Chapter 8: Why is it called 'homecoming'?
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A/N: to respond to a reader's review, YEAH, this probably sounds a bit like our life, since we are in fact STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL. We were hoping it made the story sound a bit more authentic, instead of just saying, "she was wearing this and this and he was so into that and then they made out and then they saved the world." Yeah, this is a HS fic, and we don't normally like any of them either. However, we have tried to stay away from stupid teen drama, as many out there already experience enough, and we instead focus on the happiness and friendship that these characters share. Such comradeship (in a non communist sense) is admirable in any era, not just the Meiji.
The only "mary jane" type figure is our dear friend Amanda, just because she kicks ass. We are a happy triad, so we couldn't leave her out. Besides, she doesn't really change the plot a lot. And it DOES make sense for them to have friends outside the RK gang.
Anyone else with objections?
IDLE HANDS ARE THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE DEVIL.
Statement made to save one's Ass: -Nope, can't disclaim. The stars are not in position.
-Stars. Can't do it. Not today.
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"AAAAAAHHHH THAT'S MY HEAD!!!!"
"Sorry, but you moved! Don't move when I'm holding a burning hot piece of metal next to your scalp!"
Kaoru winced as Amanda continued to curl her hair into a mass of graceful ringlets.
Megumi was across the hall in the bathroom, attempting to untangle Misao's locks. As the small ninja girl wore her hair in a constant braid, getting it to undo such a habit was difficult. Shiro was leaning on the counter as Misao sat on the closed toilet, having her hair yanked by a frustrated Megumi.
"I've unwound this thing five times and it's STILL going back into the braid . . . Shiro, if you're going to snicker, I suggest you do it someplace else. You aren't helping."
"Yeah, help Kuro with dinner," Misao added after another forceful tug. "He could use some assistance, I'm sure. . . ."
Just then, Tae knocked on the front door. Four girls clambered down the stairs to greet her. Shiro, having left the bathroom, opened the door for the smiling girl. Tae had left Tsubame at a friend's house, as she and Yahiko were going in a different group. Her dress was hanging over one arm, and the other arm was holding a bag full of makeup and sleepover utilities.
The dashing Shiro took the dress from her and hung it up in the downstairs closet with the others. He then strode into the kitchen.
"Misao, are he and Kuro ALWAYS here?" Tae asked, as she trooped upstairs with the others.
"Yeah, pretty much. You would think they saw enough of Okina at the Aoiya, but I guess not . . . It's okay, though. They seriously have rooms here," Misao answered.
The girls laughed, and resumed the hairstyling. Tae took the curler from Amanda so she would be free to work on Megumi's tresses. Amanda, who had a cold, was helping the girls with their hair, even though she would not be attending the dance. Her boyfriend Landon was also helping by picking up the boutonnières from a friend's flower shop.
The phone rang and Misao jumped up to answer it. After talking for a few moments, she turned to the others sitting in her bedroom and said, "That was Kenshin. The guys'll be here in about a half hour, then we can eat and go get pictures taken. 'Kay?"
'The other girls murmured their assents.
PEOPLE WHO DON'T LIKE UNNECESSARY DETAILS, SKIM OVER THIS PART.
Kaoru's hair was a mass of loose curls, caught in a ponytail, and cascading down her back. She had applied light makeup, including a shimmer of sparkles on her eyelids. She went downstairs to get the dresses, and then took her own and changed in Kuro's room, next to the bathroom, where Misao was rummaging for hair spray. She put on her dress, a floor length muslin in light blue. It had only one strap over her left shoulder, and the embroidered flower petals seemed to drift lightly down to her toes.
Kaoru headed back into Misao's room to help with hair spraying. Megumi's hair was finished, so she stood at the closet mirror with red lipstick. It was a bold, bright red that matched the color of her dress. It was almost a salsa type dress, draping down to the floor, but having a slit practically up her thigh, and a low v-neck tank top to keep her from getting too warm on the dance floor. It was a show stopping sort of dress. Her hair, a bun laced with braids and two black chopsticks, was elegant AND saucy. It was a show stopping sort of look. She fixed her bangs slightly and turned to try again on Misao's hair.
Misao wasn't really into getting disturbingly formal, but she figured one time wouldn't hurt. She was adorable, especially her heels that had ribbons up the legs to look almost like ballet slippers! She now (thanks largely to Amanda and Megumi's handiwork and tried patience) had expertly mussed and bobby-pinned up-do, complete with small tiara. Her dress was sort of princess-y, snowy colored, with a fitted bodice and skirt of tulle that reached just past her knees. Misao got up and looked at herself in the mirror, after Tae had forced makeup on her, and she was rather impressed with herself.
Amanda was impressed with herself too. She had done four girls' hair. And it all looked damn good. Tae's hair was a French twist sprinkled with glitter, to match her dress. It was floor length, lavender, and covered in sparkles. Not enough to irritate you, just enough to make her shimmer.
YOU MAY RESUME READING NOW. SERIOUSLY. WE SWEAR.
They could hear Landon talking downstairs to Kuro, and so they all trooped down in their finery to greet him. Amanda was still in jeans and a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" t-shirt. Landon smiled and went over to hug her. He then turned to Misao and said, "The flowers are in the fridge."
Misao beamed and replied, "Thank you SO much for getting them!"
"Oh no problem. Always ready to help. . ."
Okina came around the stairs, from his bedroom on the other side of the house, and commanded, "Alright girls, over by the fireplace. Time for some pictures."
