'Sorry, Kaori. I couldn't contact you earlier. You know, my fashion show was a big success. The week after the show, I was asked to present my models in the States and then, in Europe. Oh, Kaori, thank you ! All that was so unexpected ! Thank you, thank you very much. I owe all this to you !' Eriko hugged Kaori so tightly that she was breathless.

But these words were like honey to her ears.

'You don't need to thank me, Eriko. You are a good stylist, you know.
- No ! No ! you know, when you were my model at the show, many photographers took pictures of you and those pictures were published in famous fashion magazines all over the world. When I went abroad to present my collection, many people asked after you. So, you see? I phoned you from the States but you weren't at home. I then asked Ryo if you would come but he refused. He argued that you were working in a new case and that you wouldn't be free for a long time. He also told me that, as his partner, he needed you. I must say I was very upset.
- You phoned home? I didn't know about that !' Kaori was surprised. Not because Ryo didn't tell her about the phone call, but because she didn't expect him to tell anyone that he needed her in his work !

'I'm sure he was worried about you.' Eriko's eyes were shining maliciously.
'What do you mean?'
It was Eriko's turn to be surprised now : 'Kaori, you are very naive. He was worried because of the threat letter.
- I don't think so...' Kaori rememberedd her partner's reaction at that threat : just after reading it, he went back to his breakfast and kept on eating as if nothing had happened. His only comment at her anxious attitude was: 'That guy must have confused you with someone else: you don't look like a goddess...'

'But it was true: we had a client at that moment, Eriko.'
Eriko realised that she made a mistake. Their relation was really complicated! Talking about Ryo always made Kaori uneasy. She tried to change the subject:
'You know, Jin and Tashiro came with me in the States and in Europe, and we spent most of our time talking about you. Well, Jin and me, especially. You know that Tashiro is not that voluble!'

The two girls started laughing. Tashiro had always been very reserved. In fact, he did not know how to express his feelings. He was very complexed.

'Jin wants you to be his model. He came back with me from Paris. Will you contact him?
- Of course, yes! I told him I will andd I'll keep my word.
- Jin is a good and famous photographerr. You made a good choice... And, by the way, what about a dinner? All three of us? Tashiro, you and me. In honor of the old days... A good japanese dinner. Tashiro and I have enough of western cuisine !
- Good idea, Eriko !'

Kaori was walking back home, smiling at Eriko's idea. It has been a long time since she had dinner with her school friends. She remembered the old school days, the time when she had nothing to worry about, but her brother's well-being. But those days of insouciance were gone. Now, she had another life, another person to care of...

There was something wrong.

Yes,... But, what..?

The streets were crowded at this pick hour. As usual. Working people were hurrying home, mothers and children were walking slowly, students were chatting...

Why do I feel so uneasy?

Kaori looked around once again. It was like someone was observing her. She had this feeling since some days.

She was like a prey which felt the presence of a predator, but not knowing from which direction would come the danger.

'Kaori...'
Kaori gave a junp involuntary. Tashiro was beside her.
'Are you all right ? You look pale...
- Oh, Tashiro... Sorry, I didn't expectt you...
- I'm sorry I frightened you. I really didn't want to...' He seemed worried.
'That's OK. Do not worry. It is just I was in my dreams... But what are you doing here ?'
'I... I didn't have too much work today, so... I decided to walk a bit before going back home...' Tashiro tried to avoid her eyes...

'Aaaaaahhhhhh.... Let me in peace, you pervert !'
Kaori nearly had a heart attack at this scream !
'Mokkori-chan ! Come with me ! You are living a stressing life ! Ryo-chan will make you appreciate life...'
Nearby, a man was pursuing a young and nice woman...
'Kaori, isn't that man your partner ?'
'Yes, it is him. Just wait a minute, Tashiro, I'll be back soon.' Kaori left the young man to run after Ryo. A big hammer appeared from nowhere in her hands and was thrown to the running Ryo.
'You pervert ! Can't you stay still without opportunate women !' She screwed violently his ear.
'Ahhh ! I apologise ! Mercy me ! I won't do that again !' Ryo fell on his knees and bowed again and again. Kaori's eyes were still lightening... 'I cannot leave you alone ! Can't you behave yourself ?
- And you ? You don't behave either ! - What do you mean ?
- I saw you: you were flirting with a yyoung boy ! You have no success with men, so now you try with teenagers?
- Hein ...?' Kaori remained speechless.... A young boy ? She was with Tashiro... Tashiro was a so frailed man that people often mistook him with a teenager !
'I was not flirting with teenagers. I was just talking with Tashiro. And I can have all the men I want. I just have to ask !!! Fortunately for them, I'm not a female Ryo Saeba !
- Yes: fortunately, for them' Ryo mumblled.

