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

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

Chapter 4- Emotion

~* Jo-chan

Disclaimers: Standard RK disclaimers apply. The song "Emotions" was first sung by the BeeGees but it was recently revived by Destiny's Child. It was much, much better version and I fell in love with it all over again. All credits would have to be passed on to its true authors and I DON'T own the song nor the characters of this fic. Please don't sue, I'm a good kid.

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Kenshin

I opened my eyes before dawn has even broken over the horizon. I couldn't sleep... and even if I did manage to, it was a restless slumber. Kaoru-dono's overnight change has been truly amazing, if not mind-blowingly painful. Gone was the awkward tomboy who seemed to delight in beating erroneous people up, whether they be her student or a wandering samurai such a myself.

As I stirred carefully, trying not to awaken Aoshi-dono who slept in the opposite corner of my room in another futon. But I realized that he was as wide-awake as I was, caught up in thoughts no one could ever fathom through our imperturbable eyes. "Ohayo gozaimasu Aoshi-dono," I whispered, glancing briefly at Sano's slumbering form above our heads.

For a moment, we lapsed into silence before Aoshi answered, "Ohayo Himura... couldn't sleep ne?"

Automatically, I shook my head in negation but as I gathered my unruly hair at the base of my neck and tied it with a leather thong, I realized that for someone who is as perceptive as Shinomori, he would see right through my lie.

I truly felt miserable these past few weeks. Even though we never had to worry about food or money anymore, losing Kaoru's sweet presence was like having a cloud constantly hanging over my head, blocking the sun. I felt absolutely miserable when I see her take such appreciation over rings, chocolates, flowers, gowns, and other gifts that have been constantly arriving since her first performance.

Each day that passed made me feel like Kaoru was slipping slowly away from my hands and as my shishou would say, 'Baka deshi, you're too wimpy to ever win a woman's heart!'

My sigh soon made Aoshi's amusement more noticeable. I scratched my head and rolled to my feet, tying the ties of my hakama firmly. No longer did Aoshi protest over the 'indignity' of a man of my repute cooking breakfast and doing the laundry with satisfaction and contentment. Over the past few weeks, we have settled into a routine while the girls were asleep or away. While he cooked breakfast every other day or so, I would clean up the dojo with Yahiko.

It made him feel as if he was doing something more other than moping around and brooding about Misao. Aoshi's voice cut through my reveries as he said, "Matte yo Himura-san, its my turn to make breakfast today."

I smiled as I agreed, "Aa. I just wanted to finish the laundry early." I opened the shoji, walking with all-too silent feet. The rest of the house was still and silent, the air cool and serene. But my thoughts roiled with conflict as I thought about last night's ridiculous avowal. Aggressive? I'm incapable of being aggressive as Kaoru-dono is more likely to prepare a gourmet meal!

I passed by her doorway on my way to the yard. I could hear the familiar rise and fall of her breath, distinct even though Misao shared her room. Countless times have I passed outside her shoji, wanting to throw it open, hold her in my arms and never let her go! But I didn't. The ruruoni inside me knew I was too impure to even touch her and even the battousai inside me never wanted to hurt her.

I picked up my pace as soon as I passed by her room. As I grabbed a handful of laundry and heard Aoshi bustling about in the kitchen, I closed my eyes briefly, composing the wild emotions that seethed behind my seemingly indifferent eyes.

It was a brand new day. Kami-sama knows what Kaoru has in store for the day but I will never let her see the fire inside me.

***********

Aoshi

The monotony of making breakfast was even more cathartic than meditating in the temple. I felt better, more human and a hundred times more decent every time I prepared a breakfast enjoyed by Misao, Suzume and Ayame-chan. I felt satisfaction in every meal I prepared, knowing it was FAR better than Himura's cooking. In fact, the first time I cooked breakfast instead of Himura, everybody commented how delicious it tasted. I don't want to boast but I'm an excellent chef.

I cracked a couple of eggs and set them on the frying pan. I moved with the speed of a swordsman, my cooking as intricate and flawless as my Kaiten Kenbu Ruroken technique. I was preparing scrambled eggs and slabs of pork in what Americans called as bacon. I picked up a lot of foreign cuisine working as a spy.

