Standard Disclaimers Apply.
Chapter Seven
~~~~~
[Aoshi]
As I was resting inside my office, I leaned back on my easy chair, closed my eyes and recalled a kiss that I shared with a certain unique and cheerful woman.
'See? Even a little spark will do you good!'
I wonder why she kissed me. I had never felt that way she made me feel in a long time. It felt good, warm, intoxicating and even… addicting.
My silent deliberation was cut short when I heard a knock from outside my door.
"Aoshi, you called for me?"
"Yes, Kenshin. Come in and sit down." I cleared my throat as a sort of a signal that our meeting was about business. I began, "As you know, we had just finished shooting the season ender of the series. The contract renewal will be tomorrow at Hokkaido"
"Oro!?" Kenshin raised his eyebrows, baffled. "Why does it have to be in Hokkaido? Why can't we do it here?"
"Well, I have some other business I need to attend to in Hokkaido so I told the lawyer to meet us there instead," I simply replied. I did have another business to attend to in Hokkaido. A business that would include a beautiful girl whom I had the fortune to meet.
"Oh, alright."
I knew Kenshin would agree. He is not a difficult person to work with. Getting back to the other reason why I called for him. I took out a folder from my stack and asked, "So? What are your plans during the season break?"
He shrugged and replied, "I don't really know."
I handed him the folder and said, "I have here the list of your offers."
The soap star browsed through them almost in uninterested manner as I enumerated, "You have movies, series guest appearance, music videos, talk shows and the like… which do you want?"
He closed the folder, looked into my eyes and confessed, "Actually, Aoshi, I just want a low profile during my short break. I want to enjoy this vacation for a change. I had always done movies during my time off and I feel that I don't have enough time for myself… to enjoy what I've worked hard for."
"I understand…"
I admire him for what he just said. Maybe I should that, too. Take a break and enjoy, but… I can't just leave my job. A director's job is different from an actor's. We don't have breaks.
"…Pack up. We will leave tonight," I said, returning to my previous agenda.
Kenshin nodded, "Alright." On his way out, he turned to me and asked, "By the way, have you seen Sano?"
"No. Katsu said that he was in the hospital."
"Why?"
"He got into another brawl."
"Typical Sano," Kenshin shrugged, grinning.
At least he gets the work done. I guess his bar hopping hobbies pays off because he meets the right people for the job. Strange, but true.
I turned back to Kenshin and offered, "I'll come by the hospital later because we have other matters to discuss, would you like to come with me?"
Just then, Sano arrived, "No need, Aoshi. I am here."
"Oh, so you have recovered quickly," I greeted him flatly, motioning him to sit in front of me.
"Che! I wasn't beaten up that bad!" he snapped back almost defensively.
Kenshin had an amused look on his face as he asked, "What happened?" Instead of leaving, he sat on the other chair as he looked at him expectantly.
"I ran into the wolf," he replied, scratching his head.
"And…" Kenshin pushed.
"I accidentally flirted with his wife."
"Saitoh has a wife?" At that, Kenshin was floored to the ground with a major sweat on his forehead.
"Yes!" Sano exclaimed incredulously.
With all honesty, that news had surely, surely shocked me. I wanted to burst out laughing, but I want to maintain my composure and act apathetic.
I had never been known for any outrageous reactions.
I just said, "Sano, I don't think there is a thing as accidental flirting."
"Of course there is! Who would ever think that he has a wife? I mean, did it ever cross you mind?"
"Good point," I replied. No matter how sometimes, I don't want to agree with this chicken-head in front of me. The news about Saitoh having a wife is kind of… umm… how do I put it?
Unnerving.
"So, Aoshi? What do you want to talk to me about?" Sano asked me casually.
"About the fresh new cast for next season. Here are some papers. I want you to go over them," I replied, giving him a folder which contained the characteristics and qualifications needed for the new actors.
After reviewing the papers, Sano gave me a cocky grin and said, "Hehehe… I have just the woman for you! She is perfect!"
"Well, if she is one of those untalented girls you want to impress, I have no time for her," I answered back curtly.
