Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki.
A/N: Hullo again! I'm sorry I forgot to mention that this is an Alternate Universe fic, and the original characters are out of character. I'm afraid not everybody was pleased with...well...perhaps the storyline, but I hope that at least some of you will continue reading...^^' I'm really sorry for my poor writing skills. Thank you!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**
Kenshin turned the corner of the street, walking among the many Parisians who carried baguettes in the crook of their arms. He'd changed at the airport, after remembering many scoldings from his Shishyou about 'wearing your kendo uniform in public'. Fine, perhaps he was just lazy. But it was part of the etiquette, so he might as well carry out his trainer's words if he's...in the middle of Paris... He trudged on with a pair of khakis and a navy blue, collared shirt with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His sword, boken, and shinai took the place of a baguette as he walked. That should change for the next few weeks...
He finally halted in front of a set of double doors of a cathedral. He'd passed by it so many times, he was beginning to notice every detail of the architecture. He could've sworn the dojo was supposed to be on this street, but the addresses directed him to nowhere but here.
"A...dojo...?"
He muttered something about odd French kendoists and proceeded to walk into the building. The architecture and details of the building made his eyes marvel at the sight. Stained-glass windows of masterpieces, the gilded statues, and the eternal rows of pews leading to the giant cross up front. Despite the lovely features, swinging a sword around such a place...seemed to give him guilt. He smiled to himself warily at the thought of it.
"It's like I'm sinning..."
Suddenly, a deep booming voice echoed throughout the sanctuary from behind him.
"Sinning? Is to fling a sword such a sin?"
He turned his head around, only to see the lean stomach clothed in black of some tall man. Looking up, he saw dark, narrowed eyes of indigo, nearly glaring at him from beneath the thick layer of bangs.
"Oro? Aoshi...?"
"There is no wrong doing in the will to protect a loved one."
Kenshin could do nothing but smile...warily... Aoshi was just one out of a million to take things a tad more serious than required. Kenshin questioned him quizzically.
"Aoshi, have you come for the tournament? You told me square in the face that you've dropped the sword five years ago."
Aoshi grunted, covering his mouth with the scarf he wore around his neck, a black one made of Austrian wool. He stuffed his hands into his gray trench coat, keeping warm for the upcoming winter. The cathedral gave off no heat, even inside. Aoshi uttered one word.
"...nimrod..."
Kenshin gave him a tired smile, trying his best to keep his cool. He'd know Aoshi for nearly seven years now, after meeting him in the first serious tournament of his life. Aoshi was simply the last man be battled for the championship that year. By sheer training and luck, Kenshin had won, but only by a single stroke at his wrist. It could have been called a draw... Aoshi shook his head, his eyes closed wisely.
"I thought you'd have less stupidity than that, Himura. How could you call yourself the three-time world champion at this rate?"
It was true. Kenshin had won three times in the international tournament, and this was his fourth try. He preferred to keep that fame to himself, though, due to his humble nature and innocent appearance. He sighed.
"Aoshi, just tell me this. One: Are you here for the tournament. Two: Why is the tournament being held HERE of all places, and three: Where on earth is the dojo?"
The indigo eyes stared at him, expressionless as usual. After a pause, he began to answer.
"One, I'm not here for the tournament. Two, there IS no tournament, and three, there IS no dojo."
Five minutes of complete, abashed silence went by...
"Aoshi, you NEVER were a humorous person..."
"I'm not, and I never will be."
"What was that long notification email all about then? *mimics low voice* We'd like to invite you once again to the international kendo tournament this year, taking place in Paris. We appreciate your participation."
Aoshi rubbed his forehead with a sigh.
"That was just to GET you here. We have an important meeting taking place in thirty minutes. Knowing the way you are, we figured you wouldn't accept the invitation if we told you you're invited to an approximately five hour meeting with the world champions."
Kenshin placed his hand on his shinai. Aoshi raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing?"
The redhead gave him an innocent grin.
"I'm going to...never mind..."
