Disclaimer: I, and my friends, do not own Kenshin or any of the characters
from Rurouni Kenshin.
Day 11- Jenn
Sanosuke rolled over in the middle of the night, for some reason he was partially conscious again. He rolled back over with a groan. Sano's eyes shot open as he strongly smelled alcohol. In fact there was a bottle right at him. He drowsily looked up to see a braid of blonde hair and a loose purple robe. It eventually occurred to him who this was and he muttered, "Wha...?" He was too tired to really say much anything.
Jenn leaned down so he could see her face and spoke quietly. "Sorry to wake you up sleepy. But I thought you might want to know about something. And frankly, saying it any other time might not be secure..." He nodded and tried to put his head up on his hand. "Ok... what's up?" He muttered quietly. Jenn leaned in and whispered the plan into his ear so he could hear clearly. "Heh. I'm in," Sano said quietly with a smile. Looking at Jenn he had a thought. "So..." Jenn quieted him with a gentle grin. "Get some sleep. We'll talk tomorrow," Jenn said, pulling his blanket up. He managed a light laugh and he mumbled, "...Yahiko..." as his eyes closed. He appeared to have fallen asleep right then. Jenn fondly ran her right hand through his messy hair. She smiled thinking. He looks so much younger asleep...so peaceful... She was about to stand up but found a slight resistance. Looking down she seen his hand was grasping the bottom of her robe. She gently tugged and he unconsciously released. Jenn silently made her way toward the door. Before closing it she hesitated once more to look inside. Sano partially opened his eyes to see her there at the door. He smiled and was out again. Jenn closed the door and headed back to her room to get to back to sleep.
Brandy woke up in the morning with a huge yawn. She looked around and stood up. As she did however, she seen something odd. She noticed a blue bag in the one corner. It also had a big blue bow on it. Curiously, Brandy walked over to examine the bag. She seen a note hanging off of it, so she grabbed it and was about to open it. Ivy...this better not be one of your tricks!!! Brandy was thankful that nothing happened as she opened it. She started to read.
Brandy,
This is a little late, but... BE HAPPY!!! I worked to get this ya know! So cheer up, OK?
Ciao,
Jenn
Jenn, wha...? Brandy was a little confused as she reached for the bag. As she opened it her eyes grew large. It took a lot not to scream right then. Brandy quickly grabbed a pillow and yelled into it. Thankfully it muffled very well, it would have waken the others up. Brandy squeaked as she pulled her beloved Kenshin doll out of the bag. She fiercely hugged it and started to pull the pictures out of the bag. Brandy quickly started pinning them back up on her wall. She put her doll where it belonged and trotted out of her room. Brandy almost skipped down the stairs, now in a very good mood.
As Brandy came down, the others followed. Most of them had woke up around the same time. Coming into the kitchen, they found Jenn busily chopping food for breakfast. She was humming a tune and she flipped an egg in the pan when they came in. It looked like she was making omelets now. Jenn quickly finished up and brought the food to the table. They all sat down. Brandy was still smiling and Jenn was humming. "You people are freakishly happy. It's unnatural," Yahiko muttered under his breath. Becca heard him and whispered, "Yeah. They're crazy remember?" Yahiko and Becca snickered. Kenshin let out a quiet "Oro?"
Not letting this bother her, Brandy was feeling good and she had an idea. "How about we go out again Becca? There's still a few places you should see!" "Okay!!" Becca replied excitedly. Brandy turned to the others," Jenn?" Jenn shook her head, "Nah. I've got some stuff I should do. Go ahead without me." Brandy shrugged, "Okay."
Becca asked next, "How about you guys? Yahiko, Sanosuke?" "I'd love to Becca, but... I've got to get Sano back at the games. I swore a rematch for today!" Yahiko explained. "Alright," Becca responded. There was silence for a second until Kenshin piped up. "I'll come if you'd allow me, that I will." "Great!!" Brandy said, finishing her food and standing up. She grabbed Kenshin and Becca and shoved them upstairs to get ready.
In minutes the three were ready and back downstairs. "We're going now!" Becca said to the other three at the table. "Ok!" Jenn said, finishing up the food. The three started to walk out the door. "Have a good time Becca!" Yahiko called. Becca waved back and they left. As the guys finished eating, Jenn started to clean up. Yahiko was heading out into the living room and telling Sano to come with him. Jenn walked by Sano as he was leaving and stuck out her tongue with a wink. He understood and smiled before he followed Yahiko out. It was soon time.
When Jenn finished, she walked into the living room with a drink for all of them. She handed them out and Sano and Yahiko were busy playing the game. Yahiko was clueless that Jenn had put a sleeping solution in his cup. He drank it with out any suspicion. Jenn watched Yahiko down the cup and Sano noticed her staring. He shot a quick glance at her and she winked. Jenn sat down to observe the rest of the game.
About fifteen minutes later Yahiko fell over asleep. Jenn hopped up quickly. Sano looked to her, "What now?" He too was grinning. "Grab him and come up here with me!" Jenn said walking up the stairs. "We gotta work fast. Don't know when they'll be back." Sano grabbed Yahiko and rushed up after Jenn. He was a little shocked as she led him into Becca's room. Jenn pointed for him to put Yahiko down. Once he placed Yahiko down, Sano looked to Jenn. She was now in Becca's closet and motioned for Sano to come over. He walked over, confused but interested.
Jenn pulled out several bags on hangers. She unwrapped each and looked to Sano. "Which one do you think?" Jenn asked holding up multiple dresses that belonged to Becca. He signaled for her to stop while she did. "That one!" He said with a mischievous grin. It was long and conveniently Asian styled. It was a dark green color with black trim. Jenn then had Sanosuke wash him up good and also wash his hair with a serum she gave him. When Sano came out of the bathroom he looked like he was going to crack up.
Sano took Yahiko to his own room and they worked on him more there. They got him into the dress and Jenn was messing with his hair. She had gels in it so it didn't stand up and had it styled in a feminine way. Sano helped wherever he could and was grinning like mad. Jenn then got out the make up and did a heck of a number on Yahiko. He really looked like a girl when she was done. Jenn had a few other touches to add though.