Kaori was no more listening: she was looking for Tashiro but she couldn't find him.
'Tashiro was there a minute ago. He must have gone. But I told him to wait for me...'
Ryo said nothing.
'You know, Tashiro has always been very shy. He must have left not to disturb us.'
'Come, let's go back home.'

They walked silently.

Kaori wanted to talk to him about the day's events and share her joys and thoughts but she was impressed by Ryo's reserved attitude. She knew it was better remaining quiet.

Ryo, Japan's best sweeper, was so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice that a man was following them.

My Goddess, I can see your pain walking beside this man. But don't worry: soon you'll be mine and that man will never bother you.

That early morning, the sun rays seeped into Kaori's bedroom and softly caressed her face to wake her up. The birds, outside, were singing a melodious song to welcome a new warm day.

Kaori smiled. There was nothing like being woken up like that. It seemed she was living on Heaven...


Ryo looked at the clock one more time: it was almost half an hour now that Kaori was taking a shower. He could hear the water falling from his room. And it was more than an hour that he has been expecting her to come and have a glance at him, as she usualy did every morning. And he would pretend sleeping, as usual.

But, she was late today.

Is she angry at me ?

He was just willing to see her. She was his lucky charm. And his meaning to live.

He knew he had been harsh with her, but he couldn't help reacting so. He could not understand why she had accepted Jin’s invitation for lunch when that fellow phoned her yesterday. He could not trust a man like Jin What's-his-name. That guy was looking for a beauty and Ryo couldn't understand why he chose Kaori to be his model. She wasn't a beauty at all! She was a tomboy! And to look like a woman, she had to disguise herself!

Really that man had a weird taste about women. Was he really a famous model photographer as Kaori said ? Or was it just a cover to abuse innocent women ?

It was true Kaori was of innocent kind. But she wasn't attractive. When that Jin would see her in her every day dress and attitudes, he would surely withdraw his offering.

Stupid guy...

That guy proclaimed himself a 'beauty hunter' and he could not recognise a beauty of his own!

Despirable.

Ryo's thoughts were interrupted when the door opened silently. He closed his eyes and remained motionless as the visitor came in and approched the bed. He could feel her breath caressing his face and her look sooth his tormented soul. Then the footsteps slowly headed for the door.

It was already noon and Kaori was still in the taxi. She hated being late at a rendez-vous. But what could she do ? She was a human being with only two arms and two legs. Althought she woked up early that morning, she did not have enough time to do everything. Preparing breakfast and lunch for that sluggard had been very harsh, especially with Ryo and his ugly mood around. She really felt uneasy with him that morning.

In fact, what took too much time was getting dressed as she wasn't used to wear elegant clothes.

The cab driver was driving quickly, but not quickly enough for Kaori. If she had taken her car... She went to Shinjuku railway station to check the bulletin board just for conscience's sake. She did not expect that work.

K. Nakamura, 9 pm at the Royal Blue café.

A woman's handwriting... Very bad...

Kaori could easily guess Ryo's happiness at this news. But he did not deserve having a female client: when she told him about Jin's invitation, he answered her to do whatever she wanted with an indefferent tone... and turned away...

Anyway, she had another important appointment.

The taxi finally stopped in front of the most famous hotel of Tokyo. The porter rushed to open the door, and majestically, Jin approached to help her get out of the car. Kaori felt like a princess, received with due respect by a prince.

Jin took her arm and guided her at the top of the building, to the restaurant where he had reserved a table. Although the restaurant was already plenty of people, something in the setting made the place intimate.

Their table was near a big window: Kaori could admire the city at her feet. She had visited many hotels and restaurants, but never such this one. It was luxious, but not too much, arranged as an old british club. She couldn't help looking around her, scrutinizing every detail. And she did not notice the look in the eyes of the men around her.

