WHEN THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND YOU
By: Chiki Yumeshisa

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin...all original characters/ideas are mine to claim.

AN: WOWZA, really wasn't expecting that so many people would review...I loved your votes and reasons people. Thank you soooooooo much for your opinions. Looks like Akira got more votes...but we shall see what happens. Thank you ALL! (sorry for the late update and notice!)

Warnings: don't try the pranks on people you know...


Chapter 9

Pranks

At the end of the day, Kaoru was still undecided. If she said yes to Kenshin, it would show him that she gave up, and gave in - but then again, he had sounded sincere. But...Akira had asked first. She felt awful having asked for a rain check already: she couldn't very well ask for another. Yet, she had the honor and the privilege to go to Japan's greatest restaurant with Japan's richest student. As she weighed her choices, she decided that Kiyosato might be more understanding if she said no to him. He might even reschedule - at least she hoped he would. Kenshin's case was a different story; he couldn't just reschedule. She decided to ask Akira if he could forgive her, as much as it would disappoint him.

"See you tomorrow, Kamiya-san!" Soujiro called, as he ran by.

"Yes, tomorrow." Kaoru mumbled.

She backed up against her locker when Akira came up to her. He frowned at her sudden recoil. He gave her an uncertain smile, standing where he was, not taking another step, afraid to make her even more anxious. "Is something the matter, Kamiya-san?" He asked cautiously.

Kaoru shook her head, stepping up to him. "Kiyosato-san..."

He placed his hands on her shoulders, smiling warmly. "Kamiya-san, that frown doesn't suit your beautiful face."

She felt herself smile involuntarily, and blush. His smile grew bigger. "That's more like it. I can't wait for lunch tomorrow. I went there personally to reserve a spot."

"Ah...you shouldn't have." Kaoru said. She felt so guilty.

"But I wanted to." He said, smiling. "I know you'll love the place."

"I'm certain I will." She affirmed. He seemed so excited, she didn't have the heart to tell him she couldn't go. He was nodding as well.

His brown eyes were gentle. "Is there something wrong? You seem so unhappy. If you don't want to go..."

"No! It's not that, Kiyosato-san..." She hadn't noticed that her hand had come up and grabbed at his blazer. "I want to go...with you..."

He took her hand. "I'm glad...but, do you have other plans?"

She raised her eyes to meet his. "No. Not at all. I'll see you tomorrow."

He squeezed her hand gently. "All right. Would you like me to walk you home?"

She held up her hand, declining his offer politely. "Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I'm going...somewhere."

He nodded, wishing her a good day before leaving.

Kaoru sighed and looked down at the piece of paper that Kenshin had pressed into her hand.

She saw his smiling face in her mind.

0-0-0-0-0

Work was incredibly busy, customers filing in, ordering her every which way. To keep the smile on her face was really difficult, but Kaoru didn't let it drop, no matter how tired they made her.

Sae stopped her as she was rushing by. "Kaoru-chan...don't stress yourself out."

Kaoru nodded. "Yes ma'am."

Fifteen minutes later, Kaoru came up to her. "Is there anything more I need to do?"

"Not at the present moment." Was Sae's answer. "You look exhausted. I want you to rest at least. You might faint on me. I don't want my best employee wasted." She came around to Kaoru and had her sit.

Kaoru wasn't one to sit idle though, and grabbed a textbook from her backpack, intending to finish a chapter before her duty was over. After she had finished the chapter, her eyes fell on Kenshin's number that she had securely written in her agenda.

She took it up for a moment, thinking. Finally, she asked, "Sae-san, I'm really sorry. Can I ask for another 5 minutes? I - must use the phone."

Sae smiled. "Go ahead, it's at the back."

Kaoru gratefully took up the telephone, coiling the cord around her finger nervously before typing in the number.

After 3 rings, she heard him curse about something and ask, "Hello?"

She was thinking that she had never heard Akira say anything profane before that she almost forgot about the phone call. "Uh...hello?"

"Who is this?" he asked irately.

"Kamiya..."

"Oh, I thought you were one of my fans again." He emphasized the word 'again' and she could almost see that stupid lazy smile of his - taunting , always taunting... she felt like hanging up.