She made Yahiko inhale some sort of gas in a tube. Sano asked her about it and she said, "It'll make his voice high. Like a girl's." Jenn about busted up laughing as well. When she was doing this Sano left to get something because he was having ideas too. He came back with a light green hair bow, shoes he'd stolen from Becca's closet, bracelets, a necklace, and a two bottles. Jenn's eyes sparkled at his roguish nature in thinking of these things. He seen the cat ears appear when she giggled after putting the bow on.
They put on the necklace, the bracelets, and the perfume. Jenn didn't know what the last bottle was. Sano smiled almost evilly. "It's a strong alcohol, it would be better if he really doesn't know what he's wearing, or seem appalled. It'll seem like he did it himself." Jenn giggled immensely as Sano administered the alcohol. Then they left him up there, lying on the bed and headed downstairs.
It was about lunchtime when the three got back. When they seen them coming up the road, Jenn and Sano hastily tried to think of a convincing position to be. So they'd seem innocent. Jenn was walking around, panicking a little when Sano pulled her down against him in the pillow room. He wrapped on arm around her and said, "Just pretend you're asleep. They'll buy it!" He said confidently. Jenn laughed quietly and snuggled a little closer and closed her eyes. She tried to make her breathing even.
A few minutes later Sano heard the front door open. He shut his eyes like he was just relaxing. "Jenn, Sano, Yahiko? Where are you?" they called. He heard one of them open the door to the pillow room and gasp slightly. He opened his eyes at this, blushed a little for good measure, and looked up. They were all standing in the doorway now. "We were gonna come back to get you guys for lunch. Where's Yahiko?" Becca said lightly. Sano responded quietly to make it seem like he didn't want to wake Jenn. "He said something about going back to bed earlier. I dozed off; I thought he might have gone out. Dunno..."
Sano shook Jenn gently. She pretended very well to wake up tiredly. She turned red upon pretending to realize where she was. Jenn bolted up, red in the face. "I must have fall...fallen asleep!" She said hurriedly, trying to sound embarrassed. "You're back, oh my... What time...? Ohhh..." She added this for effect. Kenshin tried hard not laugh, as did Becca. "It's about noon," Brandy answered. "We came back to get you guys to go back out. But we don't know where Yahiko is." Jenn let out a quiet, "oh."
Sano shrugged with resolve, "Well we can find out easy enough. YAHIKO!!!" he yelled. "GET YOUR REAR DOWN HERE!!! BECCA ND THE OTHERS ARE BACK!!" They all heard a sound of movement upstairs. "Well he's up there," Brandy concluded. They heard the sound of thundering steps down the stairs. And they watched a greenish blur rush in the room and to Becca.
Becca looked down in shock and seen a woman fiercely hugging her. "You're back!!!" said a high voice. Becca's eyes bulged. The person let go, "What's wrong?! You didn't mind last night!" Sano and Jenn did there best to stare and look as shocked as everyone else. Kenshin and Brandy slowly recognized who this was as Becca screamed. "YAHIKO?!!!!" He stepped back confused, "Wha...?" Kenshin stuttered, "You...you're wearing... you're wearing..."
Yahiko didn't get it. "What do you mean? I'm just dressed like I normally would be!!" Becca looked like she was gonna die and or blow up. "YOU"RE A CROSSDRESSER?!" Becca roared. Yahiko finally looked at himself. He let out an extremely loud, high-pitched scream and ran upstairs. Jenn and Sano doubled over onto the ground, laughing to a point of tears. Kenshin was turning deep red, trying to hold back the laughter. Brandy was laughing and would have fallen had she not been hanging on to Kenshin. Becca was still standing there in shock.
Yahiko came back down, blood red in the face. He was sloppily dressed in his normal clothes and was tearing off the jewelry. He ripped the bow out of his hair and was fiercely trying to get it back to normal. It just didn't want to work. When he finally got it somewhat better he looked back up to Becca with his face bowed. Becca looked him over but when she got to his feet, she seen he still had the shoes on. "Yahiko *laugh* you have my shoes on still!" Becca couldn't stop herself from laughing at this. Yahiko flung the shoes off and handed them to Becca with a bow. Becca took them and almost fell over. "I...I..." Yahiko attempted to talk but his voice was still extremely high.
Brandy once she had a little more control, popped the question. "So how, err... why..., umm?" Yahiko whimpered in the silence, "don't know." Jenn and Sano could no longer take it and fell back to the ground, rolling in painful laughs. "It was you?!" Becca stated, amazed. Sano furiously nodded between hysterical laughs. Jenn couldn't bring herself to speak. They all waited for about ten minutes until both off them got control. They finally were able to sit back up. "WHY??!!!" Yahiko said, trying to control fury.
"I had to do something to get Becca back for last night! Sorry...*laughs* I'll never do anything like that again, okay? I am sorry but it was sooo funny!!!" Kenshin shook his head. Becca grabbed Yahiko wooden sword and hit the two in the head hard. She handed the sword back and smiled. Sano rubbed his head, "We deserve it." Jenn agreed, "We do!" Once the traumatizing event was settled the group headed out for lunch.
They picked a restaurant and headed inside. They all sat around the table, very hungry. Brandy ordered the food quickly and they ordered drinks too. Sake too, Jenn and Sano started drinking it, but they didn't intend to let themselves get drunk. The food came out and everyone dug in quickly. Jenn was about to take a bite of hers when chopsticks from her right reached across to grab it first. Sano grinned, "Gotta make sure it's safe." He playfully popped the meat in his mouth.
The chefs in the kitchen stared at the complete stranger that had insisted on helping make the last dish. She was in a black shirt and pants of sorts and had short, dark hair. She stood around like she was waiting for something with a dark smile.
Sano bite into the piece of meat he had stole from Jenn. He got a very odd look on his face and started sweating heavily. Acting strangely, Sano grabbed an empty plate and started fanning himself rapidly with it. Jenn was a little concerned, "Sano, what's the matter?!" He started looking around frantically. He grabbed the tea kettle and chugged the whole thing. Sano did the same with the water pitcher. He started slamming his fists on the ground and became a dark red. A waitress seen this and ran into the back.