'I'm sorry, Mister Hasegawa, I'm late and ...
- Please, please. I'm the one you honorr by coming. Truely, thank you. And, by the way, please, call me Jin.
- Jin... Fine. So, please call me Kaorii.
- It is a very nice name. I'm sorry if I insisted too much but I wanted to see you as soon as possible and I couldn't wait till tomorrow to invite you for dinner.
- Yes, I already have an engagement thiis evening.' Her voice was weak, impressed as she was by the grandeur of the place.
'Eriko told me about that: she invited you for dinner, didn't she?' Kaori nodded and tried to concentrate on the menu, trying to regain her self-control.

Her companion was so handsome... Such good and noble manners... in the way he gave orders to the waiters, he talked to her...

Unwillingly, she compared his attitude with Ryo's. She imagined her partner in front of her, eating as a pig, commanding so many dishes..., espescially when he was with her. She wasn't ashamed of him, but he would be so nice if he behaved as Jin did...

Little by little, she began feeling at ease with Jin. He loved talking about photography: his work and passion, but never monopolized the discussion. He was interested by Kaori's questions and remarks. Soon, they were talking as old friends.

'My father offered me a camera when I was ten. That's how all started. At first, I took pictures of everything: birds, plants, cars... Everything ! I wanted to become a photographer, but my mother refused. She wanted me to be a doctor or an engineer, as every mother. And she convinced my father. They both refused to pay my studies at Tokyo's Arts University. Fortunately, I won the first prize of a photo competition and I was rewarded with a scholarship for studying in one of the best Arts College of the States.
- So you left Japan without your parentts' blessings.
-Yes...' Jin remained quiet for a minutte. He turned his look to the sky but his eyes were watching something deep inside of him.

Kaori felt sorry for him.

'Oh, Kaori, sorry! Do you want some more wine?
- Yes, please.' She smiled at him: she wanted to please him.
'You know, women are daughters of nature and the mother had granted them with beauty. That is why I stopped photographying birds and plants. Eriko helped me a lot. We met each other in New York. She was then a young stylist. I knew she would be famous one day, so I started working for her. Now I'm indepedent, but I never let any other guy photograph her work. And I'm lucky I met you...'

His voice was soft.
His dark eyes were looking straight at hers.
She blushed, but she couldn't take her eyes off to his.
Her heart was beating faster...

When suddenly a woman screamed and there was noise of falling dishes. A waitress was standing in the middle of the restaurant, astonished. Around her were the plates she had let fallen.

The magic was over.
And the lunch was finished.
Kaori was ashamed of her reaction. She got up and bowed :
'I'm sorry, Jin. But I have to leave now.
- I'm the one to be sorry. You're so paatient, Kaori ! It's been already two and half hours that we've been talking ! You're such a good company! Oh, I forgot : about the photo session, what about tomorrow?
- That will be good, I'll be free.
- Fine. Now, let me accompany you.' Theey left the restaurant.

The puzzled waitress tried helplessly to explain what happened to the headwaiter : 'It IS true, Sir! Someone touched my buttocks!'

Kaori took a deep breath before entering home. She managed to come back home alone, by taxi, despite Jin's offering to accompany her. She was still surprised at her reaction. She could not explain it, but she knew it was better not to stay alone with him anymore.

'Ryo, I'm back.
- Hmmm...'

He was in the living-room, lying on the sofa, detailing a sexy magazine. The young woman was relieved he was busy. She was afraid he could guess what happened only by looking at her.

She went to the kitchen. Empty and dirty dishes and crumbs were all over the table. That sight exasperated Kaori a lot. She turned back to the living-room, irritated.
'Ryo! You could at least put the dishes in the kitchen sink!
- Didn't have time to...
- What? No time? We have no client, so what took all your time?
- None of your business!'
Kaori was surprised by his hard voice. She remained still.

Ryo suddenly got up, threw away the book he was reading and headed for the door.

'Wait!' Kaori almost shouted.

Ryo stopped but did not turn to face her.

'I..' It was just a whisper. She wanted to know why he behaved so. She wanted to tell him about the weight in her heart...

'I... Eriko invited me for dinner... You'll have to dine alone...' Words didn't come easy.

'Do whatever you want.' He went out of the room.

