Gomen people! For some reason I couldn't upload earlier… *insert frustrated chibi-tesuka- chan* Well, here it is! ^_^

Author's notes: *Dancing her ass off * I WANNA KNOW… *shakes shoulders*

I'm in a dancing mood right now. A very happy mood… *grins widely* YEAH, YEAH! So to celebrate (I don't really know what the occasion is…), I am going to take the gang out dancing! *laughs evilly* BWAHAHAHAHA!!

Misao: TAKE COVER!

Tesuka-chan: BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Kaoru: KYAAAA!!!

Kamatari: NO! MY NEW GUCCI SHOES!!

Tesuka- chan: BWAHAHAHAHA!!! *evil laughter complete with outstretched arms and lighting*

Disclaimer boy: Scary.

Tesuka- chan: Just do your job!

DB: h-hai! The most beautiful Tesuka-chan owns everything in this universe! *strains away from torture device*

Tesuka- chan: BWAHAHAHAHA!!!

DB: but really, she doesn't own a darned thing. (Especially "James Dean" by Daniel Bedingfield)

*Bonk!*

Tesuka- chan: *holding the torture device known as 'the Big Hand'* BWAHAHAHA!

Warning: Ahh… desperate gay men. You'll know what I mean *winks and grins*

Mission: Frustration!

By Tesuka- chan

Chapter 8

Go!!!

*WHOOSH WHOOSH*

The sound of a nearing helicopter can be heard throughout the vicinity.

The chopper landed perfectly on top of the high rise building, its steel black body gleaming in the moonlight. Suddenly, men in black came towards the chopper and escorted the figure cloaked also in a black trench coat.

All of them moved towards the elevator that brought the whole entourage down to the basement.

The elevators opened.

All was quiet.

*snap*

With the snap of two fingers, upbeat disco music resonated around the basement.

*POW, POW POW POW POW POOOOW!*

Kamatari: *winks and started dancing outrageously onstage while singing*

I could be James Dean of the Music scene

I could be a big star like that man called Queen

I could have fly moves, be a dance floor dream

But if she can't seem to notice me

Then what's it worth now?

*POW, POW POW POW POW POOOOW!*

Diva Misao: *throws black trench coat away, revealing her red satin- clad body* C'mon boys… *wink*

Men: *DROOL*

Could have my teeth flashing a Brad Pitt smile…

Soujiro: *smiles creepy smile* Yeah, I'm the second coming of Brad Pitt. *grins*

Be wearing Versace 'cause that's my style…

Kamatari: *tugs on form- clinging suit* Gotta be Versace! Or Gucci, or Prada, or Valentino…

Could have my hair cut by the extra mile…

Sano: Yeah, baby! *shoves comb through stiff, high hair* Gotta love that hair!

But if she can't make it worth my while

Then what's the point now?

Diva Misao: No way, no how! *snubs men and holds up one gloved hand*

Desperate man #1: I wanna know if you're busy?

Desperate man #2: I wanna know if you're doing anything tonight?

Desperate man #3: I wanna know if you missed me?

All three men together: I wanna know, baby… I wanna knooo ~ ooow!

All three men began break dancing around her trying to grab her fleeting hands but little miss Diva Misao coolly slipped through them.

3 desperate men: *bawls*

Enishi: *pops out of nowhere, turquoise eyes gleaming, white hair stylishly arranged* Hey there, baby… *wink*

Diva Misao: *grins devilishly* hey, hunky boy! *began dancing with him*

Enishi: *moved closer to her, dancing* I wish that I could kiss your lips the way that I – I want to baby! I wish that I could be your man, I wish that you could be my lady!

Diva Misao: *pushes him away and began wagging a finger* Uh- uh! You're not the one! *winks, blows him a kiss and walks away*

~~~ on the other side of the room…~~~

Kaoru: C'mon Kenshin! Let's dance! *tugs on kenshin's hands*

Kenshin: Kaoru- dono!

Kaoru: *starts dancing seductively around him* What do you want, lover boy?

Kenshin: *blushes, hands twitching* Ororoo ~ ooo!! *nosebleeds*

~~~ by the stage…~~~

Kamatari: *took off his 'Versace' jacket and unbuttons his shirt*

I could be sly stone of the family crew

I could be big Bad Daddy Warbucks

And love you too

I could be knocked senseless by what you do

But if it's pain that I'm going through

It isn't love now

Raving girls: KYAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Kamatari: Sorry, hons… I'm here for the gorgeous guys! *winks at Chou*

Chou: *went as red as a tomato*

Men: oh well, since Misao rejected us… *whistles at Kamatari* Go hot stuff!

