Disclaimers: Rurouni Kenshin© is created and owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki, Shueisha, Jump Comics and Sony Entertainment. I am making this story for entertainment purposes only.

Author's Notes: Still in Kaoru's POV and continuation from the first part. Part two of two, and WAFFy! Enjoy!

Ironic Destiny

Chapter 2

The Destiny

-*-

I wish I could freeze the look in your eyes

The way that I feel for you inside

This is my moment

This is my perfect moment with you.

~Perfect Moment, Martine McCucheon

-*-

          Everything has past. It's already ten years later and I am attending the wedding ceremony of my cousin Christopher as a bride's maid. The woman he is marrying is named Hershey (no, I'm not kidding.). My other cousins and I love to tease him of his fiancé's name every time the topic came up. He gives a good scowl in return, but that never stopped us.

          And as every bride's maid, there was an escort. But, unfortunately, my escort did not come at all to the church wedding. Chris said there was no one else available to replace him so I had to walk alone on the aisle, which was so embarrassing. After the wedding, we all went to the five-star hotel he and Hershey (I still laugh at her name. I always think of chocolates when I say that.) decided to stay on their night.

          "There's got to be a very good reason he didn't come, Chris, or else I'll do something you'll hope to regret," I threatened while holding the bouquet of lilies in my gloved hand I was using to scold him. He laughed and took the flowers from me and threw it on the hotel couch in the honeymoon suite. "Hey! I was going to try and preserve that!" I glared at him.

          Christopher shrugged. "I can always replace it," He replied with a grin.

          I scowled. "Insufferable idiot," I muttered and lifted up my dress to stomp out from the suite and into my hotel room. I admit it was rather unladylike but it was something I did when I was younger when he teased me. Old habits die hard, I guess.

          I sat on the firm mattress and kicked off my high-heeled shoes. Massaging my throbbing toes, my thoughts went back to my younger years. Misao snagged the man of her dreams during college, as she narrated to me many, many times. To say that Shinomori Aoshi was my type was…well…Misao was persistent enough to melt that man's heart, I guess. (He was three years older than her.)

          When we graduated from high school, we separated into different universities. I took on the course of advertising. I lost contact of Kenta—he changed his location. We were practically neighbors before. Last I heard he was living in Manhattan with his family. Misao and I still kept in touch, which was the reason she was a guest here in the wedding. She and Aoshi plan to marry in mid-August. Takani Megumi, one of Tomoe's friends, was happily married to Sagara Sanosuke, one of the laziest but loyal bum I have ever seen. Tomoe…well, she became a popular fashion model and her face is almost on every magazine.

          Taking my shoes, I walked bare-footed towards Chris's room, feeling the soft carpet beneath my feet. The whole floor was practically covered with the velvet-colored rug. I frowned, smoothing over the tight-fitted dress. It wasn't my choice to become the bride's maid but Chris insisted. He took up law and…well…he won the case, as they say.

          "Chris!" I shouted, practically slamming the door wide open. Someone left it ajar and I was certain it wasn't me. I closed it firmly behind me when I went out. "Let's go! Don't keep the guests in the reception waiting!" I said, walking in the bedroom.

          I gasped.

          "Kenta?!"

          He was talking to Christopher in a deep voice I still remembered. It was him, right? His features, his haircut, his stance, his voice and even his scent were still the same. They both turned to me and I looked extremely rigid by the doorway. Come on, move! It's just Kenta. Relax. You're friends, right? You just haven't seen each other in ten years or so. Be casual.

          "Kenta? Is that you?" I squeaked. I groaned inwardly. Great. Perfect timing for me to go all like an elementary school girl with her first crush.

          And, to my utter confusion—or horror, whatsoever you choose—he was puzzled. He didn't recognize me.

          "Have we met?" He asked.

          For heaven's sake! Fate loves to play cruel tricks on me.

          "Kenta, it's me! Kaoru!" I cried. Did I change so much or did Kenta never really tried to remember me? To my fury, Chris was snickering behind him and I had to count until ten to control my anger. Do not let yourself be brought into embarrassment by the groom or Hershey will find her newly wedded husband dead on the suite.

          In front of me, Kenta's eyes suddenly widened and the sparkle of familiarity appeared. I rejoiced. He still remembered me! Oh, yes! My body was trembling from excitement. I finally saw him after ten long years of lost contact.

          "You must be the woman my brother was talking about, then," He said cheerfully, smiling. "Kamiya Kaoru?"

          I froze on the spot.

          Brother?

          "Brother?" I echoed out loud.

          He nodded briskly. "My twin brother. I suppose it's a shock since Kenta never really spoke about me." He explained and offered his hand. "My name is Himura Shinta, Kenta's only sibling."

          I shook his hand with shock. Kenta had a brother? Not to mention twin brother? He never told me anything about him. I never even knew of his existence until now.