Aoshi gave another grunt, and turned his back on him to head out the door. It was right then that a deep yelp rang through the sanctuary. Aoshi rubbed his sore head with a gloved hand.
"Himura, what on earth was that for?"
"This was YOUR idea..."
Aoshi sighed, rubbing his head.
"Look, I'm sorry, but let's just get this stupid meeting over with, alright?"
"No."
"What happened to the grinning, innocent, humble, champion that had an obsession with laundry?"
"That was in COLLEGE when they actually had a LAUNDRY ROOM. Now move."
He prodded Aoshi behind the back with the shinai out the door, and the two of them trudged on to the office building.
After the meeting that seemed perpetual, Aoshi and Kenshin came stumbling out of the automatic doors, looking drained and green from exposure to poor air conditioners and lectures. Meetings were hazardous to one's health... At a nearby café, the two of them seated themselves at a table as Aoshi spoke rapid French to the waitress, who brought them two steaming cups of latte a few minutes later. Aoshi sipped politely, questioning Kenshin after not seeing him for nearly two years.
"What's been up with you?"
Kenshin sighed and smiled at his friend.
"Training."
"That drunk maniac...?"
"He's cutting down his alcohol, I assure you."
"Ah."
Kenshin began to sip his as well, until a swish of black hair went flying past the window beside them. Startled, he looked up and suddenly rose from his seat. Aoshi raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Himura?"
"...Kaoru...?"
He swiftly made his way to the door, leaving all his belongings behind with Aoshi, looking dazed at the sudden action. He sighed hopelessly, and the tall indigo-eyed man finished off his latte before picking up his friend's belongings and head for the hotel.
The redhead walked placidly among the masses of people who walked pleasantly down 'la rue', as they called it. He found himself envisioning her again, thinking of what to say if he could ever have the chance to see her again.
"Kaoru..."
He finally stopped, his feet tired as his eyes continued to scan the area. There was no sight of that familiar face. Disheartened, he slowly began to trudge back to the hotel.
He managed to return to the café, and not seeing Aoshi OR his belongings, he somehow got his way around to the hotel with some poorly learned French, mainly taught by Shishyou... He found Aoshi conversing in the lobby on the sofas with a young woman. Her baggy clothes hung loosely around her, and she wore mainly shades of olive green. Her hair reached down to her knees, and it was all bound back with a tight, thin braid behind her. Loose strands of hair framed her face, and a bright shade of blue shone from beneath a light layer of bangs. Looking up, her face beamed with utter joy at the sight of him.
"Himura!"
Kenshin stopped in his tracks before reaching the two of them. He rubbed his eyes, and stared at the girl a second time.
"Misao?"
She grinned widely and ran up to him, grabbing his hand roughly to enthusiastically shake it.
"Himura, you haven't changed a bit!"
He winced at her loud voice, and smiled.
"Neither have you! How long has it been?"
She punched him playfully in the shoulder.
"Four years, man! Ever since you beat serious butt at the last championship!"
Misao had accompanied Aoshi that year. It was a few years before that they met.
"I'm starved! Yo, Aoshi-sama! Let's go eat!"
Aoshi stood up smoothly and walked over to the two of them, nodding in consent. Kenshin eyed Aoshi suspiciously.
"My stuff?"
"In your room."
"You checked me in?"
"You'll be sharing the room with a friend."
"Who?"
Aoshi gave an exceedingly rare smirk.
"You'll see."
* * *
Kaoru walked out of the airport, after a long series of chores in the airplane. Walking around with her suitcase on wheels, she stepped out onto the streets. The wind was blowing hard, and golden leaves of autumn flew in all directions. She sighed as she stood out on the streets, so foreign and fantasy-like.
"Oi, Jou-chan!"
She turned her head to see the figure of tall man, with a muscular look. His hair stuck out naturally in an odd position, and he was running up to her in his janitor suit. He had his front unbuttoned, revealing the dirty white undershirt beneath. His red bandana around his brow flew out from behind him as he ran.
"Sano?"