Jenn heard a familiar voice, "What the...?" it said. Jenn eyes flashed dangerously. Her!!! Sure enough, Camille came walking toward them. When she seen Sano she yelled, "You idiot blonde!! That was for you not him!!!" She screamed. Camille tried to go to Sano but Jenn stopped her with a swift punch in the side. Camille still managed to push through. When she got to Sano, he could not hold it in anymore. The result was like dragon breath. Camille charred, and Sano slumping. Camille ran out after shooting a jealous look to Jenn.
Jenn was at Sano once again. He ended up drinking a lot of water just to cool down. He was feeling slightly better but overall wasn't good. Thankfully the waitress brought out a new plate of food and they got the whole meal for free. When they walked out they were all pretty happy. Sano was still in a little shock but was recovering. Once they got out it was time to shop again.
They broke off in groups to check out different sorts of shops. Everyone was with everybody at some point or another. It was really quite a mess as they rushed around, checking out their own interests.
As Brandy was looking around, she was thinking of some way to help Jenn out. She had gotten her stuff back after all. While Brandy was looking around she seen Sano by himself walking. Brandy started walking that way and seen a flower stand. Needless to say she got an idea, and something that for once wasn't that extreme. She couldn't help but smile at herself. Brandy casually walked over to Sanosuke.
"What are you looking at?" Brandy asked. Sano let out a small gasp, like he had been in a daze. "Oh. Nothing," He simply replied. Brandy, nonchalantly started walking with him toward the stand. He still didn't say anything. "Thinking about something?" Brandy asked. Sano replied with a slight smile, "I guess." Eventually as they got near the stand Brandy said, "Oh. A flower stand." She led him toward it.
They stood around there and Brandy put in, pointing, "See that flower?" Sano looked and nodded. It was a light color, almost silvery looking. There were blue and purple tints on some parts of it. The flower part was closed up. Brandy continued, "Jenn told me about them once. Supposed to be rare, only open at night. They say only if there's moonlight. Kinda interesting isn't it? Jenn always liked that kinda stuff." Sano nodded.
Brandy bought another flower that she knew Becca liked and was going to leave. "Coming Sanosuke?" she asked. "In a little. There's other things I want to look at first," he replied, looking away. Brandy seen him watching her until she left. Brandy could have cheered. I think he got the hint! Brandy looked at the flower she held. Now, I wonder where Yahiko is? Brandy walked toward where she seen them last, now that she had another objective.
While Brandy was busy with Yahiko she had no idea that Jenn and Becca had been working on Kenshin. They talked him into buying some things for Brandy and he was a little confused. Confused, but inwardly wanting the help. The girls kept telling Kenshin advice until they seen the others coming. When all of them regrouped, they started to walk back to the house. Almost everyone was carrying a package or bag with something they'd bought.
They all also had plans for when they got back. Everyone had bought the stuff to have one heck of a party. They just didn't know how much the others were putting in for it. When they got back to the house they all announced the same plan at the same time. There was a great deal of laughter and after they calmed down everyone left to get ready in some way. Everyone was in their rooms doing something.
Kenshin was busy getting into the clothes the girls insisted on getting for him and organizing the gifts he got for Brandy. Yahiko was equally as busy trying to figure out how to present Becca with the flower Brandy had given him. He was practicing lines in front of a mirror. In his room, Sano was pulling out the bottles of drinks he had gotten. He didn't know how to approach the situation with the flower he had bought, so he hid it outside for later. Sano was sort of lost in thought while he cleaned up in his room.
The girls were in just as bad, if not worse, of a fluster than the guys. They had all somehow ended up in Becca's room. They were talking while they messed with clothing, hair, jewelry, and makeup. Becca ended up wearing a stunning two-piece emerald green and lighter green kimono and had her hair up in a fancy style. Brandy had chosen a dark blue kimono with the pattern of falling sakura leaves on one side. Her hair was up in a pretty ponytail with fancy clasp. Jenn on the other hand had her hair styled down and was wearing a dark purple kimono with slitted sides. The top of her dress was a little modified, but it still went well. Jenn wasn't one to mess with makeup but she had put on lipstick tonight. The two had taken other particular, special occasion additions too.
When they finished, the girls headed downstairs and started cooking the food. The guys came down a while later dressed nicely as well. Kenshin was wearing black pants and a completely different top. He was wearing a dark shirt but had an extravagant dark blue over shirt on. It had silver embroidery of dragons and patterns and was closed in the front. Yahiko was wearing a green top and his nicest pants. Sano was wearing his normal clothes but he looked like he had taken extra measures to look clean. He was smiling and carrying a few bottles. The girls smiled incredibly.
As soon as the girls finished cooking the party began. They ate and relaxed and were overall acting happy. Sano broke out the drinks quickly and everyone dug in. Within a couple of hours Brandy and Kenshin were extremely drunk. Becca and Yahiko had stayed away as much as possible but were still a little tipsy. Jenn and Sano had probably drank as much as Brandy but weren't really affected. Kenshin was definitely not known for tolerance. They had eventually formed somewhat of a circle with drinks and food being passed around. It wasn't long before the two drunks started a chain song.
Everyone laughed and sang quite a lot, things calmed down a bit when Brandy and Kenshin passed out. Jenn decide to go fetch a board game and when she did Sano went outside. Yahiko took this opportunity to give the flower to Becca. Becca was of course touched and delighted beyond measure. When Jenn came back in, the two were a cute snuggling pair. Jenn played a round of checkers with Yahiko, but he was losing interest as he watched Becca. Jenn got back up and took the game back. When she got back, Jenn looked around and suddenly was wondering where Sanosuke had gotten to. Jenn seen the door ajar and walked out curiously.
Jenn walked outside and it was as dark as she could expect. The moon's light was illuminating a lot of the darkness, so she could see enough to walk. She strolled around slowly looking for Sano. As she walked towards the forest and stream she heard a faint voice, singing on the wind. "...I'm under your spell, and there's nothing I can do. As the day turns into night I am for you..." Jenn instantly recognized Sano's voice and followed it, almost in a trance. His voice was beautiful, she trailed it and it led toward the stream. "...A man and a woman will find true identity, underneath the magic of the full moon... Passionate lady, give me your love..." He voice was soft and Jenn sped up before he stopped and she lost it. "Mysterious lady, I need your love. This spell you've got me under... your eyes they make me wonder. Is this a fantasy or is this love for real?..."
