#Rahmakapala's drabbles

[drabblers]

Three months late

Prompt: Mystique Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting:  Modern AU, Actors. This is part two continuation for the one-shot: “A Comedy of Romance.” The last part was “Goodbyes aren’t always final“. Characters: Kenshin Himura, Kaoru Kamiya, Misao Makimachi  Word count: 3307

<…and if you would like to see more about my interpretation of the character, I would be pleased to do also demos from other scenes. Looking forward to hearing back from you. Respectfully yours, Kamiya Kaoru.>

Kaoru frowned at the email she had written, gnawing on her bottom lip thoughtfully. No, it was as good as it could get, she decided and pressed send. The email left, leaving her to stare at her depressingly empty inbox. Twenty-two applications send, only two replies – and both of them nicely worded versions of “sorry, not interested.”

It sucked to be an actress between jobs, with no good prospects waiting.

True, it was the same for all the starting actors and yes, she knew the industry was extremely competitive. But still, if she just got a chance, a real chance to play a significant role in an action movie… She sighed deeply. Sometimes her dream just felt too distant. Unreachable. Like a mission impossible. But Kenshin had told her that she just had to keep trying and to differentiate herself from her competition the best she could. For example, when she had an option to choose scenes to do a demo for, she should select ones that suited her strengths instead of going for the popular choices.

The thought of Kenshin drove her to check her mailbox’s spam folder, just out of habit. Ads for sunglasses, bags, online shop adds, and nothing else. Just typical.

It had been twelve weeks since the last shooting day party, since that night with Kenshin… since he had left for the Gobi desert. She hadn’t heard anything from him since then. No phone call. No email. No message. Nothing. His shoots for his next movie had supposed to take six to eight weeks, but now… it had been three months. Had she just dreamed that night? Maybe she had been too drunk and just come up with this elaborate make-believe memory and fooled herself into believing that Himura Kenshin had asked her to date him?

Or maybe, there was no self-deceit or mystique to it at all and it was like Misao said, that her co-actor had just made promises to get into her pants and after he had succeeded, he had fucked off to his merry ways and left her reeling.

She shook her head.

No, Kenshin wouldn’t do that. He was not the sleazy type, thank you very much. Which she had tried to explain to Misao as well – but given that her secrecy contract forbid her from mentioning Kenshin’s name until it was officially announced – her explanations had fallen on flat ears.

Kaoru groaned to her hands. She was frustrated and angry at herself, at Misao and most of all – at Kenshin. Why hadn’t he contacted her? It was the Gobi desert, not Mars! They had some form of communication down there, hadn’t they? Even if they didn’t have reliable phone lines or internet, there had to be old-fashioned snail mail or a courier or... something? Surely, If he wanted to, he had to have some way of contacting her?

…If he wanted to.

Gods, that was the one thing the devil on her shoulder kept whispering her. That she had understood the whole dating thing wrong and it was like Misao claimed, that he had just wanted one night’s fun.

No. Nope. She slapped her cheek, as if to drive away the poisonous thought, and rose, heading to her kitchen. Misao should be coming back any minute now and she had promised to cook tonight. Nothing fancy. Just something simple even a kitchen disaster like her could throw on a frying pan and call it dinner.

She lived in a two bedroom apartment in downtown Tokyo with her roommate since University days, Misao Makimachi. It was a useful arrangement for both of them. After all, freelance reporters and actresses shared the same problem: they got paid per project basis.

Kaoru had just gotten the frozen dinner on a pan when out of a sudden, the doorbell rang.

“Wait a minute!” Kaoru yelled, dumping tofu and frozen vegetables on a pan and setting to heat to hot. It should take several minutes to warm up anyways. She huffed, sweeping her hair aside and looked down at her comfortable pajamas. She had not bothered to dress up for the day, after all, it wasn’t like she was going anywhere. Should she change clothes to answer the door? Nah, no need. It was just Misao.

The doorbell rang again.

Kaoru growled. Seriously! Was Misao carrying something large, or just being lazy that she was not using her own keys to open the door?

She pulled the door open, about to say something rude but the words died on her tongue and she blanched in realization…

...and slammed the door shut right in front of his face.

———————————————–

“Oro?” Kenshin blurted, too stunned for more cohere words.

Something slammed against the door with a thud. Her back? Then, her shaky inhale echoed in the silence.

Kenshin lowered his hand and wetted his lips. “Miss Kaoru…?”

“Why didn’t you send a message?” She asked softly. “Even a letter? You had to have some form of communication available, even down there in the middle of nowhere.”

“I… I, ah… Um, one is sorry, that he is.”

“Sorry…?” She asked, taking a pointed pause. “I waited for you. Week, four weeks… twelve weeks and nothing.”

There was hurt in her tone: bewilderment, pain… but also anger. Kenshin squeezed his hands to a tight fist. God dammit! He should have known that man couldn’t keep things professional between them.

He took an inhale, finally gathering himself enough to speak. “This one did send you messages. Every day, in fact. But it seems that they got lost in transit, that they did. This one is sorry, that he is. Miss Kaoru – please, forgive this one.”

Clothes rustled, and something hit the door – her fist? No, her forehead?

He heard her drawn breath. “What happened?” She asked, her voice wavering only a little. “If what you say is true, how can you lose over a  hundred messages?”

“That’s… Um, it’s a long story. A very personal story, that it is.” Kenshin cringed. “But in essence, this one’s interpreter… well, Enishi has a reason for being angry with this one, but this one honestly assumed that he could put his feelings aside and maintain a professional relationship.”

“…your interpreter?”

“Err, yes,” Kenshin said. “This one doesn’t speak Chinese – more than few words, that is – and whenever one does movies with Chinese one needs help with the language.”

The lock twisted, and she opened the door.

He stared at her, drinking in every detail of her. Her hair was in a messy bun, and she was wearing her pajamas and under her eyes, she had dark spots, like she had been trouble sleeping. Yet, despite everything, she looked like home and something in his chest ached. He wanted nothing more than to pull her close and tell her how he had missed her.

“Let me get this straight,” she started, gnawing on her bottom lip. “Your interpreter had a grudge against you? And he took it out by not sending your messages? Did the guy never want to have work in the industry or what?”

“Um, that’s… well, most likely he knew this one wouldn’t rat on him.” Kenshin hazarded, “As this one said, Enishi has a good reason for his anger, that he has. You see, this one, well, one was, but...” He stopped abruptly and looked aside, clearly trying to find the words but failing miserably.

She blinked slowly. “Um…”

Instead of continuing his stammering, Kenshin shook his head and dug into his shoulder bag and pulled out a stack of letters with a huge red stamp with Japanese text for "Return to sender" on them. “This one picked these up at the mail office in China. See the address?”

She took the stack gingerly, turning the unopened stack of letters in her hands. “That’s my name but… what the hell?”

“Enishi did send the letters as this one instructed him to, that he did. He just misspelled the address and when the letters did not reach a proper destination, they were returned to China – and given the distances, this one only found out about this last week, that one did. Note how small the error is?”

“Are you sure it was deliberate?” She asked. “I mean, even to me – it looks like a human error.”

Kenshin exhaled, relieved that she seemed to believe him. “I… Well, could this one come in?” He asked, glancing over his shoulder where a neighbor was peeking from the doorway. “One will tell you, but as it relates to personal history, one would prefer to keep it between the two of us, that he would.”

Miss Kaoru followed his gaze and blanched. “Err, yes – of course.”

She opened the door, wordlessly inviting him in… into an apartment with visible puffs of smoke floating around.

Kenshin stared. “Um-“

Which was, of course, the moment when the fire alarm blared to life, filling the apartment with ear-splitting beeping.

“Oh fuck.” Miss Kaoru said, pressing her hands to her ears. “Wait here!”

And she ran off to where the smoke was coming from.

Too curious to his own good, Kenshin followed her to – kitchen? Miss Kaoru had pushed a frying pan onto the kitchen sink with its contents and all and was staring at the fire alarm fixated to her ceiling like she wanted to smash it to pieces.

No wonder why, like him – she was on the shorter side and the kitchen did not have a convenient a ladder or step-stool. Well, not a stool most people would use to reach high places.

Kenshin grinned and without a second thought, grabbed a chair from next to her small dining table, stepped on its seat, tilted it on two legs and climbed to stand on the backrest, balancing it while reaching to the offending fire alarm.

And there!

Blessed silence.

Miss Kaoru stared up at him, her mouth falling open. “So you really do your own stunts—“

Kenshin covered his mouth with his hand, but couldn’t quite contain his snort in time.

She pouted at him.

And then he really couldn’t help it, but burst into laughter. Gods, her expression! He knew it wasn’t polite – no, it was downright rude but she had an unparalleled ability to make him laugh and forget his worries and stress. It was amazing. Just for that, he would have fallen in love with her…

“Mou! It’s not that funny,” she grumbled. “And get down here before you fall down, break your neck and force me to cart you down to hospital.”

“Sorry,” He straightened and jumped down. “It just seemed to be the fastest way to solve the problem, that it was.”

“I was not complaining.” She grumbled, turning to the offending attempt at dinner.

“Kaoru…”

———————————————————

His voice was soft, gentle when he whispered those syllables. He always said: Miss. He had never called her by her bare name. A shiver raced down her spine and something fluttered at the pit of her belly.

She didn’t turn around. Because if she did… she wasn’t sure what she would do.

Footsteps behind her, and then he stopped, close enough that his breath tingled at her neck. “I… This one missed you.”

She swallowed. “I missed you too.”

He laid his chin on her shoulder, resting his arms around her waist. Not forceful. He was simply there. Warm. Solid. And there. For her. She inhaled deeply, turned around in his embrace and asked, “are we still dating?”

“I… This one…” He frowned. “Aren’t we?” He finally asked. “One means, if you don’t want to…”

“I do!” She hurried to assure him. “I want to. I just, it happened so soon an then I didn’t hear anything from you-“

“One is sorry about that, but there was-“

“I believe you,” Kaoru hurried to interrupt him. “I know you said the whole thing with messages and interpreter spiraled out of your control and I want to know all about it, but before that… I just, are you sure that you want to date? With me?”

He blinked slowly. “Why wouldn’t one want to date with you?”

She looked aside, gnawing on her bottom lip. “It’s, well, you are you and I am…“ She waved her hand, directing his gaze to take note of the apartment’s small kitchen and all signs of student lifestyle style therein. The difference to the standards he was used to had to be obvious. After all, even when discounting the fact that he was a celebrity, he was exceedingly well of man and she… she was just a rookie actress starting in her career with a whole bunch of student loans to pay for.

He took his time studying her apartment from his spot, still holding her in his embrace. Finally, he noted out loud, “It’s homely, that it is. A lot cozier than the apartment this one used to live when he was just starting out, that it is.” He smiled at her, a hint of mischief sparkling in the corner of his eye. “Did you know, this one afforded to purchase a futon only after the Legend of Hitokiri Battousai was published and started breaking the box office records? Before that, one used to sleep curled against the wall.”

“…huh?” Kaoru gaped. “You mean…”

He shrugged. “This one knows very well how difficult it is to start out in this career, that he does.” He drew his arms a little tighter around her and looked at her seriously. “One knows how very proud and self-reliant you are, that one does. But if you ever feel that you could accept introductions or some other assistance one could offer…”

“No!” She yelped. “No, I’m fine. Thanks for offering though.” She mumbled, feeling the heat to rise to her cheeks. Gods, did he think she was asking for help? She wasn’t about to take advantage of him! “I was just…” She paused, and thought through what she had been about to ask which really came down to the question: are you sure that am I good enough for you? And suddenly, she felt very stupid. “It’s nothing”. She mumbled, pressing her face into his shoulder.

