R.S. : Hey everyone! XD sup?! Anyways, here is another chapter! Yyaayy (happy dance) hope you guys enjoy this one :) Sorry it's been so long!!!

I'm standing in the center of the room
I watch the boys follow girls perfume
All is as it should be I assume
Except for the distance between me and you

-"Falling over me" by Demi Lovato

The Musical Poetry Club

By: Rampaging Sorrow

Chapter Nine (Part One) : The Resurrection of Affection (with a hint of true love)

The cool breeze of Sunday night caught Aoshi's skin and left a pleasant tingle as he strummed guitar chords on his window sill, his long yet slender leg dangling off the edge. Green eyes were hidden from view as he kept his eyes shut in the bliss of his music making and the peace that transfixed over his being. The moon stood proud and tall over Oakley and illuminated the street in its white glow. For a while, Aoshi felt like it was almost leaning towards the Shinomori's residency to listen to him, the Emo King, create.

His eyes glanced over to a shut window and he instantly frowned as memories of a week ago came into his head. The day when Kenshin told Kaoru in lyrics that he didn't want to be with her. His blood boiled at the thought of him wasting Kaoru's time and even though he understood the red-head's logic, he had never seen something so cowardly in his high school career.

'Pussy.'

Aoshi knew he was in there laying on his bed listening to his guitar strumming and plucking, but he wouldn't dare open the curtains and reveal himself. Out of anger, Aoshi lashed out at Kenshin on Kaoru's behalf and he made sure that the teen had heard his every word.

"How dare you take somebody's heart and just suddenly shatter it. Haven't you learned anything from the way that slut broke your heart? You think if you crawl back to her and fuck her that she'll decide to stay with you for good this time? How can you be so damn stupid and cowardly? I chose Kaoru for you and with good reason. She completes you. You blended so amazingly. But, you just threw it all away! And for what? Sanosuke and Tomoe biting your heels? She opened herself to you and you just kicked dirt in her face. I hope that she never looks at you the same way again. To think that you would waste her time and lead her on like she was some bitch at the pound. When Tomoe breaks your heart again, just know that this time I'll be laughing. I don't even know who's the real punk now? Me or You?"

They hadn't spoken words since that Monday night. Aoshi wouldn't even look his way in the hallways. It was almost as if their friendship was finished. He felt bad, truly he did, but justice was needed so the King of Prep would learn that Aoshi didn't appreciate his actions.

'If only I could really show him what he's missed out on... Wait a second...'

Aoshi threw himself backwards and did a roll out of the pillows that were placed right below for his safe landing. Quickly flipping to his feet, he placed his guitar on his bed and grabbed his car keys as he rushed from the room. His mother raised her head from her book to hear him racing down the steps and as he rushed to the door, she quickly stopped him.

"Where are you going at ten thirty, my son?"

"To Kaoru's house, mother." he said quickly as he slipped his feet into shoes and he opened the door. "I won't be out all night."

"Drive safely." was her final warning before he shut the door behind him and ran to his Mitsubishi Eclipse. Kenshin peeked through his blinds as he heard the engine roaring with power and watched as Aoshi zoomed off down the street. A depressed sigh blew from his lips before he laid back down and continued to fiddle with the ribbon that Kaoru had designed for him atop the hill.

'I've seen you every day this week and I now feel loss at your smile around others that you once threw my way.

'My heart weeps as I silently miss you.'

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Who is banging on the door so late? It better be good."

Seth sighed as he scratched the back of his head and he yelled for the banging to stop before opening the front door. Aoshi's tall stature greeted him as he took a step back and arched his eyebrow.

"Nephew, what brings you here this late--"

"Where's Kaoru."

"In her room, but what's going on—hey, don't just barge in here like you own the place!"

Aoshi ignored Seth's words as he ran to the steps and quickly descended to vanish from sight. He strode down the hall and told Kaoru's mother "good evening" as she poked her head from her bedroom. Her arched eyebrow was ignored as he opened Kaoru's door and shut it behind him.

"There's something called knocking before entering, you know."

"It's me." Aoshi said before kicking off his shoes and ascending the steps. Once he got to the top, he smirked as he saw Kaoru polishing her guitar to a shine. Stars and stripes decorated her shorts and her top was yellow with blotches of the rainbow itself going around.

"Another creative outfit, even for sleep."

"Thanks, but why are you here? And why didn't you call?"

"Forgot to think about that with the plot that was running through my head." Kaoru sat her guitar on her bed and as Aoshi plopped into a beanbag, she tied her hair atop her head in a messy bun. Light blue eyes met light green and for a moment, there was silence. Kaoru studied him, trying to read the mischievous glint in his eyes, but Aoshi wasn't letting anything loose. After a few minutes, she gave in.

