Enigma
A/n: lol, I guess it's been a while since the first chapter. Thanks so much for the reviews! ^o^ Disclaimer: Don't own any of RK.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 2: Tell Him
"SANOSUKE SAGARA!!!"
I swear, that teacher has got to get a life. He keeps on bugging me, and now, he's on a rampage again, stomping along the halls like an enraged bull... not that he looked anything like a bull, not even a starved one.
"Wait till I get my hands on that rooster-head..."
Ok... I think he's lost it, pacing around the hallways and mumbling to himself. I wonder what got his scrawny little rear end so miffed... I mean, all I did was knock him out cold with a basketball... and it wasn't even intentional! Not my fault if we've got a twig for a basketball coach...
Finally, he left, grumbling something about insolent punks who will someday become the plague of society. Sure, teachers just love to say that, don't they?
I crawled out from my hiding place under the teacher's desk. A quick glance at my wristwatch told me it was already ten minutes past 4:00. Damn, if I wasn't playing hide and seek with Teacher Twig (a name I made up by the way at the cost of a detention) I wouldn't be late for Kenshin's match.
I sprinted out of the classroom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He stood with his little back straight and proud. A few strands of his bright red hair escaped from the confines of the leather headgear. He wore a white hakama beneath the dark kendo outfit.
I couldn't see his face under the headgear, but I wonder if he's wearing the same expression he had yesterday, amber eyes narrowing into glowing slits...
I was one who thought fighting was all about broken bones and bruises, but this one almost seemed like dancing along a silent tune. The Shinomori guy wasn't bad either, of course, being the Kendo Club Captain and all, but Kenshin...
"Kenshin! Look out!" I screamed before I could stop myself, involuntarily taking a step forward when Shinomori swung his shinai in a forward attack, the tip almost brushing the base of Kenshin's throat. Damn that guy... if he ever so much as give Kenshin a scratch--
"He's good..."
I glance at a group of senior club members, who were intently observing the match a few feet away from me.
"Yeah, he's good, isn't he?"
"I can't believe it..."
Ch, they're obviously talking about their esteemed captain. I don't care, they can flatter that guy's hide all they want, I just don't want Kenshin hurt in any way.
I gripped the edge of the bench tighter when another swing almost landed on Kenshin's shoulder.
"Damn it!" I hissed between gritted teeth when Shinomori made another forward thrust of his shinai, narrowly missing Kenshin's chest.
"He's really good..."
The seniors went on, whispering to each other, almost sickeningly sounding like giggling schoolgirls.
"Ahh..."
"He is, isn't he? His form is perfect too."
Shit, I know I said I didn't mind them flattering Shinomori like senseless twits... but if it was at the cost of Kenshin's safety, now that I wouldn't stand for.
I stood so abruptly the small wooden bench toppled. Within a few strides, I had one of the guys by the collar. They all gaped at me in shock, but I didn't care. I was already frustrated enough not being able to do anything for Kenshin while they blabber never ending praises for that Shinomori guy.
"What?! Are you his cheerleading squad or something? Why don't you wear skirts and shake pompoms then?!"
The guy whose collar I held tightly on my fist stared at me with wide, surprised eyes. He was probably more shocked than frightened, for after a few seconds, he slapped my hand away regaining that superior look of a senior looking down at an underclassman.
"What the hell is your problem? You were that guy yesterday too, right? You punk!" he snarled, taking a step back so he wouldn't have so look up to me since I was indeed a few inches taller.
I stood my ground. They had surrounded me, but if it came to a fist brawl, I could take these kendo wimps down within ten minutes. I shoved my hands on my pockets.
"I'm just saying quit flattering your captain. He's good, I get the point. You don't have to say it a hundred times... sempai."
A slight pause followed.
"Go away kid, you're an idiot," one of them finally muttered.
I've been called many kinds of idiot before... but not my fault when I was in that bad of a mood.
I raised a fist, ready to strike the cocky bastard straight in the face, they had me surrounded before I realized it. A couple seniors held both my arms, a few others restraining me by the waist. I hate to admit it, but I couldn't move. Apparently, they weren't as weak as they looked. My only consolation was that Kenshin couldn't see me in that humiliating position...
