Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Cabana Boy ❯ Chapter 3

I don't own Kenshin or anyone else below. I love then, but I didn't create them. So, yay! I'm tickled that people are enjoying my story! However, as I've been writing it, I've found I will probably have two different versions of the story. As it is a modern day fic, the line drawn between Kaoru and Kenshin will be a bit different than normal. I want to stay true to the characters, even if the delineate from the original personalities. Also, I have tried to be somewhat vague as to where the story takes place. I'm not Japanese, but I'm not really big on the happenstance of everyone ending up in the states. Plus, some of the nicknames and endearments just don't sound quite right when translated into English. So forgive me if I have inadvertently offended anyone. But it is my story. I am always open to suggestions so don't hesitate. Anywhere, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

 

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Kenshin paused outside the study door. He had been caught off guard by Kaoru's barrage of questions. More importantly, he had been warmed by her lack of concern over their age difference. Eight years wasn't an extreme amount, but it was a lot to some. He wasn't sure if she was ready for what he could offer. He was planning on leaving around the end of the summer, if her father didn't kick him out tonight. Too late, he realized, he should never have befriended Kaoru. But he hadn't been able to help himself, something about her touching him in a way no woman had. Not since………He shook his head. It did not pay to dwell on the past.

 

Reluctantly he knocked. “Come in.” Was heard faintly from the other side. Taking a deep breath, he turned the knob and entered to face Kamiya Koshijirou. He had been in this room once before, when he had initially been hired. The room surprised him, confirming he really needed to shake his preconceived notions. Dressed in pale blues and greys, the room gave an open feel to it. The furniture was of white pine. It didn't appear daunting to sit behind the large desk and work the days away. The large window behind faced the side lawn, the small grove of trees just beyond. It reamed of casual masculinity and yet a hint of feminine grace was evident in the room. For the first time, Kenshin wondered what had become of Kaoru's mother. He knew better than to ask and he focused his attention on the other man in the room.

 

Tall and imposing, the man demanded attention. His dark hair was slightly unkempt, fallen from a long day at the office. Wrinkles had begun to appear at the edges of the deep blue eyes. Kenshin could almost see how the man would intimidate anyone. Yet now the man behind the desk had his jacket removed, his tie loosened. A brandy snifter was in his hands. Not quite the portrait of intimidation he had expected. What did he want? “Have a seat Himura-san.”

 

Carefully he sat, waiting for the reprimand he knew had to be coming. “What do you think of my daughter?”

 

He blinked in surprise. That wasn't exactly what he anticipated “Kaoru-dono appears to be a very sweet girl.” He said slowly and carefully.

 

The man studied him with his dark eyes before sitting back. “Yes she is. Her friends think she is too nice, I know. She is an extremely generous and openhearted young woman. That's why I have asked to speak with you.” Here it comes, Kenshin thought to himself. “Now that she is no longer in school she has one last free summer before she begins her internship in the fall. I'm inclined to allow her to enjoy her freedom before starting reality. However, as part of the agreement, she had to move back in here. I won't be around much this summer, so Kaoru readily agreed. I'm sure most, if not all, of her acquaintances will make an appearance her over the course of the next three months.”

 

He furrowed his brow. “I'm a bit confused, that I am. Where exactly do I fit into this picture?”

 

The man laughed nervously. “Funny you should ask that. I can't protect her from all the evils in the world; lord knows I've tried. However, she would resent me in the end. Her mother passed away twelve years ago and I have done the best I could. She has to make her own mistakes and she has made many; more than she realizes I am aware of.”

 

And now the man will talk of mistakes she has made in men, Kenshin thought, feeling a trace of bitterness.

 

“Not too long ago, she made an egregious mistake in boyfriends.”

 

“Perhaps you should get strait to the point, Kamiya-san.” He stated tightly. “It is quite late and I need to determine my plans for the rest of tomorrow. Should I pack my bags?” Why the man just wouldn't come out and say plainly to stay away from the woman astounded Kenshin.

 

He chuckled apprehensively. “Absolutely not.”

 

“Then what do you want from me?”

 

“I need you to protect my daughter.”

 

“Oro?”

 

“I was thrilled to see you two had hit it off. I am hoping that you will be able to ingratiate yourself into her life and become friends.”

 

Kenshin started, his eyes wide. He blinked rapidly, grasping the man's words. He needed him to protect Kaoru? Wanted them to be friends? “Explain this to me, sir. What does Kaoru-dono need protecting from?”

