I told you I'd be slow with the updates on this one at first, but
'Kaoru.the Saiyan??' is done (YIPPEE!) and I can move on to my other stuff.
I am working on another fic along with this one, but I think I can juggle
them. If you want to check it out, it's an A/M story called 'To Save The
Aoiya'. I think it'll be pretty cute! Anyway, read on and hope you enjoy
the next installment on this one!
Oh, I'm also going back to third-person POV. I tried writing this chapter three times in first-person and just couldn't get it right. Maybe some other day.
Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder Chapter 1: Parties and Shopping
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Kaoru ran from room to room, surveying the dojo and making sure everything they needed was packed and ready to go. Kenshin stood at the gate with Sanosuke, Megumi and Yahiko waiting for Kaoru to finish.
She finally came around to the gate and smiled at them. "Everything seems in order! Let's go!"
Kenshin didn't miss the forced smile or the forced cheerfulness in her voice. She was happy to go to Kyoto. He knew that for sure. But her usual bounce was gone. He hated seeing her like this and he knew what was troubling her, but he couldn't lie to her. I can't tell Kaoru-dono I love her if it isn't true. It would only hurt both of us in the long run. He lagged behind the group, thinking while they made their way to the train station.
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Kaoru stepped off the train, helping Megumi prod Sanosuke along. He had been a pain getting on the train, through the whole trip and then his legs were shaking so bad he was having trouble getting off the train.
Megumi tossed her hair once they had him on solid ground. "Really, Tori- atama! That's the third time you've been on a train. Haven't you been convinced they're safe yet?"
Sano just stuck his hands in his pockets and kicked at a rock. "Let's just go to the Aoiya." Getting picked on by Miss High and Mighty is not what I want right now.
Kaoru's mood brightened as they made their way down Kyoto's streets. She had been completely silent the whole trip, which had worried Kenshin greatly. Even more worrisome was the fact that when Megumi slid in the seat next to Kenshin and Kaoru had to sit across from him, she didn't even flinch. Megumi tried the whole trip to get a rise out of her, putting her arms around Kenshin's neck and making comments about how she was the perfect woman for him. She threw a few insults at Kaoru, but Kaoru had remained unresponsive, as if she didn't hear or see any of it.
Kenshin could see Megumi start to worry as the ride went on, but nobody said anything, hoping Kaoru's depression would pass.
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A loud squeal made everyone turn their heads and they saw Misao running at them full speed. "You guys made it!" She bulldozed the lot of them over to get to Kaoru. "Kaoru! I'm so happy to see you! We need to talk. Big time."
Kaoru nodded, knowing Misao needed someone to talk with as much as she did. They had the same problems in their relationships. Guys with huge walls and looking at them as children. Same deal for both of them.
Misao hugged the rest of the group, giving Kenshin an extra-special bear hug that knocked the air out of him. She dropped him unceremoniously to the ground and winked at Kaoru, giving her a chance to fuss over him. Megumi tried to butt in, but Misao grabbed her arm none too gently. "Kaoru has it under control. Let's all go to the Aoiya!"
Kaoru knelt down next to Kenshin and shook him slightly. "Kenshin, are you alright?" She gave a slight giggle as Kenshin blinked in confusion, trying to focus on his surroundings.
Kenshin heard her giggle and smiled truthfully at her. It had been a while since he heard her happy. "I'm fine, Kaoru-dono. Let's catch up to the others."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Misao and Kaoru sat upstairs in Misao's room, thinking about what to do to get the attention of their men. Misao had pretty much been going through the same things as Kaoru. She would dress up, he didn't notice. She would put on make-up, he wouldn't notice. She would act more feminine, he wouldn't notice.
So, they decided to put their heads together and figure something out. Kaoru sat propped against a wall, legs stretched out in front of her and Misao was draped upside down over a huge teddy bear. She had smiled at Kaoru when she had given her a funny look. "To help the thought process."
They had been sitting in silence for some time now. Kaoru rolled her eyes to herself. The one time I DON'T want my mind to go blank and it does. Stupid Kaoru.
Misao snapped her fingers and jumped up. "How about a make-over?"
Kaoru sighed. Must I really relive this every time I see her? "Misao, we've done make-overs countless times together and apart and they never work."
Misao nodded. "You're right." A slight pause. "What about brain washing?"