Jenn finally spotted him as she reached a clearing beside the stream. He was sitting, facing toward the stream, on a large rock. He was leaning back and looked like he was in a trance himself. He didn't notice Jenn as she walked quietly toward him from behind. "Do you want me lady, give me your love. I feel you come lady, I need your love... Cause all the things you do to me, they lock me up and set me free. Fever of this crazy love dances with the passion in my heart..." As Sanosuke stopped his gentle singing with a sigh, he senses kicked in with a shock. He whipped around to see Jenn behind him. Jenn could see he was red as he looked at her.
Jenn let out a light giggle. "You have a beautiful voice... Who'd have known you could sing so well. Hmm..." Jenn smiled warmly, slightly embarrassed at seeing all this. Sano wasn't quite sure what to say, "Uhh... sorry, I shouldn't have wandered off without saying anything..." He turned away, embarrassed and looked up at the sky. "It's alright..." Jenn said walking toward him, she too was looking up. "The stars are amazing..." she said, meaning it. Sanosuke replied quietly, "Yeah... so beautiful... The moon too..." His reply made him think of something he carried with him.
Jenn was slightly shocked as he asked her something she was not expecting. "Do you believe in heaven?" Jenn smiled and sat herself back to back with him. "Yeah, I do..." she responded, lightly. "Do you think Captain Sagara and the others are up there somewhere?" Sano asked almost sadly as he motioned to the stars. Jenn understood about the Sekihotai and she nodded, "Yeah, they are. I know it." Sano turned around partially, "How...?" his voice wavered a little.
Jenn smiled and chuckled lightly, "They watch over you... Everyone can see it." Sano's eyes were wide at first but he gently smiled back. "Thank you..." As he looked to the moon he suddenly remembered something from before. He pulled something in front of him, where Jenn could not see. "Here," He said shyly, extending it to her. Jenn stared as she took the delicate flower. When he had pulled it out the flower, it was the first time the moonlight had hit it. Sure enough, like he had been told, the flower started to open.
Jenn was heavily blushing, it was so beautiful. As it's silvery leaves opened it revealed vivid, dark blues and purples inside it. Jenn had never seen anything like it. She really didn't know what to say, "I...I..." Jenn was at a loss for words. Sano shook his head with a grin, "No don't. You deserve it... believe me, more than anyone now..." Jenn looked down, she was crimson.
"Are you alright now?" Jenn quietly asked, still in shock but concerned about Sano. He nodded, "I'm fine..." Sano looked up remembering something else. "umm..." Jenn looked to him, "Yes?" I wanted to get something from my house, it means a lot to me... Can we go get it? If it's all right..." Jenn hopped up and smiled, "Of course!" Sano got up with a smile and walked a little in front of her. Blushing a little, he extended his hand, "Shall we?" Jenn nodded and took his hand. They started walking into town...
Brandy woke up an hour after she had passed out, feeling a little dizzy. She shook the sleeping Kenshin beside her and he woke up pretty quickly. He looked around and seen that Becca and Yahiko were both asleep against each other. Not seeing Jenn or Sano, he assumed they had gone up to sleep. Kenshin looked at Brandy, who looked a little rougher than before, but she still looked lovely like that. With that thought Kenshin had a thought. "Would you wait here for a moment?" He asked Brandy. She nodded and he rushed off upstairs. He came back carrying two small packages.
Kenshin walked to her and sat back down beside Brandy. Blushing, he handed her the packages. "When we were out I seen these and thought of you. I thought you might like them..." Kenshin said, sounding nervous. Brandy smiled as she started opening the gifts. In the first package was a box of candies, which appealed to Brandy very much. She was highly smiling as she opened the other package. Her eyes grew round in admiration. Inside this package was a smaller box. This box contained six glass figures. They were all of animals and were hand painted. They were very pretty and adorable to look at.
Brandy couldn't help but giggle at how sweet this was. She smiled as she spoke, "Thank you very much..." Kenshin blushed, "It's nothing. Brandy turned toward him gazing with a questioning look. Kenshin wasn't quite sure but he smiled fondly and rubbed his head embarrassed. Brandy encircled herself around Kenshin and he followed in the same action. They both were smiling and content to be like this. Brandy started to get tired but didn't want to let go. She eventually fell asleep like this. Kenshin smiled and was quite content as he eventually fell asleep himself.
Jenn woke up later in the night and looked to the western style clock on the wall. It read that it was one- thirty in the morning. As she took in her surroundings she thought of how this was definitely not where she had expected to be at this time of night, today. She didn't mind being here though, as she thought about what all had happened tonight.
Jenn had walked with Sano to his house and went inside. It wasn't big but it was what he called home. He went back into another room and came back with a small bag. He motioned for Jenn to sit and she did. He walked over and sat beside her as he opened the bag. He pulled out a watercolor picture of Captain Sagara that Katsu had painted. He looked extremely nostalgic as he pulled out other items. A whistle, a knife, a headband, and a thin jewelry chain, were a few of the items inside. When he started talking about the items he ended up spilling the whole story about the Sekihotai again. Everything at that. Jenn knew his story, but it never impacted her like it did now, hearing it first person. Sano was so worked up and seeing him in such a mental wreck hurt. He had gotten over it, but it still haunted him. He sounded so desperate, so young when he talked. Jenn understood she was seeing what most others never did from him.
Jenn carefully rolled over. Poor Sanosuke... so much pain... She looked up and ran her fingers in his hair, smiling. So adorable sleeping... He partially opened one eye as he stirred when she did. She ran a finger down his cheek and he smiled again. Jenn laughed inwardly thinking how ridiculous she must have looked. She had borrowed an old shirt because she didn't want to mess up her kimono by sleeping in it. It was way oversized and must have looked funny. He pulled her closer again and rested his head on her shoulder. He purred until he fell asleep again.