The four acquiesced to his request and stood by the mantle. Amanda took a few pictures, and then she and Landon said goodnight and left.
Time for a photo op. After a variety of poses, the Tae chirped up and said, "I think one of the guys is here!"
They all ran to the door (well, the girls. Not Okina, Shiro, and Kuro. They don't get that excited over answering the door. . .) and swung it open.
It was Kaoru's 'date' for the evening, in a Mafioso pinstriped suit. Black shirt, white tie, spectator shoes, but no fedora. He loved it too much to risk it with his fellow students. Kaoru, who had run to the kitchen after learning who it was, came forward with the boutonnière. The other girls cleared a space, and Okina positioned himself to capture the moment. The Fujifilm moment. Buahaha.
"Hi Aoshi! I'm glad you're on time. Let's just put these on now, kay?" Kaoru asked.
"Sure, why not," he replied.
She took the flower out of its box and delicately pinned it on his lapel. Okina's camera flashed.
He took a corsage out of ITS plastic box and slipped it on her wrist. Okina's camera flashed again.
Tae looked apprehensive. "Katsu and I are scheduled to have pictures in ten minutes. Where is he?"
"Probably being revolted at the thought of dressing exactly like everybody else," was Megumi's reply.
Katsu eventually showed up, did the corsage thing with Tae, more camera flashing, and they had to leave to meet their photo appointment. Misao was sitting glumly on the sofa, because Kenshin had just shown up, and was slipping a corsage on Megumi. Little Princess Misao was still lacking in the date department. **Stupid Sano. He BETTER show up. Aw geez. . . I hope I don't end up sitting on my porch, waiting for a date, while people throw eggs at me. . . That would suck.** She didn't even know HOW he was getting to her house; ride from friend, skateboard? The world may never know.
Any observant. . . observer. . . could see Kaoru's narrowed eyes, as Megumi leaned a little too much into Kenshin when she pinned the boutonniere. Kaoru started hissing conversation topics at Aoshi, trying to avert her own attention from Okina's little photo shoot. Kenshin with his arm around Megumi. Megumi leaning her head on his shoulder. Kenshin pushing back a stray strand from Megumi's face. Megumi fluttering her GODDAMN EYELASHES AT HIM.
The doorbell rang.
Misao jumped up gleefully and skipped to the door (well, as best as one CAN skip in ridiculous heels). She flung it open to reveal a devilishly handsome Sanosuke, in a blue tux about three decades out of fashion. On him, however, the ruffled white shirt looked smashing. He had a box with pretty little white carnations. And a big bouquet of balloons. Assorted rainbow colors. Misao screamed, grabbed the ribbons tails, and buried herself in the helium filled joy trinkets.
Kaoru and Megumi screamed. "MISAO, YOUR HAIR!!!!!!!!"
Misao reemerged from the balloon forest, and smiled, "What?"
Her hair was perfect. Still only slightly mussed. DAMN FINE HAIR SPRAY.
Sano greeted them all profusely, and amidst all the continuing photo flashes, he slipped on the corsage, and clambered in a car with the other four to go off to pictures. Needless to say, it was a big car. And loud.
Megumi was sulking in the backseat of Okina's borrowed minivan. "Kenshin! How come I didn't get balloons??"
Kenshin looked puzzled. "I didn't know you were supposed to get any. . . ."
Kaoru took a stab at her. "What would you do with balloons anyways? Pop them with your claws?"
Sticking out her tongue, she fired back, "Shut up, raccoon girl!" They continued to bicker during pictures (pausing briefly to pose with their silent dates), and didn't stop until they returned to Misao's house. Tae and Katsu were waiting for them, looking slightly the worse for wear . . . It was nearing seven, and the girls quickly changed into pajamas to eat pizza in Misao's living room (don't want to spill on the dresses!). Then everyone resumed the finery, and piled into Megumi and Aoshi's cars, and went off to the dance! Joy.
The cars got onto the freeway, Megumi's burgundy Gallant took the lead, as Sano and Misao were urging her on. They fell back into laughter, and stayed that way, secretly whispering and laughing, for about ten minutes.
Suddenly, one of the cars swerved sharply into the next lane.
"SHIT, MEGUMI!!! WHAT WAS THAT???" yelped Sano from the backseat.
"Lane change," she replied calmly.
MEANWHILE: Aoshi's car was silent. When Kaoru had tried to turn on the radio, he had glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, and she stopped, mid-reach. Tae and Katsu were in the backseat, looking very comfortable, and Katsu's hand was running up her leg. Kaoru slouched more in her seat, praying to God that it would be over soon. **Man, I almost wish I was with Sano . . . SWEET LORD, DID I ACTUALLY THINK THAT??** She almost fell into convulsions, and Aoshi politely turned on the air conditioning.
Aoshi finally looked into the rearview mirror, reached back, and slapped Katsu's idle hand without so much as turning his head. "Stop that. I just cleaned my car."
*^*^*^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ A SEEMING ETERNITY LATER, AT THE DANCE!!! ( I know, finally!)
The dance was in a theater, oddly enough. The outside courtyard was rigged with fake casino games and a karaoke machine, being used slovenly by terrible singers. They followed the carpet, and the THUM THUM THUM THUM of a distant sub woofer.
