Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Coincidence ❯ Needed Distraction ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Fire Kitten 
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Suspense / Romance / Mystery / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.23.2010 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 386 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Suspense / Romance / Mystery / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.23.2010 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 386 | Status: Completed
A/N: First, I’d like to thank my first three reviewers to this story; J Luc Pitard, Cosmic-lover, and kokoronagome. I truly appreciate your input and your time. And to kokoronagomu, thanks for the suggestion on the Manga website. It rocks!!! ^_^
I’d like to let readers know that this story will be slow in the beginning… so bare with me. Enjoy ^_^
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Needed Distraction
Dark, glowing eyes looked around his dark apartment. He was exhausted. He always came back exhausted. It wasn’t so much physical as it was mental and emotional.
He locked the door behind him and made his way across his living room, passing the large windows and noticing the half moon in the sky. He was thankful it wasn’t full that night; the light from the moon didn’t let him hide as easily.
He went to the bathroom and turned on the light. He was met with his reflection. Amber eyes looked back at amber eyes. They were angry, hostile, and ruthless. Kenshin somewhat understood why his victims shook with fear when they saw him.
Crimson red hair framed his face, blood splattered across it. Maybe they were right, whoever ‘they’ were; he was a demon or death himself. He’s heard both and many more names.
His eyes went to look down at his hands; they were soaked with blood and so was his katana. He took the heavy metal and slowly placed it on top of the sink, careful that it wouldn’t make a sound, even if it was pointless since he lived by himself.
His gaze went down to his clothes, although dark they were as well soaked with the same blood.
Disgusted with himself, he quickly took them off leaving them on the floor.
Kenshin went over and turned on the shower, steam from the hot water fogging up the mirror.
The water was red. It mildly burned but he didn’t mind as he felt his muscles relax. He ran his fingers through his hair, slightly untangling his wet locks.
Tonight hadn’t been hard. Far from it, but it had been messy.
He had gone to the Old Cathedral like how he was asked to, receiving the name of his next victim from a dark cloaked man. Kenshin knew who the man was, but he pretended he didn’t know. It was for the best interest of not only himself but his client as well.
So, he set off, looking for the unfortunate being whose life will end that night.
His name was Koushirou Kiyanagi. He found the tall, round man coming out of a ‘Gentlemen’s Club’, laughing out loud as he came out, obviously having a good time.
Kenshin stood across the street on the side walk just watching the bigger man. Why someone wanted him dead, he didn’t know and he didn’t care. He didn’t get involved with the details of the lives of clients or the victims. All he did was either accept or decline the job.
Koushirou took out a cigar, lit it, and smoked it; seemingly enjoying the flavor.
From across the street, Kenshin smelled the thick, musky smell, but he continued to stand still as he watched his assignment from afar.
It took the hefty man a while to notice he wasn’t alone.
At first, Koushirou squinted over at the lone man, trying to see if he recognized him.
Kenshin wasn’t sure whether he did or not, but none the less, the man stood his ground taking pleasure in puffing his cigar.
Little by little he started to get nervous, the black silhouette of the eerie man with long hair starting to innerve him.
Deciding it was better to head back inside he shakily put out his cigar and started to make his way to the bar.
Kenshin saw this as an opportunity to give the man a scare and using his speed quickly dashed over to Koushirou, standing right in front of him as he turned around.
“Agh!” the taller man yelled, not expecting to be confronted with the man he had just seen standing across the street.
He took a few steps back, “What do you want from me?” his voice quivered as he spoke.
“I don’t want anything from you.” Kenshin dryly said.
Recognition shone in his eyes, understanding what the smaller yet dangerous man meant. He didn’t waste time and instantly broke into a run.
The red-head let him escape, giving him a head start.
It was silly really. There was absolutely no way he was going to get away.
After he could no longer see him, Kenshin took off after him.
Adrenaline started to pump through his veins as he followed the robust man, using his powerful legs to catch up. Now the game was different. He was no longer an ‘assignment’, he was now prey.
