Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ Under Lock and Key ( Chapter 10 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Disclaimer - I don't own RK
It seems like I say this every chapter but sorry for it's lateness. Life and such decided to invade my 'me' time. Not to mention the muse decided to act up because I overworked her by writing OSN, I swear she can be sooo finicky sometimes. Again I'm sorry for it's lateness, I hope you will find it was worth the wait.
Kaoru finished tying up her hair and gave herself the once over one last time in the mirror. Smoothing the imaginary wrinkles in the knee length dark blue skirt she scowled. One week. She was trapped in this prison for one week... one week that was going to feel like a lifetime.
Shaking her head she sighed and fixed the collar of her favorite cream colored blouse, the midnight blue tiger embroidered over her shoulder reminiscent of the one tattooed over Enishi's shoulder. At the thought of him she sighed again, really she shouldn't be all that upset about being trapped here, after all it could have been a lot worse. After the interrogation he'd put her through in the car on the way back from the opening last night she'd been sure he was going to demand she go with him to Osaka. He'd come close. She'd seen it in his eyes, he didn't want to leave her here alone. Thanks to that damn painting he was now convinced she knew this Himura Shinta somehow. That there was something between them. She'd tried to reassure him that the painting had nothing to do with him but he hadn't believe her, of course it hadn't helped that he'd caught her only inches away from this same man she claimed to not know. Thankfully in the end he'd only dropped her off at his building with the promise that he would only be gone for a week at the most.
At first she'd been relieved that he hadn't tried to force her to go with him but then he'd committed the ultimate insult, he'd ordered Hei Shin to stay with her the entire time he was gone. The bastard had done it, he'd taken what little freedom she had left and stolen it. Christ she couldn't even get out of the damn apartment on her own what the hell did he think she was going to do up here by herself anyway!
A sudden surge of anger exploded in her veins at the futility of the situation and she slammed her palms flat against the dressing table, staring straight into the furious gaze reflecting back at her from the mirror she scowled. Sad thing was she'd done this to herself. She hadn't argued with him when he'd ordered Shinji to stay away from her, with her inaction she'd inadvertently allowed him control. She should have never done that. She'd dug her own grave with that one incident, and yet there was one thing he didn't seem to know about her... she was never one to just give up. Given enough time she would figure out a way to get away from him even if she had to disappear to do it. No matter how long it took her she would get away from him, until then she would have to smile and accept his rules as if she were a child. It was the only way to ensure he loosened his hold.
Shaking her head at the thought she sighed and straightened, grabbing her jacket off the back of the chair she headed towards the door. Well at least Enishi was allowing her to go to work. That argument she'd won, how she'd managed to do that she didn't know but in the end he'd caved and told her as long as she was accompanied by Hei Shin and two others she was allowed to go but she wasn't to leave the clinic under any circumstances unless Hei Shin was with her. Enishi had wrapped a collar around her neck and then he'd gleefully handed the leash to that annoying little weasel, knowing full well she didn't like the little man.
Another surge of anger rose up as she reached the door, fighting the urge to slam her fist into the hard wood she grabbed the handle and flung it open. Striding out into the livingroom where Hei Shin sat waiting she scowled at him and headed into the kitchen to make some tea. Tossing her jacket over the chair she dug out the lemon flavored green tea leaves and set them on the counter. God it was bad enough to be stuck here but having to see his face first thing in the morning was enough to push anyone over the edge.
"Kamiya-san it's time to leave."
Kaoru nearly growled, she could almost feel him yanking the leash. Lifting her eyes from the task at hand she fixed her full attention on the little weasel as a malicious grin slowly blossomed on her lips, "I need tea. You will wait until I have a cup to take with me. Do you understand?"
She almost snorted when he paled slightly and nodded. Sprinkling the tea into the pot she set it heating. Maybe she would be able to find a way to ditch him today, it was at least worth a try. Since it was only him and not Gein she might actually have a chance, but then again there was supposed to be two others she didn't know watching her today too. If that was the case then it wasn't likely she'd be able to get away. Sighing she turned her back to him and leaned against the counter. It really didn't matter, he knew where she lived, he could just come there and haul her back if that's what Enishi wanted.
The whistling of the teapot knocked her out of her thoughts and she grabbed it, filling the travel cup set out on the counter. Not thinking she took a sip and hissed as the hot liquid burned her tongue. Well that was smart Kaoru, what a way to start the day. Scowling at herself she set the cup down and grabbed her jacket from the back of the chair. Well, might as well get the day started, at least she would have some semblance of freedom while she was at the clinic. But then again she really wasn't looking forward to the questions she knew Megumi had waiting. She had no idea how she was going to explain last night.
Rubbing her forehead she started rethinking her decision to go to work, maybe it would be better if she just stayed here away from everyone until this mess was sorted out. Catching sight of Hei Shin heading towards the elevator she tossed the jacket over her shoulders, no she was going to work if only to get away from that annoying little man. At least that was one place she could forget, at least for a time, that her life was a complete mess. Heading towards the elevator herself she came up behind him and peeked over his shoulder in an effort to get the code. She smiled ruefully as she watched him hit the enter button. It really didn't matter anyway, if he knew she'd found out he'd more than likely have it changed.
With a hiss the elevator doors slid open and she stepped in. Leaning against the wall she closed her eyes as they slid closed, the elevator smoothly beginning it's descent to the bottom floor. Unbidden an image of Himura Shinta floated up from the depths of her mind, his smiling face playing across her closed lids. All of a sudden an almost overpowering need to see him gripped a hold of her, wrapping her in an iron fist. Clutching the cup in her hand she whimpered softly and fought to keep herself upright, the need nearly driving her to her knees. Fighting the tears suddenly burning her eyes she focused all of her attention on trying to quell the feeling. God if this kept up it was going to kill her.
"Are you ok Kamiya-san?"
Hei Shin's voice brought her back from the edge and she took a deep breath, trying to pull herself together. "Hai, I'm fine."
