Kyaa Kyaff here again!
Disclaimer: Kenshin & co is not mine.
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" Dialogue
Fragile Balance
Chapter 4: Misao's Party
The week passed quickly without anything out of the ordinary happening. Kaoru had convinced Sano that she would be fine in her own room. He would come in at night after she returned from work just to make sure there was no one in her room. Kaoru had not gone to the park to practice that week. She was more shaken up then she wanted to admit.
Misao's party was tomorrow. Kaoru was filling in for a late night shift. Misao wanted time to get everything prepared. Kaoru had asked if Misao had invited Aoshi, but she said she was too embarrassed to. Misao embarrassed seemed strange to Kaoru. The girl was always straightforward and abrupt. Kaoru decided to take the initiative and invite Aoshi for Misao. Kaoru was clocking out and hour earlier then usual having come earlier due to a rush and Tae being short on workers. Kaoru walked over to where Aoshi sat.
"Hi Aoshi," Kaoru started conversationally.
His reply was to look at her and then take a drink from his cup.
"Well, anyway Misao-chan wanted me to give you this," Kaoru continued.
He responded by sitting up a little straighter and then taking the proffered invitation.
"What is this?" he asked looking at it.
"It's an invitation to Misao-chan's nineteenth birthday pool party. You had better come." Kaoru said.
"I don't think so."
"You have to. If you don't go she will be heartbroken and …" Kaoru was interrupted by Aoshi.
"I will think about it."
'What is it with these guys? Can't they give a straight yes or no?'
"Great! Directions to her house are in there. Since I don't know where you live, I started it from the Akabeko. It's tomorrow. Bring a bathing suit! And don't forget a real good gift too!"
She didn't get a response, but she was fine with that. As she went to go find Sano she bumped into Megumi, who didn't look pleased at all.
"Hi Megumi-san!" Kaoru said.
"You better watch it Tanuki. Sano is my boyfriend."
'Where did that come from?'
"I know he is." Kaoru replied.
"If I find out…"
"Oi Megitsune," Sano said coming behind her and wrapping his arms around her, "Aren't you supposed to be working."
She gave Kaoru a I am warning you look before smiling.
"Yes, but I have a big tori-atama holding onto me and preventing me from working."
Sano let go of her grudgingly, "I'll see you tomorrow Megitsune. Remember we have to pick a gift out for Misao."
"Yes, now kiss me goodbye," Megumi said.
"I'll be outside waiting. You two try not to take too long," Kaoru said heading toward the exit.
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It was morning the next day an hour before Misao's party, and Kaoru was putting together Misao's gift. She had gotten her floater candles in the shape of swans to go along with the candleholder dish she had bought. Kaoru wasn't exactly sure to get her, but everyone seemed to love candles. She had also gotten her a big yellow duck. It was the ugliest stuffed animal Kaoru had ever seen. It had a small tuff of white hair at the top of its head with a weird color ribbon wrapped around its neck. In short the duck looked like it had problems.
Kaoru remembered when she had gone on the shopping trip with Misao; the girl had loved it exclaiming it was the cutest thing she had ever seen. She hugged it possessively not wanting to let it go. She had reluctantly put it back having spent all her money. Kaoru hoped Misao liked her gifts. Kaoru heard a knock on the door followed by Sano calling for her.
"Hurry up Jou-chan, or Megitsune is going to leave."
"Hold on a second." Kaoru yelled back looking around for her bathing suit.
Finding it, she grabbed it and the big gift bag with all the presents inside. Earlier that day Kaoru went with Megumi and Sano to go buy Misao's gifts. Nothing like last minute shopping. Opening the door she stepped outside to see Sano impatiently waiting. Honking was heard from outside. Kaoru rolled her eyes.
"We still have forty minutes before the party," Kaoru said.
"Yes, but we still have to find the place, and Megumi wants to be fashionably early," Sano replied.
"I wish she applied that to work too," Kaoru said remembering plenty of times Megumi was late causing Kaoru to work overtime.
The sad thing was she has only been working there for a little less then a month. Sano made his way downstairs Kaoru following with a sigh.
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What should have been about a ten to fifteen minute trip ending up taking thirty minutes. When they finally arrived they were only ten minutes early. Getting out of the car Kaoru looked at Misao's house in amazement. The house was huge.
'Why is Misao-chan working at the Akabeko?'
She remembered Misao telling her that she lived with her parents, who were obviously well off. Misao, however, was saving up her own money, so she could go to college. She said didn't mind living with her parents a little longer. Misao had told her they weren't home much anyway. Walking up to the door Sano rang the doorbell. A few seconds later it was thrown open by a very enthusiastic Misao. She was wearing her new green bathing suit top with a pair of shorts.
Gesturing for them to come in she said, "I am so happy you guys got here alright."
No one mentioned Megumi's skills at following the directions or the lack thereof.