Kenshin finally caught up to him; seeing he was still running, his breath uneven from the physical exertion.
He took one last stride and he once again appeared in front of the man.
Surprised and frightened, Koushirou tried to stop and run the other direction, but he wasn’t fast enough as a hand took a hold of his neck, the iron grip strangling his throat.
“Running was a bad idea.” the golden-eyed eyed man’s cruel and sinister voice informed him.
He squirmed around, trying to break free.
Kenshin’s adrenaline was still soaring. He knew it was sick, but watching as the man fidgeted and struggled against him before he finished him off gave him a high.
His hand reached for his katana; his weapon of choice. Its mirror-like surface gleamed, catching the eye of Koushirou, making him squirm all the more knowing what’s to come.
“WAI-GH!! WAI-GH!!”came his muffled cry.
Kenshin’s katana quickly came up, slashing the blubbering man across torso, thick blood splattering about.
Assassin inhaled deeply and closed his eyes as he felt the wet and warm crimson liquid land on not only his clothes but on his face. The metallic smell hung in the air, and Kenshin opened his eyes again as he released the man, letting him fall on the ground.
In no time at all, the man was lying in a pool of his own blood, somewhat still alive as he involuntarily twitched.
“Batt-battou…” the man gurgled, his eyes wide.
Heart still drumming in his ears, Kenshin brought his blade up taking in the feel of that moment. One last deep breath and brought his blade down, beheading his prey.
He stood still for a while, watching Koushirou’s decapitated head roll back and forth, the scared expression on his face now gone.
The wave of the thrill of the kill eventually died down; his heart coming down to its regular pace. Slowly, Kenshin realized what he had just done, and furthermore, what he had felt when he had murdered the stranger. It was a combination of enjoyment, excitement, and satisfaction.
However, those feelings were short-lived as guilt and shame took their place. He always felt like this afterwards.
That night wasn’t hard, but it was messy.
The water eventually turned clear.
Kenshin turned off the shower and got out, wrapping a white towel around his hips. He went to the mirror, wiping it free from the steam.
Looking at his reflection, he was met with a pair of violet eyes.
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He woke up abruptly, sitting up and sticky from the sweat. He had been tossing and turning in his sleep again. Why can’t he have a peaceful night’s rest?
Taking in a deep breath, he held it and steadily exhaled. His eyes look out of his wide bedroom window, wishing he was asleep.
He laid back down and closed his eyes, giving ‘dreamland’ another shot.
Tomoe. He had been dreaming about her again. Kenshin wasn’t quite sure how he felt about her now, his deceased wife.
They loved each other, he was sure of that. When they first met, it was awkward and uncomfortable between them, but after some time something more started to grow.
Sometimes he missed her. He missed what they had and how she made him feel. Her brown serene eyes, dark hair, milky white skin, her white plum scent. She made him believe that he could leave behind his man-slaying ways and start a new life with her, maybe even start a family. He felt at peace along her side.
Other times, he was glad she was gone, not forgetting the betrayal. She was the first woman he ever loved, first woman he ever trusted, and the first woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He would have given her anything and would have given up everything for her. However, all of those thoughts and dreams were shattered when he learned the truth about her. Now, all that was left was emptiness with a dash of bitterness.
She was a spy and her mission was to kill him. Regardless, do you ever stop caring or thinking about your true love? Does the love ever go away? Or does it just get replaced with another emotion? Hate? Resentment?
Kenshin could still remember how he felt when he first found out. It felt like a sharp knife going through his heart, or a hand squeezing it, not letting it function properly.
His hand went up to touch his cheek, the cross-shaped scar a constant reminder of her and of what happened. It was once just a painful, stinging wound, and now all that was left was a scar.
Violet eyes went over to look at his alarm by his bed.
12:30.
It wasn’t as late as what he thought.
He sighed loudly. There was really no use trying to go to sleep again.