The whole time she had known him, Kenshin had been very consistent in his appreciation of her. His glances at her, his constant smiles, the way he always took her questions and concerns seriously and offered any help he could… No, even if she had no idea why he had decided to like her, it was obvious that he did enjoy her company.

“Kaoru…” He hesitated. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes,” She mumbled. “I just feel stupid, that’s all.”

He huffed fondly, stroking her cheek, wordlessly asking her to look up. “You are amazing.” He smiled. “You are funny, charismatic and if one could, one would never again leave your side.”

That last line! Only he could repeat his character’s line at her like they hadn’t spoken those words to each other in front of cameras and five dozen people three months ago!

She grinned, and replied her part, “Then stay.” And rose on tiptoes to kiss him.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back, drawing her to his embrace like they had never parted. They kissed and kissed each other again…

“Kaoru, you are never gonna believe this, but the neighbor’s old lady said she saw…“ A female voice called out, only to turn to a shriek: “Oh my god.”

A shopping bag dropped to the floor.

Kaoru froze and turned to look at her roommate staring at them. Blushing, Kaoru untangled herself from Kenshin’s embrace and swallowed, “Um… Hi, Misao-chan.”

“Kaoru, you…” Her roommate stared. “That’s…”

Kenshin rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Um... Hi, I don’t believe that Miss Kaoru has mentioned me.” He smiled awkwardly, stepped closer to Misao and offered his hand for a handshake, “I am Kaoru’s colleague, Himura Kenshin, that I am. It’s nice to meet you.”

Misao took his hand and shook it. “Uh, Misao. Makimachi. I have heard quite a bit about you.”

“You have?” Kenshin asked, guileless.

“Uh huh.” Misao nodded, her eyes lighting up with unholy glee. “But more importantly, what was with that kiss? Do you kiss all your colleagues like that?”

Kaoru felt like face-palming. “Misao…”

“Hey, hey,” Misao protested. “It’s a valid question! A girl’s gotta know these things.”

Kenshin stiffened. “Uh… No. That’s not the case, that it isn’t.”

“Then, what’s with the kiss?” Misao’s smile had teeth. “Because if you step in Kaoru’s life just when it suits you and end up hurting my friend…”

Kenshin looked at Kaoru, a question in his eyes. Clearly, he wasn’t about to say anything if she wasn’t okay with it.

Kaoru’s heart melted. She smiled, and stepped to his side and wrapped an arm around his waist. “We are dating.” She said to her friend. “It’s a little bit sensitive information, so please could you keep it to yourself?”

Misao blinked. “Okay, if you say so… but, uh, what about the three-month long disappearing act? Weren’t you angry about that?”

Now Kaoru did cover her eyes and groaned into her palm. How often had she talked, ranted and whined about her mysterious colleague that had left of to shoot his film in China during the last three months to Misao? She couldn’t even venture a guess. “Yes I was, but there was a bit of trouble with the interpreter and...” She trailed off, noting how tense Kenshin seemed to be. Hadn’t he said it was private? Given his habit of understating things, it really had to be something he wasn't comfortable at speaking about. She looked at Kenshin and said decisively, “It’s all fine now.”

He shot her a relieved little smile that spoke more than a thousand words.

She had made the right choice then. She exhaled in relief, spun around and grabbed her phone from the kitchen counter. “But before that, perhaps we could order something to eat?”

Misao glanced at the kitchen sink. “Don’t tell me you burned the dinner again.”

“This time it wasn’t my fault!” Kaoru protested, holding out her phone. “Is Chinese fine for everyone?” She froze, realizing the faux pas as soon as she said it. He has just been three months in China. He had to be sick and tired of Chinese after that.

Kenshin grinned sheepishly. “Or perhaps this one could cook?” He volunteered. “You seemed to have planned on having a homemade meal tonight.”

Kaoru’s stare turned to shock.

Even Misao boggled. “You cook…?”

“Sure,” Kenshin quipped back and leaned down to gather the groceries Misao had dropped to the floor.

“Kenshin…” Kaoru hesitated.

“It’s fine.” He smiled at her. “This one enjoys cooking. It’s one of his hobbies even to this day, that it is. Besides, one did interrupt your cooking rather badly, that one did...”

"That's..." Kaoru cringed.

"Please, Miss Kaoru." Kenshin smiled at her. "Let this one do this small thing for you."

What could she say to that? Wordless, Kaoru nodded at him.

In silence, She and Misao settled down to sit around the dinner table and stare the spectacle of international action mega-star, Himura Kenshin unpacking Misao's groceries with quiet efficiency, and them rummaging through their fridge, pantry, and freezer for supplies to cook a dinner for them.

It was quite obvious that he knew what he was doing.

Kaoru gnawed on her bottom lip in silence, and Misao leaned over to whisper to her ear. “Forget everything I said and hold to him for your life. You and him... It's obviously a match made in heaven.”

AN: Happy new year!

[chierafied]

WIP Tag Reprise (Drabblers)

What goes around comes around. 😂

Since @tenshibeth1 tagged our @drabblers project for the WIP sharing meme and I believe @rahmakapala ‘s WIPs currently reside only in her vast and wonderful imagination, have this opening bit for the next upcoming drabble that I just wrote down like 5 minutes ago. 😂😂😂

Lily slanted a glance at the fit bloke next to her as the train left the station.

Even though she saw him sitting there, could brush against that broad shoulder if she leaned just a little bit closer, could feel the heat radiating off his tall, leanly muscled body… A part of her still didn’t quite believe she’d had the nerve to accost a perfect stranger on the street and told him she needed him to be her boyfriend.

And that the perfect stranger had agreed, without any apparent hesitation.

In other words, I’m writing a continuation for my earlier Jily Drabble Plan B, so stay tuned! 😉

[drabblers]

Trial and error

Prompt: Foliage Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Time travel AU, Second chances 4, continues “Something familiar”. Characters: Kaoru Kamiya, Kenshin Himura Word count: 994

Rows and rows of swords lined the wall, simple black lacquered scabbards alongside beautifully decorated pieces made from wood, lacquered metal; even an array of cheaper, but fairly authentic-looking plastics.

Kaoru’s inner geek was swooning at the sight.

Kenshin, on the other hand, looked at the display with the most peculiar expression. Awe tinted with revulsion – no. Disgust?

Why would a real honest-to-god swordsman from Bakumatsu look at such a nicely crafted array of swords with disgust? Kaoru blinked, thoroughly baffled.

She had brought Kenshin to this bladed weaponry-shop because she had thought – well, he had sounded so distressed last night, confessing he couldn’t sleep without a weapon at hand. Given how tightly wound up he was, how he seemed to just bottle up all his worries and distress, she had to do something to help him relax. After all, though it explained how he’d become a legendary assassin, bottling things up wasn’t the healthiest coping mechanism.

But now... it seemed that she had read the situation wrong. Or had she?

“What’s wrong?”

“Oro?” Kenshin startled, turning to look at her. “Nothing’s wrong, that it isn’t.”

“You are looking at those swords… a bit oddly,” Kaoru said. “You do realize that no one uses them anymore? People buy them for decoration or for non-contact sports, like iaido. Even kendo is fought only with bokken or shinai.”

“Ah." He inclined his head, appearing thoughtful. "So these things, they are only what they were made to be: a remnant. A flicker of past left behind, distorted and remade to fit these strange times.”

“Um, yeah…" Kaoru hesitated, glancing at the salesperson frowning at them. Had they overheard? Hopefully not. "I get what you are saying, I do. But, uh – your sleeping issues. Wouldn’t a sword help?’

"Is that why you brought us here, that you did?”

“Yes,” Kaoru said, matter-of-fact. “You said you have carried a sword your whole life. So wouldn’t it help if we were to buy one? If not one of these remakes, we could always look into getting a real antique...”

“That won’t be necessary."

"Are you sure?”

Kenshin glanced at the display once more, sighed and said, “yes, this one is sure.”

“Okay...” Kaoru agreed, not entirely convinced. As they left the store, she couldn’t help but feel that there were things left unsaid. An undercurrent… of something heavy and bitter. Regrets? Something like that, maybe.

They were just crossing the store's front yard, when Kaoru spotted movement in the bushes shading the store from the street view. She tensed, her hand going to her gun on reflex. Was someone following them? A threat?

“What is it?” Kenshin asked quietly.

Kaoru motioned ‘quiet’ with her hand and stalked forward, circling the foliage… only to see nothing but a few ordinary passersby on the street: an elderly couple and a short teenager walking away from them, long braided ponytail trailing behind her and a camera bag on her shoulder.

Kaoru straightened, feeling a little bit foolish. What had she expected? Corporate espionage? Or paparazzi? No one should know about Kenshin. Her employer had made sure of that.

“Sorry, about that. I thought I saw something, but –”

Her phone buzzed with an email alert.

Kaoru pulled her phone out of her jacket pocket. A new message, from… what the hell?

< A sword is the last thing Kenshin needs. It would be better not to tempt him with one.

To help him to acclimate to a normal life, encourage him to focus on things what any normal youth needs to establish their lives. I’d recommend you to start with Yoyogi private school. They offer remedial classes for anyone who wants to catch up with normal college educational standards.>

Kaoru’s frown grew deeper at the familiar name. Her brother Yahiko was attending that school. A coincidence? Yeah, right. And worse, the timing of that message... the only way that would make sense was if her employer was having them followed.

“What's wrong, Miss Kaoru?”

Kaoru started, only to notice her client looking at her with obvious concern. “Nothing! It’s just… um,” she glanced down, at the expandable baton he was holding. “I guess that's the reason you didn't want a sword?"

Kenshin paused, but finally explained, “It's... um, before this one passed away, one carried a sakabatou – a sword with its blade made backward. It was made by a man who had seen the death his creations had caused and he gifted it to this one, to remind this one of his oath, to never kill again.”

“I see.” Kaoru couldn’t help a fond smile. “No wonder none of those sword replicas would do. Though I’ve got to say, your dislike was fairly obvious.”

“Oro!” Kenshin protested.

“It’s fine, no harm done. I guess the baton will do for now? As a way of helping you to sleep, I mean. That’s why we came here in the first place,” She clarified, in case someone was still listening.

Somewhat mollified, Kenshin nodded – but his eyes held a question.

Kaoru bit her lip, and shook her head, hoping to stall his questions. Knowing his background, learning that they were being followed would upset him far more than it did her. And although keeping it a secret grated on her conscience, the fact was that he was her job, nothing more.

A job that paid for her family's legacy, that supported her brother's schooling...

And she couldn’t allow herself to forget it. Even if she felt for him; for suddenly being forced into an entirely new era, with way too many interested parties following his every step.

It took a few hours of mulling over it, before Kaoru finally managed to push aside her personal feelings and asked her client, “Would you be interested in going back to school? You know, reading, writing, maths – getting the ordinary education that any normal kid would go through in order to get a profession.”

[drabblers]

Something familiar

Prompt: Rock paper scissors Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Time travel AU, Second chances 3, continues “The job”. Characters: Kaoru Kamiya, Kenshin Himura Word count: 1000 

It had been a long day.

Everything around him was different, from places to buildings and people; even how everyone interacted with each other. Everything. And while Kenshin knew why, it wasn’t any less exhausting to take in all the changes and trying to fit them into his severely shaken up worldview.

Honestly, at this stage, Kenshin just wanted to find a moderately safe place where he could sit against the wall and close his eyes, just for a moment.

Unfortunately, even that wasn’t so simple.

“Please, Miss Kaoru – ordinary housing is fine. Something most people would stay in for a night. This one doesn’t need anything special, that one doesn’t.”