"Kuso! You haven't even met her yet!" he said defensively, almost as if he were… hurt?
Maybe I shouldn't have judged him right away. He does give me the cast I need.
I sighed in resignation and said, "Alright, alright. It's your job so it's your call. I want the audition scheduled next week. I don't care about your woman just do your job and find me the actors I need."
"Yoshh! You can count on me. Have I ever let you down?"
I don't want to remember.
~~~~~
[Kaoru]
Another day. Another signing. I am really happy when I see all those people lined up to get the book signed. It's very flattering and in the same way overwhelming. It's like I cannot believe that all those people appreciated my book. I am so happy that I can share to them my imaginations, daydreams, fantasies or whatever you call them. However…
"Kaoru wake up! It's time for your book signing!"
…wouldn't it also be nice if I had someone I can snuggle up and actually live out even 10% of the romance written in my book?
"Kaoru!"
Oh, well, I guess the only romance I'll ever going to get is the one I am going to write.
"Kaoru! If you don't open this door this instant I'll barge in!"
Three. Two. One.
I opened the door to my room causing Misao to fly in towards the opposite corner. I grinned at her teasingly, "Good morning to you, too, Misao!"
Misao glared at me and growled as she struggled to stand up, "Why you!"
Trying to tease her some more, I said in my most cheerful voice, "Oh, c'mon! What are you waiting for? We are going to be late!"
Misao stomped her foot and muttered under her breath, "Ugh!"
We were meeting Okina inside the mall so I was the one who drove there. We were listening to the angsty songs of Alanis Morisette when Misao said sadly, "Kaoru, I feel so depressed."
"Why?" I asked her, raising one eyebrow. Now, this is weird. Misao? Depressed?
"I miss him."
"Who? Can you be a little more specific," I asked irritatingly as I rounded a curve.
"Aoshi. I dated him two days ago and… I think I'll never see him again."
At that, I was stunned. That was the exact same time of my date with Kenshin and that am feeling the exact same thing today.
Due to my musings, I accidentally stepped hard on the gas causing Misao to shriek, "Hey watch where you're going!"
"Sorry," I whispered. Calm yourself, Kaoru! What happened between you and Misao is different.
Misao gave out an audible sigh and continued, "Just when I thought that he is the one…"
Ouch!
"…Oh Kaoru! If only you had seen him! He is gorgeous, nice with a thick blanket of mystery to boot!"
"Stop swooning Misao!" I reprimanded. Sheesh! I feel like I am hearing myself brood. I already have my mind bothering me and now I am really hearing it.
If this goes on I am going nuts!
"Heh! I got carried away again, huh?" she grinned sheepishly.
I actually felt guilty brushing her off like that but… I really can't help it. I must forget Kenshin or… I'll just sink down in loneliness.
"We're here," I said as I parked the car.
The book signing went on as usual. I was really happy at the beautiful and encouraging feedback I had received from my readers. They were wonderful and inspiring. I almost felt like writing again.
As I smiled at the person next in line, Misao tugged the sleeves of my shirt and whispered nervously, "Omigosh! Kaoru! Look!"
"What?" I looked at the direction she was pointing as I absent-mindedly signed the book at my desk.
"It's Aoshi!"
"Who?"
Smiling at the middle-aged lady in line, I bowed my head and asked, "Will you excuse us for just a moment."
She smiled understandingly and nodded.
Misao dragged me to the ladies' room and began to pace the hall. "It's Aoshi! The guy I met during your book signing."
"Really? Is he that a big a fan that he'd want two autographs?"
"Well, not exactly." She giggled nervously and began, "You see, we went on a date and..."
"What!!?"
Tell me this is not happening!
"…Well, he thinks you're me. I mean, I'm you. I kindda played along thinking that I will never see him again."
"Misao! What have you done!!" I exploded.
"Well…" she smiled, "he is a hunk! Can't you see!?"
"I don't care. You lied to him. You know you never keep this up for long! I suggest you tell him the truth now!" I reprimanded her.
On second thought, maybe… I should've told that to myself when I met Kenshin. But it's different because I will never see him again.
