Standard Disclaimers Apply. I don't oen Rurouni Kenshin and the song 'Searching my Soul' by Vonda Shepard.
Chapter Two: It all starts with a little lie…
~~~~~
[Misao]
This is not a good day for me. I had always hated Mondays.
Okay, Misao. Remember what your singing teacher told you? Take a deep breath and use the strength of your diaphragm to project your voice. Following the exact instructions, I belted out as I continuously banged on the door, "Kaoru Kamiya! Get your butt out here this instant!" Ugh! Of all the days she decided to sleep late, it just had to be today. On her book signing. "Kaoru! Kaoru! Open the door!"
Silence.
I swear this girl is really getting on my nerves. "Kaoru, I know you are awake! You have book signing today!"
Silent still.
I gritted my teeth in irritation and threatened, "If you don't open this door this instant I'll barge in!"
Nothing.
Oh, this girl is surely going to get it. I narrowed my eyes and took a few steps back. One… Two… Three!
**BAM!**
I warned her but she didn't listen. Oh well, the door can be fixed later. I was so shocked when I turned to her. It seemed as if she didn't sleep the whole night. "Kaoru? Are you alright? You look like…"
"Like what?" she snapped as she narrowed her eyes piercingly at me, raising her eyebrows.
"Oh nothing…" I squeaked. I know that 'don't-mess-with-me-I'm-not-in-the-mood' look far too well. "Better fix yourself up. Jiya is already on his way. He better not catch you in bed. You know how he is. He'll drag your butt out…"
"But I'm not in the mood!" she whined.
Oh really? Like I didn't notice. I sighed audibly and with my most cheerful voice, I said, "Oh Kaoru stop that! You'll get in the mood once you see all those people lined up to see you."
"I don't think so."
I always knew Kaoru was a stubborn girl. However, no one can lose with my persistence. I grabbed her arm and coaxed, "C'mon Kaoru!"
"No!"
"But you can't back down. Everyone is expecting you there! The press will be there!" I pleaded almost desperately. You know what? Sometimes I ask myself why I even care. It's not even my career. But…
"That's where you are wrong Misao! Everyone is expecting a Kamiya to sign there."
"Oh no you don't! I know what you are thinking…" Oh please no! I know that line too well.
"Misao…"
"No!" Maybe if I say this over and over again she'd change her mind. But then again… I can use this for my own advantage… hehehe. I'll just play along.
"Please!"
"No!" I said more firmly, crossing my arms to my chest. I turned my back on her but I angled my face in a way that I could see her facial expression at the corner of my eye.
At this point, Kaoru was on her knees with her hands clasped. "Please pretty please with sugar on top? This will be the last."
Good thing my bangs hid my face or else she would have clearly seen the smile forming on my mouth. "That's what you said the last time!" I said with a firm and serious tone.
"C'mon, I'll give you anything you want!"
Bingo!!
I turned around with a sly smile on my face and repeated using my sweetest voice, "Anything?"
"Yes!"
Don't be too eager sister dear, I have thought about this a long time ago. I chuckled softly and said to keep her suspense, " But you have to promise me that this is the absolute last time that you'll ever make me do this!"
"Promise," Kaoru said with much conviction that you'd actually thought that she is in a court trial or something. "So what's the catch?"
Relishing my moment of triumph, I said slowly, "I want that shirt Soujiro Seta wore on his last concert, Tenken."
Kaoru's eyes almost bulged out of its sockets as she exclaimed, "What!? But you know I love that shirt! Did you know how many girls I had to wrestle in his concert to catch that?"
Well, you should think twice the next time you offer to give me anything, my mind mentally screamed. But of course, I can't tell her that unless I wanted a severe bokken-whacking this early in the morning. So I just decided to give her a knowing smile. "I know. I was there. So, do we have a deal?"
"Alright, deal. Now let's fix you up."
Here comes the torturous part. "Ouch, Kaoru!! Careful with the braid!" See? Oh well, Soujiro's shirt is worth it. I giggled softly as I raised up the shirt to my nose, inhaling his wonderful scent of… sweat. Oh well, at least it's sexy sweat not fat sweat. Now what? I am categorizing sweat? I should get myself a new hobby.
"Misao! Hold still! I have to tie it in a ponytail!"
