Kaoru, Misao, Megumi & Tae: Through A Song I Will Win Your Heart

Kaoru, Misao, Megumi & Tae: Through A Song I Will Win Your Heart!

Chapter 3- Bootylicious

Disclaimers: Standard RK disclaimers apply. I do NOT own the characters nor the song featured in this particular fic. The song Bootylicious is from Destiny's Child. I am only borrowing them for the purpose of entertainment. Please don't sue, I'm a good kid.

*************

Megumi burst inside Kaoru's room catching the stupefied expressions on the faces of both girls. Misao was still holding up the diamond solitaire while Kaoru was gazing at the red roses, lost in thought. The pair seemed oblivious to her intrusion, she cleared her throat twice and the two still didn't look up from their reveries.

"Ohayo gozaimsu Tanuki-chan, Misao-chan," yelled Megumi as she snatched the roses and the ring away from Misao and Kaoru. As if waking up from a dream, both began moving about, laughing and teasing each other. Impatiently, Megumi waited until the tide of genkiness subsided before she confronted the issue.

"Sano is steaming," she said flatly, dropping down on Kaoru's futon and facing the Misao. Megumi stared off moodily before continuing, "Last night's performance caused quite a stir and when Sanosuke was walking me to the clinic, five men actually propositioned me. You can conclude the results I suppose," explained Megumi as Misao and Kaoru exchanged miserable looks.

"Aa. We found all these, just this morning. We seem to have provoked a reaction from the rest of Tokyo's inhabitants," agreed Kaoru as she began unplaiting her braid. Misao did the opposite by gathering her unloosened hair and began pulling it in her regular braid. "Everybody reacted-- except Aoshi-sama and Himura," complained Misao. As she rummaged through the pile of gifts to look for the tie to her braid, her hand landed on something soft and velvety.

Pulling it out from under the pile, she held it up before Kaoru and Megumi. "Kirei," whispered Kaoru as a dark blue velvet European dress unfurled before their eyes. "Chotto matte, here's another one," exclaimed Megumi as she pulled another dress, in red velvet from under boxes of chocolates. Tae walked in all of a sudden, still wearing her apron but holding an identical green velvet dress. "You won't believe this but--" she began but Kaoru interrupted her when she found another dress, a soft yellow velvet hanging in the boxes of perfume.

"Magnificent," commented Tae as she reclined on Kaoru's futon. All in all, there were four new dresses, expensive European clothes that would cost as much as Akebeko's yearly income. The material used was soft and fine and diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds adorned the gowns. "Matte yo," whispered Misao as a flash of silver paper caught her eye in the midst of a huge bouquet of white roses.

Ripping the card open, she read the contents of the message aloud. "The English consul would be honored to have the four fine ladies of last night's performance attend the grand opening of their new consulate. These gowns were sent to be worn tonight when we perform," said Misao. A deafening silence ensued.

"Masaka!" screamed Kaoru. Misao began bouncing up and down while Tae looked on the verge of fainting and Megumi's stunned expression said everything that is needed to be said. Kaoru's scream brought the rest of the dojo's occupants running towards their room in a panic.

Kenshin arrived first, followed by Aoshi and Yahiko. Sanosuke appeared shortly, a black frown fixed on his face. "Kaoru-dono, daijoubu ka de gozaru yo?" asked Kenshin worriedly, his gaze fixed on Kaoru's reddened face oblivious to the items that littered the room. But Aoshi was more astute than that and saw the flowers, the boxes of chocolates and perfume and the red calling cards. His sharp ice blue-eyes noticed the magnificent ball-gowns cradled in the girls' laps. He scowled, unable to prevent the growing rage at the attention lavished on Misao.

"Not again Kitsune," groaned Sano seeing the red gown Megumi was holding. At that, Kenshin's attention snapped to the luxuries that lay in bundles and heaps at Kaoru's room. He stiffened and retreated promptly behind his ruruoni facade. Yahiko yelled, "Kaoru no baka! You made almost made me drop our breakfast you know that?" he asked angrily.

With a sweet smile that belied her actions, Kaoru threw a large, odd-looking stuffed animal and it hit Yahiko smack in the head. "Why don't you stop being a brat for once and just give Tsubame-chan this?" she retorted before getting up. Misao laughed and took a peek at the grim expression on Aoshi's face. She sighed and said, "Aoshi-sama, the reason why we were so excited is because we got invited to the opening of the new English consulate! In fact, the consul even sent us these gowns for us to wear!"