Kaori felt exhausted. She sat down on the sofa and put her hands on her face. The last thing she heard before the front door slammed was :
'It's been almost a week that your car is in repair and you did nothing to mend it. Stop relying on me! You're no more a child ! Do it by yourself !'

The noise of the city waked her up. She opened her eyes. It was almost 5 pm. Her tears had dried on her cheeks. Her whole body was painful : the sofa was not comfortable enough to sleep on it. She got up, trying to forget the sadness that was overwhelming her. She had still many things to do. She promised Eriko to prepare the dessert and she had to go out shopping.

She tried not to think of him.


The air was fresher. It had rained during her sleep. The sun was back now. But these weather changes did not affect city people's life. They all had their duty and it had to be fulfilled, whether it was rainy or shiny, cold or warm.

The department store was not crowdy. Kaori hastened. She had a cake to prepare. The casher kept looking at her: he was not used to see her so elegantly dressed as Kaori did not took time to change herself since she came back from the restaurant. He smiled at her trying to catch her eye.

'Good evening, Kaori. You seem upset. Something's wrong?' Tashiro was in front of her, holding a basket full of drinks.
'Hello, Tashiro, I'm pleased to see you.
- Ah?.. Well... Thank you... Maybe… I ccan help you?
- That's ok, thank you. Are you living nearby?
- Euh...yes. I moved some weeks ago. I don't live far away from here.
- And you didn't tell me about that !?<
- I didn't think you would be interesteed.
- Tashiro-kun, you underestimate me. Myy friends are important to me. Show me where you live.
- Oh... Ok... Please, let me carry yourr bag.
- Thank you.'

They both walked together for a while, chatting. Tashiro's building was not far from the railway station but he didn't invite Kaori to visit his flat. He pretended it wasn't clean enough to welcome her. Kaori did not take harm of it. She could understand that it was difficult for a bachelor to keep his house always neat. It was difficult, after a hard day's work, to prepare dinner and clean the house. Fortunately for Ryo, she was there to keep the house. But she was never rewarded for that...

She shook her head. She really didn't want to think of him. She had other things to do. Better things. And she had to hurry. She didn't want Tashiro to wait for her: he proposed her, shyly (Kaori smiled at this remembrance), to pick her up and drive her to Eriko's party.

She wondered where the front door's keys were. She always put them in her hand bag. She checked in her coat's pocket. She found the keys and she felt a little card inside. She did not remember putting a card in her pocket. She took it and had a looked at it.

My dear Goddess.
When you're next to me, you enlighten my world. I cannot bear your sad eyes. Don't worry: soon you will be mine. And you'll never face sadness any more.

Kaori was stunned. She didn't expect that ! She looked around her: people were passing by, never paying attention to her.

The card was burning her fingers and her mind. She crumpled it up, threw it in the nearby trash bin, entered the house and closed the door behind her. She climbed up the stairs running, holding tight her bag, never looking back.

Once in the flat, she felt secured.

There was no noise. Ryo was not at home.

'If only he was there...' Kaori closed her eyes. She wanted to feel his arms around her... She wanted to feel protected...

'NO !!!' She shouted at herself. 'No, Ryo. I'm not a child ! I'll behave as your partner. I need no help. I don't need YOUR help.'

The mirror reflected the image of a resolute woman.

Eriko's house was in the outskirts of Tokyo. She had a nice cottage in the middle of a big garden. The party had started since a long time. It was completely night now and still warm.

Ryo could hear women laugh. He was surrounded by the smell of food and the scent of flowers.

He had followed Tashiro and Kaori. He had seen his partner's efforts to seem happy and Tashiro's embarassed smiles. He didn't like Tashiro. How could one trust a guy that never looked staight in the eyes ? Kaori seemed to have a special feeling for him. She behaved as if she was his elder sister, as a protector. But Kaori was always nice to everyone, never noticing people's evil side. She was so naive ! He tried his best not to let her go to Eriko's party. He even lied her by pretending he didn't repair the car because he knew she was enable to mend it. And that Tashiro accompanied her !

Each time he looked at Tashiro, he had a strange feeling.