“But a traditional ryokan would be–”

Kenshin raised his hand. “Please.”

“I get where you are coming from, I do.” Miss Kaoru gnawed on her bottom lip. “But you know, living in Tokyo is not cheap and my employer, err – well, they said anything goes.” She held up a golden card of some sort. “And it’s not every day that you have been given access to unlimited funds.”

At that, even Kenshin paused. “…Unlimited? Do you mean like the daimyo’s funds, or–”

“Well, more money that you and I could comfortably spend, even if we tried,” Kaoru corrected with haste. “And no, I can’t tell anything about my employer. Anyways, that’s not the point. What I’m trying to say is, you can have the good stuff – if you just say the word.”

Kenshin sighed. “And you think this one should just take it? Miss Kaoru, no one hands out money like that without expecting something in return.”

“Most people wouldn’t, no.” Miss Kaoru hesitated. “Kenshin, you are tired. Do you really want to spend your evening trying to learn how modern appliances work when you could have something you’d be a bit more familiar with?”

“That word, a modern appliance… what does it mean?”

“Household technology, like for cooking, storing food, light, warmth and so on.” Miss Kaoru gave him a pointed look. “Ordinary people use a lot of technology to make their lives easier.”

Kenshin felt heat rise to his cheeks. “Um, well–”

“How about we solve this with a game?” Miss Kaoru suggested, raising her hand to a pose for a… ah! At last, something he recognized!

“Okay.” Kenshin agreed, relieved to finally see something familiar.

“Ready?” Kaoru grinned, and prepared… “Rock-paper-scissors!”

Kenshin stared at the strange symbol her hand created, the symbol of kitsune he had picked… And felt once again like the rural country boy facing city folk. He blushed. “Um, that symbol – what does it stand for?”

“It’s the scissors,” Miss Kaoru said, just as flustered as he. “But that…”

“This is kitsune.” Kenshin grimaced. “It’s from… uh, well, an another version of the game, one that was popular in the south-west, that it was. But do scissors win paper, in your version of the game? And paper wins rock?

“Yes.”

“Then you won,” Kenshin explained, looking aside. “Headman stands for rock, powerful but easily blinded by kitsune. Kitsune is a crafty illusionist, but weak against the hunter, just like paper cannot defend against knife or scissors, that it can’t.”

“Oh, I see.” Miss Kaoru paused. “Um, thanks for explaining. But, uh – does this mean you are okay with me picking a place for us to stay tonight?

Kenshin let out a resigned sigh. “Those were the terms of our wager, that they were.”

“Right.” Miss Kaoru swallowed. “Um, follow me then – I know just the place.”

The place she had picked for them…

Well, after enduring a day of nothing but bizarre and strange things, Kenshin had no expectations left. But from the simplistic wooden decor, the innkeeper coming to greet them at the doorway, the Geiko entertaining guests in the common room, the blessedly normal food, the furo he bathed in… even the simple tatami-matted room with a soft futon reserved for him, the ryokan Miss Kaoru had chosen for them to stay for the night was pretty close to any normal inn he had stayed in during his long years in Kyoto.

Eerie, but strangely comforting. It meant that not everything of his country, of his people and culture was lost, replaced by shiny technology or western influences.

Unfortunately, Miss Kaoru had no trouble reading his relief at the notion. Had he become so shaken, that he couldn’t even keep his thoughts private?

Or perhaps, was she just that good at her job?

She had stepped in a few times earlier, when people – well, mostly young women – had pointed their strange handheld metallic mirrors at Kenshin and begged him for a selfie, whatever that was. Apparently, they thought he was an idol of some sort.

How anyone could ever think him a religious figure, he couldn’t understand.

Was it because of his hair again? If so, then that just figured. Kenshin sighed deeply, and closed his eyes, trying to relax.

Easier said than done.

Despite his exhaustion, his right hand's fingers tapped against his left forearm, seeking something solid to hold to. A sword.

Kenshin all but groaned in frustration.

“Can’t sleep?” A soft voice whispered through the shoji.

“If this one catches any sleep, it will be a miracle at this rate,” Kenshin admitted, too tired to argue.

“What wrong?”

“Nothing,” Kenshin said softly. “Except that for most of his life, this one has had a sword at reach every night and now… one has not.”

“…I see.” Miss Kaoru’s voice grew quiet. Then, clothes rustled and shoji door between their rooms opened a handspan. “I can’t give you my gun, but… will this do?”

It was a metallic stick that extended to be a bit longer than his forearm. Kenshin stared at it, his pulse thundering in his ears.

She had given him a weapon.

Did this mean she was not his warden? But if she wasn’t… then what was she?

“Kenshin…?”

“Ah,” Kenshin swallowed. “It’s… good. Thank you, Miss Kaoru.”

Continues in: “Trial and error.”

AN: The version of the rock-paper-scissors that Kenshin played was “kitsune-ken” and yes, it was a real thing. Couldn’t resist. ;)

Also, the weapon Kaoru gave Kenshin was an expandable Baton. It’s a weapon usually used by police, and typically it’s illegal for a civilian to carry it, because it can give crippling injuries.

It’s also very handy, folds into small shape (can be carried for example in an ankle holder) and you can parry against blades with it. 

In short, it can be a convenient, modern day equivalent of the sakabatou. ;)

If you wanna see a cool fight scene of an expendable baton being used against a wakizashi, watch this: https://youtu.be/_H-3NKj8yO8?t=32

[drabblers]

The job

Prompt: Rain check Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Time travel AU, Second chances 2, continues “Awakening”. Characters: Kaoru Kamiya, Kenshin Himura  Word count: 998 

“Nothing beats a good lunch after a shopping spree,” Kaoru declared, snapped her chopsticks apart and dug into her ramen with gusto.

Across from her, her client Himura-san – or as she had quickly dubbed him, Kenshin – followed her example with a more sedate pace. His gaze lingered on every detail; the meal in front of him, the table they were sitting at and the restaurant they were in as if he was seeing it all for the first time in his life.

Well, he kinda is – coming from the 19th century and stuff, Kaoru hastily reminded herself, and focused on her own meal, hoping to give him space. As it was, he was short and slender enough without having any eating problems and most likely, modern cuisine differed wildly from the food he was used to.

Honestly, she probably should’ve taken him to some traditional ryokan for lunch, but when she had asked what he wanted, he had asked for whatever common people ate.

And frankly, Kaoru hadn’t been able to come up with anything more ordinary than ramen, so here they were…

“What do you think?” Kaoru asked after a while.

“Oro?” He looked up, “That is to say, of what?”

“The food, shopping, the mall, people… Anything really,” Kaoru said, trying for a smile. “You have been awfully quiet the whole time.”

“…It’s different, that it is.”

Well, that was true but not exactly what she would call a conversation starter. Kaoru raised her eyebrow. “Good different or bad different?”’

“…mostly things seem to be better. No beggars in the streets, no one starving or deathly ill. No one seems afraid either, even though no one seems to be carrying weapons, at least in direct sight.”

“The benefits of modern laws and health care.” Kaoru smiled. “Also, you should know that only very few people can carry weapons these days: the law enforcement, military, and licensed bodyguards.”

“Such as you,” he stated.

“Such as me, yes.” Kaoru nodded, serious. “How did you know?”

He looked aside. “This one guarded many politicians during the bakumatsu. It’s easy to see similarities to how people react to you, even now, that it is.”

“I see.”

“About that...” he paused, considering his words. “Who is behind all this? That is to say, who are you working for?”

Kaoru froze. “Um.”

He narrowed his eyes.

“Ah... that’s...” Kaoru grimaced. “Could we take a rain check on that one? Please?”

It wasn’t that he didn’t deserve to know. He did. But it was the one thing her employer had asked her to withhold and this job was the best-paid job she had gotten in her life, a way to support herself and what was left of her family’s legacy.

Besides, would it really help him to know the name of the CEO in the fast growing bio-engineering and pharmaceuticals company that was responsible for resurrecting him? He didn’t know anyone in this era. Some ten years old tabloid speculation of an elderly billionaire springing up an heir out of nowhere, before dying and leaving everything to them… the significance of that was just Kaoru’s own speculation with no proof whatsoever.

His stare grew heavy, the silence between them tense and oppressing.

It felt awful.

“Thank you for the meal,” he said and rose to leave.

“What?” Kaoru rose to her feet. “No! Kenshin, please! Trust me, I’d tell you if I could, but it was the only condition for my employment; to keep that one name a secret. Whatever else you asked, whatever you needed, I should attempt to give you, be it advice, money, help or, or–”

He grew still.

“–or even company.” Kaoru swallowed dryly, but braved on. “I know it sounds bad, but – please, I need this job.”

The seconds passed; one, two, three. Finally, he asked, “Why’d they bring this one back?”

“I don’t know,” Kaoru admitted.

“Then what do they want from this unworthy one?”

“I don’t know that either.”

“You know who this one is, what one has done.” He turned around, his eyes shadowed with terrible pain. “No one would bring a hitokiri back without a reason.”

Kaoru inclined her head, acknowledging his point. “The only thing I know for sure is that they want you to learn how to live in this era. I’m to help and keep you safe.”

He looked at her, then trailed his gaze to the western forks and knives at the table and the people around them – most were staring their way. “Safe?” He mused, a hint of amusement in his tone. “It has been a long time since anyone has needed to protect this one.”

Kaoru tried not to take that personally, but something inside her bristled at the comment. “It has been a long time since knives and swords were considered effective weapons. I doubt you could handle yourself for three seconds in a proper firefight.”

The corners of his lips twitched, but he nodded in understanding. “The western rifles and pistols have become common then?”

“Yes,” Kaoru stated, annoyed. She rose and unbuttoned her blazer, showing the sidearm under her arm. “So be a good boy and let me keep you safe, alright?”

He hid his eyes behind his long bangs, then straightened and smiled. “Thank you. This one appreciates your kindness, Miss Kamiya.”

“It’s just Kamiya.” Kaoru countered sharply. “No one our age calls the person they know miss or mister anymore.”

“Oro?”

“You’re 27, right?” Kaoru looked aside, feeling her cheeks heat up. “That’s only three years older than I am. So there’s no need for formality.”

“Ah.” He frowned. “But it’s not right, to take such liberties with someone one has known for such a short time, that is not. Perhaps, one could call you Miss Kaoru?”

Now Kaoru blushed for real. “I… I ah, well – if you insist.”

“That this one does,” He motioned with his hand. “Shall we continue with our shopping then, Miss Kaoru?”

Continues in “Something familiar”

[drabblers]

Down the rabbit hole

Prompt: Saved Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: time travel AU, Stranded in Bakumatsu 2 (follows after “First Clue”) Characters: Kaoru Kamiya, Tomoe Yukishiro + several historical characters  Word count: 997 

It had been over a week since Kaoru had saved Tomoe from those thugs in that dingy roadside inn. Full two days since they had arrived in Kyoto and agreed to part ways amicably.

At least, in theory.

The thing was, even if Kaoru hadn’t been able to gain ever-so-reserved Tomoe’s trust during the few days she had known her, she couldn’t let Tomoe slip through her fingers again.

So by a “coincidence”, whenever Tomoe went anywhere, Kaoru just happened to wander about that direction too. Whether she asked questions from locals, or to visit one drinking establishment after another in an all night bar crawl, Kaoru trailed after her steps.

Now, Kaoru had to give it to Tomoe: she was tough as nails and exceedingly driven.

Quite honestly, Kaoru was starting to realize just why Tomoe was the only person who would connect the rumors to the truth, and use that information to find the legendary Hitokiri Battousai.

Not that Kaoru had heard even a single mention of that name yet.