If anything, the expression on the men's faces turned darker and more threatening. "When is it going to be held?" asked Aoshi, his voice devoid of emotion. "Oh well... tonight," answered Misao shrugging as she turned her back to admire to dress. Kenshin's hands balled into fists while they watched Sano walk over to Megumi and give her a long kiss. When Sano stopped kissing Megumi, he fairly shouted, "There fox! I hope you won't trade me for some stiff-neck, polished, blue-blooded fop from the consulate tonight!"

Misao and Kaoru guffawed at the redness of Megumi's cheeks. Tae fanned herself and her eyes widened as a flash of light caught the glint of a diamond. "Sugoi! Is that an engagement ring Kaoru-san?" she asked, picking up the ring from underneath the pillows. Without waiting for Kaoru to answer, she began her analysis of the jewelry. "Yare, yare. Excellent ring this one, a diamond solitaire. Must be a very, very wealthy suitor if he was able to afford this," she said pausing in her work to look up at everybody. Another bright flash caught her eye as she picked up a matching bracelet. "Oooh, a matching diamond bracelet! Two for each, isn't that amazing?" she asked innocently; watching Aoshi and Kenshin walk out in a temper.

*********

The girls were outside, near the dojo's pond. They were in rehearsal clothes, meaning tights and oversized shirts that allowed mobility. Ayame and Suzume were watching them practice but the routine was changed every now and then because of their panic.

"Iie! We have only 9 more hours to prepare for tonight's performance!" wailed Misao as she dropped on her back. The sun was high and the warm weather made sweat trickle down their faces. Their hair was pinned up haphazardly and they were wearing what Mr. Kobuki called 'ballet shoes'.

Kaoru pushed her bangs away from her face as she sat down cross-legged and dejected. "I don't know what to do," she admitted as Tae still paced back and forth in front of them, obviously working out her ideas. Megumi shrugged as she drawled, "My idea the last time wrung out my creative juices."

"Juices, juices," chanted Suzume and Ayame, clapping their hands together.

"Did anyone call for refreshments?" asked Kenshin tiredly with a gentle smile as he brought out a tray laden with several cups of cool tea. Aoshi strolled out carrying a plateful of origiri and a boxful of chocolate cakes. Without a word, he set them down and sat down in a lotus posture that was very familiar to the others.

With a smile, Kaoru accepted a cup and said, "Arigatou." Her blue eyes noted the dark circles underneath Kenshin's eyes and despite her irritation at his indifference at her efforts to attract him, she felt disgustingly concerned over the weariness in Kenshin's eyes. She gave him a different smile, one filled with so much love that even Yahiko noticed it. Unfortunately, the recipient of that smile was too immersed in his own thoughts to notice the look in Kaoru's eyes.

"Daijoubu ka Kenshin?" asked Kaoru softly, the barriers down with all the feelings written so clearly in her eyes. Kenshin was startled and turned to look at Kaoru his own eyes mirroring the confusion and bewilderment in his amethyst gaze. They stared at each other for a long moment but Dr. Genzai's untimely arrival ruined the moment. "Konbawa minna! Kaoru-chan, there is a package for you!" he greeted as he stepped between the pair, handing over a velvet package.

The guarded look rose in Kenshin's eyes again as he took a couple of discreet steps backward. Kaoru automatically opened the package and gasped when a beautiful diamond necklace tumbled out, falling into her right hand. "Sugoi! It's beautiful Kaoru-san!" gasped Misao before Dr. Gensai handed her another package as well. "Misao-chan here is one for you as well," he said.

She opened her package and a sapphire necklace was also revealed, shimmering in the midday sun. While everyone was exclaiming over its beauty, Aoshi's voice cut through the babble like a kodachi. "Looks cheap," he said his voice curiously flat but there was an undercurrent of hostility evident in his tone. He stalked off in the direction of the practice dojo while Kenshin stayed for awhile but left when Kaoru tried on the necklace.

Sano shared a sly smile with Megumi while Yahiko asked innocently, "What's with them?" Misao and Kaoru had only time to smile a little before Tae called them over, an excited light in her eyes as she held a piece of chocolate in her hand.

*********

The Kamiya dojo was silent, the girls having left only a few minutes ago. Yahiko went over to the Akebeko to give Tsubame a hand and the rest of the Oniwabanshuu left to spend the night in town. Sano was in the kitchen, with plates of food in front of him but not touching anything. Aoshi sat inside the small temple, meditating while Kenshin sat outside in the porch, gazing out at the moon-brightened pond.

