Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Coincidence ❯ After Finals ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

. A/N: As always, thank you for your time and reviews. Just a reminder that this story is ‘rated M’ so please read at your own discretion. Enjoy ^_^


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After Finals


He waited outside the gates to the University, leaning on his black sports bike with his 'full-faced' helmet under an arm.

Light snow fell, the sign of early winter and he only wore his biker’s jacket and cut-off gloves to keep him warm from the cold weather.

Kaoru was currently taking exams inside the brick building and he hadn’t seen her in a few weeks due to her studying for those damn exams. It was convenient. Since the night they were followed, Kenshin couldn’t help but worry about her connection to him. He wasn’t ready to let her go, but a little time apart could mislead the assailants. Hopefully it worked.

Kenshin looked down at his watch; actually, she should be out by now. Searching about the campus he tried to seek out his raven-haired woman, a bit of concern starting to brew.

Violet eyes landed on a hooded figure with a baseball cap and a grey messenger bag across the shoulder. Black sneakers noisily made their way toward him, along with dark-grey sweat pants, wet on the bottom from the falling snow. Looking up from under her cap, she smiled once she saw him; her eyes still the lively blue even with the dark-bags under them.

“Hi, stranger.” she said once she reached him.

“Hi. How did it go?”

“I gave it my best shot. Had to pull two ‘all nighters’ for some last minute cramming. Where have you been?”

“Around.”

“Ha. Is that so?” she arched an eye-brow at him, “You’re lucky I’m not clingy, Kenshin. And for that matter you’re lucky I’m not a crazy- stalker chick either. I’ll have you know a girl could misread and obsess over your sudden lack of interest.”

Grinning, he wrapped his free arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him, “So, I take it you missed me?”

He lightly placed a peck on her lips as she returned the act with a kiss of her own. He wanted to deepen the kiss all the more, but couldn’t as she pulled away.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Himura.” she slyly answered, smirking up at him. Kaoru placed her hands on his chest and pushed away, “As much as I’d like to stay, I have to go home.”

“Well, hop on I’ll give you a lift.”

“No, I have a few stops to make.”

“I have nothing else to do. I’ll take you wherever you want.”

“You know… you have a lot of free time… and you live quite comfortably. What exactly is it that you do again?”

“Let me worry about that. Now, will you please let me give you a ride?” Kenshin insisted.

Kaoru glared at the red-head, not liking his answer but accepting it none the less. She looked from him to the sidewalk before her, weighting both options.

“Tell you what. I’ll let give me a ride under three circumstances.”

“Which are?”

“Drop me off at Meg’s”

“Right.”

“Pick me up at eleven.”

“Done.”

“Come to JJ’s to meet my friends.”

He stood silent for a moment, “What happened to those things you needed to do?”

“It can wait.” she intently looked at him, trying to put him on the spot, “What, Kenshin? Do you have something better to do tonight? Are you hiding a wife and three kids? Or is the thought of hanging out with my friends that troubling for you?”

Kenshin sighed, exhaling noisily as he met her with an intent look of his own, “You’re making this difficult.”

“Am I? Kenshin, it’s not going to kill you going out for a night and meeting people I associate with.” she reasoned with him, “Plus, you get to see me all dolled-up instead of these sweats I’ve slept in the last couple nights.”

“I was wondering what that smell was.” he teased, earning him a slap on the chest.

“Be nice.”

He took another shot at bringing her closer to him, wrapping on arm gently around her neck doing so.

“Only for you.” he whispered into her ear, feeling her shiver as her hands tightened their hold on his shirt. He nuzzled his nose into her neck, breathing in that jasmine smell he found so enticing.


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JJ’s bar was different during the weekends.

He liked the place and frequented it because it had a ‘hole in the wall’ vibe. It was private, quiet, and just murky enough for his liking.

However, now… now it looked more like a dance club than a bar. There was a DJ by the dance floor he never seen used, spheres with colorful lights that illuminated the place, and black bulbs were turned on for added glow. The weekend transformation seemed to bring in a bigger crowd—the small bar was packed.

Needless to say, this wasn’t Kenshin’s scene. He was just thankful that the music wasn’t obscenely loud like a regular club.