Hei Shin opened his mouth to say something else but stopped as the elevator came to a stop. Relieved Kaoru stepped out but came to a dead stop as her eyes fell on the other two that would be 'escorting' her to work. Any hopes of ditching them flew out of her head as she stared at the two men standing just inside the front doors. The twins. Why would Enishi set the twins on her? Actually there were four of them, two sets of twins but they all looked alike to her. The only way to truly tell them apart was by the small kanji tattooed on their foreheads, for some reason each one of them was named for one of the Shijin... the guardian beasts of Chinese mythology. They were Enishi's brute squad, huge hulking men with absolutely nothing between the ears, they weren't quite as dangerous as Gein but they were still a menace. She should have known it would be these guys who would be the others, not only were they Enishi's brute squad but they were also Hei Shin's pets. He was never seen outside of the building without at least one of them.
Glancing to the kanji on their heads she scowled, today it looked like she would have the honor of being escorted by Seiryu and Byakko, guardians of the east and west. Ignoring them completely she pushed past them into the bright morning sunlight. Jesus what did Enishi think she was going to do. It's not like she could run, he'd only find her if she did. Heading straight for the car she slipped in and settled into the cushiony seat. This was too much, there had to be a way to get away from him. Somehow there had to be a way.
oooooooooooooooooo
Sano stretched and leaned against the rail of Kaoru's balcony, the scent of spring hanging heavily in the cool morning air. Taking a deep breath he rubbed his temples in frustration, things had gotten way out of hand last night. Now he knew Kaoru had been lying to him about staying with Enishi. She wasn't doing it because she wanted to, she was there because she had to be. God, how could things have gotten so screwed up, it should have been easy from the start. Kenshin didn't deserve this. He should have been able to simply find her and be happy, not have to fight against the one who stole her in the first place. What had his old friend done to have fate play such a nasty trick on him?
Shaking his head he pushed off the rail and headed back into the apartment. As far as he could tell nothing, the rurouni had done nothing but find her just a little bit too late. If only he'd known just a little bit sooner he would have done a better job at keeping Kaoru away from Enishi. Not that he hadn't tried already but kami that woman could be hard headed when she wanted to be.
Shaking his head again he grabbed his jacket and tossed it over his shoulders as he headed for the door, well it was time to go and find out just exactly what Enishi was holding over Kaoru's head to keep her there when he knew she didn't want to be. She was going to be just a little bit surprised to see him still in town. That's one thing he hadn't been able to tell her yet, maybe now she wouldn't have such a problem with it. Really didn't matter anyway, he was here to stay whether she liked it or not for two reasons now, her and Megumi. He wasn't about to let the fox get away, not now. Not when he knew they definitely belonged together, his memories said so.
Smirking he turned the doorknob and swung the door open, taking a step into the hallway he came up short when he almost crashed into the small man standing in front of him. "What the ..." He managed as he stumbled back, catching his balance he glared at Kenshin, "What the hell are you doing!?"
Kenshin smirked, "Coming to see if you have the painting."
"Oh... yeah I got it, but it took all three million yen to get it," Sano said as he headed back into the apartment for the painting resting against the wall in the livingroom. When all remained quiet behind him he stopped and glanced over his shoulder. He almost laughed at the look on Kenshin's face. It seemed the ex-hitokiri was having a hard time being so close to the scent of Kaoru. He knew the apartment smelled of jasmine, Kaoru had several jasmine scented candles she lit regularly. Thanks to that the scent had been embedded into everything in the apartment. Truth be told it wouldn't feel like Kaoru's home without that scent, and now he understood why. It was the same one she had loved so many years ago.
Heading towards the painting again he grabbed it and gave Kenshin a sly look, "You can come in if you want."
Kenshin just stared at Sano for a minute trying to get control of himself, hesitantly stepping over the threshold he took a deep breath and closed the door behind him. Closing his eyes he let the scent of jasmine wrap around him, the feel of her presence tingling across his skin. Here within her own private sanctuary he could feel her very essence caress his skin with loving fingers. It had been so long since he'd felt this... too long. A light chuckle snapped him back into reality and he popped his eyes back open. He smiled sheepishly at the lopsided grin on Sano's face, the painting floating in the space between them.
"Here."
Accepting the portrait he held it out and gave it his undivided attention for the first time since he'd glimpsed it in the gallery. Eyeing the detail with which she'd captured his likeness he shook his head, he was still having a hard time seeing his fiery Kaoru sitting before an empty canvas contemplating what to put to the creamy surface... least of all this. It was really amazing how well she'd portrayed him, the only thing missing was the cross shaped scar. If it hadn't been for that and the amber eyes staring back at him he could have sworn he was looking into a mirror. He really had made a mess of things if she could see him this clearly, no wonder she'd been afraid of him.
Sano watched the half smile blossom on Kenshin's lips as he gazed at the picture. "Once you and jou-chan are finally together you'll have to have her add the scar."
Kenshin shook his head, "No it's perfect just like this. I don't want her to change a thing." The truth was he liked it this way. After all these years he could finally see himself as she did. Here captured within this portrait he was no longer the Hitokiri Battousai, he was simply a man with golden eyes.
"Whatever you say," Sano said with a shrug. Heading towards the door he asked, "Do you want to come with me? I'm heading to the clinic to talk to Kaoru."
Kenshin looked up from the canvas and shook his head, "I don't think that would be a good idea right now. The reason Enishi is keeping her with him is because he wants to keep her away from me. I don't want to put her in a position that may cause her harm."
Sano quirked an eyebrow and stared at him as if he was insane, "You want to see her right?" When Kenshin didn't answer he added, "No one can stop you from going to the clinic. It's open to the public."
Kenshin sighed, Sano was right, he really did want to see her. He wanted to make sure that she was alright. For some reason he had the feeling that something was about to happen, that this was only the quiet before the storm. It had him so on edge that he was sure it would only take the slightest provocation to set him off. He needed to see her, he needed to reassure himself that she was safe even in the hands of his enemy.
"Alright, let me drop this off in my apartment and then we can head to the clinic."
Sano smirked and opened the door for him. He knew Kenshin wouldn't be able to resist, not after last night. Soon he would be able to leave Kaoru in Kenshin's capable hands and pursue the object of his obsession. The poor fox didn't stand a chance.
oooooooooooooooooo
Megumi scowled and eyed Kaoru as she bustled around the examination room refilling the supply cabinets, doing her level best to ignore the question she'd just asked. Sick of waiting for an answer she reached out and grabbed her friends shoulder pulling her to a stop. "Kaoru, why won't you answer my question? What is going on between you and Enishi?"