The lobby of the theater was filled with cookies and other MUNCHIES, and the girls went to check their purses after screaming/hugging various friends that they hadn't seen in a full 24 hours. The guys milled about by the refreshments. Eating more. And trying to look like they knew what they were doing. Like they weren't just a good excuse for girls to look good and get in a room with a BUNCH of other good looking girls. They did not succeed.
The dance lasted for four hours, eight to twelve. There isn't much to say other than the girls dance, the guys pretend to, and then the girls freak each other, and the guys wanna get in on that action, and then they are broken up by security. The only really interesting bit happened at the very end, when the DJ went into slow song hell. Tae was dancing with her head on Katsu's chest, and he held her gently. She sighed happily, and shifted her head slightly, leaving glitter on his suit. He didn't mind much, really.
Sano was dancing with Misao. Kind of. She was standing on his feet, and he was shuffling around. Both were laughing quietly, so as to not disturb the other 'serious' couple. They knew they looked funny. She had to stand on a step during their pictures, so she didn't look like his little sister or something.
Just behind them was Kenshin twirling Megumi in a delicate circle. Their affection for each other was evident, although everyone knows that nothing more could ever be between them.
Off the side was Kaoru, stiffly dancing with a polite Aoshi. The night had not gone badly, he had been very courteous, but she wanted a bit more fire. She looked jealously towards the spinning Megumi, wondering how to switch partners without being rude.
Enter Tae.
She slowly moved her Tae/Katsu dancing mass neared to Aoshi. Then, feigning a trip, she bumped backwards. Kaoru was shunted backwards, knocking Megumi out of Kenshin's arms.
"Why, hello my love!" Kenshin whispered in Kaoru's ear. He smiled and pulled her closer, nodding thanks to Tae. Aoshi looked bemused. He went and took Megumi's hand and, with almost a smile, continued his very courteous dance.
Tae raised an eyebrow. She murmured to Katsu, who led her backwards to the Sano/Misao mass, and then she took Misao's hand and dragged her gently to the Megumi/Aoshi mass. Tae then dropped all pretenses, pushed Megumi out of the way, Misao into Aoshi's arms, and then gave Megumi a playful shove towards seventies boy. Sano stood there a moment, shrugged his shoulders, and kept dancing. That's what they were there for, after all. Megumi looked pained, but didn't put up too much of a fight.
Aoshi looked a bit pained too. But hey, it was just one dance, right?
"Feeling better now?" Katsu asked.
"Yes, much . . ." she smiled and again curled up in his arms.
The music ended, everyone woke from their reverie, and most applauded. He hadn't been THAT bad of a DJ. The massive cattle drive collected coats, bags, and for some, shoes, and headed out to cars and limos. Not as many limos as Prom (the only other dance of significance), but a few, for those spoiled rich kids. F THEM.
Yelling goodbyes to various friends, the group of eight met at their two cars. They stood around chatting for just a bit, and then Tsubame ran by giggling, with Yahiko trying to catch up and yelling, "What? What did she say about me?? I didn't do it, I swear!"
Misao laughed and turned to Megumi. "What do you suppose that was about?"
"I don't think we'll ever know," the dark vixen replied.
They reformed groups, with Tae and Katsu joining Megumi's car. She had a bigger backseat. Sano hopped in the front, and Megumi glared at him. "Don't touch my radio."
"Yes'm."
This left Misao and Kenshin in Aoshi's car. Kaoru slid into the back, not anxious to repeat the earlier car ride. Misao buckled herself into the passenger seat and immediately fiddled with the radio. As the car sped along, streetlights periodically flashing across, Misao finally turned on a CD and leaned back into her seat, content.
It was Christian Death Metal. Or maybe Satanic Death Metal. Strangely enough, both genres sound almost exactly alike. . . . coincidence?
They were nearing home, and Lee's Sandwiches was fast approaching (Vietnamese/French sandwich place, open 24/7, serves random Asian goodies. Zippy recommends the shredded pork sandwich). Sano's eyes brightened. He rummaged in Megumi's purse, silencing her cries of outrage, and called Misao's cell.
"Yeah. . . . uh huh. . . . SWEET! DUDE, AOSHI! PULL INTO LEE'S!!"
Aoshi raised an eyebrow.
"Sano is making Megumi go too. We want boba!"
Aoshi said nothing, but turned and pulled into the shop's small parking lot. The lights were bright, even this late, and the octet wandered to the door in all their assorted finery. The little old lady behind the counter looked amused, and she smiled the entire time she took their orders.
It ended up with two shredded beef sandwiches, a bunch of those little pastries shaped like corns, three raspberry smoothies, a "Thai iced tea," two "iced mint milk tea grass jelly"s, two coffees, and strawberry soda. Total? $29.25. That's with tax. Seriously guys, thirty bucks for all that ish. (zippy drools. She really likes that place.)
Anyways. The group sat around at the various tables in the café, munching on assorted goodies. The girls gossiped about the latest hookups and breakups, the guys talked about sports, and the weather, and cooking outdoors.
Eventually, they were done snacking, and the few who still had drinks left carried them out to the cars after solemn promises that they would not even think of spilling on the upholstery. Megumi dropped off Katsu, who had further plans for the evening, and then she met the others at Misao's abode.
Those in Aoshi's car had already changed into pajamas or other more comfortable clothes and were sitting around in the living room, watching late night television. Megumi, Sano, and Tae all changed as well, and joined the party.