He leaned by the bar, watching her from afar as she danced with her friend. He wasn’t a dancer himself, but understood why Kaoru was as he watched her follow the beat of the song; swaying, bouncing, turning, twisting, rocking. It seemed as if she escaped into the music, occasionally closing her eyes as she danced.

It didn’t take long for her to attain a light sweat glow; highlighting areas of her body; her shoulders, cleavage, arms, and back. Mesmerized, his gazed was glued on her, admiring the way her body moved, appreciating the flexibility of her muscles, liking the smooth curving of her form. The strappy red top and tight dark jeans she wore seeming like a second skin as it clung close to her moist figure.

Kenshin drunk the last of his drink and placed it down on the bar counter.

“Did you want another one, Kenshin?” Sano asked behind him.

Nodding, the tall brunette hastily made his drink.

“They are really something, aren’t they? I mean, chicks, when they’re out there dancing.” he commented as he handed Kenshin a new glass.

Red-head didn’t respond back, finding it pointless knowing Sano was busy attending other customers. He just watched as she vivaciously continued dancing, even as the song changed.

Her friend didn’t stay, leaving Kaoru alone on the dance floor as she made her way to the bar.

Taking a seat next to him, Megumi futilely tried to fan herself. “I don’t know where she finds the endurance.” she began, directing the statement to him.

“It just natural for some people.” he leisurely replied, still watching Kaoru, looking after her.

“Ken-san… may I call you Ken-san?”

“You may.”

“What exactly are your intentions with Kaoru?” she bluntly asked.

He turned to look at Kaoru’s elegant friend, quickly giving her a once over, assessing her. Kaoru had told him she was studying medicine, but hadn’t mentioned anything else other than that. From what he observed, he could tell she was a delicate sort of woman, smart, and flaunted what she had in order to get what she wants. In short, she was the kind of lady he wasn’t too particularly fond of. However, the woman didn’t seem to have any ill-will toward Kaoru.

“Ken-san, you’re not like the other guys she’s dated.” she continued.

“I don’t mean any disrespect, but what is your point, Ms. Takani?”

“Kaoru is a good kid and…”

“You don’t want to see her get hurt?” he guessed, expecting the cliché.

“That’s really the last of my worries.” she knowingly laughed, “Raccoon girl can take care of herself. She even looks out for me.”

Her hazel eyes look across the bar to the midnight haired woman, “She helped me out and fought for me when I was in big trouble, when no one else dared to lift a finger in my defense.” Megumi distantly explained, “I’m not sure whether she’s still paying the price or not… I owe her so much.”

His brows drew together in a frown, “What exactly do you mean by that? Paying for what?”

A female cackle erupted from her, a laugh that was quite her own, “Oh, Ken-san, ignore me. As much as I ‘poke-fun’ at Kaoru, I really only want what’s best for her. ”

Not satisfied with her answer, he let it slide, mentally jotting down what she had said, finding her statements distressing.

“So, are you what’s best for her, Ken-san?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

“Fox! I knew I heard that laugh of yours.” spiky-haired bar-keep came back, interrupting their conversation, “What’ll it be tonight?”

“Grey-goose cosmo… on Ken-san.” she cleverly smiled.

Sano looked over at him, receiving a nod, and retreating to mix the ingredients.

Kaoru was making her way back, walking diligently toward them. Once, reaching them she stood next to Kenshin, placing a hand on his hip. “Misao just texted me, they’re here.”

“It’s about time. What took her so long?” Megumi exasperatedly exclaimed.

She shrugged, unsure to the whereabouts of their friend. Getting on her tippy-toes, she scanned the area, searching for a smaller girl similar to her with a tall male in tote.

Spotting each other, the energetic female frantically waved her hands in Kaoru’s direction, signaling her location.

“Kaoru! Meg!” Misao cried out, hugging both ladies as she neared them.

Kenshin watch the exchange. The three women fleetingly talked amongst themselves, seeming as if they haven’t chatted in ages.

“Kenshin, this is Misao.” Kaoru introduced.

He extended his hand to the sea foam green-eyed girl and she accepted, taking his one hand in her two, vigorously shaking it.