I lost my troubles as I cooked. I was only partly conscious of Himura scrubbing away and the slow progress of Yahiko around the dojo. The girls would probably sleep until noon or so, considering the fact that they had a very late night or in this case, a very early morning.

My hand was gripping the skillet so tightly it left marks when I belatedly released it. Misao. Is there nothing in life easy? She's been trailing after me since my return and although I found her presence irritating at worst, poignant at best; I just wanted to be alone those days. But losing the warmth of her smile made me realize how much I've come to need her optimism to help me through my agony.

// But now she's gone and I'm more alone than ever.//

I know it's for the best if I would apply logic to it. She's a child compared to my experience and I really don't know if I can be enough to make her happy. The last thing I would ever do is to bring tears to those lovely blue eyes of hers. It would be better for us if I keep my distance and let her outgrow her childish infatuation with me. It wouldn't do if I further complicate matters by saying I love you to her...

// Shimatta! Did I actually even think about that? I AM NOT IN LOVE WITH HER!//

Oh right, like Himura-san isn't in love with Kaoru-san...

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"Oi Misao-chan, I think its Aoshi-san's turn to cook breakfast," whispered Kaoru, nudging her friend awake. With a start, Misao rolled and sat up on her futon. Misao stretched languidly, peering up at her disheveled friend through her bangs.

"You're up so early?" commented Misao as she began rummaging through the various clothes that littered their shared room. Kaoru gave a slight smile even as she stripped off a blue-oversized gi and began to dress in a pretty dark blue and pink kimono. Following her suit, Misao pulled out white and pink kimono. They dressed slowly, wincing at the bright sunlight. They drank a little too much of that delicious foreign sake called champagne last night.

"I couldn't sleep," explained Kaoru, tying her hair in a half, leaving the other half to fall around her shoulders. She used a pretty blue lace to hold the glossy black strands and handed an identical lace to Misao who was fixing her hair. Misao gathered her hair in a ponytail, both girls outgrowing the way they dressed up and fixed their hair.

"Wakatta desu," agreed Misao as their eyes met, in sympathy and complete understanding. All their efforts were ignored. No reaction from either Kenshin or Aoshi, not even a simple 'you're beautiful' or anger at the skimpiness of their attire. As Megumi did say, Kenshin and Aoshi were HOPELESS. Trying not to dwell on unhappy thoughts, Kaoru pulled out a fat package.

"Misao-chan, the consul gave us these resort tickets as half-payment for our performance last night. It's an exclusive beach resort with a hot-spring only a few miles away from the hotel. You wanna put these to use? It would be a shame to pass up such a great vacation!" exclaimed Kaoru, her smile growing brighter and warmer with each passing second.

Misao grinned happily. Vacation! What a lovely idea! "Sugoi Kaoru-san! We could definitely use a break!" answered Misao as she began hopping around in typical genki-fashion. They laughed and hugged each other as they began taking out their bags and stuffing clothes inside. "I bet Megumi-san and Tae-san are on their way over here!" added Misao before a frown marred her happy face.

"Daijoubu ka Misao?" asked Kaoru, sensing the sadness of her friend. Misao shook her head and answered painfully, "Iie. I was thinking... would Aoshi-sama or Kenshin join us if we invite them?"

Kaoru flinched and took a deep, calming breath. "Yare, yare. I'm sure Yahiko and Sanosuke will join us gladly but I don't think Kenshin and Aoshi-san will even care if we left," she answered softly, blinking back the tears.

They held hands, trying to infuse strength in each other. After a few minutes they resumed packing, buoyed by the comfort of understanding and affection. Wryly, Misao said, "I'm sure Kenshin and Aoshi will join us, Sano and Yahiko will be going with us and those two would miss them badly enough to endure our loathsome presence."

They shared sad smile and before they knew it, they were on their way to their vacation, with Megumi and Sano making so much noise kissing and arguing that Kaoru and Misao stuffed cotton in their ears and slept.