"Kaoru..." whispered Kenshin, laying his head against the hilt of his sakabatou. The evening was beautiful and not too long ago, he used to spend quiet evening such as this with Kaoru. But now, even the sweet wind that swept through the night brought peace such as the peace he enjoyed those evenings.

// Stop it Kenshin! Don't ruin your life by yearning for Kaoru-dono! She deserves someone so much better and she'll be sad to see me acting like this!// Kenshin told himself. Soft footfalls made him jerk sharply to the right and he tried to smile for his brooding companion. "Konbawa Aoshi-dono," he greeted, his voice lacking the easiness of his past greetings. Aoshi acknowledged his greeting with a short nod and dropped down beside Kenshin in a cross-sitting position and tucked his hands inside his gi.

The silence lengthened until Aoshi said tersely," Do you think they're enjoying themselves right now?" Kenshin's jaw tightened as he gave a nod. "Aa." Sanosuke strolled over to them, his hands thrust in his pockets, the familiar fish bone hanging from his mouth. He gave a smirk. "Well, my kitsune is having fun but I'm definitely sure she's missing me," he drawled watching the expressions of calm freeze on Aoshi and Kenshin's faces.

"Ya know what, maybe after all this is over, I could spend the night with Kitsune and propose to her eh?" continued Sano, gauging the volatility of their reactions. Kenshin closed his eyes and glowered while Aoshi turned his head to gave Sano a cold look. "What's your point Sagara?" asked Aoshi, his ice-blue eyes even colder than before, sensing the gangster's amusement with his and Kenshin's condition.

// Kuso, I can't interfere now! Misao needs someone younger and a more complete man to make her happy! I'm too cold to give her the love she deserves, I can't let Sagara's taunts get to me!// thought Aoshi, none of his turmoil showing.

"Maa, maa. It was nothing of course," answered Sano absently, thinking about tonight. A sudden thought struck him and he tensed. "Oi... Do you think they're dancing with other men right now? You know... there is this foreign dance called the waltz and its totally indecent--" asked Sano before a grim expression covered his face. Without saying another word, he stood up and began to stride towards the gate.

"Sano! Doko wa kimi?" asked Kenshin, sensing the alarm vibrating through his friend's tall frame. Aoshi straightened from his position to hear Sano's answer. It amused him to alarm Sagara who was trying only a few minutes ago to alarm them into action.

With a grim look in his eyes, Sano turned back briefly and answered, "I don't know about you guys but I couldn't stand by and watch my woman be touched by another man who might sweep her off her feet. I know Fox deserves so much better than me but I'd die fighting to prove just how much I love her," answered Sano before going off and disappearing, leaving behind words that haunted Aoshi and Kenshin who stood up and tried to decide on their feelings.

***********

The music was cultured and soft and everything inside the new consulate reeked of English sophistication and elegance. Powdered and perfumed men and women mingled, and occasionally a member from the theater audience would gush over Misao, Kaoru, Tae and Megumi.

Dressed in their fine new gowns, looking beautiful, sophisticated and confident; they exuded a magnetism that positively beckoned to every single person with eyesight. Men would stop in their tracks and stare while women would fidget and gossip. Of course no one dared say a negative comment because aside from the fact that the new consul's twin sons were in love with Misao and Kaoru, the women were feared martial artists.

In the middle of the ballroom, while the consul's twin sons, Ryan and Philippe danced with Misao and Kaoru, Megumi and Tae began making their way towards the other two. When they caught the eye of Misao and Kaoru, they placed themselves in the center, exuding so much presence that people began to create a circle around them, leaving Misao, Megumi, Tae and Kaoru in the middle. Caught in the crush of the crowd, Sanosuke blended easily with the tall Englishmen. He smiled when he noticed a familiar red head across the dance floor and the flash of ice-blue eyes.

Flashing a demure smile that contradicted their poses and the upbeat music that began to play, the audience was mesmerized. With a coy smile that was identical on each other's faces, a pink spotlight began to flash around the four. With provocative poses and as the music began, each girl stepping forward as her name was called, they ripped off their ball gown to reveal hot pink, electric blue, silver white and yellow short shorts with matching fringes and blouse, hot pants and backless tops, studded bikini tops and pants.

As one, the three men uttered a heartfelt whisper, "Chikusho!" amidst the excited screams and hollers.