 

The man downed his brandy and quickly rose for a refill. He turned to Kenshin and offered him one. He shook his head. “Her ex-boyfriend was a very dangerous man. I don't know the full details, though I know more than my daughter thinks I do. Sanosuke is an old friend of the family and he loves Kaoru dearly. He came to me at the first sign of trouble, only several months into the relationship. The man was extremely possessive and violent. He had threatened Sano on several occasions and possibly even Aoshi or Misao, though I don't know for sure. Rarely did he allow Kaoru to see this side of him and only towards the end.”

 

Kenshin immediately thought of the picture and knew the man he had seen had been the ex her father now spoke of. The bartender's words came back to him. “Did he ever hit her?”

 

The older man grimaced. “Once.”

 

“Once is more than enough.” He stated, an edge of malice in his voice. A man should never strike a woman, even in the heat of passion. But that thought made him think of his own mistakes and his shoulders sagged. He wasn't one to start pointing fingers.

 

“I agree. The moment he hit her, was the moment she walked out. But even after she left him, he continued to call her. Enough so that I sent her and her friend Misao away for three months, just to get her away from him. By the time she had returned, her ex had disappeared for his own reasons.”

 

Kenshin digested all this information. He felt a slight twinge of pain at having never known his parents. He liked to think they would have cared for him the way Kamiya obviously loved his daughter. “How do I fit into all this? You want me to protect her, but I hardly think I am qualified for such a task.” He told the man. Kamiya had no reason to think he could fight, did he?

 

The man downed the brandy again and placed the empty snifter on the mini bar. Then he went back to the chair behind the desk. “I know a bit of your past.”

 

The comment made Kenshin freeze. “Oro?”

 

The man waved a hand dismissively, eerily reminiscent of Kaoru's earlier action. I have secrets of my own that at another time I might divulge. I wasn't always into advertising. I led a much different life when I met Kaoru's mother. I left that life, but there are a few people I still communicate with. When this came up, I made a few phone calls to old contacts and your name came up. I was told you had once been in the business, but not any more. You actually wandered, taking odd jobs here and there, vowing to never shed unnecessary blood again. Fortune happened to have you appear at my doorstep at the time I had begun in earnest to look for you.”

 

Kenshin's mind reeled. Who would have given Kamiya his name? Who did he know of from the past that could still find him in the present? There was only one, but surely he wouldn't have given up his name. “I don't really do this kind of work, never really did. I'm not a sword for hire or a bodyguard.”

 

“I know, and I do know of your vow. I'm hoping you won't ever even enter a fight, except for an argument over something silly with my daughter or one of her friends. But I won't risk it. I do know you are a remarkable swordsman and once you have declared loyalty, you do not go back on your word.”

 

Who could the man have spoken to? “Why does Kaoru-dono need protecting now? Didn't you say her ex-boyfriend had left?”

 

“About two months ago, Enishi called her apartment. Megumi intercepted the phone call and let me know. He's only called three other times, every time speaking with Kaoru's roommate. However, the third time he made some idle threats I don't want him to make good on. She doesn't know and for the present time, I see no reason she needs to be apprised of the situation. That's why she had to return here for the summer. He has never been to the house and I hope it stays that way. But she does go out. I want you to keep an eye on her. Make sure he doesn't come looking for her. I'd be willing to pay extra.”

 

He blinked at the mention of the name of the ex, momentarily lost in the past. The world surely couldn't be that small. “That's not necessary.” He said rising. “But you are also banking on the idea that Kaoru-dono will want to include me. I'm much older than her friends.”

 

Kamiya smiled. “You're not as old as you think. She is actually quite young amongst her small circle of friends, but an old soul. She may be young, but she was forced to grow up before her time. Besides, knowing what I know, it won't be a problem. I'm positive the moment I leave Sanosuke will be doing what he can to get you to shirk your duties.”

 

He could think of nothing to say to that. From what little Kaoru had told him and his brief encounter with the tall young man, he couldn't doubt Kamiya's words. “Very well. I will protect her and do my best to befriend your daughter.”

 

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Kaoru looked up from her lemonade. She had not allowed Sanosuke to add anything to it and therefore knew the lightheaded feeling she was getting was from the sun. Or possibly the man sitting just off to her left had made her dizzy. Her father had left the previous day and Kaoru had felt lonely. She had returned home from the airport, Elena off doing something and Kenshin mowing the lawn. She had unpacked her boxes from her apartment and then wandered downstairs. The redhead had been on his knees in one of the flowerbeds and she had walked over. She had wordlessly begun to help him and they worked companionably in silence for the rest of the afternoon. She had joined him for dinner in the kitchen and invited him to watch a movie on television before retiring to bed. They had exchanged few words, mostly Kaoru rambling on about life at school. He had learned she had gotten her degree in design. She had learned nothing about him.