Misao, in funny purple butterfly pajamas, stood in front of the TV and said, "Okay, which movie do we want? I have 'Moulin Rouge,'" the guys groaned "'Gladiator,'" the girls grimaced "Umm. . . 'Office Space'?"
Everyone (except of course Aoshi) smiled and mumbled their agreement.
"Okay! 'Office Space' it is." She set the DVD on the tray, pushed it in, and fiddled with buttons until Sano stood up, took the remote from her, and actually made the DVD player work.
"Hey!" she protested.
"Is for horses. And it's video one," Sano added.
Misao glared at him, strode to the couch, and sat between Tae and Megumi, arms crossed.
Sano laughed, went and tweaked her nose, then sat next to Aoshi on the floor. Kenshin was sitting in a recliner with Kaoru (tricky, I know, but the two can get quite close sometimes) and his arm was around her and a blanket over all. Aoshi was munching on popcorn and seemed very innocent. When Tae asked for some, he just lifted the bowl up and over his head, as he and Sano were leaning on the couch that the three girls had parked themselves on. Hand check, anyone?
About three o'clock AM, Shiro padded into the kitchen, stood examining the contents of the fridge, and said to the teenagers at large in the den, "Maybe you all should get some sleep. Insomnia is not fun."
Kenshin nodded. "Perhaps it is time to go. We mustn't get home too late, or Dad will be bothered.
Sano laughed, "Yeah, wouldn't want your dad to worry about us."
Seeing Aoshi get to his feet, Misao quickly jumped off the couch to go retrieve the boys' suits from the closet by the front door. Sano said brief farewells to the ladies, as did Aoshi, while Kenshin attempted get out of the recliner without waking the dozing Kaoru.
He failed. She stirred, opened one eye, and said drowsily, "Where do you think you're going?"
"I must go home, Miss Kaoru, that I must. Hiko gets upset when the house is quiet for too long."
She stretched out her arms and he pulled her into a sitting position. "Call me later, alright?" she said.
"Okay. But I might be working today," he said back. When she nodded in acknowledgement, he leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Sleep well."
She smiled and sank down into the cushy recliner. "You too, Kenshin. Be careful driving."
Kenshin smiled down at her. "No need for concern. Aoshi always knows what he's doing." He then said his goodbyes to the other girls, and followed Aoshi and Sano out the door.
Movie over, boys gone, time to party. Megumi, Tae, and Misao spread out on the floor, while Kaoru kept to her chair, and they began to gossip.
"Oh, Kaoru," Misao chirped, "did you notice how Hiko added that funky vase in the upstairs hall?"
"Yeah, I saw that. It was pretty, but it seemed frilly for Hiko," Kaoru answered back.
"Really?" the ninja smiled. "Because he only added that a couple days ago. And Aoshi and Sano even commented that they hadn't seen you lately."
"Been having some late nights?" Megumi asked slyly.
Kaoru turned a nice shade of "dear-God-help-me" red.
Megumi and Misao both snickered. Tae was notably silent. No one likes a hypocrite.
"Well when did YOU see the vase, weasel girl?" Kaoru blustered.
"I didn't. But I was told." She smiled smugly.
"By whom?" Kaoru countered.
"Sanosuke. Why do you care?"
"No reason. Just seems like you and Sano are getting pretty friendly. He doesn't like school functions, but he went with you!"
"So? He's my friend!" the smaller girl cried indignantly.
The room was quiet. Tae broke the stony silence by saying, "Did you see Michelle tonight! She looked REALLY good."
Kaoru, quick to end the perceptible tensions in the room, added, "Yeah! She's lost a lot of weight. And that shade of blue was really flattering with her complexion."
Tae nodded. Misao passed the chee-tohs to Kaoru's outstretched hand, prompting Tae to continue, "Speaking of pounds, if you keep pigging out . . ."
Kaoru looked guilty. "I know, but . . ."
"Those are pounds of happiness, right?" grinned Misao.
Megumi laughed. "With Kenshin's cooking, she might take up Sumo wrestling, instead of just Kendo." Misao laughed also at the imagery.
Kaoru's eyes glinted.
Tae looked alarmed. "You can't get too comfortable. IT'S TOO EASY TO GAIN WEIGHT!" she cried, clenching a fist in the air. "Don't underestimate those calories. You should go on a diet."
"Are you calling me fat?"
"Yes."
"Thanks a lot. . ."
Misao added in, "Maybe I should lose weight too. . ."
"Why bother," Kaoru replied, "When you have the body of a child anyways?"
Misao did a little scream-y thing and chucked a pillow at Kaoru. "You're evil! I'm just a late bloomer!"
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll fill out soon enough, dear," Tae said sagely, while chuckling.
"Why is everybody picking on me?!?!" Misao squeaked.
"I can tell you a few things to help," Megumi added, twiddling with her long hair. "I was always rather 'blessed,' but I know how to fix your little problem."
"Quit saying 'little.' I feel demeaned," Misao responded.
"Well, first you drink lots of milk. . ." Megumi kept talking, and this gossip session continued until about seven.
About then, seeing the horizon start to lighten, Tae said, "Wow, maybe we should sleep."
So they did.
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A/N: Yeah, that was a long chapter, but we kept you waiting for a while there. That justifies it, right? Zippy and I (Chunks) are in a bit of a disagreement about the length of our chapters. I like long chapters, but she thinks that long chapters get boring. Why don't you guys review and tell us what you think? Next time we'll be up for even more action . . . with less frilly outfits. And we're still not done with October!
