Lie to Me Chapter Three: The Dreamy Date

 

~~~~~

[Kenshin]

 

            I tossed and turned on my bed all night, struggling to sleep. I never had any problems with sleep before. The shooting sometimes took until dawn, leaving all of us tired and the minute we got in contact with anything soft, we dozed off. Not tonight.

 

            I woke up the next morning feeling numb. My body was screaming for more slumber but my mind wouldn't stop bothering me about finding myself a woman. Like that's easy.

 

            Actually, considering that I am a Soap Opera King, that would be quite, how do it put it… effortless? But I didn't want any fan or anyone from the showbiz. I wanted someone who didn't knew about me and would love me for who I really am.

 

            Now, where could I find a woman like that?

 

            I sighed heavily, slumping my shoulders as I took a shower. After my not-so invigorating bath, I donned my favorite worn-out [to ragged proportions] pink shirt and pants. I also wore a black jacket just in case. There's no need to fix myself up. I did not want to attract anyone's attention. I hid my flaming red hair under a cap and I am off.

           

            To where?

 

            I was not quite sure. I just wanted to think and collect my thoughts… I know, I'll just go to  my favorite spot beside the lake.

 

            I knew Aoshi told me to go somewhere nice in case the reporters were following me. I also knew his definition of nice. It meant some place public, preferably somewhere where I could show my charitable traits and sign numerous autographs. Not today. I didn't feel like it. I just wanted to be alone.

 

            I know, I know. I was just complaining yesterday how I hated the feeling of loneliness and now I want to be alone. But there's a thin line that separates being alone and loneliness, right? I sighed audibly, muttering to myself, "Hiko's right. I am stupid."

 

            Stupid and lonely.

 

            But no longer alone.

 

            I turned my head as I heard shuffling sounds. There, I saw her. The most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on. And… she was staring back at me. We locked eyes from that moment on.

 

The woman of my dreams.

 

Could she be the one I am looking for?

 

            Is she alright? She looks dizzy. Oh no! She is going to faint! I ran to her side as fast as I can, trying to catch her delicate body. However my efforts were futile when she fell on the grass with a loud thump.

 

~~~~~

[Kaoru]

 

            Ouch! I can't believe I am doing this! I don't think my little scheme is worth the migraine. Chances are he doesn't even care and… Ugh! Am I that desperate? This is stupid, I better get up and… I slowly opened my eyes but I shut them almost immediately when I caught a glimpse of him. He was running towards me.

 

            I cannot believe it!

 

            I worked!

 

            Like a charm!

 

            My heart beat rapidly as I felt his hand caress my cheek softly. Am I dreaming? This is too good to be true but, I felt every tingling sensation his touch brings. This couldn't possibly be a dream.

 

"Miss…"

 

            No!!! Don't wake me up! I want to savor this moment! Please even this once!

 

"Miss… wake up!"

 

I know… I'm faking this for too long. Alright, I'll wake up at exactly five seconds.

 

Five… Four… Three… Two… One…

 

When I opened my eyes, I gasped. His face were only inches away from me.

 

Was he going to kiss me?

 

I snapped my eyes open, finding myself staring at his deep violet pools. His eyes widened as his cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, aware that he was caught. I knew I should be mad at him, slap him, punch him or even hit him with my bokken but I found myself lost in his eyes as I asked myself, 'Is he the one?'

 

Time seemed to stop that moment. Everything seemed surreal. Never in my whole life would I stoop so low as to fake fainting just to pick up a man. A gorgeous man, for that matter. And never in my wildest dreams would I even hope to be caught. And he did.

 

And he almost kissed me!

 

I was jolted back to reality when I felt him squirm. "Umm… sorry. I thought… umm… you needed mouth to mouth resuscitation."

 

Yeah, right. As if! Nice try! Get real, girl.

 

I know.

 

This is not some fairy tale and I am not Sleeping Beauty nor Snow White to allow some stranger to kiss me.

 

Well, at least he is a handsome stranger.

 

My musings were cut short when he cupped my cheek, stroking it gently with his fingers. He asked in concerned tone, "Are you alright?"

 

            Unaware that I was blushing as furiously as he is, I squeaked, "Yes."

 

            "Forgive me for my earlier boldness, its just that…"

 

            Say it! Say it! Is it love at first sight?

 

Just then, he placed his hand on my forehead and asked, "Would you like me to take you to a hospital or something?"

 

            Damn! Nice work Romeo! You did a great job ruining the mood.

 

            "No, that's not necessary." I gave him a wide smile, although deep inside I want to slap him silly.

 

            Too much wishful thinking. Oh well, I'll just go. I don't want to get attached to my prospect prince charming. Which by the way is so unlikely in the modern times if you haven't noticed. I was about to leave when he asked, "What about dinner?"

 

            I was really taken aback at his boldness. "Dinner? Did you just ask me dinner or was that my hopeful ear talking."