In the chaos of Kyoto, there were several of these hitokiri, who attacked the men in power under the cover of night. There were plenty of rumors about them, but so far no one had mentioned battoujutsu, red hair or anything she’d associate with Kenshin.

Maybe it simply was too early for Kenshin’s rise to fame?

Kaoru frowned, only to notice Tomoe stepping out of the bar and leaving.

Ah, it was time to move again. Rubbing her face tiredly, she shook off her sleepiness and followed after Tomoe from a respectful distance.

Past the narrow side alleys and the shadowed street corners, Kaoru skulked after Tomoe deeper into the town, until suddenly – a heart-stopping, wordless shout echoed in the distance, followed by a single gunshot.

Now, most people would have run away, either to get as far away from the conflict as they could – or to alert help. But Tomoe, she didn’t think twice before rushing towards the noise.

“For fuck’s sake,” Kaoru cursed and ran after her.

Finding a fight at the source of that scream was no surprise to her, but realizing that Tomoe had rushed off to see what appeared to be a rebel assassination and then frozen to stare at it?

It was a little bit too much.

A tall hitokiri was circling a wounded samurai, who clutched his chest, but still trying to hold a western pistol in his free hand. Two other men on the ground behind him, a heavy-set samurai and his tall companion, struggling to stall his bleeding.

Kaoru grimaced. She couldn’t say she appreciated the Shogunate politics or would want to support them, but she really couldn’t approve the rebels’ means either.

And the fact was, that as the master of the sword that gives life, Kaoru wasn’t about to let anyone get killed in front of her eyes, no matter their choices in politics. She drew her sword and charged in, stepping between the hitokiri and the bleeding gunman – screaming bloody murder.

The hitokiri scowled at her… which made his handsome features appear particularly sinister. “I wasn’t asked to kill four.”

Behind Kaoru, the gunman coughed a wet, lurching cough. A sound of rustling clothes followed. Oh, he had fallen to his knee. Damn, damn, damn. Kaoru turned to the hitokiri, snarling, “Leave now, or I’ll beat some sense into you.”

“I’d love to see you try.” The hitokiri’s expression grew ever darker and he motioned with his hand, his sword’s edge glinting strangely in the moonlight. “Come on then, let’s dance.”

Kaoru adjusted her pose, but stood her ground – not moving an inch.

The hitokiri’s eyes narrowed, and then, in the blink of an eye, he was at Kaoru, swinging at her with a speed she hadn’t seen in years–

Oh god, oh god!

Kaoru side-stepped and blocked, then finally sprung to action, trying to dodge, parry and misdirect his superior strength and reach and speed. Gosh, this guy was good. She hadn’t really believed anyone could be this good…

His eyes shone in the moonlight, a mad glint in them and then –

“AAah!” Kaoru screamed in pain, the hitokiri’s sword cutting deep into her arm. But the pain didn’t matter, because the strike had let her inside his guard, close enough for her to shove her elbow into his gut and slash her sword into his calf, wounding him – and cutting away his dire, terrible speed right at the source.

The hitokiri howled in anger, realizing what she had done.

Kaoru clutched the awful gaping cut on her arm, feeling her blood trickling down her arm, and grinned. “That’s the end of this. Go now – or I’ll come there and show you the true meaning of pain.”

“You- you…” The hitokiri snarled. “I won’t forget this.”

“Neither will I,” Kaoru promised.

And the hitokiri met her stare, then glanced behind her – scowled, and slipped his sword to his sheath, hobbling back to the shadows where he had come.

Kaoru turned around, to face the Bakufu men she had just saved.

The tall one had moved to tend the fallen gunman, and Tomoe come out of the shadow and was helping the now bandaged, heavy-set samurai to his feet. For some reason, despite how dark it was, Kaoru couldn’t help but feel like she had seen him somewhere…

“I don’t know who you two are,” the heavily built samurai said. “But you have our gratitude for your assistance tonight.”

“Now’s not the time for pleasantries, Saigo,” the other man said quietly.

Kaoru’s eyes widened in recognition. That name...

“Why not, Okubo?” Asked the heavily built samurai, who could be none other than Saigo Takamori, one of the great three revolutionaries. “This young ronin just helped us.“

The taller man, Okubo Toshimichi, was much younger than he had been since the last time Kaoru had seen him. “Because,” he said pointedly, “I don’t think Sakamoto-san will make it.”  

AN: And it seems I’m going to kill Sakamoto Ryoma again. Oops. ^^* Sorry about that. I swear I have nothing against the guy, it’s just that his death open will open up interesting possibilities for my plot bunnies...

Also, a little quiz for you: which hitokiri was tall, lean, handsome (at least in fandom perspective) and used a sword that leaves awful wounds? :)

[drabblers]

Awakening

Prompt: “You’ve got to choose; you can’t eat your cake and have it too.”  Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Yet another time travel AU, Second chances 1 Characters: Kenshin Himura, Kaoru Kamiya, Megumi Takani   Word count: 999

Something was making an odd, beeping noise close by.

It was annoying.

Kenshin turned to his side, burying his face into the soft pillow...

Someone inhaled sharply.

Close! Too close! The deeply ingrained reflexes sprung into action and Kenshin sat up, reaching for his sword…

…which wasn’t there.

Thankfully, the stranger didn’t have a sword either. Or any weapon, not if her form-fitting – western style? – garment was anything to go by. She stared at him, both thrilled and hesitant. “Good morning?” She started. “How are… uh, um – please, just wait here. I’ll get Doctor Takani. Just a mo’.”

Her words must have been in Japanese, because Kenshin understood their meaning, but the way she spoke was as strange as her clothes.

Left alone, bewildered and off-balance, Kenshin tried to make sense of his surroundings. The room was eerily white, from floors and walls to the ceiling. Even the blanket in his lap was the same unnatural shade. And the elevated mattress and the loose garment he was wearing.

What was this place, where everything needed to be white?

Maybe one of those recently built houses that had been done according to the westerner’s tastes in Yokohama? Some passersby had gossiped about them only a few days ago, when he had passed them on the Tokaido road.

But if he was in Yokohama, why had he been brought here? And by whom?

Katsura-san had passed just a few months ago. Their old allies shouldn’t have caught his trail so fast...

And what had happened to his sword, clothes and travel gear?

“Oh, you’re finally awake. Very good!” Another woman walked in, tall and imposing. She was followed by the young lady who had dashed off so suddenly.

“So this one is,” Kenshin agreed blandly. “Where are we? And why is this one here?”

“You are in Tokyo, in a private hospital. As to why you are here… let’s get back to that later, shall we?” The tall lady answered briskly, her focus stolen by the beeping machinery next to Kenshin. “Let’s start with something easier first. Do you remember your name?”

Kenshin blinked. “Oro?”

“I’m Doctor Takani Megumi, the young woman skulking in the background is Kamiya Kaoru. Now, isn’t it a basic courtesy to introduce yourself in turn?”

If these women were employed by the westerners, or his old allies, shouldn’t they know who they had?

“Well?” The doctor lady, Takani-san, prompted.

“Himura. Himura Kenshin, that’s who this one is now, that he is.”

“Very good, Himura-san.” Takani-san nodded. “And what’s the last day you remember? Be as specific as possible.”

“Thirteenth of Natsuki, Meiji 10,” Kenshin said. “But why would that matter?”

“Natsuki, in Meiji 10? That would be September 1877 by the Western reckoning.” Takani-san hummed, and tapped something to the flat object in her hands. “Very good. That proves that you remember who you are, and that your memory recovered fully.”

The doctor looked up. “Now, do you think you can stand, Himura-san? I think Kamiya-san has an easier time answering you questions if she can show you around.”

“Me?” The younger woman startled. “You want me to explain it to him?”

“Who else? It’s not my job.” Takani-san retorted. “Now, if you two don’t mind – other patients need my time.”

As they bickered, Kenshin stood up and tested how well his feet could hold his weight. To his surprise, nothing hurt, not even the dozens of old scars that usually ached in the mornings.

“Himura-san,” the younger lady, Kamiya-san, interrupted him. “There’s a change of clothes in the bathroom to your left.”

“What about this unworthy one’s sword and clothes?”

Kamiya-san cringed. “Sorry, we don’t have them.”

“Ah.”

The adjoining bathroom was even stranger: white tiled floors, a curtain covering the corner, and a porcelain seat and bowl attached to the wall. On the seat, a bundle of cloth waited – a proper kimono in formal gray. No clan insignias, though.

Even odder, there was a large mirror over the bowl. An expensive investment for any house.

Kenshin almost didn’t recognize himself from the reflection. He looked so – young. His red hair was sleek and neatly brushed, his violet eyes unringed by shadow… and his cheeks smooth, untouched by years and violence.

Tracing his cheek in disbelief, he drew the lines of the scar that should have been there, but wasn’t.

That… that wasn’t possible.

Panic curled in his belly, and he took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. They had promised him answers. That young lady Kamiya, she was supposed to answer his questions.

She had waited for him. But when she saw him, she frowned. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” Kenshin said. “But please, you promised this one answers?”  

“Ah, yes.” She paused. “Well, um… follow me, please.”

She lead him through long white corridors, until they reached a chamber with walls made entirely out of windows. At least, no painter could capture a scenery that detailed…

...But no city he had ever heard off, not even in the great Western countries, could have a city like that.

Kenshin swallowed dryly. “Miss Kamiya… where are we, really?”

“In Tokyo,” She hesitated. “But it’s been a while. Um... they said you died in an ambush on the Tokaido roadside, 143 years ago.”

That- that was... Feeling faint, Kenshin had to ask, “...died?”

“Yes. I don’t know much about it, but apparently, they found your remains and used a lot of time and money to recreate your body and bring you back.”

Kenshin tried to take that in calmly. He really did. But… “Why? Why this unworthy one? Why not…” Gods, didn’t they know who they had summoned from the afterlife?!

“I don’t know why, but does it matter?” she asked. “I know they say you can’t have a cake and eat it too… but why not? You are alive again. Your troubles and griefs are in the past. So why can’t you just take this chance and live again?”

Continues in “The job”

AN: I had trouble to focus on writing, so I didn’t want to continue any existing verses. But as @animaniacal kindly reminded me, I do have a liking for time travel stories. So let’s try out another way to spin that familiar scenario. :)

[drabblers]

First clue

Prompt: come into light Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Bakumatsu/ time travel AU, Stranded in Bakumatsu 1 Characters: Kaoru Kamiya, Tomoe Yukishiro   Word count: 999

After a week on the road, Kaoru entered a dimly lit roadside inn and took in her surroundings.

There were six people inside: a bartender, four seedy looking men, and a young samurai lady down on her luck. The girl was maybe eighteen and she wore a once-fine white kimono, purple obi and a beautifully crafted paper umbrella. In short – she was a walking target and seeing her, Kaoru’s first thought was: I am too old for this shit.

The four men, either resident hooligans or masterless ronin, were eying the girl like a pack of starving dogs would eye a bone.

Kaoru looked aside.

A young and naïve “Rose of Kenjutsu” would have stepped forward without a second thought. Now, after eleven years of being stranded here, alone, Kaoru ignored the regret twisting her stomach and headed to the bar. She had been looking forward to a meal that was not foraged and cooked over a campfire.

“Will you trade a lunch and something to eat on a road for this?” She asked gruffly, making her voice as low as she could and dug out a nice little netsuke trinket she’d gotten as a reward from her last bodyguard job.

“Your kind never seems to have money to pay with,” the bartender observed, taking the trinket. “But yes, I’ll trade with you – as long as this is not stolen.”

“Not all ronin need to resort to robbery,” Kaoru muttered.