I stilled myself, rolling my eyes and sighed, " Why do I allow you to do this to me?"
"Because I am your favorite sister and you love me?"
"You are my only sister, Kaoru."
"That's right! And I love you!"
Even if I can't see her face from behind, I knew she was smiling. She is sooo loving this. "Kaoru?"
"Hmmm?"
"I better meet some blue-eyed gorgeous hunk…"
~~~~~
[Kaoru]
After hours of soaking in the tub, I finally stepped out of the bathroom. I stood in front of my walk-in closet in silence as I allowed thoughts to flood my mind.
Now, what should I wear? You probably think that I am too vain. Not really. Let's just say that I fix myself up every time I go somewhere. Why? It's quite simple.
You'll never know when you are going to meet the man of your dreams.
I for one do not want to meet my prince charming wearing rags. Not that Cinderella wasn't appealing in rags, but I don't think I would want my love story to go in that direction.
After I picked out my dress, I gave an audible sigh. I had almost forgotten how tiring it was to fix Misao up. Nothing short of a warm and relaxing bath sufficed.
Well, actually it didn't do.
I still feel awful and irritatingly empty. I need to amuse myself. Take a break. Get my mind off things. I am not the type of person who watches television or movies to entertain myself. I'd rather that I go somewhere peaceful and think. That's it! But… where should I go? I know. I'll just go to the park and play with Dr. Genzai's granddaughters. Yahiko and Yutarou should be babysitting those two girls, just about now.
Wait! Did I just say Yahiko and Yutarou?
Then the park is a big no-no! I am looking for peace of mind not a major migraine. But, where else can I go?
Ugh! Nowhere!
Then it came to me. I'll just go to the lake. Why? Because that's where Prince Derrick found the Princess in the tale "The Swan Princess."
I am definitely losing it. But, as my mother always said, fantasies are free. That's why I am exploiting it to its very limits. However, there is one itsy-bitsy important detail thing she forgot to tell me. The price of making that fantasy a reality is somewhat…
Unattainable.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize that I was going the wrong way. Oh well, I have the entire day to make it there. I wonder what Misao is doing right now? Is she enjoying herself? I hope so…
~~~~~
[Misao]
Whew! This is so tiring! I can't believe Kaoru passed this one out! I haven't seen so many bishounens lined up. I am so getting used to this! I just flash them my most dazzling smile and they're at their knees.
"Hi! Thanks for buying my book! To whom shall I address this?"
"Souzo Sagara."
I scribble a couple of words, smile disarmingly at him and on to the next cutie.
O my. Can somebody please catch my jaw? I think it has plummeted to the ground. My! My! My! This is my lucky day! Tall gorgeous hunk alert… with blue eyes! I stared at him under the dark sunglasses I am wore. I swear, my face is exploding this minute! Keep you composure, Misao. Act cool.
"Hi! Thanks for buying my book! To whom shall I address this?"
"Aoshi Shinomori."
Aoshi. The name that will be forever imprinted in my heart.
Shit!
Did I just wrote it down?
"Umm… Aoshi-sama… I mean, Aoshi-san, your book seemed to be damaged, I… think we have an extra stock here." I stuttered nervously while rummaging the box beside me frantically.
"No need for that, Miss Kaoru Kamiya." With that, he took the book from my desk as I looked at his facial expression in horror. Wait a minute, is that a smile? I sat up straight from my chair and beamed at him. "I hope you enjoy it."
"Actually," he said. "I have read it already. Can I invite you for dinner so we can discuss its contents?"
This is my lucky day! I had always loved Mondays!!
"Sure, let's meet at the Akabeko about seven-ish?"
"I'll see you there, Miss Kaoru."
I stared at his retreating figure, gaping. He has the most beautiful butt! Just then, it came to me causing blood to drain from my face.
I am not Kaoru…
Ugh! I knew I hated Mondays!!!
~~~~~
[Kaoru]
I've been down this road walkin'
the line
That's painted by pride
And I have made mistakes in my life
That I just can't hide
Oh… I believe I am ready for what
love has to bring
Got myself together, now I'm ready to—
"Hey there, pretty lady!"
Ugh! That was my favorite part. I glared at the man who called me and continued walking away from him.