 

            He chuckled at that. I am glad. At least, he won't think I am some loser who can't get a date. A decent romantic date, that is.

 

            "Yes, I am asking you out for dinner if that is alright with you."

 

I fiddled with my fingers, biting my lip as I thought about my decision. I shouldn't just go out with this man just because my heart is screaming, 'Oh lookie! Here's the man of your dreams!' I may be a dreamer but I am not stupid.

 

Alright, alright maybe a little loose on the side, you can't really blame me for faking that fainting scene.  How would I know that he is the right one?

 

I am a hopeless case! Oh well, at least I have a date with potential Prince Charming here. Who knows, this may be the start of the love affair I had been dreaming of.

 

As if.

 

But… who knows?

 

I nodded quite shyly as I shifted closer beside him. I am really nuts. I shouldn't have done this. The implications would be disastrous! I had just accepted a date from a guy I haven't even formally met. A guy who made use of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as a lame excuse for almost kissing me. A guy who is handsome in many ways. A gentleman who at least tried to catch me when I fell and made sure I am alright.

 

I am losing this mental battle. But, who said I didn't want to?

 

"Miss… by the way, can I know your name?"

 

"My name is Kaoru…" Oh shit! I can't tell him my name. If he knew who I am then everything is going to be ruined. "Takatsuke. Kaoru Takatsuke."

 

He pulled my hand from the grass and kissed it gently. "Nice to meet you, Kaoru Takatsuke."

 

"And you are…"

 

"Kenshin… just Kenshin."

 

With that, I laughed my head off. Just Kenshin? What is he like one of those one-named 80's waitresses like… call me Moonstar or Madonna. He noticed my amusement on that matter so he laughed with me. "It's Kenshin Okuma. What I meant by it was there is no need for formalities, just call me by my given name."

 

"Alright, Kenshin." I chuckled.

 

"So, where shall I pick you up?"

 

I can't tell him where I live, he might find out! We can't go to the restaurant because the press might bombard us. "Why don't we meet back here at around seven."

 

He flashed me a disarming smile as he stood up, offered me his hand and helped me stand up. He said, "Seven it is. I can't wait, Kaoru. I am so sorry but I must leave now, I have matters I need to attend to."

 

I nodded as I watched him walk away. I just hope I won't regret this. I am willing to gamble everything.

 

I have nothing to lose.

 

Except maybe, my heart.

~~~~~

[Kenshin]

 

            I couldn't believe what had just happened. Did I just get a date with the woman of my dreams back there? Technically, I don't have a list of strict qualifications for the woman I wanted… I just wanted someone whom I love... someone who doesn't know that I am an actor and someone who will love me as who I really am, which is…

 

            A hopeless romantic and…

           

            …a big liar!

 

            I slapped my forehead when I remembered the name I gave her. Kenshin Okuma. How could I be so stupid. So much for originality and creativity. Why… for all the names I had stored in my memory bank did I have to give her the surname of the character I portray in 'Ai suru Hito o Mamoru Tame ni' [To Protect the Ones He Loves].

 

            I am in big trouble, I know that. But I don't need to burden myself with that problem until I know that she is the one. I could be worrying over nothing. I mean, what if during our date tonight I find out that she's not really a princess but an ugly old hag who just wants to gain popularity. Actually, I didn't think so. Something was whispering in the deep recesses of my heart that I should give my all during our date. That I should win her heart in this chance that fate gave us.

 

            She is the one.

 

            I won't screw this up. I hope.

 

            I am so glad she asked us to meet by the park, going to a restaurant will prove to be disastrous. Suddenly, something came to me. I have a great idea for our date. I snapped my fingers as I grinned like a stupid fool. A fool in love.

 

            That afternoon, I came to the lake early to make the arrangements. It was quite simple so I finished early. I glanced at my watch, and said to myself, "In thirty minutes, she'll be here. That is, if she isn't late."

 

            While waiting for her, I sat on the log as I watched the summer sun set on the horizon. It is so beautiful. I just hope that the next time I witness its magnificence, I had somebody with me to appreciate it. I sighed audibly thinking that, what if I never find the one.

 

Does that mean that I should spend the rest of my life alone?

 

Or should I settle for less?

 

My contemplation was cut short when I heard footsteps approaching. It is her. I stood up, smiled and greeted, "Kaoru, you're early."

 

"I just wanted to view the sunset."

 

"You're just in time. Come, let's sit here on the log and watch."

 

She approached me with wide smile on her face. When I looked into her eyes, I was surprised to see a special sparkle on them. Was it because of me or because of the sun's orange rays. It must be the sun. It's wrong for me to assume. Well, there's no harm asking, "Kaoru, you seem to be happy this evening. Did something special happen to you?"

 

"Actually, yes."

 

I raised my eyebrows and asked curiously, "What is it?"

 

"I never thought I'll be able to watch the sunset with someone," she replied casually, not meeting my eyes.

 

With all honestly, I was shocked at her response. I never thought that she felt the same way I did. Could it be that we are both longing for someone? But Kaoru is a very beautiful and comely woman. Surely she has many suitors.

 

"It's beautiful isn't it?"

 

"Do you love sunsets?" I asked.

 

"Not as much as I love the stars," she replied looking straight into my eyes. I looked back at her, trying to see the emotions that she was hiding. As I penetrated her deep blue eyes, I was surprised when I saw the same things my heart refused to show.

 

            Sadness.

 

            Loneliness.

 

And sheer—

 

"Kenshin, do you sometimes feel empty?"

 

I swear, this girl will never cease to astonish me. "Why do you ask?"

 

"I can see it in your eyes."

 

"Oh." That was the only thing I could say at that moment. Am I that transparent? I know I can hide my emotions well, but I guess it takes one to know one. I smiled widely at her as I motioned her to move to the other side of the lake. "Come, I have something to show you."

 

She stood up and looked at me quizzically. I just grinned mischievously in return as I moved behind her. With my two hands, I covered her eyes as I led her to the my secret spot. "Where are we going?"

 

"You'll know soon enough," I whispered to her ear. From my position, I could feel the rapid beating of her heart but I am not the one to judge because I know that my heart is beating as rapidly as hers, if not more.

 

"Promise me to keep your eyes closed, okay?"

 