Or so I thought.
"Oro? What are you doing, Sano?"
He stood a few meters away, his sweat making a few strands of his fiery hair cling to the sides of his small face. He carried the headgear on one arm, the other casually holding the shinai so that the tip touched the wooden floor. He was smiling, his cheeks glowing with a pleasant radiance. He looked so much like a boy who had just won his first swordplay... yet the disheveled hair, the glowing eyes made gave him a certain look of a warrior who just had his victory at the battlefield.
"Sano?"
Oh crap, I think I stared too long. The only thing I dislike being with Kenshin... is that I always blush. And damn, it's totally ruining my reputation.
But somehow, I didn't care.
"Kenshin! Are you okay? Did that guy hurt you or anything?" the words came out before I could stop them. Yes, I was concerned about Kenshin, but I truly didn't intend to sound like a lovesick fool...
He blinked. Ah, I wish he'd stop doing that. Funny how a few weeks ago, "cute" was never in my vocabulary... but Kenshin... Kenshin was just everything that is "cute".
"Ha-hai. I'm fine. Thanks for your concern, but what were you doing again?"
Well, I realized we still haven't moved from our previous position. I glanced around, taking note of a couple of seniors still restraining my arms on both sides, one other grabbing my collar with a fist suspended in the air as if ready to strike.
In a mutual silent truce, they let go of me. We dusted out clothes, giving awkward chuckles while doing so. I still didn't understand what happened, but somehow, I think Kenshin's got something to do with it. Perhaps his presence unnerved the seniors as well. I really didn't know. But it got me out of trouble... so all is well and good... I guess...
Then I realized what it was. I noticed at least of couple of them ogling at Kenshin as well. I gritted my teeth. I sure wasn't pleased.
"Well they were saying bad things about you Kenshin!" I blurted out, and even I realized how foolish and childish I was acting.
One of the seniors glared at me.
"We were praising Himura-san, bakayarou!"
I simmered. Damn idiots... trying to get on Kenshin's good side eh? Not when I'm alive dammit!
"What are you talking about, didn't you guys just--" I began to snarl back, but a voice that I never wanted to hear again cut me off. And it wasn't helping my already sour mood.
"Very good indeed, Himura-kun."
It was that Shinomori guy... or should I say, Shinomori-sempai? Cheh.
"Ah, arigatou sempai, but I guess I just got a bit lucky..." Kenshin trailed off, rubbing the back of his head. Aw, the guy is just too modest... but wait a minute... did he mean...
"Wait, so you guys finished the match already? Who won?" I demanded. How the hell could I have forgotten about THAT!
Shinomori gave me that you're-an-idiot look again. Gah, I swear, I'll skin the guy alive the first chance I get!
"You're an idiot."
Ok... so I guess a look wasn't good enough, he just had to say it out loud. GRRR.
"I wasn't asking you, smartass," I shot back.
"Maa maa, Sano..." Kenshin began. I knew he was trying to restrain me, and I knew I was being too hot-headed even more so than usual. I gave Shinomori one last glare before turning back to Kenshin.
"So, who won?"
He smiled.
"Well... that is..."
"As I was saying, very good, Himura-kun," Shinomori interrupted yet again. "You intentionally narrowly avoided each of my attacks as if you knew exactly where they would land. Starting tomorrow, you will come here after your classes then."
I paused... then that means Kenshin had won!
I felt so glad I wanted to take him into my arms. Tell him how wonderful he was... tell him how beautiful he was... tell him...
But too bad, it seemed that someone else also had the same train of thoughts.
Shinomori bent closer so that their faces were but mere inches away. He extended his arms to both of Kenshin's side, leaning close enough so that his knee brushed the folds of Kenshin's hakama. Somehow, almost from afar, I could hear Kenshin's small surprised "Oro". But I stayed rooted to where I stood. Never before did I feel so many emotions rushing in all at once... surprise... anger... confusion...
