Right, Chapter 6! See? Every Saturday, just like I promised! Had a bit of a problem, though. I forgot to write one of my chapters! How that happened, I have no clue, but I
forgot to write this one and had to write it quick so it would be up today. Anyway, hope you enjoy!
The Reunion
Chapter 6: Shopping, Flirting and a Party
The three men stopped fighting the older woman once outside the dojo gates. It was apparent that no amount of thrashing about was going to loosen her hold. Akino smiled to herself and began humming as they walked toward the marketplace.
"Shinta, what colors would you like your new clothes to be?"
Kenshin looked at the ground as he thought. "I'm not really sure, Okaasan. I hadn't thought about it before."
Akino looked him over. "We'll have to see once we get to the fabric shop." She then turned her glance to Sanosuke. "Same with you, dear." Next, a look at Aoshi. "Well, a young handsome man such as yourself would look nice in just about anything. We'll just have to pick the ones that look best." She mentally patted herself on the back when Aoshi blushed unnoticeably again.
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Back at the dojo, Megumi and Kaoru were fighting with Misao. "Misao! This is the new kimono that Okaasan bought for you just for this special occasion! Now put it on!" Megumi yelled at the young woman.
"I will not wear that! It's too formal and too…revealing!" The kimono was a gorgeous deep green with tiny gold flowers sewn down the long material under the cuff of the sleeve and some more embroidery along the hem. Not a lot, just enough to give it some color. It had a matching gold obi and green cord made especially for that kimono. The revealing bit was the small slit up the side. It only went to the knee, but to Misao a kimono was not supposed to reveal anything. She remembered Okaasan's voice in her head.
"Now, child. You run around in your ninja gear all the time. That's much more revealing. And besides, the small slit just gives a glimpse of what's underneath. Enough to tease, but leave everything to the imagination."
Misao threw her hands in the air. "Fine! Fine! Do as you wish."
Kaoru and Megumi finished getting her dressed and then dressed themselves. Kaoru's kimono was a very dark purple with silver leaves and vines along the edges of the entire kimono. The embroidery went down the front folds, the sleeves and around the hem and collar. The obi was silver with a purple cord. Okaasan had explained to them that just using two colors was best to bring out a person's more favorable features. Too many colors would be distracting to a person's natural beauty.
Megumi's kimono was scarlet with ivory accents. The embroidery wasn't flowers, leaves or vines, but just a simple wavy line around the sleeves and three wavy lines around the hem. Megumi had complained when first seeing it that it wasn't as pretty as the others, but when she put it on she had quit complaining right away. In the box, it wasn't much to look at, but Okaasan had extraordinary abilities in knowing what would look good on a person and Megumi was a vision of beauty in the garment. Okaasan had explained that putting a person like Megumi in an extravagant kimono was the same as using too many
colors. It would take away from her natural looks.
After they were all dressed, it was time for hair and makeup. Misao's hair was taken from it's usual braid and put into a ponytail secured at the nape of her neck with just a few strands left loose to frame her face. The sides of Kaoru's hair were pulled into a bun with the rest left to flow down her back. Kaoru pulled Megumi's hair into a high ponytail, which Megumi didn't like. She then tried putting it into a bun and securing it with decorative chopsticks. Megumi liked it better, but not enough to keep it. Kaoru then realized what was wrong. She had pulled all of Megumi's hair up including her bangs. She lightly ran the comb where Megumi's bangs would be, just enough to let a dusting of bangs down, not all of them. She then pulled a few strands from the sides so it was more of a loose bun and Megumi approved.
The three then set to work on their makeup. Megumi used her usual amount, just a little lip-gloss. Kaoru opted for some mascara and lip-gloss. And Misao didn't want any of it, but they convinced her to use some eyeliner and lip-gloss.
The three women looked in the mirror and almost squealed with delight. They looked a hundred times better than they normally did. Now all they had to do was wait for Okaasan to do her part.
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Okaasan was having a tough time with the boys. They looked good in everything so she had to narrow it down to the two nicest outfits for each one. She went with the dark blue gi and gray hakama for Kenshin (A/N: I know everyone puts him in those clothes, but dang if he wouldn't look hot in them!) and an additional black gi that she just couldn't resist. She also managed to talk him out of another magenta gi and go with a brown gi and white hakama that he looked very nice in. The formal outfit was a black men's kimono. (A/N: I happen to think Kenshin would look nice in black. And I don't know a thing about men's kimonos so sorry if I mess up!)