He stopped and panted as he finally caught up to her. He then looked up from his panting to show a big grin and a thumbs-up sign.
"How's it goin'?"
She smiled at him.
"It's tough. It's not much fun once everyone falls asleep."
He laughed and rested an arm on her shoulder for balance. She began to tease him.
"Having fun with the broom?"
He gave her a childish frown.
"It's the only job they offered. But hey, I like it."
He gave her a small wink and looked out onto the streets.
"It's quite a different world out there..."
"Sano, how long have you been here?"
He looked at her curiously.
"I got here a week ago."
"Is your French any good?"
She had to smirk when a light tint of blush came to his cheeks.
"Jou-chan...why do you always have to-"
"Alright, alright! If I ever see you bugging money off of those passengers, I'll smack you with that mop bucket of yours, you understand?"
He gave her a small salute and ran off back into the airport. She smiled after him and called a taxi to take her to the hotel.
* * *
That night, Kenshin laid on his bed, staring out his window at the glimmering lights below. He began to name the different gems they could resemble as he pointed to each one.
"Ruby, topaz, emerald, diamond, pearl, sapphire..."
His mouth closed shut. He could practically see those eyes right now, smiling up at him. He tore at his hair and growled as he rolled around on his bed. At that moment, the door creaked open.
"Aaargh!"
He fell off the bed out of fright. A grunt of confusion came from the one entering. Kenshin poked his head up from the floor, and questioned him.
"Who's there?"
He heard a deep chuckle from the doorway.
"Smooth move, Kenshin."
From the shadows stepped a man of naturally spiked hair, grinning at him from ear to ear in a janitor suit. It was none other than Sano.
"...Sano...?"
Kenshin's eyes grew wide with shock, and he suddenly rolled across the floor to his friend's feet.
"SANO!"
He clutched his feet with both arms, and both fell about laughing.
"Kenshin, ya rascal!"
Sano noogied his good friend until his head hurt. Kenshin threw him a few punches in the stomach to fight back. He was suddenly picked up by his ankles, and the redhead went thumping onto the bed, laughing till tears came streaming out.
"Sano, where have you been?!"
He slumped down across from him on the other bed with a grin.
"They hired me as a janitor at the airport. It's been about a week now."
Kenshin smirked mischievously.
"Vous parlez francaise?"
He dodged at swat directed at the head for that. It was odd to see each other like this, after all those years working at the cash register of the local café in town, back in Japan eight years ago.
After much chat, the two of them laid back in their own beds, wondering about their own thoughts. Sano suddenly rose and walked over to use the phone.
"Shoot, I forgot to call her!"
"Who? Girlfriend?"
Sano rolled his eyes and replied tartly.
"FRIEND."
"Alright, alright."
"Hi, Jou-chan? Yea, it's me."
Kenshin lay nearby, listening intently to the conversation, though he could not hear the voice of who he was calling.
"Yea, I found it. Yea, this weird French person managed to fetch me the address. Yea, yea. Actually, I'm with a friend right now."
Sano threw a wink at Kenshin, and he gave a smirk in return.
"Alright. Yea. I understand, alright. Look, I won't steal. I promise. Okay. Have fun MS. KAORU. Hahahaha, alright alright! Okay. Bai."
Kenshin felt his ears perk up. Ms. Kaoru? Could that be...
"Hey, Sano?"
"Yea?"
"Who were you calling?"
"This girl, I met her working at the airport."
"What's her name?"
"Kaoru."
He froze as the name echoed deep into his mind. It shook him.
"...Do..do you know her last name?"
Sano began to cover himself up with his blankets.
"It's been a while. I don't even remember."
"Oh."
With that, he settled into his bed as well, and sighed as he switched off the light.
Kamiya Kaoru. The girl of sapphire eyes...
