Patience is a skill

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Ruonin Kenshin, I\'m merely borrowing the characters and I don\'t get paid for this stuff.
Warning: The author used explicit words and description that is not suitable for young readers...consider yourself warned!
    The story that you are about to read is just a product of my demented imagination...

- - - - - Patience is not a virtue - - - - -

Kenshin Himura, a success driven bachelor established his name in various fields. His wit, charm and persuasiveness were his essential tools in becoming one of the greatest man in advertising. At the age of 28 he was regarded to be the most versatile businessman, from travel agency, chains of hotels, spa, pharmaceutical company to electronics. He dominated the business world however behind the success, Kenshin was a lonely man. He haven\'t had a decent relationship over the past years. Women only commit to his prestige and money, they walk out of his life when he\'s not willing to give anymore. He had been fooled so many times that made him numb and cold. He shielded his heart from women.

GFY advertising agency had won the bidding for launching of revolutionized fragrances, which was a massive campaign of top of the line brands of perfumes. It was Kenshin Himura\'s company who bagged this multi-million project in just one open door meeting. It\'s their biggest client for this year and in 3 weeks time, GFY would be launching the product line out in the market. Aoshi, Kenshin\'s creative director and his most trusted confidant had already prepared 20 campaign strategies only waiting for his critic and approval. \"Mr. Himura, our target would not only concentrate on one specific market.\" Aoshi interrupted Kenshin from scanning the slates. \"It would be a cliché if we use another of those typical models.\" Kenshin retorted. \"Then I suggest that we look for models that has no experience in this kind of business so it would look natural and in any sense realistic.\" Aoshi had read his mind again. \"I guess one week would be enough for you for scouting talents and by the second week we are already done with the photo shoot, print ads, bill board, TV ad...\" Kenshin trailed off only to be interrupted again by Aoshi. \"I know you hate cramming but I hate deadlines but I will comply your lordship.\" Kenshin raised an eyebrow. \"I\'m just kidding, how about buying me a drink?\" Aoshi quickly recuperated. \"I hope tequila would be fine.\" Kenshin affirmed. They both walked out of the conference room.

Later that evening, Kenshin and Aoshi had a few drinks when a petite girl walked in the bar that caught every men\'s eyes especially Aoshi\'s eyes. She wore a green satin cocktail dress that compliments her fair skin tone with her hair down and light make-up, she was a goddess to say the least. She sat down at an empty seat beside Kenshin at the bar. She must have been a regular for the bar tender knew what to serve her. Tequila straight up followed by an apple martini. Aoshi was mesmerized by her beauty. He had to make a move before another man lure her to their trap. Kenshin seemed to notice Aoshi\'s interest to the beauty beside him. \"I see your a regular, my friend here would want to buy you another tequila.\" Kenshin\'s attempt to break the ice. The girl just looked at them and smiled. \"I\'m sorry to bother you, my friend here is a little tipsy forgive him of his impoliteness\". Aoshi and Kenshin did it again. Aoshi has earned the lady\'s attention. \"It\'s ok, no harm done but I would love that drink?\". \"Bar tender one tequila straight up for this beautiful lady\" Aoshi signaled the bar tender. \"I\'m Misao\" \"Aoshi and this is Kenshin\". Kenshin knew it\'s time to bail out. \"Well I think everybody is settled? I still have work to do and call me when you got the materials\". Aioshi offered Misao to transfer to a decent table. They had a long conversation that ended up with an exchange of numbers and a date next weekend.

Aoshi knew how impatient Kenshin is with work and he got up early to scout for new models, he\'s much of a hands on director. Every process was a crucial step in making or breaking the company was his pledge. Their first stop was at a local university. He reminded his staff that cheerleaders, athletes and performing arts students are not of priority. Those who seemed to have a natural talent is the one Aoshi is looking for. \"Sir Aoshi if I may ask, how could we possible look for a person with a natural talent? those whom you exclude are the ones that posses what you are looking for?\" inquired by one of his assistant. \"If it means you have to turn over the hay\" was Aoshi\'s enigmatic response and his assistants knew what it meant. 