“Pleasure to meet ya, Kenshin.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

He had a feeling he’d seen this girl, but from where?

“And this is Aoshi.”

He followed Kaoru’s line of sight to Misao’s companion; a towering man with dark hair, fringes falling across his brow, and icy blue-green eyes.

Much like Misao, Kenshin reached out to shake the gloomy man’s hand in standard greeting, his eyes bristling in recognition. Taking his hand, Aoshi like-wise identified Kenshin, firmly and tightly holding onto the fiery-haired man.

Aoshi Shinomori; skilled swords-man brought up by Captain Makimachi. He had an astounding amount of army training, and favored a pair of kodachi for his double-sworded style of fighting. Now, in days he kept to himself, sporadically helping the police or the feds when needed. Kenshin knew of him very well.

Furthermore, the girl--Misao Makimachi, the Captian’s only kid. He had seen her in photos in news-papers right by her father’s side.

Sapphire eyes traveled between each male closely surveying their interaction.

The reserved man narrowed his eyes on Kenshin, the tension between them thick and noticeably daunting as both mans’ strong grasp tightened all the more. Gradually, they let go, a silent agreement being reached and understood between the two, neither wanting to make anyone uncomfortable with their confrontation.

They managed to remain calm, tolerating each other’s presence. Up until Misao pulled Aoshi away to the dance floor, followed by Sano convincing Megumi to dance when it was time for his break, leaving Kaoru and Kenshin alone by the bar.

Gazing up at Kenshin, she leaned in closer, her hand slithering its way under his navy-blue shirt, “Do you and Aoshi know each other?”

“No.” he lazily brushed a lock of her hair back.

“It seemed like you did.” her fingers laced themselves on the ridge of his jeans, caressing the firm skin under it.

“Really?” he slightly bended down, intentionally bringing his mouth centimeters away from hers.

“Mm-hmm.” she evocatively hummed, “Kenshin?”

“Yes?”

“Let’s go back to your place.”


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Utter darkness, that’s all he could see. He turned his eyes from left to right, up and down, and he still couldn’t make out anything. He felt blind, knowing he probably couldn’t see his own hand in front of him.

He felt he was sitting, knew he was sitting. Trying to get up, he couldn’t; the ties around his wrists and ankles preventing any kind of movement. He tried to speak but was unable to due to some sort of cloth placed in his mouth.

Now real panic started to kick in. He felt his heart start to race, his hard and fast breathing the only thing he could hear in the black and silent place.

All the more scared he attempted to yell. Although muffled, he yelled as loud as he could, hoping someone could hear him, hopping someone could save him.

Hot tears rimmed his eyes, rolling down as he started to cry out of desperation.

Questions quickly started to flood his mind; where was he? what was going on? how did he get there? who was doing this? was this some practical joke?

A bright light was turned on, the beam blinding him. Tightly shutting his eyes, he kept them close, slowly opening them. Blinking, he tried to focus and look about his surroundings.

“Mr. Kyoya.”

He stood still at the sound of the cold, thunderous voice, as he tried to calm his breathing.

“I assume you know why you’re here.” the voice continued.

Squinting, he gradually started to make out the silhouettes in front of him. There was a man sitting on a high, thrown-like chair, and a smaller male standing right next to him. That’s all he was able to see, and all he needed to see, knowing exactly who it was.

He started to violently thrash about, futilely trying to break free.

“That won’t do you any good, Kyoya.”

Nonetheless, he continued his desperate attempt as more unbelieving tears poured down mixing with his body’s light sweat. Both figures watched, waiting for his actions to die down.

Gradually he stopped; his head hung low, his breathing still wound up and hard.

There were footsteps, and they were making their way toward him.

Looking up he saw the smaller man coming into his spot light, finally being able to see one out of the two men that brought him into the awaiting hell-hole he was in.

He was young, but he knew that already. Light-brown hair, short and neat, fell carelessly over light-blue, empty eyes that looked down at him. He wore khaki dress pants with a white shirt, looking like he belonged in a catalog magazine. He smiled. He was always smiling.

