Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ A Little Slice of Heaven ( Chapter 11 )

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

Disclaimer - I don't own RK

Well here it is. The long awaited fluff chapter, hope you like it.


Chapter 11 - A Little Slice of Heaven

Kaoru sighed and flexed her hands in an effort to alleviate the tingling prickling through her fingers. The dull ache pulsing up her arms was a constant reminder that she'd been a complete idiot to volunteer for this job. Glaring at the computer screen she scowled, if she had to enter one more person into this god forsaken database she was going to lose it. The new Sony VAIO sitting on her desk was the first and only computer in the clinic. Up until a couple of weeks ago Megumi had been operating the clinic purely on paperwork which unfortunately meant that she had almost two years worth of information to enter into the database. Sighing she glanced at the little clock in the corner of the screen. 10:32 am. Well at least this little nightmare was good for something, the time was passing quickly. Only an hour and a half left to go.

Shaking her head she tried to keep the butterflies from breaking out in her belly again. Who was she kidding, for the last two hours she'd had to convince herself over and over again that going to lunch with him was a good idea. Deep down she really did want to spend the afternoon with him but she also knew that no matter what Sano said those thugs out front would know. Somehow they always knew what she was doing and with who. How they knew she didn't know but they always did and unfortunately she hadn't been able to figure out a fool proof way to escape them yet.

A light knocking on the door roused her from her musings and she looked up to see Megumi standing in the doorway. "Kaoru, there's a man out in the waiting room asking to see you. I think it's the curator from the gallery."

Confused Kaoru quirked an eyebrow. Why would he be here? Her paintings were supposed to be on display for the next month. Shrugging to herself she rose and walked passed Megumi, "Thanks."

Heading out into the waiting room she smiled at the sight of the small man eyeing the painting of Tokyo Tower hanging on the wall. "Takeshi-san?"

The small man spun around as if caught doing something he shouldn't be. She watched amused as a light blush instantly blossomed on his cheeks and then he smiled sheepishly. "Is that one of your works?" he asked nodding towards the painting. Kaoru smiled and shook her head, "No Takani-san purchased that at a small shop in Ginza. I wish I could paint as well as that, I've never been able to blend the colors that seamlessly."

Takeshi-san snorted and shook his head. Kaoru's eyes widened in shock at the show of something besides his shy side. "You, my dear, do far better than that." Reaching into his pocket he withdrew a small bank envelope and handed it to her. "This is proof."

Confused Kaoru took the envelope from his outstretched hand. Flipping it open her eyes widened in surprise, reaching in she withdrew a large wad of yen. "Where did this come from?" she asked confused.

"A young man bought the portrait of the redheaded man last night after you left. I know none of them were supposed to be for sale but he was adamant, he paid three million yen for it." Gesturing at the money in her hand he added, "I withdrew a small commission fee as stipulated in standard agreements, but that still leaves you with about two million two hundred and thirty thousand yen."

Shocked Kaoru just stared at the curator, then glanced to the money in her hand. Who would spend so much money on a simple portrait? Unless...

"Was the person who bought it the redheaded man I was speaking to just before I left?"

Takeshi-san shook his head. "No, it was the tall man you seemed to know well."

Surprised Kaoru quirked an eyebrow. Sano? Why would he buy the portrait? What would he do with it? And where the hell did he get so much money? Confused she shook her head, tucking the money back into the envelope she smiled and bowed to the small man in front of her, "Thank you, Takeshi-san."

The curator nodded and spun on his heel to leave. Just before he reached the door he turned back to her. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to sell more of them. I did have a few others interested last night."

Surprised yet again Kaoru just stared at him as a surge of pride blossomed in her chest. "I... I guess it would be alright to sell them. I truthfully never thought anyone would want to buy them, that's why I decided not to before."

Takeshi-san smiled. "You my dear are one of the finest landscape artists I've seen in a while, of course there are people who would like to own one of your pieces." Bowing he pushed the door open, "I will let it be known that they are indeed for sale. Would you like me to bring you the money or should I hold onto it until the end of the month?"

"Um... just hold onto it until the end of the showing. I'll pick it up then." Takeshi-san nodded and stepped from the clinic. Kaoru just watched the door close behind him, still not fully comprehending what had just happened.