“If you say so.” The bartender gave her a bowl of rice and broth. “Enjoy your meal.”

Kaoru wolfed it down hungrily, unconcerned by the attitude. These days, no one had sympathy for ronin. She was almost done, when a high-pitched scream followed by an earsplitting crash startled her.

Kaoru sprung from her seat, hand on her sword, only to see the young samurai lady holding a broken jug in her hands, an unconscious ronin sprawled at her feet.

“…oh, damn.” Kaoru stared.

And then, before she could blink, the rest of the seedy bunch were on their feet, weapons drawn and yelling obscenities at the girl they had harassed.

“You bitch, I’ll kill you!”

“Fucking whore, learn your place!”

And the young lady? She chose that moment to freeze and drop her only make-shift weapon.

Now, Kaoru didn’t want to get involved. It only brought trouble and her cover as a male was flimsy enough to begin with, but she couldn’t watch an innocent person get hurt when she had means to do something about it.

“Stop it!” She shouted. “If a single one of you lowlifes moves, none will walk away unassisted.”

And then, everyone was looking at her.

“What the fuck?”

“Another bitch needing a lesson?”

Kaoru ignored the slurs, walking over and stepping between the defenseless girl and the three ronin. Her sword was drawn, her gaze promised a fight – every inch of her five foot one frame ready.

The three ronin had no idea what they were dealing with. They were big men, unrefined in their looks and sword skills both. For someone defenseless, they must have seemed intimidating.

But for a master of a swords style?

Not so much.

The first one charged, going for a single dueling strike  – and Kaoru sidestepped him, delivering a firm smack with the flip side of her sword to the junction of his neck and shoulder. Seeing him drop so effortlessly, the two other men charged at her, screaming murder. They went down just as fast.

Kaoru turned around and asked the young lady she’d saved, “are you alright?”

“…yes. Thanks to you, lady..?”

“Hardly a lady,” Kaoru snorted. “No, I am just a wanderer.”

“I see.” The young lady gathered her poise and straightened to her full height. “Unfortunately, I have nothing to repay your help with.”

Startled at how high up she had to look up, Kaoru blustered. “I, ah… there’s no need. I didn’t do this for a reward.”

Her black eyes grave, the lady nodded. “Then, might I please know the name of my benefactor?”

Usually, Kaoru would have refused the request. She didn’t want to tarnish her once-clan’s name by associating them with a wandering sword for hire. But to lie now… it felt slimy.

“Kamiya – I’m Kamiya Kaoru.”

“Lady Kamiya, you have my deepest gratitude,” the young lady said. “I’m Yukishiro Tomoe.”

Kaoru froze.

That name...

It had been eleven years since she had been flung across the veil of reality, through the winds of time… and left alone, stranded in the time of a brewing civil war. She had no friends or allies. Even her own father had refused to believe her and called her an insane pest. Her mother, a lady of a fine family hadn’t even been allowed to meet a disreputable visitor like her.

Her old friends were of no help either, they were too young or impossible to find. Hell, for years she had looked for the most recognizable of her friends in vain; the one man she knew she could have trusted – her one-time tenant, her friend and, in the safety of her heart, her first love – Kenshin.

“…Yukishiro Tomoe?” Kaoru repeated in shock, her mind racing lightning fast.

It had been so long ago, in another life when Enishi’s revenge had forced Kenshin come into light about his past as a Hitokiri and his first love, but there was no way that Kaoru could have forgotten that name.

And that means…

“Yes..?” Tomoe raised her fine brow.

…That this is my first, definite clue to finding him.

“Are you heading to the capital?” Kaoru blurted out. Realizing how forward that question was, she hurried to add: “I mean, I was going that way anyways and it’s not safe to travel alone…”

“I…” Tomoe paused ”I’d appreciate your help.”

“Then it’s settled.” Kaoru smiled. She stepped over the unconscious ronin at their feet, heading to the door. “Let’s get going, we have a long road ahead of us.”

AN: Sorry this is so late. I have had a massive writer’s block, and finally so frustrated at being unable to write anything... I finally went back one of my old concepts for an epic-length fic. So, let’s see how this turns out. ;)  

[drabblers]

A new start

Prompt:  Start of summer Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Modern AU, Office Drama 4 (Continues “Distractions”) Characters: Kenshin Himura,  Kaoru Kamiya   Word count: 996

It had been just a few weeks since Kenshin had started his internship and sadly… old habits died hard. Even now, he noticed details, picked up things that were not for him to act upon.

Usually, he could just feign ignorance. After all, he was supposed to be just a run-of-the-mill assistant, nothing more. However, watching Director Kamiya’s driver taking a discreet sip from a flask in his pocket… it was a bit too much.

Kenshin headed outside.

“Morning,” the driver grunted. “Is she coming down soon?”

“Yes,” Kenshin said. “You should go before that. But leave the keys, please.”

“What? But I’ll need to drive Kamiya to a meeting!”

“Not while inebriated, that you won’t,” Kenshin said.

The driver started. “You little–“

“...Or would you prefer this one to report your state to Director Kamiya?” Kenshin looked up at him, not bothered in the least that the man was over a head taller than him.

The big man bristled, before slamming the car keys into his hand and walking off.

Kenshin watched him go.

“Uh, Kenshin… where is my driver?” A familiar voice called from behind his back

“Unfortunately Hiruma-san is not available this morning.” Kenshin turned around, a soft smile on his lips. “This one will drive you instead, that he will.”

She frowned, “But…”

“Please,” Kenshin motioned to the car. “We are in a hurry, are we not?”

She eyed him but then nodded. “Fine.”

Despite the unspoken question hanging between them, the drive went fine. Sadly, the same couldn’t be said of the meeting. After three hours of negotiations, the meeting was cut to a close without resolution in sight. Miss Kamiya’s frustration was tangible on the drive home – enough that she had to rant on the phone to her friend.

“–increasing the payment period from 60 days to 90, to meet the international standard. It’s bullshit from start to finish. Tani is just yanking my chain. He is a big customer to us and he knows it.”

Miss Kamiya leaned back in her seat and groaned – Kenshin glanced at the rear-view mirror, noting how tired she looked, almost defeated.

“Misao, you don’t understand – if I agree to Tani’s demands, it will be a hassle for us financially. Their account is worth 100mil annual revenue and having those payments come in a month later would seriously affect our cash flow. But if I don’t agree… we could lose them.”

Miss Kamiya covered her face.

“I just can’t believe Tani is going this far. Even on the best day, he is a self-absorbed sleazebag, but he really is not that smart. I can’t believe I’m letting him play me like this…”

Hearing Miss Kamiya speak like this twisted something in Kenshin’s gut. Despite their difficult working relationship, he could see how honorable, hardworking and a genuinely kind woman she was – even under all the pressure and stress she needed to handle on daily basis.

Honestly, if there was one thing he wanted to achieve in the time he had left by her side; it was to ensure she could come to work with a smile on her face.

So perhaps… he could nudge her a little bit, despite the potential breach of the contract he had with Katsura-san.

A flicker to a right, and Kenshin pulled over to a roadside diner.

“…Kenshin, what are you doing?”

“It’s the start of summer.” He glanced over his shoulder and said in lieu of explanation, “Surely, even Director Kamiya can take a lunch break out of office?

She looked at him like he had grown a second head, but then raised her phone to her ear and said. “Misao, I gotta go. I’ll see you at the office.”

And so, Kenshin ended up having his first lunch with his superior in an ordinary roadside diner. Not the best choice, the food was nothing special, but it sufficed for the need.

Kenshin waited until they were finishing their meals, before he started, “the negotiation today… um, this one’s former employer did regular business with them, that he did.”

“Oh,” Director Kamiya said. “So that’s why Tani kept glancing you?”

“Yes. If he didn’t recognize this one, this one must have seemed familiar.”

“Okay. So, your employer–“

Kenshin looked aside. “This one can’t tell you.”

“Can’t – or won’t?”

“Can’t.”

Kaoru narrowed her eyes. “You are under a NDA?”

“Something of the sort,” Kenshin looked at his twisted and badly healed fingers. “This one can’t mention any facts, names, or even confirm your conclusions. However, impressions of the person that this one has drawn himself… those shouldn’t be too much of a breach.”

“You know, you don’t have to–“

“Please, Director Kamiya.”

She inhaled sharply, but didn’t protest more.

“The man you are dealing with… he is a coward and holds a high opinion of himself, as you know. But he also fancies himself a patriot. If you look him up, you notice that he is often visible in media – in particular, for his high society gatherings and nationalistic views in politics.”

“…I’ve heard something of the sort, actually. But what’s that got to do with a payment term negotiation?”

“This one can’t say.” Kenshin considered his words. “One merely observes that a person who courts the attention of those steering the nation doesn’t care too much about international standards or business performance.”

“So instead of arguing against his shoddy logic… I should emphasize the benefits on a national level?”

“To convince an egoist, you just need to make it seem like he came up with the idea himself. And for a person not known for his smarts, what’s more valuable than a logical decision that emphasizes his audience's’ interest?”

“I see.” The seconds passed, one, two, three… and then, she inclined her head, acknowledging his help. “That does make sense. Thank you, Kenshin.”  

“You’re welcome,” Kenshin smiled.

It was just a small gesture, but after their difficulties… it felt like a new start.

[drabblers]

Tipping the scales

Prompt: Tipping the scales Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Fantasy AU, DRAGONS verse 6, continues “Safety.” Characters: Kenshin Himura, Kaoru Kamiya Word count: 1000

”Uncle Himura! Wait up, please!” A youthful voice hollered.

Kenshin turned to look around, drawing a well-practiced, neutral smile on his lips as a young man in a kendo outfit jogged after him.

“Young master,” he greeted the boy, giving him a respectful nod. “How may this unworthy one be of assistance, that is?”

The boy smiled brilliantly. “Could you come over and watch my practice today? You give the best tips, uncle Himura!”

“Ah.” Kenshin held back an inward cringe. “This unworthy one is pleased that you think so, young master – but perhaps another time? Today is really not the best, that it isn’t.”

“…I see.” The boy’s good mood wilted. “Is it about—“

The words hung in the air between them, unspoken. Kenshin looked aside. “The gardens need tending. If you still have trouble after the practice, this one may take a look, that he will.”

“…Okay.” The boy cleared his throat awkwardly. “I will. Thank you, uncle Himura.”

Kenshin inclined his head. “Young Master.”

The boy left, a notable echo of hesitance in his gait. Kenshin shook his head fondly. Katsura’s oldest was a good kid, but so desperately young. After his formidable lord father had passed away barely a year ago, the boy had sought his company more and more often. Kenshin appreciated the gesture, but he also knew exactly how dangerous that fondness towards the Revolution’s most feared monster could be for the Kido clan’s future.

Truly, he should have left already.

…Especially considering what had happened with Miss Kaoru.

And now, who knew how long it would take for his enemies, and worse – his old allies to find out where he had been hiding all these years?

“…I am a selfish man, that I am.”

His dragon whined softly, bending to nuzzle his cheek. He reached to his shoulder, stroking its mane gently.

“Please, bear no mind to this one’s errant thoughts, dear lady.”

His dragon rumbled deep in its chest, something that sounded alike a guttural purr. Even now, it was trying to offer him comfort. It was too kind, but then again – none else left on this plane of existence knew better the darkness lurking in his heart.

Thankfully, the gardens were empty of people. Not even servants were nearby. Kenshin exhaled softly, allowing himself to relax in that knowledge.

There was no one but him, his spirit companion… and gardens in need of tending.

Not a chore most people would relish, but for him – a misfit, born a mere farmer’s son – it was soothing. He tied his kimono sleeves back and began weeding the budding greenery with brisk efficiency.