Kaoru hated to admit it, but they had tried that one too. "Misao, last time we got the tea cups mixed up and WE ended up passing out on the stairwell. Might I add, we were discovered by the same two guys we were going to brain wash. That worked well."
Misao snarled at her. "Don't get sarcastic with me, Kaoru! I don't hear you giving any suggestions!"
Kaoru ran a hand across her forehead. "I know. I'm sorry. This just gets so frustrating. We've tried everything and nothing has worked."
Misao got that glint of determination in her eyes and Kaoru inwardly cringed. She hated it when Misao got that way. Misao slammed her right fist down into her left palm. "That's it. We just let it out and tell them how we feel."
Kaoru's eyes grew wide. "Are you crazy?! They'll laugh at us. Tell us we're kids who don't know what we want, blah, blah, blah. You know that won't work."
Misao rose one eyebrow. "Got a better idea?"
Kaoru stuttered for a moment. "Well, let's just wait and see what happens. If we don't have another idea by tomorrow, we'll tell them."
Kaoru waited for an endless moment before Misao seemed to back off and nodded her head. "Agreed. We'll wait for tomorrow."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Kaoru followed as Misao skipped down the street toward the sake shop. "Well, Kaoru anything come to mind yet?"
Kaoru shook her head. "I'm afraid not. But something will come up."
Misao nodded. She looked around as they loaded the sake onto the cart they had brought with them and spotted someone she knew. "Kaoru, wait here there's someone I want you to meet."
She excused herself from the sake shop for a moment and returned with two foreign gentlemen. She gestured to each one as she introduced them. "Kaoru, meet Thomas Anderson and his brother Daniel Anderson."
The two men bowed and Kaoru returned the gesture. "Nice to meet you."
Misao beamed at them. "They'll be attending Jiya's party tonight. Two of the most fun men you'll ever meet! And great dancers, too."
The older of the two, Thomas, put a hand to his head and smiled. "Well, I don't know about all that! We try our best."
Misao giggled. "Just don't forget to be there! See you guys later!"
Kaoru turned to Misao after they walked off. "Where are they from?"
Misao went back to loading up the jugs as she talked. "They're from America. They moved here once the borders opened and started up a restaurant. They learned Japanese from Okina and myself. Two of the nicest guys you could hope to meet. And smart! They learned Japanese in just under a year. It was amazing!"
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After dropping off the party supplies at the Aoiya, Kaoru and Misao found themselves in charge of decorating while everyone else made the food. They hung streamers and banners and ribbons and cleared away a space for the band they hired to set up. Finally, Aoshi made his way into the room from the temple and Kaoru saw Misao's eyes light up even as her posture seemed to admit defeat. "Aoshi-sama! Will you be making an appearance at Jiya's party?"
Aoshi nodded briefly. "I don't usually enjoy parties, but it would be disrespectful to Okina if I didn't show up."
He turned to go upstairs and noticed a streamer that had fallen. He picked
it up and placed it back in its spot and continued on his way.
Misao sighed dreamily and then snapped out of it. I'm not usually some stupid ninny who drools over guys but here I am acting that way around Aoshi-sama. But then again, he fixed the streamer and didn't even need a ladder.so manly.
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Aoshi sighed as he shut his shoji. He was in love with Misao. Totally and completely in love with her. The problem was, he felt unworthy. How can I tell her I reciprocate her feelings, when I took so much away from her? The others were her family too, and I led them away from the Aoiya and never brought them home to her. I can't take what isn't rightfully mine. I don't deserve her.
And so, he would watch her from afar most of the time, wishing he could be with her. He knew it hurt her, but he figured she would find someone more worthy and forget about him. As much as it pained him to think about that, he couldn't bring himself to be selfish with her. He was convinced it was for her own good.
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Kenshin sat talking with Sanosuke as Kaoru made her way down to the party with Misao. Sanosuke caught sight of her and elbowed Kenshin in the ribs. "Doesn't Jouchan look pretty tonight?"
"She looks very pretty, Sano." Sanosuke winked at Kenshin and left.
Kenshin sighed inwardly. Sanosuke had left to give him and Kaoru some private time, thinking there was something going on, or should be, between the two. Kenshin had never thought Kaoru was unattractive, far from it. He believed she was beautiful. She had that innocent beauty that made her seem to glow. But, someone being beautiful doesn't mean you love them. For instance, Kenshin thought Megumi was a very attractive woman, but her sly and cunning ways were a huge turn-off.