There were a lot of respondents for their audition. Aoishi seemed less amused for it was a disaster, not even one seem to fit his liking. Kenshin called Aoshi for an update. \"I hope this day would not be a waste, by now you have called me for a good news.\" Kenshin sound irritable. \"I guess you have to see it for yourself then you wouldn\'t have to nag me over the phone.\" Aoshi snapped. \"I\'ll be coming over, I hoped by then you have a candidate.\" Kenshin coldly replied. Their conversation was over. Aoshi went out of the auditorium where their audition was being held, just to clear out his mind. He went on to a nearby coffee shop. \"Excuse me sir what would be your order?\" as Aoshi looked up at the attendant, he was struck with awe. \"Is there something wrong sir? are you alright?\" The attendant said worriedly. \"Oh, I\'m sorry I was just mesmerized but by any chance would you be interested to appear in a commercial?\" Aoshi offered. \"I don\'t know? maybe?\" The attendant was stunned for a moment. \"If you are interested, we are having an audition at the auditorium.\" Aoshi insisted. \"Maybe I\'ll come by after my shift.\" the attendant responded with reservation. \"I\'ll be expecting you and for my order two brewed coffee to go\". \"would that be all sir? how about a pie or cookie?\" the attendant suggested. \"How about your name?\" Aoshi queried. \"It\'s Kaoru sir\". \"brewed coffee would do ms. Kaoru and thank you.\" Kaoru just smiled and went about to get the order. \"I hope ms. Kaoru you would consider my offer.\" Aoshi said to Kaoru before he went back to the auditorium and he was expecting Kenshin would be there.

Kenshin spotted Aoshi as he entered the door, he was seated at the middle isle at the back. Aoshi nodded to acknowledge Kenshin\'s presence. Kenshin did the same. Aoshi approached his friend and gave him the other coffee. After 100 applicants have passed none of them seem to qualify not until Kaoru walked in the door. \"I knew she would come.\" Aoshi felt relieved. \"You know that girl? have you\'ve been acquainted.\" Kenshin asked intriguingly. \"I met her earlier, she works at a coffee shop.\" Kaoru stood in the middle of the stage. \"Name, age, status, organization you are currently involved in and work if you have.\" asked by the interviewer. \"I\'m Kaoru Kamiya, 18 years old, single, I\'m not currently involved at any organization but instead I work at my Uncle\'s coffee shop.\" Kaoru answered nervously. \"have you done any commercials or print ads?\" the interviewer knotted her eye brow. Kaoru appear to be intimidated but politely answered no. \"Besides singing and dancing, do you have any particular talent?\" further inquired by the interviewer. \"Is sketching counted? that would be all ma\'am\" Kaoru answered hesitantly. \"ok, you can proceed to the back stage for your pictorial then further instructions will be given afterwards.\" Kaoru went back stage. \"She\'s the one\" Kenshin said dumbfounded. Aoshi went to the interviewer and said that auditions are formally closed. One of his assistants posted at the main door that the audition is over.

Kenshin had disappeared into the backstage. Kaoru was having her make-up done. Aoshi followed Kenshin. \"I knew you would like her.\" Aoshi sartled his friend who was peeking at the door where Kaoru was being prepared for the sample photo shoot. \"I knew you wouldn\'t fail me, sign her up for the contract\" Kenshin had made his decision. Aoshi doubted for a moment \"I think you should think it over, you said yourself hasty decisions may result to the inevitable!\" he said warningly to his boss. \"There\'s always a fifty-fifty percent chance that you would make or break the company.\" Kenshin held a stern look. \"I agree on that and your point is?\" Aoshi countered. \"That you have to take a hundred percent RISK to make it all happened.\" Kenshin said firmly. \"Then I trust that the hundred percent would be her?\" Aoshi already knew the answer but asked the question anyway. \"Excuse me Sir Kenshin and Sir Aoshi, the photo shoot is finished the pictures would be at your desk later this afternoon.\" Aoshi quickly dismissed the assistant. Kenshin was still on a trance, Kaoru caught his attention but he reminded himself to be distant.