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter two is now ended!! This is just a simple chapter for 'how they will be brought together', so look forward to some upcoming waff for chapter 3!! I hope you liked it, and I appreciate all your opinions! Thanks! ^^
~Momori^^
A/N: Hullo again! I'm sorry I forgot to mention that this is an Alternate Universe fic, and the original characters are out of character. I'm afraid not everybody was pleased with...well...perhaps the storyline, but I hope that at least some of you will continue reading...^^' I'm really sorry for my poor writing skills. Thank you!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**
Kenshin turned the corner of the street, walking among the many Parisians who carried baguettes in the crook of their arms. He'd changed at the airport, after remembering many scoldings from his Shishyou about 'wearing your kendo uniform in public'. Fine, perhaps he was just lazy. But it was part of the etiquette, so he might as well carry out his trainer's words if he's...in the middle of Paris... He trudged on with a pair of khakis and a navy blue, collared shirt with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His sword, boken, and shinai took the place of a baguette as he walked. That should change for the next few weeks...
He finally halted in front of a set of double doors of a cathedral. He'd passed by it so many times, he was beginning to notice every detail of the architecture. He could've sworn the dojo was supposed to be on this street, but the addresses directed him to nowhere but here.
"A...dojo...?"
He muttered something about odd French kendoists and proceeded to walk into the building. The architecture and details of the building made his eyes marvel at the sight. Stained-glass windows of masterpieces, the gilded statues, and the eternal rows of pews leading to the giant cross up front. Despite the lovely features, swinging a sword around such a place...seemed to give him guilt. He smiled to himself warily at the thought of it.
"It's like I'm sinning..."
Suddenly, a deep booming voice echoed throughout the sanctuary from behind him.
"Sinning? Is to fling a sword such a sin?"
He turned his head around, only to see the lean stomach clothed in black of some tall man. Looking up, he saw dark, narrowed eyes of indigo, nearly glaring at him from beneath the thick layer of bangs.
"Oro? Aoshi...?"
"There is no wrong doing in the will to protect a loved one."
Kenshin could do nothing but smile...warily... Aoshi was just one out of a million to take things a tad more serious than required. Kenshin questioned him quizzically.
"Aoshi, have you come for the tournament? You told me square in the face that you've dropped the sword five years ago."
Aoshi grunted, covering his mouth with the scarf he wore around his neck, a black one made of Austrian wool. He stuffed his hands into his gray trench coat, keeping warm for the upcoming winter. The cathedral gave off no heat, even inside. Aoshi uttered one word.
"...nimrod..."
Kenshin gave him a tired smile, trying his best to keep his cool. He'd know Aoshi for nearly seven years now, after meeting him in the first serious tournament of his life. Aoshi was simply the last man be battled for the championship that year. By sheer training and luck, Kenshin had won, but only by a single stroke at his wrist. It could have been called a draw... Aoshi shook his head, his eyes closed wisely.
"I thought you'd have less stupidity than that, Himura. How could you call yourself the three-time world champion at this rate?"
It was true. Kenshin had won three times in the international tournament, and this was his fourth try. He preferred to keep that fame to himself, though, due to his humble nature and innocent appearance. He sighed.
"Aoshi, just tell me this. One: Are you here for the tournament. Two: Why is the tournament being held HERE of all places, and three: Where on earth is the dojo?"
The indigo eyes stared at him, expressionless as usual. After a pause, he began to answer.
"One, I'm not here for the tournament. Two, there IS no tournament, and three, there IS no dojo."
Five minutes of complete, abashed silence went by...
"Aoshi, you NEVER were a humorous person..."
"I'm not, and I never will be."
"What was that long notification email all about then? *mimics low voice* We'd like to invite you once again to the international kendo tournament this year, taking place in Paris. We appreciate your participation."
Aoshi rubbed his forehead with a sigh.
"That was just to GET you here. We have an important meeting taking place in thirty minutes. Knowing the way you are, we figured you wouldn't accept the invitation if we told you you're invited to an approximately five hour meeting with the world champions."
Kenshin placed his hand on his shinai. Aoshi raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing?"
The redhead gave him an innocent grin.
"I'm going to...never mind..."