He smiled brightly at Kaoru as she seated herself next to him. "Enjoying the party, Kenshin?"
"Very much so, Kaoru-dono. You and Misao-dono did a lovely job with the decorations."
"Thank you, Kenshin." She looked up and saw Misao make her way from saying 'hi' to Aoshi to the two American brothers they met earlier. She grabbed them from their seats and dragged them over to Kenshin and Kaoru. After all the introductions were made, they sat talking about all sorts of things. America was the most talked about subject since none of the others had been to America before.
Kaoru blew on her tea before asking a question. "What's the best place to visit in America? I always wanted to go there some day."
Daniel sat thinking for a moment. "Well, the west coast is the closest to Japan, but it's still unrefined out that way. The best place to visit would be New York in my opinion. Big city, lots of people. It's wonderful there."
Kenshin looked over at the young man. "If you don't mind my asking, why did you move here?"
Thomas smiled. "Adventure, Himura-san! We've always been interested in the Far East and when Japan opened its borders, we figured it was a good time to satisfy our curiosity."
The band started up a lively tune and Misao set down her tea quickly. "Okay, boys. Time to show Kaoru what great dancers you are. Let's go!"
She grabbed Kaoru and both men and the all made their way to dance, leaving Kenshin behind. Aoshi made his way over and sat next to him. "Battousai."
"Hello, Aoshi-san!"
Kenshin could tell Aoshi loved Misao. It was clear as day to anyone who could read ki, but Aoshi had too many demons right now to fight. If Aoshi wanted to be with Misao right now, Kenshin would try to persuade him to wait. He would be ready in time, but not yet.
They both watched silently as the two men twirled the girls around quickly, all of them laughing merrily as they danced.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
As the party wound down, Misao could tell Kaoru was turning something over in her mind. She would bug it out of her later that night. They were sharing a room anyway, so she'd have all night if that's what it took.
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A/N: And there you have the set up! Next chapter, things start to happen.
I had a reviewer ask if they had lip gloss back then and the answer is yes. All sorts of make-up has been around for centuries! It was made from whale fat! ^__^ Think THAT happy thought next time you put make-up on, girls! Hope you enjoyed and please leave a review! Hugs & Kisses!
Oh, I'm also going back to third-person POV. I tried writing this chapter three times in first-person and just couldn't get it right. Maybe some other day.
Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder Chapter 1: Parties and Shopping
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Kaoru ran from room to room, surveying the dojo and making sure everything they needed was packed and ready to go. Kenshin stood at the gate with Sanosuke, Megumi and Yahiko waiting for Kaoru to finish.
She finally came around to the gate and smiled at them. "Everything seems in order! Let's go!"
Kenshin didn't miss the forced smile or the forced cheerfulness in her voice. She was happy to go to Kyoto. He knew that for sure. But her usual bounce was gone. He hated seeing her like this and he knew what was troubling her, but he couldn't lie to her. I can't tell Kaoru-dono I love her if it isn't true. It would only hurt both of us in the long run. He lagged behind the group, thinking while they made their way to the train station.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Kaoru stepped off the train, helping Megumi prod Sanosuke along. He had been a pain getting on the train, through the whole trip and then his legs were shaking so bad he was having trouble getting off the train.
Megumi tossed her hair once they had him on solid ground. "Really, Tori- atama! That's the third time you've been on a train. Haven't you been convinced they're safe yet?"
Sano just stuck his hands in his pockets and kicked at a rock. "Let's just go to the Aoiya." Getting picked on by Miss High and Mighty is not what I want right now.
Kaoru's mood brightened as they made their way down Kyoto's streets. She had been completely silent the whole trip, which had worried Kenshin greatly. Even more worrisome was the fact that when Megumi slid in the seat next to Kenshin and Kaoru had to sit across from him, she didn't even flinch. Megumi tried the whole trip to get a rise out of her, putting her arms around Kenshin's neck and making comments about how she was the perfect woman for him. She threw a few insults at Kaoru, but Kaoru had remained unresponsive, as if she didn't hear or see any of it.