"Alright," was her relaxed word. "Spill your plan to me, my lord." His lips pulled into a playful sneer before he crossed his legs and he looked back up into her eyes.

"I haven't spoken to Kenshin since Monday night." Kaoru's eyes flashed for a moment with hurt as she briefly remembered the day's events. But as quick as it came, it was gone.

"So? What are you telling me for? He's been erased from my life just as I said I would."

"I understand that," the King replied with a nod, "But I still don't feel like he's suffering the way he should. I want to make him realize that he's really lost out."

Kaoru's hand waved through the air as she feigned indifference."It's fine, Aoshi--"

"--No, I'm demanding we do this." Kaoru turned her eyes back to him as she saw the determination deep beneath his layers of ice. "He has to feel this to learn."

Kaoru twiddled her thumbs for a moment and after she blew some bangs from her face, she arched her eyebrow and gave him a curious smile.

"So what shall we do to make him learn his lesson?" Aoshi smirked devilishly and he rose from his feet, bringing Kaoru to stand with him. She gave a laugh of surprise as he twirled her in a circle and then raised her arms out for him to examine.

"Aoshi," she giggled, "Just what are you planning?" Aoshi opened her closet and as he looked at the amazing clothes before him, he pulled her close and leaned down to whisper softly in her hear.

"You, my dear," he breathed with a hint of sexiness in his tone. "Are going to knock his world off of his feet."

Monday morning brought Kenshin Himura slowly out of his bed and into the shower. The ice cold water rose him from his drowsy state and with more vigor, he zoomed into his room and he got dressed for the day. He walked down the steps quickly and with a sigh, he covered his mother who lay sleeping on the couch.

"You work too hard sometimes." he sighed with a smile as he looked at the wool sweater she was knitting by his younger sister's request. With a butterfly kiss pressed to her forehead, he checked the time and he locked the door behind him as he headed towards school. As he drove, he almost felt like he was trapped in a slow motion movie.

'Another week of Aoshi probably hating my guts and Tomoe clinging to me in attempts to make Kaoru jealous. Another week of Sanosuke now being all buddy-buddy when just the other day I almost wrapped my fingers around his throat...I hate this.'

He parked slow and he walked in the building slow. Chatter went around him like flies and he greeted everybody with a smile and sometimes a laugh to a few morning jokes tossed his way. But behind the facade, he still was sad and he still felt lower than dirt. 'I just wish Aoshi would talk to me again...' Just as he was going to shut his locker and slowly trek to English, he heard a few gasps and whistles at the end of the hallway.

"Woo! Kamiya is looking hot today!"

'Kaoru?'

Kenshin turned his eyes to see what the commotion was about, but nothing could have prepared him for his mouth slightly dropping and his eyes opening up wide. 'Sweet mother of Jesus..'

Enishi glanced Kenshin's way and he secretly grinned as Kaoru stopped to speak to a few newly made friends. She shined and radiated sexiness as she pulled her hair from her face and she winked Enishi's way. She wore a green, pink, and purple skirt, the colors curling around each other and blending at some parts of her skirt beautifully. Little light blue butterflies swirled sideways in random lines and at one point, some made hearts. Her top was light blue and it tied around her neck in a cute little bow while hugging her in all the right places. Her feet were covered in green converses with 'KACK' in large letters on the side and when Kenshin finally looked up into dazzling blue eyes, he thought he'd fall into his locker.

"Morning, Kenshin!" Tomoe's cheerful voice echoed in his ear and he blinked out of his daze and turned to see her open her arms for a hug. Barely understanding the way his body was feeling, he hugged her back and turned back to see Kaoru hugging Enishi's arm lightly as they walked by. He as well radiated next to her with his red, black and gray plaid shirt along with skinny jeans and vans.

"Her outfit is so ridiculous. God, what a spaz." Tomoe glared Kaoru's way before looking up into Kenshin's eyes and seeing the lust and longing he held out in clear view. She hit his arm before he looked back down at her with an arched eyebrow.

"What happened?" her eyes narrowed and he could only say, "What?" as she spun on her heel and turned away from him.

"We'll be late to class, let's get moving." Ignoring the slight anger in her voice, he shut his locker and took one last look Kaoru's way. Enishi flashed him a mischievous grin and he hugged Kaoru closely and pressed a kiss to her temple in spite. Kenshin glared at him hatefully before he turned around and followed Tomoe to class.

Kaoru choose her books for class and after she slightly fluffed her hair to the side, Enishi leaned close and whispered in her ear.

"He couldn't keep his eyes off of you. It was like Cupid shot him with an arrow."

With a soft smile, she sighed at the chuckle escaping her best friend's mouth.