"You made me lose my cigarette again." He complained. "That's the fourth time already."

"Stop blaming me for being such a klutz you bird braid." She snapped.

He grinned, waving away a waiting maid and made his way back inside the building. He gave a nod of his head to his passing uncle and addressed Kaoru. "So have you decided if you'll go with me?"

Kaoru took a deep breath. How would she say it? "I'm sorry, Himura...I can't go tomorrow. You caught me at the wrong time."

"Can't go?" He repeated dumbly. He had never been refused an offer before. Most girls would have jumped at the chance to go with him.

"Yes, that's right. I can't go. I've already promised lunch to...one of my friends." She said. She had no idea why she didn't want to tell him who. She had this funny feeling that if she did, he would get upset.

He was silent on the other line for a moment. "I see...well..." He was at a loss for words. He couldn't let her win this! He couldn't let Akira win this! He'd get her good. He straightened. "Do you realize you're missing the chance of a lifetime?"

"I figure you can go to that restaurant at any given date." She said after a while. "You are, after all, rich." She said the last word sarcastically.

"Yeah, that's true." He said. "But you can meet politicians - you have entered into my world. I just thought to accommodate you in the best way possible."

"Thanks for caring." She said bitterly. "Why don't you find someone else to go with? Someone more of your 'stature.' It'd be more becoming."

Kenshin smirked, leaning against the window frame. "I had that in mind too. But see, I'm a kind, generous person. I like to help the poor in any way I can."

Kaoru glared at the telephone. That conceited idiot. "I don't need it. I'm fine as is. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

"You're at work?" He asked. "Oh, right, trying to make petty cash."

"It may be petty cash to you, Himura Kenshin!" She cried, "But for us, it's our daily bread. I have mouths to feed, and I don't need yours giving me crap!" She hung up on him, brooding.

Kenshin looked at the cell phone in his hands. She just hung up on him! For all the...! He threw a tantrum, breaking the nearest thing to him, which was a vase. Nobody hung up on him and got away with it.

A nearby maid jumped out of the way as the vase came to a crash. Upstairs in his study, Hiko heard it, and sighed. His nephew was upset again. He'd have to teach Kenshin that breaking priceless vases were not the way to take his anger out. He doubted he would listen: he hardly ever did.

Kaoru on the other hand, stormed to the front desk. She roughly shoved her agenda back into her knapsack and threw her books in after it. Sae looked up. "What happened?" She cried.

"Nothing!" Kaoru answered hotly.

"Well, please don't treat our customers badly." Sae said quickly. It wasn't often that Kaoru slipped into a bad mood. She saw her employee plaster a smile into place, not her usual easy smile, but a stiff one.

"Excuse me!" Someone shouted. "I'd like a drink!"

Kaoru picked up her tray. She sighed inwardly. And the hectic night wore on. "I'll be with you in one moment sir!"

0-0-0-0-0

She was bone weary when she reached home. She had made enough to cover them for two days, but the rent was still over due. So were the electricity bills and the water bills, and the property taxes, and...the list went on and on.

The front door's light bulb had not yet been replaced, causing Kaoru to trip on her way in. She sighed in resignation, pulling off her shoes.

Yahiko came out, chewing on a small stick. He had on a worn yukata. "Welcome back."

"I'm home." She answered, rubbing her sore muscles. She wanted nothing more than a hot bath and some sleep.

"Father's not doing so well. I suggest we take him to the hospital." Yahiko pressed.

"I have no money for that." Kaoru said. "I've already told you. If I could find a better job..."

"He's having trouble breathing." Her brother informed her. "I would think you would be the one that's really worried. If he stays here any longer, he'll die."

Kaoru glared at him, but he raised his hands defensively. She went into his room to find her father lying down in his futon. She checked his temperature. He was heavy with fever. His eyes were dull and looked right past her. She panicked. She had to do something and now. But what?

She fumbled through her knapsack for her agenda again. Maybe she could call...

He picked up the phone, surprised to see a number he'd never seen before on his cell. It wasn't often that it was used, although he carried it around with him. He turned his attention from his homework on the floor and his personal tutor.

"Sorry." He mumbled, trying to find the receive button. "Hello?"

"Hello? Who's calling?" He demanded. He really hated prank callers. He had no time for them. His instructor looked impatient.

