Author's Notes: The theme song for this story is "I give, You Take" by
Maria. I thought it worked perfectly for the plot of this story and it's a
good song anyways (I recommend it). Kenshin will be OOC in this story
because I want him playing the arrogant, spoiled rich boy. Kaoru might be a
little more quieter and stronger, not entitled to cry every single moment
because of some emotional thing. I like a strong Kaoru in my stories. Yes
yes, I'm aware that I still have two other stories, but this idea just
popped in my head! Read on!
For Love or Money Chapter 1
_____________________________________________________
They say that love cuts two ways. One, through the heart. Two, through the soul. They say that when two people love each other, nothing gets in their way. Not hardships, not obstacles, not fights.
Lies. Absolute, complete lies. Love cuts three ways. Heart, soul, and mind. And when two people love each other, one thing can get in their way. Money. The millennia old barrier that has separated lovers everywhere. Undefeatable in its games of disdain and sneers, it has remained a constant victor over love. What chance does a person have over those little paper bills that rules over lives without compliance? A person who is willing to overcome material desires. So, it all comes down to that time old question.
For love .... or money?
~*~
Money, money, money. She hated it with her entire being. She wished she could banish all forms of money from earth so that billions just wouldn't have to deal with stress that stemmed from it. If money had feelings, she would be able to use the dozens of different torture methods she had running through her head right now. How sweet would it be....
"Kaoru!"
The sharp voice stung her ear and she jerked her delicate head up to the meticulously suited man. His clothes were neat and tidy compared to her disheveled state of jeans and a loose t-shirt. She chagrined as she poked a finger through a small hole in her shirt, looking down at the blue- carpeted floor.
The man sitting in the immense desk in front of her gave an exasperated sigh at his client, obviously reluctant to help her. "Did you hear anything I've said?"
She shook her head and braced herself with his lecture on listening to those who knew better. She mentally rolled her eyes as he droned on, just as predicted. Did he think her as one of those ignorant women who pranced around in skimpy outfits? Most likely, considering how he brushed aside her years in the prestigious Tokyo University and her awards for being the top student in her year.
"Kaoru," the sharp voice stung again. He rubbed his forehead, looking very much as if he was dealing with a child. "That's it, I'm just going to cut to the point. You have no chance in winning in this case, not without your father's will, which he did not write. Your relatives will be getting the bulk share, leaving you with only your own possessions. Got it? Now get out, I have hundreds of more clients to listen to." He didn't even wait for her answer, picking up his phone and asking his secretary to call in the next person.
Kaoru was ushered away by the plump woman. "I'm sorry dearie, but he is a busy man," the woman stated, already sitting down in her seat.
"Too busy to aid those in need," Kaoru asked, disgusted as she stormed out of the office.
She stomped outside into the chilly air, not feeling fall's breath at all. Those with a wary eye stood out of her path of destruction as she continued to stomp her way to the bus stop. Her heavy steps eased down into the steps of a fatigued woman. So that was it. Her father dead and gone after battling a long term illness with unknown relatives tearing at each other to grab pieces of his house and money. No will .... nothing to signify that Kaoru could start anew with the knowledge that her father thought of her. She must now start with old memories that would pave the way into a cycle of hard work just to live.
She dropped in some coins and took a seat in the far back, leaning her head back and closing her eyes. The orange plastic was cracked in a dozen places, proving to be an uncomfortable place to sit. The ride was long and it gave her too much time to think. Think and worry about what she was going to do now. Everything was finalized; she would have to move out of the house and take what she had somewhere else. Friends that had stuck with her in the past had drifted away to other places as she spent the majority of her days trying to help her father stay alive. To still live in her small town would be too much on her; she would have to move to Tokyo for a job.
The sky grew dark as dusk approached as the bus rumbled along on the dusty, unpaved road. She opened her eyes and moved her head to look outside, concentrating on the scenery outside and hoping for a distraction. For the remainder of the trip her mind remained calmly blank, all the way till she reached her unlit house. She stopped for a moment before entering the wooden gates to take a good look at her home. It had stood there for all her life, a symbol of a normality that was unchangeable. The structure that had so many memories invisibly carved in, images of a content childhood showing in every worn corner of the building.