"He wants you so badly it's driving him insane."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kenshin's eyes couldn't stop looking at her. He tried to immerse himself in writing poetry, but everything he seemed to write ended up about the blue-eyed goddess that he had let loose from his life. The way she laughed within her group and the way she flashed beautiful smiles constantly sent his mind reeling. He never regretted his decision more that during these moments.

And through everything—every laugh, every smart comment, every smile—she didn't spare him a glance. Not even a flick of her eyes was sent his way. It was almost as if he didn't exist. Hannya, Chou, and Souzou were almost like her boyfriends with the way they laughed with her and hugged her with love. With each hand they held or with every door they opened for her, it boiled Kenshin's blood to see and know that he couldn't do anything to stop it. Kaoru wasn't going for him any longer. Truly, she had made up her mind.

But what relieved him greatly was the fact that Aoshi was speaking to him again. He had stopped him in the hallway and ruffled his intense red hair as he told him that he couldn't hate his best friend forever and that he truly missed laughing through their window. He could have hugged Aoshi as tightly as he could in the hallway, but because of his reputation and text him, 'tight hug. Ilu bro', and they continued their school day living up to their status.

Kaoru shined like a star through the hallways and by gym class, her fan base had tripled. Amethyst eyes watched as Hannya and Aoshi held their new princess up and spun her around until she was high with laughter and stumbling over her feet. The whole group's laughter boomed through as Enishi caught her and held her up as she flipped them the finger and laughed at the joke Misao threw out.

For the first time in his life, Kenshin felt... lost.

'She's gotten over me like I was nothing... I know I did this for a reason, but...man this SUCKS!'

By the end of the day, Kaoru was making plans with Hannya and Souzou for dinner and she was setting up star watching on the soccer field at midnight. She slipped into the car with Enishi laughing and making faces at Misao and as Kenshin brought his car to life, he watched as her car left the parking lot and disappeared from sight. He felt numb as he drove to soccer practice and he quickly got dressed and on the field. When six thirty hit to leave practice, he left without a word and drove home as quickly as he could.

"Kenshin, you're home—what's the matter?" Concern instantly flooded through Chi-Mae, but Kenshin ignored her as he quickly went to his room and locked his door. He dove into his bed and as he turned to lay on his side, he stared blankly at the wall.

He wouldn't dare admit it to Aoshi, but as he watched Kaoru move and flow and sparkle like the precious diamond she was... his heart ached for her. It longed to pull her into his arms and hide away from the public eye as he kissed her breathless and ran his fingers through her silky hair.

'This feels almost worse than when Tomoe cheated on me...' His fingers clenched and unclenched and amethyst eyes blinked slowly as he fought to control the pain he felt when his heart slowly beat inside his chest. Lyrics and poetry flooded his mind and as the sun slowly faded into the oncoming darkness, he felt more hollow than before as he fell asleep.

'I watch from afar, you shine and soar,

My heart thuds romantically; you are the one I adore,

But our eyes never meet as you easily ignore

So now, mighty heart, what are we fighting for?'

For the next week, he was shut out. At her opening soccer appearance, she shined like a star and she scored three goals before helping three more teammates score as well. Kenshin sat in the crowd and cheered everybody on, even Kaoru and Tomoe, but because of their circumstances, she ignored him and jumped into Enishi's arms. He couldn't help the jealousy that pooled through him as Hannya came up and she then jumped into his and cuddled. He gave Tomoe a smile and congratulated her with a hug, but he couldn't help but drift back to the star of the team as she laughed and smiled and took pictures with her "crew".

In school, she came in every day looking gorgeous. To die for, even. Lips were always glossed to perfection, her hair was amazing, skin flawless and smooth, and her smile dazzling Even with her messy curls and her sleepy smile on the third day of the week, she still managed to look like a jewel. She had boys moving like lost puppies whenever she passed and when Kenshin saw her, he had to hold his jaw in place before it could fall.

And through all of his mayhem that she was causing with her overall being, she didn't spare him a glance. Nothing was thrown in his direction. Even the people sitting next to him got smiles and greetings in the classes that they shared. Aoshi smirked each moment he saw the redhead give a sad sigh and he would sometimes send Hannya to hug Kaoru and spin around with her to get a rise out of his best friend. He never acted on the impulse to strangle the Shinomori, though it flooded his mind and made his fingers curl in anticipation.

Friday was the day that Kenshin got tired of being ignored. Aoshi watched in the empty hallway as he shoved his fist into his locker and cursed loudly.

"Sucks, huh?" Kenshin's eyes turned quickly to see Aoshi walking towards him and he sighed in annoyance as he put his hand up and shut his eyes.