He was about to turn the cell off, but he heard a faint voice. "Is this Soujiro?"

"Y-yes...Kamiya-san?"

"I'm so sorry to bother you, Soujiro. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Once again, Soujiro looked up at his instructor. "No...nothing at all. Is there something you would...like?"

"I need your help." She pleaded. She sounded desperate. He wished she would just cut straight to the point. He propped himself up with one arm.

He sounded playful. "Could you be more specific? Which subject?"

"I...it's not a subject, Soujiro. I need to go to the hospital."

That news caused him to straighten. He crossed his legs, forgetting about his instructor. "The hospital? What for? Something severe happened after your fight with Takani-san?"

Kaoru shook her head. Why couldn't she word herself right? She was scared, that's why. She had never done this before in her life. She hadn't ever thought she would need to. Why she chose Soujiro, she had no idea, but he seemed like the only one who would help. "My father is really ill. I don't know what to do, and so...but I don't have the means...or the money...and...I'm really sorry. Maybe I should just..."

"It's okay." Soujiro interrupted. He hated hearing her so confused and lost. It wasn't like the Kamiya he knew at all: bold, daring, straight- forward... "I'll help you."

Kaoru sighed gratefully. It was going to be a long night.

0-0-0-0-0-0

Kenshin peered outside of the class cautiously. Good. No girls. He wouldn't have to run. There weren't any teachers either, much to his relief. He felt around in his pocket for his box of cigarettes. They were right where he put them.

The beginning of second period was just starting. He was surprised to see that Kaoru had fallen asleep during history. She almost started snoring. How he wished she did so that he could have made fun of her. He caught himself wondering why she was so exhausted. He shook himself mentally.

His hand went over the box of cigarettes. Even though he tried to quit, he couldn't stop right away. He loved them too much. He had snuck out of class again for a quick smoke, and darted to his favorite place behind the wooden oak doors. He eyed them warily, as he already knew what could and would happen if Kamiya chose to walk through them.

Saitoh-sensei could die for all he cared. He was a jerk to Kenshin, making him stay after school, or making him do extra homework. Skipping his class was a high 'must' on Kenshin's to-do list that day. He had made sure no one had seen him as he snuck out.

It was cold outside, and winter would be coming soon. He hated that season: it had been around that time when he had gotten that awful scar. He remembered the rain and the voices yelling. He just couldn't take it again. Florida really sounded good.

He took a long whiff of his cigarette, wanting to finish at least four before heading to class. He was in no big rush. He definitely didn't worry.

He jumped a mile when he heard a familiar smooth voice say,

"Hnnn...so this is where you are all the time."

In surprise, Kenshin whipped around to see him staring with his wolf- like eyes, his arms crossed together casually. He watched the smoke from Kenshin's cigarette rise to the sky.

"S-Saitoh-sensei!" He cried, trying frantically to hide the small stalk. It was impossible; he had already been caught. He cursed himself mentally. He decided to try and act cool: no teacher would tell him what to do. "Aren't you supposed to be teaching class?"

"Yeah, but you're supposed to be in it." Saitoh answered, never taking his yellow eyes away. He liked to see Kenshin squirm.

The redhead flicked the ashes of his cigarette away. Saitoh watched those fall as well. He pursed his lips. "Smoking on school property is illegal."

"So sue me." Kenshin retorted. Nobody dared sue the M.R.I if they valued their own jobs. Saitoh-sensei could 'kiss it' for all he cared.

The elder man smirked. "If you are found out, you will be held behind. I know you're in my class list for next year."

"Aw, come off it, sir!" Kenshin cried. "You just happen to hate me so much, don't you?"

"...Yeah. I do. But I'll make you a deal. I won't tell anyone, in fact, I'll forget this whole incident took place, if..."

Kenshin raised an eyebrow. "If...?"

Saitoh licked his lips, his haggard face breaking into a menacing smile. His fingers twitched in their white gloves - so what if he was a teacher? "If you give me one."

More than just surprised, Kenshin smoothly took out a cigarette from his pocket, handing it over. His purple eyes were wide with question. It was official: Saitoh-sensei was definitely weird. He passed him the lighter too.