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A/N: to respond to a reader's review, YEAH, this probably sounds a bit like our life, since we are in fact STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL. We were hoping it made the story sound a bit more authentic, instead of just saying, "she was wearing this and this and he was so into that and then they made out and then they saved the world." Yeah, this is a HS fic, and we don't normally like any of them either. However, we have tried to stay away from stupid teen drama, as many out there already experience enough, and we instead focus on the happiness and friendship that these characters share. Such comradeship (in a non communist sense) is admirable in any era, not just the Meiji.
The only "mary jane" type figure is our dear friend Amanda, just because she kicks ass. We are a happy triad, so we couldn't leave her out. Besides, she doesn't really change the plot a lot. And it DOES make sense for them to have friends outside the RK gang.
Anyone else with objections?
IDLE HANDS ARE THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE DEVIL.
Statement made to save one's Ass: -Nope, can't disclaim. The stars are not in position.
-Stars. Can't do it. Not today.
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-
"AAAAAAHHHH THAT'S MY HEAD!!!!"
"Sorry, but you moved! Don't move when I'm holding a burning hot piece of metal next to your scalp!"
Kaoru winced as Amanda continued to curl her hair into a mass of graceful ringlets.
Megumi was across the hall in the bathroom, attempting to untangle Misao's locks. As the small ninja girl wore her hair in a constant braid, getting it to undo such a habit was difficult. Shiro was leaning on the counter as Misao sat on the closed toilet, having her hair yanked by a frustrated Megumi.
"I've unwound this thing five times and it's STILL going back into the braid . . . Shiro, if you're going to snicker, I suggest you do it someplace else. You aren't helping."
"Yeah, help Kuro with dinner," Misao added after another forceful tug. "He could use some assistance, I'm sure. . . ."
Just then, Tae knocked on the front door. Four girls clambered down the stairs to greet her. Shiro, having left the bathroom, opened the door for the smiling girl. Tae had left Tsubame at a friend's house, as she and Yahiko were going in a different group. Her dress was hanging over one arm, and the other arm was holding a bag full of makeup and sleepover utilities.
The dashing Shiro took the dress from her and hung it up in the downstairs closet with the others. He then strode into the kitchen.
"Misao, are he and Kuro ALWAYS here?" Tae asked, as she trooped upstairs with the others.
"Yeah, pretty much. You would think they saw enough of Okina at the Aoiya, but I guess not . . . It's okay, though. They seriously have rooms here," Misao answered.
The girls laughed, and resumed the hairstyling. Tae took the curler from Amanda so she would be free to work on Megumi's tresses. Amanda, who had a cold, was helping the girls with their hair, even though she would not be attending the dance. Her boyfriend Landon was also helping by picking up the boutonnières from a friend's flower shop.
The phone rang and Misao jumped up to answer it. After talking for a few moments, she turned to the others sitting in her bedroom and said, "That was Kenshin. The guys'll be here in about a half hour, then we can eat and go get pictures taken. 'Kay?"
'The other girls murmured their assents.
PEOPLE WHO DON'T LIKE UNNECESSARY DETAILS, SKIM OVER THIS PART.
Kaoru's hair was a mass of loose curls, caught in a ponytail, and cascading down her back. She had applied light makeup, including a shimmer of sparkles on her eyelids. She went downstairs to get the dresses, and then took her own and changed in Kuro's room, next to the bathroom, where Misao was rummaging for hair spray. She put on her dress, a floor length muslin in light blue. It had only one strap over her left shoulder, and the embroidered flower petals seemed to drift lightly down to her toes.
Kaoru headed back into Misao's room to help with hair spraying. Megumi's hair was finished, so she stood at the closet mirror with red lipstick. It was a bold, bright red that matched the color of her dress. It was almost a salsa type dress, draping down to the floor, but having a slit practically up her thigh, and a low v-neck tank top to keep her from getting too warm on the dance floor. It was a show stopping sort of dress. Her hair, a bun laced with braids and two black chopsticks, was elegant AND saucy. It was a show stopping sort of look. She fixed her bangs slightly and turned to try again on Misao's hair.
Misao wasn't really into getting disturbingly formal, but she figured one time wouldn't hurt. She was adorable, especially her heels that had ribbons up the legs to look almost like ballet slippers! She now (thanks largely to Amanda and Megumi's handiwork and tried patience) had expertly mussed and bobby-pinned up-do, complete with small tiara. Her dress was sort of princess-y, snowy colored, with a fitted bodice and skirt of tulle that reached just past her knees. Misao got up and looked at herself in the mirror, after Tae had forced makeup on her, and she was rather impressed with herself.
Amanda was impressed with herself too. She had done four girls' hair. And it all looked damn good. Tae's hair was a French twist sprinkled with glitter, to match her dress. It was floor length, lavender, and covered in sparkles. Not enough to irritate you, just enough to make her shimmer.
YOU MAY RESUME READING NOW. SERIOUSLY. WE SWEAR.
They could hear Landon talking downstairs to Kuro, and so they all trooped down in their finery to greet him. Amanda was still in jeans and a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" t-shirt. Landon smiled and went over to hug her. He then turned to Misao and said, "The flowers are in the fridge."
Misao beamed and replied, "Thank you SO much for getting them!"
"Oh no problem. Always ready to help. . ."
Okina came around the stairs, from his bedroom on the other side of the house, and commanded, "Alright girls, over by the fireplace. Time for some pictures."
