(Peeks out from corner) Um… hello, everyone… I guess I'm still alive over here (although just barely). Yes, I know how many of you now hate me (probably) for leaving you hanging… but I won't apologize, seeing as it's not enough. I was thinking of how I could pick up where I left… but since I couldn't come up with anything, I started reading RKHM myself from the very beginning. Damn, I surprised myself. Lol It had been such a long time since I've worked with it that I enjoyed it as if I hadn't been the one who wrote it… until I got to this chapter. It's here where I started thinking… Damn… I wanna know what happens next. So I decided I was going to have to try and write it, starting with fixing and lengthening this last chapter, which originally contained just part of Rikkuse and Sora's date. Now it contains a fused spiral of dates, Rikkuse and Sora, Megumi and Sano, and Misao and Aoshi (thanks to Alatre for the kawaii Aoshi/Misao idea ). The Kenshin and Kaoru will be the next chapter because, well, saving the best for last, and because their date is a major turning point in this story. Highschool Madness is almost ending… and things are about to get quite serious indeed
Also, I'd like to mention that I completely re-wrote chapters 1 and 2, which should be up. I strongly suggest you check them out. I'm re-writing all chapters, and there's some major changes going through the story… and I hope they are for the better. I'm currently working on the rest of the chapters (some, the most crappy and meaningless ones might be deleted), and I will try to update every four days until I reach this chapter again, and then I'll continue with the next chapter. If you're really eager to know how the dates go along, you can still read this chapter, though.
Just thought I'd make some changes in my characters first… Sora's hair will no longer be an unnatural brown with red streaks, but just an auburn color. Her eyes are still the same as her cousin's, but her cross-shaped scar shouldn't be there anymore… it's healed… I should only have ONE cross-shaped scar-faced hero in my fic, no? (wink) Sad it took me a bit of soul-searching to figure out my character is very much a Mary Sue, although at least she isn't paired up with a canon character. Most of my re-writing consists in fixing parts of the story that make her such a mary-sue… Sora won't seem better than Kenshin (heck, she won't be too interested in swords at all, just specialize in her kung-fu). She'll be more believable with a slight few changes… I guess I just got carried away when I was young and inexperienced… (sweatdrop) When I do fix her, though, I'll encourage the readers who think of her as a mary-sue to read the new material and tell me what they think. Still, I'm glad many people like (or liked, who knows) my two characters. It makes me happy.
Well, I think I've held you guys up enough with my pointless ranting. I hope you are pleased with this long remake of a chapter, which by the way is dedicated to Aoshi x Misao fans, Sanosuke x Megumi fans, and possible Rikkuse x Sora fans, if any. If you don't like Rikkuse x Sora, feel free to skip over their parts.
Chapter XXV – Morimoto Problem #1, Sano's Apology, and a moment of sweetness
Current Mood: Let Me Go – 3 Doors Down
Sora sat on her bed, an apparent pout visible on her face. She was resting her chin on one of her hands as she reluctantly looked over the several outfits strewn over her bed. Dammit… what to wear?
"Having problems, Sora-chan?" Kaoru smiled softly as she came to sit next to the auburn-haired girl. Sora looked up through frustrated amethyst eyes.
"Yeah… I have no idea what I should wear." She let herself fall back on the bed, sighing in defeat. Kaoru laughed sympathetically.
"Here, I'll help you." She said as she began to pull things from the jumbled pile of clothes. Since it was a first date, it should be casual… not something too fancy. So she took out a nice pair of jeans, a feminine spaghetti-stringed top, and a pair of sandals. Not exactly what the other girl was used to wearing, but she was all for it.
While her friend rushed to get dressed, the raven-haired girl decided it was time to pick out what she would wear.
"Have to look really nice for Kenshin." She giggled, before humming a tune as she decided what she was going to wear. When Sora came out all dressed and looking apparently flustered, she clapped her hands in delight.