With that in mind, he got up and proceeded to get dressed. A few drinks sounded real good and it might just be the answer to his insomnia.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Tonight, JJ’s bar wasn’t as empty as how he liked it.
‘Great.’ Kenshin thought as he made his way to a seat along the bar.
It didn’t take long for the spiky haired bartender to come his way, double Jack on the rocks in hand.
“Hey, haven’t seen you in a while.” Sano said as he placed the drink in front of Kenshin.
This was true. How long has it been since he dropped by JJ’s? A week? Maybe a little more?
“Yeah, been having a rough week.” he said as he took a drink, feeling the burning liquid as it went down his throat.
“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. We’ve all have a lousy week every now and then.” Sano smiled. “But I might have something that’ll cheer you up.”
He frowned with puzzlement at the younger man.
“Don’t tell me you forgot about Missy? Black hair, big ol’ blue eyes?”
Recognition hit. Kenshin did remember her. The girl that smelled like jasmine and whose hips swayed in a hypnotizing way.
“Well…” the brunet continued, seeing as how his bar guest didn’t seem talkative, “…I asked around and I only got some basic information.”
Kenshin took another drink, deciding that he was interested in what Sano dug up.
“Her name is Kaoru. She’s 22 and she’s in her second year of Law School. She’s a single child and lives with her father. Apparently, the little lady’s fam is loaded, so she’s pretty well off.”
“Is that it?”
“Nope.” Sano’s hand went over to reach behind his pocket. “Here is her class schedule.”
Kenshin took the folded piece of paper and opened it.
“It’s hand written.” he stated, raising an eyebrow at Sano once he saw the feminine writing.
Sano smiled sheepishly, “Don’t ask.”
Frowning, Kenshin gaze dropped down to the piece of paper in hand. She was taking a pretty good load of classes that semester. It was rather impressive.
“Just some advice… if I were you, I would go and check out her University. Preferably around the time of her last class.”
Violet eyes slightly glared at Sano, considering his suggestion before his eyes went back to look at her class schedule.
He needed a distraction. Maybe visiting Kaoru wasn’t such a bad idea.
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He leaned on the brick wall as he waited patiently.
The drinks from last night didn’t help with his sleeping problems. When he came back home it was still the same dilemma. Once he closed his eyes and was about to join the realm of unconsciousness, she would appear.
It was just fragments of memories from the past and they kept on repeating themselves. It would cause Kenshin to constantly keep waking up, only to fall asleep again and be welcomed with the same images. It was truly a bothersome and tiring type of slumber.
Now, all he was left with was the dull headache from the lack of rest.
He looked around the campus. It was a well kept place; bushes and trees neatly trimmed. He watched as some students took their time as they walked about, most with a small group of friends and others alone.
‘Grad kids.’ he thought. He assumed most of them were rich. The University was private and it took more than just smarts to get in.
A herd of students started making their way out of the building. Kenshin kept a look out to see if he could spot the bright eyed girl.
It didn’t take long till she walked out the front doors; her grey bag across her shoulder, music player in hand, and sunglasses on.
She wasn’t alone; a taller woman with long dark-brown hair walked by her. From afar, they seemed to be good friends. They talked and laughed as they made their way toward the gate, where he was waiting.
Kaoru’s eyes landed on him, and she smiled remembering him.
“Himura, I take it that this isn’t a ‘run in’, is it?” she said once she reached him.
He grinned at her, the scent of her jasmine perfume instantly hitting his nose, “I was in the neighborhood.” he shrugged.
“Ahem.” Kaoru’s friends interrupted. “Sweetie, I have to go.”
“Alright. Call me later?” Kaoru said as she went over to the taller woman and gave her a fair-well hug.
Her friend gave Kenshin a once look over, “Definitely. I’m going to need details.”
She made her way back into the campus, leaving Kenshin and Kaoru alone.
“That’s Megumi.” Kaoru informed him. “Sorry, for the lack of introduction.”