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

The late afternoon sun was cool, the breeze was sultry as any other tropical paradise.

Ahead of them on the breaking shore, Megumi and Sano walked hand in hand rather silently, enjoying each other's company. Yahiko was swimming while Kenshin was watching over Ayame and Suzume. Aoshi stood a few feet below, examining seashells with his usual intensity. Tae was barbecuing beef and pork, a recipe from the American ambassador's wife.

Misao sighed and said, "It's very beautiful here." "Hai! I feel so relaxed," agreed Kaoru with a smile. The wind swept their hair in a tangle and they laughed gaily, letting their concerns and worries be swept away by the wind. They threw their hands up and performed a graceful piroulette laughing when Misao tripped a little over the sand.

The sound of their laughter made Kenshin smile, enchanted by the picture Kaoru made with her hair flying wildly, the setting sun providing a gorgeous background against her luminous beauty.

Aoshi looked up from his hobby and unabashedly stared at Misao's beautiful profile.

// Kirei...// he thought, gazing at Misao intensely.

The lace holding Misao's hair got ripped away from her hair and it only made Misao smile wider as they chased after the bit of lace, their laughter ringing out, as clear as bells.

As one, Kenshin and Aoshi gazed upon the women, utterly, completely, and absolutely fascinated.

// Your smile devastates my heart...//

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

"Look at those two, so pathetic," scoffed Saitou as he joined his wife who was helping Tae cook. Hiko looked up from his cup of sake. "Aa. I can't believe I raised such a wuss!" he agreed. Tae swatted his shoulder admonishingly. "Kora! Maybe all they need is a little push!" she said as Okon immediately shook her head at that.

"Iie Tae-san. If Misao-chan and Kaoru-san's performances had the whole city love-struck and Kenshin and Aoshi-sama still managed to look as indifferent as ever, they're HOPELESS!" stated Okon with an empathic slam of the grill. "Aa! Those two are as cold as North Pole!" affirmed Omasu. The rest of the people looked broodingly at the lovers held apart by own stubborn pride and past pain.

To everybody's surprise, Saitou's soft-spoken wife offered a different view. "They're just trying not to show their emotions. But believe me, they're feeling it. They're close to snapping," said Tokio as Saitou looked at her in astonishment. He gave a longer, more thorough look at Aoshi and Kenshin. "Sou ka, I think I see what you mean," he murmured with an amused glint in his eye.

Calculatingly, he glanced at the guitar that Soujiro was strumming under the palm tree. He looked at the circle of rooks in the middle of the beach. The amused glint in his eyes changed as he leaned over and whispered something to a very surprised Tae who looked pleased.

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Their dinner consisted of barbecued pork and beef and imported marshmellows. There was a pleasant mood throughout the meal, with Soujiro occasionally strumming a few keys in his guitar. Couples leaned against each other, even offering bites and the images were so sweet, Yahiko made a parody of gagging.

Sano smacked him in the head. "Itai!" yelled Yahiko before he attacked Sano, fastening his teeth against Sano's bushy head. "Baka rooster!" he growled chewing vigorously while Sano rolled around, shouting, trying to dislodge Yahiko's grip.

"Maa, maa! Why don't we just listen to Kaoru-san and Misao-san singing instead of listening to a bunch of brats arguing?" suggested Saitou with a lazy drawl. "Why you--" growled Yahiko. "-- stupid Mibu wolf!" finished Sano baring his teeth. Imperturbable, Saitou looked at the laughing faces of everyone and demanded, "Well, are you going to sing or what?"

With a smile, Misao leaned back against the huge boulder and looked at Kaoru. "What shall we sing?" she asked while Kaoru tilted her head back and thought. Kenshin followed the curve of Kaoru's cheek and lips in the bonfire with blazing violet eyes. Aoshi nudged him and whispered in a voice too soft for anyone else to hear, "Your fire is blazing Himura."