She shook her head a second time as she walked inside. To dwell here any longer meant the knife of reality would be pushed in further.
"Tadaima," she whispered to the empty house that seemed immense due to the lack of furniture. She went to the only room in the house that still held some semblance to life. Looking around, she took in the sight of packed and unpacked boxes. Suitcases that looked full to bursting. She scrounged around till she found a small red phonebook, her last and final hope. She carefully dialed the number on her cell phone and held her breath as she waited for the phone to ring.
"Moshi moshi, Makimachi residence," a cheerful voice sang out.
Kaoru gave her first smile in weeks at the sound of the familiar voice. "Misao! It's me, Kamiya Kaoru!"
"Kaoru-chan??!!!! My Kaoru from Tokyo U," the voice squealed happily.
Kaoru laughed into the phone at her friend's antics. "Yes, it's me. How have you been," Kaoru asked.
"Lonely without you around! You definitely have to come back here and visit," Misao begged.
"Ano...that's what I was calling you about. I need a place to stay until I can get a job and I was wondering if you could-"
"When's the earliest train you can take," Misao cut her off. "I'm sure there is a train that leaves tonight which means you can come in the early morning. I'll have to clean like crazy to make some room, but it could be done by the time you get here if I get a 6 pack of soda and some chocolate."
"So I can stay," Kaoru breathed out in relief.
"Of course. We'll be room buddies again! Like the old days! Hurry up and catch the next train Kaoru," Misao ordered excitedly as Kaoru began to look around her almost packed room.
"I'll take the earliest train in the morning so you can meet me at the station in the afternoon, ne Misao? I'm really sorry for the late notice, I just...I just have to leave here as soon as I can."
"Don't worry Kaoru-chan." Misao's voice took a serious turn. "Everything will be alright when you come back to Tokyo. I have to go, my date is here. But I'll meet you at the station!"
"Will everything be alright when I come back to Tokyo," Kaoru asked herself as she snapped the phone shut.
~*~
"WE ARE NOW ARRIVING AT TOKYO STATION," the intercom blared, making Kaoru open a bleary eye. She had barely gotten enough sleep, though she was tired from all her packing. Her belongings had finally fit in three large boxes and four suitcases. The effort in getting everything to the train station had tired her even more, but she was too anxious to sleep it all off. She reached under her seat for her backpack and stood up as the train began to slow down. She had barely hopped off the train when she was almost knocked down by a small figure.
"Kaoru-chan! Welcome back! Oh wow! You've gotten even prettier over the years, though a sad kind of pretty, which I 've gotta change within a week!" Misao hugged her friend tightly with a fierce strength. She finally released her hold and bounced to the porter that was unloading the luggage. After some huffing and puffing they made it to Misao's blue Honda, the next half hour being spent with the two girls trying to put everything in Misao's car.
"Misao, I really appreciate you letting me stay at your apartment. Things have just gotten so hectic lately and I couldn't stay there a second longer," Kaoru explained, her eyes taking in the familiar buildings though one in particular caught her eye. It had been recently built from the looks of it, towering over everything else with gleaming windows that caught the sun's light. Silverish concrete built the skyscraper all the way up to the heavens so that you couldn't see the top. A gold etched sign in flower-like lettering stood out like a priceless jewel; Himura Corporations. If it was new, that meant it might be still hiring people for jobs. Perhaps if she was lucky she could find something there. She had to find a job quick and start helping Misao with the rent; being a freeloader made her feel guilty.
"You're probably feeling guilty for staying with me, but don't," Misao said without taking her eyes off the road, her instincts still right on target. "I've spent two years without any kind of family or close friends around; if I had any family, that is. You're the closest I've ever had to a sister and you can't find that kind of bond anywhere. So don't feel guilty because I won't be so lonely anymore, and that's worth more than any kind of money, ok Kaoru?"