"Gifts right here," Misao said leading them outside to the pool.
Kaoru's jaw dropped. She had never seen such a big pool, or such a beautiful backyard, especially in this crowded city. A table was set up away from the pool. A few feet away another table was set up with all different kinds of snack foods.
"Did you do this all by yourself?" Kaoru asked looking at all the decorations.
"Yep, I love throwing parties. Oh yeah, follow me. There's a bathroom right here for you to change in."
Megumi elected to go first. The doorbell rang again and Misao was off running for the door. Misao came back with four people trailing behind her.
"This is Soujiro, Okin, Omasu, and Sayo," they all nodded politely, "And these two are Kaoru and Sano. Megumi is in the bathroom. Well make yourselves at home."
The doorbell rang again, and Misao was once again gone.
"I wonder how many people she invited?" Kaoru said.
"Knowing Misao-chan, it was probably a lot." The smiling Soujiro replied.
Megumi finally came out of the bathroom. She was stunning. In a dark red bathing suit she walked out of the bathroom with an air of elegance and confidence. She had the body of a model.
'Mou! I wish I had her figure.'
Kaoru went in there next. Changing into her bathing suit, she heard the others talking amongst themselves. Finishing up she stepped out of the bathroom. Misao was coming back with more people a certain red head among them.
"Guess who showed up," Misao shouted.
Kaoru glared at her in embarrassment, but composed herself. Kenshin watched her intently. Kaoru wasn't sure how to react to this so she looked at the ground.
"It was nice of Misao-dono to invite me," Kenshin said coming over to Kaoru.
"I am glad you came." Kaoru replied glancing up at him.
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About a half hour later there was sixteen people out by the pool. Kaoru frowned though.
'Aoshi had better come or I will give him a piece of my mind.'
She looked over to where Misao was being dragged toward the pool.
"No! It's cold! Not yet! You can't be mean to the…" she was cut off as she was thrown into the pool.
Resurfacing she glared jumping up out of the water and going after Soujiro and Hannya, who had thrown her in the pool. Kaoru laughed then noticed Kenshin by the side of the pool. Trying to sneak up on him she gave him a good shove, but he was quicker than her and latched onto her arm pulling her in with him. They both came sputtering to the surface Kaoru holding onto him tight.
"It's so cold! Misao wasn't kidding," Kaoru said her teeth chattering.
Kenshin laughed struggling to the shallow side with Kaoru clutching him tight, refusing to let go.
'He definitely has a nice tone muscular body.'
At first he had seemed small maybe even a bit on the thin side, but seeing him without his shirt on made her realize how wrong she was. Her type was usually tall and built. No long hair either. Looking at Kenshin his long red hair plastered to his face, she wondered why she was so attracted to him. Kaoru was able to admit to herself that she did find him attractive. Kaoru didn't really know him, but she planned on getting to know him. Once in the shallow end Kaoru released Kenshin reluctantly. Backing up a bit she splashed water into his face.
"Got you!" Kaoru yelled swimming away from him.
He caught up to her quick grabbing her ankle. She went under a second before coming up and grabbing him by the shoulders and dunking him under. Then suddenly she was being lifted out of the water sitting on his shoulders. She let out an indignant squeak.
"That's a challenge," Sano said out of nowhere grabbing Megumi and getting her on his shoulders.
"Ohohohohohohoho! Tanuki be prepared to lose."
"Oh yeah! Come and get it!" Kaoru said.
"Chicken fight!" Chou yelled out, "Winner faces me and Kamatari!"
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Misao snuck into her house to get away from Okon and Omasu. They planned on tickle torture and Misao wasn't too keen on the idea. She heard a soft knock at the door. She wondered who that could be. Everyone she had invited was there. Opening the door her mouth dropped open with shock. Shinomori Aoshi stood there holding a gift for her in his hands.
"Aoshi-sama!" Misao exclaimed happily.
"Here," he said handing her the gift.
He started to turn to leave, but Misao had other ideas. She held onto his arm.
"I am not letting you leave," she said.
Aoshi almost seemed to smile at her words. Misao's face broke out in delight seeing him change his mind.
"This way," Misao said holding his hand.
Aoshi didn't mind. Pulling him out to the pool area she placed his gift with the others. Okon and Omasu appeared out of nowhere. Misao jumped behind Aoshi for protection.
"Where have you been all this time?" Omasu demanded trying to look at Misao.
Squeals of delight came from the pool. Misao peeked out from behind Aoshi to see Kaoru and Kamatari struggling to throw the other over, while Kenshin and Chou tried there best to keep their balance.
"Misao-chan," Okon said coming forward menacingly bringing her back to the current situation.
"Okon, I don't believe you have met Aoshi-sama," Misao said trying to change Okon and Omasu's tickling goal.