Jenn couldn't help but look back at the clock, dreading the morning. More importantly, dreading going back to the house. Neither of them, Becca or Brandy, would let her hear the end of this. I'm gonna get it tomorrow... Jenn drowsily thought as she snuggled closer and fell back asleep. But it's worth it... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Notes: why aren't you ppl reviewing?
Day 11- Jenn
Sanosuke rolled over in the middle of the night, for some reason he was partially conscious again. He rolled back over with a groan. Sano's eyes shot open as he strongly smelled alcohol. In fact there was a bottle right at him. He drowsily looked up to see a braid of blonde hair and a loose purple robe. It eventually occurred to him who this was and he muttered, "Wha...?" He was too tired to really say much anything.
Jenn leaned down so he could see her face and spoke quietly. "Sorry to wake you up sleepy. But I thought you might want to know about something. And frankly, saying it any other time might not be secure..." He nodded and tried to put his head up on his hand. "Ok... what's up?" He muttered quietly. Jenn leaned in and whispered the plan into his ear so he could hear clearly. "Heh. I'm in," Sano said quietly with a smile. Looking at Jenn he had a thought. "So..." Jenn quieted him with a gentle grin. "Get some sleep. We'll talk tomorrow," Jenn said, pulling his blanket up. He managed a light laugh and he mumbled, "...Yahiko..." as his eyes closed. He appeared to have fallen asleep right then. Jenn fondly ran her right hand through his messy hair. She smiled thinking. He looks so much younger asleep...so peaceful... She was about to stand up but found a slight resistance. Looking down she seen his hand was grasping the bottom of her robe. She gently tugged and he unconsciously released. Jenn silently made her way toward the door. Before closing it she hesitated once more to look inside. Sano partially opened his eyes to see her there at the door. He smiled and was out again. Jenn closed the door and headed back to her room to get to back to sleep.
Brandy woke up in the morning with a huge yawn. She looked around and stood up. As she did however, she seen something odd. She noticed a blue bag in the one corner. It also had a big blue bow on it. Curiously, Brandy walked over to examine the bag. She seen a note hanging off of it, so she grabbed it and was about to open it. Ivy...this better not be one of your tricks!!! Brandy was thankful that nothing happened as she opened it. She started to read.
Brandy,
This is a little late, but... BE HAPPY!!! I worked to get this ya know! So cheer up, OK?
Ciao,
Jenn
Jenn, wha...? Brandy was a little confused as she reached for the bag. As she opened it her eyes grew large. It took a lot not to scream right then. Brandy quickly grabbed a pillow and yelled into it. Thankfully it muffled very well, it would have waken the others up. Brandy squeaked as she pulled her beloved Kenshin doll out of the bag. She fiercely hugged it and started to pull the pictures out of the bag. Brandy quickly started pinning them back up on her wall. She put her doll where it belonged and trotted out of her room. Brandy almost skipped down the stairs, now in a very good mood.
As Brandy came down, the others followed. Most of them had woke up around the same time. Coming into the kitchen, they found Jenn busily chopping food for breakfast. She was humming a tune and she flipped an egg in the pan when they came in. It looked like she was making omelets now. Jenn quickly finished up and brought the food to the table. They all sat down. Brandy was still smiling and Jenn was humming. "You people are freakishly happy. It's unnatural," Yahiko muttered under his breath. Becca heard him and whispered, "Yeah. They're crazy remember?" Yahiko and Becca snickered. Kenshin let out a quiet "Oro?"
Not letting this bother her, Brandy was feeling good and she had an idea. "How about we go out again Becca? There's still a few places you should see!" "Okay!!" Becca replied excitedly. Brandy turned to the others," Jenn?" Jenn shook her head, "Nah. I've got some stuff I should do. Go ahead without me." Brandy shrugged, "Okay."
Becca asked next, "How about you guys? Yahiko, Sanosuke?" "I'd love to Becca, but... I've got to get Sano back at the games. I swore a rematch for today!" Yahiko explained. "Alright," Becca responded. There was silence for a second until Kenshin piped up. "I'll come if you'd allow me, that I will." "Great!!" Brandy said, finishing her food and standing up. She grabbed Kenshin and Becca and shoved them upstairs to get ready.
In minutes the three were ready and back downstairs. "We're going now!" Becca said to the other three at the table. "Ok!" Jenn said, finishing up the food. The three started to walk out the door. "Have a good time Becca!" Yahiko called. Becca waved back and they left. As the guys finished eating, Jenn started to clean up. Yahiko was heading out into the living room and telling Sano to come with him. Jenn walked by Sano as he was leaving and stuck out her tongue with a wink. He understood and smiled before he followed Yahiko out. It was soon time.
When Jenn finished, she walked into the living room with a drink for all of them. She handed them out and Sano and Yahiko were busy playing the game. Yahiko was clueless that Jenn had put a sleeping solution in his cup. He drank it with out any suspicion. Jenn watched Yahiko down the cup and Sano noticed her staring. He shot a quick glance at her and she winked. Jenn sat down to observe the rest of the game.
About fifteen minutes later Yahiko fell over asleep. Jenn hopped up quickly. Sano looked to her, "What now?" He too was grinning. "Grab him and come up here with me!" Jenn said walking up the stairs. "We gotta work fast. Don't know when they'll be back." Sano grabbed Yahiko and rushed up after Jenn. He was a little shocked as she led him into Becca's room. Jenn pointed for him to put Yahiko down. Once he placed Yahiko down, Sano looked to Jenn. She was now in Becca's closet and motioned for Sano to come over. He walked over, confused but interested.
Jenn pulled out several bags on hangers. She unwrapped each and looked to Sano. "Which one do you think?" Jenn asked holding up multiple dresses that belonged to Becca. He signaled for her to stop while she did. "That one!" He said with a mischievous grin. It was long and conveniently Asian styled. It was a dark green color with black trim. Jenn then had Sanosuke wash him up good and also wash his hair with a serum she gave him. When Sano came out of the bathroom he looked like he was going to crack up.
Sano took Yahiko to his own room and they worked on him more there. They got him into the dress and Jenn was messing with his hair. She had gels in it so it didn't stand up and had it styled in a feminine way. Sano helped wherever he could and was grinning like mad. Jenn then got out the make up and did a heck of a number on Yahiko. He really looked like a girl when she was done. Jenn had a few other touches to add though.