Kenshin could see Megumi start to worry as the ride went on, but nobody said anything, hoping Kaoru's depression would pass.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A loud squeal made everyone turn their heads and they saw Misao running at them full speed. "You guys made it!" She bulldozed the lot of them over to get to Kaoru. "Kaoru! I'm so happy to see you! We need to talk. Big time."
Kaoru nodded, knowing Misao needed someone to talk with as much as she did. They had the same problems in their relationships. Guys with huge walls and looking at them as children. Same deal for both of them.
Misao hugged the rest of the group, giving Kenshin an extra-special bear hug that knocked the air out of him. She dropped him unceremoniously to the ground and winked at Kaoru, giving her a chance to fuss over him. Megumi tried to butt in, but Misao grabbed her arm none too gently. "Kaoru has it under control. Let's all go to the Aoiya!"
Kaoru knelt down next to Kenshin and shook him slightly. "Kenshin, are you alright?" She gave a slight giggle as Kenshin blinked in confusion, trying to focus on his surroundings.
Kenshin heard her giggle and smiled truthfully at her. It had been a while since he heard her happy. "I'm fine, Kaoru-dono. Let's catch up to the others."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Misao and Kaoru sat upstairs in Misao's room, thinking about what to do to get the attention of their men. Misao had pretty much been going through the same things as Kaoru. She would dress up, he didn't notice. She would put on make-up, he wouldn't notice. She would act more feminine, he wouldn't notice.
So, they decided to put their heads together and figure something out. Kaoru sat propped against a wall, legs stretched out in front of her and Misao was draped upside down over a huge teddy bear. She had smiled at Kaoru when she had given her a funny look. "To help the thought process."
They had been sitting in silence for some time now. Kaoru rolled her eyes to herself. The one time I DON'T want my mind to go blank and it does. Stupid Kaoru.
Misao snapped her fingers and jumped up. "How about a make-over?"
Kaoru sighed. Must I really relive this every time I see her? "Misao, we've done make-overs countless times together and apart and they never work."
Misao nodded. "You're right." A slight pause. "What about brain washing?"
Kaoru hated to admit it, but they had tried that one too. "Misao, last time we got the tea cups mixed up and WE ended up passing out on the stairwell. Might I add, we were discovered by the same two guys we were going to brain wash. That worked well."
Misao snarled at her. "Don't get sarcastic with me, Kaoru! I don't hear you giving any suggestions!"
Kaoru ran a hand across her forehead. "I know. I'm sorry. This just gets so frustrating. We've tried everything and nothing has worked."
Misao got that glint of determination in her eyes and Kaoru inwardly cringed. She hated it when Misao got that way. Misao slammed her right fist down into her left palm. "That's it. We just let it out and tell them how we feel."
Kaoru's eyes grew wide. "Are you crazy?! They'll laugh at us. Tell us we're kids who don't know what we want, blah, blah, blah. You know that won't work."
Misao rose one eyebrow. "Got a better idea?"
Kaoru stuttered for a moment. "Well, let's just wait and see what happens. If we don't have another idea by tomorrow, we'll tell them."
Kaoru waited for an endless moment before Misao seemed to back off and nodded her head. "Agreed. We'll wait for tomorrow."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Kaoru followed as Misao skipped down the street toward the sake shop. "Well, Kaoru anything come to mind yet?"
Kaoru shook her head. "I'm afraid not. But something will come up."
Misao nodded. She looked around as they loaded the sake onto the cart they had brought with them and spotted someone she knew. "Kaoru, wait here there's someone I want you to meet."
She excused herself from the sake shop for a moment and returned with two foreign gentlemen. She gestured to each one as she introduced them. "Kaoru, meet Thomas Anderson and his brother Daniel Anderson."
The two men bowed and Kaoru returned the gesture. "Nice to meet you."
Misao beamed at them. "They'll be attending Jiya's party tonight. Two of the most fun men you'll ever meet! And great dancers, too."
The older of the two, Thomas, put a hand to his head and smiled. "Well, I don't know about all that! We try our best."
Misao giggled. "Just don't forget to be there! See you guys later!"
Kaoru turned to Misao after they walked off. "Where are they from?"