Kaoru gave a tiny nod and quickly looked out the window, hoping Misao didn't see the teardrop that slid down her cheek.
"My father died," Kaoru finally admitted and found the words released a bit of the tightness in her chest. "From cancer and he never wrote a will. So all the relatives that I never knew I had showed up saying he owed them this and that. The next thing I know ... I have nothing. My lawyer told me yesterday that everything had been finalized and then pretty much kicked me out of his office." Tears began to pour out and Misao reached over to grasp Kaoru's hand tightly. Kaoru struggled to stop her crying, but the dam broke and all the tears she had wanted to cry before fell in an angry stream.
"And all throughout this, I'm asking myself if my father ever thought of me enough to at least leave me with something. A sword, a vase, anything to show that he thought of me in his last few months. Nobody tried to help me during all of this, not even my own blood! They just grabbed what they wanted and took off; leaving me in an empty house that has already been sold without my consent! All they thought about was the money or how much each of father's possessions were worth! It's so despicable to know how greedy people are these days," Kaoru said furiously, wiping her tears away with the sleeve of her jacket.
"It's the 21st century, the ideals and morals of people have changed and there is nothing we can do to stop them," Misao said as she parked her car in front of a small, but cheerful looking house. She turned to face Kaoru and looked at her straight in the eyes. "What we can do is never give up the ideals and morals we hold now, regardless of pressure or fads or whatever! If there is one thing I have learned it's that life goes on, with or without us. So what do you say Kaoru? A new start, but with the same old us?" Misao gave a mischievous grin. "We're embarking on a new adventure with millions of clubs full of delicious guys out there and I am all for a whole new start. You told me once that the past doesn't matter because it already happened and you can't do anything about. I think that you should stop being so sad and try to remember that there is more to life than money."
Kaoru wiped away the last tear and bravely grinned along with her friend as they got out of the car. A woman opened the door and stepped out. Kaoru gave a mental gasp as the woman walked towards them. She was utterly beautiful with every feature being perfect. Perfect lips, perfect hair, perfect everything. She walked with the confidence of a model and the posture of a graceful dancer.
"Oy, Megumi-chan, wanna help us with these boxes," Misao called out from the large box in her arms. "She's a new roomie too, just moved in two days ago," Misao explained to Kaoru as she steadily balanced the box in her arms.
"Hi, I'm Kamiya Kaoru," Kaoru greeted brightly as Megumi picked up a suitcase.
"You can just call me Megumi," the woman said quietly and quickly walked into the house as Misao walked out.
"She's quiet," Kaoru commented as the two girls struggled with the last of the luggage.
"She's really nice once you get to know her. And here's your new home! Your room is across from mine and next to Megumi." Misao led Kaoru down a hallway that was on the left and to the first door on the right. The door opened to show a comfortable sized room, a bed already set up with grey blue sheets. A worn desk sat in the corner near the bed with a small lamp on it. There was a small empty closet that was large enough to hold most of Kaoru's belongings.
"Thanks Misao," Kaoru said as she sat the suitcase down.
"You can start organizing later, hurry up and change. I got you an appointment for an interview for a secretary job in forty-five minutes!"
"Eh? But-"
Misao was already opening up a suitcase and going through Kaoru's clothes. "I figured that you would need help finding a job so I found one for you at the place where I work." Misao's eyes started to sparkle. "There's a guy there .... Aoshi-sama. He's so handsome and nice and kind and smart and quiet and ... and just perfect in general." She gave a lovelorn sigh and sat down on the bed as Kaoru began to change into a matching skirt and top. "I just wish he would notice me every once in a while, really notice me instead of me as Misao the secretary. I guess I'll just have to be patient."
"Or talk his ear off until he begs you for a date to stop the torture," Kaoru added as she took one last look at the mirror.
Misao threw the pillow from the bed at Kaoru's head in mock anger. "Kaoru- chan!"
"Ma ma, I was just joking. So where is this place that you work," Kaoru asked as they walked towards the car.
"Himura Corporations."