"Why does the roosterhead want that painting?"

Kaoru jumped as Megumi's question broke into her thoughts, turning she scowled, "I don't know but I'm going to find out this afternoon." With that she headed back to her office, in an hour and a half she would have the answer to that question even if she had to beat it out of him.

oooooooooooooooooo

Sano smirked as he eyed his best friend out of the corner of his eye. The look of determination mixed with trepidation made the man look as if he were heading towards his wedding.... or his funeral. Stifling the chuckle that tried to escape he shook his head. Well, considering Kenshin had waited for over a hundred years for this moment it was understandable. But then again this little excursion almost hadn't happened, for some reason by the time he'd gone to get Kenshin at his apartment his old friend had changed his mind. It had taken him almost a half an hour to convince the redhead that this was what needed to be done and there was no reason why he shouldn't use the fact that Enishi wasn't in town to his advantage.

Sighing Sano shook his head. These two were going to drive him over the edge yet. Hopefully Kaoru hadn't had similar issues because by the look on Kenshin's face she wasn't going to get off so easily. Now that he was on his way, there was no way the ex-hitokiri was going to let her back out.

Smirking he shifted his attention back in front of him and glanced around. His eyes widened when he realized they were only a short way away from their destination.... and they had missed the alley Kenshin needed. Reaching out to pull Kenshin to a stop he was surprised to find himself alone. Glancing back over his shoulder he found the ex-hitokiri stopped a few feet behind him his attention fixed on the alleyway that would lead him to Kaoru. Smiling to himself Sano took a minute to scan the area for Kaoru's watchdogs, he almost laughed when he spied the little weasel and both of the thugs sitting in a black Mercedes across the street from the clinic. Stifling a chuckle he shook his head, these guys didn't know anything about how to stake a place out. Well at least they were far enough away that none of them would be able to recognize him and Kenshin.

Satisfied they were safely out of clear view he turned and headed back to where his old friend stood mesmerized, "This is where we have to split. Go to the end of that alley and take a left, the back door to the clinic should be down there somewhere. I'll go in the front and make sure her thugs don't pay any attention to you." Giving Kenshin a sly look he added, "You'll be lucky if she's there. You're late and jou-chan doesn't like to wait for anyone."

Kenshin just smiled and continued to stare down the clean swept alley, the small eateries filling the narrow walkway hitting him full in the nose. He didn't have anything to worry about, she was there, he could feel it. Taking a deep breath he nodded and headed down the alley without sparing a glance for Sano. This was it... this was what he'd been waiting so long for, and yet even after a hundred and twenty eight years he was still as nervous as a schoolboy. Would she accept him? Or would she push him away like he'd done to her so long ago? Scowling at his worry he tightened his fist and made his way down the alley towards the one and only person who had ever made him feel whole. It was now or never, he'd come this far it was too late to turn back now.

oooooooooooooooooo

Kaoru paced the small alcove and glanced at her watch again. 12:18 pm. Maybe he wasn't coming. A sudden surge of anxiety bubbled to life in her belly at the thought. Scowling she did her best to quash the feeling. Why would it matter if he didn't come? It was probably better if he didn't. Her life was already a mess, she really didn't need to add to it. Besides it was probably better for both of them if they didn't see each other. Who knew what Enishi would do if he found out. And she was sure he would, she wasn't lucky enough to have this meeting go off without a hitch.

But then again...

Rubbing her forehead in frustration she snorted, she could stand here all day and try to rationalize the need to stay away from him but the fact of the matter was she was still here waiting. Against her better judgment she was still here eagerly awaiting the sight of his fiery red hair.

Sighing at her lovesick thoughts she shook her head and peeked out into the small alleyway where the local sushi bars and ramen-ya filled the warm afternoon air with a myriad of scents. Taking a deep breath she scowled at the sudden loud rumbling of her belly, if he didn't come soon she was going to have to go visit Matsumoto-san at the end of the alley. His ramen soup was hands down one of the best she'd ever had, if she tried hard enough she could actually pick out the unique scent among the many tickling her nose.