 

This morning, Sanosuke had arrived, liquor in tow. He had dragged her down to the poolside and then abandoned her to bother Kenshin. After the man had finished cleaning the pool, a chore left over from two days ago, he had allowed Sano to haul him off to lunch. Kaoru had to come as well, though she would have preferred stayed at home. However, Kenshin had insisted and Sano had not allowed her to say no. Now it was coming on late afternoon.

 

“Kaoru!” She looked up to see Elena at the top of the stairs. “You have a guest!”

 

Next to her she saw Kenshin stiffen. He had been listening to Sanosuke talk about the women in his life, but now his focus swung back to her. She frowned slightly. “I wasn't expecting anyone.” She murmured before rising.

 

A hand on her arm gave her pause and she looked down to see Kenshin looking up at her. “Who do you think will be at the door?”

 

She gave him a strange glance. “What do you mean?”

 

“Is there anyone who would just come by unannounced?”

 

“I don't know.” Her gaze flickered to the brunette who watched them with interest. “If it bothers you so much, why don't you come with me?”

 

He rose and offered her a smile. “Maybe I will.”

 

Rolling her eyes she grabbed her robe and put it on over her swimsuit. Kenshin was definitely strange. Her father gone not even twenty-four hours and already he was acting protective of her. She reached the top of the steps and saw a figure in the doorway. She grinned, recognizing her visitor right away. “Misao!”

 

The petite woman threw her arms around Kaoru, acting as though it had been years since the two saw each other. “It's good to see you!”

 

“You saw me not even a week ago!”

 

“I know.” She brushed back a strand of her dark hair and her green eyes landed on Kenshin behind her. They widened slightly. “I didn't know you were seeing anyone.”

 

Kaoru felt a blush creep up her neck and cast a hasty glance at the redhead. He seemed oblivious to the blunt comment and she quickly shook her head. “This is Kenshin. He works here.” She explained.

 

“That's cool! How nice of your father to hire your boyfriend.”

 

“Misao.” She hissed and saw Kenshin snorted with a chuckle.

 

“I'm Kenshin. We aren't dating, that we are not.” He held out his hand.

 

The short girl shook it, studying him with her head to the side. “Then why are you standing in such a protective manner?”

 

“Misao!” Kaoru cried. She had forgotten how upfront the woman could be. “It's nothing. He's just being nice.” But deep down, she couldn't help but wonder at his attentive stance. Only someone like Misao would notice it, her background in martial arts allowing her to recognize the different stances, and it made her wonder. She hadn't noticed, but she was not as devout as her friend. “I wasn't expecting you to come for a visit.”

 

The green eyes came back to her. She shrugged and absently tossed the long black braid over her shoulder. She linked arms through hers and guided Kaoru towards the back of the house. Kenshin followed behind. “I got bored and thought I'd come early. Besides I figured others might be here.”

 

She rolled her blue eyes and opened the patio door. “Aoshi isn't here.”

 

“Oh.” Her face dropped. Then she brightened. “He'll probably be here soon. He wasn't home when I called earlier and I know he and Sanosuke are supposed to do something two days from now.”

 

“So then why don't you admit it? The only reason you're here is in the hopes of seeing him.”

 

The small girl shrugged and turned with a shriek. Sano had come up and tugged on her braid. “Hey weasel. And what are you doing here so early?” He smirked.

 

She hit him lightly on the chest and the tall man winced. Kaoru hid a smile, noting how the imprint turned a delicate shade of pink. “Perhaps we should go inside. You'll want to put your bags up.” She suggested.

 

Misao smiled and turned back. She linked arms with Kenshin, pulling him along with her. Blinking his violet eyes in surprise, Kenshin could do nothing but be dragged along behind her. “So tell me all about you. What you do, how you do it, and what style of martial arts you practice.”

 

He held his hands out, pulling his arm from hers. “I don't really practice.”

 

“Nonsense.” The small girl shook her head vehemently. “I have spent most of my life training and I know a fellow fighter when I see one. You're good, I'll admit. You're more subtle than even Kaoru.” The gaze swung to her, a question in the lavender eyes. Kaoru shrugged and sat back down on her lounge chair. Misao pulled him up the stairs. “Come help me with my bag if you don't want anyone else to know.” She said, hauling him away.