When all Kaoru did was stare at her Megumi let her go, "Kaoru you can't hide the fact that there are three thugs out in front of the clinic watching you or the fact that you're miserable. What happened?"
Kaoru sighed and went back to putting the bandages into the cabinet. She should have listened to her inner voice and just stayed home today. "It's nothing really, he left for Osaka last night and he just wants to make sure I'm ok while he's gone," she answered distantly without sparing a glance for Megumi. She couldn't look at her, not without either exploding or crying. It had all become too much, she couldn't stand to see the open concern in her friend's eyes. There was nothing Megumi could do anyway, she had to get out of this herself.
A sigh was her only answer and then she heard Megumi walk out of the room. Focusing her attention on the task at hand she jumped when all of a sudden she heard the door to the clinic slam and then, "Hey jou-chan you here?"
Kaoru nearly groaned, she really should have stayed at Enishi's today. Scowling she decided to ignore the question and continued to fill the cabinet and then slowly it dawned on her, what was Sano still doing in town? He was supposed to be on his way home. Shoving the last of the bandages into the cabinet she spun on her heel and headed into the waiting room. She nearly tripped over her own feet when she saw Himura-san standing beside him, a slight smile gracing his handsome features. Ignoring the sudden increase in her heartbeat she quickly glanced out the door behind them and paled when she saw Hei Shin and one of the twins staring into the clinic. Oh god could this day get any worse?
Sliding her eyes back to Sano she pinned him with an icy glare and strode up to him grabbing the front of his shirt, "Could you excuse us for a minute Himura-san? I need to speak to this idiot in private." Not waiting for an answer she yanked Sano towards the door leading to the examination rooms, shoving him into the first room she slammed the door and spun on him. "What the hell are you doing here?! You're supposed to be on your way to Okinawa!"
When all he did was stare at her Kaoru took a deep breath and started pacing the small room trying to settle her nerves. Didn't he understand that Enishi would love to kill him, all he needed was excuse and on top of that he had to bring the other person Enishi seemed to despise with him. Glancing at him she nearly slapped him across the face when she saw the smirk painted across his features. Trying to keep her temper she bit her tongue and continued to pace in an effort to calm down.
"What's wrong jou-chan? You haven't been this tense in years." Sano asked reaching out and stopping her in her tracks.
Piercing him with a withering glare she shook her head, "Sano why are you still here? You're supposed to be going home."
Sano smiled sheepishly and let her go, leaning against the wall he grabbed a wooden handled q-tip and broke the head off. Popping the stick into his mouth he started chewing. "Well ya see jou-chan I am home. I moved back to Tokyo a couple of days ago. Katsu's flying over day after tomorrow with all our stuff. We both have an apartment in your building, two floors below yours."
Surprised Kaoru could only stare at him, a mixture of anger and relief flooding through her veins. Shaking her head she dropped her eyes to the floor and whispered, "You shouldn't have done that Sano. You should have left."
"Well ya see I can't do that, because I'm not leaving while Enishi is holding you hostage." Sano stated with a shrug. "Besides Ke- Shinta needed someone here to act as a go between." Pushing off the wall Sano took the two steps separating them, placing a finger under her chin he lifted her face to meet his, "So are you going to go out there and say hi to the man who came all the way down here to see you?"
Kaoru fought the blush instantly burning her cheeks and shook her head, "I can't. Didn't you see Hei Shin out there? And he's not alone. You two shouldn't have come down here."
Sano snorted, "What, you think I can't take him?" he asked trying to lighten the mood, when all she did was frown he sighed, "Jou-chan what does Enishi have on you that has you chained to him?"
Kaoru shrugged and dropped her eyes, spinning on her heel she headed for the door but stopped just before opening it, "He doesn't have anything on me. Just...leave this up to me. When he gets back I plan on leaving him ok."
Sano quirked an eyebrow, "Enishi's not here?"
Kaoru shook her head and turned back to him, "No he left for Osaka last night. He said he'd be back in a week. Until then I'm staying at his apartment."
"But why?" Sano asked confused, "Why won't he let you come home Kaoru?"
Kaoru finally snapped, "I don't know why he won't let me go home! I don't know what happened that has him wrapping a leash around my neck! I don't know why he thinks I need three goddamned babysitters! I don't know anything anymore!" she screamed forgetting the fact that she wasn't home but in the clinic. Fuming she went back to pacing, the repetitive motion calming her frazzled nerves, and then it all clicked together in her head, the sudden clarity bring a new light to the whole situation. Maybe the reason why Enishi wouldn't let her go home was because Misao had been right. The new guy who had moved in next door to her was none other than the man currently standing out in the waiting room. The thought was like a bucket of cold water splashed in her face. Losing all her fight she sagged into the chair in the corner and shook her head, "Sano who is that man out there?"
Surprised by her sudden mood swing Sano just stared at her and then he smiled, "That jou-chan is something you need to find out for yourself. All I can tell you is that he's waited a long time to meet you."
Confused Kaoru just shook her head, "I can't do that Sano. If he comes near me or if I go near him Enishi will kill him. I can't let that happen."
"Is that why Enishi won't let you come home?" Sano asked more to himself than her as he suddenly saw the truth. Well that would explain why she hadn't come home yesterday like she'd said she would. Gein had failed to kill his target. So it was true, Enishi was keeping her with him to keep her and Kenshin apart.
A knock on the door broke into the quiet that had fallen and Kaoru watched as the door swung open to reveal Megumi standing in the doorway. A small smile crept across her lips at the glare Megumi sent at Sano. "Are you two done, our first patient is here."
Kaoru rose and headed towards the open door, "Ye-"
"Hey fox, you got a backdoor to this place?" Sano asked suddenly cutting her off, startled Kaoru stopped and eyed him. Her eyes narrowed at the lopsided grin forming on his face.
Megumi eyed him suspiciously, "Yes... why?"
Sano smirked and cast a quick glance at Kaoru, "It seems jou-chan here has a lunch date and she needs to be able to leave without her pet dogs trailing behind. Do you think it can be managed?" Eyeing the startled look on Kaoru's face his smirk widened into a full blown smile. Well, if they weren't going to do something about seeing each other then he would do it for them.