"Your boyfriend?" Omasu asked looking Aoshi over.
"Not yet," Misao replied before catching what she had just said, "Umm, ack! I meant no!"
"Well, he is nothing compared to Hiko," Omasu said getting all dreamy-eyed.
"Ha! Victorious again," Kaoru declared.
Misao looked over, "Aoshi-sama! Will you be my partner in a chicken fight? Someone needs to stop Kaoru and Kenshin."
"Kenshin?" he said mildly surprised, "I do not have a bathing suit."
"No problem. I have bunches of old bathing suits! Not mine, my older brother has some old ones he left here when he moved."
"I don't think so," Aoshi replied.
Misao began to pout, "Please!"
Aoshi sighed, "Fine."
Misao was once again grinning enthusiastically. Now she had Aoshi at her house and she was going to get him shirtless. Could life be any better?
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"Kaoru-dono, sessha thinks we have beat everyone now," Kenshin said.
"We make a great team," she replied.
"Now you just wait a second! It's not over yet," Misao called from the side of the pool.
Aoshi got into the pool quickly followed by Misao. No one noticed Kenshin's apparent surprise at seeing Aoshi.
"Himura," he said inclining his head.
"You two know each other?" Kaoru asked.
"Yes," Kenshin replied.
"It's time to take you down, Kaoru-san," Misao declared after getting on Aoshi's shoulders.
They attacked each other laughing and yelling at the same time. Everyone else lined the side of the pool shouting. No matter what Kaoru did she couldn't get Aoshi to budge and Misao wasn't going anywhere either. With a mighty push Kaoru and Kenshin fell into the pool.
"Ha! Ha! Makimachi Misao prevails!" Misao shouted in triumph.
Aoshi raised his hands up grasping Misao firmly around the waist before lifting her off his shoulders and putting her in the water. Misao's face was covered in a fierce blush.
"Time for cake and presents," she shouted trying to get a hold of herself.
"Mou!" Kaoru huffed.
Kenshin pulled himself out of the pool and held his hand out for Kaoru. She took it and he pulled her up and out. She lost her balance slightly and fell into his embrace. They didn't move for several seconds staring at each other.
"Oi! You two!" Sano shouted.
Kenshin and Kaoru jumped back from each other embarrassed. A pair of eyes watched them jealously from over the fence.
Chou and Soujiro came out carrying the cake lit with candles. It was still bright out, but one cannot have a birthday cake without the candles to blow out. Everyone started singing happy birthday. Misao closed her eyes thinking of a wish before blowing out all the candles with one breath. She had wished for Aoshi to like her. Cutting the cake she began passing out slices.
"Ice cream cake! I love ice cream cake," Sayo stated.
After finishing her piece Misao pointed her fork up declaring it was time to open the gifts. She absolutely loved Kaoru's gift. She jumped up and down upon seeing the yellow duck. She came over and giving Kaoru a big hug, squashing the poor duck between them. Finally there was one gift left. She had left Aoshi's gift for last. Opening it up her eyes widened in surprise.
"You remembered," she exclaimed jumping at Aoshi and giving him a huge hug. After a few moments he returned the embrace in a stiff manner to say the least.
"What is it?" Kaoru asked leaning forward to see what it was.
Two kunais lay in the box. Kaoru glanced at Misao quizzically. Letting go of Aoshi, she thanked everyone for their gifts.
Misao was truly touched by Aoshi's gift. She remembered telling him how she had been given a kunai as a gift from her grandfather Okina. He had started to teach her how to use it, but he had to leave. Practicing by herself, her mother ended up taking them away when she almost hit the cat one too many times. She had always wanted to learn how to use them.
"And now back to the pool." Misao ordered.
Standing next to Aoshi she asked, "Do you think you could teach me how to use them properly?"
"Yes," he replied.
That simple answer meant he would be coming over to help her. She was thrilled and began daydreaming about the possibilities.
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"No you have to stand more this way," Aoshi said coming up behind her and circling his arms around her while adjusting her form.
He felt warm and she began to lean into his strong arms. He held her close to him.
"Aoshi," she said turning her head to look at him.
"Misao," he replied softly before placing a soft kiss on her lips.
Moving in front of her Aoshi gazed deeply into her eyes.
"I lov…"
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A noise was heard from the house pulling Misao from her daydream. Misao frowned looking around and seeing everyone was outside. She stepped toward the house. As she did so a man opened the door coming out of the house. Kaoru's eyes widened in horror.
"What are you doing here? Do I know you? You have no right…" Misao was saying.
He ignored her and walked right passed her and up to Kaoru smiling.
"Kaoru," he said reaching his hand out to touch her cheek.
"Enishi," she whispered in disbelief.
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Wah! Her ex-boyfriend has appeared and even had the audacity to walk in on Misao's party. Well I hope you liked it! Tell me what you thought by leaving a review!