I swear... if he...
Just as I was about ready to launch at them and pull them apart, Shinomori stepped back, Kenshin's borrowed headgear and shinai on both of his hands.
"I'll be taking these then, I'll see you tomorrow, Himura-kun," he added, before haughtily turning on his heels and walking off. The others followed (whom, I have forgotten, were watching us all the while to my extreme humiliation by the way).
I had forgotten all my other sentiments... my anger when I thought Kenshin was going to be defeated, my disappointment when I missed most of Kenshin's match, even my fury when I thought Shinomori was going to kiss Kenshin. All that remained was... fear.
There was no way in hell I was going to leave Kenshin and that guy alone ever again!
"I'm joining the kendo club too!" I declared without much thought.
Shinomori stopped on his tracks. And for the first time, I heard him laugh.
Kenshin only said "Oro"
And damn I was pissed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That day I took the train home. I usually just walk since it wouldn't take me more than ten minutes, but my sister had told me to hurry home... something about fixing the light bulb in the kitchen or something like that.
I stood near the exit at the rear end of the train, squeezed between a rather large woman with a cheap perfume and a bearded man who smelled faintly of sweat, cigarette, and sake. Being around Kenshin's sweet scent of vanilla and mint, the suffocating odor almost seemed familiarly pleasing. Not that I minded being around Kenshin... just the opposite. But it also reminded me of how different we were... and how different our worlds were. Well, in fact, I wouldn't exactly know what Kenshin's 'world' was since after a few weeks, I still didn't know much about his life.
My thoughts went back to what happened during his Kendo match. I still regretted not seeing the whole thing, but he won, and I guess that was all I needed to know.
The train pulled to a stop. There was a little commotion, what with people either too eager to get off or too eager to get in. There were a couple of schoolgirls sitting across me; one of them was reading a Chinese magazine, the other kept glancing my way. I know, perhaps I should be flattered, but I just found it annoying. I tugged at my backpack and turn the other way.
"Oh my God! He's so cute!" their giggling voices were loud enough that half the passengers turned their heads.
My ears perked. Yeah yeah, a few had said that I was good-looking... but 'cute'?!
"Isn't he SOOOOO dreamy?"
Some people say I'm a hotshot... but dreamy?!
"I can die in bliss if I can so much as touch his hair..."
Ok... those girls were talking it too far. I can let them touch my hair all they want. Ah, it's such a nuisance being good-looking...
"But what do you think happened?"
"I don't know, I can barely read Chinese."
"Then why did you buy this magazine?"
"Coz this guy is cute! But I think I can make out some of the words. It seems that he's a teen idol in Hong Kong but went missing."
Well, bliss sure was short-lived... and disillusionment sure is painful. They weren't talking about me after all, but some guy in that Chinese magazine.
The train pulled to a stop again and I had to get off. I tugged on my backpack again so it wouldn't get caught with all the people trying to squeeze out.
One of the giggling girls bumped into my side, making her drop the magazine she was holding to. It flipped open.
I froze.
Red hair... violet eyes... 'cute' and 'dreamy'.
The pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly.
Kenshin...
A rather large picture of him... and a dark-haired girl leaning close against him... too bad, I couldn't read Chinese.
"Ah! Sumimasen!" the girl frantically apologized, wringing her hands before picking up the discarded magazine and darting off to make it to the exit.
For the second time that day, I stood frozen. I didn't get off the train until two stops later.
I ended up having to walk back home for another 15 minutes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
a/n: waah, this fic almost seems like it has nothing to do with RK ^^;; sorry ^^; (and yeah, I know Kenshin is not Chinese, shall be explained later ^^) anyway, please review XD
And I'll say now, this is GOING TO BE A SHOUNEN-AI FIC! So yeah, I know I said before that I was giving Kenshin/Kaoru Kenshin/Tomoe a chance... but sorry... no can do XD.
Ja ne!