"I don't need to hear it again, Aoshi. I've already heard it."

"I wasn't going to say it again," the icy eyed teen replied. "I was just going to rub your knuckles, dearest."

"Oh, thanks, baby." Kenshin rolled his eyes. "I love how you care." Aoshi watched as he 'humphed and slid to the floor with another sad, yet adorable, pout. He began to draw little patterns on the tile next to him and Aoshi couldn't help but feel a fraction of sadness for him as he sighed and pulled his knees to his chest. He crouched down to run a hand through his hair and then shake it up a little bit.

"I did it for all the right reasons... but I regret it now." Silence hung through the hallway and Kenshin looked up to his best friend with dark purple eyes.

"Help me."

"... What?"

"Help me!" he repeated again and he jumped up, nearly knocking the tall man off balance. "Tell me what I should do to get back to look at me again. I'll do anything!"

His spirit began to lift as Aoshi opened his mouth to speak, but--

"No."

--it was crushed almost instantly. Kenshin looked at the tall male in shock. "What do you mean 'no'?"

"Just like I said. NO. I've already done my part in the beginning and you fucked up. Why should I help you again? So you can repeat your steps and try to break this girl? I told you before, Kenshin. You blew it away. The smooth blending is gone now. And I'm not interfering to help anymore. I'm a bad best friend for this, but... I want you to keep suffering for your stupid mistakes."

Kenshin gaped like a fish and as Aoshi stood to full height, his anger shot through him as he began to yell.

"So what the hell did you come over here for?! To mock me or something?! You came to harass me, Aoshi?! Why even entertain it?!"

"Hey, don't take it out on me--"

"Argh, just shut the 'F' up!" Aoshi widened his eyes as Kenshin turned around, grabbed his book bag and slung it over one shoulder as he stormed off.

"I'll remember that in bed tonight!"

"Yeah, well fuck you too!" Kenshin barked over his shoulder. "I got my hand; I don't need you! And I'll show you what I'm gonna do to win her back too! I'll go to someone else with this!"

He kept walking until he got to the door and then he turned around and flipped the snickering teen with his middle finger.

"And I'll tell my mom not to make you any food for the rest of the month too! So laugh at that!" Aoshi stopped instantly and Kenshin instantly ran as the other boy started to chase him and tell him to wait.

'I can't believe I'm gonna do this, but I have to ask somebody for this... This is gonna bite me in the ass later.'

"So you want my help, huh? (laughs) You've gotta be kidding me."

Kenshin sighed and as he looked around the dance studio in the basement of the school, he couldn't help but let out a low whistle at the awards and trophies placed in the walls above the floor for safe keeping.

'This place looks really good from last year,' he thought quietly to himself before he heard more laughter and turned his eyes and focused on the task at hand.

"Please, Enishi." he quietly began, "I can't go to anybody else. Nobody knows her more than you do. I just... I want to make things right."

Enishi raised his leg up onto the bar by the mirror and with grace, he leaned his body forward and softly held his toes. His eyes remained shut with a peaceful expression before he let out a soft sigh.

"And why should I help you, huh? So you can just have her as some kind of trophy on your arm like all the other guys?... You're more shallow than I thought."

"That's not what I mean," Kenshin said raising his voice. "And you know it." Enishi continued to ignore him and Kenshin shifted his book bag in agitation before Enishi slid to the floor and reached for the mirror with his legs apart.

"You're a joke, Himura."

"I did it because I didn't want the fighting to continue! I... I figured if maybe I stopped talking to Kaoru and trying to date her, that Aoshi and Sano would calm down and both of our groups could coexist without as much problems as we're having now."

Kenshin sighed in sadness and as he spun his toe on the ground, he nibbled on his lower lip. "I didn't think that I'd miss her laugh and her smile and her... everything as much as I do now... She doesn't even talk to me..."

Enishi understood every word that Kenshin was saying and he felt a little bad at the way the red-head stood behind him spilling how he felt. He understood that the red-head sacrificed his love so the many people that were Preps and Punks could go back to the slight calm that they had before. He even held a slight respect for Kenshin now that he explained his reasoning. But, because Enishi didn't really like the teen, he held it in and chose a different path. Piercing eyes shot into the mirror so he could look at Kenshin's reflection.

"I don't care if two countries were fighting, Kenshin. You shouldn't have done that to Kaoru. And now that you see her true beauty... you want to try and regain what you once could have gotten before. You're not selfish enough for yourself, and because of that, you will suffer. You won't get Kaoru back because she's moving ahead without you. I'm glad she's a strong girl. She doesn't need weak men like you."

Kenshin glared hatefully at him and as Enishi flipped to his feet, Kenshin made his way to the door while the blonde raised his leg high in the air.