She made Yahiko inhale some sort of gas in a tube. Sano asked her about it and she said, "It'll make his voice high. Like a girl's." Jenn about busted up laughing as well. When she was doing this Sano left to get something because he was having ideas too. He came back with a light green hair bow, shoes he'd stolen from Becca's closet, bracelets, a necklace, and a two bottles. Jenn's eyes sparkled at his roguish nature in thinking of these things. He seen the cat ears appear when she giggled after putting the bow on.
They put on the necklace, the bracelets, and the perfume. Jenn didn't know what the last bottle was. Sano smiled almost evilly. "It's a strong alcohol, it would be better if he really doesn't know what he's wearing, or seem appalled. It'll seem like he did it himself." Jenn giggled immensely as Sano administered the alcohol. Then they left him up there, lying on the bed and headed downstairs.
It was about lunchtime when the three got back. When they seen them coming up the road, Jenn and Sano hastily tried to think of a convincing position to be. So they'd seem innocent. Jenn was walking around, panicking a little when Sano pulled her down against him in the pillow room. He wrapped on arm around her and said, "Just pretend you're asleep. They'll buy it!" He said confidently. Jenn laughed quietly and snuggled a little closer and closed her eyes. She tried to make her breathing even.
A few minutes later Sano heard the front door open. He shut his eyes like he was just relaxing. "Jenn, Sano, Yahiko? Where are you?" they called. He heard one of them open the door to the pillow room and gasp slightly. He opened his eyes at this, blushed a little for good measure, and looked up. They were all standing in the doorway now. "We were gonna come back to get you guys for lunch. Where's Yahiko?" Becca said lightly. Sano responded quietly to make it seem like he didn't want to wake Jenn. "He said something about going back to bed earlier. I dozed off; I thought he might have gone out. Dunno..."
Sano shook Jenn gently. She pretended very well to wake up tiredly. She turned red upon pretending to realize where she was. Jenn bolted up, red in the face. "I must have fall...fallen asleep!" She said hurriedly, trying to sound embarrassed. "You're back, oh my... What time...? Ohhh..." She added this for effect. Kenshin tried hard not laugh, as did Becca. "It's about noon," Brandy answered. "We came back to get you guys to go back out. But we don't know where Yahiko is." Jenn let out a quiet, "oh."
Sano shrugged with resolve, "Well we can find out easy enough. YAHIKO!!!" he yelled. "GET YOUR REAR DOWN HERE!!! BECCA ND THE OTHERS ARE BACK!!" They all heard a sound of movement upstairs. "Well he's up there," Brandy concluded. They heard the sound of thundering steps down the stairs. And they watched a greenish blur rush in the room and to Becca.
Becca looked down in shock and seen a woman fiercely hugging her. "You're back!!!" said a high voice. Becca's eyes bulged. The person let go, "What's wrong?! You didn't mind last night!" Sano and Jenn did there best to stare and look as shocked as everyone else. Kenshin and Brandy slowly recognized who this was as Becca screamed. "YAHIKO?!!!!" He stepped back confused, "Wha...?" Kenshin stuttered, "You...you're wearing... you're wearing..."
Yahiko didn't get it. "What do you mean? I'm just dressed like I normally would be!!" Becca looked like she was gonna die and or blow up. "YOU"RE A CROSSDRESSER?!" Becca roared. Yahiko finally looked at himself. He let out an extremely loud, high-pitched scream and ran upstairs. Jenn and Sano doubled over onto the ground, laughing to a point of tears. Kenshin was turning deep red, trying to hold back the laughter. Brandy was laughing and would have fallen had she not been hanging on to Kenshin. Becca was still standing there in shock.
Yahiko came back down, blood red in the face. He was sloppily dressed in his normal clothes and was tearing off the jewelry. He ripped the bow out of his hair and was fiercely trying to get it back to normal. It just didn't want to work. When he finally got it somewhat better he looked back up to Becca with his face bowed. Becca looked him over but when she got to his feet, she seen he still had the shoes on. "Yahiko *laugh* you have my shoes on still!" Becca couldn't stop herself from laughing at this. Yahiko flung the shoes off and handed them to Becca with a bow. Becca took them and almost fell over. "I...I..." Yahiko attempted to talk but his voice was still extremely high.
Brandy once she had a little more control, popped the question. "So how, err... why..., umm?" Yahiko whimpered in the silence, "don't know." Jenn and Sano could no longer take it and fell back to the ground, rolling in painful laughs. "It was you?!" Becca stated, amazed. Sano furiously nodded between hysterical laughs. Jenn couldn't bring herself to speak. They all waited for about ten minutes until both off them got control. They finally were able to sit back up. "WHY??!!!" Yahiko said, trying to control fury.
"I had to do something to get Becca back for last night! Sorry...*laughs* I'll never do anything like that again, okay? I am sorry but it was sooo funny!!!" Kenshin shook his head. Becca grabbed Yahiko wooden sword and hit the two in the head hard. She handed the sword back and smiled. Sano rubbed his head, "We deserve it." Jenn agreed, "We do!" Once the traumatizing event was settled the group headed out for lunch.
They picked a restaurant and headed inside. They all sat around the table, very hungry. Brandy ordered the food quickly and they ordered drinks too. Sake too, Jenn and Sano started drinking it, but they didn't intend to let themselves get drunk. The food came out and everyone dug in quickly. Jenn was about to take a bite of hers when chopsticks from her right reached across to grab it first. Sano grinned, "Gotta make sure it's safe." He playfully popped the meat in his mouth.
The chefs in the kitchen stared at the complete stranger that had insisted on helping make the last dish. She was in a black shirt and pants of sorts and had short, dark hair. She stood around like she was waiting for something with a dark smile.
Sano bite into the piece of meat he had stole from Jenn. He got a very odd look on his face and started sweating heavily. Acting strangely, Sano grabbed an empty plate and started fanning himself rapidly with it. Jenn was a little concerned, "Sano, what's the matter?!" He started looking around frantically. He grabbed the tea kettle and chugged the whole thing. Sano did the same with the water pitcher. He started slamming his fists on the ground and became a dark red. A waitress seen this and ran into the back.