Shameless plug: Visit and register in my forums Anime Lodge. Yaoi/yuri discussion is allowed.
http://www.invisionfree.com/forums/Anime_Lodge
A/n: lol, I guess it's been a while since the first chapter. Thanks so much for the reviews! ^o^ Disclaimer: Don't own any of RK.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 2: Tell Him
"SANOSUKE SAGARA!!!"
I swear, that teacher has got to get a life. He keeps on bugging me, and now, he's on a rampage again, stomping along the halls like an enraged bull... not that he looked anything like a bull, not even a starved one.
"Wait till I get my hands on that rooster-head..."
Ok... I think he's lost it, pacing around the hallways and mumbling to himself. I wonder what got his scrawny little rear end so miffed... I mean, all I did was knock him out cold with a basketball... and it wasn't even intentional! Not my fault if we've got a twig for a basketball coach...
Finally, he left, grumbling something about insolent punks who will someday become the plague of society. Sure, teachers just love to say that, don't they?
I crawled out from my hiding place under the teacher's desk. A quick glance at my wristwatch told me it was already ten minutes past 4:00. Damn, if I wasn't playing hide and seek with Teacher Twig (a name I made up by the way at the cost of a detention) I wouldn't be late for Kenshin's match.
I sprinted out of the classroom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He stood with his little back straight and proud. A few strands of his bright red hair escaped from the confines of the leather headgear. He wore a white hakama beneath the dark kendo outfit.
I couldn't see his face under the headgear, but I wonder if he's wearing the same expression he had yesterday, amber eyes narrowing into glowing slits...
I was one who thought fighting was all about broken bones and bruises, but this one almost seemed like dancing along a silent tune. The Shinomori guy wasn't bad either, of course, being the Kendo Club Captain and all, but Kenshin...
"Kenshin! Look out!" I screamed before I could stop myself, involuntarily taking a step forward when Shinomori swung his shinai in a forward attack, the tip almost brushing the base of Kenshin's throat. Damn that guy... if he ever so much as give Kenshin a scratch--
"He's good..."
I glance at a group of senior club members, who were intently observing the match a few feet away from me.
"Yeah, he's good, isn't he?"
"I can't believe it..."
Ch, they're obviously talking about their esteemed captain. I don't care, they can flatter that guy's hide all they want, I just don't want Kenshin hurt in any way.
I gripped the edge of the bench tighter when another swing almost landed on Kenshin's shoulder.
"Damn it!" I hissed between gritted teeth when Shinomori made another forward thrust of his shinai, narrowly missing Kenshin's chest.
"He's really good..."
The seniors went on, whispering to each other, almost sickeningly sounding like giggling schoolgirls.
"Ahh..."
"He is, isn't he? His form is perfect too."
Shit, I know I said I didn't mind them flattering Shinomori like senseless twits... but if it was at the cost of Kenshin's safety, now that I wouldn't stand for.
I stood so abruptly the small wooden bench toppled. Within a few strides, I had one of the guys by the collar. They all gaped at me in shock, but I didn't care. I was already frustrated enough not being able to do anything for Kenshin while they blabber never ending praises for that Shinomori guy.
"What?! Are you his cheerleading squad or something? Why don't you wear skirts and shake pompoms then?!"
The guy whose collar I held tightly on my fist stared at me with wide, surprised eyes. He was probably more shocked than frightened, for after a few seconds, he slapped my hand away regaining that superior look of a senior looking down at an underclassman.
"What the hell is your problem? You were that guy yesterday too, right? You punk!" he snarled, taking a step back so he wouldn't have so look up to me since I was indeed a few inches taller.
I stood my ground. They had surrounded me, but if it came to a fist brawl, I could take these kendo wimps down within ten minutes. I shoved my hands on my pockets.
"I'm just saying quit flattering your captain. He's good, I get the point. You don't have to say it a hundred times... sempai."
A slight pause followed.
"Go away kid, you're an idiot," one of them finally muttered.
I've been called many kinds of idiot before... but not my fault when I was in that bad of a mood.
I raised a fist, ready to strike the cocky bastard straight in the face, they had me surrounded before I realized it. A couple seniors held both my arms, a few others restraining me by the waist. I hate to admit it, but I couldn't move. Apparently, they weren't as weak as they looked. My only consolation was that Kenshin couldn't see me in that humiliating position...