"I'll show you and Aoshi both what I can do." Kenshin confidently spoke as he cracked the door a little. "Just you wait. It'll only take me a week."

Enishi snorted. "Yeah, and I'm into boys."

"I dunno," Kenshin said with a teasing grin. "You could be a pretty one."

He dodged a shoe flung his way with a laugh before shutting the door behind him and whistling cheerfully as he made his way down the hallway. A vibration from his phone made him look down immediately and as he continued to stroll and and whistle, he collided with somebody staring down at their phone as well. Their phones clattered and immediately he shot down.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention and I was too wrapped up in my cell phone. I hope yours isn't bro...ken..."

As he looked up, amethyst eyes met amazing sapphire and his whole world immediately began to slow down. There, in front of him, stood Kaoru Kamiya in her the "beautiful flesh" (as Kenshin was thinking). Her curves stood out to his eyes immediately with her tight shirt and slightly baggy short-shorts. But, what made him really pause was the surprise in her face at actually seeing him. 'My face is probably the same way.'

The silence was eating away at him and his heart began to flutter anxiously in his chest as their eyes held each others gaze and refused to break.

"Hey, Kaoru." he finally said after another minute or two.

"...Himura."

Immediately, he winced at the way her tone was cold and almost uncaring. He gave her a soft smile before he saw her hand rise up, her eyebrow arched as she flexed her fingers.

"My phone?"

"Your... Oh! Yes, I'm sorry." He shoved his phone into his pocket and he slowly reached his hang over before placing Kaoru's phone in her hand. Their skin met by just a brush, but instead of pulling away like Kaoru wanted, Kenshin's other hand reached out and grabbed her wrist. Their eyes met and just as she was going to bark, Kenshin surprised her by slowly taking each of her fingers and making them gently cover the phone. His touch made her eyes flash in confusion and when her pinky covered the cellular device, Kenshin moved closer and leaned down so their noses were barely touching. Kaoru's heart began to beat faster and harder in her chest.

"Kaoru..." he said softly as held her cheek gently and stroked his thumb along her smooth skin. "You're still becoming the light of my life..."

Her heart felt like it would suddenly stop as he slowly leaned in closer and gave her a kiss that sent her on the fritz. It was like a wave rushed through them both as he pulled away and gave her this time a chaste kiss. He backed away and with a sexy grin, he bid her farewell and continued to whistle as he made his way down the hallway.

'How the hell does he do that?!' she screamed in her head as she finally figured out how to use her legs. She made her way into the dance room Enishi was waiting in and as he watched her move around, he saw her mind was running while she touched her toes and threw her hair into a ponytail.

"What's wrong?" he asked as she stood in front of the mirror and shoved her fingers into her pocket.

"Nothing, babes." she replied as she turned to flash him a soft, yet peaceful smile. "Just saw a familiar face. Let's dance, shall we?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When the weekend hit, Kenshin was ecstatic to put his 'Operation: Kaoru Kamiya' into motion. His notebook was filled with his different ideas, songs, and poetry to use for his 'master plan'. While waiting for dinner that night, Aoshi sat in his living room reading his latest homework assignment and glancing every now and then at the ecstatic red-head write and erase different things in his notebook.

"You're seriously mapping this shit out."

"Yes." Kenshin said without looking up. "I am." Aoshi chuckled softly before shutting his book and leaning over the table so the red-head could see him.

"I know a way that you could start." Kenshin's pen slowed down to a stop before he sighed and ignored the tall teen's humming.

"And just how could I start, Aoshi?"

"By going with me tonight to a club."

"Dear husband of mine," Kenshin began as he started to write again. "I'm not going to a club just because you want to go out and live the life of a rock star."

Aoshi rolled his eyes as leaned back into his seat and threw his arms behind his head. "I was simply saying that you should go because Kaoru is going to be there."

Kenshin's pen paused again and Aoshi smirked as he watched Kenshin lean back and cross his arms.

"She is?"

"Yup." he replied with a nod. "She's the one who told all of us about it. It's like three towns over, but I heard that it's awesome. They barely card you for drinks and the music is great too."

Kenshin gave Aoshi a look at his 'card' comment, but he 'hmm'ed to himself as he thought about what to do. 'Should I go, should I not go... this would be a perfect opportunity to watcher so she doesn't get in trouble. She is a party girl... but, she probably won't even want to dance with me. She still hates me... then again, it's a party. I haven't gone to one in a while... but, what about my homework...'

Aoshi's smirk slowly began to fall as the red-head continued to hum in thought and he rolled his eyes before standing up and pulling Kenshin to his feet. "Hey!"

"You're going. Final answer." Kenshin smiled as Aoshi dragged him up the steps and immediately went to his room and inside the closet.