Aoshi gave another grunt, and turned his back on him to head out the door. It was right then that a deep yelp rang through the sanctuary. Aoshi rubbed his sore head with a gloved hand.
"Himura, what on earth was that for?"
"This was YOUR idea..."
Aoshi sighed, rubbing his head.
"Look, I'm sorry, but let's just get this stupid meeting over with, alright?"
"No."
"What happened to the grinning, innocent, humble, champion that had an obsession with laundry?"
"That was in COLLEGE when they actually had a LAUNDRY ROOM. Now move."
He prodded Aoshi behind the back with the shinai out the door, and the two of them trudged on to the office building.
After the meeting that seemed perpetual, Aoshi and Kenshin came stumbling out of the automatic doors, looking drained and green from exposure to poor air conditioners and lectures. Meetings were hazardous to one's health... At a nearby café, the two of them seated themselves at a table as Aoshi spoke rapid French to the waitress, who brought them two steaming cups of latte a few minutes later. Aoshi sipped politely, questioning Kenshin after not seeing him for nearly two years.
"What's been up with you?"
Kenshin sighed and smiled at his friend.
"Training."
"That drunk maniac...?"
"He's cutting down his alcohol, I assure you."
"Ah."
Kenshin began to sip his as well, until a swish of black hair went flying past the window beside them. Startled, he looked up and suddenly rose from his seat. Aoshi raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Himura?"
"...Kaoru...?"
He swiftly made his way to the door, leaving all his belongings behind with Aoshi, looking dazed at the sudden action. He sighed hopelessly, and the tall indigo-eyed man finished off his latte before picking up his friend's belongings and head for the hotel.
The redhead walked placidly among the masses of people who walked pleasantly down 'la rue', as they called it. He found himself envisioning her again, thinking of what to say if he could ever have the chance to see her again.
"Kaoru..."
He finally stopped, his feet tired as his eyes continued to scan the area. There was no sight of that familiar face. Disheartened, he slowly began to trudge back to the hotel.
He managed to return to the café, and not seeing Aoshi OR his belongings, he somehow got his way around to the hotel with some poorly learned French, mainly taught by Shishyou... He found Aoshi conversing in the lobby on the sofas with a young woman. Her baggy clothes hung loosely around her, and she wore mainly shades of olive green. Her hair reached down to her knees, and it was all bound back with a tight, thin braid behind her. Loose strands of hair framed her face, and a bright shade of blue shone from beneath a light layer of bangs. Looking up, her face beamed with utter joy at the sight of him.
"Himura!"
Kenshin stopped in his tracks before reaching the two of them. He rubbed his eyes, and stared at the girl a second time.
"Misao?"
She grinned widely and ran up to him, grabbing his hand roughly to enthusiastically shake it.
"Himura, you haven't changed a bit!"
He winced at her loud voice, and smiled.
"Neither have you! How long has it been?"
She punched him playfully in the shoulder.
"Four years, man! Ever since you beat serious butt at the last championship!"
Misao had accompanied Aoshi that year. It was a few years before that they met.
"I'm starved! Yo, Aoshi-sama! Let's go eat!"
Aoshi stood up smoothly and walked over to the two of them, nodding in consent. Kenshin eyed Aoshi suspiciously.
"My stuff?"
"In your room."
"You checked me in?"
"You'll be sharing the room with a friend."
"Who?"
Aoshi gave an exceedingly rare smirk.
"You'll see."
* * *
Kaoru walked out of the airport, after a long series of chores in the airplane. Walking around with her suitcase on wheels, she stepped out onto the streets. The wind was blowing hard, and golden leaves of autumn flew in all directions. She sighed as she stood out on the streets, so foreign and fantasy-like.
"Oi, Jou-chan!"
She turned her head to see the figure of tall man, with a muscular look. His hair stuck out naturally in an odd position, and he was running up to her in his janitor suit. He had his front unbuttoned, revealing the dirty white undershirt beneath. His red bandana around his brow flew out from behind him as he ran.
"Sano?"