Fighting down the urge to head down the alleyway she leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. How was it she'd been talked into this insanity again? Oh that's right Sano hadn't given her much of a choice. Damn roosterhead. He really needed to stop meddling in her life. He just didn't understand the implications of what she was about to do. A small sliver of fear whispered down her spine at the thought of what Enishi would do if he found out about this little excursion. She knew without a doubt he'd kill Himura-san if he knew.

That thought was all it took to make her lose her nerve, she couldn't do this, not right now. She didn't want to be the cause of anyone's death. Least of all his. Maybe when she'd finally managed to break away from Enishi she could find him if he was still here. All of a sudden an almost overwhelming urge to see him gripped a hold of her at the thought. Fighting against the feeling with every last bit of willpower she had she turned towards the door leading back into the clinic. Reaching for the handle a sudden rustling from the other side of the door stopped her and she waited for the door to swing open fully.

"Hey jou-chan you ready?"

Expecting to see Megumi Kaoru jumped at the unexpected voice. Watching Sano peek out from behind the door she scowled and shook her head, "No, I'm not going." Taking a step towards him she took the door from his hands and tried to walk past him, "Why did you buy that painting last night? Where the hell did you get the money anyway?"

Sano closed off her escape route and she leveled a hard glare on him. She almost laughed at the sudden fear in his eyes. He should be afraid... very afraid.

"I -"

"He bought it for me."

Kaoru jumped again startled by the voice suddenly washing over her, his presence instantly tingling over her skin. He was right behind her, she could feel it along every nerve in her body. Stifling a groan she took a deep breath and did her best to compose herself, her hand all of a sudden itching to wipe off the smirk growing on Sano's lips. Slowly turning around she dreaded yet craved the sight of the man behind her. Her breath hitched as her eyes settled on the fiery haired man standing in the alleyway, his violet eyes shimmering in the bright afternoon sun. Why was it the very sight of this man was enough to set her heart pounding against her ribs?

Kenshin just smiled as she turned to face him, he could feel her distress at finding him so close behind her. It seemed the bond had taken on a new form, at least for him. Filing away that little piece of information for future inspection he instead focused his full attention on drinking in the sight of her. The cream colored blouse and dark blue skirt set she had on accented her creamy ivory skin and glimmering sapphire eyes, the image making his fingers twitch ever so slightly with the need to feel her soft skin beneath his fingertips again.

"Are you two going to leave or are you going to just stand there staring at each other?"

Kenshin's smile widened as instant color blossomed on Kaoru's cheeks, the sight only enhancing her beauty. Reaching out a hand he asked, "Shall we go?"

Kaoru just stared at his hand and then she hesitantly reached out and placed her palm against his. Instant warmth flooded through her body as she twined her fingers through his, startled by the feeling she tried to remove her hand but found it suddenly trapped in his. Looking up into his eyes she was surprised to see what looked like fear swirling in his violet eyes. What was he afraid of?

Inwardly shrugging she wrapped her fingers back around his again, well it was to late to turn back now. All she could do was hope that for once her luck would hold out and Enishi wouldn't find out about this. Sighing she shoved the thought from her mind and nodded, trying to contain the smile tickling her lips. "Hai, lets go."

The smile won out at the grin that tugged at his lips, the sight making her heart beat just a little bit faster. Relishing the feel of his warm flesh against hers she unconsciously gave his hand a squeeze. Her eyes widened suddenly in embarrassment when she realized what she'd just done. Horrified by her brashness she ducked her head to avoid the surprised look he suddenly flashed at her. A light tugging on her hand drew her attention back to him and she blushed when she met the smiling gaze he had fixed on her.

"Do you have anywhere special you would like to go for lunch Kamiya-san?"

Fighting down the blush that continued to deepen Kaoru shook her head, "Anywhere is fine."

Her heart sped up when he smiled and nodded. Smiling back at him she made to step down to the walkway when to her great horror, her stomach decided at that very moment to grumble loudly in anticipation. Horrified she yanked her hand out of his and took a step back as the blush won out, her face so hot she was sure she was blazing as bright as the sun. Ducking her head she begged every god she could think of to open up the ground at her feet, the need to disappear overcoming all else. Unfortunately she wasn't that lucky. A light chuckle drifted to her ears and she tried to sink even further into herself. What had she done to deserve this?