 

Once they were out of earshot, Sanosuke sat down across from her. He sipped from his drink and made a face. “It needs to be freshened up.” He told her and reached for his shirt. He pulled it over his head. “So what's the deal with Kenshin?” He asked.

 

She tossed her ponytail over her shoulder and pulled her robe tighter around her, though she was warm. “How do you mean?” She asked nonchalantly, not wanting to admit her attraction to the man.

 

“You know what I mean.” He punched her lightly.

 

“No I don't.” She rose and headed towards the stairs.

 

“Wait, Jou-chan. You mean to tell me you haven't noticed the way the man looks at you?”

 

She paused and turned to face her friend slowly. “What way is that?”

 

“The man seems more protective of you than I am. All day, he's had one eye on you, watching you. I want to know what has happened in the last few days that has allowed you two to become so close.”

 

“I've only known him two days.”

 

“And your point is?”

 

Her heart skipped a beat and she glanced up at the house where Kenshin and Misao were doing who knew what exactly. The petite girl had even commented on it. “It's all in your head, Sano. It's not like I need protecting from anything.” She continued towards the house, not caring if the brunette was following her or not.

 

Sano grabbed her arm just as she reached the door. “Jou-chan, still. I saw the way you looked at him during lunch. When the waitress smiled at him and he innocently smiled back, I recall the look of fury that lit your eyes momentarily.”

 

She jerked her arm away and glared at him. “I don't know what you're talking about. I just met the man.” She stated flatly and threw open the door. He barely missed being hit by it and stumbled inside after her. Kaoru ignored him and made her way to the kitchen. She pulled open the refrigerator and pulled out the pitcher of lemonade. She handed it to Sano who shot her a dirty look before accepting it.

 

“If you break my nose, Megumi will never go out with me.”

 

“She wouldn't go out with you anyway.” She retorted.

 

“You keep saying that, but you have no idea what goes on when no one else is around.”

 

She paused and looked up at him. At least the subject of her and Kenshin had been dropped. “What's happened between you two?”

 

He grinned slyly at her, his brown eyes sparkling with mischief. “I'll tell if you tell.”

 

She rolled her blue eyes and sighed in exasperation. “There isn't anything to tell!” She argued. “Kenshin is a handsome man and yet he has never really given any indication that he thinks anything more of me.” She stated.

 

“Truly?” He came towards her and held up her thumb. The grubby band-aid still covered the appendage from the other day. The cut was miniscule and she really didn't need it any longer. “Why are you still wearing this little token from him?”

 

She jerked her hand away, her face beet red. “I just haven't taken it off yet.” She ripped it from her finger and threw it away. “Happy?” She spit.

 

The man stared at her. “Why are you so worked up about this?” He came towards her. “Are you still thinking about him?”

 

Tears threatened and she glanced up at her friend form her childhood. She sighed. “I just………” She glanced down and nibbled on her bottom lip. “I feel like I know nothing about him and that scares me a bit. He has done so much for me in the last few days and………I mean………I like to think that if Enishi hadn't been so charming in the beginning, that I would have noticed how controlling he was before it reached the end.”

 

“Kaoru.” Sano hooked a finger under her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. “You are a beautiful and intelligent woman. You aren't to blame for what happened. Granted I never really cared for the man, but he seemed to make you happy and that's all I wanted. You won't make that mistake again. You should follow what your instincts tell you. What are they saying about Kenshin?”

 

She grinned shyly. “That perhaps I'm finally over the whole mess that was my life. That Kenshin came into my life at precisely the right time. Even though I know very little about him, his actions determine who he is and not his past.”

 

“Then perhaps you should listen to yourself.” He kissed her on the cheek and hugged her to him.

 

Kaoru allowed herself to be held for a moment before she pulled back from him. “And what of you?” She asked, studying his face. “What has transpired between you and the kitsune?”

 

He snorted. “She still says I need structure.”

 

She hit him on the arm. “You lazy ghet! Making me think you actually had something to share and here I am pouring my heart out to you.”

 

He grinned lazily at her. “But it got you to admit how you feel about him.”

 

“Feel about who?”

 

Kaoru felt her heart stop and she whirled to see Misao and Kenshin standing in the doorway. Misao had a curious look on her small face, her green eyes wide with interest. Kenshin stood slightly behind her. A slight frown touched his mouth and Kaoru became aware of how close she and Sano were standing. Not wanting the redhead to get the wrong idea, she stepped away and shrugged. “What are you talking about?”

