Refined Motion

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin


Chapter 4: Flowing

proceeding smoothly or easily; facile

smooth, graceful, and without sudden interruption or change in direction


I can't remember a time I wasn't dancing. It's not as if I was particularly gifted at it during my earlier years of life, either. It was quite the contrary actually, I just happened to fall head over heels (literally) in love with the art of motion. The years of hard work I invested in myself were, in essence, really just enthusiastic play after all. I had accomplished nothing yet achieved everything. Call me what you will (be it good or bad), I like to think of myself as a funster.

Behind the curtain was organized chaos. From technical aspects to attire and makeup, people were frenzied and in a bustle; taking what was meant for fun a notch too serious if you ask me. Unlike in my youth, I felt a sense of calmness to counterbalance the tension of self consciousness; that familiar wave of nervousness right before a show now gave rise to my performance.

I worked on this composition for months on end, fine tuning each movement in great detail. From musical components to aesthetics, even the venue; everything was coordinated meticulously. It was a piece intended to embody power and grace – a contemporary style with martial/gymnastic undertones/influences.

The pressure of this night weighed heavy in the best and worst of ways. Expectations were high and stacked against me, not to mention he was here. Ah, yes…he. I hadn't seen him since, well, the first time we met; nor have we spoken. I sighed innately and pouted at the thought. As selfish as it was, I wanted him to come to me, to show me the depth of his interest and lust. Maybe he wasn't interested at all, maybe I board him; another sigh. I mentally reprimanded myself: this was no time to be distracted by a demi-god, Kaoru. Get your shit together. I leaned into the wooden railing and looked over-edge the traditional building unto the gardens. I exhaled deeply, closing my eyes. The soft humming of water shoots filling and releasing relaxed me; inhale. The fall air was crisp and the sky was bountiful with twinkling cosmic treasures. I started to slip into a meditative state. Then, as quickly as tranquility seeped it fleeted; hullabaloo.

"Kaoruuu!" Misanagi whined the last syllable of my name with a child-like pitch, roping me back into the pandemonium. "I've been looking for you. Figured I'd find you wandering around someplace random." She placed her hand on her hip and rolled her eyes. A sassy woman she was indeed.

"If you knew where I'd be, I'd hardly call that random." I retorted haughtily and snickered, half heartedly returning the attitude.

"We go on in ten, what the hell are you doing?" She reprimanded, venom laced in her tone. Though I had only known her for a year's time, Misa was seldom serious, a tell-tell sign she was on edge. It was understandable; this was an epoch within her career after all.

"I know, that means I have about 5 minutes to spare." I shrugged my shoulders and smirked, teasing her on a subconscious level.

She frowned at me and crossed her arms. "You're acting a little too nonchalant. I thought this was important to you? Kaoru, you should have overseen all departments until show time to make sure things-" I stopped her before she could finish that line of doubt.

"I've been cultivating this event for 9 months, day and night. Have some faith in me will ya? Everyone knows what their role is. Everything that is meant to happen will happen, lighten up." I offered a smile of reassurance, placing my hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah yeah whatever misses zen." She grabbed me by the wrist and tugged with gusto, leading the way. "6 minutes now! Let's go boss." She turned over her shoulder and winked at me.

XXX

The venue was beautiful; a blend of contemporary and traditional styles. Lighting would be casted in such a way that it would only capture the silhouette of the performance. The stage itself was grandiose: broken down into three large square slabs of black polished marble, the slabs separated by a shallow expanse of water that wrapped around each one like a border. The audience engaged in frivolous chit chat, collectively producing muffled baritones.

It went pitch black as we got into position, silence dwindling upon the vicinity in pregnant anticipation. I took center as lead, Misanagi to my right and Sayo to my left; they kneeled as I stayed upright. The audience roared in accordance once more, breaking the silence – then, an undisturbed quietness. The music started and the lights followed subsequently, casting only but our shadows. I fade into the act, losing my sense of self – riding along the sound as if it were a wave.

I floated and twirled upon the rhythm and vibrations like a butterfly, the music and I locked in a harmonious and sensual tango. The interlude was a solo act; though the movements were complex and demanded a high level of athleticism, the end product was leisure and graceful. During the bridge to the first verse, Misa and Sayo joined in, mirroring my steps at different levels. As the music picked up momentum, the choreography mimicked the tempo to perfection. We weaved through each other with high intensity movements, interchanging stages, eventually working our way back to original positioning. Each motion flowed into one another fluidly. As the outro approached, the tempo of the dance came to a slow. We came to the center in synch, curving into each other with the lithe of a swan; an interpretation of the music itself. The lighting started to dim out, our silhouettes fading into the darkness.

As the music washed out, I became momentarily grounded. My heart was thrashing violently against my chest and I became painfully aware of the beads of sweat that had formed along my neck and forehead. The audience was frenzied and in an uproar. The first act was complete, only two more to go. I smirked in self satisfaction, lapping at the adrenaline flooding through my veins.