Sanosuke was reluctant to buy new clothes, but with some very…"convincing" arguments from Akino he finally agreed to a red gi and ivory hakama and a deep brown formal kimono.
Aoshi was the hardest to pick out anything for. Every color Akino held up to him he looked striking against. Finally, she decided he needed a dark blue formal kimono and a white gi and black hakama. "The basic colors for you, Aoshi. They look wonderful."
She looked at each of the guys and dropped everything off with the tailor next door. "Well, ma'am. Honestly, we don't have any other garments we're working on right now and I just hired four new tailors. We can have these ready in two hours."
Okaasan smiled widely. "Oh, thank you! That's quicker than I had imagined. We'll be by in two hours then. Thank you again!" She bowed politely and led the men out of the store. "Okay boys, we have two hours to wait, so let's find something to do."
They wandered around the marketplace, picking up various items for the party that night. Kenshin
noticed Akino buying a rather large amount of sake. "Okaasan, do we really need that much? I
know Sano drinks a fair amount, but no one else indulges in it that much."
Akino grinned at her son. "The rest of the Oniwabanshuu is coming for the party tonight. They
decided it would be okay to close shop for a few days. And Kaoru invited someone else. I can't
remember his name, but apparently he likes sake a lot."
Kenshin got a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, but didn't say a word. Kaoru-dono wouldn't
invite him. She doesn't care for him much and knows how nervous he makes me. I have nothing
to worry about. With his logic calming him down, Kenshin followed his mother to another area
of the market.
Aoshi and Sanosuke met up with them, each hauling a large amount of party goods. All sorts of
sweets, tea, and games for the children. Akino glanced at the tailor shop they had dropped their
fabric off at and headed inside. "Is everything ready?"
The man behind the counter smiled widely. "Great timing! We just finished giving them a last
check on the stitching. Here you go." He handed the packages over and Akino looked them over.
"Oh, they look wonderful! Thank you so much." She paid and went back outside. "Okay, boys.
Let's go home and get ready for tonight's party!"
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Megumi, Misao and Kaoru peeked outside through a small gap in the shoji when they heard the gate
creak open. All the men were loaded down with supplies and Akino was smiling widely. Kaoru
closed the gap up and turned back to her partners in crime. "Looks like everything worked out."
They all jumped sky high when there was a soft knock on the shoji. "May I come in, dears?"
Misao breathed a sigh of relief and slid the door open just enough for the older woman to come in.
Akino slipped in and gasped when she looked up at the girls. "Oh girls." She took a deep breath and
bit her bottom lip. "You all look absolutely stunning. You'll be the talk of the party tonight."
The three smiled nervously and Akino gave another smile. "Since you girls are ready, I'll be leaving
to help the boys. Don't worry, ladies. I'll make sure they put on their nicest outfits!"
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"But, Okaasan! I'll look just like I did in the Bakumatsu!" Kenshin grabbed at his hair again as his
mother yanked it up high on his head.
"Shinta, don't be such a baby! Why are you so against having your hair up high? It looks much
more striking."
"Do you want me to scare everyone? I'll look just like I did as Battousai." Akino sighed, but kept
combing his hair to the top of his head.
"Shinta, they all know you're a gentle person now. They won't be afraid. Just dress up, please."
Kenshin nodded, defeated. His mother happily snapped his hair tie in place and laid out his black gi
with the gray hakama. "Would you please wear this outfit? It's my favorite one for you."
Kenshin nodded again, happy that at least it wasn't the dark blue gi.
Akino slipped out and made her way to Aoshi's room where she was bid entry before even knocking.
She entered and found him with his clothes spread out and a look of utter concentration on his face.
"The white gi and black hakama."
He silently picked up the gi and Akino left his room. She passed Sanosuke's room and heard what
sounded like a struggle going on inside. "Sanosuke, honey? Are you alright?"
"Okaasan, I need some help."
She walked in and giggled. He had his scarlet gi and ivory hakama on, but the hakama ties were very
uneven. Akino walked up and grabbed the ties, expertly untying and re-tying the straps. "There you go,
love."
Sanosuke thanked her and followed her outside. Kenshin and Aoshi soon left their rooms as well and
Akino gave them each the once over. "You all look so handsome! Now, go start setting up the party
and I'll get the girls."
She got ready to go into their room when a loud shout came from the front gate.
"CIAO MY PRETTY MISAO!"
Akino walked out with a puzzled expression on her face. "May I ask who you are?"
Jiya threw his head back and gave a quick laugh. "I'm Okina. Misao's surrogate grandfather. Now,
where's my girl?"