***********

(Think really hard about Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle in their various outfits. Each movement is totally Destiny's Child =))

Misao stepped forward first, wearing the hot pink hot pants and backless midrift top. Kaoru followed in a silver-white studded bikini top and leather pants with Megumi and Tae following in yellow and blue. Misao and Kaoru would occasionally exchange places as the lead voice but as always, there was a back-up vocals and support that blended perfectly.

Misao (back-up by Kaoru, Tae and Megumi): Kaoru, Can you handle this?
Megumi, Can you handle this?
Tae, Can you handle this?
I don't think
They can handle this

Misao: (stepping forward) Barely move, We've arrived
Lookin' sexy, Lookin' fly
Baddest chick, Chick inside
DJ, jam tonight
Spotted me a tender thang

Kaoru: (stepping beside Misao)There you are,
Come on baby
Don't you wanna Dance with me

Can you handle, Handle me

Megumi and Tae strut up beside them providing background but generally allowing Kaoru and Misao to lead. Twisting and shaking sensuously, they look over the audience and captivate the screaming and dancing crowd. Think hard of a typical rave party but the only difference is, instead of dancing leather-garbed teenagers, the people are wearing ball gowns.

Misao: You gotta do much better
If you gone Dance with me tonight
You gotta work your jelly
If you gone Dance with me tonight

Kaoru: (gesturing at lips) Read my lips carefully
If you like what you see
Move, groove, prove
You can hang with me
By the looks I got you Shook up and scared of me
Hook up your seatbelt, It's time for takeoff

With perfect blending, they began to twist their hips to the right and to the left with enough aplomb for every eye to follow the curve of their hips and buttocks. There was hollering and sweat breaking out on men's eyebrows while Kaoru, Misao, Megumi and Tae began to give the extra hard jiggle and wiggle.

Girls: (every now and then they'd hit their hips against each other)

I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this
'Cause my body too

Bootylicious for ya babe

(They'd bend their knees and place their hands against their bootie)

I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this
'Cause my body too
Bootylicious for ya babe

The music resumed its heavy beat and even other women in the party began pulling away their gowns and the men shedding their coats. The pink spotlight darted crazily over the fur as they danced and strutted, all the emphasis on the movement of their hips.

Megumi and Tae: Baby, can you handle this?
Baby, can you handle this?
Baby, can you handle this?
I don't think you Can handle this

Misao: I'm about to break you off
H-town goin hard

Lead my hips, Slap my thighs

Swing my hair, Square my eyes

Kaoru: Lookin' hot, Smellin' good
Groovin' like I'm from the hood
Look over my shoulder, I blow you a kiss
Can you handle, Handle this

Kenshin and Aoshi groaned at the pouty lips and swinging hips of Misao and Kaoru. "Kami-sama, I don't think I can handle any more," groaned Kenshin, his sharp amber eyes seeing the trail of Kaoru's ebony hair that was caught against her lips. "Aa," gasped Aoshi unable not to stare at Misao's figure. If she showed her figure in her last performance, this time was showing her figure through her clothes and every movement. What was that crack about Misao being flat-chested?

Shaking the heads, hips, swinging their rear and rolling their shoulders in typical Destiny's Child style, they were like nymphs caught in the pink spotlight.

Girls: I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this
'Cause my body too Bootylicious for ya babe

"This is Tae's idea," said Aoshi tensely, watching the seductive movements of Misao with fiery eyes. "Now I know what bootie and licious means," agreed Kenshin, feeling the cold sweat o his brow. Every movement of Kaoru, Misao, Megumi and Tae screamed out emphasis on their rear ends and hips and the sensuality of their movements and dancing.

Girls: I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this
'Cause my body too
Bootylicious for ya babe


Two handsome young englishmen joined Kaoru and Misao in the middle, looking like dark-haired fallen angels as they danced with the two much to the delight of the spectators. There was much screaming as Misao and Kaoru began dancing with their backs turned to the twins. Turning their hips and backsides to the tune up and down, going down on their partners.

Misao: Move your body Up and down (Whoo)
Make your booty Touch the ground (Whoo)
I can't help but Wonder why (Whoo)
Is my vibe too

Vibealacious for you,Babe

Kaoru: I shake my jelly At every chance
When I whip With my hips you
Slip into a trance I'm hoping you can
Handle all this jelly That I have
Now let's cut a rug While we scat some jazz

(Scatting) Preparing for the last part of their performance, the movements turn more emphasized, both hands resting on their hips and dancing to the tune in perfect motion, they got ready for their final pose.