'I love Aoshi.' he laughed internally as the "King" slid his clothes left to right and began to throw things in his direction.

"Start getting dressed in a few things," the tall male told him as he went to sit at his laptop, "And I'll tell you if it's a hit or miss. We got three hours before we leave."

Kenshin stripped his shirt and Aoshi watched him slide his shirt over washboard abs. He smirked and as he gave a whistle, Kenshin blushed in embarrassment and gave him the finger. "Stop it, you pervert."

"But we're married." Aoshi said in a perverted voice.

"I can't watch my husband? Take that shirt off, by the way. I hate it." Kenshin couldn't help but bust out in laughter as he tossed his shirt towards Aoshi's face and picked another shirt up. Only one thing rang through his mind as he tossed two more shirts and finally found one that his best friend appreciated.

'Tonight should be exciting.'

"Woohoo! This club is alive tonight! What's the name of this place, Kaoru?!"

"...Club Puccho!"

"What a name!"

Enishi held Kaoru's hand as they walked down the steps to the dance floor and he couldn't help but cheer and give her an excited grin. She returned it as she flipped her hair over to the side and she tightened her hold in his hand. Her outfit caught many eyes and she proudly let the world know that she was one of the hottest, if not the top, girls in the room. Simple light violet heels covered her feet and green harem pants with a glitter sash around her hips. Her top was a light violet tank top with a slight V-cut and a green studded vest.

"Baby, you look so unique! I love it!" Kaoru gave Enishi a dazzling smile and smirked at his outfit. He wore light gray jeans, bright green suspenders, a striped gray and blue shirt, and on his feet were a pair of Nike blazers that had his name on the side with matching outfit colors. She laughed at the way he pushed his glasses up on his eyes and gave a nerdy snort.

"We're taking this place by storm tonight!" he declared and she cheered before pulling her hair up into a mid-way ponytail. Her curly strands hung over her shoulder and the duo hung their jackets up before Enishi pulled her out into the party. Immediately, the two began to dance and loose themselves into the pulse and the sounds of "Down"by Jay Sean.

"Drinks in ten?" he asked as she put her arms over his shoulders. "Hell yeah."

An hour later, Kenshin looked around in wonder as he descended the steps with his best friend, his best friend's girlfriend, and some of their crew. The amount of bodies dancing around and gyrating was enormous and immediately he tried to spot out Kaoru. Girls whistled at him as he stopped to show his wrist band he received at the door and he shot them all flirtatious grins out of playfulness. Black fitted jeans sat on his hips and he wore a white Nike sleeveless top with a tube shaped collar.

"You look hot, kid." Aoshi chuckled and Kenshin rolled his eyes playfully before they walked across the bar and to the balcony to see if they could spot their friends through the party.

"I see Chou!" Misao jumped happily. "He's wearing a hood."

"I see Shishou and his girl." Hannya chuckled while leaning against the railing. "They're dancing horribly on purpose again."

Kenshin grinned at Hannya's comment and his eyes looked around again before he widened his eyes as he spotted the girl who remained on his mind.

"I found Kaoru and Enishi." he finally said and Aoshi quickly went to him with Hannya and Misao before he pointed to help. They widened their eyes as well before Aoshi whistled and fanned himself.

"Man. Enishi is one lucky M.F."

The Jamaican dancehall music through the room and guys watched in envy and lust as Kaoru and Enishi danced to the beat seductively. Their hips rolled against each other as they winded and grinded to the music and had fun. Kaoru smirked and as she looked up onto the balcony, she finally saw Aoshi and gave a wave. Enishi looked over her shoulder and he then waved as well before she looked over at Kenshin. She could clearly see the want in his eyes and she smirked at him before turning to face Enishi and pushing him backwards until he hit the wall. Enishi's eyes lit up with excitement before Kaoru put her hands on his chest and proceeded to dance her body into the floor in front of him. Her hands slid with her movements and he bit his lip at the provocative way she touched his thighs and then worked her way back up. He quickly grabbed her arms and their dance resumed as Kaoru laughed and he held her hips.

"Whoa." Hannya exclaimed and he stretched his arms before turning to leave. "Where are you going?"

"To get a piece of that, duh." Kenshin glared at his retreating form before Aoshi demanded they all go to party. Kenshin decided to enjoy himself and Misao cheered him on as he started to dance and a girl immediately came to his hips. Aoshi was, surprisingly, dancing to the beat and he looked... Good. Misao admired the way the tall teen made his movements look cool enough for guys to watch him a little and nod their heads at the punk.

"Sexy boy." she said to herself with a laugh before he pulled her towards him and they started to dance as well.

