So this is an experiment as I delve into something that's a bit more real. Isn't that what we're supposed to? Write what you know? Anyway, I can't help but borrow these characters again. I watch some random and odd things when I'm bored and in need of back ground. Anyway, I saw something that inspired this tale and decided to go for it.

Just stating for the record first and foremost that I do not own the characters below. They sprung into being from the amazing mind of Nobuhiro Watsuki. I just like to take them out and play for a bit. And on we go.

Surreal.

That was the thought that permeated through her mind as she sat staring absently out the window. It struck her at odd moments that this had become her life. In some ways she felt as though she had never grown up and just what the hell was she doing? Other times she longed for the days when she didn't fully recognize that she'd become an adult

Surreality had set in.

"Do any of them jump out at you?"

Kaoru blinked and turned her attention back to the wine rep. She grinned and leaned over her book, making a random note about the last red wine she had tasted.

"May I taste the sauvignon blanc again?"

"Of course!"

She watched the rep enthusiastically pick up the bottle of white wine. "A quick rinse." The woman offered, pouring an ounce and then dumping before pouring several ounces.

Kaoru took a deep breath before picking up the glass. "You just can't beat the bright acid and minerality." The rep beamed.

Sipping the wine, Kaoru barely offered the woman a second glance. She focused on the mouth feel. It was a part of her adulthood, this moment. While the acid did cut through the tannins of the reds she had just tasted, the crispness she wanted fell flat. It did help to cleanse her palate. She nodded, more to herself and smiled brightly at the short blonde woman. In a strange way it brought some clarity to her day. "Great balance of acid." She chimed reiterating what the woman had said.

"Should I add it to your order?"

"Not right now. I still need a spot to open up."

The woman held her composure. "Any others speak to you?"

Kaoru glanced over the lineup. While there had been some tasty wines in the group, none would fit into the spot she was actually looking to fill. "The malbec might work over at Aria. I have inventory later this week and will have a better idea. The rest just need to wait for the right moment." She smiled apologetically though she felt no remorse. She closed her notebook with her tasting notes. "Remind me in a few weeks." She told her. With any luck the woman would have forgotten and moved onto a whole other selection of wines to peddle.

"Of course!"

The woman scribbled a few notes and then she began gathering her bottles. Kaoru cleared the few glasses, now empty and placed them on the bar top. She picked up her notebook and glanced at her watch. She was tired. Today was supposed to be her day off. At least she had made that decision when she had gotten coerced into staying late Monday night. She would be sleeping if it wasn't for the appointment she had set up and nearly forgotten about. If it wasn't for the rep texting her to say she was running late, Kaoru would have missed it all together.

Of course she could hardly complain. Running the wine and beverage program of four of the top restaurants in the city had it perks. Who else got to drink some amazing wine at eleven thirty in the morning?

Her phone buzzed as she waved a farewell to the rep. She pulled out her phone and blinked to see her roommate's message. The man usually didn't wake until well into the afternoon.

I thought you were off

Kaoru rolled her eyes. Surprised you even noticed. She responded. She walked back through the restaurant and towards the kitchen. She nodded to the handful of prep cooks who waved hello. She entered the office where her purse rested. Her phone chirped his response.

Let's get lunch and start day drinking.

She shook her head to see Sanosuke was already keen to get a buzz. The fact that she might have a trace of one made her impulsive. Had she just not been internally nostalgic for her younger days?

Fine. Someplace with a good cocktail and a patio. Not interested in beer just yet

She slipped her purse over her head and cast a look around the office. Kaoru put her notebook in her box. She flipped the switch and closed the door behind her. The place was only open for dinner and she loved coming in before the restaurant came to life. If it hadn't been her day off, she would have spent time working on numbers or the various wine lists while the kitchen slowly came alive around her. As she walked towards the back door, she felt the vibration that indicated her answer.

I'd say Halcyon but I know how you feel about that place ;) The Pointe?

Kaoru quirked a grin as he brushed off a restaurant she represented. "That works." She muttered to herself.

Meet you there in ten she typed off in regards to his second choice. It wouldn't be her first choice but she knew the margaritas were good and the patio overlooked the lake. Might as well take advantage of the last of the warm weather. Nor was it super expensive. That was always key when the two of them went out together. She was well aware she was pushing him by not heading to the Akabeko which was their preferred watering hole.

Kaoru stifled a yawn as she stepped out into the sunlight. She lifted a hand to shade her eyes and glanced down the street. The Pointe was three blocks and she decided she would just leave her car in the deck. It didn't make much sense when she could walk three blocks as opposed to trying to find a spot or even pay when she had a free spot in the deck behind the restaurant.