The way he smoked was so...professional. It probably took him years of practice to hold it so casually, without shaking with the crave for it.

"Uh...sir? It's even worse if a teacher gets caught..." Kenshin pointed out.

Saitoh took a long drag of his cigarette, letting out the smoke quickly. He snorted. "They won't know. I'm supposed to be in class."

Kenshin bunched his face up in confusion. "Then, who is teaching the class?"

"Your girlfriend." He answered.

"Girlfriend?" He cried, flicking away more ash. "What are you talking about?"

"Kamiya-san has graciously accepted to take my place while I went to the 'boardroom.' I went to find your sorry ass, and here I find you smoking!"

Kenshin grinned. Okay, so maybe Saitoh-sensei really was cool. They finished smoking together and made their way to class again. Before he could enter though, Saitoh put a white glove on Kenshin's shoulder.

"Don't think you've gotten away with it though. Skipping my class and all. I want a cigarette box every day on my desk, or else, the board will hear of it. I'm certain you hate me as much as I hate you. A little blackmail won't hurt now and then."

Kenshin glared holes at him, but Saitoh slammed the door to the classroom in his face.

He growled - a box a day wasn't much anyway. He'd rather do that than stay in his class. Still, he couldn't believe he was being blackmailed by his chemistry teacher!

0-0-0-0-0

Kaoru sat next to Soujiro during Biology class. He seemed a bit tired, but as usual, he turned to face Kaoru. "Hi, Kamiya-san."

Kaoru shifted in her chair. "Sourjiro, about yesterday, thank you so much for everything. I-I don't know what I would have done..."

"You're very welcome, and I told you yesterday to quit apologizing. It's nothing really."

"It's so expensive though...I'll find some way to pay you back." Kaoru told him, twining her fingers together. "I don't get paid much, but if you would, I'll pay it in installations."

"There's no need to pay me back." Soujiro told her. He flipped through his text book to the right page and grinned at her. As he picked up his pencil to write the date, it snapped in two. "Oh...bad omen."

Kaoru smiled nervously. She didn't like the sound of that. She glanced at her own pencil, thinking about her father. As she looked up, she saw Akira looking in her direction. It dawned on her: that's right! She was to have lunch with him! Her spirits rose. At least there was something to look forward to! She gave him a warm smile and a nod of her head, and he grinned back.

Soujiro saw the small exchange and growled under his breath. "What is with Kiyosato-san anyway?" He asked, miffed.

Kaoru turned to him. "You don't like him?"

Soujiro bristled. "He just gets on my nerves." He glared once more in Akira's direction before demanding, "Do you like him, Kamiya-san?"

Kaoru was a bit taken aback by his question. He seemed so fierce all of a sudden. "Sure I do." She said. "He's really nice. Really sweet."

He winced at the last part. "I think he likes you as more than just a friend." Soujiro pouted. "He's up to something."

She giggled, leaning back in her chair. "Oh, Sou-chan, you sound like you're jealous."

He blinked at his new nickname. Only Okita called him that, and it was understandable: they were related after all. He liked the sound of it, coming from Kaoru's lips. He gave her a silly grin. "So, if I was, what is it to you?"

Kaoru gave him a frown. "You're jealous?"

Soujiro gave her a distant look. "Well..."

"Seta-san, class has started. I'd like it if you continue your little discussions after class." Hyougo-sensei told him.

Her friend shot to his feet. "Yes sir!" He called. He gave her a sheepish glance as he melted back into his seat. Kaoru gave him an apologetic smile. Behind her book, she whispered,

"Don't worry about anything Sou-chan. I'm certain nothing will happen between myself and Kiyosato. I've only just met him after all."

He gave her a bleak smile. "You've had quite the first week."

"I'll say." She told him, rising to her feet as her name was called upon. She began to read out loud.

A pair of brown eyes watched her constantly.

0-0-0-0-0

It was long and beautiful - a warm purple color with an extravagant obi. It was made of real silk - almost like the one she had seen that beautiful woman wearing. It was so different from her mother's. To put it simply, it was gorgeous.

It was her size too, thankfully. She had been worried she wouldn't do it justice, not having the exact type of body she wished she could have. The pink ribbon for her hair that went along with it, was just as soft to the touch.