And then to her great dismay Sano spoke up from behind her, "Hungry jou-chan?"

Kaoru felt the blood drain from her face and then return hot and angry, good god why did he have to still be here! Spinning on him she fisted her hand in an effort to keep from slapping him and leveled a glare on him that if she was lucky would kill him right then and there. She smirked as his face turned deathly pale and then he stuttered, "I-I have to go now... you two have fun." With that he spun around and headed back into the clinic. Steeling herself Kaoru sighed and turned back around. "Himura-san, can we forget these last few minutes happened and try this again?"

Kenshin couldn't help but smile at her obvious distress and the display of what could only be called sibling love. Nodding he reached for her hand again and almost sighed when she didn't pull away, leading her down the alley towards the busy street he asked, "Would you like to get something from here and take it to the park?"

Kaoru's face lit up at the suggestion and she nodded leading him towards a small ramen-ya on the corner of the alley and the busy street beyond. "Matsumoto-san has the best ramen this side of Tokyo, would you like to try some?"

Kenshin stifled the chuckle that tried to escape at her enthusiasm, now this was the Kaoru he remembered and loved. The look of absolute joy on her face lightened his heart and he followed behind her, simply enjoying being this close to her after so many years of separation. "Sounds good, do you have any suggestions?"

The glance she threw over her shoulder had his heart all of a sudden thundering in his chest, grinning she nodded, “His Curry Chicken ramen is hands down the best in all of Tokyo. Would you like to try that one?"

Tongue-tied all Kenshin could do was nod. The smile she flashed him had his heart coming to a dead stop before it came back to life beating even faster than before. Coming to the stand he just watched as she ordered their lunch, doing his level best to get himself back under control. She had no idea what she did to him, kami if this kept up he was going to slip up and he couldn't do that. He couldn't trigger her memories... not yet. She wasn't ready for that and truthfully neither was he.

Kaoru watched the man of her dreams out of the corner of her eye as he stood behind her waiting patiently for their lunch to be made and packed. Taking the chance to really look at him she had to fight down the sudden desire to reach out and touch the dark blue silk shirt peeking out from underneath his jacket, the material shimmering in the sunshine giving her the impression of a gentle breeze blowing across a clear blue lake. Fisting her hand in an effort to keep from embarrassing herself she pulled her attention from his chest and let her eyes wander up to his mane of fiery red hair. Marveling at the way the sunlight danced over the crimson strands she wondered what he would look like with his hair hanging loose instead of pulled back in the low ponytail he always seemed to wear it in.

Startled by the direction her thoughts were wandering her cheeks instantly blazed to life. She started to look away but stopped when all of a sudden his violet gaze caught hers, and she watched as a flicker of something she could only call fear pass quickly though his eyes again. Confused she shifted her attention back to the counter and waited for their meal. That was the second time she'd seen a hint of fear in his eyes. What could he be afraid of?

Shaking her head she shrugged, maybe she was just seeing things. Besides it really wasn't any of her business anyway, what was though was what he'd said last night. Today she planned on getting answers to a few questions that had been nagging her all morning. Like who exactly was he and how did he know her? What did he mean by they're linked forever? How did he manage to invade her dreams? And the biggest one, why was it every time she touched him it was like she was touching her own soul?

"Kamiya-san you're meal is ready."

The sound of Matsumoto-san's voice snapped her out of the questions suddenly swirling in her mind and she shook her head. "Oh.... thank you. How much do we owe you?"

The tall dark-haired man just smiled, "Nothing, the young man behind you already took care of the bill."

"Oh..." Kaoru mumbled grabbing the bag. Ignoring the indulgent smile on Matsumoto-san's face she turned and followed as Shinta led the way to the street. Still ill at ease at the way her thoughts had been wandering she shied away from his hand when he reached for hers again. A ghost of a frown played across his lips before it vanished to be replaced by a sad smile.

"Are you ready Kamiya-san?"

Kaoru nodded and without waiting for him she headed into the early afternoon traffic filling the sidewalk. The aroma of her favorite ramen ruthlessly assaulted her nose and she had to use all of her willpower to prevent her stomach from putting on a repeat performance of its earlier transgression. Granted he probably wouldn't hear it, but still she didn't think she could take that kind of embarrassment again.... at least not today.