Got myself together, now I'm ready to—
"Don't be a snob pretty lady. I was calling you."
"Get your hand off me," I said icily as I looked at him incredulously, raising my eyebrow.
He tightened his grip around my arm, pressing a dagger to my side. He threatened, "Give me all your money or I'll stab you."
Oh, puh-lease.
And I suppose you are expecting me the scream for my prince.
No way.
I may want my prince charming to sweep me off my feet but I definitely am not a damsel in distress in need of saving. I can perfectly handle myself.
"Give me all your money or I'll stab you."
I rolled my eyes and with one swift move, I twisted his arm, took the dagger from him and punched him on the nose.
He took steps back, dazed at what just happened. He lounged at me but I dodged his attack easily. Gathering all my strength, I clenched my fist and gave him my most beautifully perfected uppercut.
"Now, strong man. Why don't you give me your money?" I smirked, waving around his dagger mockingly in front of him.
"Bitch!" he called out as he ran away from me.
Now that was interesting. This day isn't so boring after all. Now where was I…
Got myself together, now I'm ready to sing
I've been searchin' my soul tonight
I know there's so much more to life
Now I know I can shine a light
To find my way back home
I stopped singing when I arrived at the lake. I gazed at the picturesque view the lake made. It is really breath-taking. As I turned my head at the left side of the lake, I saw the most handsome man I had ever laid eyes on. And… he was staring back at me.
The man of my dreams.
Could he be my prince charming?
There's only one way to find out.
I fainted.
Author's Notes:
I'm glad you appreciated this fic. I wrote the first chapter when I was really depressed. Let's just say that this fic comes from the core of my heart just like 'Taking Chances'.
I still haven't thought of a plan for Sano and Megumi but if I got enough requests for them, I'll whack my brain for something.
Hehehe… surprised you there, didn't I? I didn't want to portray Kaoru as a damsel in distress so I made her fight the mugger. I based the fight scene at that episode when the police where looking for Kenshin. Kaoru gave one of them a mean uppercut. Hehehe…
About the Soujiro part… I can't help it I love Soujiro/Misao!!! I might write one someday… what do you think?
About the fainting part, I have a special plan for that. =) Read and Review!!!
Thank you to all those who read this fic and special thanks to those who left a review! They are so wonderful and inspring!
Himura Kaoru, Kori Suketchi, Marstanuki- yup, I know,. Many authors can really relate to her. In some parts, I can say that I am really the one brooding. Hehehe. But don't worry, this fic has many surprises in store for everyone!
Dementedchris- well said! Thanks for that! I never thought of it that way! ^_^
Tsuki-sama, Onna, KuroNeko-Sama, JK, M@ry, Hana-chan, Omochi, Winter- Thanks! More to come!! I promise…
Fanny M, SAGE- I'm glad to hear that the first POV thing I did was okay. I was kindda nervous about that.
Dora-chan- actually I got their names from the RK movie and the Daigoro Arc [or whatever that is called =)]. Thanks for the two reviews!
Twilight Mist- don't worry about Aoshi, I have a special plan for him that's why he can't be an actor! ^_^
Macy- I think being an action star would be great but I want to show his romantic and soft side. Ohohohoho!
Kyoko Saiki! Hehehe! Not just any star but a Soap Opera King! Hehehe
JML- actually I am more used also with the Himura Kenshin or Kamiya Kaoru but I think it would be kindda off writing an English fic yet their names are still reversed. I don't know, but since it is in a Japanese setting, it would be understandable. I don't know… ::shrugs:: ^_^
Gypsy-chan- THANKS for everything!!! You already know what I have to say, right? Thanks for inspiring me to be a writer.
Important Announcement:
I'm sorry to break this to you but I won't be able to post the succeeding chaps in the next couple of weeks. I had a lot of good feedback on this fic that is why I want to work really hard on the plot and on their character development. I don't want to disappoint you and myself. I love writing this and as I said earlier, this fic comes from my heart.
Deadly Family Ties is really draining my mind these days.
I was actually planning to make this a short six-chapter fic but I decided to make it longer so that I wouldn't have to rush the falling in love stage. I hope you guys can wait and not lose interest on the fic. I promise I will do my best to make the wait worthwhile. Thank you!
Read and Review!! More reviews the sooner the next chap will come out! ^_^