Or so I thought.
"Oro? What are you doing, Sano?"
He stood a few meters away, his sweat making a few strands of his fiery hair cling to the sides of his small face. He carried the headgear on one arm, the other casually holding the shinai so that the tip touched the wooden floor. He was smiling, his cheeks glowing with a pleasant radiance. He looked so much like a boy who had just won his first swordplay... yet the disheveled hair, the glowing eyes made gave him a certain look of a warrior who just had his victory at the battlefield.
"Sano?"
Oh crap, I think I stared too long. The only thing I dislike being with Kenshin... is that I always blush. And damn, it's totally ruining my reputation.
But somehow, I didn't care.
"Kenshin! Are you okay? Did that guy hurt you or anything?" the words came out before I could stop them. Yes, I was concerned about Kenshin, but I truly didn't intend to sound like a lovesick fool...
He blinked. Ah, I wish he'd stop doing that. Funny how a few weeks ago, "cute" was never in my vocabulary... but Kenshin... Kenshin was just everything that is "cute".
"Ha-hai. I'm fine. Thanks for your concern, but what were you doing again?"
Well, I realized we still haven't moved from our previous position. I glanced around, taking note of a couple of seniors still restraining my arms on both sides, one other grabbing my collar with a fist suspended in the air as if ready to strike.
In a mutual silent truce, they let go of me. We dusted out clothes, giving awkward chuckles while doing so. I still didn't understand what happened, but somehow, I think Kenshin's got something to do with it. Perhaps his presence unnerved the seniors as well. I really didn't know. But it got me out of trouble... so all is well and good... I guess...
Then I realized what it was. I noticed at least of couple of them ogling at Kenshin as well. I gritted my teeth. I sure wasn't pleased.
"Well they were saying bad things about you Kenshin!" I blurted out, and even I realized how foolish and childish I was acting.
One of the seniors glared at me.
"We were praising Himura-san, bakayarou!"
I simmered. Damn idiots... trying to get on Kenshin's good side eh? Not when I'm alive dammit!
"What are you talking about, didn't you guys just--" I began to snarl back, but a voice that I never wanted to hear again cut me off. And it wasn't helping my already sour mood.
"Very good indeed, Himura-kun."
It was that Shinomori guy... or should I say, Shinomori-sempai? Cheh.
"Ah, arigatou sempai, but I guess I just got a bit lucky..." Kenshin trailed off, rubbing the back of his head. Aw, the guy is just too modest... but wait a minute... did he mean...
"Wait, so you guys finished the match already? Who won?" I demanded. How the hell could I have forgotten about THAT!
Shinomori gave me that you're-an-idiot look again. Gah, I swear, I'll skin the guy alive the first chance I get!
"You're an idiot."
Ok... so I guess a look wasn't good enough, he just had to say it out loud. GRRR.
"I wasn't asking you, smartass," I shot back.
"Maa maa, Sano..." Kenshin began. I knew he was trying to restrain me, and I knew I was being too hot-headed even more so than usual. I gave Shinomori one last glare before turning back to Kenshin.
"So, who won?"
He smiled.
"Well... that is..."
"As I was saying, very good, Himura-kun," Shinomori interrupted yet again. "You intentionally narrowly avoided each of my attacks as if you knew exactly where they would land. Starting tomorrow, you will come here after your classes then."
I paused... then that means Kenshin had won!
I felt so glad I wanted to take him into my arms. Tell him how wonderful he was... tell him how beautiful he was... tell him...
But too bad, it seemed that someone else also had the same train of thoughts.
Shinomori bent closer so that their faces were but mere inches away. He extended his arms to both of Kenshin's side, leaning close enough so that his knee brushed the folds of Kenshin's hakama. Somehow, almost from afar, I could hear Kenshin's small surprised "Oro". But I stayed rooted to where I stood. Never before did I feel so many emotions rushing in all at once... surprise... anger... confusion...