Sighting the entrance to the small park just ahead she smiled and turned to glance over her shoulder. She nearly tripped over her own feet when she found Shinta walking right beside her. When did he manage to get so close?

Shaking off her surprise at his nearness she smiled and stepped into the park, "Is there anywhere special you would like to eat lunch?"

Kenshin stopped and gazed around the small park for the first time since Sano had told him it existed. Up until this morning he hadn't even known this little slice of beauty sat here amidst the busy streets of Tokyo. His knowledge of this area was limited to the area around the dojo due to his never staying in Tokyo for more than a couple of days at a time. At first he'd left because Tokyo held too many memories even as it changed and grew over the many years, and then once he'd felt Kaoru's birth he'd only stopped by to refresh himself because he'd never thought she'd be reborn right here. Due to this fact he knew very little of the modern Tokyo surrounding him.

Taking a moment to truly appreciate the sight before him he let his eyes drift over the sakura trees outlining its circular shape, their limbs heavy with sweet smelling blossoms. At the center of the perfectly manicured lawn stood a mid sized koi pond with two bamboo fountains tapping out their hollow tattoo at each end. A few small wooden benches littered the open areas, inviting passersby to stop and rest. The very beauty of the scene was enough to lull one into a feeling of utter contentment.

Spying an empty area underneath the lone sakura tree beside the pond he smiled and motioned towards the lush green lawn beneath, "How about there?"

Kaoru smiled and nodded, heading into the park she bowed to the few people she passed and made her way to their shaded destination. Glancing around she noticed that there were only a few people enjoying the peaceful scene. Sighing she shook her head, most of the time the park remained quiet because it seemed these days everyone was in too much of a rush to simply sit and enjoy this little slice of heaven amidst the busy streets of Tokyo.

Shaking her head she continued on, well at least that left them with ample places to settle. Reaching their destination Kaoru jumped when Shinta came up beside her and laid his jacket on the ground at her feet. Startled she gave him a puzzled look.

"It's for you to sit on. I don't want you to dirty your skirt."

With that he walked past her a few steps and settled down on the lush lawn in front of her. Blushing deeply Kaoru just nodded tongue-tied. Why did this man have to be so perfect? But then again she knew if she were here with Enishi he would have done the same thing. Sobered by the thought she felt the heat die away from her cheeks and she set their lunch down between them. "Thank you," she whispered as she settled down on his jacket and set about unpacking their lunch.

Handing him his bowl of ramen she blushed again as their fingertips brushed against each other, the contact heating her skin. Quickly letting go she avoided his eyes and handed him his set of chopsticks then set about getting her own meal open. Kami what was wrong with her! She was acting like a teenage schoolgirl.

Giving herself a mental shake she scowled at her childishness and dug into the delicious meal resting in her lap. Losing herself in the flavor she had to smile, it had been so long since she'd had Matsumoto-san's ramen. Thanks to Enishi and his watchdogs she usually just stayed at the clinic to avoid having to see them anymore than she had to. Hopefully Sano's idea worked and they wouldn't realize she'd left. She knew if they happened to find her gone things could get very ugly when Enishi came back. A small knot of fear tightened in her gut at the thought and she fought against the urge to rise and go right back to the clinic. Taking a deep breath she unknotted her belly and went back to eating. If she kept this up she was going to make herself sick, Enishi or no Enishi she had every right to do as she pleased just like everyone else. No matter what he said he didn't own her, not now or ever.

Kenshin ate in silence as he watched Kaoru intrigued by all the emotions passing across her downcast face. She really was almost exactly the same as she had been so long ago. Smiling to himself he stifled a sigh of contentment. To be honest that one question had haunted him down through the decades... would she still be the same Kaoru he loved? Today had proven that she was indeed still the same Kaoru he knew and loved. She still had her fiery temper and she still wore her emotions on her shirtsleeve. He did have to admit though that it hurt to be this close to her and yet know she didn't know him, at least not the real him.

Shifting his attention back to his bowl a glimmer caught his eye and he glanced at the ring twinkling on Kaoru's ring finger. His stomach knotted at the sight, there was the proof that he still had a long way to go before she was his again. It still sickened him to think Enishi touched her with the hands that had so coldly stolen her previous life. Shoving the thought from his mind he shifted his attention to the delicious smelling ramen in his lap, doing his best to keep his voice neutral he asked, "When is the wedding Kamiya-san?"