XXX

I exited the stage as fast as humanly possible, making a beeline to hair and makeup. I wanted to freshen up before meeting up with everyone. I dabbed the sweat off my face with a towel. I decided to curl my lashes and put on some tinted lip moisturizer to keep it simple. I clipped my hair up into a messy up-do and put on a light/floral perfume. The dress I wore made me feel like a goddess. Made from a light weight material, the white fabric was open back, synched at the waist and bust, and had contrastingly flowy ends. I felt a pit of excitement forming in my underbelly. I blushed at the thought of seeing Kenshin tonight, as if I were some high-school-love-struck-teen. I entertained the thought and giggled before commencing my great escape. I weaseled my way out before anyone could stop to talk to me.

There was an open bar/buffet post-show in the gardens outside – the air buzzed with frivolous chatter and intoxicating laughter. I caught sight of Sanosuke first through the crowds, the brown un-tamely mop atop his large frame made him stick out like a sore thumb. The goofy smile plastered on my face started to hurt my cheeks, I was walking so fast I was practically running. Hesitation halted my strut as I approached close enough to see everyone else, my smile quickly fading. There was a girl at his side, swooning and clinging to him. They seemed to be on familiar terms. I suddenly wanted to turn on my heel and run, but Misao made direct eye contact with me.

"Kao-chan!" She exclaimed excitedly, drawing unwanted attention towards me. My stomach turned and attempted one or two summersaults. I gulped. Oh Gods, I was a deer in the headlights. Forget performing in front of thousands of people, socializing was a whole other level of daunting – let alone with that painful throb in my heart. An influx of murmurs and whispers broke out around me; mostly recognition and acknowledgement. Think happy thoughts Kaoru, happy thoughts… Just as I had regained the composure to take a step forward, I was tugged back around by my wrist with a force that caused me to lose my footing, plopping into a large broad frame.

Despite having tugged me hard, he gently held my hand in his own, his other hand wrapped tenderly around my waist. I pushed back enough to see his face. His dark eyes and silver hair looked familiar, but I couldn't but a finger on whom he was. I furrowed my eyebrows, searching through the archives of my memory in attempt to recognize him.

"I didn't mean to pull so harshly. My apologies, Senpai." He took a quick step back and bowed. I blinked a couple times, slightly taken aback by the honorific, and then returned the gesture.

"Who are you?" I asked bluntly, crossing my arms over my chest and arching a suspicious brow.

He smiled goofily at me. "You don't remember me, huh?"

I chuckled. "You look vaguely familiar, but no, I haven't the slightest idea who you are." Shrugging, I teased playfully, "Quit beating around the bush."

"Enishi Yukishiro." He extended his hand towards me, which I accepted with a firm grip and shake. "Since you don't remember, I won't bother telling you how I know you." He winked and stuck his tongue out at me; cute, sassy. Unfortunately for him I wasn't in the mood.

"I have a couple people waiting on me." I clasped my hands in front of me, a submissive habit of mine. "Let's catch up soon rather than later. I'll see you around." Just as I turned back in the direction of the gang he placed a tentative hand on my shoulder, stopping me once more. I looked over my shoulder and scowled daggers.

"You haven't changed a bit, y'know that? Spitfire." He sniggered as I tilted my head in befuddlement. "I think we're headed the same way. That's my sister over there." He pointed onwards with an upward tilt of his chin. Of course she was. I sighed, another bad habit of mine. Momentarily, apologetic violet eyes tangled into my view as if pleading innocence. She wasn't hanging off of him anymore, but I still wallowed in a pang of betrayal. In defeat and discomfort, I glanced sideways, breaking contact between us.

Yukishiro, Enishi, huh? I mulled over his name hoping to spark a light of momentary awareness, nothing. In an awkward silence we walked side by side for what little distance there was left. I wasn't sure where I should keep my line of sight; I decided to focus on Misao, who had a peculiar look on her face as we approached closer. She sported a muddle of emotions I couldn't quite decipher. Pity, skepticism, happiness? I wasn't quite sure.

Sano was first to break the hush. "Jou-chan, you killed it. I hafta admit, I'm somewhat impressed." He smiled lazily and crooked, it was almost charming. Almost.

"Shut up rooster." Misao sniveled, elbowing Sano in the gut. "Kaoru you were breathtaking, extraordinary, a goddess! You shed your human form and became the living embodiment of dance itself." Misao splurged in frenzy, throwing her hands up in emphasis. Bubbling over with unadulterated happiness and joy, I didn't resist the urge to hug her; laughing heartily and loud.

"Ahem," Megumi cleared her throat facetiously, with a smidgen of jealousy. "I second that." Dumbfounded, I blinked at her a couple of times in utter disbelief; Megumi wasn't exactly liberal with her compliments as she was her criticisms. It was a true honor, so to speak. I had no words to express my feelings so I pulled her into what was now a tri-hug between us three; we were vibrating with giggles. Any negative feelings I was experiencing subsided entirely. I just wanted to enjoy the present moment and companionship of my beloved friends.