Desperate (gay) man #1: take yer clothes off!

Desperate (gay) man #2: show us what you've 'got'!

Desperate (gay) man #3: *hoot hoot!*

~~~ outside… ~~~

Yahiko: *pounds on steel doors* HEY LET ME IN!! WHAT'S GOING ON IN THERE!?!! I'LL BET THERE'S A PARTY IN THERE AND YOU JUST DIDN'T WANT TO SHARE THE FOOD!!! LET ME IN BAKAS!!

~~~ back to our Diva and her quest… ~~~

Diva Misao: *moves around the room, looking for someone* Where the hell is he?! *pouts*

I made up my own darned mind

I'm getting no love after all this time…

Aoshi: Hnn…

Diva Misao: *spotted him and smiled seductively* There you are! Kyaa! That white trench coat looks hot! Where did you buy that? Who's your stylist? You lookin' good!!!

Aoshi:???

Diva Misao: *starts approaching prey* Hehehehe… you're not going to get away easily! ACCCCKKKKK!! NEON PINK LIGHTS… BLINDING! Wha- where'd he go?? Damn! Lost him again!

I'm gonna make music 'till my brain is fried

Because you can't see the man inside

It ain't enough now

Aoshi: *moves behind her and places his huge hand on her waist* Misao…

Diva Misao: EEEP! Ooohh… even your breath smells good! *begins dancing with him*

Aoshi: … *moves along with her, dancing very 'sexily'*

Diva Misao: Oooohhh… nice ass Aoshi- sama! *stares*

Aoshi: *blush* A..a.

