AN: Hey guys, I'm back! I am really sorry I took so long to update this story. It was a crazy semester but now I am on sem break, so woohoo! For those who have favourited and reviewed this story, I love you guys. And for those who are following, I hope you like this chapter.
Disclaimer: The only thing I own is my imagination and my laptop. Rurouni Kenshin is not mine.
Chapter 2- Birthday Blues
"I'm not sure this is such a good idea." Kaoru whined even as she was being dragged by three women into another clothes store in the shopping mall.
"What is?" Misao asked wide eyed at her best friend.
Kaoru sighed. "Closing the pub for a day? I've never done it such a long time."
"That's exactly why you should do it." Megumi pointed out patiently even as Tae nodded her head in agreement. "You deserve a break every once in a while. Doctor's orders. And besides, it's your special day."
It had been three months since Kenshin and his friends first came into the pub and things have gradually changed in Kaoru's life. She and Kenshin started dating and Megumi became extremely close friends with Kaoru, Misao and Tae. Misao and Aoshi were also dating, although they seemed to be making far more progress in their relationship in comparison to Kaoru and Kenshin. Hiko was now a regular at the pub and became quite the drinking partner with Okina, draining Kaoru of all her energy at the end of the night in her attempt to control the two flirty, drunk old men.
Megumi had grown in size since then and she seemed to wear motherhood with a grace and elegance that made other women envious. Sano walked around like the proudest man on earth, telling everybody within sight that the bulge in Megumi's belly was his child, much to Megumi's annoyance. It took a great deal of threatening on Megumi's part to make sure that Sano did not follow the girls today.
Kaoru rolled her eyes as she picked out what she supposed was a dress. "I'm turning 23 years old today, what's so special about that? And why are there six holes on this thing?"
Megumi plucked the apparel from Kaoru's hand and frowned over it as well.
"You are, Kaoru! You are special and that means your birthday is special. So, we are going to make sure that you have a great time today." Tae supplied.
"Well at least until this evening..." Misao added guiltily. "It really is the worse luck! Megumi and Sano's wedding anniversary is also today, Tae has to babysit her nieces, and that restaurant that Aoshi has been dying to take me to finally has an open reservation!"
"Don't worry about it Misao. I can take care of myself." Kaoru assured her and pulled out a dress that seemed promising in its rack but in the open, revealed a huge gaping hole in the center.
Wrinkling her nose, Kaoru put back the... whatever it is. "Let's get out of here. I think these clothes are designed for aliens."
Tae and Misao nodded their agreement and made to move on to the next store when they realized that Megumi was not with them. Slightly panicky, they retraced their steps and found Megumi at the same spot holding the first dress that Kaoru pulled out.
"Megumi! What are you doing? You gave us a fright." Tae breathed in relief.
Megumi's only reply was a frustrated grunt and she returned to the material with renewed vigour.
Misao placed her hand on the dress and tried to tug it gently away from the weirdly engrossed doctor. "Come on Megumi. Let it go!"
"B-but! I can't! This is really bugging me. I must know how it works. I can never live on in peace unless I know how!"
"You are being silly. Let go of the doggy outfit and let's go!" Misao yanked harder.
Three things crossed Kaoru's mind at the same time. Number 1, they could ask a salesgirl to help explain the outfit. Number 2, now that Misao mentioned 'doggy outfit', it did somehow seem to make sense that maybe the dress was really an outfit (a really elegant outfit) for a four legged animal. Number 3, the dress/doggy outfit was going to rip.
RRRRIIIIIPPPP
Oh shit...
"Let's run!"
And without another word all four ran.
XxX
Moments later found them at another store with more promising looking clothing and Kaoru breathed in relief. It hindsight, it was probably very irresponsible of them to run but at that moment, they had just panicked.
Megumi and Misao were already laughing off the incident but Tae was a ball of nerves. "In all my life, I've never done something so... so... criminal!"
"Oh come of it Tae. I think it is a good experience for you." Misao joked. "And besides, did you see the price of that thing?"
Megumi shuddered in remembrance. "Way too expensive! But beside that point, I can't believe that we didn't realize that we were looking through outfits for animals! I didn't know such a thing even existed."
Kaoru pulled out a simple black dress. "Well now we know."
Misao gasped. "Kaoru! That dress is just perfect..."
Kaoru blushed. "Oh I don't know. I'm not much of a dress person-"
Kaoru was interrupted when Misao starting shoving her in the direction of the dressing rooms.
"And boy, do I know it! I have been trying to get you a LBD for years!" "LBD?" Kaoru asked confused.
"Little Black Dress." Megumi and Tae supplied in unison.
Misao nodded. "It's a fundamental must in a woman's wardrobe."