Aoshi approached Kaoru \"How did your photo shoot went?\". \"I don\'t know, you tell me?\" Kaoru timidly answered. \"The photographer said you had potential and quite good for a first timer.\" Aoshi explained. \"Thank you, one of your staff told me I could go and they\'ll just call tomorrow.\" it was Kaoru\'s way of modestly telling Aoshi that she needs to leave. Aoshi read between the lines and he retaliated by mentioning to her that he is expected in a meet and reassured her that they will call tomorrow. When Kaoru was about to leave she caught a glimpse of a red haired man staring at her the whole time she was talking to Mr. Aoshi but didn\'t paid much attention. Kenshin held his breath for being caught dumbfounded but pretended to be looking else where when their eyes met. Aoshi approached Kenshin the instant that Kaoru was out of sight. \"What time should we call her tomorrow?\" Aoshi inquired. \"Before lunch, so it would appear that we had a deliberation in the morning and she would think she was the first choice.\" Kenshin said flatly. \"We know that calling her would only be for formality\'s sake but I think that we should have a final screening so that this charade would look realistic. Don\'t you think?\" Aoshi blurted out. \"That\'s a good idea then you know what to do and I more thing...\" Kenshin paused as if uncertain. Aoshi stood there anticipating his next words. \"Never mined just call her.\" Kenshin shrugged off his thoughts. \"I know something is bothering you....Kaoru?\" Aoshi sound a bit concerned. \"I\'m just worried that she might not take the job.\" Kenshin made an Alibi but Aoshi didn\'t bought it. He knows that there\'s something else but dropped the subject anyway. Kenshin knew that it would only complicate things if Aoshi knew what his intentions for Kaoru.

Kaoru was in the middle of her laundry when the phone rang, she hurriedly answered the call after five rings \"Hello good morning! May I speak with Ms. Kaoru Kamiya?\" A well spoken woman was at the end of the other line. Kaoru responded by saying \"Hai, this is Kaoru.\" \"I\'m Lin from GFY advertising Agency, I am glad to inform you that you have passed the preliminary screen from yesterday\'s audition.\" Kaoru gasped and couldn\'t believed that she passed. \"There would be a final screening this afternoon at GFY building around 2 pm, look for Ms. Megumi and she\'ll assist you.\" Kaoru couldn\'t thank her enough for informing her of a great news.

Kaoru stood in front of the building, excited and nervous at the same time as she look up the tall building. As she entered the loby all the employees seemed to be courteous enough to great her. Kaoru was thrilled and crossed her fingers for his new found luck. \"I\'m looking for Ms. Megumi, I\'m Kaoru Kamiya.\" Kaoru inquired at the information desk. \"Ms. Megumi is waiting for you at studio 5, 16th floor, right end of the hallway when facing the elevator.\" the accommodating young lady directed her. \"Thank you.\" Kaoru smiled then headed to the elevator. As soon as Kaoru stepped in the elevator her hands became sweaty and her knees start to tremble and her lips started to dry. A man behind her suddenly spoke \"Interview with Ms. Megumi or Dr. Gensai?\" Kaoru was startled a little. \"Ms. Megumi, I guess\". \"Uh, so you got the foxy-bitch interviewer! don\'t worry beneath that exterior, she\'s really nice.\" Kaoru didn\'t know what to feel, she wanted to back out. The sudden transformation of Kaoru\'s face as if mortified made the man anxious. \"I\'m sorry I didn\'t mean to upset you....Ms. Megumi is not that hard to crack... just show her your confidence and that you believe in yourself.....just relax and it will be ok..\" Kaoru lightened up when the stranger encouraged her. The man was relieved when Kaoru let out deep sigh and smiled back at him. \"Thank you for the tip; by the way I\'m Kaoru.\" Kaoru reached out her hand and thus the man received her hand for the hand shake. \"I\'m Kenshin, your welcome.\"     