Girls: I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this jelly
I don't think you Ready for this
'Cause my body too
Bootylicious for ya babe

Misao: Oooh yeah baby....

They hold their pose, chest out, bottoms sideways. The crowd was going mad, there was pandemonium when only a few moments ago there was elegance and grace. The consul looked like he was having a heart failure while his son's eyes were dazed and glassy. Not too far away but completely lost in the crowd was two remarkably thick headed men experiencing the same acute shock.

Saitou who was also in the party for security reasons strolled over to where Kenshin and Aoshi stood. He blew a ring of smoke in the direction of the completely devastated duo while he drawled, "Ahou ga Battousai, Shinomori." He continued his insulting drawl, seeing that the two were far too overwhelmed by their girls' performance. "Here I thought you were real men, fighting great samurais without even the least fear... and now you're reduced to nothing but pathetic, drooling groupies!"

Kenshin and Aoshi stared off into space, not really understanding Saitou's sardonic words. In their minds there was only a montage of images. Kaoru... Misao... Kaoru... Misao... and all the images were hot and provocative, making the spaced-out expressions on both men's faces more stunned.

Saitou sighed, hating the sight of such master swordsmen reduced to absent-minded idiots because of a pair of weasel and raccoon doing some 'bootylicious'. He grabbed the two by the back of their necks and steered them away from the ballroom into the gardens and outside the consulate. He was tall enough to drag away the two badly bewildered idiots and when they were already by the dojo when the two snapped out of their trance.

"Huh? Where are we de gozaru ka?" asked Kenshin, numbly twisting out of Saitou's grip. At the same time, Aoshi shook his head like he was coming out of a dream or in this case a nightmare. His ice-blue eyes looked as confused as a child when he glanced at his companions, "What happened?" he asked in a thin voice.

Saitou shook his head and rubbed his jaw. He suddenly snorted, "You are pathetic! Can't you even got a hold of yourselves after that invigorating performance?" he asked while Kenshin turned red and the muscle in Aoshi's jaw ticked. Kenshin gave a nervous laugh, "Ano de gozaru... I was just a little... startled by Kaoru-dono's performance but by now Sessha sure that she's enjoying--"

"Misao deserves that much opulence in her life, I was just a little surprised when she--" started Aoshi before Saitou loud sigh rang into the darkness. With a deceptively swift motion, he knocked a few lumps on the two bakas' heads. "Itai!"

"Bakayarou! Can't you see those two girls love you? They're like ponies getting a little frisky because of neglect. I don't think you guys were taking good care of them as you'd like to believe," stated Saitou watching the befuddled looks on the two's faces. "I have a wife you know and she told me that if you were paying enough attention to those two, they wouldn't be prancing and dancing about half-naked inflaming the minds of every single male in the vicinity! All my men ever do is talk about them," he explained in disgust.

Still looking lost, Sano's booming voice echoed through the night. "Saitou's right! It's time we show those girls who their real masters are!" he shouted, pumping his fist energetically while Saitou nodded in agreement. Dazed at the rapid turns in the conversation, Kenshin mumbled, "Masters? Shishou?!"

"Battousai no baka. Sagara is right for once, what those rebellious girls need is a strong, aggressive man. You better show some strength and aggression to let them know you care," chastised Saitou as Aoshi mumbled, "Aggression?"

Like a bandleader, Sano faced the three most skilled swordsmen he has ever known. Taking charge of the lost ruruoni and icicle is going to be fun! "Yokatta! Tonight, we lose the plain lapdog and silent shadow! We turn into REAL men starting tonight! Lemme hear you guys say it-- Aggressive!" he chanted, his voice clearly ringing out through the night.

"Aggresive," drawled Saitou while he blew a smoke ring.

"Aggressive?" asked Kenshin looking more like a lost kid than ever. "Aggressive," echoed Aoshi as the night sky darkened even more with the promise of tomorrow's antics.

********

TBC

Author's Notes:

Ohayo minna! Arigatou gozaimasu for the reviews... you have no idea how much it helps, as one of you demanded, here's 'Bootylicious' by Destiny's Child. Umm, someone asked what a diamond solitaire is, and to answer her question, its a type of diamond, used mainly for engagements and weddings. 'Til here! Ja minna! R&r's are definitely appreciated!

~* Jo-chan