Shifting his attention back to Megumi he watched her eyes narrow even more. "What are you up to, roosterhead?"
Putting on the most innocent look he could dig up he smiled, "Nothing. So is it possible?"
Kaoru just stood quietly staring at the two people planning out her afternoon. What was it with people and their need to control her life, "Wait a minute, I'm not going anywhere. I'm here to work."
"Jou-chan, he didn't come all the way here for you to ignore him. Besides I know you want to talk to him as much as he wants to talk to you."
Kaoru opened her mouth to deny the statement but Sano cut her off.
"Don't deny it Kaoru, it was written all over your face last night and it's still there today. Why don't you do something for yourself for a change instead of worrying about everyone else?"
Scowling at him Kaoru sighed, he was right, she couldn't deny it. She did want to talk to him, to see him, to know him. No matter how hard she tried to forget him she knew he wasn't going to just go away. Besides Enishi wasn't here, as long as Hei Shin and the twins didn't see her it would be ok, wouldn't it.
Sano smirked as watched Kaoru fight with herself, seeing a small spark of hope ignite in her eyes he decided to give her a nudge over the edge, "There's no way those guys will know if you leave and come back through the back door. I'll come around the front when you two leave, that way they'll keep an eye on me and won't even notice you leaving." His smirked widened into a triumphant smile as he watched her fall.
"I guess that would be ok, if it's ok with Megumi," Kaoru whispered ignoring the sudden surge of anticipation running rampant through her veins.
Sano nodded and glanced at Megumi, "So fox, think you can spare jou-chan for a while this afternoon?"
Megumi just glared at him, "You better not be doing something that will get her in trouble. Something's already going on that she won't talk about." Striding across the room she poked Sano in the chest, "So help me if anything happens to her because of you or that person out in the waiting room I will personally amputate that thing you call a head."
Sano smiled and grabbed the hand poking him, pulling her to his chest he leaned in until his nose was almost touching hers, "If I let anything happen to jou-chan I will let you take my head ok?" With that he dropped a light kiss on her slightly parted lips and let her go. Glancing at Kaoru he smiled, "I'll let Shinta know ok. He'll meet you at noon out back."
Kaoru just nodded and watched him leave the room, shifting her attention back to Megumi she almost busted out laughing. The look on her boss' face said it all, she could threaten and say she hated him but the emotions written on her face said a totally different thing.
"What?!" Megumi growled catching the smirk on Kaoru's face.
A small chuckle did escape and Kaoru shook her head, "You two really are meant for each other, why don't you just accept it."
Megumi snorted, "That will never happen, I would rather die an old maid than tether myself to that man!" And with that she spun on her heel and stalked from the room.
Kaoru finally let the laughter roll from her throat, it was going to be fun to watch those two. Sano hadn't stayed just for her, she was sure of it. Megumi may be a strong woman but she didn't stand a chance against Sano. Continuing to chuckle Kaoru stepped from the room and set about getting the day started. Glancing at her watch a gaggle of nervous butterflies came to life in her belly... four hours. She only had four hours until she and Himura-san had lunch. A heady lightness flooded through her body at the thought of being alone with him. Her breath caught in her throat as a tingle of anticipation whispered through her body, the feeling of completeness suddenly returning. Four hours might seem like a long time right now, but if she kept herself busy it would fly by if she was lucky.
Scowling at her eagerness to throw herself at a complete stranger she headed into the broom closet she called an office and threw on her lab coat, Soulmate or not she shouldn't be acting like some lovesick teenager, she should be wary of this Himura Shinta's sudden interest in her. And yet for some reason she felt comfortable around him. Blushing at the memory of their nearness at the show last night she had to admit she felt very comfortable around him. But why? Why did it feel like she had known him all her life even though last night had been the first time they'd ever met? Well except for the sidewalk incident, but still...
Shaking her head she pushed the thoughts from her mind and headed out to the waiting room to collect their first patient. Maybe at lunch she would be able to figure out what the hell was going on, until then she had work to do.
oooooooooooooooooo
Kenshin stopped dead in the middle of the sidewalk and just stared at Sano in shock, "What did you just say?"
"I said, you and jou-chan have a lunch date this afternoon so you better figure out where you're going to take her. I would suggest a nice little out of the way restaurant if you know what I mean." Sano drawled as he continued down the sidewalk ignoring the fact that he was leaving his friend behind. Spitting out the mangled stick he glanced over his shoulder at Kenshin. The look of hope tinged with worry on the redhead's face caused a smile to start itching at the corners of his lips. This was the first time in the last two days he'd 'known' his old friend that he'd seen the rurouni side of him come out.
"Sano, I don't think that's a good idea, she's being watched by Enishi's thugs. Didn't you see the three men stationed in front of the clinic? If Enishi finds out about this it could cause her trouble. I don't want to put her in danger... not again."
Sano just shook his head, "Enishi isn't going to find out, he's not even in town right now, he went to Osaka for some reason. Besides don't you want to spend a little time alone with her? How are you going to get her to trust you if you don't spend any time with her?"
Kenshin sighed and started walking down the sidewalk again giving his full attention to the concrete passing under his feet. Sano did have a point, how was he supposed to get close to her if Enishi had her under lock and key. This may be the only way for her to get to know him especially since Enishi wasn't even here right now. The chance had to be taken. It was the only way for her to come to trust him.
"Alright, what time am I supposed to meet her?" He asked glancing up from the concrete.
Sano smiled, he'd known there was no way Kenshin would be able to ignore this opportunity. No matter what the ex-hitokiri said, he hadn't waited this long simply to watch her from the sidelines. "She'll meet you behind the clinic at noon. I'm going to go in the front door to keep Enishi's dogs from noticing you two."
Nodding Kenshin glanced at his watch and sighed, four hours. What was he going to do for the next four hours? Smiling he shook his head, and he thought yesterday had been a long day, these four hours were going to prove to be the longest in his life. But in the end it was going to be worth it, after one hundred and twenty eight years he would finally be able to be with the one stolen from him, even if it was only for a short time.
oooooooooooooooooo
Well there you have it. Hope it wasn't too boring but as you can see there will be plenty of KK interaction next chapter. Hopefully I'll get it out quicker but I can't promise anything, especially with summer just around the corner. But honestly I will try.