Misao went back to loading up the jugs as she talked. "They're from America. They moved here once the borders opened and started up a restaurant. They learned Japanese from Okina and myself. Two of the nicest guys you could hope to meet. And smart! They learned Japanese in just under a year. It was amazing!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
After dropping off the party supplies at the Aoiya, Kaoru and Misao found themselves in charge of decorating while everyone else made the food. They hung streamers and banners and ribbons and cleared away a space for the band they hired to set up. Finally, Aoshi made his way into the room from the temple and Kaoru saw Misao's eyes light up even as her posture seemed to admit defeat. "Aoshi-sama! Will you be making an appearance at Jiya's party?"
Aoshi nodded briefly. "I don't usually enjoy parties, but it would be disrespectful to Okina if I didn't show up."
He turned to go upstairs and noticed a streamer that had fallen. He picked
it up and placed it back in its spot and continued on his way.
Misao sighed dreamily and then snapped out of it. I'm not usually some stupid ninny who drools over guys but here I am acting that way around Aoshi-sama. But then again, he fixed the streamer and didn't even need a ladder.so manly.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Aoshi sighed as he shut his shoji. He was in love with Misao. Totally and completely in love with her. The problem was, he felt unworthy. How can I tell her I reciprocate her feelings, when I took so much away from her? The others were her family too, and I led them away from the Aoiya and never brought them home to her. I can't take what isn't rightfully mine. I don't deserve her.
And so, he would watch her from afar most of the time, wishing he could be with her. He knew it hurt her, but he figured she would find someone more worthy and forget about him. As much as it pained him to think about that, he couldn't bring himself to be selfish with her. He was convinced it was for her own good.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Kenshin sat talking with Sanosuke as Kaoru made her way down to the party with Misao. Sanosuke caught sight of her and elbowed Kenshin in the ribs. "Doesn't Jouchan look pretty tonight?"
"She looks very pretty, Sano." Sanosuke winked at Kenshin and left.
Kenshin sighed inwardly. Sanosuke had left to give him and Kaoru some private time, thinking there was something going on, or should be, between the two. Kenshin had never thought Kaoru was unattractive, far from it. He believed she was beautiful. She had that innocent beauty that made her seem to glow. But, someone being beautiful doesn't mean you love them. For instance, Kenshin thought Megumi was a very attractive woman, but her sly and cunning ways were a huge turn-off.
He smiled brightly at Kaoru as she seated herself next to him. "Enjoying the party, Kenshin?"
"Very much so, Kaoru-dono. You and Misao-dono did a lovely job with the decorations."
"Thank you, Kenshin." She looked up and saw Misao make her way from saying 'hi' to Aoshi to the two American brothers they met earlier. She grabbed them from their seats and dragged them over to Kenshin and Kaoru. After all the introductions were made, they sat talking about all sorts of things. America was the most talked about subject since none of the others had been to America before.
Kaoru blew on her tea before asking a question. "What's the best place to visit in America? I always wanted to go there some day."
Daniel sat thinking for a moment. "Well, the west coast is the closest to Japan, but it's still unrefined out that way. The best place to visit would be New York in my opinion. Big city, lots of people. It's wonderful there."
Kenshin looked over at the young man. "If you don't mind my asking, why did you move here?"
Thomas smiled. "Adventure, Himura-san! We've always been interested in the Far East and when Japan opened its borders, we figured it was a good time to satisfy our curiosity."
The band started up a lively tune and Misao set down her tea quickly. "Okay, boys. Time to show Kaoru what great dancers you are. Let's go!"
She grabbed Kaoru and both men and the all made their way to dance, leaving Kenshin behind. Aoshi made his way over and sat next to him. "Battousai."
"Hello, Aoshi-san!"
Kenshin could tell Aoshi loved Misao. It was clear as day to anyone who could read ki, but Aoshi had too many demons right now to fight. If Aoshi wanted to be with Misao right now, Kenshin would try to persuade him to wait. He would be ready in time, but not yet.
They both watched silently as the two men twirled the girls around quickly, all of them laughing merrily as they danced.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
As the party wound down, Misao could tell Kaoru was turning something over in her mind. She would bug it out of her later that night. They were sharing a room anyway, so she'd have all night if that's what it took.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A/N: And there you have the set up! Next chapter, things start to happen.
I had a reviewer ask if they had lip gloss back then and the answer is yes. All sorts of make-up has been around for centuries! It was made from whale fat! ^__^ Think THAT happy thought next time you put make-up on, girls! Hope you enjoyed and please leave a review! Hugs & Kisses!