"Oh, Kiyosato-san, it's great!" She told him. She held it up to herself. "I'm so afraid to wear it and ruin it."

"Don't be, Kamiya-san. The color suits you well. I will be back. I can't wait to see you in it." They had stopped over at the Kiyosato's mansion.

The house was nowhere as huge as Kenshin's, nor was it an estate, but still, it was big, much bigger than her own. He had maids too, but not as many as Kenshin had. They used a simple but sleek black car to take them to and from school.

She had met his parents, both of whom were refined and very polite. When they spoke it was as if she were talking to etiquette professors: no wonder Kiyosato's bearing seemed different! She was afraid that the way she walked wouldn't pass their bearing looks.

A maid helped her to figure out the almost impossible robe, fiddling with the obi which had been worked over for hours the night before so it didn't have to be done now. When she smoothed it out and looked in the mirror, she saw quite a different person. She had never thought she could ever look as refined like that. She almost looked mature.

(AN: Obis differ in designs and patterns. It takes a while for some of them to be done, as it is an art. Tying an obi can take up to four hours sometimes! Experience tells me to put mine on early in the morning if I'm to go to a formal Japanese party at night!)

"You look very nice, Miss." The maid was saying to her. "Can I help you with your hair?"

"Yes please." Kaoru said, her breath taken away. It was amazing what a piece of clothing could do to a person. The maid even applied light makeup, making Kaoru's eyes look bluer, and her face as if it had a natural rosy appearance.

She felt like she would melt as Kiyosato entered the room again, dressed in a dark green yukata and dark gray hakama. He looked dashing, and very handsome. Kaoru was glad for the small blush, or he would have seen it come over her face.

"You look lovely." He said, stepping forward. "I'm so honored to take you as my guest today."

She looked away demurely. "I should be the one that's honored. Thank you in advance."

"Nonsense. Come, my friend. Lunch is waiting for us." He took her arm as usual and led her outside, telling his parents that they would be back before a certain time. They consented, and with that, Kaoru and Akira climbed into the waiting vehicle.

She was so pleased to find that the restaurant wasn't as elegant as the other one: those kinds of things made her so nervous. And with Akira there instead of Kenshin's little group, she felt more relaxed.

"Kiyosato-san, your escort is beautiful." The attendant commented, smiling at Kaoru, who blushed and looked away.

"I'm glad you think so too." Akira told him boldly. He gave her a warm smile. She tried her best to return it without wincing. It was embarrassing...

Little did she know that a pair of amber eyes were watching as she held onto his arm and they went into a room. He smirked to himself. This was going to be one big fun adventure.

Sano stood next to him, as well as Aoshi, ever the cold icicle. "That's a sick joke." He was saying.

Kenshin glared at him from over his shoulder. "Aw, shut the heck up! I'll do what I wanna - just watch."

Aoshi clammed up, glaring angrily at the back of Kenshin's head. He was so arrogant and bossy. At the same time, he respected Kenshin's strength and determination. The smaller boy had bested him in the art of the sword, and the two had become good friends. He shifted uncomfortably. It wasn't his thing to pick on girls.

Kaoru grinned as Akira helped her to her side of the table. Everything was elaborately displayed. The tatami was clean and smelled as if it had been scrubbed freshly with lemon juice. The floor was decorated with big fluffy pillows, and the shoji was open to let in fresh air. The scenery was amazing.

Catching herself look outside, she sat down on her pillow, and was horrified when she heard a loud crack of air come out from underneath her, making a rude noise. It made her jump and her face turn a bright pink. Kiyosato paused from his position, going to sit down as well, and stared at her embarrassed face.

"Ah...uhm...I think something...pardon..." She didn't know what to say. How did one explain something as rude as a fart? She jumped up and checked her pillow: it seemed fine. She then realized that under the fabric someone had slipped a whoopee cushion. She bit her lip to stop herself from going berserk. What kind of a sick joke was that!

Akira gave her a startled glance, and told her that it was okay. She was glad he didn't look down at her. What a way to start the date. She hooked a loose piece of hair behind her ear and picked up her menu, hoping to at least muster a bit of pride.

The prices weren't as expensive as those at Aikoku-Kashin, but they weren't exactly the cheapest either. Kiyosato looked up from his menu. "I feel like some sushi. How about you?"