'So she is inside.'
Ryo jumped.
'Hmmm... When it comes about Kaori, you forget everything, even your own safety !' Mick grinned.
'Baka ! I was on my guards. I saw you come !
- Did you?
- What are doing here?
- I've come to see how the best sweeperr is reacting when his lover is enjoying life without him. I heard she had lunch with Jin. Kazue told me that he's the kind of guy Kaori appreciate. He's handsome, a kind of gentleman...' Mick suddenly stopped: Ryo was no more listening at his teasing. He was aware of that and Mick could feel his fear of loosing her.
'Sorry, Ryo. I went too far. I don't understand why you don't react properly. You should tell her.
- It is not the right time for that. I cannot compell her to stay with me if she doesn't want to. She has the right to live a normal life.' Ryo sighed.

The night was cloudless and the music was filling the air.

'The owner of the Star Club wants to see you. He said it is urgent. Go and see what's happening. I'll keep an eye on her.
- Thanks.' Mick looked the Mini going aaway.

Love has never been an easy matter. The woman of your life crosses your path only once. You have to take your chance at that moment, because that never happen twice.

The Star Club was a night club. It was reputed for his topless hostesses. Every night, men spent their money by their side. Ryo was one of the best client and was always received warmly, as he helped the owner and the employees to keep the club away from yakuza's hands. Onishi Kamiya, the owner, paid him back by providing with important informations on underworld activities.

He welcomed Ryo with a glass of whisky.
'I did what you asked me to. Some of my girls followed your partner all this afternoon. She went to the department store and she met a guy there. That guy's name is Tashiro Tanaka. One of the girls checked it on the flat's door. Here's his adress. Another point: your partner seemed afraid before entering home. She threw that into a trash bin.' Onishi gave him the crumbled card.

Ryo's eyes became dark while reading.

'Is there something I can do?
- Yes, keep following her. And... give me that bottle of whisky.'

Even whisky was not enough to drown his fear. His thoughts were darker than the color of the night. But he knew his feeling couldn't help protecting her. On the contrary. He needed to clear his mind to fulfill Makimura's wishes. For that night, it was too late. Rest would be welcome. And Kaori was under Mick's protection. Thanks for him, he could relay on his friends. He had phoned Saeko to request her help and she had acccepted to get information about that Tashiro Tanaka without asking anything in exchange.

Ryo dragged oneself along dark streets. When suddenly...

He could feel a tense... That tense before shooting...

It wasn't against him...

Yes, someone was going to shoot. Who is going to die?

As a wild animal attracted by the smell of blood, he ran where his senses guided him. Without making any noise.

In a gloomy alley, a man was aiming at a young woman. A usual scene for a sweeper.

'You are courageous, aiming at defenceless persons.' The guy was surprised, but he recovered quickly.
'This is none of yout business ! Pity for you, you won't enough time to be a hero.' Before he could move, he found himself lying on the pavement, his gun thrown away. He tried to get up... but his whole body was painful. He managed to stand up, with difficulty.
'You... Who are you ? Are you the devil himself ?
- No, his right hand. You should have aasked this question before. I'm a hunter. My name is Saeba.
- City Hunter ! It can't be !'
Ryo felt a powerful anger overwhelming him. He tried hard to resist.
'Go away ! Or...'
Without waiting anymore, the man fleed.
'You finally came ! Thank, God !' The young woman was pale. She could hardly remain standed.
'What do you mean?' Ryo approached her.
'I... I left the message on the board... I'm Nakamura Kaori...'
These were her last words before she fainted in Ryo's arms.

She wasn't heavy. Ryo would have prefered walking by her side rather carrying her on his back. She was not only a pretty woman, she had also sweet curbs. He could feel them. But, unfortunately, he could do nothing !
'Wait, wait. Ryo-chan, once at home, she'll wake up and she will surely want to thank me ! Hehehe...'
Ryo could already imagine his reward. He closed his eyes to concentrate better... and knocked against a street lamp.
'Damn ! When it is not Kaori, it is that...'
'AAAtttccchii! Uhh... I wonder who is thinking of me...' Kaori got out of the car and thanked Tashiro again.
'It is very kind of you for driving me back.
- Oh.. Heu... That's nothing. Well, I'lll come to pick you up tomorrow at 8, then.
- Yes, good night, Tashiro-kun.
- Good night, Kaori.'
Still smiling at her thoughts, Kaori opened the front door and it was only then she realized Ryo was there. With a woman !
'Ryo ! Who is she?' She was suspicious.
'The client you forgot to meet today.' The tone of the answer was sharp. Ryo entered and climbed up the stairs without waiting for her. Kaori remained speechless for a time. Then she slowly closed the door and climbed up the stairs.

