Disclaimer: Hah, funny story.

Theme 041: Dance Me To the End of Love

Kaoru sighed through her nostrils, leaning backwards in her chair and lazily swirling her teaspoon in its empty glass as she stared mindlessly at the ceiling, muttering to herself, "What am I doing here again...?"

She paused, thinking hard. She had not had any alcohol that night, so why was thinking so difficult? Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion before her eyes shot open again, "Oh, right. Misao got married. I was the Maid of Honor. That's a good reason."

Truth be told, Kaoru was bored out of her mind. She'd been sitting alone nearly all night, except on the minute occasion when Misao and her new husband Aoshi had stopped to visit her. But her best friend was busy with the other guests. Kaoru knew that, she had no hard feelings.

She just didn't know anyone else here.

Kaoru supposed it was her fault. She wasn't really trying to get to know anyone. She was just sitting in the corner, sipping idly at her iced tea, staring at the ceiling. She had even changed out of her Bridesmaid dress (with Misao's insistency that it was all right) into a more comfortable dress pants and shirt. She didn't think she exactly looked like the approachable type.

"How, with no friends to weep, by what stern laws condemned, I go to that strong dungeon of the tomb, for burial new and strange," Kaoru mumbled to herself, "Oh, miserable me!"

"Well, that doesn't sound very good," a voice came from off to the side, and Kaoru jumped in surprise, causing her chair to fall backwards.

"Ahhh- ugh!" the breath came out of her body as she fit the floor, thankful that it at least had a small layer of carpet. Gingerly, she shifted her weight, and was grateful that it didn't hurt too much to move.

"Oh, God," the same velvety smooth voice was closer now, and Kaoru blinked as she looked at crimson-maned (for his hair reminded her oddly of a lion) man crouching over her, staring at her with worried violet eyes, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. You just looked so lonely sitting there. Are you all right?"

"Beautiful," she murmured to herself, quickly amending her answer when she noticed his confused look, "I mean, peachy. Sorry, I'm a little disoriented."

The man laughed, "That's understood." He offered her his hand, and she gladly took it. He helped her up, and Kaoru began dusting herself off.

"I really am sorry," the man mumbled, rubbing the back of his head, "I guess I didn't think that through very well."

"It's all right," Kaoru smiled at him brightly, "I needed something to get me out of my stupor anyway."

"Glad I could be of some service, then," he smiled gently at her, sticking out his hand, "Kenshin Himura, Best Man."

So that's why he looks so familiar! Kaoru berated herself for not recognizing him as she shook his hand. "Kaoru Kamiya, Maid of Honor."

He blinked in surprise, "Oh?" He studied her face slightly before he smiled again, "Well, what do you know, you are Miss Kaoru! I guess I didn't recognize you without the dress on."

Kaoru huffed in mock anger, "Well, thanks!" She lightly knocked him on the shoulder, and he stumbled forward an inch before he once again gave her his awkward smile.

"So, you were quoting Antigone before?" Kenshin questioned, and it was Kaoru's turn to blink in surprise.

"You know Antigone by a few phrases?'

Kenshin shrugged, "I've read it. Once. It was a different translation, I think, but it had essentially the same meaning."

"You read it once and you can remember it just like that?" Kaoru raised an impressed eyebrow. Kenshin grinned in what she took to be humility.

"People say I'm a genius," he mumbled, shrugging one shoulder, "I just remember things well is all."

"You shouldn't sell yourself short," Kaoru told him, "That's not something many people can do. You're special."

A small streak of pink passed over Kenshin's face and he quickly glanced away, clearing his throat, "I, uh... thank you."

"You're welcome," Kaoru told him. They stood there for a few minutes, enjoying the companionable silence. For the first time since Kaoru had been a teenager in high school with Misao, it didn't feel awkward. In fact, it felt... right. Like it was where she was supposed to be.

Kenshin broke the silence then, turning to look at her with expectant eyes, "Miss Kaoru, would you like to dance?"

Kaoru blinked, "Uh, pardon?"

"Dance," Kenshin repeated, his smile broadening, "I mean, it's the least I can do for causing you to fall earlier." For the second time that night, he held out his hand for her, "What do you say?"

Kaoru took his hand without any further hesitation, following him as he led her to the dance floor. He pulled her close, yet still making sure to keep his distance appropriate They leaned their foreheads together gently, staring at their feet rather than each other.

"Kenshin?" Kaoru whispered under her breath softly enough so only he could hear it.

"Mmm?" he lifted his gaze to hers, his eyes questioning despite their faraway look.

"Thank you," Kaoru mumbled, and Kenshin titled his head slightly.

"For what?"

Kaoru smiled as she pressed her forehead against his just a little more firmly, "For causing me to fall."

Now, what's a little phrase that could be a double meaning for Kaoru falling? Hmm? Hmm? Anybody? No?

Fine.

Ever heard of the terms "fell head over heels in love"? Haha, I'm so clever. Yeah...

Well, I promised nijiryuu that the next one-shot would be a happy one, so I hope this makes you happy! 3

Read and review, please?

-WS