"Oh, you look so cute, Sora!" she smiled, bringing a blush to the other girl's face. She looked cute… that was a first. "There's something missing, though…" she added, biting on her nail thoughtfully.
Reaching to the back of Sora's head, Kaoru pulled off the ever-present ponytail. In turn, waves of auburn cascaded down the amethyst-orbed girl's back. Grabbing a comb, Kaoru then began to detangle the reddish-brown locks, putting a curl in the tips. To all this, Sora just sat there, twiddling her fingers, allowing Kaoru to work on her as if she were a fashion doll.
Stepping back to admire her work, Kaoru's face brightened.
"Wait!" She halted suddenly. Going to her chest of drawers, Kaoru took out a dangling heart-shaped pendant and matching heart-shaped earrings, which she then put on Sora. Stepping back, she clasped her hands together again.
"Perfect."
"Man oh man… I've never been so nervous before in my life."
Rikkuse was in the lobby leaning against the wall, looking down at his watch occasionally. It was five 'til seven.
He looked at himself in the mirror nervously, examining his outfit thoroughly. He was wearing dark blue cargos and a white sleeveless shirt that hugged his body, which showed off several of his abdominal muscles (drool… -). Over it he wore a black jacket. His impossibly spiky hair was sexily out of place (courtesy of Misao). Somewhat satisfied with his image, he turned to lean against the wall once more.
"Rikkuse?"
The golden-haired boy turned around and held in a gasp of surprise. Was that… oh my gosh… was that Sora?
"Damn… I never realized she was so… so Wow." He whispered to himself, looking over her several times, trying to take in every overwhelming detail. Never before had he seen his childhood friend dressed so… girly and pretty. It completely blew him away. If he thought she was beautiful before, now he thought she was absolutely gorgeous.
Sora blushed heavily at Rikkuse's staring. "I'm sorry I took so long, Rikku… I was having some… problems with what to wear."
Only one thought crossed Rikkuse's mind. 'Damn… I hope she has problems with what to wear EVERY day.'
"No problem at all." He grinned and took her hand, starting a massage of intricate patterns on it, while gazing into the girl's amethyst-colored eyes.
"Have I ever told you how damn beautiful you are?" he flashed her a seductive grin, causing her to blush and burst out in giggles.
"Not really."
"Well, then, I'm telling you now." He said, before leading her out the door.
Outside, it was a clear nighttime sky. The moon was full and silvery, and numerous stars dotted the heavens. The cool spring breeze of Yokohama just added to the atmosphere's pleasantness.
As they walked down a busy chattering street, Rikkuse slid his arms around the girl's shoulders.
"So, what'cha wanna do tonight?" he asked shyly, while she moved in closer to him, enjoying the comfortable warmth and aura stemming from him.
"Well… I kinda don't remember when was the last time I ate…" which was true. She tried to recall her last meal, but failed miserably.
The boy grinned. "Ok, let's go. And I know just where to take you."
Five minutes later…
"Fuddruckers! Rikkuse, how did you know?" Sora exclaimed enthusiastically, as Rikkuse led her inside the hamburger place. "It's, like, my absolute favorite! The burgers here are awesome!"
Rikkuse just chuckled. "I would shame myself if after eight years I didn't know your favorite restaurant." He smiled at her with that amazing smile of his.
"Damn you, Rikkuse! Where've you been all my life?" she glomped him.
"Umm… I dunno… maybe living right next door to you?" he said sarcastically.
"Don't be a wise guy." She pecked his cheek lightly, before sitting down to order.
After a tasty dinner of Deluxe Cheeseburgers, spicy fries and a shared strawberry milkshake, the two found themselves on the street again. Once more, they had no destination.
"Wanna go to the movies? Heard The DaVinci Code came out." Rikkuse asked, but before Sora could reply with an excited yes, someone calling out to them, or more specifically, to Sora startled the two.
"Hey, Sora! Is that you?"
Sora turned around, eyes gaping wide, to come face to face with Hiroki Morimoto.
"Hiroki?" she blurted out, as the young man took her hand.