 

Misao bounded into the kitchen and pulled out a stool to perch on it. She accepted the spiked lemonade Sanosuke handed her. “Sano said you finally admitted your feelings. I want to know feelings for whom?” She sipped thoughtfully and made a face. She turned her gaze on the brunette. “Isn't it a little early in the day to be drinking?” She demanded.

 

“Then don't drink it.” He retorted snidely and took the glass from her. “I'll tell Aoshi you aren't much of the party-girl when he gets here. I always told him he was better off.”

 

“And when will that be?” Kaoru asked before Misao could. All eyes turned to her. “If he's going to be staying here, I'll need to have Rosita air out a room.” She replied nonchalantly.

 

The tall man shrugged and hopped onto the countertop. He drank from the glass he had just taken from Misao. He winked at her and smiled slyly. “Wouldn't you just like to know?”

 

Misao glowered and turned her face away from him defiantly. “I don't need to know. He'll be here when he gets here.”

 

“And will you and Jou-chan be mapping out your plans of seduction together?”

 

“Sanosuke!” Kaoru warned, her gaze flickering to Kenshin. The man had entered quietly and sat down, watching the scene with an amused look on his face.

 

“What?” He shrugged. “I know you both have a thing for Shinomori and I was commenting on whether you two would double-team him or compete to see who wins his affections first. I myself would go for the double team and execute every man's fantasy.” Kaoru glared at him. He was not helping her situation at all by allowing Kenshin to think she had a thing for his friend when Misao was the only one with the crush. He seemed to get her message for he ran a hand absently through his russet colored hair with a blush. “Personally I don't see why you don't go for me. I'm by far the better catch.”

 

Misao snorted. “As I recall the two of you had already been there and done that. No chemistry and weren't you really bad in bed?” She shot at Sano.

 

He placed both hands over his chest and leaned back, a wounded look on his face. `That hurt.”

 

Kaoru groaned. She definitely didn't need that tidbit coming out right now. “I'm going to change.” She stated weakly, not wanting to see how Kenshin might react to that speck information. She walked past him and out of the kitchen. Behind her, the argument between Sanosuke and Misao continued and Kaoru paused. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. Now her friend might have possibly ruined her chances with the lawn boy.

 

“Kaoru-dono?”

 

She looked up in surprise to see Kenshin standing uncertainly there. “Yes?”

 

Nervously he scratched the back of his neck. “Are you alright?” He asked after a moment. She nodded. “You look a bit peaked and I was just making sure you weren't feeling too light-headed from the sun.” He offered her a weak smile.

 

“I'm fine.” She turned to head towards the stairs and paused. She turned slowly. “Thank you.”

 

He took a step back in surprise. “For what?”

 

“For caring.”

 

Kenshin shrugged. “I just want to make sure everything is well with you.”

 

She nodded once more and caught her bottom lip between her teeth. An awkward silence descended over them. “Well, I'm going to change. I'm sure Misao will want to go and see the town tonight.”

 

They watched each other another moment and she turned reluctantly to go.

 

“Kaoru-dono?” She swallowed and turned back once more to the redhead. “Who were you discussing when Misao-dono and I interrupted?”

 

She licked her lips apprehensively. “My ex.” She replied quickly.

 

“Really?”

 

“Yes. I had ………finally admitted that I was no longer in love with him and ready to move on.”

 

“That's a good thing, Kaoru-dono.”

 

She grinned and blinked, the smile fading from her face. She could no longer hear Sanosuke and Misao arguing and she glanced past Kenshin. She saw a blur of movement by the doorway to the kitchen and sighed. She focused her attention one last time to the man in front of her. “It's a very good thing.” She told him. “Now I really must go and shower and change if we're to go out.”

 

He let her go this time but Kaoru glanced once more over her shoulder before ascending the stairs. He stood there watching her and she couldn't help but shiver underneath the intensity of his gaze. The man did seem to be making sure she was safe. A part of her wondered how much of her past he might know. Had Sano told him of her catastrophic relationship with Enishi? And even if he had, did that matter? It was just over a year since she had fled the blonde, nearly eight months since she'd had any contact with him. Maybe what she needed was someone to protect her for once, someone who would cherish her and stop at nothing to insure her safety.

 

Kaoru grinned to herself as she turned the shower facet on. Perhaps Himura Kenshin was exactly what she needed.

 

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Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think!