“It’s fine. She seemed in a hurry.”
“So you were in the neighborhood? You don’t seriously think I’d believe that do you?”
“It was worth a shot… Kaoru.”
She took her sunglasses off, placing them on top of her head. Her eyes looked into his, seemingly trying to read him.
“The rooster told you, didn’t he?”
“Rooster?”
“JJ’s bartender.”
“I don’t reveal my sources.” he joked.
Kaoru laughed, “So you’re not only a Casanova but some sort of a James Bond too. That’s a pretty lethal combination.”
“I suppose I’ll take that as a compliment?”
“Sure, make of it what you will.” one eyebrow rose at him, “But seriously, what brings you here?”
“You.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Well, why else? Ask you out on a date, get to talking, and maybe get to know you.”
She lightly laughed, “You have to be kidding me.”
That was not the reaction he was expecting, “”What’s wrong with a date?”
“No, offense but I know your type.”
It was his turn to laugh, “I didn’t think I could be categorized into any ‘type’. So, mind explaining to me what my type is?”
“You’re a player or a womanizer.”
Now he laughed out loud, the hearty chuckle coming from deep within his chest, without a doubt finding her statement amusing.
“Yeah, I’m going to go now.” she told him, frowning at his condescending laugh.
“Aww, come on now.” he grabbed her arm, stopping her retreat all the while bringing her a bit closer to him. “Don’t leave without hearing me out.”
Blue eyes looked threateningly up at him. He grinned all the more, liking her fire. She was going to be a challenge.
His gaze shifted downward, noticing the small silver key necklace.
“So what’s the story behind this?” he asked as he went ahead and lightly took a hold of it, getting a better look.
Kaoru felt a tingle run along her spine when his hand made contact with her skin, causing her cheeks to warm up.
The blush didn’t get past Kenshin as he nonchalantly held on to the necklace’s charm.
“Don’t tell me this is the key to your heart?” he teased.
“Very original.” she sarcastically answered as one hand went over to take her miniature key from his grasp.
However, as she did so, he took advantage and held on to her smaller hand within his own calloused.
“I’m not the kind of guy you think I am.” he sincerely said. “‘Hit-it and quit-it’, ‘another notch on the belt’ isn’t my thing. I just know what I like.”
She seemed to contemplate what he said. Looking down at their hands, her frown melted away replaced by a sly smile.
“Forward much?”
Kenshin smirked back at her, “Said the girl who bought this stranger a drink.”
“Touché.” she said and lightly punched his chest.
There was a pause as they silently looked at each other. Her hand gradually slipped from his and she took a step back, putting more space between them.
“So what happens once you get to know me?” she asked.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
She wasn’t convinced, “You’re not going to like me once you get to know me.”
“Is that so? How come?”
“Most guys can’t handle my… life. My schedule, certain friends, my family. It becomes too much for them.”
“That kinda sounds like a challenge.”
“No, just a warning. Don’t get attached along the ride.”
She was probably trying to scare him off. He believed that her schedule was most likely packed, her friends could possibly be annoying, and her family could very well be insane, but her life had nothing on his. All he hoped was for her not to get too connected or involved with him. He didn’t want her hurt due to him.
Nonetheless, he went along with her word of caution, “I’ll remember that and I’ll let you know if the ride does gets too bumpy.” he assured her.
She finally seemed satisfied with his answer.
“I hope you won’t regret it.” she lastly said.
He watched as her azure eyes took him in, her eyes traveling down and right back up. She smiled apparently content with what she saw standing in front of her.
“So…there’s this little coffee shop a couple blocks over. The Akabeko.” she hinted.
“Was that a date invitation?”
“No, just a chance for you to prove me wrong.”
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A/N: So, what you think? I changed the rating due to the violent scene.
In this chapter, my goal was too show Kenshin on a job (which wasn’t as gory as what I would have like it to be), introduce his thoughts on Tomoe, and show the chemistry between the lead characters (K&K).