Diva Misao: Mmmm… looking good! *drool*

Aoshi: *face turning purple* Hmm… how about this? *opens polo shirt*

Diva Misao: tanned abs… *blissfully fainted, followed by a nosebleed*

~~~ by the stage… ~~~

Jiya: *pops in out of nowhere and began dancing* You're not gonna have all the fun! BWAHAHAHAHA!!! *shakes wrinkly ass*

I wanna know if you're busy

I wanna know if you're doing anything tonight

I wanna know if you missed me

I wanna know baby

I wanna know

Kamatari: C'mon, Chou! *shakes bootie*

Chou: *goes up the stage and begins dancing flagrantly*

I wish that I could kiss your lips

The way that I

I want to baby!

I wish that I could be your man

I wish that you could be my lady!

*POW, POW POW POW POW POOOOW!*

Everyone in the room went wild.

The music, the flashing lights, the heat, the sweating bodies mixing together in a rave.

I wanna know if you're busy

I wanna know if you're doing anything tonight

I wanna know if you missed me

I wanna know baby

I wanna know

I wanna know

Aoshi: *spins Misao one last time…* Oops.

Diva Misao: KYAAAA! I'M FALLING!

Aoshi: Crap.

Diva Misao: I'M STILL FALLING!!!

Aoshi: Errr… my arms are around your waist.

Diva Misao: EEP! YOUR ARMS AREN'T ATTACHED TO YOUR BODY! *shudders and tries to take off evil-arms-with-minds-of-their-own*

Aoshi: …

Diva Misao: HELP!!! STILL FALLING HERE!!!

*WHOOSH*


*BLAHGABAAAG!*

"Iteeee…" Makimachi Misao exclaimed as she rubbed her hand at the back of her head, her head still hazy with sleep. Ouch… what the hell..?

She blinked a few times, trying to remember where she was until it all came to her. The mission… sword… I'm in a trailer… oh yeah. But why am I lying on the floor?? She tried to stand up but something held her and she stumbled back down. Her arms and legs were entangled in the sheets. Irked, she shoved the sheets away and stood up panting and sweating from the effort. Damn it… no wonder my head hurts. I must've fallen while I was dreaming.

Dream… something about disco… and Aoshi… ehhh???

Come to think of it, that was some kind of a dream! She incredulously shook her head at the lingering images in her head from her dream. Sooooo weird… and she blushed as she remembered a particular 'someone'. She scratched her head and winced at the pain from her bump, "Must be a pretty hard fall to make me dream that," she muttered.

She stretched, yawning at the same time. She vaguely remembered laughing with Soujiro and the others yesterday, and her being unaccountably tired after the farting scene. She had decided to take a nap, which turned into a deep sleep that lasted until this morning. Her stomach grumbled, protesting for the lack of food. Hmmm… must check out the food at the mess tent. She started to take off her sweater and shirt.

"Hungry?"

Startled, she quickly covered her upper body as she turned her astonished gaze towards the source of the voice.

Oh no. Why the hell did that voice sound familiar? Maybe I'm still dreaming… maybe this is a nightmare of sorts… maybe it's not actually him…

But alas, all her fears came surging up on her as she stared wide- eyed at the imposing figure of Shinomori Aoshi coming out of the shower.

With only a towel on.

Crap.

She didn't know if she should kill him or drool. He was shaking his head, spreading droplets of water all around the kitchen area and down his perfect abs. He seems indifferent to her stares as he toweled his hair dry. Misao felt her pulse quicken and her throat dry up. OOOHHH HELL. What am I going to do? Why is he here? GAAHH!!! *DROOL*

For a moment there, panic welled up inside her but she forced herself to calm down. She quickly gathered her scattered thoughts and focused on her building rage.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

An eyebrow was raised. "Finished taking a shower."

"Excuse me, mister, THIS is my own trailer and I do not TOLERATE people who comes in and take his goddamned shower here even though his own shower is broken!" She babbled on, oblivious to the growing amusement in the half- naked man's eyes. "I'm a grown woman and I need privacy because I need to do… errr… womanly stuff! No one can just barge in here and shower in MY shower room! ESPECIALLY YOU!"

*huff huff*

"Don't you have a room mate?"

"YES! And that's another thing… I DO have a roommate and HE… could arrive… anytime…" Misao faltered, finally figuring out why her rival is here. Oh no. "…soon."

No… don't say it! Don't say those dreaded three words that will doom me for the rest of my stay!

"I'm your roommate," He patiently told her, running his hands through is wet locks and picking up a bag. He went inside the bathroom once again and shut the door behind him.

Double crap.

Misao collapsed to her bed, still clutching her shirt in front of her as if it offered her salvation from hell. Her eyes were wide with shock, face as pale as the moon. Of all the people… why? Why him? KAMI- SAMA! Is this punishment for everything I've ever done? For all the crimes I've committed? Why? Why? WHY?

Quit moping around.

Makimachi 'Tomo' quickly sat up and put on her tank top, green flames licking around her irises. Right… that's right! I should quit moping around! I'm not a wimp – I'm not a quitter! This isn't the end of the world… the game's just starting. And this just made things better… much more challenging. "If he want's a challenge, I'll give him a challenge!"