Jenn heard a familiar voice, "What the...?" it said. Jenn eyes flashed dangerously. Her!!! Sure enough, Camille came walking toward them. When she seen Sano she yelled, "You idiot blonde!! That was for you not him!!!" She screamed. Camille tried to go to Sano but Jenn stopped her with a swift punch in the side. Camille still managed to push through. When she got to Sano, he could not hold it in anymore. The result was like dragon breath. Camille charred, and Sano slumping. Camille ran out after shooting a jealous look to Jenn.
Jenn was at Sano once again. He ended up drinking a lot of water just to cool down. He was feeling slightly better but overall wasn't good. Thankfully the waitress brought out a new plate of food and they got the whole meal for free. When they walked out they were all pretty happy. Sano was still in a little shock but was recovering. Once they got out it was time to shop again.
They broke off in groups to check out different sorts of shops. Everyone was with everybody at some point or another. It was really quite a mess as they rushed around, checking out their own interests.
As Brandy was looking around, she was thinking of some way to help Jenn out. She had gotten her stuff back after all. While Brandy was looking around she seen Sano by himself walking. Brandy started walking that way and seen a flower stand. Needless to say she got an idea, and something that for once wasn't that extreme. She couldn't help but smile at herself. Brandy casually walked over to Sanosuke.
"What are you looking at?" Brandy asked. Sano let out a small gasp, like he had been in a daze. "Oh. Nothing," He simply replied. Brandy, nonchalantly started walking with him toward the stand. He still didn't say anything. "Thinking about something?" Brandy asked. Sano replied with a slight smile, "I guess." Eventually as they got near the stand Brandy said, "Oh. A flower stand." She led him toward it.
They stood around there and Brandy put in, pointing, "See that flower?" Sano looked and nodded. It was a light color, almost silvery looking. There were blue and purple tints on some parts of it. The flower part was closed up. Brandy continued, "Jenn told me about them once. Supposed to be rare, only open at night. They say only if there's moonlight. Kinda interesting isn't it? Jenn always liked that kinda stuff." Sano nodded.
Brandy bought another flower that she knew Becca liked and was going to leave. "Coming Sanosuke?" she asked. "In a little. There's other things I want to look at first," he replied, looking away. Brandy seen him watching her until she left. Brandy could have cheered. I think he got the hint! Brandy looked at the flower she held. Now, I wonder where Yahiko is? Brandy walked toward where she seen them last, now that she had another objective.
While Brandy was busy with Yahiko she had no idea that Jenn and Becca had been working on Kenshin. They talked him into buying some things for Brandy and he was a little confused. Confused, but inwardly wanting the help. The girls kept telling Kenshin advice until they seen the others coming. When all of them regrouped, they started to walk back to the house. Almost everyone was carrying a package or bag with something they'd bought.
They all also had plans for when they got back. Everyone had bought the stuff to have one heck of a party. They just didn't know how much the others were putting in for it. When they got back to the house they all announced the same plan at the same time. There was a great deal of laughter and after they calmed down everyone left to get ready in some way. Everyone was in their rooms doing something.
Kenshin was busy getting into the clothes the girls insisted on getting for him and organizing the gifts he got for Brandy. Yahiko was equally as busy trying to figure out how to present Becca with the flower Brandy had given him. He was practicing lines in front of a mirror. In his room, Sano was pulling out the bottles of drinks he had gotten. He didn't know how to approach the situation with the flower he had bought, so he hid it outside for later. Sano was sort of lost in thought while he cleaned up in his room.
The girls were in just as bad, if not worse, of a fluster than the guys. They had all somehow ended up in Becca's room. They were talking while they messed with clothing, hair, jewelry, and makeup. Becca ended up wearing a stunning two-piece emerald green and lighter green kimono and had her hair up in a fancy style. Brandy had chosen a dark blue kimono with the pattern of falling sakura leaves on one side. Her hair was up in a pretty ponytail with fancy clasp. Jenn on the other hand had her hair styled down and was wearing a dark purple kimono with slitted sides. The top of her dress was a little modified, but it still went well. Jenn wasn't one to mess with makeup but she had put on lipstick tonight. The two had taken other particular, special occasion additions too.
When they finished, the girls headed downstairs and started cooking the food. The guys came down a while later dressed nicely as well. Kenshin was wearing black pants and a completely different top. He was wearing a dark shirt but had an extravagant dark blue over shirt on. It had silver embroidery of dragons and patterns and was closed in the front. Yahiko was wearing a green top and his nicest pants. Sano was wearing his normal clothes but he looked like he had taken extra measures to look clean. He was smiling and carrying a few bottles. The girls smiled incredibly.
As soon as the girls finished cooking the party began. They ate and relaxed and were overall acting happy. Sano broke out the drinks quickly and everyone dug in. Within a couple of hours Brandy and Kenshin were extremely drunk. Becca and Yahiko had stayed away as much as possible but were still a little tipsy. Jenn and Sano had probably drank as much as Brandy but weren't really affected. Kenshin was definitely not known for tolerance. They had eventually formed somewhat of a circle with drinks and food being passed around. It wasn't long before the two drunks started a chain song.
Everyone laughed and sang quite a lot, things calmed down a bit when Brandy and Kenshin passed out. Jenn decide to go fetch a board game and when she did Sano went outside. Yahiko took this opportunity to give the flower to Becca. Becca was of course touched and delighted beyond measure. When Jenn came back in, the two were a cute snuggling pair. Jenn played a round of checkers with Yahiko, but he was losing interest as he watched Becca. Jenn got back up and took the game back. When she got back, Jenn looked around and suddenly was wondering where Sanosuke had gotten to. Jenn seen the door ajar and walked out curiously.