I’m not particularly too fond of this chapter. It’s what I’d like to call a ‘bridge chapter’ (or that might actually be what it’s called… I’m not too sure). Pretty self-explanatory… it’s what connects part A to part B. Make sense?
I’d like to let readers know that this story will be slow in the beginning… so bare with me. Enjoy ^_^
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Needed Distraction
Dark, glowing eyes looked around his dark apartment. He was exhausted. He always came back exhausted. It wasn’t so much physical as it was mental and emotional.
He locked the door behind him and made his way across his living room, passing the large windows and noticing the half moon in the sky. He was thankful it wasn’t full that night; the light from the moon didn’t let him hide as easily.
He went to the bathroom and turned on the light. He was met with his reflection. Amber eyes looked back at amber eyes. They were angry, hostile, and ruthless. Kenshin somewhat understood why his victims shook with fear when they saw him.
Crimson red hair framed his face, blood splattered across it. Maybe they were right, whoever ‘they’ were; he was a demon or death himself. He’s heard both and many more names.
His eyes went to look down at his hands; they were soaked with blood and so was his katana. He took the heavy metal and slowly placed it on top of the sink, careful that it wouldn’t make a sound, even if it was pointless since he lived by himself.
His gaze went down to his clothes, although dark they were as well soaked with the same blood.
Disgusted with himself, he quickly took them off leaving them on the floor.
Kenshin went over and turned on the shower, steam from the hot water fogging up the mirror.
The water was red. It mildly burned but he didn’t mind as he felt his muscles relax. He ran his fingers through his hair, slightly untangling his wet locks.
Tonight hadn’t been hard. Far from it, but it had been messy.
He had gone to the Old Cathedral like how he was asked to, receiving the name of his next victim from a dark cloaked man. Kenshin knew who the man was, but he pretended he didn’t know. It was for the best interest of not only himself but his client as well.
So, he set off, looking for the unfortunate being whose life will end that night.
His name was Koushirou Kiyanagi. He found the tall, round man coming out of a ‘Gentlemen’s Club’, laughing out loud as he came out, obviously having a good time.
Kenshin stood across the street on the side walk just watching the bigger man. Why someone wanted him dead, he didn’t know and he didn’t care. He didn’t get involved with the details of the lives of clients or the victims. All he did was either accept or decline the job.
Koushirou took out a cigar, lit it, and smoked it; seemingly enjoying the flavor.
From across the street, Kenshin smelled the thick, musky smell, but he continued to stand still as he watched his assignment from afar.
It took the hefty man a while to notice he wasn’t alone.
At first, Koushirou squinted over at the lone man, trying to see if he recognized him.
Kenshin wasn’t sure whether he did or not, but none the less, the man stood his ground taking pleasure in puffing his cigar.
Little by little he started to get nervous, the black silhouette of the eerie man with long hair starting to innerve him.
Deciding it was better to head back inside he shakily put out his cigar and started to make his way to the bar.
Kenshin saw this as an opportunity to give the man a scare and using his speed quickly dashed over to Koushirou, standing right in front of him as he turned around.
“Agh!” the taller man yelled, not expecting to be confronted with the man he had just seen standing across the street.
He took a few steps back, “What do you want from me?” his voice quivered as he spoke.
“I don’t want anything from you.” Kenshin dryly said.
Recognition shone in his eyes, understanding what the smaller yet dangerous man meant. He didn’t waste time and instantly broke into a run.
The red-head let him escape, giving him a head start.
It was silly really. There was absolutely no way he was going to get away.
After he could no longer see him, Kenshin took off after him.
Adrenaline started to pump through his veins as he followed the robust man, using his powerful legs to catch up. Now the game was different. He was no longer an ‘assignment’, he was now prey.
Kenshin finally caught up to him; seeing he was still running, his breath uneven from the physical exertion.
He took one last stride and he once again appeared in front of the man.