Enishi left Kaoru to get drinks, but she couldn't feel lonely at all as another guy came up to her and asked for a dance with the music changing again. It was at this time she decided to use her looks to her advantage.

"Wanna get me a drink?" she asked as she ran her fingers through short blonde hair and bit her lip. He couldn't help but nod and take her for whatever drink she wanted. Kenshin caught glances of her going to the bar and after five times, he realized there was a problem.

'She's getting drunk off her ass.' Enishi saw Kenshin watching and he teased him with a grin before Hannya made his way to Kaoru and spun her around. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and her eyes were electric as he pulled her to him and swayed his hips against hers. Kaoru threw her arms into the air with a cheer and without hesitation, Hannya pulled her hand behind his head. She danced without care and the music continued to change as the two laughed and spun around.

"Where's Souzou?!"

"Punishment!" she pouted, but quickly smiled as the two separated and Enishi pulled her away towards him.

"Drink?"

"Yeah!" she exclaimed and he let her drink the rest of what was in his glass. Aoshi came from behind Kaoru and slung his arms over her shoulders as he leaned down to her ear.

"You're on fire." he whispered and she could only laugh and hug his arms close to her.

"This is what I do best!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kaoru continued to dance and to Kenshin's dismay (and now Aoshi as the redhead pointed out) to drink. Whether it be from random guys she asked or from Enishi, her throat could barely feel the burn as the liquor slid down her throat. Enishi wasn't any better.

"Come here, Kaoru." he called and Kaoru walked with him to the bathroom hallway. He leaned against the wall and when he made sure nobody was watching them, he pulled out a small bottle. Her eyes lit up as he moved to hover over her.

"You know what this is." he whispered hotly in her ear and she could only nod as he unscrewed the bottle and he drank half. "Drink."

His eyes never left hers as he put the small bottle to her lips and watched her swallow every drop left. His eyes caught a drop about to fall and he quickly kissed her to save the drop from being wasted. Kaoru slung her arms around his neck and he could only hold her hips as their kiss deepened dramatically.

"Let's go back out." Enishi pulled her by the hand and she could immediately feel the effects of what she just drank as the room spun a little bit and everything felt suddenly heightened. The two danced wild with the music and once he saw a circle of dancers, he quickly left Kaoru to herself as he jumped into a small dance competition going on in the center.

"Found them finally." Kenshin said as he pointed the two people out. Their eyes had been scanning the room for the two once they lost track and relief flooded through them as they made sure the two were still in the room.

"Watch this kid." Aoshi told Kenshin as the two stood on the balcony to get some air and relax for the moment. Kenshin arched his eyebrow but agreed anyway as the music changed Enishi began to dance. Each movement was smooth and almost like an art as he showed off his skills and danced the other guy to shame. He even stuck his tongue out as he spun around and showed his backside.

"So fresh." Aoshi chuckled as Kenshin laughed. Their eyes turned to see Kaoru once again downing another drink and putting her arm in the air as she shook her hips with Misao. The smaller girl was trying to pull the cup from her hands through their movements, but Kaoru quickly downed her drink and pulled away to go back and dance.

"That is not good." Kenshin said loud enough for Aoshi to hear. "She's on a roll." he looked down to read a text message from his mother and once he looked back up, Aoshi whistled and pointed to where she was at the moment.

"...She is on FIRE. Holy shit."

Kaoru's vest was long gone, but she barely cared as she threw her arms above her head and danced on the tall podium with three other girls. It didn't matter who they were or where they were from. All that mattered was dancing and feeling the music electrify her veins. Kenshin wanted to desperately pull her down and take her home, but he knew she wouldn't come near him.

"How can I keep her at bay for a while?" Aoshi looked at the worry in Kenshin's eyes and he sighed as he pulled his skull-cap from his pocket and placed it on Kenshin's head.

"Hide your hair and go dance with her. Just dance the way she does. You can be just as seductive as Enishi is. That will keep her from moving. Enishi's battling and she wants a dance. That's it."

Kenshin nodded and he quickly left the balcony to grab the girl just as she was getting down. Kaoru turned to look at him and flashed him a sexy, yet drunk smile. Inside he was screaming at how stupid she was and how she should go home, but he quickly played his part and smiled as she arched an eyebrow.

"Dance with me." Through her drunken haze, she could barely recognize those eyes. 'I know him form somewhere... who is he... ah, who cares.'

"Hope you can move." she taunted and Kenshin pulled her to a good space before the two immediately began to dance. Misao hugged Aoshi around the waist as he kissed her forehead and the two watched to see Kenshin keeping Kaoru with him by his moves.

"I just hope he can keep her." Misao said with a whine. "She's scaring me."

"Me too." Aoshi replied with honesty. "Me too."