"Misao, I think you are exaggerating the importance of a dress." Kaoru started but stopped short when she caught sight of Tae and Megumi shaking their head solemnly.
"Kaoru dear, a little black dress is the answer to every insecurity or indecision for every woman. It can be formal, smart casual, fun, sexy and sophisticated all in one." Tae supplied.
"Every woman, and I mean EVERY WOMAN, looks good in a little black dress." Megumi added.
Kaoru sighed in defeat. "Fine. Just give me a moment to change" And she shut the door on a squealing Misao.
Having dressed up, Kaoru opened the door to the dressing room and the three women gasped so loud that the people nearby stopped to look as well, making Kaoru blush a deep red.
The dress turned out to be not as simple as Kaoru first assumed. It was a halter dress that bared Kaoru's shoulder blades, showing off her creamy smooth and flawless skin. The skirt stopped at her knees and swished around flirtingly with every step that Kaoru took.
"Kaoru..." Megumi began in an awed tone. "You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thanks." Kaoru replied, her voice soft. Normally she would shy away from compliments but today she revelled and ached for the compliments. This is the first time she has worn anything so pretty!
Walking to the nearby mirror, she spun around and admired herself. I wonder what Kenshin would say if he saw me in this.
Freezing her movements, she watched as her own reflection took on a sadder expression. Kenshin had not been himself lately. He has become...distant.
Kaoru admits that it was difficult for them to go on dates, what with him working during the day and her during the night. The few times they had gone out were during his lunch breaks, making Kaoru feel guilty that he had to sacrifice his time for her. He did come to the pub often now, but Kaoru could hardly talk to him with the usual hustle and bustle. On some nights, she only managed to say 'hello' and 'goodbye'.
Maybe he has decided that this relationship is not working out... Kaoru thought sadly. And no wonder. Sometimes I'm not even sure if we are dating or not. We have not exactly made it clear to each other...
She snorted at her reflection. Heck! We never even made it to first base!
She walked back to the dressing room, the other women having split up to search for more clothes.
As she changed back into her own clothes, Kaoru's thoughts wondered to Kenshin again. She really liked him and if she were brave enough, she'd say she was falling in love with him. In all of their meetings, they had talked about anything and everything.
And more than talking, he listened. Kaoru found herself talking about her father, her childhood, her passion for art and Kenshin listened to her as if he was hanging on every word. With Kenshin, she could just talk about her wishes, desires and emotions in a way that she could not do even with Misao and Kaoru treasured it.
In return, Kenshin also spoke of his childhood, of how his uncle Hiko had taken him in when his parents died, of his hidden passion for cooking and Tomoe...
Kaoru ground her teeth at the thought of that woman's name. After all she did to Kenshin, that bitch better prays that she never crosses my path.
Just who are you to Kenshin, that you have a right to pass judgement on Tomoe?A dark, rational voice sounded in Kaoru's head. Other than the time he was drunk, he never kissed you. Not even a peck on the cheek. Maybe you are just a friend to him.
Shut up you! He is just being the gentleman that he is. And he is also a very shy man. Kaoru's other side spoke up.
Pfft! The darker side persisted. He's been acting strange for a while now. He's hiding something... Has he even called to wish you on your birthday day? Why did he even volunteer to take a business trip during your birthday? Maybe, he does not want to spend it with you. Face it Kaoru! The man you are starting to fall in love with is falling out of his love for you.
Kaoru shook herself from her own thoughts and sighed. Having a conversation with herself is a sure way to losing her mind.
I'm in a bad mood now, she growled to herself. Maybe buying this dress will cheer me up.
Wise choice.
Kaoru rolled her eyes. Why is she still having a conversation with herself? Turning over the price tag, Kaoru's eyes bulged and she held the dress away at arm's length, as if the offending piece of clothe was going to eat her.
Maybe I'll get this some other time... Like when I actually have money.
Wise choice.
Shut up!
XxX
Kaoru walked back to the pub, feeling disappointed and angry. Disappointed because her birthday was not how she had hoped it would be and angry at herself for thinking that way.
Kaoru, just because you did not get that dress doesn't mean you should be upset. Just be grateful that Misao and the others spent some time with you! And just because Kenshin seems to have some interest in you, doesn't mean that he was going to dedicate his entire day to you and do some really sweet and romantic gestures that turn you into mush and kiss him senseless- Wai- what?! Focus Kaoru! She scolded herself will lightly knocking herself on the head.
Standing in front of the pub and eyeing the dark windows, she couldn't help but compare it to the lively looking place it usually is, with the warm glow of light streaming out the windows and the sounds of chatter and laughter. Home...