          "I'm sorry, so you're my lady escort?" Shinta asked, an apologetic look on his face. Now, after all the excitement was put away, I can see the only difference between him and Kenta. Their eyes. Shinta's eyes were violet. It was so unnatural. "I explained to Chris why I didn't attend the wedding. I overslept and—"

          "He missed the original flight," Chris said dryly from behind. I forgot he was even there! With a soft groan, I pulled away my hand and blushed crimson. My cousin smiled knowingly and I was shooting daggers. I'd give anything to have his neck around my hand right now. I took a quick glance at Shinta. Well, almost anything. "Well, time is running. We have to go down and do the 'chat' thing with the guests." He sighed.

          "Where's Hershey?" I asked.

          "With Misao and Megumi," He replied. "Those two can be bad influence to my wife."

          I smirked. His wife, huh? His voice sounds so possessive. Wait till I tell my other cousins about this. We're going to have loads of fun teasing him for his entire married life.

          "Don't start," Chris snapped, as if reading my thoughts. "I don't want Lawrence picking on me later on."

          "Sure, sure, whatever you say," I told him, waving him off. He scowled and went out of the room. "Yeah, right." I said as an afterthought.

          Shinta was standing beside me, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Do you guys always do this to Chris?" He asked.

          I nodded. "Whenever possible." I looked at him. He was several inches taller than me and nothing more, which makes me wonder if Kenta was that small, too. "How did you know my cousin? And how come you don't study in the school where Kenta and I graduated from?"

          "Well, you see, I lived with my uncle in New York. Kenta decided to study here since he said 'Shinta's already here, why bother? I want to study in Japan.' Our parents agreed, since they were on business here. After Kenta graduated, our parents went back to New York with Kenta." Shinta explained. "I was on vacation in Taiwan when I met Chris. I was already friends with one of your cousins."

          "I see." Kenta concealed all this from the others and me. We didn't even know he had a sibling. As far as we know, he was an only child. "Why didn't Kenta ever spoke of you?"

          "He left NY when we were still angry with each other over a little child's fight," Shinta said, chuckling. "When we grew up, it disappeared, of course. It was over a trivial matter. He returned and spoke of you when I listened to his stories."

          "How is he now?"

          He smiled. "He's married now, to Yukishiro Tomoe for a little over two years. She's already expecting their first child."

          I gazed at him, curious. "And you? Are you married, too?"

          Shinta laughed. "No. I haven't met the woman my type—yet." His eyes twinkled as he spoke and looked at me.

          I turned away quickly, aware of the growing blush on my cheeks. "Oh. Come on, then! Chris needs desperate help when it comes to formal parties." I said. I was surprised when he took my arm and looped it with his. "What are you doing?" I inquired, my heart beating twice as fast. This is getting a little too intimate.

          "Escorting my partner, of course," He grinned.

          Shinta was making me blush again! If he has this power on me, maybe I should just paint my entire face red for the rest of my life. Here I am with a complete look-a-like of my long time crush and he could elicit such reactions from me.

          Oh, God, help me.

-*-

          The evening went smoothly for Chris and Hershey and completely horrible for me. During the bouquet throw, the flowers roughly landed in my hands. None of the girls even tried to catch it! When I glanced nervously at Hershey, she was smiling and sporting a thumbs-up sign. The so-called girls were giggling and smiling at me like they were victorious on a plan.

          Oh, no. Don't let me think what I think they did…

          Adding to my extreme embarrassment, the men also didn't try to catch the garter. It sailed in the air and landed neatly on Shinta's head! And it meant one thing: he would slip the garter up to my thigh. The look I gave Chris was absolutely the "look of death", as my relatives say. He gulped, but nonetheless smiled and hugged his bride.

          Oh, yes. They did do what I think it is…

          My face red, I sighed and sat on the chair, thinking of the inevitable, holding the bouquet in my hands. They're going to make me go through this whether I like it or not so it's no use going to the door and run in the entire hotel for my life.

          "They set this up!" I whispered furiously at Shinta as he kneeled and slipped the garter up.

          He shook his head and I saw the blush that fought the color of his hair. "I know! Please, please, don't remind me!" He half-pleaded through gritted teeth.

          "Pervert," I retorted. "You're liking this!" I hissed as I felt the garter on my thigh…with the tips of his fingers momentarily before he pulled it away. "I'm going to kill Chris and Hershey later!"

          "A kiss to the woman!" I heard someone yell. In the next moment, they were all chanting, "Kiss her!"

          I gulped. "Please don't," I squeaked, blushing. "Just don't listen to them, please!"

          He smiled warmly. "We have to please the audience," He whispered huskily before meeting my lips. His kiss was soft and warm, not at all demanding. It was sending shivers through my whole being. The kiss ended quickly, but for me, it seems like it lasted for hours. I gaped at him with awe. I was stunned speechless. I couldn't speak, couldn't move and couldn't even think.

Catcalls and whistles were screaming in the whole crowd. Normally, the kiss was not part of the plan but some people just want to make us very uncomfortable. Shinta was blushing furiously now. I suppose of all the years I've been imagining what would it be like if Kenta kissed me…this must be it. But, for some reason, Kenta was fast disappearing in my mind and Shinta was taking his place.