Please review and let me know what you think.
It seems like I say this every chapter but sorry for it's lateness. Life and such decided to invade my 'me' time. Not to mention the muse decided to act up because I overworked her by writing OSN, I swear she can be sooo finicky sometimes. Again I'm sorry for it's lateness, I hope you will find it was worth the wait.
Forever Mine
Chapter 10 - Under Lock and KeyKaoru finished tying up her hair and gave herself the once over one last time in the mirror. Smoothing the imaginary wrinkles in the knee length dark blue skirt she scowled. One week. She was trapped in this prison for one week... one week that was going to feel like a lifetime.
Shaking her head she sighed and fixed the collar of her favorite cream colored blouse, the midnight blue tiger embroidered over her shoulder reminiscent of the one tattooed over Enishi's shoulder. At the thought of him she sighed again, really she shouldn't be all that upset about being trapped here, after all it could have been a lot worse. After the interrogation he'd put her through in the car on the way back from the opening last night she'd been sure he was going to demand she go with him to Osaka. He'd come close. She'd seen it in his eyes, he didn't want to leave her here alone. Thanks to that damn painting he was now convinced she knew this Himura Shinta somehow. That there was something between them. She'd tried to reassure him that the painting had nothing to do with him but he hadn't believe her, of course it hadn't helped that he'd caught her only inches away from this same man she claimed to not know. Thankfully in the end he'd only dropped her off at his building with the promise that he would only be gone for a week at the most.
At first she'd been relieved that he hadn't tried to force her to go with him but then he'd committed the ultimate insult, he'd ordered Hei Shin to stay with her the entire time he was gone. The bastard had done it, he'd taken what little freedom she had left and stolen it. Christ she couldn't even get out of the damn apartment on her own what the hell did he think she was going to do up here by herself anyway!
A sudden surge of anger exploded in her veins at the futility of the situation and she slammed her palms flat against the dressing table, staring straight into the furious gaze reflecting back at her from the mirror she scowled. Sad thing was she'd done this to herself. She hadn't argued with him when he'd ordered Shinji to stay away from her, with her inaction she'd inadvertently allowed him control. She should have never done that. She'd dug her own grave with that one incident, and yet there was one thing he didn't seem to know about her... she was never one to just give up. Given enough time she would figure out a way to get away from him even if she had to disappear to do it. No matter how long it took her she would get away from him, until then she would have to smile and accept his rules as if she were a child. It was the only way to ensure he loosened his hold.
Shaking her head at the thought she sighed and straightened, grabbing her jacket off the back of the chair she headed towards the door. Well at least Enishi was allowing her to go to work. That argument she'd won, how she'd managed to do that she didn't know but in the end he'd caved and told her as long as she was accompanied by Hei Shin and two others she was allowed to go but she wasn't to leave the clinic under any circumstances unless Hei Shin was with her. Enishi had wrapped a collar around her neck and then he'd gleefully handed the leash to that annoying little weasel, knowing full well she didn't like the little man.
Another surge of anger rose up as she reached the door, fighting the urge to slam her fist into the hard wood she grabbed the handle and flung it open. Striding out into the livingroom where Hei Shin sat waiting she scowled at him and headed into the kitchen to make some tea. Tossing her jacket over the chair she dug out the lemon flavored green tea leaves and set them on the counter. God it was bad enough to be stuck here but having to see his face first thing in the morning was enough to push anyone over the edge.
"Kamiya-san it's time to leave."
Kaoru nearly growled, she could almost feel him yanking the leash. Lifting her eyes from the task at hand she fixed her full attention on the little weasel as a malicious grin slowly blossomed on her lips, "I need tea. You will wait until I have a cup to take with me. Do you understand?"
She almost snorted when he paled slightly and nodded. Sprinkling the tea into the pot she set it heating. Maybe she would be able to find a way to ditch him today, it was at least worth a try. Since it was only him and not Gein she might actually have a chance, but then again there was supposed to be two others she didn't know watching her today too. If that was the case then it wasn't likely she'd be able to get away. Sighing she turned her back to him and leaned against the counter. It really didn't matter, he knew where she lived, he could just come there and haul her back if that's what Enishi wanted.
The whistling of the teapot knocked her out of her thoughts and she grabbed it, filling the travel cup set out on the counter. Not thinking she took a sip and hissed as the hot liquid burned her tongue. Well that was smart Kaoru, what a way to start the day. Scowling at herself she set the cup down and grabbed her jacket from the back of the chair. Well, might as well get the day started, at least she would have some semblance of freedom while she was at the clinic. But then again she really wasn't looking forward to the questions she knew Megumi had waiting. She had no idea how she was going to explain last night.
Rubbing her forehead she started rethinking her decision to go to work, maybe it would be better if she just stayed here away from everyone until this mess was sorted out. Catching sight of Hei Shin heading towards the elevator she tossed the jacket over her shoulders, no she was going to work if only to get away from that annoying little man. At least that was one place she could forget, at least for a time, that her life was a complete mess. Heading towards the elevator herself she came up behind him and peeked over his shoulder in an effort to get the code. She smiled ruefully as she watched him hit the enter button. It really didn't matter anyway, if he knew she'd found out he'd more than likely have it changed.
With a hiss the elevator doors slid open and she stepped in. Leaning against the wall she closed her eyes as they slid closed, the elevator smoothly beginning it's descent to the bottom floor. Unbidden an image of Himura Shinta floated up from the depths of her mind, his smiling face playing across her closed lids. All of a sudden an almost overpowering need to see him gripped a hold of her, wrapping her in an iron fist. Clutching the cup in her hand she whimpered softly and fought to keep herself upright, the need nearly driving her to her knees. Fighting the tears suddenly burning her eyes she focused all of her attention on trying to quell the feeling. God if this kept up it was going to kill her.
"Are you ok Kamiya-san?"
Hei Shin's voice brought her back from the edge and she took a deep breath, trying to pull herself together. "Hai, I'm fine."