Eyeing the sign that said that the pub was closed, she growled. She should have opened the pub, sure she'll be working on her birthday but at least she won't be alone.
Maybe I should call Mr Hiko to join me... Immediately the image of her and the older man looking at each other in awkward silence came to mind and she shuddered. Or worse, I could have a really drunk man in my hands who will be trying to teach me the art of seduction.
Nope. Not calling Hiko. Looks like she is all by herself tonight. With a sigh, she took out her keys, inserted it into the lock and twisted it.
She was welcomed by darkness and silence so oppressing, she almost walked back out.
The light switch is a little ways in so Kaoru had to rely on memory and her senses to get her through the darkness. Halfway there, Kaoru tensed. Someone's behind me.
Memories of her father training her in self defence flooded her mind. More than anything she wanted to turn to face her opponent head on but she controlled herself. Let them think that they have the advantage over you. Let them make the first move. They will think that the element of surprise is on their side, but they'll be surprised instead to find that you are ready for them, her father's words echoed.
Taking a deep breath, she waited patiently and took one step forward. The figure behind drew closer and suddenly his arms where around her, crushing her against a large frame.
Kaoru moved into action. She lifted her left foot and slammed it painfully into the man's foot. The attacker gave a startled grunt and loosened his arms, but not enough. Not missing a beat, she drove her elbow into her assailant's abdomen, satisfied with the whoosh of air that left him. Grabbing the man's wrist, she twisted it over her shoulder, putting her whole body weight into leaning forward, successfully throwing the man over unto his back. Placing her foot against his neck to hold him down, Kaoru stood victorious.
"Owwww..."
Kaoru froze at the voice and her hold on the man's wrist loosened.
"Wait...Sano?"
"SURPRIIIISE!"
Kaoru shrieked and jumped around, the sudden light in the room blinding her.
Blinking her eyes, she took in her surroundings. Everyone was there! Misao was jumping up and down excitedly next to a stoic Aoshi. Tae and her two nieces were there too, waving around party harts and party whistles. Okina and some of the pubs regulars were there too, waving and smiling cheerfully at Kaoru. She noticed Megumi leaning over the still sprawled and groaning Sano, a victorious smirk on her face.
"I told you that scaring her was a bad idea." She chided mockingly
"The hell? You suggested that I give her a hug from behind!" Sano snapped back.
Placing her hand on her mouth in feigned surprise, Megumi gushed, "Did I ever say that? My, oh my, I can't seem to recall such a thing."
Sano growled back, "Just you wait for your punishment when we get home, Fox."
"I look forward to it," came Megumi's seductive reply and Kaoru forcefully averted her attention away from the conversation that seemed to be heading in a dangerous direction.
Just then, Misao seemed to be released from some unseen leash and pounced on Kaoru, snapping her back to the present.
"Everyone...Wha... I thought..." Kaoru was lost for words.
Misao hugged Kaoru fiercely and laughed. "Silly Kaoru! Did you really think that we would leave you all alone on your birthday? You mean too much to all of us." Everyone cheered in agreement and it was too much for Kaoru.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Thank you everyone."
One by one, everyone came forward and wished her with a hug, a handshake or a peck on the cheeks making Kaoru glow with happiness.
Megumi and Tae came up the last and placed a bag into Kaoru's hand. "Happy birthday Kaoru!"
Kaoru's eyes widened. "You guys... You didn't have to get me anything. This," she gestured at the whole room, "is more than I could wish for."
Tae smiled kindly at Kaoru. "We are glad you love our surprise Kaoru, but please accept this gift. In fact, do us all a favour and open it!"
Misao butted in then. "It's from the three of us girls."
Kaoru stunned and curious as to what the gift is, opened the bag and pulled out the pink wrappers only to find... Kaoru gasped.
"What is it?" Sano asked curiously as he tried to look into the bag.
"Why don't you show everyone Kaoru?" Megumi said as she pushed the still stunned Kaoru towards her room upstairs. Kaoru finally snapped back to attention and turned around hugging Megumi, Misao and Tae and bounded up the stairs in excitement.
XxX
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help but feel like she was floating on air. It was the dress that she wanted! And for some reason, it looked so much better now than it did in the shop and Kaoru giggled in excitement. Maybe I should surprise everyone by going all out.
Reaching into her mother's jewellery box she pulled on a pair of dangling pearl earrings that brushed her neck at every slight movement and a matching pair of bracelets. Unfortunately she did not own a silver necklace but she brushed it off. Pulling out a makeup pouch that she hadn't used in years, Kaoru gave an evil grin. We'll see who's surprised now.