Her phone buzzed and she glanced at it, seeing an incoming call from one her reps. She groaned inwardly and decided not to take the call. Its not that she usually refused calls, but it was her day off. She felt like falling off the radar for at least an afternoon. A margarita was exactly what she needed.

She arrived at the restaurant and asked for a table on the patio. It was still early into the shift and she couldn't help but note the servers who stood around chatting as they waited for their first table. "Mia will be right with you." The hostess told her cheerfully, handing her the menu.

Kaoru offered her a smile in return. "Thanks."

Her blue eyes darted to the wine list on the table and she fought the urge to peruse it. Instead, she flipped the menu over to the cocktails. "Hi, can I get you started with one of our signature margaritas or something else to drink?"

"Absolutely." She snapped the menu closed and looked up at the girl. "May I get the grande margarita with an extra shot of grand marnier? "

"Sure." The girl turned to go.

"And a water?" She called after her. Not sure if she heard her, she gave into her impulse and reached for the wine list.

A hand came out from the side and snatched it out of her hands. "You're not working!"

She grinned ruefully and looked up at her best friend. "Habit."

The tall man put the list on the table and pulled out the chair across from her. He stretched out his long limbs. "What's up Jou-chan? How's your morning?"

Kaoru sat back and sighed. "Fine. Almost forgot about my appointment. You must be rubbing off on me, Sano." She told him.

He grinned and ran a hand through his dark brown hair. "You got in late last night." He observed. "Hot date?" She shook her head. "If you tell me you were working last night, I really might have to kill you."

"Then I won't tell you I was working." She stated, accepting the drink the server put in front of her.

"Jou-chan. Really? At least you're moving in the right direction." He told her, raising an eyebrow at her choice of drink. "I'll have the amber with a shot of anejo." He told the girl before she had an opportunity to ask.

She watched the man across from her. She had known Sanosuke for nearly as long as she could remember. They had gone to school together, mostly as he had transferred after she had chosen to got the university and he had finally gotten his grades up. Upon graduating they had moved to the city while she pursued her interest in wine. He kept her grounded and prevented her from becoming a total workaholic while she helped him focus on his career. Interestingly enough he had managed to scrape a degree in photography and took photos for the sports section for the newspaper. It helped him them get some ridiculous tickets to some major sporting events. He also taught some jiu jitsu classes at a dojo his older brother ran. While he made enough money to pay the bills, it also meant he had a lot of free time to do... whatever.

"Tell me about your tasting."

She shrugged. "Nothing really of interest. We set the appointment up a few days ago when I thought I was working."

"Why set up the appointment if you weren't interested?"

She rolled her eyes. "Its not that I wasn't interested; she merely didn't bring anything much of interest with her."

They ordered lunch and Kaoru sighed, feeling some of the tension ease of her shoulders as she basked in the warm afternoon sun. They were enjoying an indian summer and Kaoru was more than willing to take advantage. She ordered a second margarita and the tequila eased through her. She asked Sanosuke about a class from the night before.

He tossed back a third shot of tequila before he sat up abruptly.

"Is that who I think it is?"

"Who?" Kaoru turned around in her seat and spotted the woman. It took her a moment as the woman rose from her table but Kaoru suddenly fought the rise of anxiety that threatened to overwhelm her. They had been rivals in college and they had not parted on good terms. She felt her eyes grow wide and she whipped around, immediately turning her back on the woman. "Just when I was beginning to relax." She groaned.

Sanosuke shook his head and sipped his beer. "I never understood fully what ever happened between the two of you."

She shrugged. "Honestly its an overly complicated girl thing that is petty and stupid." She explained, stirring her salad. She looked up at her friend and tilted her head to the side. "And you? You had your own reasons for not liking her."

Sanosuke shrugged. "She's a bitch." His dark eyes darted behind her.

"Is she gone?"

He shook his head slightly and looked at her. "Smile, your day really is about to turn to shit."

"Sanosuke? Is that you?"

Kaoru closed her eyes at the voice and cringed. He paused and offered her an apologetic smile. "Aya? I can't believe it." He stated drily, sitting back in his chair.

"Nor can I. The last thing I heard about you was that you were in jail."

Kaoru sputtered, nearly spitting out her drink. She had forgotten about the incident, one that she knew Sanosuke wasn't particularly fond of. Unfortunately her actions drew the attention of the woman.

"And Kamiya Kaoru. Look at you."

She counted to three before looking up at the woman. She was still stunning even ten years later. Her long auburn hair was shiny and glossy, her clothes impeccable. "It's been far too long." She held her hands out to her and Kaoru felt compelled to rise and press her cheek to the woman's.