The four acquiesced to his request and stood by the mantle. Amanda took a few pictures, and then she and Landon said goodnight and left.
Time for a photo op. After a variety of poses, the Tae chirped up and said, "I think one of the guys is here!"
They all ran to the door (well, the girls. Not Okina, Shiro, and Kuro. They don't get that excited over answering the door. . .) and swung it open.
It was Kaoru's 'date' for the evening, in a Mafioso pinstriped suit. Black shirt, white tie, spectator shoes, but no fedora. He loved it too much to risk it with his fellow students. Kaoru, who had run to the kitchen after learning who it was, came forward with the boutonnière. The other girls cleared a space, and Okina positioned himself to capture the moment. The Fujifilm moment. Buahaha.
"Hi Aoshi! I'm glad you're on time. Let's just put these on now, kay?" Kaoru asked.
"Sure, why not," he replied.
She took the flower out of its box and delicately pinned it on his lapel. Okina's camera flashed.
He took a corsage out of ITS plastic box and slipped it on her wrist. Okina's camera flashed again.
Tae looked apprehensive. "Katsu and I are scheduled to have pictures in ten minutes. Where is he?"
"Probably being revolted at the thought of dressing exactly like everybody else," was Megumi's reply.
Katsu eventually showed up, did the corsage thing with Tae, more camera flashing, and they had to leave to meet their photo appointment. Misao was sitting glumly on the sofa, because Kenshin had just shown up, and was slipping a corsage on Megumi. Little Princess Misao was still lacking in the date department. **Stupid Sano. He BETTER show up. Aw geez. . . I hope I don't end up sitting on my porch, waiting for a date, while people throw eggs at me. . . That would suck.** She didn't even know HOW he was getting to her house; ride from friend, skateboard? The world may never know.
Any observant. . . observer. . . could see Kaoru's narrowed eyes, as Megumi leaned a little too much into Kenshin when she pinned the boutonniere. Kaoru started hissing conversation topics at Aoshi, trying to avert her own attention from Okina's little photo shoot. Kenshin with his arm around Megumi. Megumi leaning her head on his shoulder. Kenshin pushing back a stray strand from Megumi's face. Megumi fluttering her GODDAMN EYELASHES AT HIM.
The doorbell rang.
Misao jumped up gleefully and skipped to the door (well, as best as one CAN skip in ridiculous heels). She flung it open to reveal a devilishly handsome Sanosuke, in a blue tux about three decades out of fashion. On him, however, the ruffled white shirt looked smashing. He had a box with pretty little white carnations. And a big bouquet of balloons. Assorted rainbow colors. Misao screamed, grabbed the ribbons tails, and buried herself in the helium filled joy trinkets.
Kaoru and Megumi screamed. "MISAO, YOUR HAIR!!!!!!!!"
Misao reemerged from the balloon forest, and smiled, "What?"
Her hair was perfect. Still only slightly mussed. DAMN FINE HAIR SPRAY.
Sano greeted them all profusely, and amidst all the continuing photo flashes, he slipped on the corsage, and clambered in a car with the other four to go off to pictures. Needless to say, it was a big car. And loud.
Megumi was sulking in the backseat of Okina's borrowed minivan. "Kenshin! How come I didn't get balloons??"
Kenshin looked puzzled. "I didn't know you were supposed to get any. . . ."
Kaoru took a stab at her. "What would you do with balloons anyways? Pop them with your claws?"
Sticking out her tongue, she fired back, "Shut up, raccoon girl!" They continued to bicker during pictures (pausing briefly to pose with their silent dates), and didn't stop until they returned to Misao's house. Tae and Katsu were waiting for them, looking slightly the worse for wear . . . It was nearing seven, and the girls quickly changed into pajamas to eat pizza in Misao's living room (don't want to spill on the dresses!). Then everyone resumed the finery, and piled into Megumi and Aoshi's cars, and went off to the dance! Joy.
The cars got onto the freeway, Megumi's burgundy Gallant took the lead, as Sano and Misao were urging her on. They fell back into laughter, and stayed that way, secretly whispering and laughing, for about ten minutes.
Suddenly, one of the cars swerved sharply into the next lane.
"SHIT, MEGUMI!!! WHAT WAS THAT???" yelped Sano from the backseat.
"Lane change," she replied calmly.
MEANWHILE: Aoshi's car was silent. When Kaoru had tried to turn on the radio, he had glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, and she stopped, mid-reach. Tae and Katsu were in the backseat, looking very comfortable, and Katsu's hand was running up her leg. Kaoru slouched more in her seat, praying to God that it would be over soon. **Man, I almost wish I was with Sano . . . SWEET LORD, DID I ACTUALLY THINK THAT??** She almost fell into convulsions, and Aoshi politely turned on the air conditioning.
Aoshi finally looked into the rearview mirror, reached back, and slapped Katsu's idle hand without so much as turning his head. "Stop that. I just cleaned my car."
*^*^*^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ A SEEMING ETERNITY LATER, AT THE DANCE!!! ( I know, finally!)
The dance was in a theater, oddly enough. The outside courtyard was rigged with fake casino games and a karaoke machine, being used slovenly by terrible singers. They followed the carpet, and the THUM THUM THUM THUM of a distant sub woofer.