Surprised and frightened, Koushirou tried to stop and run the other direction, but he wasn’t fast enough as a hand took a hold of his neck, the iron grip strangling his throat.
“Running was a bad idea.” the golden-eyed eyed man’s cruel and sinister voice informed him.
He squirmed around, trying to break free.
Kenshin’s adrenaline was still soaring. He knew it was sick, but watching as the man fidgeted and struggled against him before he finished him off gave him a high.
His hand reached for his katana; his weapon of choice. Its mirror-like surface gleamed, catching the eye of Koushirou, making him squirm all the more knowing what’s to come.
“WAI-GH!! WAI-GH!!”came his muffled cry.
Kenshin’s katana quickly came up, slashing the blubbering man across torso, thick blood splattering about.
Assassin inhaled deeply and closed his eyes as he felt the wet and warm crimson liquid land on not only his clothes but on his face. The metallic smell hung in the air, and Kenshin opened his eyes again as he released the man, letting him fall on the ground.
In no time at all, the man was lying in a pool of his own blood, somewhat still alive as he involuntarily twitched.
“Batt-battou…” the man gurgled, his eyes wide.
Heart still drumming in his ears, Kenshin brought his blade up taking in the feel of that moment. One last deep breath and brought his blade down, beheading his prey.
He stood still for a while, watching Koushirou’s decapitated head roll back and forth, the scared expression on his face now gone.
The wave of the thrill of the kill eventually died down; his heart coming down to its regular pace. Slowly, Kenshin realized what he had just done, and furthermore, what he had felt when he had murdered the stranger. It was a combination of enjoyment, excitement, and satisfaction.
However, those feelings were short-lived as guilt and shame took their place. He always felt like this afterwards.
That night wasn’t hard, but it was messy.
The water eventually turned clear.
Kenshin turned off the shower and got out, wrapping a white towel around his hips. He went to the mirror, wiping it free from the steam.
Looking at his reflection, he was met with a pair of violet eyes.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
He woke up abruptly, sitting up and sticky from the sweat. He had been tossing and turning in his sleep again. Why can’t he have a peaceful night’s rest?
Taking in a deep breath, he held it and steadily exhaled. His eyes look out of his wide bedroom window, wishing he was asleep.
He laid back down and closed his eyes, giving ‘dreamland’ another shot.
Tomoe. He had been dreaming about her again. Kenshin wasn’t quite sure how he felt about her now, his deceased wife.
They loved each other, he was sure of that. When they first met, it was awkward and uncomfortable between them, but after some time something more started to grow.
Sometimes he missed her. He missed what they had and how she made him feel. Her brown serene eyes, dark hair, milky white skin, her white plum scent. She made him believe that he could leave behind his man-slaying ways and start a new life with her, maybe even start a family. He felt at peace along her side.
Other times, he was glad she was gone, not forgetting the betrayal. She was the first woman he ever loved, first woman he ever trusted, and the first woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He would have given her anything and would have given up everything for her. However, all of those thoughts and dreams were shattered when he learned the truth about her. Now, all that was left was emptiness with a dash of bitterness.
She was a spy and her mission was to kill him. Regardless, do you ever stop caring or thinking about your true love? Does the love ever go away? Or does it just get replaced with another emotion? Hate? Resentment?
Kenshin could still remember how he felt when he first found out. It felt like a sharp knife going through his heart, or a hand squeezing it, not letting it function properly.
His hand went up to touch his cheek, the cross-shaped scar a constant reminder of her and of what happened. It was once just a painful, stinging wound, and now all that was left was a scar.
Violet eyes went over to look at his alarm by his bed.
12:30.
It wasn’t as late as what he thought.
He sighed loudly. There was really no use trying to go to sleep again.
With that in mind, he got up and proceeded to get dressed. A few drinks sounded real good and it might just be the answer to his insomnia.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Tonight, JJ’s bar wasn’t as empty as how he liked it.
‘Great.’ Kenshin thought as he made his way to a seat along the bar.