"Sometimes it feels like yesterday." Kaoru murmured, resisting the urge to shudder.

Aya took her hands in hers and Kaoru couldn't help but notice the giant Ruby on the woman's ring finger. "What have you been up to? After you left the sorority, you kind of fell off the map."

Kaoru stared at her blankly for a few seconds. If this woman wanted to rewrite history, it wasn't her place to remind her the truth of what had transpired all those years ago. She swallowed. "I run the wine program for the Lornat Restaurant Group."

Aya's face went blank. "Oh." She shifted and looked around, her dark gaze falling on Sanosuke. Not really interested in him, she returned her attention to Kaoru. "Are you married?"

She felt her inside drop as she detested the question. "Not currently, no."

"You'll find someone fantastic, I'm sure. My husband just swept me off my feet." The redhead smiled. "Someday, I'm sure you'll meet the one." She told her, a hint of derision in her voice.

"What does he do?"

Though Sano had asked the question, Aya never acknowledged him. "Akira is an architect, one of the best in the city. He designed the new library on fifth. An absolute gem. He allows to me to do whatever I want; he completely adores me." She giggled and flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Listen to me going on about my husband when you still haven't found anyone special. Forgive me Kaoru. You needn't worry. Even a young woman in her early thirties still has plenty of time to find the right one and start a family. You mustn't wallow in the loneliness of spinster life just yet."

Kaoru stared at her, utterly reminded of why she had stopped talking to this woman when she was in college. "I didn't say that I hadn't found someone." She stated darkly.

Aya grew still. "You just said that you weren't married."

"Exactly." She flashed one of her brightest smiles usually reserved for arrogant guests. "I'm engaged."

The words fell from her lips and she prayed that Sanosuke wouldn't say anything to contradict her. As it was, Aya suddenly turned to look at the tall brunette. He was staring at Kaoru.

"I never thought the two of you had any history ….or chemistry for that matter." Aya held her hand up to cover her mouth. "Unfortunately I can honestly tell you he's not that great a lay either." She whispered loud enough for the brunette to hear.

It took a second to register her meaning before Kaoru giggled coquettishly. It occurred to her in a second that tequila was propelling her down a dangerous path, but she curbed it. "I'm not engaged to Sanosuke, silly."

"Then who?"

"He's a very prominent business man. We haven't gone public because he prefers to keep to himself, which I'm more than happy to oblige. It allows for...how shall we say...interesting evenings." Kaoru finished on a loud whisper.

Aya stared at her. She swallowed before smiling. "I'm so happy for you." Her phone chimed. "That's my ride. It was great to see you again Kaoru. We really must have lunch soon."

"Absolutely."

Kaoru touched cheeks with her again and then the woman was disappearing off the patio and down the street. She gratefully sank back into her seat, trying to clear out the woman's perfume from her nose. She looked at Sanosuke. He was watching her with an eyebrow raised. "What?"

"I was wondering when I was going to be able to meet this mysterious man you're engaged to."

"Shut up."

"I get it, Aya sucks at life, but are you sure that was wise?"

"To make up a fiancee? When was the last time you saw Aya?" She demanded.

Sanosuke sat back. "I think it might have been at your graduation."

"Exactly. Today was a fluke. I have no intention of running into her again. Therefore it won't matter." She flagged down the waitress and ordered herself another drink.

"Kaoru? As I live and breath, I never thought I would see you again."

Kaoru froze as she heard the voice behind her. Slowly she turned from the rack she had been flipping through and spotted the petite woman. Her dark blonde hair was pulled back in a neat chignon, her pale blue eyes glittering in the sunlight. "Yvonne." She murmured, her heart sinking. A sorority sister from her past life, a life that was seemingly haunting her. The woman had been friends with Aya, one of the woman's minions in college.

"Aya had told me you were in the city, but i hand't believed her. Kaoru was more likely to fly off and vanish into the Italian countryside."

Kaoru was't sure if the comment was an insult or not. She allowed the shorter woman to envelope her in a hug. "You've spoken to Aya?"

"Of course! She and I have brunch every other Sunday. The life of a socialite, it can be ever so exhausting."

Kaoru nodded her head in understanding. "Of course."

"But what of you? You probably understand. Aya told me you were engaged to a businessman."

Her stomach plummeted. "Of course she did."

"Is your fiancee with you?

Kaoru smiled uncomfortably. "Óf course."

The woman glanced around. "Where is he? Aya and I would love to meet him." She grinned deeply.

Kaoru tugged on her top. Why had she not just said he was at home? "He's down that way." She waved her hand vaguely behind her. She glanced at her watch. "I was actually supposed to meet him five minute ago. It's been great to see you. I really must be going." She told Yvonne.