Kenshin, as much as he hated to admit, loved the way her body felt against his as they danced to the beat and he held her hands in his. Black strands of hair pooled over her shoulder and she kissed his forearm as he breathed softly onto her neck. 'Whatever holds her here.' he told himself to keep control. 'She's drunk. Don't take advantage.'

Songs passed by, both slow and fast, but the two remained in tune with each others bodies and Kaoru couldn't find a reason to leave him. 'He's good...' she slurred in her mind and as she saw Enishi waving her over to him, her mind quickly snapped out of the focus of his hips and pulled away.

"I gotta go..." she said and Kenshin frowned at her slight slur.

"What's wrong?"

"Enish's callin' me..." Kenshin pouted but she pressed a kiss to his lips as a goodbye. The taste of alcohol made him cringe inside, but he managed to press his lips back to not show rejection. Heated eyes watched her leave his side and all he could do was curse while her hips swung and her ponytail swung.

"Dammit."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Where the hell is she?"

On the balcony, the whole emo/punk group that was in the club scanned the club for Kaoru with Kenshin. After five songs, nobody spotted her and they were growing worried as to her whereabouts. The bass made his feel twitch in anticipation to move, but he refused as he continued to look around for the newly named "Party Queen" (Chou and Hannya gave her the name).

"See her?"

"No." Aoshi said with a sigh. "Her vest is gone, so it's harder now." Kenshin frowned, but as his eyes did another scan, he finally saw her. His mind felt as if it were shutting down.

"That bastard!" he yelled and Aoshi told him to wait as he ran as fast as he could down the steps and to the other stairs that led to the entrance of the club. Aoshi saw his reasoning and he cursed before he ran with Hannya and told the others to stay. Hannya took a detour to grab her jacket. Outside, Kaoru felt as if somebody were talking from far away, even though she was walking right behind the person. It was almost like he was talking from the other end of a tunnel.

"Where'm I goin..." Kaoru managed to ask as a man she never met before held her hand and led her to the outside.

"Just taking you home is all." he replied and he smirked as she said, "My car..."

"You won't need it." Her mind screamed danger, but she could barely feel her legs moving, let alone pull her arm.

"Lemme go.." she demanded with a slur and she tried to pull her arm. It didn't help as he pulled her again and she almost fell forward. He unlocked his black car with a grin and just as he was putting her into his passenger side, he heard somebody yelling their way.

"KAORU! KAORU WHERE ARE YOU?!"

Kenshin's legs moved quickly as he ran down the street towards the parking lot looking for her. He stopped directly in the middle and as he panted and looked for a direction, he got his sign as he saw a car being opened towards the end. He yelled her name again as he ran down to the end and he saw the man trying to push her into his car. Her arms held the side as she shook her head and tried to slide backwards.

The next few moments felt like a blackout to Kenshin because all he could remember is rushing to the car and suddenly being pulled away from a man's bloody face by Aoshi. His eyes were bright gold and his fists were red with splotches of blood as he panted and wiped them against his shirt.

"Let me go." he growled as tried to attack the man once more and get past his best friend.

"Are you in there?! Kenshin, can you hear me?!" his face was slapped and he immediately snapped out of his daze before he looked down at his hands and widened his eyes at the state they were in.

'Did I just do this?'

Kenshin watched the man on the floor groan in pain and attempt to rise to his feet. Anger quickly surged through him again and Aoshi held him tighter and demanded for Hannya to move the beaten man.

"Just put the sicko in his car!" Hannya threw him inside his backseat with his keys and shut the doors. Kaoru could barely understand what was going on and as Aoshi shook Kenshin with force and made sure he was in the right state of mind, Hannya went over to Kaoru and looked at her for a moment. Kenshin broke free from Aoshi's hold and moved Hannya aside as he held Kaoru's face and checked to see if she was alright.

"Did he touch you?" Kaoru could only shake her head after he said it slower a second time and he pulled her into a warm embrace.

"Take her with you. I'm going for Enishi."

Kenshin nodded and he pulled Kaoru's keys from Hannya's hands and scooped her up into his arms. He walked as fast as he could and once he placed her inside and strapped her in, they were on the move from the parking lot and towards the highway they took as a quicker route. Hazy blue eyes looked around the car, but couldn't recognize it at all. They then turned to Kenshin and watched as he pulled the hat from his head and threw it in the backseat. 'I know who this is... I know...'

"Ken...shin?"

His eyes turned her way and his sad smile was the last thing she remembered before she blacked out.

R.S.: Finally finished it! Man, college work is giving me such a beating haha. Sorry it's been such a long time; I feel horrible! The next chapter is already written and our fellow red-head might finally snap! Til next time!

Love,

R.S.