It didn’t take long for the spiky haired bartender to come his way, double Jack on the rocks in hand.
“Hey, haven’t seen you in a while.” Sano said as he placed the drink in front of Kenshin.
This was true. How long has it been since he dropped by JJ’s? A week? Maybe a little more?
“Yeah, been having a rough week.” he said as he took a drink, feeling the burning liquid as it went down his throat.
“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. We’ve all have a lousy week every now and then.” Sano smiled. “But I might have something that’ll cheer you up.”
He frowned with puzzlement at the younger man.
“Don’t tell me you forgot about Missy? Black hair, big ol’ blue eyes?”
Recognition hit. Kenshin did remember her. The girl that smelled like jasmine and whose hips swayed in a hypnotizing way.
“Well…” the brunet continued, seeing as how his bar guest didn’t seem talkative, “…I asked around and I only got some basic information.”
Kenshin took another drink, deciding that he was interested in what Sano dug up.
“Her name is Kaoru. She’s 22 and she’s in her second year of Law School. She’s a single child and lives with her father. Apparently, the little lady’s fam is loaded, so she’s pretty well off.”
“Is that it?”
“Nope.” Sano’s hand went over to reach behind his pocket. “Here is her class schedule.”
Kenshin took the folded piece of paper and opened it.
“It’s hand written.” he stated, raising an eyebrow at Sano once he saw the feminine writing.
Sano smiled sheepishly, “Don’t ask.”
Frowning, Kenshin gaze dropped down to the piece of paper in hand. She was taking a pretty good load of classes that semester. It was rather impressive.
“Just some advice… if I were you, I would go and check out her University. Preferably around the time of her last class.”
Violet eyes slightly glared at Sano, considering his suggestion before his eyes went back to look at her class schedule.
He needed a distraction. Maybe visiting Kaoru wasn’t such a bad idea.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
He leaned on the brick wall as he waited patiently.
The drinks from last night didn’t help with his sleeping problems. When he came back home it was still the same dilemma. Once he closed his eyes and was about to join the realm of unconsciousness, she would appear.
It was just fragments of memories from the past and they kept on repeating themselves. It would cause Kenshin to constantly keep waking up, only to fall asleep again and be welcomed with the same images. It was truly a bothersome and tiring type of slumber.
Now, all he was left with was the dull headache from the lack of rest.
He looked around the campus. It was a well kept place; bushes and trees neatly trimmed. He watched as some students took their time as they walked about, most with a small group of friends and others alone.
‘Grad kids.’ he thought. He assumed most of them were rich. The University was private and it took more than just smarts to get in.
A herd of students started making their way out of the building. Kenshin kept a look out to see if he could spot the bright eyed girl.
It didn’t take long till she walked out the front doors; her grey bag across her shoulder, music player in hand, and sunglasses on.
She wasn’t alone; a taller woman with long dark-brown hair walked by her. From afar, they seemed to be good friends. They talked and laughed as they made their way toward the gate, where he was waiting.
Kaoru’s eyes landed on him, and she smiled remembering him.
“Himura, I take it that this isn’t a ‘run in’, is it?” she said once she reached him.
He grinned at her, the scent of her jasmine perfume instantly hitting his nose, “I was in the neighborhood.” he shrugged.
“Ahem.” Kaoru’s friends interrupted. “Sweetie, I have to go.”
“Alright. Call me later?” Kaoru said as she went over to the taller woman and gave her a fair-well hug.
Her friend gave Kenshin a once look over, “Definitely. I’m going to need details.”
She made her way back into the campus, leaving Kenshin and Kaoru alone.
“That’s Megumi.” Kaoru informed him. “Sorry, for the lack of introduction.”
“It’s fine. She seemed in a hurry.”
“So you were in the neighborhood? You don’t seriously think I’d believe that do you?”
“It was worth a shot… Kaoru.”
She took her sunglasses off, placing them on top of her head. Her eyes looked into his, seemingly trying to read him.