I swear... if he...
Just as I was about ready to launch at them and pull them apart, Shinomori stepped back, Kenshin's borrowed headgear and shinai on both of his hands.
"I'll be taking these then, I'll see you tomorrow, Himura-kun," he added, before haughtily turning on his heels and walking off. The others followed (whom, I have forgotten, were watching us all the while to my extreme humiliation by the way).
I had forgotten all my other sentiments... my anger when I thought Kenshin was going to be defeated, my disappointment when I missed most of Kenshin's match, even my fury when I thought Shinomori was going to kiss Kenshin. All that remained was... fear.
There was no way in hell I was going to leave Kenshin and that guy alone ever again!
"I'm joining the kendo club too!" I declared without much thought.
Shinomori stopped on his tracks. And for the first time, I heard him laugh.
Kenshin only said "Oro"
And damn I was pissed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That day I took the train home. I usually just walk since it wouldn't take me more than ten minutes, but my sister had told me to hurry home... something about fixing the light bulb in the kitchen or something like that.
I stood near the exit at the rear end of the train, squeezed between a rather large woman with a cheap perfume and a bearded man who smelled faintly of sweat, cigarette, and sake. Being around Kenshin's sweet scent of vanilla and mint, the suffocating odor almost seemed familiarly pleasing. Not that I minded being around Kenshin... just the opposite. But it also reminded me of how different we were... and how different our worlds were. Well, in fact, I wouldn't exactly know what Kenshin's 'world' was since after a few weeks, I still didn't know much about his life.
My thoughts went back to what happened during his Kendo match. I still regretted not seeing the whole thing, but he won, and I guess that was all I needed to know.
The train pulled to a stop. There was a little commotion, what with people either too eager to get off or too eager to get in. There were a couple of schoolgirls sitting across me; one of them was reading a Chinese magazine, the other kept glancing my way. I know, perhaps I should be flattered, but I just found it annoying. I tugged at my backpack and turn the other way.
"Oh my God! He's so cute!" their giggling voices were loud enough that half the passengers turned their heads.
My ears perked. Yeah yeah, a few had said that I was good-looking... but 'cute'?!
"Isn't he SOOOOO dreamy?"
Some people say I'm a hotshot... but dreamy?!
"I can die in bliss if I can so much as touch his hair..."
Ok... those girls were talking it too far. I can let them touch my hair all they want. Ah, it's such a nuisance being good-looking...
"But what do you think happened?"
"I don't know, I can barely read Chinese."
"Then why did you buy this magazine?"
"Coz this guy is cute! But I think I can make out some of the words. It seems that he's a teen idol in Hong Kong but went missing."
Well, bliss sure was short-lived... and disillusionment sure is painful. They weren't talking about me after all, but some guy in that Chinese magazine.
The train pulled to a stop again and I had to get off. I tugged on my backpack again so it wouldn't get caught with all the people trying to squeeze out.
One of the giggling girls bumped into my side, making her drop the magazine she was holding to. It flipped open.
I froze.
Red hair... violet eyes... 'cute' and 'dreamy'.
The pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly.
Kenshin...
A rather large picture of him... and a dark-haired girl leaning close against him... too bad, I couldn't read Chinese.
"Ah! Sumimasen!" the girl frantically apologized, wringing her hands before picking up the discarded magazine and darting off to make it to the exit.
For the second time that day, I stood frozen. I didn't get off the train until two stops later.
I ended up having to walk back home for another 15 minutes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
a/n: waah, this fic almost seems like it has nothing to do with RK ^^;; sorry ^^; (and yeah, I know Kenshin is not Chinese, shall be explained later ^^) anyway, please review XD
And I'll say now, this is GOING TO BE A SHOUNEN-AI FIC! So yeah, I know I said before that I was giving Kenshin/Kaoru Kenshin/Tomoe a chance... but sorry... no can do XD.
Ja ne!
Shameless plug: Visit and register in my forums Anime Lodge. Yaoi/yuri discussion is allowed.
http://www.invisionfree.com/forums/Anime_Lodge