"Sure." Kaoru answered. Whatever float his boat was fine with her.

"Then we'll have the house special." He said, rubbing his hands expectantly. The waiter nodded. Kaoru reached out.

"Can you please leave the shrimp out of it?" She was saying.

"Yes of course ma'am." The waiter answered, writing it down.

Kenshin got up from his sitting position. "Now where are you going?" Sano asked, looking up from his meal.

"The washroom. Nature calls." He answered. Actually, he planned to head for the kitchens. Making sure that Akira and Kaoru didn't see him, he passed by, raising his magenta collar as far up as it could go. He had decided on wearing it again, not really wanting to try on different clothing again.

Kaoru leaned forward on her elbows. Kiyosato was telling her a story of his younger days. He asked about her life as she grew up, so she honestly told him about her poverty. He didn't seemed at all fazed.

"Finally, someone different." He was saying, leaning back. "The school can be so suffocating at times."

"I know." Kaoru agreed. She hastily drank down some water.

"You - you've never had a boyfriend before, have you?" Kiyosato asked cautiously. With most girls, that was a dangerous zone to be entering. Kaoru was silent for a moment before shaking her head.

He decided that that alone was signal enough to quit asking. Now was not the time. He instead crossed his legs and grinned. "It's a wonder why. I would have thought everyone would flock to beauty such as yours."

Kaoru stuck out her tongue playfully. "It's the kimono. Every other time, I look a mess."

"You don't." He insisted.

Kenshin never heard their conversation. He was too busy in the kitchen. He had taken one of the white coats that the cooks used, and slung it on quickly, threading his way through all the hustle and bustle, following the waiter that had just finished taking the order of the two.

He tried to look inconspicuous, and wandered the kitchen, following closely. He had managed to glance at the number on the sheet - #3.

So she didn't like shrimp. Well, it wouldn't hurt if she ate two or three. He was dying to see her disgusted reaction. He knew for a fact that some people didn't like some sea foods only because of the way they looked. He would have thought that in her current situation, she wouldn't be picky about the food she ate.

He managed to get his hands on a bottle that was labeled "Shredded Shrimp". How perfect! Kaoru would never guess he'd put something in there. The bottle was small and orange. It reminded him of a hospital bottle that usually held pills.

He found her order, and quickly put the shrimp shreds in with a lavish hand; emptying the whole bottle.

Satisfied, he quickly left the room, stuffing the orange bottle in his pocket after depositing the robe on a rack with a bunch of others that were already hanging there. He smirked to himself.

Sanosuke was smoking when he came back to their table. "You didn't go to the washroom." He accused. Kenshin shrugged.

"So what?"

Sano blew the smoke out in Kenshin's direction smugly, causing his friend to cough. The smell was intoxicating; the sight of someone smoking made his addiction rise. He turned away from the smell. Although he loved it, he knew of others who didn't.

An idea struck him.

He grabbed the cigarette out of Sano's hand. Startled, Sano gave a yelp of protest. He watched as Kenshin took his last one and plunked it into an empty teapot. The smoke rose slowly from the spout.

"What the heck was that all about?" Sanosuke growled.

"Shut your face." Kenshin snapped. "I'll do what I want."

Sano clenched his fist, willing himself to punch his lights out as Kenshin gave him a challenging stare. He got to his feet, lips pulled back into a snarl. They had gotten into many brawls before and Kenshin knew another one was about to begin.

Aoshi stood up, breaking the tension. "Now's not the time for a fight you two." He warned. "Don't make me break your heads together." He was intolerable, wanting nothing more than peace and quiet, and liking solitude. He wondered how he had gotten mixed up in all this.

Casting a dirty glare at Kenshin, Sano sat back down. He watched again as Kenshin put it on the tray, labeled #3, chuckling to himself.

"Really sick." Aoshi muttered, catching on. Kenshin gave him an innocent look.

Kaoru and Akira looked up to see the waiter bring them a teapot and two glasses. She scrunched her nose in disgust: what was that smell? Wasn't their room in a non-smoking area? Miffed, she looked around.

Akira noticed her uneasiness. "Kamiya-san?"

"Ah, nothing. I just thought I smelled...a cigarette."