Time lost its meaning as he concentrated on his task.

Even his dragon had climbed down from its usual perch on his shoulders and was drowsing in the sun at a few feet’s distance from him – his lady was the spirit of the night and during daylight, it sought to conserve energy the best it could.

So deep was he in his thoughts, that he didn’t pay any mind to the noises in the distance – even when fast-paced footsteps approached him, he didn’t turn around.

A silence followed.

Kenshin smiled, pleased how much the young master had grown. Just a year ago the boy would have ran to him and declared that he wanted his attention. Now, the boy waited, respectful of his routine.

Finally, Kenshin straightened, sweeping dirt from his hands and turned–

"M-miss Kaoru!"

"Sir Kenshin," said the young woman he had never thought to meet again. "I hope I am not disturbing you?" She smiled, and stepped closer like nothing had happened between them, like she didn't realize the danger she was in...

"Ororo!" Kenshin scrambled backwards, only to stumble and land butt first in the flower bed. "D-Don't come any closer!"

She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Sir Kenshin...?"

Kenshin cringed, panic flaring inside him – but then the sleek scales covered his back and his dragon climbed to his shoulders where he could keep it safe. "I, ah... I'm sorry, that I am – Miss Kaoru. But where is your spirit companion, what is it doing? Please? This one needs to know."

She frowned. "It's behind me, good fifteen feet. It's growling."

"Then why are you here..?” He let out a stiff exhale and hurried to rephrase. “That is to say, we shouldn’t meet again."

She gave him a look, like he was being obtuse on purpose. Then shook her head and stepped closer.

Kenshin's heart skipped a beat. "Miss Kaoru! It's not safe!"

"I appreciate your concern, sir Kenshin," she said. Yet she didn't stop. A step, another and few more... Until she was right in front of him. She kneeled and held out her hand. "But please, let me decide myself what risks I am willing to take."

"...but, but – you don't know the danger!" he stared at her outreached hand. His heart was thundering; fear and disbelief mixing with something far more dangerous: hope. She was there, she was offering to-to–

His dragon whined, pushing its muzzle against his cheek. And finally, Kenshin clasped her hand. The connection between them surged alive and he could see the Amaterasu’s famed red guardian dragon growling behind her, its back a bridge of corded muscle, its whiskers stiff and claws bared.

...But it wasn't attacking.

Kenshin's dragon growled low, then pointedly rubbed its cheek against his, showcasing their bond but not answering the threat otherwise.

"...oro?"

This didn’t make any sense!

Miss Kaoru hummed. "It’s easy to see why people fear you. Especially during the war, your ability must have been difficult to defend against.” 

"But you – you can't help it, can you?” She tilted her head, only kindness and curiosity in her eyes. “You are a conduit. You and your dragon can affect beings of the spirit realm, but they can affect you, too – and you must be always ready to defend." 

[drabblers]

Safety

Prompt: “I’ve had one too many surprises today.” Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Fantasy AU, DRAGONS verse 5, continues “Ominous.” Characters: Kaoru Kamiya, Maekawa Miyauchi Word count: 1000

Sir Kenshin’s eyes had been so cold, all his usual kindness and warmth locked away behind a wall so thick that she couldn’t read him at all.

It had scared her.

Far more than her dragon’s snarling in defense of her, to be honest. Her dragon was an impulsive beast and if it had been just its reaction, she could have chalked the whole thing up as a mishap; that her spirit companion had suddenly decided a man it had first accepted was a threat to be driven away.

But sir Kenshin’s eyes, and the blue fire dancing around his right hand…

…just who are you?

Heavy footsteps on the wooden veranda broke her from her thoughts.

“Kaoru-chan, my dear! How are you?”

Kaoru’d had one too many surprises today, but the sudden appearance of her dearest family friend was not an unwelcome one. “Maekawa-sensei!” She tried for a smile. “What are you doing here? I thought you were busy with lessons.”

“I asked one of my older students to take over.” The old man smiled. “After all, when I heard that the courtship meeting of my old friend’s daughter went awry… I had to come over. I hope I am not unwelcome?”

“Of course not!” Kaoru hurried to assure him. “Please, come in. Would you like some tea?”

Kaoru escorted Maekawa-sensei inside and then headed to the kitchen to put tea brewing. As she puttered about, her dragon followed from a distance, keeping an eye on her but not reacting otherwise. It was still sulking from their argument last night; Kaoru had resorted to shouting to try and get it to communicate its worries to her.

Trying to pull her wits together, Kaoru wiped eyes with her sleeves. Maekawa-sensei was the last person she’d ever want to know she had been crying. Then, she drew a determined smile to her lips and headed to meet her father’s old friend, alongside whom he had fought during the revolution.

“So,” she hesitated. “I assume you heard of my courtship from Doctor Gensai?”

“That’s right.” Maekawa-sensei accepted the tea she poured for him with a respectful nod. “I admit that at first I was quite taken with the idea of you having started a courtship, especially with a man so well connected.”

“Sir Kenshin’s links to clan Kido are formidable,” Kaoru demurred. “Lady Ikumatsu seemed quite proud to be his clan’s representative.”

“I see.” Maekawa-sensei frowned. “But Kaoru-chan, what was the trouble in your first courtship meeting? Was it about your spirit companions?” Maekawa-sensei’s eyes grew darker. “Or did this fellow say something untoward? Forget his manners? Doctor Gensai couldn’t tell me why it ended with you in tears.”

Kaoru looked aside. “It wasn’t like that. Sir Kenshin is a gentleman.” She bit her lip. “It was just… well, um… have you ever heard of people who can touch beings of the spirit realm?”

Maekawa-sensei inhaled sharply. “Kaoru-chan! This man – did he, was he–”

“No!” Kaoru exclaimed, “Nothing of the sort! It was about to rain and I thought to pull him to a run, but when I touched him, something else touched me too. It happened so fast. I didn’t even realize what had made my dragon snarl. You know my dragon is impulsive, but it’s never been aggressive, not like that! Not even when we encountered one of its old enemies, the tiger of the west!”

As she explained, Maekawa-san watched her with the strangest expression. Not disapproval or anger, but something else. “And how is your dragon now?” He asked gently.

“…it’s alert, but keeping distance,” Kaoru admitted. “Why?”

“Well,” Maekawa-sensei paused to consider. “There were rumors during the revolution, of a man… no, a monster called Battousai. They say that instead of fighting honorably, man to man, he went to battle cutting only air and his enemies would fall, screaming in agony as their companions died. And then, as his enemies lied there helpless, paralyzed from the shock, Battousai would finish them off with a single strike to the neck or the heart.”

Maekawa-sensei wetted his lips. “I know you don’t want to listen to old stories from the revolution, but the reason why I needed to tell this to you is…”

“Please, let’s not talk about this any longer.” Kaoru interrupted him.

The fact was: she had grown up in a dojo. She had heard most of the popular stories relating to famed swordsmen of the revolution at one time or another. Besides, she was not blind. Sir Kenshin’s red hair and cross-shaped scar bore a striking similarity to Battousai’s legend and even from that first meeting; she had been struck silent by that eerie resemblance.

“But Kaoru-chan,” Maekawa-sensei started.

“I know.” Kaoru met his gaze. “Please, sir – lets us discuss something else.”

Maekawa-sensei looked at her like he had never seen her before. “Well, if you say so,” he finally acknowledged. “However, please… be careful. A man with an ability like that could prove to be a danger when his suit is dismissed.”

“Thank you for your warning,” Kaoru said stiffly. “Now, you mentioned that you left your oldest student in charge of lessons?”

However, as she guided to the conversation to safer waters, Kaoru couldn’t help feeling like a smoldering ember had been struck aflame inside her. True, she was torn regarding sir Kenshin. She had avoided thinking of him since that disastrous first courtship meeting. But now that her father’s old friend came knocking at her door, calling her “dear Kaoru-chan” and trying to protect her…

She was angry.

Was she going to let others decree what was best for her? Just because it was “safer”?

Safe, from what?

A man who had treated her with kindness and respect even after her dragon had threatened him with violence?

Kaoru’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh.”

It had happened so fast, but her dragon had snarled first, hadn’t it? And if that was true, then sir Kenshin’s reaction–

Oh gods, this… this changed everything.

Continues in “Tipping the scales”

[drabblers]

Ominous

Prompt: April showers Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Fantasy AU, DRAGONS verse 4, continues “Invitation.” Characters: Kenshin Himura, Kaoru Kamiya Word count: 1000

”…swordsmanship?”

”Yes,” answered Miss Kaoru, looking aside. “After my father passed away, the upkeep of my family’s dojo became my responsibility. I teach a couple classes a week.”

She was avoiding his eyes, her manner hesitant.

Kenshin frowned. Her element was fire. Usually, it shone brightly in her; her passion, temper, and determination all ablaze. Her sheer warmth tempted him, like a fire did a poor soul, alone on a midwinter night. So for her to act like this – she obviously expected him to consider her words a fault against her.

Of course, ladies of higher rank and status were not encouraged to engage in sports or physical activities. Or work at all, but that was beside the point. No, what was crucial here was the misconception that she thought that he would care about such things like he was coming from a higher standing.

This, of course, was not true.

But how to explain this to her? Especially now that one of his few remaining friends, Lady Ikumatsu of the Kido clan was walking a respectful distance behind them, right alongside Miss Kaoru’s family representative?

Kenshin considered his words.

“This unworthy one is sure your honorable father would be proud you are continuing his legacy, that he would.”

She glanced up, her bottom lip wavering-

Damn it! He should have known better than to mention the deceased. But how to bring across that he acknowledged and respected her profession? Hastily, he corrected himself, “teaching swordsmanship is an honorable profession indeed, a credit to your name. What approach to combat does your sword style take? Defensive or offensive maneuvers? Do you focus on precision, or perhaps agility?”

“…Kamiya Kasshin puts more weight on defensive kata.” Gnawing on her lip, she tilted her head to the side and asked, “Sir Kenshin… are you learned in swordsmanship as well?”

“Oro!” Kenshin’s smile grew fixed. “Err, that is to say…”

Well, now he had stepped on it! He couldn’t lie to her, not if their courting was to work, but at the same time, there were things he simply couldn’t tell her. Not yet. Preferably never. For many reasons, not the least of which was her safety (or her good regard) should she know of the things he had done during the war, what he technically still could do… not to mention the terrible fame associated with that name.

But still, he had to say something.

And quickly.

His spirit companion whined softly by his ear, prompting him to speak up.

“Um, yes,” he improvised. “This one fought under Kido-san’s command during the revolution, that he did.”

“Oh.” She paused for a moment. A dozen emotions flashed through her blue eyes. Perhaps he was reading too much into it, but for a moment it felt like her blue eyes grew as murky and overcast as the sky above them. Finally, she spoke, “Kido-san…? You are speaking of Lady Ikumatsu’s husband, are you not?”

Kenshin froze.

“…Yes.” And then, against his better judgment, but for a want to be as honest as he could, he explained, “this unworthy one served under his command, but Lord Kido was not this unworthy one’s liege lord, so it was not appropriate for this unworthy one to address him as such. Even now, this one is not a retainer of Kido clan, that he isn’t.”

The perplexed frown on her brow deepened.

“It’s a somewhat complex situation, that it is.” Kenshin apologized. “However, what you should be aware of is that this one has no particular status to speak of. This one is merely a retired swordsman living on a stipend.”

“I see.” Miss Kaoru demurred.

Kenshin wasn’t sure what to make of her reaction. Was she disappointed? A bitter thought, though an unsurprising one. After all, most young women considered their suitor’s financial and social standing carefully before deciding whether to continue courting – or not.