Before the woman could protest, she turned away and hurried down the sidewalk. Behind her she heard her name. She darted through one of the doorways along the street and hoped the two women wouldn't follow her. She moved deeper into the building. It was a jewelry store and Kaoru cursed as her eyes swept the shop. Only a few patrons milled about, looking at the glass displays. A couple were oogling over rings while an older lady was examining some diamonds. A handsome redhead stared at a glass counter, his hands in his pockets. He didn't appear to be with anyone.

Behind her the door opened and she caught a whiff of the woman's perfume. Despite every fiber in her being crying out this was bad idea, she moved towards the redhead. He looked up at her as she approached. She grinned at him and he smiled easily in return. "I hate to ask you this, but I need a huge favor." She slipped her arm through his. "Please just follow along. I'll make it up to you, I swear." She whispered.

He stared at her, his violet eyes confused.

"Kaoru!" She turned away at the sound of her name. Her stomach dropped as she saw it wasn't just Yvonne, but Aya as well. The redhead on her arm was looking at them, curiosity in his dark violet eyes. Why on earth was she digging herself deeper into this hole?

"Aya. Good to see you again."

"Likewise." The look on Aya's face froze as she took in the sight of the redhead and the linked arms. "It really must be fated." She purred, having regained her composure. Her dark eyes took in the redhead again.

Kaoru let go of the man at her side so she could step forward and greet her. As Kaoru stepped back, she couldn't prevent herself from comparing. Ayas's dark red hair was perfectly sleek and smooth, her nails manicured, and the linen pantsuit showed off her svelte figure. She smiled as her eyes once more studied the redhead. "And you must be the lucky guy. I honestly was beginning to think she had made you up."

Kaoru felt her the blood drain from her face as the man next to her snorted. "As you can see he is quite real. Now if you excuse us, we have lots to do today." She stated, attempting to steer the stranger away.

"Seriously Kaoru. You haven't even introduced us yet." Yvonne chided.

"She really has been keeping you in hiding." Aya leaned forward and shook her head.

"Well, my koishi does like to keep me to herself." He murmured, slipping an arm around her waist.

"Such a shame." Aya slowly looked the redhead up and down. Kaoru felt a flush creep up her neck as she recognized the look in the woman's eyes. "Kaoru really should be sharing you."

"You think it's her doing, but in reality, I'm the one who has been keeping her to myself." The stranger stated, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Well aren't you going to at least introduce us?" Yvonne insisted.

"Sure. " Kaoru smiled weakly. "We went to school together, Aya and Yvonne. This is…"

"Kenshin." The redhead stuck his hand forward, shaking the two women's and saving Kaoru from the embarrassment of not knowing his name.

Yvonne tilted her head to the side as he shook her hand. "Have we met before? You look familiar."

"I don't believe so, that I do not."

"How did you two meet?" Yvonne asked.

Kenshin glanced at her, an eyebrow raised. "It was quite by accident really." She answered.

Aya glanced at the watch on her wrist. "I must go. I have an appointment I need to get to. It was good to see you, Kaoru. Au revoir!"

Kaoru released a breath as the two women turned to leave. Aya stopped and turned back around. "Oh, I almost forgot. I think it truly is fate that has brought us back together after all this time. I'm hosting a brunch next Sunday and I would love if you and your fiancée could come."

She stiffened, unsure of what to say. "Perhaps we can fit it into our schedule." She told the woman.

"I do hope so." Aya chimed. She waggled her fingers at her and she and Yvonne left the store.

Once they were gone, Kaoru felt her shoulders slump. She pulled away from the redhead and looked at him, sighing. "Thank you…" She widened her eyes realizing she had forgotten his name.

"Kenshin." He offered

"Thank you Kenshin. I didn't mean to subjugate you to that. Sometimes," She shuddered slightly as she thought about Aya and what the woman had done to her years past. She opened her eyes and found him watching her still. "Anyway. Thank you."

"What will you do about Sunday?"

Kaoru cringed as she wondered just what she would do. "I'll make something up." She told him. She shrugged and turned to leave. "Probably turn off my phone and move to another planet. Thanks."

He grabbed her wrist, bringing her attention back to him. "Hold on for just a moment." Startled, she turned back around. "Yes?"

A grin tugged at the corner of his lips. "I do believe you said you would make it up to me, that you did."

Kaoru felt herself blush. "Of course."

"A cup of coffee?"

She smiled in relief that it was something so simple. "Coffee I can definitely do."

"Excellent."

And there it is. It might be trite, but I'm willing to see where it goes. Let me know your thoughts. Until next time!