A strangled choke met his question and he snapped his head up. Surprised by the look painted on Kaoru's face and the deathly pale tinge to her skin he pasted on the most benign smile he could and tried to put her at ease again, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

"N-no it's ok....." Kaoru muttered trying to pull herself back together. What was she supposed to say to that? Twirling the ring around her finger she scowled to herself. She should have taken the damn thing off, now he thought she and Enishi were going to be married. Frowning she stifled a sigh, well everyone else did why not him too. Taking a deep breath she met his eyes and smiled, "We haven't settled on a date yet. He's giving me the room I need to decide when I'm ready." Kaoru almost laughed at herself. When had she become such a talented liar?

"Ah.. I see," Kenshin whispered not quite believing her. The haunted look in her eyes called her lie. Watching as she shifted her attention to her meal in an effort to end the conversation he allowed her the respite and shifted his own back to lunch. Well at least he now knew she wasn't as happy with Enishi as he'd feared. Smiling at the thought he gave his undivided attention to the delicious ramen in his lap and let the calming rhythm of the bamboo fountains chase away the lingering doubts in his mind.

"Himura-san why did you buy that painting?"

Kenshin cringed at the formal use of his name, the honorific sounding alien especially from her lips. "Kaoru please don't call me that, my name is..."and then he stopped shocked by what he'd just done.

Startled at the familiar way he'd said her name Kaoru just stared at him as something stirred deep inside of her. It felt as if she'd been waiting a hundred years to hear her name uttered from his lips. Blushing at the thought she almost laughed when a look of horror suddenly slid across his features. Must be he didn't mean to call her by name but she had to admit the blush lighting up his cheeks was very handsome. Chuckling she decided to ease his pain, "Alright I'll call you Shinta as long as you call me Kaoru. Deal?"

"Deal." Kenshin said with a smile stifling the sigh that tried to escape. Turning his attention back to his lunch he scowled, another slip like that could cause him serious problems if he wasn't careful.

Kaoru smiled and turned her attention to finishing off her noodles as he dropped eyes to his meal. Watching him out of the corner of her eye she asked her question again, "Shinta...why did you buy that portrait?"

Kenshin nearly choked on his last mouthful of his noodles. Swallowing he sighed and set the empty bowl down beside him, damn, he'd hoped she'd forgotten about that. When he'd decided to buy that painting it hadn't occurred to him that she would likely find out it was him who bought it. Taking a deep breath he met her curious sapphire gaze and sighed, "I guess I wanted it because it looks a lot like me." Shifting his attention to the koi swimming lazily among the reeds he waited to see what she'd have to say about that. He knew this was only the beginning, he almost regretted all he'd said to her last night. More than likely he had just managed to confuse her more and unfortunately there was very little he could say if she questioned him about it.

"Oh... I guess it does." Kaoru whispered knowing full well it did because it was him, at least in a way. Tilting her head sideways she gazed at his profile as his words from last night rang in her ears again. "Shinta...what did you mean when you said we are linked forever?"

Kenshin closed his eyes and sighed. He should have kept his mouth shut last night. Taking a deep breath he decided it was time to jump of the cliff, she would either think he was insane or humor him, either way this was the only way he knew to answer this question without the risk of awakening her memories. Turning his attention back to her his heart squeezed at the clear confusion in her eyes, "Do you believe in reincarnation Kaoru?"

Kaoru just gazed at him startled by the question, "I guess, I never really thought about it. Why?"

Kenshin gave her a sad smile and shifted his attention back to the pond, "It is said that if two people love each other enough in one life they will be drawn to each other repeatedly throughout time. Each time they are born into the world they would be forever drawn to one other." As the words fell from his lips he suddenly saw the truth. Was that how he'd found her? Could it be that simple?

Kaoru just continued to stare at him trying to understand the meaning of what he'd just said and then it all clicked together and she gazed at him surprised. "Do you mean that you believe we were together in a previous life and we have been brought together by some force because of it?"