Hei Shin opened his mouth to say something else but stopped as the elevator came to a stop. Relieved Kaoru stepped out but came to a dead stop as her eyes fell on the other two that would be 'escorting' her to work. Any hopes of ditching them flew out of her head as she stared at the two men standing just inside the front doors. The twins. Why would Enishi set the twins on her? Actually there were four of them, two sets of twins but they all looked alike to her. The only way to truly tell them apart was by the small kanji tattooed on their foreheads, for some reason each one of them was named for one of the Shijin... the guardian beasts of Chinese mythology. They were Enishi's brute squad, huge hulking men with absolutely nothing between the ears, they weren't quite as dangerous as Gein but they were still a menace. She should have known it would be these guys who would be the others, not only were they Enishi's brute squad but they were also Hei Shin's pets. He was never seen outside of the building without at least one of them.
Glancing to the kanji on their heads she scowled, today it looked like she would have the honor of being escorted by Seiryu and Byakko, guardians of the east and west. Ignoring them completely she pushed past them into the bright morning sunlight. Jesus what did Enishi think she was going to do. It's not like she could run, he'd only find her if she did. Heading straight for the car she slipped in and settled into the cushiony seat. This was too much, there had to be a way to get away from him. Somehow there had to be a way.
oooooooooooooooooo
Sano stretched and leaned against the rail of Kaoru's balcony, the scent of spring hanging heavily in the cool morning air. Taking a deep breath he rubbed his temples in frustration, things had gotten way out of hand last night. Now he knew Kaoru had been lying to him about staying with Enishi. She wasn't doing it because she wanted to, she was there because she had to be. God, how could things have gotten so screwed up, it should have been easy from the start. Kenshin didn't deserve this. He should have been able to simply find her and be happy, not have to fight against the one who stole her in the first place. What had his old friend done to have fate play such a nasty trick on him?
Shaking his head he pushed off the rail and headed back into the apartment. As far as he could tell nothing, the rurouni had done nothing but find her just a little bit too late. If only he'd known just a little bit sooner he would have done a better job at keeping Kaoru away from Enishi. Not that he hadn't tried already but kami that woman could be hard headed when she wanted to be.
Shaking his head again he grabbed his jacket and tossed it over his shoulders as he headed for the door, well it was time to go and find out just exactly what Enishi was holding over Kaoru's head to keep her there when he knew she didn't want to be. She was going to be just a little bit surprised to see him still in town. That's one thing he hadn't been able to tell her yet, maybe now she wouldn't have such a problem with it. Really didn't matter anyway, he was here to stay whether she liked it or not for two reasons now, her and Megumi. He wasn't about to let the fox get away, not now. Not when he knew they definitely belonged together, his memories said so.
Smirking he turned the doorknob and swung the door open, taking a step into the hallway he came up short when he almost crashed into the small man standing in front of him. "What the ..." He managed as he stumbled back, catching his balance he glared at Kenshin, "What the hell are you doing!?"
Kenshin smirked, "Coming to see if you have the painting."
"Oh... yeah I got it, but it took all three million yen to get it," Sano said as he headed back into the apartment for the painting resting against the wall in the livingroom. When all remained quiet behind him he stopped and glanced over his shoulder. He almost laughed at the look on Kenshin's face. It seemed the ex-hitokiri was having a hard time being so close to the scent of Kaoru. He knew the apartment smelled of jasmine, Kaoru had several jasmine scented candles she lit regularly. Thanks to that the scent had been embedded into everything in the apartment. Truth be told it wouldn't feel like Kaoru's home without that scent, and now he understood why. It was the same one she had loved so many years ago.
Heading towards the painting again he grabbed it and gave Kenshin a sly look, "You can come in if you want."
Kenshin just stared at Sano for a minute trying to get control of himself, hesitantly stepping over the threshold he took a deep breath and closed the door behind him. Closing his eyes he let the scent of jasmine wrap around him, the feel of her presence tingling across his skin. Here within her own private sanctuary he could feel her very essence caress his skin with loving fingers. It had been so long since he'd felt this... too long. A light chuckle snapped him back into reality and he popped his eyes back open. He smiled sheepishly at the lopsided grin on Sano's face, the painting floating in the space between them.
"Here."
Accepting the portrait he held it out and gave it his undivided attention for the first time since he'd glimpsed it in the gallery. Eyeing the detail with which she'd captured his likeness he shook his head, he was still having a hard time seeing his fiery Kaoru sitting before an empty canvas contemplating what to put to the creamy surface... least of all this. It was really amazing how well she'd portrayed him, the only thing missing was the cross shaped scar. If it hadn't been for that and the amber eyes staring back at him he could have sworn he was looking into a mirror. He really had made a mess of things if she could see him this clearly, no wonder she'd been afraid of him.
Sano watched the half smile blossom on Kenshin's lips as he gazed at the picture. "Once you and jou-chan are finally together you'll have to have her add the scar."
Kenshin shook his head, "No it's perfect just like this. I don't want her to change a thing." The truth was he liked it this way. After all these years he could finally see himself as she did. Here captured within this portrait he was no longer the Hitokiri Battousai, he was simply a man with golden eyes.
"Whatever you say," Sano said with a shrug. Heading towards the door he asked, "Do you want to come with me? I'm heading to the clinic to talk to Kaoru."
Kenshin looked up from the canvas and shook his head, "I don't think that would be a good idea right now. The reason Enishi is keeping her with him is because he wants to keep her away from me. I don't want to put her in a position that may cause her harm."
Sano quirked an eyebrow and stared at him as if he was insane, "You want to see her right?" When Kenshin didn't answer he added, "No one can stop you from going to the clinic. It's open to the public."
Kenshin sighed, Sano was right, he really did want to see her. He wanted to make sure that she was alright. For some reason he had the feeling that something was about to happen, that this was only the quiet before the storm. It had him so on edge that he was sure it would only take the slightest provocation to set him off. He needed to see her, he needed to reassure himself that she was safe even in the hands of his enemy.
"Alright, let me drop this off in my apartment and then we can head to the clinic."
Sano smirked and opened the door for him. He knew Kenshin wouldn't be able to resist, not after last night. Soon he would be able to leave Kaoru in Kenshin's capable hands and pursue the object of his obsession. The poor fox didn't stand a chance.
oooooooooooooooooo
Megumi scowled and eyed Kaoru as she bustled around the examination room refilling the supply cabinets, doing her level best to ignore the question she'd just asked. Sick of waiting for an answer she reached out and grabbed her friends shoulder pulling her to a stop. "Kaoru, why won't you answer my question? What is going on between you and Enishi?"