____________________________________________________
*Ok, in the next chapter, enter Sano and Kenshin. And like I said before, Kenshin will be a spoiled, arrogant guy who has had everything he wanted in the past. Wonder how he is gonna act when Kaoru gets angry?
For Love or Money Chapter 1
_____________________________________________________
They say that love cuts two ways. One, through the heart. Two, through the soul. They say that when two people love each other, nothing gets in their way. Not hardships, not obstacles, not fights.
Lies. Absolute, complete lies. Love cuts three ways. Heart, soul, and mind. And when two people love each other, one thing can get in their way. Money. The millennia old barrier that has separated lovers everywhere. Undefeatable in its games of disdain and sneers, it has remained a constant victor over love. What chance does a person have over those little paper bills that rules over lives without compliance? A person who is willing to overcome material desires. So, it all comes down to that time old question.
For love .... or money?
~*~
Money, money, money. She hated it with her entire being. She wished she could banish all forms of money from earth so that billions just wouldn't have to deal with stress that stemmed from it. If money had feelings, she would be able to use the dozens of different torture methods she had running through her head right now. How sweet would it be....
"Kaoru!"
The sharp voice stung her ear and she jerked her delicate head up to the meticulously suited man. His clothes were neat and tidy compared to her disheveled state of jeans and a loose t-shirt. She chagrined as she poked a finger through a small hole in her shirt, looking down at the blue- carpeted floor.
The man sitting in the immense desk in front of her gave an exasperated sigh at his client, obviously reluctant to help her. "Did you hear anything I've said?"
She shook her head and braced herself with his lecture on listening to those who knew better. She mentally rolled her eyes as he droned on, just as predicted. Did he think her as one of those ignorant women who pranced around in skimpy outfits? Most likely, considering how he brushed aside her years in the prestigious Tokyo University and her awards for being the top student in her year.
"Kaoru," the sharp voice stung again. He rubbed his forehead, looking very much as if he was dealing with a child. "That's it, I'm just going to cut to the point. You have no chance in winning in this case, not without your father's will, which he did not write. Your relatives will be getting the bulk share, leaving you with only your own possessions. Got it? Now get out, I have hundreds of more clients to listen to." He didn't even wait for her answer, picking up his phone and asking his secretary to call in the next person.
Kaoru was ushered away by the plump woman. "I'm sorry dearie, but he is a busy man," the woman stated, already sitting down in her seat.
"Too busy to aid those in need," Kaoru asked, disgusted as she stormed out of the office.
She stomped outside into the chilly air, not feeling fall's breath at all. Those with a wary eye stood out of her path of destruction as she continued to stomp her way to the bus stop. Her heavy steps eased down into the steps of a fatigued woman. So that was it. Her father dead and gone after battling a long term illness with unknown relatives tearing at each other to grab pieces of his house and money. No will .... nothing to signify that Kaoru could start anew with the knowledge that her father thought of her. She must now start with old memories that would pave the way into a cycle of hard work just to live.
She dropped in some coins and took a seat in the far back, leaning her head back and closing her eyes. The orange plastic was cracked in a dozen places, proving to be an uncomfortable place to sit. The ride was long and it gave her too much time to think. Think and worry about what she was going to do now. Everything was finalized; she would have to move out of the house and take what she had somewhere else. Friends that had stuck with her in the past had drifted away to other places as she spent the majority of her days trying to help her father stay alive. To still live in her small town would be too much on her; she would have to move to Tokyo for a job.
The sky grew dark as dusk approached as the bus rumbled along on the dusty, unpaved road. She opened her eyes and moved her head to look outside, concentrating on the scenery outside and hoping for a distraction. For the remainder of the trip her mind remained calmly blank, all the way till she reached her unlit house. She stopped for a moment before entering the wooden gates to take a good look at her home. It had stood there for all her life, a symbol of a normality that was unchangeable. The structure that had so many memories invisibly carved in, images of a content childhood showing in every worn corner of the building.