They walked in silence, side by side on the park trail. The clouds had grown darker, blocking the pale spring sun. Damn it. His idea of a romantic cherry blossom viewing had become nothing more than a cold, uncomfortable mess of a first date.

Then, to add insult to injury – a drop of water hit his cheek.

Kenshin closed his eyes and in lieu of saying something he might regret, he exhaled slowly. His spirit companion uncurled from its perch on his shoulder, about to rub herself against him a gesture of comfort, but before it could settle down, a girlish shriek sounded by his side, “Rain!”

And then, without warning, Miss Kaoru grabbed his hand to pull him along to a run.

Two things happened in that moment: a shock of energy ran through him as the spiritual connection between them surged to life, making her dragon visible to him… and his companion stumbled, its tail sweeping down to hit Miss Kaoru’s hand.

Miss Kaoru gasped in surprise, but her dragon – the Amaterasu’s fabled guardian – snarled.

Kenshin tore his hand free of Miss Kaoru’s grasp and hugged his spirit companion against his chest, his right hand flaming with the manifestation of his ki, ready to defend should the other dragon attack.

“…Kenshin,” Miss Kaoru whispered, cradling her hand to her chest, her eyes wide open. “…w-what happened just now?”

“You dragon,” he countered. “What is it doing?”

“It’s agitated. It… I have never seen it like this. Never. Kenshin, what happened? Why does it act like you are a threat?”

Kenshin’s stomach lurched. The way Miss Kaoru was looking at him right now... she was afraid. She should never be afraid of him. She was the first person in years that he had dared to hope could understand...

He swallowed dryly, but the words refused to come.

“Kenshin... please.”

That was all it took to break him.

Please.

He looked down at his hand bitterly. “I, ah... I am cursed with an ability to touch – or harm – beings of the spirit realm.”

Continues in “Safety.”

AN: The original plan was to keep this fluffy... but then sudden plot happened. ^^* Sorry about that. Will try to guide this story back to fluff soonish.

[drabblers]

Invitation

Prompt: For better or for worse Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Fantasy AU, DRAGONS verse 3, continues “Farewells.” Characters: Kaoru Kamiya, Doctor Gensai + surprise ;) Word count: 995

”Kaoru-chan,” Doctor Gensai said gently. “As nice as this discussion has been, I doubt the weather or Ayame’s and Suzume’s latest mishaps were the only things you wished to discuss with me in private.”

“Uh, um… T-that’s right.” Kaoru bit her lip, her sleeves held captive between her anxious fingers. “I, ah…”

Even her dragon was affected by her nerves, its guttural grumbling becoming slower, tenser.

“Yes, my dear?” Doctor Gensai smile at her, prompting her to speak up.

She reddened and looked aside, her stomach twisting up even worse. Gosh, why was this so difficult? Doctor Gensai had known her since she was a toddler! He wouldn’t judge her badly even if she had done something stupid. Which she hadn’t – thank you very much – one could even argue she had finally done something right.

If Sir Kenshin would stay true to his promise and stick to the proper ways of courting, she would need a close family friend to accompany her to the pre-arranged, formal meetings. Not that she had heard anything back from Sir Kenshin yet, but she would, she was sure of that – so she needed to make preparations.

She took a deep breath. For better or for worse, Doctor Gensai was the closest thing to a family she had left. So now, she just needed to ask him, that’s all.

“Well, the thing is,” Kaoru cleared her throat. “I was, at, a – well, a masquerade and–“

Suddenly, her dragon growled low next to her ear and tightened its grip of her shoulder, startling her.

Kaoru froze.

A second later, a loud knock echoed on the gates.

She scrambled to her feet, dashing to answer it as fast as her feet carried her. Could it be Sir Kenshin? Finally? Oh, how she had been waiting to hear from him!

Her dragon was practically craning its long neck, trying to get a better look as she stopped briefly to smooth down her kimono. She took a deep breath. Then, she straightened, drew a smile to her lips and opened the gate. However, awaiting her was not a lone man, but instead, a proper carriage pulled by two expensive horses of western breeding.

Her smile dropped from her lips as if it had never been there.

An attendant stepped out of the carriage, bowing to her in greeting. “My lady – could it be that you are Miss Kamiya Kaoru-san?”

“Yes, I am Miss Kamiya,” Kaoru answered.

“Very good,” The attendant nodded, inviting her closer with a wave of her hand. “My lady wishes to converse with you.”

“…huh?”  

”Please,” The attendant smiled, pressing the point by repeating his gesture.

Too curious to refuse, Kaoru stepped closer – not entirely sure who was rich and influential enough to employ a servant and have a carriage like that, and yet insist on having a conversation with the sole heir of a lower ranked, former samurai clan.

The attendant pulled the carriage door open, revealing a dainty, somewhat older lady – maybe in her forties or so. She was wearing simplistic finery, makeup and hairdo and by her inviting smile, she was old-fashioned enough to blacken her teeth.

Needless to say, Kaoru had never seen her before. Her dragon’s familiar rumble changed from curious to wary.

Even the clan crests on the visitor’s beautiful kimono didn’t solve the mystery of her identity. But given how rarely women of such status left their homes, this lady had to have a damn good reason for her visit and that was why Kaoru swallowed down her hesitation and climbed into the carriage with her.

“Uh, um… I’m Kamiya Kaoru, nice to meet you…?”

“Kenshin did say you were bold,” her visitor mused, then replied, “You may call me as he does, Lady Ikumatsu.”

“Kenshin send you?” Kaoru perked up. “How is he? How has he been? Did he get home alright? How did his spirit beast take our meeting?”

Her visitor burst into laughter. “So energetic! No wonder he was so insistent that I come to visit you personally.” And then, she reached inside her kimono to pull out a formal letter from between its folds. “Here, a letter of invitation from him.”

Kaoru took it gingerly, but before she could open it, her visitor continued, “I supposed it won’t come as a shock that he proposes a formal courtship meeting with chaperones.”

“…no, not really,” Kaoru said. “I assumed he’d go for a proper courtship.”

“Ah, I see.” Lady Ikumatsu hummed. “Well, in that case… as Kenshin doesn’t have any remaining family, he has asked me to accompany him as a representative of the clan to which he pledges ties. Although we share no blood, he served my lord husband for over a decade. Is this a bond close enough, that you and your family can accept it?”

“Yes.” Kaoru hesitated. “…If you can accept similar solution for me. Like Kenshin, I have no one left on this plane who shares my blood.”

“Of course,” Lady Ikumatsu murmured.

From there, the conversation ventured out to safer waters. They exchanged a few pleasantries, then bade farewells. All the while, the letter beckoned Kaoru like a siren’s song. Finally, she watched the carriage drive away, just about to tear the thick paper open–

“Kaoru-chan… did my eyes deceive me, or was that Kido’s sigil on the side of that carriage?”

“Doctor Gensai!” She spun around in surprise, only to pause. “Uh, Kido clan? You recognize them?”

The old doctor gave her a look. “Who wouldn’t recognize the clan of the previous minister of state? One of the three great revolutionaries, Kido Takayoshi? Dear girl, should we repeat your history lessons?”

Kaoru reddened. “Never mind.”

Doctor Gensai huffed fondly. “In any case, what was that about?”

“Uh, well…” Kaoru mumbled, “eh, that was the first invitation to a courtship meeting.” She met his shocked gaze. “Would you like to come accompany me as a representative of my family?”

Continues in “Ominous”

[drabblers]

Distractions

Prompt: Communicating through post-its Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Modern AU, Office Drama 3 (Continues “Another Day at the Office”) Characters: Kaoru Kamiya, Kenshin Himura,  Word count: 1000

If there was one thing this frustrating week had taught her, it was this: Kenshin Himura didn’t make any sense.

He looked like he belonged to a gang – fire engine red hair, scars everywhere, broken fingers and a telling habit of rubbing his right shoulder after a long day and when he thought she wasn’t looking. Clearly, the man had seen his share of fighting.

Yet, he was unnervingly polite and considerate to everyone… except for Iwahashi-san, the only person she had specifically warned him to consider with the utmost respect.

He had the spottiest CV Kaoru had seen in years, something she could understand if he was what he looked like: a handsome young buck from a questionable background in his first real job. But according to the personal info she had sneaked off from hr registry, Kenshin was eleven years older than her. Gosh, he was almost forty and he was interning to be a personal assistant to a woman. What sort of a backward career progression was that?!

And despite all this, it was starting to look like he actually knew what he was doing. Not that she’d ever admit it to him. But still…

Kaoru bit her lip and pointedly didn’t look to her left where those crooked fingers scribbled down notes from the seminar speaker’s presentation they were listening. Some man from a growth company so and so, a newcomer in the market and Kaoru knew she should pay attention, if for no other reason than to have something to say if she ever had a chance to network with him, but she just couldn’t concentrate.

It was like all her senses were attuned to the warm, solid presence on her left. If she closed her eyes, she could smell the faint scent of laundry detergent and shampoo. Even that was ticking her off – Why couldn’t he meet her expectations in this at least? But no, he wasn’t wearing cologne or any of those annoying, strong deodorants many guys seemed to prefer. No. His scent was simple and unassuming and just… easy to enjoy.

Just like the man, really.

Kaoru pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. Okay. Focus. This thing with him is not the end of the world. Just a temporary distraction, that’s all.

A slight rustling beside her startled her from her thoughts and Kaoru turned, only to see something yellow in front of her – a post-it note?

It took her a moment to decipher the messy scrawl, but when she did – she saw red. ‘Is everything alright?’ Seriously? Now he was trying to mother her too? Spinning around, she hissed, “I’m fine.”

He met her temper without a flinch, then raised his eyebrow.

She growled – just about to retort, when a pointed harrumph cut in from behind them. Realizing that they were disturbing the people around them, she gave an apologetic smile, then grabbed the stack of post-it -notes and Kenshin’s pen from him, and scribbled an answer, ‘It’s nothing. Just mind your own business.’

He took the post it -note stack and pen back from her calmly, read through her message and frowned slightly. Then, he tore the topmost note away, scribbled down an answer and handed it to her.

‘This one has never seen you so distracted. Is there something this unworthy one can help you with?’

Kaoru bit her lip, grabbed the stack and pen from him again and wrote in big letters: ‘No.’

He gave her a long, studying glance, then carefully wrote another note. ‘Would it help if this unworthy one moved to another seat?’

As soon as Kaoru read the seemingly benign question, her blood froze in her veins. He was offering to… but why? Had he noticed her trouble concentrating around him? What conclusion had he drawn from that? She looked up, only to face his hesitant smile. No one would smile at a person they knew disliked and distrusted them. Not unless... Her stomach turned when she realized how her tenseness in his presence and inability to keep her eyes to herself could possibly be misunderstood...

She snatched the notes from him and scribbled furiously. ‘It’s NOT what you think it is! I am not in any way, shape or form attracted to you!!!’

“Oro…?” He blinked, staring at the note she showed to his hands, dumbfounded.

Heat rising to her face, Kaoru looked aside. Despite the terrible urge to hide, she forced her hands to stay still, denying herself the impulse to cover her face. She was a grown woman, not a school girl. She damn well should be able to wrangle her emotions under control.

Then, she felt another note set in her hands. She took a breath and looked down at the tiny scrawl filling the yellow page.

‘Please, forgive this one - but this one has noticed you aren’t entirely at ease in this one’s company and offered to take some distance in hopes of alleviating that discomfort. Please, accept this one’s sincere apologies for the distress his assumption has caused you. However, when it comes to matters of the heart, this unworthy one prefers those weren’t discussed between an employee and employer.’

