanosuke was right. She needed to tell him.

When she had arrived home, Kenshin wasn't in the living room, though his laptop was there. She had hesitated, debating about just disappearing into her room or waiting for him to return. After a moment, she finally chose to be a coward and disappeared into her room for the night.

She hadn't expected the note that waited for her on the nightstand.

**It appears as you've had a long day. I don't want to add to your burden for the evening. However, there are matters we need to discuss. Please spare a few moments for me in the morning if it isn't too much trouble.

Kenshin **

Kaoru cast one last look at her reflection. She had worn her hair down, something she rarely did for work. However, the handful of times, she and Kenshin had kissed, it seemed he always wanted to bury his hands in it. Even the other night he couldn't stop touching the long ebony strands. Seemed he touched her hair almost more than he had a tendency to touch her cheek.

She looked herself in the mirror. "You can do this." She whispered.

With one last shuddering breath, she opened the door and stepped out into the hall. When she came into the living room, Kenshin wasn't anywhere to be seen. The smell of coffee reached her, and she went over to the kitchen.

The redhead stood in front of the espresso machine, dressed in another custom-tailored charcoal suit. He stilled at her entry and slowly turned towards her. He offered her a smile and then held out a cup. "I added some almond milk."

Flushing that he remembered, she accepted the cup gratefully. "Thank you."

"Do you have a moment?"

Here it was, the conversation she had been dreading these past few weeks. "I can spare a few for you."

He picked up his own mug and indicated he would follow her back to the living room. She led the way and perched on the edge of the couch, sipping her coffee. "You got home late." He stated, sitting in the chair facing her.

"I had to get caught up on some things."

He nodded. "I wanted to wait up, but there were a number of matters I myself had to attend."

"I didn't expect you to wait for me."

He sipped his own coffee and placed his mug on the table. "I have news that I wanted to share with you."

"Oh?"

"I have to thank you. I don't think that I could have done it without you."

"And what's that?"

"With me securing the final investment, Tagahashi has agreed to sell to me."

She stared at him for a moment and then placed her cup down. She jumped up. "That's amazing!"

Kenshin stood as well and allowed her to hug him. She was excited for him, but the way he held himself had her stepping away sooner than expected. She didn't know how she had wanted him to react, but the stiff businessman was not quite that. Kaoru brushed her hair back behind her ear and picked up her mug again. She felt a sliver of anxiety, but for different reasons than when she had first stepped out of her room. "What does this mean now? What's the next step?"

"That's what I wanted to speak to you about."

The violet eyes shifted, and he picked up his coffee though he didn't sit. "I'm about to head to the coast so we can finalize the contract. There are a few details to work out, but the deal is as good as done."

"That's good." She watched him, and it occurred to her that the man was nervous. For the first time since she had met him the purple gaze shifted, almost refusing to look at her. "So, you're signing the final contracts."

He nodded. Abruptly Kenshin stilled and he looked at her, his violet eyes meeting hers. "It brings to light the other matter at hand."

Kaoru swallowed. "We don't have to discuss it right now."

"I don't think it should wait."

A sense of panic started to creep in. It made her realize that she didn't want this to end. "You don't need to leave today. Let's have dinner tonight." She could tell him then how she felt.

The redhead hesitated.

"I have to go. I've spent too long trying to broker this deal and the end is within sight. Kaoru-dono, this is what I've been striving for these past months."

Kaoru swallowed and nodded. "How long will you be gone?"

Kenshin sucked in a deep breath. "Too long." He murmured. He glanced at his phone. "I imagine it will give you time."

Kaoru looked up at him. "Time?"

"To get your things. You'll have time to settle everything before I get back."

Her azure eyes stared at him as her heart dropped. "Are you saying...?"

He nodded. Again, he glanced at his phone and uttered a soft curse. "I have to go, or I'll miss my flight."

"Wouldn't want that." She stated flatly.

He glanced at her sharply as he picked up his bag. "Don't tell me you have changed your mind? I thought we were on the same page."

Blinking she could only stare at him. This was not how she had thought this conversation would go. Of course, he wouldn't need her anymore once he had secured the deal he needed. They had agreed on three months. For some reason after their evening of passion, she thought he would want more. But here he was, asking if she had changed her mind about what they had initially agreed upon. She forced herself to smile at him. "Of course not."

Kenshin seemed to relax, and he offered her a smile in return. "I Imagine you'll take advantage of my absence." He told her.

"I have things to move. Get settled." She echoed. Though she expressed a nonchalance she didn't feel, her words sounding hollow.

Kenshin looked at her and seemed to see her for the first time since she had walked into the kitchen. He opened his mouth to say something when his phone chirped. He swore again and glanced at his phone. "My ride to the airport is here." The man hesitated and took a step towards her. Gingerly he reached out and fingered one of the curls she had so painstakingly made that morning.

"Until we meet again." He murmured.

Then he was shouldering the bag she hadn't noticed and was disappearing through the door.

Stunned, Kaoru stood there watching his departure. She wasn't sure how long she stood there before she realized she needed to do something, anything. Before Kaoru could change her mind, she picked up her phone and did something she had never done before.

She called out for her shift, claiming she was sick. Her boss was sympathetic and told her to get better. Her next call was to Sanosuke.

"Jou-chan?" He answered on the fourth ring. "It's early."

"Maybe for you."

He must have heard something in her tone because suddenly he sounded alert. "What happened?"

"Kenshin made it very clear where he stands."

"You told him how you feel?"

"There was no point."

Silence was the answer to her statement. After a moment she heard him sigh. "What do you need?"

"I need to move."

"Move?"

"Out! Back to the apartment."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! He told me to move my stuff."

"Okay." He sighed again. "I can be there in an hour. I can call Megumi and- "

"No! Do not call her. She probably is aware that this is happening."

"I don't think that's the case."

"She's his fucking assistant!" She cried. She began to pace, her energy needing an outlet before she lost it completely. "She was against this from the beginning."

"She might have, but I don't think she feels the same now."

"She had totally disapproved this from the beginning. She told me so!"

"That doesn't mean she doesn't advocate for you now. I thought you two were becoming friends."

Kaoru ran a hand through her hair and gripped the ebony strands in her fingers. "I thought we were."

"Take a breath Jou-chan. Where are you now?"

"I'm at the penthouse."

"Where is Kenshin?"

She blinked back tears and stared at the ceiling. "He's on his way to finalize the deal. The whole reason he wanted me to act as his fiancé. He doesn't need me anymore and he's told me to get my things."

"That's what he said?"

"He said his absence would give me time to move my things."

"Jou-chan…."

"I just need to get my stuff out of here, so I don't ever have to return to this place. Can you help me with that?"

There was a beat and then a sigh. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

I already hear the screams. I know…..But I promise we'll get there. Kisses until next time!