She shook her head a second time as she walked inside. To dwell here any longer meant the knife of reality would be pushed in further.
"Tadaima," she whispered to the empty house that seemed immense due to the lack of furniture. She went to the only room in the house that still held some semblance to life. Looking around, she took in the sight of packed and unpacked boxes. Suitcases that looked full to bursting. She scrounged around till she found a small red phonebook, her last and final hope. She carefully dialed the number on her cell phone and held her breath as she waited for the phone to ring.
"Moshi moshi, Makimachi residence," a cheerful voice sang out.
Kaoru gave her first smile in weeks at the sound of the familiar voice. "Misao! It's me, Kamiya Kaoru!"
"Kaoru-chan??!!!! My Kaoru from Tokyo U," the voice squealed happily.
Kaoru laughed into the phone at her friend's antics. "Yes, it's me. How have you been," Kaoru asked.
"Lonely without you around! You definitely have to come back here and visit," Misao begged.
"Ano...that's what I was calling you about. I need a place to stay until I can get a job and I was wondering if you could-"
"When's the earliest train you can take," Misao cut her off. "I'm sure there is a train that leaves tonight which means you can come in the early morning. I'll have to clean like crazy to make some room, but it could be done by the time you get here if I get a 6 pack of soda and some chocolate."
"So I can stay," Kaoru breathed out in relief.
"Of course. We'll be room buddies again! Like the old days! Hurry up and catch the next train Kaoru," Misao ordered excitedly as Kaoru began to look around her almost packed room.
"I'll take the earliest train in the morning so you can meet me at the station in the afternoon, ne Misao? I'm really sorry for the late notice, I just...I just have to leave here as soon as I can."
"Don't worry Kaoru-chan." Misao's voice took a serious turn. "Everything will be alright when you come back to Tokyo. I have to go, my date is here. But I'll meet you at the station!"
"Will everything be alright when I come back to Tokyo," Kaoru asked herself as she snapped the phone shut.
~*~
"WE ARE NOW ARRIVING AT TOKYO STATION," the intercom blared, making Kaoru open a bleary eye. She had barely gotten enough sleep, though she was tired from all her packing. Her belongings had finally fit in three large boxes and four suitcases. The effort in getting everything to the train station had tired her even more, but she was too anxious to sleep it all off. She reached under her seat for her backpack and stood up as the train began to slow down. She had barely hopped off the train when she was almost knocked down by a small figure.
"Kaoru-chan! Welcome back! Oh wow! You've gotten even prettier over the years, though a sad kind of pretty, which I 've gotta change within a week!" Misao hugged her friend tightly with a fierce strength. She finally released her hold and bounced to the porter that was unloading the luggage. After some huffing and puffing they made it to Misao's blue Honda, the next half hour being spent with the two girls trying to put everything in Misao's car.
"Misao, I really appreciate you letting me stay at your apartment. Things have just gotten so hectic lately and I couldn't stay there a second longer," Kaoru explained, her eyes taking in the familiar buildings though one in particular caught her eye. It had been recently built from the looks of it, towering over everything else with gleaming windows that caught the sun's light. Silverish concrete built the skyscraper all the way up to the heavens so that you couldn't see the top. A gold etched sign in flower-like lettering stood out like a priceless jewel; Himura Corporations. If it was new, that meant it might be still hiring people for jobs. Perhaps if she was lucky she could find something there. She had to find a job quick and start helping Misao with the rent; being a freeloader made her feel guilty.
"You're probably feeling guilty for staying with me, but don't," Misao said without taking her eyes off the road, her instincts still right on target. "I've spent two years without any kind of family or close friends around; if I had any family, that is. You're the closest I've ever had to a sister and you can't find that kind of bond anywhere. So don't feel guilty because I won't be so lonely anymore, and that's worth more than any kind of money, ok Kaoru?"
Kaoru gave a tiny nod and quickly looked out the window, hoping Misao didn't see the teardrop that slid down her cheek.