Next chapter will definitely be longer then this one!
And don't worry I won't keep you waiting long on this one!
On another subject. Never underestimate tickle torture. *looks around worriedly*
And that stuffed yellow duck was real! I was shopping with my family. I went into the stuffed animal section and they had a bunch of big bears. Well in the bunch they had a big yellow duck! It was the cutest thing in the world and I couldn't resist hugging it! My older brother said it was the ugliest thing he had ever seen. My other brother said it looked like it had problems. Sadly I didn't have the money to buy it! *pouts* But now Misao can enjoy the cuteness, yes! cuteness of the duck!
Anyway on to the individual thanks!
Crystal- I am glad you like this story too! Thank you for your constant reviews! They motivate me greatly!
Princezz Kaoru- I hope you liked the small KxK moments I threw in there. I am glad you like my story so much! Can't wait to hear from you again!
Alannah- Yay! You like both my stories. *big smiles!* Well, I'll be waiting to hear what you thought of this chapter too!
Chiki- Keiko's mallet. I'd like to borrow it myself once and a while! *big smiles* I'll be waiting for your updates patiently! You just make sure to take care of yourself! kay! That's an order, or I am going to send Kenshin over there… *Kyaa Kyaff stops thinking this one over* Hmm…I have a feeling I would end up sending Kenshin over with that threat! I will send Iwanbo over there then! Beware! Well, til next time! ^o^
Cascading Hope- Stan Rogers? Never heard of him! But I hope you had fun listening to him! I'll be waiting to hear what you thought of this chapter!
Lina- I'll be waiting to hear what you thought of this chapter!
Jason M. Lee- And you are correct! It is Enishi! *gives Jason a specially made cupcake* Yes, I can cook! Can't wait to hear from you again!
Apple- There was more Aoshi and there should be more in the next chapter too! I love Misao too! She's awesome! Hope you enjoyed her party even though Enishi seems to be crashing it! *glares at Enishi*
Isis 13- Hmm…Can't say just yet what's going through Kenshin's mind just yet! But I hope to hear from you again!
Leigh- Yay! Yep and it's likely to get a little more twisted! I am glad to hear from you! I'll be waiting to hear what you thought of this chapter!
Cevgar- Well you probably aren't reading this but I don't know where you got I was going for romantic came from. I think you were the only one with the perception that I was going for romantic. *pulls out her shinai* I am ready to defend my reviewers! Criticize me but not them kay? Kaoru abused yes, broken hell no! But it was nice hearing from you in any event.
Misanagi- I updated! And I hope you enjoyed this chapter too! Please tell me what you thought!
Shizuka- Hiya! Nice hearing from you! Loved the review! I know I am not revealing too much yet but I will!
Omochi- nice hearing from you again! Thank you for your constant reviews! My motivation! Hope to hear your thoughts on the chapter!
Tesuka-chan- I love your reviews!!!!!! Such a motivation! Thank you so much! Can't wait to hear your opinion on this chapter too!
Marstanuki- I hope you are feeling better now! *hands marstanuki a homemade cupcake* here! It's nice hearing from you again!
Sujakata- Megumi will be coming more! So will Misao! Hit me I am sexy! Yep! That's a definitely appropriate sign! I agree with you! More info on her ex is coming up *smacks forehead* well obviously since he is kind of interrupting Misao's party!
Kamimura Kaoru- Pleasure hearing from you again! Please tell me what you thought of this chapter too!
Sabrina-star- Yep! Sano was the perfect candidate for a sweet guy! Gruff but sweet! Thank you for your reviews! Hope to hear from you again.
Vesca- Hope you liked the pool party! Yeah I would be freaking out too! But Kaoru has been through some things and kept herself calm. *shakes head* yep I would definitely bean the intruder with one of my hard back cover books.
Gypsy-chan- Yep! I will be putting up a warning saying it's going to get kinda dark! Thanks for the suggestion! Please tell me what you thought of the chappie!
TwinBakaNekos- Kawaii! I love your name! Reminds me of Fruits Basket and Kyo-kun! *stares dreamily at a picture of Kyo* but anyway here's the next chapter! Hope you enjoyed!
Jim- Thanks for your constant reviews. *scrunches face* cute lil face?! Grrrr! *pulls out her shinai from nowhere* you better watch it! But anyway *hides shinai behind her back conspicuously* hope to hear from you again.
Test- I guess if you want to find out you will have to keep reading! I hope you do!
Kame Hime- Here's the next chapter, and it's Ms. Author woman! No offense taken! Please tell me what you thought of this chapter! I'll be waiting!
*wipes sweat from brow* there was a whole lot of you wonderful reviewers!
^o^ ^_^ ^o^ ^_^ ^o^ ^_^ ^o^ ^_^ ^o^
An exhausted Kyaa Kyaff saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