He stopped and panted as he finally caught up to her. He then looked up from his panting to show a big grin and a thumbs-up sign.
"How's it goin'?"
She smiled at him.
"It's tough. It's not much fun once everyone falls asleep."
He laughed and rested an arm on her shoulder for balance. She began to tease him.
"Having fun with the broom?"
He gave her a childish frown.
"It's the only job they offered. But hey, I like it."
He gave her a small wink and looked out onto the streets.
"It's quite a different world out there..."
"Sano, how long have you been here?"
He looked at her curiously.
"I got here a week ago."
"Is your French any good?"
She had to smirk when a light tint of blush came to his cheeks.
"Jou-chan...why do you always have to-"
"Alright, alright! If I ever see you bugging money off of those passengers, I'll smack you with that mop bucket of yours, you understand?"
He gave her a small salute and ran off back into the airport. She smiled after him and called a taxi to take her to the hotel.
* * *
That night, Kenshin laid on his bed, staring out his window at the glimmering lights below. He began to name the different gems they could resemble as he pointed to each one.
"Ruby, topaz, emerald, diamond, pearl, sapphire..."
His mouth closed shut. He could practically see those eyes right now, smiling up at him. He tore at his hair and growled as he rolled around on his bed. At that moment, the door creaked open.
"Aaargh!"
He fell off the bed out of fright. A grunt of confusion came from the one entering. Kenshin poked his head up from the floor, and questioned him.
"Who's there?"
He heard a deep chuckle from the doorway.
"Smooth move, Kenshin."
From the shadows stepped a man of naturally spiked hair, grinning at him from ear to ear in a janitor suit. It was none other than Sano.
"...Sano...?"
Kenshin's eyes grew wide with shock, and he suddenly rolled across the floor to his friend's feet.
"SANO!"
He clutched his feet with both arms, and both fell about laughing.
"Kenshin, ya rascal!"
Sano noogied his good friend until his head hurt. Kenshin threw him a few punches in the stomach to fight back. He was suddenly picked up by his ankles, and the redhead went thumping onto the bed, laughing till tears came streaming out.
"Sano, where have you been?!"
He slumped down across from him on the other bed with a grin.
"They hired me as a janitor at the airport. It's been about a week now."
Kenshin smirked mischievously.
"Vous parlez francaise?"
He dodged at swat directed at the head for that. It was odd to see each other like this, after all those years working at the cash register of the local café in town, back in Japan eight years ago.
After much chat, the two of them laid back in their own beds, wondering about their own thoughts. Sano suddenly rose and walked over to use the phone.
"Shoot, I forgot to call her!"
"Who? Girlfriend?"
Sano rolled his eyes and replied tartly.
"FRIEND."
"Alright, alright."
"Hi, Jou-chan? Yea, it's me."
Kenshin lay nearby, listening intently to the conversation, though he could not hear the voice of who he was calling.
"Yea, I found it. Yea, this weird French person managed to fetch me the address. Yea, yea. Actually, I'm with a friend right now."
Sano threw a wink at Kenshin, and he gave a smirk in return.
"Alright. Yea. I understand, alright. Look, I won't steal. I promise. Okay. Have fun MS. KAORU. Hahahaha, alright alright! Okay. Bai."
Kenshin felt his ears perk up. Ms. Kaoru? Could that be...
"Hey, Sano?"
"Yea?"
"Who were you calling?"
"This girl, I met her working at the airport."
"What's her name?"
"Kaoru."
He froze as the name echoed deep into his mind. It shook him.
"...Do..do you know her last name?"
Sano began to cover himself up with his blankets.
"It's been a while. I don't even remember."
"Oh."
With that, he settled into his bed as well, and sighed as he switched off the light.
Kamiya Kaoru. The girl of sapphire eyes...
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter two is now ended!! This is just a simple chapter for 'how they will be brought together', so look forward to some upcoming waff for chapter 3!! I hope you liked it, and I appreciate all your opinions! Thanks! ^^
~Momori^^