"I'll make you pay for this, Himura Shinta," I hissed at him, not really meaning it.

"I don't doubt it, Kaoru-san," He replied.

The man actually had the guts to smile!

-*-

"Now, now, Kaoru…it was supposed to be a joke!" Chris said later on as I advanced at him angrily, my fists clenching. "Hershey let me in on it! Sano was the one who was shouting for Shinta to kiss you!" He told me, backing away step by step.

"Oh, I see! You actually went for it! That was your biggest mistake, you idiot!" I snapped at him, shoving him to sit on the couch. I continued to stand and planted my hands on my hips, glaring down at him. "How could you do something to embarrass me in front of the whole guests? Your own cousin, Chris!"

Shinta moved forward. "Maa, maa, Kaoru-san…"

I glared at him. "Are you part of it, too?" I demanded.

"No!"

"I'll talk to you later." I said. I turned back to Chris. "Well, have you got anything to say for yourself?" I pointed out.

Chris's eyes widened. "No! Don't!" He shouted. I looked at him, puzzled. I didn't do anything yet. I followed his line of vision and stiffened. Shinta stood abruptly from the couch and picked up the remaining of the flowers Chris threw on the couch.

"Oro…" Shinta muttered. He looked at me. "Is this yours?"

I nodded, unable to speak. The flowers…

I mentally shook my head. Its just flowers! They can be replaced, right? The only remembrance of this incredible but also horrible night—except for the expensive dress—was crushed. Oh, well. I can always keep the dress.

"Sorry…"

I waved him off. "No, it's okay. I can always buy." I assured him. My irritation with Chris and Shinta was gone. Suddenly, I felt very tired. I looked at my wristwatch. It read 12:14. It was already late and it was a miracle I was still standing here with all the hectic things I did today. "Chris, mind I go back to my room now? I'm exhausted."

He nodded. "Sure."

I suddenly turned mischievous. "And, basically, you want to spend some time with Hershey, right? Have fun eating your chocolate!" I teased and laughed while going to the door.

"Kaoru!" Chris cried, blushing.

Shinta accompanied me up to my room. "Good night, Kaoru-san," He said, kissing me on the cheek. "I had a nice time tonight."

"You make it sound like a date," I told him dryly.

He shrugged. "It is like one, right? Until we meet again." He walked away without looking back. I sighed and closed the door, weariness taking a toll on me.

That wasn't the last time I saw him.

-*-

          It was three months later while I was drinking a tall Mocha latte in Starbucks that I met him again. It was a surprise for me. I thought that he flew back to New York after the wedding. I looked at Chris, who was sitting parallel to me. He winked. I groaned. They planned it, no doubt about it.

          "Kaoru-san," Shinta greeted. Chris stood.

          "Where are you going?" I asked him.

          "Hershey and I have other plans," Chris told me, taking his bag. "She wants to go out, so bye!" He patted me on the head then Shinta on the shoulder and went off. Shinta slipped into the seat Chris abandoned and smiled at me.

          "Long time no see," I told him. "What did Chris plan now?"

          "Actually, it was mine, so don't go blaming your cousin."

          I sighed. "Okay, what did you plan now?" I blinked blankly when he offered flowers. White lilies with violets and baby's breath. "Thank you…why?"

          "For the flowers I ruined."

          "I told you that you don't need to bother," I said but touched with his care. "That was three months ago. I didn't think you'd remember it either." I placed the bouquet in an empty chair. "I thought you already flew to NY already. Why are you here?"

          "To ask you out."

          My hand froze, as I was about to take a sip of my drink. "Excuse me?!" I asked, surprised.

          "Kaoru, would you go out on a date with me?" Shinta asked. "Please?"

          I stared at him for a long time, trying to make my muddled mind form a coherent word. He seemed so nervous and desperate. I smiled. If so, then I shouldn't disappoint him or myself. I don't deny I like him. I'll just have to spend time with him like I spent with Kenta to know him. Shinta might be the one.

          One answer was acceptable to both of us. It's time to move on. If Kenta can be happy, I can, too. I remembered saying that. I'll make it happen starting now.

          I held his hand. "Yes, I'd love to."

~Owari

Reviewers:

Eclipse17—unpredictable? Hmm…

Kimiko5, Beverlyhighland, Flyinangel777—thanks for reviewing! Please review some of my stories. ^_^

SilverLightning2it's good you can somehow relate. Thanks for reviewing! ^_^

Kyoko—don't feel sad now, ne? Kaoru's in good hands!

Psychotic Tanuki—Kaoru's fine now. I'm a real K/K fan, and I don't like them separated much. Thanks for reviewing!

Author's Notes: Ha! See, Kaoru got Kenshin after all! –jumps around- I love Kenshin but I really think Battousai's more of my type. Especially if he has those beautiful amber eyes staring back at me! –shivers giddily- Kenta and Shinta…if you take of the 'ta' in their names and add them, it equivalents to 'Kenshin', so it still is the same. See, the story has two chapters, just like I said! I'm so happy I got to finish at least this!

Please read and review! Comments and constructive criticisms are openly welcomed!