When all Kaoru did was stare at her Megumi let her go, "Kaoru you can't hide the fact that there are three thugs out in front of the clinic watching you or the fact that you're miserable. What happened?"
Kaoru sighed and went back to putting the bandages into the cabinet. She should have listened to her inner voice and just stayed home today. "It's nothing really, he left for Osaka last night and he just wants to make sure I'm ok while he's gone," she answered distantly without sparing a glance for Megumi. She couldn't look at her, not without either exploding or crying. It had all become too much, she couldn't stand to see the open concern in her friend's eyes. There was nothing Megumi could do anyway, she had to get out of this herself.
A sigh was her only answer and then she heard Megumi walk out of the room. Focusing her attention on the task at hand she jumped when all of a sudden she heard the door to the clinic slam and then, "Hey jou-chan you here?"
Kaoru nearly groaned, she really should have stayed at Enishi's today. Scowling she decided to ignore the question and continued to fill the cabinet and then slowly it dawned on her, what was Sano still doing in town? He was supposed to be on his way home. Shoving the last of the bandages into the cabinet she spun on her heel and headed into the waiting room. She nearly tripped over her own feet when she saw Himura-san standing beside him, a slight smile gracing his handsome features. Ignoring the sudden increase in her heartbeat she quickly glanced out the door behind them and paled when she saw Hei Shin and one of the twins staring into the clinic. Oh god could this day get any worse?
Sliding her eyes back to Sano she pinned him with an icy glare and strode up to him grabbing the front of his shirt, "Could you excuse us for a minute Himura-san? I need to speak to this idiot in private." Not waiting for an answer she yanked Sano towards the door leading to the examination rooms, shoving him into the first room she slammed the door and spun on him. "What the hell are you doing here?! You're supposed to be on your way to Okinawa!"
When all he did was stare at her Kaoru took a deep breath and started pacing the small room trying to settle her nerves. Didn't he understand that Enishi would love to kill him, all he needed was excuse and on top of that he had to bring the other person Enishi seemed to despise with him. Glancing at him she nearly slapped him across the face when she saw the smirk painted across his features. Trying to keep her temper she bit her tongue and continued to pace in an effort to calm down.
"What's wrong jou-chan? You haven't been this tense in years." Sano asked reaching out and stopping her in her tracks.
Piercing him with a withering glare she shook her head, "Sano why are you still here? You're supposed to be going home."
Sano smiled sheepishly and let her go, leaning against the wall he grabbed a wooden handled q-tip and broke the head off. Popping the stick into his mouth he started chewing. "Well ya see jou-chan I am home. I moved back to Tokyo a couple of days ago. Katsu's flying over day after tomorrow with all our stuff. We both have an apartment in your building, two floors below yours."
Surprised Kaoru could only stare at him, a mixture of anger and relief flooding through her veins. Shaking her head she dropped her eyes to the floor and whispered, "You shouldn't have done that Sano. You should have left."
"Well ya see I can't do that, because I'm not leaving while Enishi is holding you hostage." Sano stated with a shrug. "Besides Ke- Shinta needed someone here to act as a go between." Pushing off the wall Sano took the two steps separating them, placing a finger under her chin he lifted her face to meet his, "So are you going to go out there and say hi to the man who came all the way down here to see you?"
Kaoru fought the blush instantly burning her cheeks and shook her head, "I can't. Didn't you see Hei Shin out there? And he's not alone. You two shouldn't have come down here."
Sano snorted, "What, you think I can't take him?" he asked trying to lighten the mood, when all she did was frown he sighed, "Jou-chan what does Enishi have on you that has you chained to him?"
Kaoru shrugged and dropped her eyes, spinning on her heel she headed for the door but stopped just before opening it, "He doesn't have anything on me. Just...leave this up to me. When he gets back I plan on leaving him ok."
Sano quirked an eyebrow, "Enishi's not here?"
Kaoru shook her head and turned back to him, "No he left for Osaka last night. He said he'd be back in a week. Until then I'm staying at his apartment."
"But why?" Sano asked confused, "Why won't he let you come home Kaoru?"
Kaoru finally snapped, "I don't know why he won't let me go home! I don't know what happened that has him wrapping a leash around my neck! I don't know why he thinks I need three goddamned babysitters! I don't know anything anymore!" she screamed forgetting the fact that she wasn't home but in the clinic. Fuming she went back to pacing, the repetitive motion calming her frazzled nerves, and then it all clicked together in her head, the sudden clarity bring a new light to the whole situation. Maybe the reason why Enishi wouldn't let her go home was because Misao had been right. The new guy who had moved in next door to her was none other than the man currently standing out in the waiting room. The thought was like a bucket of cold water splashed in her face. Losing all her fight she sagged into the chair in the corner and shook her head, "Sano who is that man out there?"
Surprised by her sudden mood swing Sano just stared at her and then he smiled, "That jou-chan is something you need to find out for yourself. All I can tell you is that he's waited a long time to meet you."
Confused Kaoru just shook her head, "I can't do that Sano. If he comes near me or if I go near him Enishi will kill him. I can't let that happen."
"Is that why Enishi won't let you come home?" Sano asked more to himself than her as he suddenly saw the truth. Well that would explain why she hadn't come home yesterday like she'd said she would. Gein had failed to kill his target. So it was true, Enishi was keeping her with him to keep her and Kenshin apart.
A knock on the door broke into the quiet that had fallen and Kaoru watched as the door swung open to reveal Megumi standing in the doorway. A small smile crept across her lips at the glare Megumi sent at Sano. "Are you two done, our first patient is here."
Kaoru rose and headed towards the open door, "Ye-"
"Hey fox, you got a backdoor to this place?" Sano asked suddenly cutting her off, startled Kaoru stopped and eyed him. Her eyes narrowed at the lopsided grin forming on his face.
Megumi eyed him suspiciously, "Yes... why?"
Sano smirked and cast a quick glance at Kaoru, "It seems jou-chan here has a lunch date and she needs to be able to leave without her pet dogs trailing behind. Do you think it can be managed?" Eyeing the startled look on Kaoru's face his smirk widened into a full blown smile. Well, if they weren't going to do something about seeing each other then he would do it for them.