Akino bowed slightly. "She'll be out soon. She's with the other girls getting ready for the party."
Omasu and Okon eyed the old woman like true ninjas and their eyes widened as she stood up and they
saw her eye color. "Oh my! You must be Himura-san's mother!"
Akino blinked. "Why, yes. How did you know?"
Okon grinned. "The eyes, Himura-san."
Akino smiled widely. "I see. Please, call me Okaasan. I feel better that way."
Omasu and Okon smiled back and nodded. Omasu spoke up. "Where are the girls? I want to go see how
they look."
Akino winked. "You'll just have to wait. I guarantee you won't recognize them."
At that moment another figure entered the yard. This one clad in a long white cape and carrying a jug
of sake. Omasu and Okon gave a shriek and each attached themself to an arm. "Oh, Hiko-sama!"
Kenshin cringed when he heard them shout. "No. How could Kaoru-dono do this to me? What have
I done that's so wrong?"
Akino followed the large man and the rest of the Oniwabanshuu inside. Hiko wasted no time in his
regular round of Kenshin bashing. "Baka deshi. I hope you have a good party planned. I came all the
way down from my mountain."
Akino grit her teeth together. I won't say anything now. Kaoru told me she hates it when he's mean to
Shinta. I'll wait and let her see the bashing I give this clown.
Akino turned again to get the girls when another person entered. "Battousai."
"Saitoh. What are you doing here?"
"Thanks for the warm welcome. Tanuki invited me."
Kenshin groaned inwardly. Shishou AND Saitoh? Why am I being tortured?
Akino cleared her throat. "If you all would excuse me, I'm going to get the girls now."
Everyone grew quiet, knowing the girls had dressed up. They waited patiently, holding their breath.
Finally Akino stepped out followed by Megumi, Kaoru, and Misao.
Sanosuke almost passed out. "Wow, Fox."
Megumi almost slapped him, but if he didn't call her Fox then he wouldn't be Sanosuke. She looked
him over critically. "Not too bad, Tori-atama."
Kenshin's eyes were almost bugging out of his head. Kaoru looked like a princess. Kaoru almost cried
at how amazing Kenshin looked. "Um, you look really handsome, Kenshin." She blushed a faint pink
and Kenshin blinked repeatedly.
"Kaoru-dono, you...I mean...you look...wow." Kaoru blushed again and turned around to look at Misao.
Misao was standing in front of Aoshi, shuffling her foot on the floor shyly. Jiya was in tears in the
corner, Omasu and Okon trying to comfort him while staring at Hiko. "My pretty Misao is all grown up!"
Aoshi looked at her, not believing this was the same Misao from earlier. Out of the braid, her hair hung
almost to the floor, a wavy curtain of black silk. The deep green kimono made her eyes appear darker
and Aoshi couldn't do anything other than say, "Hello, Misao."
Misao looked up, blinking at Aoshi's carefully guarded expression. No change, same icy eyes, same
stoic look, no smile at all. Misao looked hurt and Aoshi knew it was his fault, but he couldn't do
anything about it. He was frozen in place.
Surprisingly, Saitoh was the one to approach Misao. He spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. "Even
if I wanted to call you a Weasel tonight, I couldn't." He gently took her elbow and led her to a spot near the wall so she could sit. As he led her away, he gave a scowl to Aoshi.
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Aoshi watched jealously from his spot in the corner as all the other men in the room went over to
compliment Misao. But, no matter how much they complemented her, she would only give quick smiles and then go back to looking forlorn.
A small group of musicians set themselves up in a corner and began to play a loud, joyous tune. Kaoru and Kenshin tried to dance, stepping on each other as they twirled about. Sanosuke and Megumi were dancing, a bit more gracefully. Jiya pulled Akino out onto the dance floor and Hiko tried to dance with Omasu and Okon at the same time. Aoshi watched as Saitoh gently took Misao's hand and led her to the dance floor. Aoshi watched them dance around gracefully, Misao's hand resting on Saitoh's shoulder and then his gaze settled on Saitoh's hand resting right above her hip. He stood swiftly and went over to them. "Misao, can we speak outside?"
Misao glanced at Saitoh who released her and nodded.
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Akino tapped Okina on the shoulder and pointed at Misao and Aoshi. He gave a shout of joy and started to dance at a faster pace.
Once the song had ended, they all sat down and began to chat. It wasn't long before Hiko started in with his 'baka deshi' remarks and Kaoru gave a go-ahead nod to Akino.
"Hiko-san, do you mind?"
Hiko looked up startled. "What are you talking about?"