Kenshin lowered his eyes and sighed. "Arigatou. Kaoru's voice is just too enticing for my peace of mind," he whispered. Aoshi nodded, masked by the flickering shadows of the bonfire. "Aa. Too provocative," muttered Aoshi, sneaking a look at Misao before the strum of guitar keys made everybody snap to attention. Soujiro smiled and sat on top of the boulder as he began playing a few more chords. The melodic sound was soothing and relaxing, making everybody feel more at ease. It was perfect with the balmy evening.

The chords were intricate and Kaoru smiled at the sound, inspired by the beat. She and Misao got up and sat on a bench in front of the fire, the fire warming their backs. It illuminated their profile, making them look like fiery nymphs. Tae and Megumi edged a bit closer while Ayame and Suzume yawned, soothed by the music's beauty.

Kaoru: (at every interval, they snapped their fingers) It's over and done
but the heartache lives on inside
And who's the one you're clinging to
Instead of me tonight?

Her voice rang out sweetly, melodic and entrancing. Kenshin stared at Kaoru, open-mouthed but the sad undercurrent in her voice made his gaze falter and turn intense. Aoshi's head snapped sharply as Misao's voice came next, haunting in its mellifluence.

Misao: (turning her head side to side) And where are you now, now that I need you?
Tears on my pillow wherever you go
I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean
You never see me fall apart

Megumi and Tae began to join their song, blending richly together in a music that had its audience listening with closed eyes and dreamy expressions. Tokio leaned against Saitou, her head close to his. Even Hiko looked pleased as he listened and looked at the beautiful women singing so sweetly.

Girls: (snapping their fingers in sync to the beat)

In the words of a broken heart
It's just emotion that's taken me over
Caught up in sorrow, lost in my soul
But if you don't come back
Come home to me, darling
Don't you know there's nobody left in this world
to hold me tight
Don't cha know there's nobody left in this world

to kiss goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight

Megumi and Tae took the second voice, echoing the word goodnight with such mellow emphasis; Sano looked utterly content. Some people turned to glare at Kenshin and Aoshi but both were too lost in Kaoru and Misao's voices. The melody turned sad and sweet, with Soujiro experimenting with a few more keys. The notes turned a bit higher, with Kaoru acting as an alto and Misao as a mezzo-soprano. Occasionally, Kaoru would back up the last few words of Misao and Tae and Megumi would hum and snap their fingers at every interval.

Kaoru: I'm there at your side,
I'm part of all the things you are
But you've got a part of someone else
You've got to find your shining star

Misao: And where are you now, now that I need you?
Tears on my pillow wherever you go
I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean
You never see me fall apart

Girls: In the words of a broken heart
It's just emotion that's taken me over
Caught up in sorrow, lost in my soul
But if you don't come back
Come home to me, darling
Dont you know there's nobody left in this world
to hold me tight
Nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight

The guitar chords ended, leaving them on a high note of altos, falsettos and sopranos. The blending was as superior as Destiny's Child and they began to sing a capella with only the accompaniment of snapping fingers. At every third beat, the snap increased, their voices turn more mesmerizing and compact. Their voices were high and piercing, catching all the emotions present, sweeping the intense feelings of love and pain in their song.

Tae and Megumi: And where are you now,

Kaoru: (her voice rising above the rest) Now that I need you?

Tae & Megumi: Tears on my pillow

Misao: (in falsetto) wherever you go...

Tae & Megumi: I'll cry me a river

Kaoru: (in alto) that leads to your ocean

Girls: You never see me fall apart

In the last part of the song, Misao and Kaoru's voice were in the lead, resounding with such beauty Kenshin and Aoshi stared at them, unable to raise even the tiniest shield to mask their emotions. Every beat, note and alteration of their voice vibrated with such magnificence, the hardest warriors were all but enchanted. The snapping continued after every three seconds or so, with Misao and Kaoru's voice blending richly together. Overhead, the stars sparkled twice as bright, the breeze turned sweeter with the intensity of emotions.