"My dear Sora, I'm delighted that you remember me!" he exclaimed excitedly before placing a kiss on her hand, much to Sora's chagrin and Rikkuse's annoyance. Who the heck WAS this kook, and who the hell did he think he was, kissing his girlfriend's hand like that?
"Ahem…" he cleared his throat, walking in between Sora and the taller guy. "That's nice… now, if you'll excuse us…"
The other guy seemingly smacked himself on the head. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't introduce myself. My name is Hiroki Morimoto."
"Hiroki Mori-what?"
Misao hummed happily as she looked herself over in the mirror. She had done her very best to look great for her date with Aoshi, and it was certainly worth it. The blue-haired girl wore a pure white long-sleeved top with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows paired with body-hugging jean capris and white wrap-around heel sandals. She decided to re-do her braid a different style and since her hair was gathered up, decided on wearing studded earrings, together with a matching necklace around her neck.
"Perfect." She said pleased as she fastened the chain around her neck.
As on cue, there was knocking on her bedroom door.
"Coming!" Misao called out as she headed toward the door. She opened to come face to face with a completely black-clad Aoshi waiting outside. Her face brightened up. He had come to get her!
"Aoshi-sama!" she chirped happily. The guy made no movement, but the corner of his lips twitched upward in the makings of a smile. Misao became starry-eyed.
"I'm this close… THIS close to see him in the middle of a full-fledged smile."
"You look… prettier than usual." He commented, and Misao just about died right there.
"Oh wow… he thinks I look pretty! Wait… pretty-er! Does that mean he thinks I'm usually pretty? Oh yes!" she mentally cheered. "Thank you." She beamed at him. The corners of the icy boy's mouth seemed to twitch more pronouncedly than before…
"Shall we go, then?" he asked, taking the cerulean-eyed girl by the hand. A slight pink blush on her cheeks, Misao eagerly agreed.
"Yes!" she smiled, before asking excitedly. "Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise."
Sanosuke leaned against the railing bordering the boardwalk on Yokohama Bay, standing stoically as the nighttime wind blew at his hair. His hazel eyes remained fixated on the endless blue ocean, watching as the waves lapped lazily at the shore.
He looked down at his watch. Eight 'o clock. Megumi should be there any minute now.
"Ok, Sano… chill. You can do this…" he mentally rooted on himself, taking deep breaths. He had to get his girl back. To him… she meant the world. "Think about what Sora told you… show her how much she means to you."
'Heh… since when have I started referring to myself in the third person? I must be more affected than I thought.'
He turned around to stretch his back, just in time to see her coming. There she was, dressed in her little black dress and black heels… stunning as always and heading his way. As the wind tossed and played with her silky, long black hair, she used a pale hand to gently brush it out of her face. The look on her green eyes was one of sadness, maybe melancholic? Sano let his hands drop to his sides. He was hopelessly lost.
"Megumi…" he whispered as she came to a stop in front of him.
"Sanosuke." Was her simple reply. Sano winced at the tone. It was unfamiliar and harsh, not to mention she had used his full name. His heart ached.
He slowly raised a hand to brush a stray raven-black strand from her face, before turning around to lean on the railing once more.
"Listen, Megumi…" he started. "I know this isn't enough to make up for everything I've ever done to you but…"
He turned around again, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace. Megumi was slightly startled, but let out a breath as she basked in her boyfriend's protecting arms. She wanted to stay mad at him… but it was quite impossible to keep up.
"Sano…" her tone was soft, and she had resorted to calling him by his usual nickname.
"I admit… I'm nothing but a rooster-headed idiot for not noticing what a great girl I have…" he declared softly, nuzzling into her aromatic hair. Was that the scent of plums…?
"I'm sorry… so sorry." He whispered, pulling back slightly so he could look into Megumi's face. Her green eyes immediately sought out his hazel ones. She gently put her hand on his cheek.