~~~~~

[Kaoru]

 

            I nodded slightly as I allowed him to lead me. I sighed in contentment while I savored the feeling of his warm fingers on my eyes. I know, I know… this is not the romantic part yet, he still hasn't swept me off my feet. I an anticipating this too much. Oh no! What if I am being too optimistic, what if he turned out to be some sort of a serial killer, rapist or whatever. Hey! I am not a suspense/thriller novelist so pardon the lack of smut.

 

            "Hold it there," he said stopping us both. "I am going to remove my hands but don't open your eyes yet."

 

            I nodded again, feeling my whole body shivering because of the repugnant mixture of fear, anticipation, dread and longing.

 

            Half of me tells me that this is my dream come true, yet the other one screams out…

 

            HEADLINE: Famous novelist Kaoru Kamiya found dead on the lake with a silly smile on her face. In love until death.

 

            Definitely not a good publicity scam to increase my book sales.

 

            Note to self: Call the nearest mental hospital when this is over. I am not only a hopeless romantic, but a crazy one as well. Hmmm… Not that I didn't know that ages ago.

 

            "You can open your eyes now."

 

            "Finally!  The suspense is killing me!" Oops! Maybe I shouldn't use the term kill. Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened my eyes, expecting the worst case scenario.

 

            O my…

 

            Where have you been all my life?

 

            He had set up a candlelight dinner for both of us. I never realized that my jaw was hanging until I had to pull it up to speak, "Thanks this is wonderful." I looked at him and smiled appreciatively. Actually, I want to threw my arms around him and ask him to marry me, but there is still some sanity left inside me and of course, I don't want to scare him off.

 

For a compromise to myself, I walked up to him and hugged him… not too tightly. I whispered to his ear, "Thank you. You know, you shouldn't have went through all the trouble."

 

"But I want to."

 

I pulled back shortly and sat on the picnic blanket. I looked at the delicious food in front of me, slightly drooling. You can't actually blame me, I haven't eaten a single crumb ever since this morning. I don't know if it's date jitters, upset stomach or the fact that I just wanted to wear this dress by Issey Miyake.

 

"The food looks delicious," I commented, hoping that he'll get the hint.

 

He smiled at my compliment as he handed me an empty plate and some chopsticks. "Let's eat?"

 

I nodded enthusiastically. "Itadaikimasu!" I scooped myself generous amounts of sukiyaki. I gasped. This is… "This is really delicious, Kenshin!" I exclaimed. "Where did you order this? You have to tell me."

 

He blushed a deep shade of red and answered shyly, "Ano… I was the one who cooked it."

 

I almost choked on the lump of beef when I heard him. Is he for real? Isn't he perfect enough. Well actually, I am still not in the position to judge that, but still… "You cooked this?"

 

"Yes. I'm glad you like it."

 

My face heated up when I noticed the way he looked at me. I just wanted to melt that instant. I looked away from his piercing gaze and continued to eat my food in silence. Trying to break the tension, I asked, "So Kenshin, what do you do for a living?"

 

There was a long stretch of silence then finally, he spoke up, "…I follow my dir— boss's orders."

 

"Oh, so you are an employee."

 

"Umm… you can put it that way. What about you, Kaoru? What do you do for a living?"