Akira shrugged. "Perhaps it is your imagination. I specifically asked for a non-smoking room...but, you're right..."He looked around as well.

She sniffed in disgust again. "Yes, well...if you will excuse me, I'm going to the washroom."

"Sure thing." He told her, watching as she exited.

Kenshin watched after her hungrily too. He completely ignored the meal in front of him, rummaging through his pocket. He pulled the string out. "Time for prank #4." He announced in a low voice.

His friends said nothing, giving him quizzical glances. He waited for Kaoru to come back. He pulled on a hat that didn't quite match with his getup, but he gathered his hair up to hide it. He pretended to be casually waiting for someone, and as she passed, he stuck the string with a small hook attached to the end, to her extravagant obi. The plan was to pull it loose, and...

She didn't notice, and went to resume her place across the table from Akira. The smell of cigarette reached out to her again.

"Tea?" Akira asked, lifting the teapot. He suddenly stopped and frowned, lifting the teapot gently. He couldn't understand why it felt so light, yet steam was rising from the spout. He peered in to see a smoldering cigarette stalk. Kaoru peered in too.

Kenshin loved her disgusted look. He absently took up another teapot that was full and then took the pepper shaker on his table, emptying it of its contents into the liquid. He then replaced the lid, and put the teapot on tray #3 again.

Akira raised his hand in the air, to get attention. "Excuse me!" He called. "This has something other than tea in it. I would like a replacement."

The waiter rushed in, and was a bit surprised to see a teapot already on the tray, ready and waiting to be served. He took it up.

Akira looked displeased. "I don't know what kind of a joke this is..." He started to say. He showed the waiter the cigarette.

"I'm terribly sorry sir. Perhaps I brought you the wrong teapot." He hurriedly switched the pots and whisked the other away.

As Akira poured Kaoru and himself a drink, the food arrived, and the two began their meal.

Kaoru took one bite and paused.

Something was terribly wrong.

She chewed and tried to swallow, but she couldn't. Her throat closed up and her jaws seemed to lock.

Kiyosato noticed her sudden pause. Her face was flushed pink. Kaoru saw him look at her, and she hurriedly tried to cover her discomfort. "It's good." She lied, filling her chopsticks again. The reaction the second time was worse, and she began to choke. She dropped her chopsticks, and they fell with a clatter to the table.

Kenshin grinned seeing her revulsion to the food. So far, all his plans had worked. He was so devious - and he loved it!

He watched as Akira leaned forward. She couldn't breathe and hoped to drink it down. Akira got the hint and gave her the cup of tea. She took it gratefully, and then tried to wash it down.

The tea burned at her throat, causing her to spit it back out. It stained his clothing as well as her own. She tried to apologize, but the burning sensation in her mouth made her end up in a coughing fit.

Kenshin couldn't help but laugh. She had turned her back to him, so he didn't see that she was clutching at her throat. Her face and hands had begun to break out in rashes.

Kaoru was allergic to shrimp.

In her desperation to find air, she jumped up. In doing so, the string pulled, and the obi became undone, causing the front of her kimono to open.

Kenshin was now rolling on the floor with laughter at her embarrassment. It didn't fall open all the way though, giving her a bit of decency.

Akira ran to her side as she collapsed, and he tried to cover her up as best as possible. "Kamiya-san!" he cried.

"Sh-shrimp!" She choked. "Someone put...shrimp...allergic...can't...breathe..." she struggled to say.

Akira's eyes went wide as she fell limp in his arms.

His shout cut through Kenshin like a razor.

"Someone call the police!" He shouted. "Hurry!"

'Oh my God...' Kenshin thought. 'I killed her...'

He hadn't meant to go that far.

To Be Continued...


AN: Well, that's that for now. I hope you guys enjoyed. Devious pranks (thanks Keiko) and a huge mistake. He didn't know she was allergic, just thought that she didn't like it! I mean, I don't like pork, but that doesn't mean I'm allergic. I am allergic to chocolate though...choco beans... Anyways, leave me a review again? I LOVED EVERY SINGLE ONE THAT YOU GUYS LEFT ME! (Hugs her reviewers) What will Kenshin do now? What do you think will happen? Please leave me another review! thanks!