“Hi, there, Mr. Kyoya. Remember me?” he asked his voice slightly high-pitched, as he removed the garment from his mouth.

He immediately spit the access saliva out, “Somebody help!” he shouted.

“Nobody will be able to hear you.” the cheery man informed him, “We’re in a sound-proof basement. Sorry, Mr. Kyoya, but there really is no helping you.”

“You are aware that you are excessively in debt to me.” said the man still hiding in the shadow. “I’m a lenient businessman, Kyoya, I’ve given you plenty of time to repay.”

“It’s not my fault!! You have to understand!! I need more time!! You’ll get your damn money back!! You’ll see!! Just give me another shot!!” Kyoya franticly shrieked altogether, shaking, frightened of what’s to come.

“I’ve heard that time and time again, and it’s more than just the money.”

“But…but…”

“We need to set an example to all the others like you.” he said, his voice cut-throat and merciless. He nodded his head at the young male.

The ever smiling boy, nodded back, unsheathing a small machete he had hidden.

Wide eyed from looking at the sharp object, Kyoya briefly stood still, but once again exaggeratedly moved about.

“So tell me, Kyoya… are you left or right handed?” mocked the sinister man.

Swifter than anything he imagined, the blade came down.

“AAAAAAAAAAGH!!” came his ghastly scream.

He looked the other way, not wanting to see the damage.

However, he felt it, throbbing, aching, gruesomely unexplainable, making him already feel light-headed with nausea.

Half his right hand was thrown before him; ring finger and pinky the only phalanges attached to it.

Once again, tears rimmed his eyes. His cry was one that had given up, bawling hysterically.

“Could you shut him up already.”

“Yes, sir.”

The young executor pulled on his hair, making Kyoya lean his head back.

His eyes were still emotionless, but his features bristled with enjoyment, watching the tortured man closely. He quickly darted his fingers into the man’s mouth and pulled out his tongue, tightly holding in within his grasp.

“No! NNOOO!!!”

Behind shadows, the seated form grinned at the sight before him, taking pleasure in every second of the suffering man.

The door opened and another figure entered the room, quietly making his way toward the shaded man.

“Sir.” he whispered, “There is someone here to see you.”

“Can’t you see I’m busy?” he snapped back.

“It’s your daughter.”

Sighing, he stood up.

“Would you like me to wait for you?” asked the young-man as he saw his leader standing. His clothes covered in dark-scarlet as Kyoya remained powerlessly quivering before him, endlessly bleeding.

“No. This won’t take long.”

He walked out the door, his eyes adjusting to the brighter lighting. He smirked to himself as he heard his captive vomit, right as he shut the door behind him.

“Hi, daddy.”

He turned to meet the voice, finding a wet-haired woman before him.

“Sweetheart, how was your night?” he went up to her and hugged her, feeling as she returned the gesture, her arms wrapping around his body.

Parting slightly, she looked up to look at him, his dark-red eyes upon her, waiting for a response as he held her face in his large, bandaged hands.

“I had fun.”

He stroked her cheek, his bindings rough and hot against her skin, but she never cringed away. Not even as a kid. Those same sapphire eyes never held any discrimination upon him, always looked at him straight in the eye, while other people, even grown men, couldn’t so much as take a glimpse of him. Moonlight black hair, so similar to his beloved. She was the splitting image of her.

“Kaoru, child of mine…” he started, “… it amazes me how much like your mother you are.”

“I know. You always say that, dad.”

She looked behind him at the door and then looked back at him.

“It should be you as my ‘right-hand man’ in there.” he told her.

Kaoru frowned at her father, her eyebrows furrowing deep. She placed her hands over his, “I’m just checking in. I’m about to go to bed, ok?”

Getting on her tippy-toes, she kissed his covered cheek, “Good night, daddy. Don’t stay up too late.”


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A/N: Not going to lie, I was pretty lazy about writing the bar scene lol. But, I had a feeling it was needed. Any who, I think it’s pretty obvious who Kaoru’s father is. I still didn’t want to throw out names though, just in case there are readers out there who haven’t figured it out. It’s still mostly Kenshin’s POV but I plan to have Kaoru’s side told in time. ^_~