"I love you." He declared sincerely, and Megumi's heart couldn't take it anymore. Tears formed and began to fall from her eyes. She hadn't expected something like this…
Sano became alarmed when the green-eyed young woman began to cry. "Megumi!" he gently grasped her shoulders. "Did… did I say something wrong?"
His response was the feeling of soft lips upon his own as Megumi kissed him, taking hold of his jacket and holding him tightly toward her. Needless to say, he was just as surprised as she had been a minute before, but he quickly recovered. Putting both arms around her waist, he held her close.
"Sano… I love you too."
"Oh my…"
Misao covered a gasp when they finally reached their destination. Never in her life could she have imagined that Aoshi would bring her here, of all places; 'Cherry Blossoms', Yokohama's World-Famous Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar. She had been dying to come here for several years now… and here she was walking through the majestic hand-carved mahogany doors, hand in hand with the man of her dreams.
"Aoshi… wow… this is…" she remained wide-eyed as they were escorted to a free table, passing an interior garden and koi pond. The walls were painted with magnificent dragons, stylized clouds and delicate sakura petals.
The former icy-eyed teen, his gaze now dramatically softened, looked down at the shorter girl. "Do you like it, Misao?"
Her expression changed from one of awe to one of glee. "I love it!"
Aoshi replied with a half-smile. "Glad to hear."
The young couple was seated in a far-away corner of the restaurant, which was already bustling with customers engaged in quiet conversation. Soft Japanese music drifted about, helping to set the atmosphere. The waiter presented himself, handed each of them a menu, and after taking their drink orders, left them to ponder on their appetizers.
"Hmm…" Misao mumbled as she eyed through the appetizer menu. The place certainly had a wide variety of sushi. "What are you going to have, Aoshi?"
The tall young man gave a slight look over his menu before responding. "I think I'll have some spider and California rolls for an appetizer. Then maybe I'll have some shrimp and filet mignon."
"Sounds good." The girl chirped as she kept examining the menu. Her face suddenly contoured in mock disgust. "Eel? Eww… who would want to eat eel?"
Aoshi let out a chuckle. Misao was so unique and special. Truly one of a kind.
"Hiroki Mori-what?" Rikkuse quirked an eyebrow at the guy. Man, this guy was just weird.
"Morimoto." The other guy corrected, sending a slight glare at the blond boy who now had his hand securely clasped on Sora's shoulder.
Rikkuse noticed this, and tightened his grip slightly, but not enough to hurt Sora. "Right… so… you know Sora how?" That question had been burning in his head ever since Morimoto had called the auburn-haired girl by her name.
"Oh… we had an exhibition match at his dojo the other day." Sora replied, then turning to look strangely at Hiroki. 'But I didn't quite expect to see him again.'
"And who might you be?" Hiroki narrowed his eyes hatefully at Rikkuse. That didn't go unnoticed by Sora, making her slightly uneasy.
"The name's Rikkuse Sagara. I'm Sora's boyfriend." He added venomously, enjoying how the other widened his eyes before clenching his fists.
But Hiroki wasn't just gonna roll over and let little blondie take the win.
"Sagara? As in the Tokyo Sagaras?" he sounded mock ecstatic, sending an evil grin toward Rikkuse. "My, aren't we the spoiled little brat." He then turned to the girl. "I'm sure you could do much better, Sora."
(A/n: The Sagaras, since they were a rich business family, were well-known all throughout Japan, so it's no surprise Hiroki knows about Rikkuse's status.)
The green-eyed boy let out a growl, and the auburn-haired girl frowned. Hiroki was taking this way too far.
The taller guy didn't seem to notice the threats he was receiving, though, for he continued as if he were giving a weather forecast. "What you need is a strong warrior, an honorable, hard-working man… someone like me." He finished with a suggestive smirk sent in the girl's direction.
A blush became painted on Sora's cheeks, and Rikkuse had had enough.
"You're so full of yourself, aren't you?" he glowered viciously as he roughly grabbed the other by the shirt. Hiroki didn't seem too intimidated, though.