He left. Her Aoshi didn't.
Misao held my hands and looked a me pleadingly, "I can't! I don't want to cause a scene."
I give in. I guess, I shouldn't be too hard on her on this matter. I mean, I understand her in more ways than she could ever imagine. I sighed in resignation and asked, "So what do you have in mind?"
~~~~~
[Misao]
I looked at her smiling slightly and replied, "Well, you know…"
"Oh no, you don't!"
"Kaoru… please. Just this once. "
"No!"
"Kaoru!"
"No!"
Is this what they call karma?
Ugh! I know what this conversation will lead to. I sighed audibly and yelled in frustration, "I'll give you anything!"
"Anything?" she asked, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"Yes! Anything except Sou-chan's shirt!!" I answered back, smiling inwardly at my triumph! Take that sis! You should've thought of that before trying to trick Misao!
Kaoru looked thoughtful for a moment and then replied, "You have to sign in my place for two weeks."
"What? Two weeks? Are you crazy?"
"No." With that, she shrugged and headed towards the door.
I grabbed her shirt to stop her and agreed, "Okay, okay! I'll do it! Now, let's change clothes and beat it! You don't want anybody to get suspicious. "
We changed clothes and went through the agonizing part of fixing my hair again. Oh well, Aoshi is so worth it. Oh no!! I have to tell him the truth!
I held up my hand to my heart, feeling its quickening pace.
Can I do it? Will he get mad? I have to… I can't do this forever.
After fixing my hair, Kaoru embraced me and whispered to my ear, "Misao, you have to promise me that you'll tell him the truth within the day"
"I know, you don't have to tell me twice!" I nodded, giving her a V sign.
"Misao, don't forget to meet me at the carnival by 8:00!"
"I know, by the carousel in front of the cotton candy stand. I won't forget! Bye! Wish me luck!" I said as I bolted out of the lavatory. Whew! I just wish we didn't keep those people waiting for so long.
Fortunately, those nice people didn't seem to mind. I signed their books, smiling at each of them, feeling my body shiver in anticipation as another person step up.
Finally, Aoshi stood before me. I tried to act casual and greeted him, "Aoshi! What a pleasant surprise! Want your book signed again?" I flashed him my shiniest smile.
"Actually, I came here for another reason," he replied, looking at me with his piercing blue eyes.
Aoshi… stop looking at me like that. I feel as if I am going to melt.
"Which is?"
"Will you go out with me again tonight?"
I was totally taken aback. I didn't expect things to happen like this. No! I should have never seen him again so life wouldn't be complicated! What should I do?
I did the only thing I could…
I looked back at him and stammered, "Ugh… sure!"
~~~~~
[Kenshin]
The contract signing this morning went quite well. Everyone told me that the public were really anticipating what will happen to the show. That everyone was curious how the season will end and what plot is going to unfold the next. Everything seemed overwhelming but I still felt empty. I needed someone.
I needed Kaoru.
I looked up at the heavens and prayed silently, Oh God, please if Kaoru is the one, please give me a sign. I can't forget her… Please… let me know if I should keep on dreaming about her.
As I miserably walked the lonely road of the carnival, I heard a sweet song in my ears.
Kaoru's voice
"Misao! Misao! Where are you?"
I watched her beautiful face silently as I debated in my mind whether I should approach her.
Is this the sign I prayed for?
She stomped her foot on the ground and muttered, "Ugh! Thanks a lot for leaving me! Mou! I might as well go home."
Can anyone else look more beautiful in a pout than her?
As I gazed at her lovingly, her eyes caught mine. I stood there frozen, unable to speak.
She stared back at me, wide-eyed and whispered, "Kenshin…"
Author's Notes:The last time I updated was when ff.net got glitches so I guess the previous chap got the least reviews. Anyhoo… special thanks to the following who, despite the fluctuations, still managed to leave me their feedback. Hotaru Yukishiro Tomoe, Shiari, Shin-chan, Selene, Sync*in, Mistress of All Worlds, Hana Himura, Gypsy-chan, Onna.
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