Misao & Kaoru: In the words of a broken heart
Its just emotion that's taken me over

Misao: (turning her head in time to the beat) Caught up in sorrow, lost in my soul

Kaoru: (moving in time to Misao's rhythm) But if you don't come back
Come home to me, darling

Misao & Kaoru: Nobody left in this world
to hold me tight
Nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight

There was a soft melancholy blending of goodnight and when Kaoru and Misao ended the last note, they bowed their heads and looked up with fiercely shining eyes. Everybody exploded into applause, even Megumi and Tae. The beach rang out with laughter and smiles even Kaoru and Misao got swept up with the good humor. Surrounded by the others, they never noticed Kenshin and Aoshi standing off a few feet away.

Kenshin had a hard time dragging his eyes away from Kaoru. His chest felt tight with emotions close to bursting and he tried to turn away but suddenly realized that he didn't really want to. His eyes remained glued to her beautiful face, knowing that it was a face he could spend the rest of his life watching every morning and never growing tired of the familiar curves and shapes. It was the face of a woman who had his heart so firmly in her hands and there is no escape for him.

As countless seconds trickled, Kenshin found himself smiling. It was inevitable, falling in love with Kaoru. It meant that he would have to surrender himself completely into her care. Maybe that was what he feared, loving someone with all his heart. The past had been painful in his failure to protect Tomoe but things are different now. Kaoru's love has given him all the strength and courage he needs to push back old fears. Tonight was merely an affirmation of that love he so desperately tried not to see.

The future is going to be turbulent but now more than ever, he is determined to protect Kaoru with all his strength. Of course, protecting Kaoru will require such close proximity that he would have to start sleeping in her room every night.

He smiled suddenly, his hand relaxing its grip on the sakabatou. The sense of anticipation was rising and he found himself walking over and taking Kaoru's hand and leading her away from the crowd. He could feel Kaoru blushing and the rest of the crowd watching their progress with joy that was almost as great as his own.

He smiled.

It was only the beginning.

***********

Misao watched Kaoru walk away with her hand held securely in Kenshin's grip. Misao felt happy tears at the look of tenderness so apparent on Kenshin's gaze. She found herself walking away, thinking about the future. A couple of yards away from the others, she felt Aoshi's quiet presence somewhere around but it was to dark to ascertain his presence.

"Aoshi?" she called out, not noticing the fact that she had dropped the honorific title. She felt a rustle of movement somewhere to her right, closer to the water's edge and the familiar scent of incense and musk made his presence all the more intimate. She felt suddenly skittish, knowing Aoshi has seen the very extravagant displays of the past few days. She stuttered as she greeted him, "K-- konbawa Aoshi."

Misao turned to him and was distracted by the amusement she sensed simmering in Aoshi's approach. He stepped closer, making Misao feel more self-conscious than ever. The wind blew a strand of her hair in his direction and he deftly caught it, rubbing the silky strands between his fingertips before releasing it. "Beautiful..." he whispered softly but Misao heard it and she stammered, "Nani?"

Aoshi smiled as he nonchalantly answered, "The song was very beautiful."

"Oh."

"You're beautiful," whispered Aoshi, tracing his thumb against Misao's chin.

"Oh!" whispered Misao breathlessly.

Aoshi smiled as he suddenly pulled Misao into his arms. Stunned by the swiftness of his move, Misao could only stare in stunned surprise at Aoshi. Her arms were at her sides and she couldn't think with Aoshi's lips hovering so close to her own.

Slowly, softly, he brushed his lips against Misao's in a slight caress. Aoshi smiled at the absolute shock that emanated from Misao. He slowly released her before turning away, leaving a staggered Misao. Oh, he loved her all right, but he wasn't going to let her off easily after torturing him with all those seductive acts. Whispering goodnight, he walked back to the bonfire. Tomorrow is a new day, and he is going to take her breath away.

It was only the beginning.

TBC

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Author's Notes:

Ohayo! The tables are turned in the next chapter as Aoshi and Kenshin try to woo Misao and Kaoru in their unique icicle and ruruoni style. I hoped you liked this fic because I really enjoyed writing it. I'm looking desperately for a pre-reader, especially for my fic 'Intricacies of Fate'. Those with the extra time in their hands, ONEGAI TASUKETE! I loved the song 'Emotions' even as a classic and I'm so glad that Destiny's Child brought it to life with more emotion than ever! =)

~* Jo-chan