"I would appreciate it if you didn't say such horrible things about my son!"
Hiko's eyes went wide and he stared at Akino. Recognition passed his face when he noticed her eye color. "Baka deshi's mother?"
Akino nodded and then bopped Hiko on the head. "And his name is NOT baka deshi! It's Shinta!"
Hiko put up a finger to protest. "Actually, he goes by Kenshin now." Mistake, mistake, mistake.
"Only because some big oaf of a man decided my sweet little boy's name wasn't good enough. No, he wanted to make a swordsman out of him. So, he changed Shinta to Kenshin and then taught him to kill!"
The room was silent and Hiko spoke in an even voice. "I taught him Hiten Mitsurugi. Yes, it is a style of killing, but he was the one who decided to join the war. I never approved of it and didn't want him to leave."
Akino sighed and used both hands to make sure her hair was still in place in its bun. "Hiko-san, we can't change the past. I just want you to stop belittling Shinta. He's a good man now. Thank you for taking care of him."
Hiko nodded, amazed at this woman. She actually stood up to a Hiten Mitsurugi Master. Definitely not an
everyday occurrence.
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Aoshi and Misao stood near the gate outside. Misao was waiting for a reprimand for dancing with Saitoh, but instead one of Aoshi's hands grabbed her around the waist and the other grabbed the back of her head. He kissed her passionately, but quickly, leaving Misao's head spinning while she tried to make sense of what had just happened. Aoshi started to walk towards the temple. "You look amazing tonight. I'm sorry about what I just did. I didn't mean for that to happen, but I couldn't help it any longer." He left and closed the gate behind him.
Misao didn't know whether to cry or laugh. Aoshi had just kissed her and told her she looked amazing, but then he apologized. Misao slowly walked back inside, still dazed. She made her way over to the girls, who had all gathered in one corner and were laughing happily. "Um, guys, I have big news."
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Hiko sat down next to Kenshin, who was gazing longingly at Kaoru. "Listen, baka. Every man will see an angel. Every man will wish for that angel's love. Men who are pure and good-hearted are the only ones who will deserve it. But, angels are not always going to pick that pure-hearted man. Some men need an angel to rescue them and they will meet her when they need her most. She will offer her love, some will refuse and some will take without giving in return. You are refusing. Remember, angels are not stupid. She knows who you were and yet she doesn't care. All she cares about is who you are now. You are one of the lucky few who are chosen by the angels. Don't turn her away. Even angels can have their hearts broken and when that happens, they die." Hiko stood to leave and Kenshin pondered his words.
Yes, Kaoru loved him. It was evident every time she looked at him. When they would lock gazes, Kenshin felt as though he could do anything she asked of him. Except love her openly. Sure, he loved her. Everything about her was good and innocent and pure. And that was the reason he couldn't admit he loved her. To do so would taint everything he loved about her. And so, he admired her from afar in his self-induced hell.
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Misao was twirling a lock of hair. She had just relayed her story to the girls who had been giddy and giggling for her at first, but one look at Okaasan and the celebrating stopped. The older woman was rubbing her temples, bad sign.
Kaoru laid a hand on her shoulder. "What's the matter, Okaasan?"
"Dears, this is more difficult than I thought. We got him to crack, but he felt guilty and now his walls will be even stronger than they were. Shinta may strengthen his barriers as well." She glanced at Megumi. "At least Sanosuke is making it easy for us."
At that moment, the ex-street fighter came over and kneeled next to Megumi. "Wanna dance again, Kitsune?"
Megumi stood up. "Sure, Rooster. You need some more dancing lessons."
Okaasan smiled as she watched the two bicker. "Young love." She turned her attention back to Kaoru and Misao. "Alright, Phase 2 starts tomorrow."
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Kaoru was standing at the door, saying goodbye to each guest as they left. Saitoh stopped in front of her and bowed politely. "You look lovely, tonight. Don't let that idiot Battousai say any differently."
Kaoru smiled, a bit stunned at his words. Hiko approached her and leaned in close so only she could hear. "Kenshin is unsure of his worth. Help him see past his pain and find his happiness."
Kaoru nodded, again unsure of what to say. After all the guests were gone they all went their separate ways. Akino winked at her girls and mouthed, "Phase 2" as she closed her door.
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A/N: And there you have it. Remember just jotted down in about two hours, so mistakes may still be present. Hope you enjoyed and please review! If I get enough reviews then I'll up it to a chapter twice a week.
Hey, a little bribery never hurt anybody! Hugs & Kisses!