"My father died," Kaoru finally admitted and found the words released a bit of the tightness in her chest. "From cancer and he never wrote a will. So all the relatives that I never knew I had showed up saying he owed them this and that. The next thing I know ... I have nothing. My lawyer told me yesterday that everything had been finalized and then pretty much kicked me out of his office." Tears began to pour out and Misao reached over to grasp Kaoru's hand tightly. Kaoru struggled to stop her crying, but the dam broke and all the tears she had wanted to cry before fell in an angry stream.
"And all throughout this, I'm asking myself if my father ever thought of me enough to at least leave me with something. A sword, a vase, anything to show that he thought of me in his last few months. Nobody tried to help me during all of this, not even my own blood! They just grabbed what they wanted and took off; leaving me in an empty house that has already been sold without my consent! All they thought about was the money or how much each of father's possessions were worth! It's so despicable to know how greedy people are these days," Kaoru said furiously, wiping her tears away with the sleeve of her jacket.
"It's the 21st century, the ideals and morals of people have changed and there is nothing we can do to stop them," Misao said as she parked her car in front of a small, but cheerful looking house. She turned to face Kaoru and looked at her straight in the eyes. "What we can do is never give up the ideals and morals we hold now, regardless of pressure or fads or whatever! If there is one thing I have learned it's that life goes on, with or without us. So what do you say Kaoru? A new start, but with the same old us?" Misao gave a mischievous grin. "We're embarking on a new adventure with millions of clubs full of delicious guys out there and I am all for a whole new start. You told me once that the past doesn't matter because it already happened and you can't do anything about. I think that you should stop being so sad and try to remember that there is more to life than money."
Kaoru wiped away the last tear and bravely grinned along with her friend as they got out of the car. A woman opened the door and stepped out. Kaoru gave a mental gasp as the woman walked towards them. She was utterly beautiful with every feature being perfect. Perfect lips, perfect hair, perfect everything. She walked with the confidence of a model and the posture of a graceful dancer.
"Oy, Megumi-chan, wanna help us with these boxes," Misao called out from the large box in her arms. "She's a new roomie too, just moved in two days ago," Misao explained to Kaoru as she steadily balanced the box in her arms.
"Hi, I'm Kamiya Kaoru," Kaoru greeted brightly as Megumi picked up a suitcase.
"You can just call me Megumi," the woman said quietly and quickly walked into the house as Misao walked out.
"She's quiet," Kaoru commented as the two girls struggled with the last of the luggage.
"She's really nice once you get to know her. And here's your new home! Your room is across from mine and next to Megumi." Misao led Kaoru down a hallway that was on the left and to the first door on the right. The door opened to show a comfortable sized room, a bed already set up with grey blue sheets. A worn desk sat in the corner near the bed with a small lamp on it. There was a small empty closet that was large enough to hold most of Kaoru's belongings.
"Thanks Misao," Kaoru said as she sat the suitcase down.
"You can start organizing later, hurry up and change. I got you an appointment for an interview for a secretary job in forty-five minutes!"
"Eh? But-"
Misao was already opening up a suitcase and going through Kaoru's clothes. "I figured that you would need help finding a job so I found one for you at the place where I work." Misao's eyes started to sparkle. "There's a guy there .... Aoshi-sama. He's so handsome and nice and kind and smart and quiet and ... and just perfect in general." She gave a lovelorn sigh and sat down on the bed as Kaoru began to change into a matching skirt and top. "I just wish he would notice me every once in a while, really notice me instead of me as Misao the secretary. I guess I'll just have to be patient."
"Or talk his ear off until he begs you for a date to stop the torture," Kaoru added as she took one last look at the mirror.
Misao threw the pillow from the bed at Kaoru's head in mock anger. "Kaoru- chan!"
"Ma ma, I was just joking. So where is this place that you work," Kaoru asked as they walked towards the car.
"Himura Corporations."
____________________________________________________
*Ok, in the next chapter, enter Sano and Kenshin. And like I said before, Kenshin will be a spoiled, arrogant guy who has had everything he wanted in the past. Wonder how he is gonna act when Kaoru gets angry?