The bathroom door swung open again and out came Aoshi with casual clothes on. "Your turn."

Calm and cool, with the help of his shirt on, Misao confronted her rival.

"All right… if we're going to live together here, we have to set things straight."

"Such as?" replied the cold voice.

"Privacy. Bathroom time," she ticked off her fingers, "No bugging while working. Keeping things neat. No snooping around my things. No bringing of girlfriends…"

An eyebrow was raised.

"What? Just wanted to make things clear, okay? And definitely no… errr… um… funny business."

"Funny business?"

"You know…" Misao was blushing red, frustrated at how very high school- ish she was being. "groping, kissing and such."

His lips quirked up. "Believe me when I say that I don't plan on doing that. Besides, you're not my type."

"Fine. All good and dandy. Strictly business." Misao managed through gritted teeth. That's cool… it makes things less complicated. Right. Then why is she seething inside?

Aoshi made a slight movement with his head in agreement. "Strictly business."

Misao nodded firmly and marched towards the bathroom with her bag. She'll just have to live with it. Besides, they're still rivals. It's not like they're going to trade notes and help each other… circumstances just pushed them together. Kami- sama must hate me so.

She slammed the door shut.

Aoshi finally let down his guard and smiled with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Strictly business indeed.


Misao silently stewed inside.

First, that impossible man is actually my roommate and now he finished my precious shampoo! WHAT AN ASS!!

Other students scampered away from the incoming 'Tornado Tomo', as she was called, afraid that her temper might be suddenly directed at them. They had learned wisely that tornadoes are not to be messed with. And this is the worst incoming yet.

'Tornado Tomo' jumped into her car and drove away to the town proper where she can buy her essentials. I'll have to add that one to the rules: my shampoo is MY shampoo and no one else will use it!! Being able to locate a parking lot right across a quaint little convenience store, she parked her car there and went out to cross the street. Blinded by the lingering anger, she didn't see the truck until it was too late.

"Hey, watch out!"

Huh?

*SLAM!*

Something slammed into her petite frame and she rolled on the concrete road, accumulating cuts and bruises. She stopped limply on her side, feeling a heavy weight on top of her.

"Oh my God! Is she all right?"

"That truck driver just zoomed away!"

"Don't worry, I already called the police!"

Different voices vaguely registered in her mind as she opened her eyes. Still a bit hazy, she managed to make out the different people gathered around her… and the figure that was lying on top of her. Then 'it' stood up, letting her heave in gulps of air.

"Please, stand back. She needs some air," a low, husky voice said, urging the crowd. "I know her… I'll take her to the hospital."

No… wait… I don't want to go to the hospital… I'm fine… "I- I'm fine…"

She sat up, her head suddenly throbbing. OOWWWW…!

"No, you're not," the husky voice said again, firmer and reprimanding, "and I'm going to take you to the hospital."

She felt arms behind her knees and back as she was lifted up and carried to a car. Mind still hazy, she went through the clinic, got her small cuts and bruises patched up, and was finished quickly. She was given something to drink and upon consuming the medicine, her mind became clearer. Whoa. I should get me one of these…

"Doctor, is she all right?"

"Oh, she's perfectly fine. Only minor cuts and bruises. You have worse… a huge gash on the forearm. But not to worry! It'll go away in a jiffy!" A cheery voice said, making Misao feel giddy.

Wow… someone saved me. That stupid truck tried to run me over but this guy saved me! I wonder who –

The cheery voice by the corridor started talking again, "Yukishiro- san, I advise her to drink lots of water and get lots of sleep."

Wait, that's not right… why does his name sounds familiar?

"All right. I'll make sure she does that."

The door opened and a white- haired man with turquoise eyes and purple glasses peeped through it.

Misao gasped. "Yukishiro Enishi? What are you doing here?"

"Saving your lovely ass, I'm afraid," he quickly went in and carried the sputtering woman out of the hospital.

"This isn't necessary! I can walk!"

"Just enjoy the ride, will ya?"

Blushing to the tips of her hair, Misao looked away and clasped her hands in front of her.

"It would be easier if you put your arms around my neck."

Her face a deep red by now, Misao did what he asked and clung on to him. Why is he doing this?

Settling her comfortably in his black Benz, he quickly spoke first before she bombarded him with questions, " Let's go to a tea house, shall we? And I'll answer your questions there."

Misao closed her mouth, curiosity evident in her searching eyes. She certainly has a lot of questions! But she owed him that much to shut up so she waited until they were seated inside an amiable tea house, sipping green tea and eating dumplings. After a few moments of silence, she couldn't hold them in any longer.