Explanation, apology and a perfectly reasonable request. Kaoru stared at those words, not entirely sure why she wasn’t relieved. The assurance that her new intern wasn’t going to become a problem to her should have been a big weight off her shoulders, shouldn’t it? The last thing she needed was another incident like with Hira-kun…

She struggled to shake off bad memories and held out her hand to Kenshin, asking for his pen and post it -stack once more.

Concern shone in his pretty violet eyes, but he obliged her.

She scribbled down an answer, and then, the strangest feeling churning inside her, watched him read her message that said, ‘Thank you for your honesty. I agree. The only relationship between us is a professional one.’

Continues in “A new start”

[drabblers]

Another Day at the Office

Prompt: “That’s… That’s not the same thing at all!” Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: Modern AU, Office Drama verse 2 (Continues “The Intern”) Characters: Kaoru Kamiya, Misao Makimachi, Kenshin Himura, Megumi Takani Word count: 1000 

“And what should I do with the Iwahashi meeting today? They’re old fashioned, traditional to the bone – well, I guess I could get by without an assistant, but that’s beside the point,” Kaoru grumbled, exasperated. “What I am trying to say, this is unacceptable.”

A notable silence met her declaration, and Kaoru glanced at her friend. Misao was gnawing the inside of her cheek, looking like she was between a rock and a hard place.

Finally, Kaoru had to ask. “What? What did I say?”

“Uh…” Misao paused, taking her time to choose her words. “Uh… Kaoru, you do realize that as an employer, you are not allowed to discriminate against someone based on their looks?”

“That’s… That’s not the same thing at all!” Kaoru yelped. “I am not discriminating against anyone! Misao, I’m just being practical, and you know it! I am the sales and marketing director of a Fortune 500 company. I can’t have an assistant who looks like they belong to a fucking gang.”

Misao had the gall to look back at her. “I admit his hair is… a little eye-catching, but it’s not that bad. Besides, it’s not like he can help having scars.”

Kaoru gave her friend the stink eye. “You are being obtuse on purpose. Everyone can see that the scar on his face was left by a blade. And what about his hands? He has at least four broken fingers that have healed crooked and his knuckles look like they belong to an ex-con. So please, don’t try to tell me I am overreacting.”

“…you are not.” Misao sighed softly. “But Kaoru, as your friend… you can’t fire a person based on their looks. You need to have a reason. A valid reason that will hold up in court – because you know as well as I do that media would have a field day with your trouble finding assistants.”

There was something in Misao’s voice, an odd note which gave Kaoru pause. Her friend was an incredibly cheerful and tenacious soul, but now… she just seemed tired. Almost defeated. Kaoru swallowed, then nodded. “Alright,” she promised. “I’ll try to remember that.”

Misao nodded back.

After that, there seemed to be nothing else to say – a pensive mood fell on them as they walked back from their regular gossip lunch, both of them buried in their thoughts. Misao left at the elevators, and Kaoru headed to her floor alone. However, as she walked past the kitchenette, a feminine sound of delight drew her attention.

“Oh, this is just delicious, Ken-san. You should bring more next time.”

“Oro!” The unmistakable soft tones of Kaoru’s new personal bane carried over the hallway. “Ah, this one will try to remember that, that he will.”

“Please do,” a sultry voice demurred. “I do appreciate a man who knows how to cook.”  

Finally, Kaoru could replace the mystery voice and had to hold back the urge to groan. Could this week get any worse? Not by much, when even the CEO’s personal assistant Megumi Takani had deigned to pay Kaoru’s department a visit…

Gritting her teeth in annoyance, Kaoru marched to the kitchenette’s doorway. “There you are, Kenshin. The Iwahashi meeting’s about to start.”

This was not strictly speaking true, but it got her new intern away from the claws of that vixen at record speed. Megumi raised her eyebrow in surprise, but the lack of her customary snide remarks told the name of their third largest customer had been enough to startle even her.

This small victory would have been enough to make Kaoru’s day, if not for the unfortunate fact that now she had no choice but to take her new intern to the meeting with one of her most important clients… an old-fashioned Japanese patriarch, whose good opinion valued for good 5 percent of the company’s annual revenue.

Kaoru steadfastly ignored how her stomach lurched at the thought. She had been handling Iwahashi’s account successfully for five years, using the Kamiya name and the samurai legacy that name represented to her advantage. That had to weigh in for something. Hopefully, enough that Iwahashi wouldn’t take offence to her new intern’s disreputable looks.

All too soon, her phone beeped – signaling the arrival of her esteemed guests. Kaoru turned to her intern, her expression serious. “Remember, be extremely polite. If no one addresses you, don't say a thing. Otherwise, just follow my example at all times.”

“Yes, Director Kamiya.”  

“Good.” Kaoru took a deep breath. “Let’s get going then.”

Their guests were waiting in the lobby; an old man with a long white beard and a cane, followed by a pretty young secretary and two bodyguards.

“Iwahashi-san,” Kaoru raised her voice, letting the familiar syllables of Japanese roll over her tongue. “You are well on time, as usual! How are you? Have you been well?”

“Ah, Kamiya-san!” The old man perked up, answering in kind. “It has been too long, my dear! And yes, I have been well.”

“That’s good to hear.” Kaoru smiled and motioned with her hand towards the elevators. Iwahashi had never introduced his secretaries or bodyguards to her, so she was hoping she could do the same. “Please, let us go. I have a meeting room arranged for us with refreshments, and–”

However, as she spoke, her guest’s eyes wandered past her…

“Wait,” Iwahashi said. “You're Katsura’s boy, aren’t you?”

Kaoru’s heart skipped a beat.

“Hardly a boy,” her intern demurred. “Nor Katsura’s.”

“When you reach my age, everyone’s a boy,” Iwahashi said. “But you know what I meant, son.”

Kaoru turned to stare at her intern, her mouth falling open.

“Yes, but not anymore." Her intern inclined his head a fraction of an inch. "Sir.”

Iwahashi barked a laugh, then shook his head. “I see. Well, keep a good eye on our Director Kamiya, will you? She is one of the truly good ones.”

And Kenshin bowed, a bit more respectful. “This one is aware – thank you, sir.”

Continues in: “Distractions”.

[drabblers]

Concern over a friend

Prompt: Right or Wrong Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin Setting: CANON after series (Continues “Looking at a mirror”) Characters: Kenshin Himura, Shinta Himura Word count: 999 

Kenshin was elbow-deep in laundry, when a hesitant voice asked from behind him, “Dad, could we talk for a moment?”

“Oro!” Kenshin turned to look over his shoulder.

His younger son, Shinta, was shuffling his feet and avoiding his gaze. Usually, Shinta wasn’t particularly indecisive or shy; at least not with him. Which meant that something was wrong.

“Of course,” Kenshin smiled reassuringly and let the almost washed linens drop back to the suds. “Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing’s wrong,” Shinta raised his hands, hurrying to assure him. “No, it’s just stuff. Something, um… something a friend of mine said, and I wanted to ask your opinion about, that’s all.”

“Oh?” Kenshin raised his eyebrow, settling on his haunches more comfortably. ”Is it an urgent matter, or just perplexing?”

“Err, Perplexing… and urgent. Um, both? Definitely both,” Shinta hedged, his hands restless by his sides, betraying his anxiety. “But you see, the thing is, this friend of mine… I think he is up to something – well, something he really shouldn’t be doing.”

“…Oh?” Kenshin paused. “What’s it then?”

“Uh, well – he… My friend, he is…” Shinta stammered, his eyes darting to the other end of the courtyard, where Kenji was practicing his katas in midday heat. Shirtless. Curious choice for a young man when there was a cool, private dojo available, and when he had just a couple months ago declared he wanted no audience for his practice sessions so no one could copy the secret moves Hiko had taught him.

Quite coincidentally, Sano had been busy the whole morning, entertaining the youngest of the Himura clan, five-year-old Miyu-chan, on the veranda facing the courtyard. Now the little girl was engaged in an attempt to tame Sano’s long, shaggy hair and braid it into several tiny braids.

Kenshin had been following the show in a concerned silence, keeping watch as he washed all laundry he could possibly find in the house. Truthfully, he had no idea how he should begin to unwind this mess his brilliant idea had turned into.

However, in his urge to keep things under wraps, he hadn’t considered that his younger son might realize something was off, too. Stupid of him. Shinta was Kenji’s closest friend. Of course, he would notice if his older brother was acting strange.

“The trouble with this friend of yours…” Kenshin said quietly, “this one assumes it concerns romance, does it not?”

“I, ah… I think so.” Shinta reddened and avoided his gaze, looking as uncomfortable as Kenshin had ever seen him. “If it was anyone else, I’d be happy for him. But this person he, um, my friend is interested in – It’s not okay. It’s really not okay. And I don’t know what to do about it.”

The last words contained such bewildered hurt, that Kenshin’s breath caught. He swallowed to ease his dry, pained throat. “Shinta,” he started, and tapped the grass beside him. “Come, sit. Let’s talk about this. Just the two of us.”

His son sat down hesitantly, twisting his long, gangly legs beneath him. Side by side like this, it struck Kenshin how tall his fourteen-year-old son had grown; his shoulder was almost on a level with the top of Kenshin’s head. But the distress in his son’s gaze made clear how very young he still was at heart.

“Now, this interest that your friend has shown… what about it exactly distresses you so, that is?”

“Uh, well… Um. Many things, I suppose. This guy – person,” Shinta hurried to correct, “this person is old, like seriously old, your and mom’s age, and err…”

“A man?” Kenshin filled in.

Shinta froze, panic flashing in his eyes. “You know?”

Kenshin leveled his son with a look.

“Oh.” Shinta hunched his shoulders, curling inwards, a vain attempt to make himself smaller. “Then… you approve?”

“No.”

“But, then why...?”

Kenshin sighed. “It’s not as simple as approval and disapproval. I don’t approve of the person. For several reasons, and the age difference is one of them.”

“And, um… gender?” Shinta asked.

“That’s not a problem for this one, that it isn’t. The gender of the one who holds your affections isn’t a matter of right or wrong. It just is. Even for your mother, this one doesn’t believe her to object, not if the matter would be presented right.”

“Really?” Shinta gaped at him, thoroughly startled. “But what about… well, with a man, there wouldn’t, couldn’t be – um, marriage and err, kids. Right?”

Kenshin huffed. “For your mother and this unworthy one, yours and your sister’s and brother’s happiness comes first, that it does.”

“Oh.”

Kenshin let his son stew the thought for a while, then asked gently, “Is it upsetting for you that Kenji seems to be inclined towards men?”

“I… I don’t know,” Shinta said after a while. “Maybe a little bit. It was just such a surprise. He was mumbling in his sleep… well, dirty, embarrassing stuff. It’s not the first time. But when I realized it was about a man – the only thing I could think was how furious and disappointed you and mom would be.”

“Never furious or disappointed,” Kenshin said. “Concerned, yes – definitely. But that doesn’t mean we wouldn't help or listen to you.”

Shinta dragged in a shaky breath. “Yeah. I guess so.”

“Not I guess. But yes, I know,” he chided gently. “Kaoru and this one, we are here for you, that we are.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Good.” Kenshin drew his arm around his son’s shoulders, pulling him into a hug. “Thank you for telling this one. And please, don’t worry so much. We won’t let Kenji get hurt, that we won’t.”

“Yeah,” Shinta mumbled. “Thanks, dad.”

“Anytime.” Kenshin hugged Shinta again, stronger this time. “Now, how about you help this one to hang these linens to dry, and then, why don’t you tell this one all about this daughter of Ueda-san, to whom you have been talking to lately according to your mother?”

“DAAAD!”