Shifting his attention back to Megumi he watched her eyes narrow even more. "What are you up to, roosterhead?"
Putting on the most innocent look he could dig up he smiled, "Nothing. So is it possible?"
Kaoru just stood quietly staring at the two people planning out her afternoon. What was it with people and their need to control her life, "Wait a minute, I'm not going anywhere. I'm here to work."
"Jou-chan, he didn't come all the way here for you to ignore him. Besides I know you want to talk to him as much as he wants to talk to you."
Kaoru opened her mouth to deny the statement but Sano cut her off.
"Don't deny it Kaoru, it was written all over your face last night and it's still there today. Why don't you do something for yourself for a change instead of worrying about everyone else?"
Scowling at him Kaoru sighed, he was right, she couldn't deny it. She did want to talk to him, to see him, to know him. No matter how hard she tried to forget him she knew he wasn't going to just go away. Besides Enishi wasn't here, as long as Hei Shin and the twins didn't see her it would be ok, wouldn't it.
Sano smirked as watched Kaoru fight with herself, seeing a small spark of hope ignite in her eyes he decided to give her a nudge over the edge, "There's no way those guys will know if you leave and come back through the back door. I'll come around the front when you two leave, that way they'll keep an eye on me and won't even notice you leaving." His smirked widened into a triumphant smile as he watched her fall.
"I guess that would be ok, if it's ok with Megumi," Kaoru whispered ignoring the sudden surge of anticipation running rampant through her veins.
Sano nodded and glanced at Megumi, "So fox, think you can spare jou-chan for a while this afternoon?"
Megumi just glared at him, "You better not be doing something that will get her in trouble. Something's already going on that she won't talk about." Striding across the room she poked Sano in the chest, "So help me if anything happens to her because of you or that person out in the waiting room I will personally amputate that thing you call a head."
Sano smiled and grabbed the hand poking him, pulling her to his chest he leaned in until his nose was almost touching hers, "If I let anything happen to jou-chan I will let you take my head ok?" With that he dropped a light kiss on her slightly parted lips and let her go. Glancing at Kaoru he smiled, "I'll let Shinta know ok. He'll meet you at noon out back."
Kaoru just nodded and watched him leave the room, shifting her attention back to Megumi she almost busted out laughing. The look on her boss' face said it all, she could threaten and say she hated him but the emotions written on her face said a totally different thing.
"What?!" Megumi growled catching the smirk on Kaoru's face.
A small chuckle did escape and Kaoru shook her head, "You two really are meant for each other, why don't you just accept it."
Megumi snorted, "That will never happen, I would rather die an old maid than tether myself to that man!" And with that she spun on her heel and stalked from the room.
Kaoru finally let the laughter roll from her throat, it was going to be fun to watch those two. Sano hadn't stayed just for her, she was sure of it. Megumi may be a strong woman but she didn't stand a chance against Sano. Continuing to chuckle Kaoru stepped from the room and set about getting the day started. Glancing at her watch a gaggle of nervous butterflies came to life in her belly... four hours. She only had four hours until she and Himura-san had lunch. A heady lightness flooded through her body at the thought of being alone with him. Her breath caught in her throat as a tingle of anticipation whispered through her body, the feeling of completeness suddenly returning. Four hours might seem like a long time right now, but if she kept herself busy it would fly by if she was lucky.
Scowling at her eagerness to throw herself at a complete stranger she headed into the broom closet she called an office and threw on her lab coat, Soulmate or not she shouldn't be acting like some lovesick teenager, she should be wary of this Himura Shinta's sudden interest in her. And yet for some reason she felt comfortable around him. Blushing at the memory of their nearness at the show last night she had to admit she felt very comfortable around him. But why? Why did it feel like she had known him all her life even though last night had been the first time they'd ever met? Well except for the sidewalk incident, but still...
Shaking her head she pushed the thoughts from her mind and headed out to the waiting room to collect their first patient. Maybe at lunch she would be able to figure out what the hell was going on, until then she had work to do.
oooooooooooooooooo
Kenshin stopped dead in the middle of the sidewalk and just stared at Sano in shock, "What did you just say?"
"I said, you and jou-chan have a lunch date this afternoon so you better figure out where you're going to take her. I would suggest a nice little out of the way restaurant if you know what I mean." Sano drawled as he continued down the sidewalk ignoring the fact that he was leaving his friend behind. Spitting out the mangled stick he glanced over his shoulder at Kenshin. The look of hope tinged with worry on the redhead's face caused a smile to start itching at the corners of his lips. This was the first time in the last two days he'd 'known' his old friend that he'd seen the rurouni side of him come out.
"Sano, I don't think that's a good idea, she's being watched by Enishi's thugs. Didn't you see the three men stationed in front of the clinic? If Enishi finds out about this it could cause her trouble. I don't want to put her in danger... not again."
Sano just shook his head, "Enishi isn't going to find out, he's not even in town right now, he went to Osaka for some reason. Besides don't you want to spend a little time alone with her? How are you going to get her to trust you if you don't spend any time with her?"
Kenshin sighed and started walking down the sidewalk again giving his full attention to the concrete passing under his feet. Sano did have a point, how was he supposed to get close to her if Enishi had her under lock and key. This may be the only way for her to get to know him especially since Enishi wasn't even here right now. The chance had to be taken. It was the only way for her to come to trust him.
"Alright, what time am I supposed to meet her?" He asked glancing up from the concrete.
Sano smiled, he'd known there was no way Kenshin would be able to ignore this opportunity. No matter what the ex-hitokiri said, he hadn't waited this long simply to watch her from the sidelines. "She'll meet you behind the clinic at noon. I'm going to go in the front door to keep Enishi's dogs from noticing you two."
Nodding Kenshin glanced at his watch and sighed, four hours. What was he going to do for the next four hours? Smiling he shook his head, and he thought yesterday had been a long day, these four hours were going to prove to be the longest in his life. But in the end it was going to be worth it, after one hundred and twenty eight years he would finally be able to be with the one stolen from him, even if it was only for a short time.
oooooooooooooooooo
Well there you have it. Hope it wasn't too boring but as you can see there will be plenty of KK interaction next chapter. Hopefully I'll get it out quicker but I can't promise anything, especially with summer just around the corner. But honestly I will try.
Please review and let me know what you think.