The lobby of the theater was filled with cookies and other MUNCHIES, and the girls went to check their purses after screaming/hugging various friends that they hadn't seen in a full 24 hours. The guys milled about by the refreshments. Eating more. And trying to look like they knew what they were doing. Like they weren't just a good excuse for girls to look good and get in a room with a BUNCH of other good looking girls. They did not succeed.
The dance lasted for four hours, eight to twelve. There isn't much to say other than the girls dance, the guys pretend to, and then the girls freak each other, and the guys wanna get in on that action, and then they are broken up by security. The only really interesting bit happened at the very end, when the DJ went into slow song hell. Tae was dancing with her head on Katsu's chest, and he held her gently. She sighed happily, and shifted her head slightly, leaving glitter on his suit. He didn't mind much, really.
Sano was dancing with Misao. Kind of. She was standing on his feet, and he was shuffling around. Both were laughing quietly, so as to not disturb the other 'serious' couple. They knew they looked funny. She had to stand on a step during their pictures, so she didn't look like his little sister or something.
Just behind them was Kenshin twirling Megumi in a delicate circle. Their affection for each other was evident, although everyone knows that nothing more could ever be between them.
Off the side was Kaoru, stiffly dancing with a polite Aoshi. The night had not gone badly, he had been very courteous, but she wanted a bit more fire. She looked jealously towards the spinning Megumi, wondering how to switch partners without being rude.
Enter Tae.
She slowly moved her Tae/Katsu dancing mass neared to Aoshi. Then, feigning a trip, she bumped backwards. Kaoru was shunted backwards, knocking Megumi out of Kenshin's arms.
"Why, hello my love!" Kenshin whispered in Kaoru's ear. He smiled and pulled her closer, nodding thanks to Tae. Aoshi looked bemused. He went and took Megumi's hand and, with almost a smile, continued his very courteous dance.
Tae raised an eyebrow. She murmured to Katsu, who led her backwards to the Sano/Misao mass, and then she took Misao's hand and dragged her gently to the Megumi/Aoshi mass. Tae then dropped all pretenses, pushed Megumi out of the way, Misao into Aoshi's arms, and then gave Megumi a playful shove towards seventies boy. Sano stood there a moment, shrugged his shoulders, and kept dancing. That's what they were there for, after all. Megumi looked pained, but didn't put up too much of a fight.
Aoshi looked a bit pained too. But hey, it was just one dance, right?
"Feeling better now?" Katsu asked.
"Yes, much . . ." she smiled and again curled up in his arms.
The music ended, everyone woke from their reverie, and most applauded. He hadn't been THAT bad of a DJ. The massive cattle drive collected coats, bags, and for some, shoes, and headed out to cars and limos. Not as many limos as Prom (the only other dance of significance), but a few, for those spoiled rich kids. F THEM.
Yelling goodbyes to various friends, the group of eight met at their two cars. They stood around chatting for just a bit, and then Tsubame ran by giggling, with Yahiko trying to catch up and yelling, "What? What did she say about me?? I didn't do it, I swear!"
Misao laughed and turned to Megumi. "What do you suppose that was about?"
"I don't think we'll ever know," the dark vixen replied.
They reformed groups, with Tae and Katsu joining Megumi's car. She had a bigger backseat. Sano hopped in the front, and Megumi glared at him. "Don't touch my radio."
"Yes'm."
This left Misao and Kenshin in Aoshi's car. Kaoru slid into the back, not anxious to repeat the earlier car ride. Misao buckled herself into the passenger seat and immediately fiddled with the radio. As the car sped along, streetlights periodically flashing across, Misao finally turned on a CD and leaned back into her seat, content.
It was Christian Death Metal. Or maybe Satanic Death Metal. Strangely enough, both genres sound almost exactly alike. . . . coincidence?
They were nearing home, and Lee's Sandwiches was fast approaching (Vietnamese/French sandwich place, open 24/7, serves random Asian goodies. Zippy recommends the shredded pork sandwich). Sano's eyes brightened. He rummaged in Megumi's purse, silencing her cries of outrage, and called Misao's cell.
"Yeah. . . . uh huh. . . . SWEET! DUDE, AOSHI! PULL INTO LEE'S!!"
Aoshi raised an eyebrow.
"Sano is making Megumi go too. We want boba!"
Aoshi said nothing, but turned and pulled into the shop's small parking lot. The lights were bright, even this late, and the octet wandered to the door in all their assorted finery. The little old lady behind the counter looked amused, and she smiled the entire time she took their orders.
It ended up with two shredded beef sandwiches, a bunch of those little pastries shaped like corns, three raspberry smoothies, a "Thai iced tea," two "iced mint milk tea grass jelly"s, two coffees, and strawberry soda. Total? $29.25. That's with tax. Seriously guys, thirty bucks for all that ish. (zippy drools. She really likes that place.)
Anyways. The group sat around at the various tables in the café, munching on assorted goodies. The girls gossiped about the latest hookups and breakups, the guys talked about sports, and the weather, and cooking outdoors.
Eventually, they were done snacking, and the few who still had drinks left carried them out to the cars after solemn promises that they would not even think of spilling on the upholstery. Megumi dropped off Katsu, who had further plans for the evening, and then she met the others at Misao's abode.
Those in Aoshi's car had already changed into pajamas or other more comfortable clothes and were sitting around in the living room, watching late night television. Megumi, Sano, and Tae all changed as well, and joined the party.