"Ooh… I'm shaking." He taunted with a leer.
A small smirk made its way to Rikkuse's lips. "You seem to be under the impression that I'm some kind of pushover."
The older martial artist liberated himself from the emerald-orbed boy's grip.
"An amateur at best." He gibed, and Rikkuse just exploded.
"I'll show YOU an amateur!"
Sora gasped as Rikkuse lunged at an unexpected Hiroki, who barely managed to block the punch sent his way. Seeing his blow countered, Rikkuse went into a fury of blows, which the martial arts master tried to dodge the best he could. Hiroki was slightly aghast.
'This shrimp isn't all talk… dammit, he has a lot of energy behind his blows.'
He moved his head to the side just in time to avoid a punch right in the face, yet the wind wave created by Rikkuse's blow slightly cut his cheek. The older boy mentally cursed. He had to do something before he lost without landing a single blow.
Sora was kind of frantic, but didn't seem to find a way to get in the middle of the fray. "You guys, stop it!"
Aoshi's eyes held a certain sparkle in his eyes as he curiously watched Misao carefully slice her food and then put it to her mouth. He didn't know why, but he found it fascinating… heck, everything she did intrigued him so.
Many times in his life he had heard the phrase "opposites attract". Never before had he payed attention to it, until he met Misao. The girl was spunky… energetic and cheerful, a people-person. And he, who was an apathetic, icy-minded fool, was completely drawn to her, like an eager moth to an enticing flame.
She complemented him. She was everything he was not… and so much more.And now, after that recent incident between them, when they had kissed… his mind became clear. He loved her, and soon he would make it known to her… Soon.
Misao sighed blissfully as she put down her fork, gently wiping the corners of her mouth with a napkin before settling her hands on her lap. She turned sparkling, grateful cerulean eyes at Aoshi. The food had been wonderful, and the company had been even more so.
"Aoshi…" she started shyly. "Thank you so much for bringing me here… and for spending all this time with me." She smiled sweetly.
One smile and he was almost a pile of mushy Aoshi goo. Why did this girl affect him so? Was it the fact that he loved her?
"For you… anything." He replied without need to think, causing a light pink blush to wash over the now-beaming girl's face. Should he tell her? Yes, now seemed like a good time…
"Misao." He suddenly said, startling her as he took her hand. "There's something I want to tell you."
"Yes, Aoshi?" The petite girl's heart was hammering in her chest. 'Could it be…'
"Misao… I…"
"Look out!"
Both startled teens turned to look.
Nothing could have prepared Aoshi for what happened next. It all seemed to happen in slow motion. A waiter carrying a dessert, seemingly rushing to take it to a table, had tripped, and said dessert went flying. And it found the most convenient place to land… Aoshi's head.
Before the tall ice-eyed teen knew what hit him, his head was covered almost completely in some sweet sugary substance. Caramel dripped down his face, and whipped cream and something topped off his head and half of his face.
The horrified waiter began to apologize profusely.
"Oh my God, sir… I am sooooo terribly sorry!" the man bowed down, repeating the aforementioned words like a mantra. "I am so sorry… Please forgive me."
Aoshi didn't say anything. Instead, with a growl, he wiped some of the dessert from his eyes and was about to turn to glare daggers at the man when he heard timid giggles and felt something soft caress his cheek. Turning, he saw Misao softly lick a fingerful of the sugary dollop she had wiped off him. Her beautiful cerulean eyes twinkled with amusement as she enjoyed the irresistible sweetness.
"Waiter, I'll have one of those, please."
… End Chapter XXV …
Well, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to end it here. But don't worry, the dates will have their ending in the next chapter, intertwined with Kenshin and Kaoru's long date. Speaking of which…
I want Kenshin and Kaoru's date to be the longest and best, so I'm open to any suggestions that I can add to whatever it is that I have planned. (wink) Thanks again, and hope you liked it. The next revamped chapter III might be up next week. Keep your eyes peeled!
Love,
Sora