XxX
At the sound of Kaoru's heels clacking down the stairs, the sounds of chatter died down and Kaoru wondered that maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
When she was in full view of everyone, Kaoru blushed at the way everyone was openly staring at her. Okina was the first to break the silence with a, "Marry me!"
And just like that, chaos descended as a huge crowd fought to compliment Kaoru even as another group tried to control Misao from pulling her grandfather's beard.
"Kaoru?", came an awed voice from behind and Kaoru spun around only to come face to face with Kenshin.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru gasped in shock. This is all a dream. I must have knocked my head or something and I am now imagining all of this. Yup yup! This is definitely a dream!
"You look beautiful... Kaoru?" Kenshin trailed off in confusion when Kaoru started knocking herself on the head or rubbing her eyes as if to wake herself up.
Suddenly she reached forward and pinched both his cheeks. "Uh...Kauvhoo?" Kenshin was getting worried now.
"You're real." Kaoru replied in a daze. And then in a higher pitch, "You're real! I thought you went to...to...somewhere on a business trip and that you would not be coming back till next week! What are you doing here?"
Kenshin laughed and scratched his head nervously. "I, uh, lied about that. It was part of the surprise plan." Lowering his hand and looking at her in worry, he asked hesitantly, "Are you upset? I think maybe we went a little overboard, that we did. It was not right to deceive you like- hmph?"
Kenshin was suddenly cut short by the press of Kaoru's lips against his. Forgetting everything else, he closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, savouring the soft feel of her against him.
A sudden wailing sound jolted the couple back to awareness and they both turned startled eyes to Okina who was sobbing that 'his wife was being stolen right before his eyes'.
Suddenly feeling shy, they both pulled away from each other blushing even harder at Sano's teasing.
"Chicken wings! Who wants some chicken wings? Oh Kaoru there you are! You have to try this!" Tae exclaimed while shoving a plate of chicken wings in front of Kaoru.
Kaoru's eyes widened as the smell wafted up her nose. "Tae... This smells just like..."
"Your father's?" Tae helpfully supplied. "Try it."
She picked up a piece of wing in a daze, unaware of Kenshin who was nervously shifting from foot to foot.
Taking a bite of the wing, Kaoru almost teared up. It was sweet and succulent on the inside, spicy, sweet and rich on the outside.
"Tae, we lost the recipe. So how...?"
Tae shook her head, cutting off Kaoru. "It was all Kenshin's idea. He heard about your father's famous wings and he wanted to surprise you by making them for you."
Kaoru tore her eyes away from the plate and looked at Kenshin who looked unsure of himself again.
Tae prattled on. "The poor man has been trying to get the right recipe for days now. He hasn't tasted it before so he had to guess the ingredients based on everyone's description. He nearly worked himself to death!"
Kenshin gave a nervous laugh. "It was not that bad Miss Tae. Although the amount of failed attempts I had to throw off was most definitely a crime."
"You bet it was!" Hiko suddenly barged in, looking slightly green and Kaoru was worried that he was ill.
"Well all's well that ends well. Want a wing Hiko?" Tae picked up the plate once again and offered it to the giant of a man and Tae was startled when he became a darker shade of green. Slapping a hand over his mouth, Hiko all but ran away from the innocent looking plate of chicken wings.
"Ah... My father should receive some praise as well. As I didn't know how the original recipe tasted, I was forced to make my father the guinea pig of my attempts." Kenshin looked at the direction his father ran, an apologetic smile on his face. "It seems that he won't want to look at any form of chicken for a long time."
Kaoru giggled behind her hand and tiptoed to peck Kenshin on the cheek, "Thank you, Kenshin..."
Kenshin smiled openly, pleased that his surprise worked. Looking down at Kaoru he was so tempted to take her in his arms and kiss her again... And he did.
He did not stop even with the crowd cheering, Sano's wolf whistling, and Okina's wailing.
When they finally broke apart, Kenshin looked down at Kaoru in his arms. At one point, her knees went weak and he had to support most of her weight. Her eyes looked dazed and she had a satisfied little smirk on her face. Like, heck yeah I could get used to this...
"Happy Birthday, Kaoru."
AND that's all we have for today folks! I hope you enjoyed although I have to be honest and say that it is not to my satisfaction. I wanted Kenshin to give Kaoru a necklace to match her mother's jewelry but as I was writing it, it felt too cliche and obvious. I hope the ending wasn't too abrupt... But oh well, I still had fun with it and as usual, I would appreciate any and all suggestions and criticisms too.
I had initially planned to make this a one-shot only but after your wonderful reviews and requests for more, I decided to add this chapter. I even had plans for other chapters but unfortunately, I have lost the motivation to do so. I have other stories in mind and would like to concentrate on those.
Thank you for your support, though! It was very much appreciated. Till next time folks!