The elevator door opened at the 16th floor. \"This is it.\" Kaoru expelled a deep breath before she stepped out. \"Good luck.\" Kenshin said as the door closed, Kaoru didn\'t even had a good look of him. Kaoru proceeded to the studio door. She knocked three times and the door opened. An assistant directed her to sit at the waiting area. There were 3 other ladies, who seemed to be her contenders. \"Next\" a bitchy voice echoed into the room. the assistant quickly called in the first girl in line. She perked up herself and entered the room. As time passed by one by one the ladies were called and it was Kaoru\'s turn. \"next\" was the word Kaoru was waiting for. Butterflies in her stomach appeared as though she might throw up but did a deep breathing and counted to ten in her mind before she entered the door. \"Good Afternoon Ms. Megumi!\" Kaoru flashed her sincerest smile. Megumi raised an eyebrow \"Ms. Kaoru Kamiya, how would you deal with indecent proposals?\" Kaoru stood shocked for a moment but wittily answered \"I would politely decline his offer and maybe....\" \"maybe what?\" Megumi asked. \"maybe I would slap him when worse comes to worst. Men should know how to respect women for we also pay respect to them.\" Kaoru said with dignity. Megumi being the bitch that she is was surprisingly convinced of what she said and not to mention that being a feminist is definitely a plus. Megumi offered Kaoru a seat and showed her the sample slates. \"If you were to choose between these two pictures, which would be more of great value and explain to me why and will it sell?\" (the first stale depicts a half naked woman, barely covered by a satin silk with a overrated make up and holds a bottle of perfume while the other slate shows a typical man stand beside a career woman with barely make up on and looks like looking for some thing in her bag and the man seemed to be mesmerized by her scent, awaits her to look into his eyes.) Kaoru studied momentarily the pictures. Megumi likes to put up some tension on Kaoru so she interrupted her by saying \"Is it that hard to say something about those pictures?\" Kaoru looked up and began \"well I think the man standing next to the woman would be better because it depicts a life experience that might have happened to anyone while this model only represents a mare thing as if it is only of beauty...\". \"Would you agree with me that people would prefer beauty, since people are insatiable for things that they think are beautiful in their eyes?\" Megumi almost said piercingly to Kaoru. \"I disagree.\" Kaoru said flatly. \"Care to elaborate on that\" Megumi said temptingly to annoy Kaoru. \"It\'s not beauty that makes people happy, it\'s the most simples things or gesture like giving a piece of candy to a child and it would earn you a smile from the child and that smile is something priceless because you know in just a split second you made someone happy, thus this sight is one of beautiful things that you would ever possess here in your heart.\" Kaoru stole the moment and as she passionately delivered her answer. Megumi was blown. \"Well said Ms. Kaoru, I would never regret choosing you for the job...You have passed the interview and you have earned my respect.\" Megumi smiled and offered her hand. They shook hands but Kaoru haven\'t quite figured what happened and it wasn\'t sinking in just yet. \"You mean...I\'m hired? I got the job?\" her jaws almost dropped.

Kaoru was presented to executives and directors of GFY Advertising Agency and she was offered for a 2 year exclusive contract by the company. Kaoru was surprised that Aioshi is one of the directors and during the signing of the contract she was certain that she had seen Mr. Himura before but couldn\'t quite remember when. Kenshin never brought up their conversation on the elevator the other day that Kaoru didn\'t seem to remember. He just congratulated Kaoru and kept avoiding her the entire time. Kaoru had to quit her job at his uncle\'s coffee shop. They immediately started shooting for the commercial and print ads. Aioshi was glad that Kaoru had adjusted very quickly with all that is happening around her. She still manages to go to school whenever time permits her, she would ask professors to give her extra projects just to compensate her absences. 

\"We are on location and this is the final shooting day for the commercial; the print ad is on your desk awaiting for your final decision.\" Aioshi said on the phone with Kenshin who just got off the plane from a convention. \"Thats good to hear; I hope the progress reports and consumer survey is on my desk too.\" Kenshin was glad to hear that they still had five days to finalize every detail. \"Sure thing, by the way how about dinner at nine? My mom\'s in town and she wants to see you.\" Aioshi was hoping that Kenshin would say yes, he wouldn\'t want to fail on his mother\'s request. \"Yeah sure, what kind of wine does your mother like?\" Kenshin inquired. \"Any red wine from Spain would do.\" Aioshi was relieved to know he\'s coming. 