"Why are you here?" she burst out, putting down the teacup firmly. "Why did you save my life? Are you checking up on me? You don't trust me to finish the job, do you?"

"One question at a time," Enishi's lips quirked up, "I'm not a computer where you get all the answers in the world."

Misao blushed again.

"Well, This should be able to explain some things. I'm here because I was ordered to check up on both you and Aoshi- san."

"I knew it!" Green eyes blazed. Now he's going to say that I'm a complete idiot and that he's taking me out of the job! The bastard!

"But I found out that you were doing quite well on your own, better than expected, really."

Oh.

"So I decided to linger around and enjoy the hot springs. It was a lot of good luck that I happened to be there when the accident happened." He took his teacup and sipped.

Errrr… "Well… Thank you… for saving my life." You bozo! You almost made a fool out of yourself… again. "I suppose I should apologize for being a bit rude."

He smiled a genuine smile at her. "Curiosity is not a crime. You had the right to know anyway."

She thankfully smiled at him, forest green eyes soft and warm. He's such a charmer… and he's really nice!

"You'll just have to be careful next time, Misao. What were you thinking about anyway when you were walking? You seemed preoccupied."

That damned Aoshi, that's who! Misao quickly subdued that train of thought and said, "Oh, just about some translations and meanings of some of those ancient texts."

"Ah… the business at hand. A very diligent competitor we have here." He smiled mischievously, eyes glinting.

"Hmm… yes. We ARE talking about 100 million dollars here. Who wouldn't want that kind of money?" Misao quipped, enjoying the company.

"True. Too true," he hesitated, then went on. "Ano… will you spend the rest of the day with me? But of course, if your head hurts, I'll just drive you back and – "

Is he asking me out? Well, it's certainly is nice to be APPRECIATED around here! She smiled, her face brightening. "I'd love to!"

Enishi's face lifted and he smiled at her, something… incomprehensible glinting in his eyes. "Thank you." He paid the waitress and stood up, offering his hand to her. "Shall we go?"

Misao nodded and took his hand.

Soon, she forgot about the shampoo… and the hidden meaning of that glint in those wonderful turquoise eyes.


A/n: MWAHAHAHAHA! Gomen, this took so long. I had to repeat the 'bonus' dream sequence because I didn't like the first try. NYEHEHEHE… I'm so evil… *grins* Oh yeah, that dream sort of gives you guys a clue, ne? hahaha!!! I love being mean! ^_^

Anyway, I might not be able to update much faster because school's coming up. GAWD! I'm a senior! *bawls* How time flies by… ;p Oh well, I hope you'll be patient with me! ^_^

Well, thanks to the following reviewers! (YAY! 100+ reviews! Love ya'll!)

Luli451: Glad you liked it! I was in a crazy mood… much as I am now obviously. ;P haha! Thanks for the support! ^_^

Cat H: Your welcome! I'm glad that my fic helped you cheer up! ^_^ Always loved helping. *grins*

DarkFairy: Uhh… this isn't what it seems like! (minnie me: what? WHAT'S ENISHI DOING HERE?) *bonks minnie me* I've got plans, all right? Anyway, let's keep the readers in the dark… *cackles evilly* Sorry 'bout that. Well, thanks!

Bee: I know, I just got kinda crazy afterwards. ^_^ Sort of lighten up the mood… but it was weird, I admit. Anyway, thanks for the review!

Kimura- san: nope, not yet. It's still kind of a long way 'till the end. ;p

MoonPheonix: Wehehehe… now you know the roommate. *grins* It's kind of predictable already anyway. Well, don't worry, I won't torture Misao… much. *grins* (misao: HEY! LEMME OUT OF HERE – mmmph!) ehehehe… oops.

Anonymous: Well, Soujiro IS cute… that's why I put him here! Hehehe…

Innocent Dreamer: Sorry, just thought you understood differently. :p Well, This enough for ya?

Nekonomiko: I'm deliberately making Aoshi an ass here… but he'll get better soon. ^_^ I'm not THAT evil. Gomen about the farting scene! I just remembered my own farting orchestra with my cousins and… oh. You don't need to know that.

EK: Nah, Misao's life is just exciting. Hehe. Thanks!

Kmye- chan: LOL. You like Gucci shoes? (kamatari: OH MY GOD! I found my soulmate!!!) *looks weirdly at kmye-chan and kamatari dancing around gucci shoes* Errr… right. (joke!) Anyway, Aoshi IS the badass for now. *grins* Don't worry… I've got it all figured out. Hehehehe. About the kiss… well, it would've been too soon and Aoshi just wanted to prove a point, the egocentric narcissist that he is… (misao: hey! Don't insult aoshi-sama like that!) All right… yeeesh.

C-ko: Hahaha… I know, I updated fast after the other one… to compensate for the long wait for this one. Haha! ^_^ LOL. Glad you liked that! ^_^

sLL: Thanks much! I'm happy that this was the first a/m fanfic you read… ^_^

Linda: Thanks! *grins widely*

Moonstorm: thanks! It's okay, I'm just glad you liked it!

Dallisse: You guess right! And you won half of Misao's money!! (misao: NO WAY!!!) okay… fine. *pout* But I don't have that kind of money so no bet… hehehe. ^_^ thanks for reading!

KYAAA! Thanks so much! Made me feel happy! ^_^ Please read and review!