Misao, in funny purple butterfly pajamas, stood in front of the TV and said, "Okay, which movie do we want? I have 'Moulin Rouge,'" the guys groaned "'Gladiator,'" the girls grimaced "Umm. . . 'Office Space'?"
Everyone (except of course Aoshi) smiled and mumbled their agreement.
"Okay! 'Office Space' it is." She set the DVD on the tray, pushed it in, and fiddled with buttons until Sano stood up, took the remote from her, and actually made the DVD player work.
"Hey!" she protested.
"Is for horses. And it's video one," Sano added.
Misao glared at him, strode to the couch, and sat between Tae and Megumi, arms crossed.
Sano laughed, went and tweaked her nose, then sat next to Aoshi on the floor. Kenshin was sitting in a recliner with Kaoru (tricky, I know, but the two can get quite close sometimes) and his arm was around her and a blanket over all. Aoshi was munching on popcorn and seemed very innocent. When Tae asked for some, he just lifted the bowl up and over his head, as he and Sano were leaning on the couch that the three girls had parked themselves on. Hand check, anyone?
About three o'clock AM, Shiro padded into the kitchen, stood examining the contents of the fridge, and said to the teenagers at large in the den, "Maybe you all should get some sleep. Insomnia is not fun."
Kenshin nodded. "Perhaps it is time to go. We mustn't get home too late, or Dad will be bothered.
Sano laughed, "Yeah, wouldn't want your dad to worry about us."
Seeing Aoshi get to his feet, Misao quickly jumped off the couch to go retrieve the boys' suits from the closet by the front door. Sano said brief farewells to the ladies, as did Aoshi, while Kenshin attempted get out of the recliner without waking the dozing Kaoru.
He failed. She stirred, opened one eye, and said drowsily, "Where do you think you're going?"
"I must go home, Miss Kaoru, that I must. Hiko gets upset when the house is quiet for too long."
She stretched out her arms and he pulled her into a sitting position. "Call me later, alright?" she said.
"Okay. But I might be working today," he said back. When she nodded in acknowledgement, he leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Sleep well."
She smiled and sank down into the cushy recliner. "You too, Kenshin. Be careful driving."
Kenshin smiled down at her. "No need for concern. Aoshi always knows what he's doing." He then said his goodbyes to the other girls, and followed Aoshi and Sano out the door.
Movie over, boys gone, time to party. Megumi, Tae, and Misao spread out on the floor, while Kaoru kept to her chair, and they began to gossip.
"Oh, Kaoru," Misao chirped, "did you notice how Hiko added that funky vase in the upstairs hall?"
"Yeah, I saw that. It was pretty, but it seemed frilly for Hiko," Kaoru answered back.
"Really?" the ninja smiled. "Because he only added that a couple days ago. And Aoshi and Sano even commented that they hadn't seen you lately."
"Been having some late nights?" Megumi asked slyly.
Kaoru turned a nice shade of "dear-God-help-me" red.
Megumi and Misao both snickered. Tae was notably silent. No one likes a hypocrite.
"Well when did YOU see the vase, weasel girl?" Kaoru blustered.
"I didn't. But I was told." She smiled smugly.
"By whom?" Kaoru countered.
"Sanosuke. Why do you care?"
"No reason. Just seems like you and Sano are getting pretty friendly. He doesn't like school functions, but he went with you!"
"So? He's my friend!" the smaller girl cried indignantly.
The room was quiet. Tae broke the stony silence by saying, "Did you see Michelle tonight! She looked REALLY good."
Kaoru, quick to end the perceptible tensions in the room, added, "Yeah! She's lost a lot of weight. And that shade of blue was really flattering with her complexion."
Tae nodded. Misao passed the chee-tohs to Kaoru's outstretched hand, prompting Tae to continue, "Speaking of pounds, if you keep pigging out . . ."
Kaoru looked guilty. "I know, but . . ."
"Those are pounds of happiness, right?" grinned Misao.
Megumi laughed. "With Kenshin's cooking, she might take up Sumo wrestling, instead of just Kendo." Misao laughed also at the imagery.
Kaoru's eyes glinted.
Tae looked alarmed. "You can't get too comfortable. IT'S TOO EASY TO GAIN WEIGHT!" she cried, clenching a fist in the air. "Don't underestimate those calories. You should go on a diet."
"Are you calling me fat?"
"Yes."
"Thanks a lot. . ."
Misao added in, "Maybe I should lose weight too. . ."
"Why bother," Kaoru replied, "When you have the body of a child anyways?"
Misao did a little scream-y thing and chucked a pillow at Kaoru. "You're evil! I'm just a late bloomer!"
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll fill out soon enough, dear," Tae said sagely, while chuckling.
"Why is everybody picking on me?!?!" Misao squeaked.
"I can tell you a few things to help," Megumi added, twiddling with her long hair. "I was always rather 'blessed,' but I know how to fix your little problem."
"Quit saying 'little.' I feel demeaned," Misao responded.
"Well, first you drink lots of milk. . ." Megumi kept talking, and this gossip session continued until about seven.
About then, seeing the horizon start to lighten, Tae said, "Wow, maybe we should sleep."
So they did.
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A/N: Yeah, that was a long chapter, but we kept you waiting for a while there. That justifies it, right? Zippy and I (Chunks) are in a bit of a disagreement about the length of our chapters. I like long chapters, but she thinks that long chapters get boring. Why don't you guys review and tell us what you think? Next time we'll be up for even more action . . . with less frilly outfits. And we're still not done with October!