Kenshin nodded never taking his eyes from the pond. He didn't want to see the disbelief in her eyes, he didn't think he could take that, not now. He was startled when he heard Kaoru whisper, "It couldn't be that easy could it?" Swinging his head around he just stared at her. He nearly laughed at the blush that instantly blossomed on her cheeks.

Kaoru felt her face heat up suddenly. Did she just say that out loud? By the look on Shinta's face she must have. Embarrassed she ducked her head but not before she saw the look of hope cross his features. Did he really believe that? Shaking her head she secretly smiled, well if that was true then at least she knew she wasn't going insane.

Taking a deep breath Kaoru did her best to get herself back together. Well he'd definitely given her something to think about. Glancing at her watch her stomach suddenly knotted into a tight knot, how could it have gotten so late! She was supposed to have been back to the clinic a half an hour ago. Jumping to her feet she reached down and retrieved Shinta's jacket from the ground, thrusting it at him she bowed, "I'm sorry but I have to get back to the clinic. Thank you very much for lunch."

Not waiting for an answer Kaoru spun on her heel and started heading towards the park entrance, she shouldn't have been gone so long. The longer she was gone the more likely it was that Hei Shin or one of his lackeys would find her missing. She was startled when a firm grip suddenly wrapped around her wrist pulling her to a halt only steps away from the entrance.

"Can we do this again sometime Kaoru?"

Her heart came to a stop as his voice hit her dead in the chest, glancing over her shoulder she smiled and turned, "Y..yes. I would like to very much." Suddenly shy she shifted her gaze to the ground all her attention fixed on the wrist he held, the heat she'd come to expect at his touch flooding through her entire body.

"Would tomorrow be alright?" Kenshin asked stifling the sigh of relief tickling the back of his throat.

Surprised Kaoru looked back up at him, "Tomorrow?... I ... I guess that would be alright.... but don't come to the clinic. I'll meet you here ok?"

Kenshin nodded fully understanding, without thinking he leaned in and brushed his lips gently against the smooth skin of her forehead. Surprised by his brazenness he leaned back and whispered, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean -"

Kaoru blushed and smiled, "It's ok... so I guess we'll see each other tomorrow."

Kenshin nodded releasing her wrist, taking her hand he lead her the last few steps to the entrance. Reluctantly he let her hand drop from his, "I guess this is goodbye... at least until tomorrow."

Kaoru nodded, "Until tomorrow." With that she turned and started making her way up the busy sidewalk back towards the clinic. Casting a glance over shoulder she watched as he vanished into the crowd going in the opposite direction. Shifting her attention back in front of her she suddenly came to a halt when she almost crashed into one of the twins who stood only inches before her, his attention fixed over her head. And then she heard Hei Shin's voice sound from behind her.

"Did you have a nice lunch Kamiya-san?"

Kaoru felt the blood drain from her face, she didn't even need to see him to know that he knew. Somehow the little weasel had found out. Suddenly sick to her stomach she slowly turned around and glared into the knowing look leveled on her, "It's really none of your business."

"Ah but it is Kamiya-san. Everything you do is my business, at least until Enishi returns. I'm sure he will be very upset to find you having lunch with a stranger again."

A sudden surge of anger exploded in her veins at the veiled threat. Striding up to him she stared him dead in the eye and growled, "It's none of his goddamned business what I do with my time. He can go to hell for all I care." With that she spun on her heel and headed back to the clinic ignoring the fact that she now was flanked by the two brutes.

Weaving her way through the tight crowd flowing both ways along the sidewalk her anger slowly fell away under an icy fear as the full implications of what had just happened hit her, the knot in her gut tightening even more. What had she done? Because of this little excursion she'd just done the one thing she hadn't wanted to do. She'd set Enishi on Shinta. Fighting back the tears burning her eyes she fisted her hand, the pain of her nails biting into her flesh welcome.

She would not let Enishi kill him, she would rather die then let that bastard kill anyone because of his obsession. She had one week to find some way to keep him from targeting Himura-san.

One week that was going to go too fast.

oooooooooooooooooo

*evil smirk* Didn't think I was going to make it easy for her did you? I'll try to get the next chapter out to soon but again summer is finally here so it may take just a bit longer.

Please review and let me know what you think.