“The rooster told you, didn’t he?”
“Rooster?”
“JJ’s bartender.”
“I don’t reveal my sources.” he joked.
Kaoru laughed, “So you’re not only a Casanova but some sort of a James Bond too. That’s a pretty lethal combination.”
“I suppose I’ll take that as a compliment?”
“Sure, make of it what you will.” one eyebrow rose at him, “But seriously, what brings you here?”
“You.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Well, why else? Ask you out on a date, get to talking, and maybe get to know you.”
She lightly laughed, “You have to be kidding me.”
That was not the reaction he was expecting, “”What’s wrong with a date?”
“No, offense but I know your type.”
It was his turn to laugh, “I didn’t think I could be categorized into any ‘type’. So, mind explaining to me what my type is?”
“You’re a player or a womanizer.”
Now he laughed out loud, the hearty chuckle coming from deep within his chest, without a doubt finding her statement amusing.
“Yeah, I’m going to go now.” she told him, frowning at his condescending laugh.
“Aww, come on now.” he grabbed her arm, stopping her retreat all the while bringing her a bit closer to him. “Don’t leave without hearing me out.”
Blue eyes looked threateningly up at him. He grinned all the more, liking her fire. She was going to be a challenge.
His gaze shifted downward, noticing the small silver key necklace.
“So what’s the story behind this?” he asked as he went ahead and lightly took a hold of it, getting a better look.
Kaoru felt a tingle run along her spine when his hand made contact with her skin, causing her cheeks to warm up.
The blush didn’t get past Kenshin as he nonchalantly held on to the necklace’s charm.
“Don’t tell me this is the key to your heart?” he teased.
“Very original.” she sarcastically answered as one hand went over to take her miniature key from his grasp.
However, as she did so, he took advantage and held on to her smaller hand within his own calloused.
“I’m not the kind of guy you think I am.” he sincerely said. “‘Hit-it and quit-it’, ‘another notch on the belt’ isn’t my thing. I just know what I like.”
She seemed to contemplate what he said. Looking down at their hands, her frown melted away replaced by a sly smile.
“Forward much?”
Kenshin smirked back at her, “Said the girl who bought this stranger a drink.”
“Touché.” she said and lightly punched his chest.
There was a pause as they silently looked at each other. Her hand gradually slipped from his and she took a step back, putting more space between them.
“So what happens once you get to know me?” she asked.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
She wasn’t convinced, “You’re not going to like me once you get to know me.”
“Is that so? How come?”
“Most guys can’t handle my… life. My schedule, certain friends, my family. It becomes too much for them.”
“That kinda sounds like a challenge.”
“No, just a warning. Don’t get attached along the ride.”
She was probably trying to scare him off. He believed that her schedule was most likely packed, her friends could possibly be annoying, and her family could very well be insane, but her life had nothing on his. All he hoped was for her not to get too connected or involved with him. He didn’t want her hurt due to him.
Nonetheless, he went along with her word of caution, “I’ll remember that and I’ll let you know if the ride does gets too bumpy.” he assured her.
She finally seemed satisfied with his answer.
“I hope you won’t regret it.” she lastly said.
He watched as her azure eyes took him in, her eyes traveling down and right back up. She smiled apparently content with what she saw standing in front of her.
“So…there’s this little coffee shop a couple blocks over. The Akabeko.” she hinted.
“Was that a date invitation?”
“No, just a chance for you to prove me wrong.”
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
A/N: So, what you think? I changed the rating due to the violent scene.
In this chapter, my goal was too show Kenshin on a job (which wasn’t as gory as what I would have like it to be), introduce his thoughts on Tomoe, and show the chemistry between the lead characters (K&K).
I’m not particularly too fond of this chapter. It’s what I’d like to call a ‘bridge chapter’ (or that might actually be what it’s called… I’m not too sure). Pretty self-explanatory… it’s what connects part A to part B. Make sense?