\"I know boys you have missed my roast beef and baked potatoes.\" Aioshi\'s mother placed her famous recipe on the table and Kenshin could not help but to salivate at the smell of the roast. \"You always knew how to make us crave for your cooking and that makes us look forward for your next visit mom.\" Aioshi complimented her mother\'s efforts. \"Oh come on honey, you both know that roast beef is the only recipe I know by heart. It was your dad\'s favorite.\" They all laughed. \"Kenshin, how is Tomoe?\" Aioshi\'s mother asked out of the blue. \"Tomoe and I broke off a year ago.\" Kenshin didn\'t even bother to say the reason, it was painful to him. \"I\'m so sorry to hear that, I thought you\'re engaged by now. I\'m sorry sweetheart.\" Aioshi\'s mother was sad to hear the news. \"It\'s ok. You don\'t need to apologize, we were not meant for each other.\" Kenshin wanted to rip his heart out just hearing her name. \"How about you honey? you haven\'t brought home any girl to me.\" Aioshi\'s mom said teasingly to his son. \"Mom, soon you\'ll meet her.\" Aioshi just smiled and savored the meat on his mouth. \"Does this girl have a name?\" Aioshi\'s mom sound so intriguied. \"It would be a surprise, I haven\'t asked her to be my girlfriend just yet.\" Aioshi set her mom for a suspense. \"Hurry up already, I don\'t have ten more years to see my grandchildren!\" Aioshi\'s mom said jokingly and another laughter was heard at the dinner table that made Kenshin tried to forget about Tomoe for the rest of the evening. After dinner Kenshin went home a little upset. Before he left, Aioshi reported how great Kaoru was and how dedicated she was with work. Kenshin was taken aback upon mentioning her name. \"Kaoru needs a break, give her a two day off.\" Kenshin suggested. Aioshi just said ok.

\"Uncle I missed you...since a have a day off I\'ll be here all day...\" Kaoru immediately rushed to her uncle\'s coffee shop since he was her only family left after her parents died of a car accident. \"I hope you don\'t mind, I\'m a little short with my staff since you left.\" Kaoru\'s uncle was surprised and glad to see her. Costumers admired Kaoru for helping out with her uncle\'s cafe even if she is on the modeling business, she never fails to remember her family. \"You look more stunning Kaoru!\" one regular costumer complimented. \"how flattering, thank you and what can I get for you today?\" Kaoru entertained a full house. It\'s not often to see an up coming model serving your coffee and cakes.

Today is the grand launching of Revolutionized Scents. It was a red carpet premier. Aioshi was escorted by Misao while Kenshin was forced to escort Kaoru since they both didn\'t have any dates for the night. Kaoru was so gorgeous, she wore a Venus cut white gown with elegant embroidered trimmings while her make up enhanced her natural beauty. Kenshin could take his eyes off her. \"You look beautiful tonight.\" Kenshin offered his hand to help Kaoru get out of the limousine. \"Thank you Mr. Himura, you look dashing yourself.\" Kaoru blushed. The photographers could get enough of their pictures together even the press couldn\'t believe that there\'s no romance going on between them. Kaoru was snatched from his arm by the executives and partners to congratulate her while Kenshin attended the governor as they walked in the hall. Kenshin motioned the waiter to give Kaoru a champagne. \"Compliments by Mr. Himura.\" the waiter offered Kaoru the Martini. Kaoru thank the waiter and raised her glass towards Kenshin. Kenshin did the same. After a few hours of celebrating Kenshin was starting to get drunk after having a binge drinking contest with the governor. Aioshi seemed to have disappear that night. Even before the party begins Kaoru spoke to the chauffer that she\'ll meet him at the parking lot at eleven. Kaoru was tiered and couldn\'t find where her date was so she decided to say goodbye to the executives and went to the parking lot. She found that the chauffer was not yet there so she waited beside the limousine. After a few moments she saw somebody throwing up at a post three cars away from where she was standing.

to be continued...

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Author\'s note:
sorry not yet a lemon chapter the next one would be...