Mick was sorry for both of them. He had watched everything from the other side of the road. He couldn't help worrying. His duty as a friend was to help and protect them both. But how could he help them ?
He sighed.
He was too tired to think further. Before finding a way to help them, he had to protect Kaori, as he knew Ryo would probably be ‘busy’ with the nice woman. So he had to be in for the next morning.

'Ryo, can't you make your life easier?'

Kaori was up long before the sun and the birds were still sleeping. She couldn't calm her mind. She felt as she had betrayed Ryo. She didn't do her part of the job: enquiring about the client. Instead, she had had fun with her friends.

But what? It wasn't the first time she refused a female client and Ryo was aware of that. Why couldn't she enjoy life with her friends without Ryo getting mad about it? After all, they were just... partners.

Yes...

Just...

The fresh shower, nor cooking couldn't help her getting rid of her thoughts. She weared the clothes Eriko had offered her and looked at the image in the mirror: the woman in front of her was a stranger.
Same face, same eyes, but so elegant... so sophisticated...

It was almost 8 am. She didn't like being late. She hurried towards Ryo's room: she wanted to see him before leaving. Arrived at the bottom of the stairs, she stopped. Ryo's harsh voice was still echoing in her mind. A pain tightened her heart. No, she couldn't forgive him. He had no right to talk to her the way he did.

She ran downstairs.

Tashiro was already waiting in front of the building. Kaori put a smile on her face and went up to him.

Ryo watched the car leave. He was still at window long after the car had turned the corner.

She hadn't come to see him.
She even didn't leave a message.

Ryo's heart was heavy.
His soul was tormented.
His mind was empty.

Fortunately for Kaori, Tashiro was not a loquacious guy. Usualy, she was always the one to talk, to try to make him speak. But that day, she was thankful to Tashiro for being quiet. Her mind was not concentrated enough for a conversation. She was still thinking of Ryo. She hadn't seen him that morning and she was angry at herself for that. After all, he would have been sleeping and wouldn't have noticed her presence.

She also felt guilty about the client. She put her in bed last night and saw tears falling from her closed eyes.
Even when sleeping, that woman could not forget her pains.

And her duty, as City Hunter's partner, was to help suffering people.

But she also had to keep her word.

Oh, why did I accept Jin's offer?

It was too late to think about that now. Eriko told her that a photo session was a day work with Jin as he was a professional. And he had other engements as he was famous.

Ryo, excuse me for what I did. At the end of this day I'll come back to you. That is where my life is...

Lost in her thoughts, she did not notice Mick's car following them.

The hotel was next the seashore. There was a private beach and a little forest nearby. At first sight, the hotel seemed traditional. It wasn't a big one but Mick knew that this was the kind of place rich people were looking for. It was a very calm place and not crowdy. A kind of place where things may happen without other people notice them. It might be a dangerous place for Kaori. And that Tashiro always managed to remain by her side. He had to keep a close eye on that strange guy.

Mick watched Tashiro and Kaori park the car next to Rolls Royce, Mercedes or BMW.

He smiled: Tashiro's strong Volvo was not as luxurious as the other cars...

Jin couldn't help admiring her. Although Kaori was far from the place where he was, he could see the gentle breeze play with her hair. He had been waiting for her for a long time, patiently, standing at his room window.

He was glad. He was sure that she was also happy to see him. He knew he was special to her: he saw that in her eyes the day before, in the restaurant.

He smiled and said loudly:
'My dearest Kaori, you've come ! Oh my Goddess, your brightness put into the shade the sunlight. From now, you're mine. And I swear I'll let no one approach you !'

August 11, 2000 - L. Devi / Dreaming_world

At last ! I have finished !
I must say I enjoyed writing it. The most difficult was not to write too much but, at same time, write enough things to keep the story interesting. Great challenge ! I'm sorry if it too long but I wanted to develop Ryo / Kaori relation. Maybe 'develop' is not the appropriate word: I should say 'worsen' !!! ^_^.
I'd appreciate reading your feedback. Please e-mail me: Dreaming_world@yahoo.com