 

"Umm…" Oh shit! I should've thought about this sooner. I can't tell him that I am writer but I can't rephrase it in such a way like, 'I put my fantasies into writing.' "Anoo… I do a lot of thinking and meditations before I sell to make living." Oh no! He is looking at me as if I am crazy! Ugh! Why didn't I think of a better way to say it?

 

The tragedies of life.

 

I am a writer and I can't even make a decent florid lie.

 

            "Oh, so you are a businesswoman."

 

            "You can put it that way." I smiled at that, silently thanking him for not prying on the matter.

 

             "Kaoru…"

 

            "Yes?"

 

            "Let's sit on the log beside the lake so we can gaze at the stars while chatting."

 

            Oh! How romantic!! It took a great amount of effort to keep myself from saying that out loud.

 

            He got up and offered me his hand to assist me in standing up. However, the good fortune that I had for the day seemed to had ran out when I tripped on the zucchini platter.

 

            Just then, I found myself staring straight into his eyes with my hands on his chest. Obviously, my very able prince charming caught me. I looked down at my hands and blushed. Oh! Well-built muscles! Nice touch!

 

            When I looked back at him, his soft amethyst eyes stared at me as a small smile curved on his lips. My heart beat rapidly as I felt my knees weaken.

 

            He is going to kiss me.

 

            As any princess would, I closed my eyes, waiting for his lips to touch mine.

 

            Nothing.

 

            Maybe he is just moistening his lips.

 

            …

 

            I inwardly groaned as I thought to myself, maybe I should make the initiative. With that I puckered my lips.

 

            Nothing!!!

 

            I snapped my eyes open, preparing to yell at my bashful prince.

 

            Where is he!? I turned my head from side to side looking for him. Maybe he is just teasing.

 

            After standing there for quite some time, he never returned.

 

            I knew this was too good to be true.

 

            I slumped my shoulders, headed towards the lake in a trance and sat on a log.

 

            I looked up at the sky and said miserably, "Looks like it's just you and me again, stars."

 

            Just like it always was…

 

            …and will always be.

 

            I am meant  to be alone and to live in a dream.

 

            A dream that will never be a reality.

 

            I hugged my knees to my chest, seeking comfort. I recalled everything that happened throughout the day. The first time I saw him… the way he caught me when I fainted, the way he almost kissed me, the way he looked at me… and when he left me. When everything finally sank in, I broke down.

 

Silent tears fell but no one knew.

 

Except maybe the moon and the stars.

 

Author's Notes:

I didn't make Kenshin catch Kaoru because it would be… I don't know… predictable? I like little surprises, besides, it would be kindda a jolt back to reality for Kaoru. ^_^ Other pairings coming soon.

Seems like I am going to update this fic in a regular basis from now on… that is if you keep me happy!  ^____^ LEAVE ME A REVIEW!!!! ^_______^

Thank you to all those who read my fic and special thanks to those who left a review!

Fey2Kim- I always inserting Sou-chan in my fics. I love that kid so much! ^.^

Shin-chan. Your reviews are not stupid! I like them! It cheers me on! ^_^

Kuroneko-Sama- Well, don't worry, this won't be filled with musings. This is just the introduction. More as in more WAFF to come!

Nim, thanks for that. Well, things about Aoshi will be explained in the next chap. Stay tuned.

Sai- Of course its Kenshin! I'll never pair Kaoru with anyone else ^_^

Oro101~ Me, too. Now, where can we find that?

Marstanuki- I love Misao and Kaoru as the one who are close than Megumi and Kaoru. I don't know why. But in Deadly Family Ties, I used Megumi because it would be more fitting.

Omochi- I hope this answers your question. But no, I didn't let Kenshin catch her.

Dora-chan-thank you for noticing that. I, too, was laughing when I wrote it! I totally love scheming woman… well women, for that matter because I came up with schemes for Misao and Megumi, too. Thanks for the awesome review! This chap is for you! Thanks for all the encouragement you have given me to continue this.

Kori Suketchi- I totally know! Hehehe, don't worry, Kaoru won't punch any of them… soon.

Gypsy-chan- Hehehe, I think I have watched all the fairy tale cartoons. About your fic, I was laughing my head off when you mentioned that Kenshin was watching too much Samurai Jack! Neat touch! Hehehe, forgot to tell you that in the review.

Hana-chan- Advance Happy Birthday!! I updated this in time for your b-day!

JML- I'm writing a new fic and I didn't reverse their names for you. ^_^

Kamimura Kaoru- nope, I will not abandon my other fics. I can assure you that. I just love this idea and I just had to put it into writing.

Manina, Lilyflower, Deanna- I will.

Macy, Sync*in- yup she fainted on purpose! I don't know how that crazy idea came to my mind. ^_^

Mars, thanks for pointing out the okubo, okuma thing.

Dora-chan this is for you. Thanks for pounding me repeatedly to continue this chap. Advance Happy Birthday to Hana-chan!

 

 

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