As I pulled away I turned towards Kenshin, his violet eyes speckled with amber, inflecting a complex web of emotion. Suave was an understatement. He wore all black, from his brogues to the slacks and cuffed dress shirt he sported, even his tie. His blood-red tresses were pulled back into a single braid that ran along his back, fringes falling freely and framing his face. He had an air that screamed ancient warrior despite his kind eyes. I couldn't help but smile at him. Like a moth to a flame, he captivated and allured me. I knew I should have kept my distance, but I decided to play with fire.

The girl at his side – Enishi's sister –shifted and fidgeted in discomfort, suffocating at the intense atmosphere. She was beautiful, with long black hair and eyes as dark as the night. She was dressed confidently and provocatively, in a tight sleeveless dress that matched the color of her features. She was the first to speak up. "Amazing performance tonight, Kaoru." She spoke to me with familiarity, offering a sheepish smile.

"Thank you, er.." I trailed off in attempt to grasp at non-offensive phrasing. "What was your name again?" That was the best I could muster, very cool Kaoru. I chuckled, slightly out of embarrassment. I was terrible with names and faces.

There was a flicker of emotion in her eyes but dulled as quickly as it came. "How rude of me to assume you remembered, my name is Tomoe Yukishiro." I couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not. The doll-like creature was meek and polished, but there was spite hidden within her mannerism. "Our families use to be close friends."

I quirked an eyebrow. "Is that so?" I looked towards Enishi for inadvertent confirmation. He simply nodded and shrugged. "You two seem familiar, but I still don't remember. I'm sorry for forgetting. We should catch up sometime." I offered with sincerity.

After pausing for a moment, a simple "Perhaps" was all she conjured. I subconsciously narrowed my eyes; she rubbed me the wrong way, romantic rivalry aside.

Reading the volatile ambiance, Enishi interceded. "We should get going Tomoe, Akira is waiting on us." In response, she nodded in agreement.

The raven-haired beauty turned and intimately embraced Kenshin in departure, whispering something inaudible into his ear; he stiffened at whatever was exchanged. My heart throbbed with aversion. "Have a nice night everyone," she stated generally, "Kaoru." She semi-curtsied before walking away arm-in-arm with Enishi. He looked over his shoulder as the distance widened and winked at me. A chill ran up my spine; I had an eerie feeling about the whole encounter with the Yukishiro's.

"Who was that?" I asked Kenshin directly. I almost laughed aloud at the surprise twined within his expression. "You don't have to answer if you don't want." I placed my hands up in armistice. The last thing I would want is for him to feel condemned or pressured.

"We were engaged once, a long time ago. A ghost of my past, she isn't anyone important." He offered coolly, his eyes gentle and coaxing. It didn't surprise me, given he was over a decade older than I. Before I had time to appropriately respond, he closed the distance between us with a couple steps, and engulfed me within his arms. He nuzzled in the crook of my neck, then my ear. "You are so beautiful. Thank you for having me tonight." Heat started to pool at my cheeks as his unexpected adoration.

I wrapped my arms around his muscular frame reciprocating his affection, subtly exploring the sinewy grooves of his back with my hands. "I'm happy you came tonight." I pulled away before passion would overcome me. The smile on his face did strange things to the beating of my heart, causing it to skip and flutter as if it were engaging in a samba of its own.

"Kaoru! I finally found you." Sayo exclaimed exasperatedly. "The chief of operations for Studio Seiichi wants to speak with you. He's quite a fan of yours." Her large brown eyes lit up with enthusiasm. Studio Seiichi was an extremely reputable multi-million dollar movie production. He most likely wanted to make a business proposal – something I knew was important but wasn't really in the mood for. She put her hands on her hips and scowled with the intensity of a thousand suns, reading my thoughts like an open book. "You don't have a choice, Kamiya Kaoru." Her energy was that of a tiger mom, fierce and ready to pounce, a force to be reckoned with.

"Fine." I groaned in child-like reluctance. "I'll be back soon." I said as I turned over my shoulder towards the gang. They waved me off encouragingly, assuring they would wait for me.

The next hour and a half consisted of talks of collaboration, theatrical pitches and an exchange of contact information. Luckily for me they were serving alcohol, particularly watermelon martini's, which helped me endure the world-weariness. As soon as I saw a window of opportunity I jumped for it, making a beeline towards my pack at top speed.

"Let's get out of here, please." I beseeched as I got closer to them. Misao giggled uncontrollably at my apparent turmoil, leaning into Aoshi for support, her cheeks rosy as red apples. I glowered. "What's so funny Makimachi?"

"It's just so nostalgic," She heaved in between a flurry of drunken giggles "seeing you run away from adult-ing." Misao and I grew up together; to say she knew me well would be an understatement. Her disposition and laughter was contagious; I couldn't resist the smile that tugged at the corners of my lips.

I shot a hand of triumphantly. "Let's go!" Tonight was going to be fun, so help me God.


A/N: If you want to reference the choreography inspired for this chapter, check out Nosaj Thing "Eclipse Blue" on youtube. Things are starting to pick up! Had a lot of fun writing this. Please feel free to leave your thoughts and insight in the form of a review. Too-da-loo ;)