Jenn walked outside and it was as dark as she could expect. The moon's light was illuminating a lot of the darkness, so she could see enough to walk. She strolled around slowly looking for Sano. As she walked towards the forest and stream she heard a faint voice, singing on the wind. "...I'm under your spell, and there's nothing I can do. As the day turns into night I am for you..." Jenn instantly recognized Sano's voice and followed it, almost in a trance. His voice was beautiful, she trailed it and it led toward the stream. "...A man and a woman will find true identity, underneath the magic of the full moon... Passionate lady, give me your love..." He voice was soft and Jenn sped up before he stopped and she lost it. "Mysterious lady, I need your love. This spell you've got me under... your eyes they make me wonder. Is this a fantasy or is this love for real?..."
Jenn finally spotted him as she reached a clearing beside the stream. He was sitting, facing toward the stream, on a large rock. He was leaning back and looked like he was in a trance himself. He didn't notice Jenn as she walked quietly toward him from behind. "Do you want me lady, give me your love. I feel you come lady, I need your love... Cause all the things you do to me, they lock me up and set me free. Fever of this crazy love dances with the passion in my heart..." As Sanosuke stopped his gentle singing with a sigh, he senses kicked in with a shock. He whipped around to see Jenn behind him. Jenn could see he was red as he looked at her.
Jenn let out a light giggle. "You have a beautiful voice... Who'd have known you could sing so well. Hmm..." Jenn smiled warmly, slightly embarrassed at seeing all this. Sano wasn't quite sure what to say, "Uhh... sorry, I shouldn't have wandered off without saying anything..." He turned away, embarrassed and looked up at the sky. "It's alright..." Jenn said walking toward him, she too was looking up. "The stars are amazing..." she said, meaning it. Sanosuke replied quietly, "Yeah... so beautiful... The moon too..." His reply made him think of something he carried with him.
Jenn was slightly shocked as he asked her something she was not expecting. "Do you believe in heaven?" Jenn smiled and sat herself back to back with him. "Yeah, I do..." she responded, lightly. "Do you think Captain Sagara and the others are up there somewhere?" Sano asked almost sadly as he motioned to the stars. Jenn understood about the Sekihotai and she nodded, "Yeah, they are. I know it." Sano turned around partially, "How...?" his voice wavered a little.
Jenn smiled and chuckled lightly, "They watch over you... Everyone can see it." Sano's eyes were wide at first but he gently smiled back. "Thank you..." As he looked to the moon he suddenly remembered something from before. He pulled something in front of him, where Jenn could not see. "Here," He said shyly, extending it to her. Jenn stared as she took the delicate flower. When he had pulled it out the flower, it was the first time the moonlight had hit it. Sure enough, like he had been told, the flower started to open.
Jenn was heavily blushing, it was so beautiful. As it's silvery leaves opened it revealed vivid, dark blues and purples inside it. Jenn had never seen anything like it. She really didn't know what to say, "I...I..." Jenn was at a loss for words. Sano shook his head with a grin, "No don't. You deserve it... believe me, more than anyone now..." Jenn looked down, she was crimson.
"Are you alright now?" Jenn quietly asked, still in shock but concerned about Sano. He nodded, "I'm fine..." Sano looked up remembering something else. "umm..." Jenn looked to him, "Yes?" I wanted to get something from my house, it means a lot to me... Can we go get it? If it's all right..." Jenn hopped up and smiled, "Of course!" Sano got up with a smile and walked a little in front of her. Blushing a little, he extended his hand, "Shall we?" Jenn nodded and took his hand. They started walking into town...
Brandy woke up an hour after she had passed out, feeling a little dizzy. She shook the sleeping Kenshin beside her and he woke up pretty quickly. He looked around and seen that Becca and Yahiko were both asleep against each other. Not seeing Jenn or Sano, he assumed they had gone up to sleep. Kenshin looked at Brandy, who looked a little rougher than before, but she still looked lovely like that. With that thought Kenshin had a thought. "Would you wait here for a moment?" He asked Brandy. She nodded and he rushed off upstairs. He came back carrying two small packages.
Kenshin walked to her and sat back down beside Brandy. Blushing, he handed her the packages. "When we were out I seen these and thought of you. I thought you might like them..." Kenshin said, sounding nervous. Brandy smiled as she started opening the gifts. In the first package was a box of candies, which appealed to Brandy very much. She was highly smiling as she opened the other package. Her eyes grew round in admiration. Inside this package was a smaller box. This box contained six glass figures. They were all of animals and were hand painted. They were very pretty and adorable to look at.
Brandy couldn't help but giggle at how sweet this was. She smiled as she spoke, "Thank you very much..." Kenshin blushed, "It's nothing. Brandy turned toward him gazing with a questioning look. Kenshin wasn't quite sure but he smiled fondly and rubbed his head embarrassed. Brandy encircled herself around Kenshin and he followed in the same action. They both were smiling and content to be like this. Brandy started to get tired but didn't want to let go. She eventually fell asleep like this. Kenshin smiled and was quite content as he eventually fell asleep himself.
Jenn woke up later in the night and looked to the western style clock on the wall. It read that it was one- thirty in the morning. As she took in her surroundings she thought of how this was definitely not where she had expected to be at this time of night, today. She didn't mind being here though, as she thought about what all had happened tonight.
Jenn had walked with Sano to his house and went inside. It wasn't big but it was what he called home. He went back into another room and came back with a small bag. He motioned for Jenn to sit and she did. He walked over and sat beside her as he opened the bag. He pulled out a watercolor picture of Captain Sagara that Katsu had painted. He looked extremely nostalgic as he pulled out other items. A whistle, a knife, a headband, and a thin jewelry chain, were a few of the items inside. When he started talking about the items he ended up spilling the whole story about the Sekihotai again. Everything at that. Jenn knew his story, but it never impacted her like it did now, hearing it first person. Sano was so worked up and seeing him in such a mental wreck hurt. He had gotten over it, but it still haunted him. He sounded so desperate, so young when he talked. Jenn understood she was seeing what most others never did from him.
Jenn carefully rolled over. Poor Sanosuke... so much pain... She looked up and ran her fingers in his hair, smiling. So adorable sleeping... He partially opened one eye as he stirred when she did. She ran a finger down his cheek and he smiled again. Jenn laughed inwardly thinking how ridiculous she must have looked. She had borrowed an old shirt because she didn't want to mess up her kimono by sleeping in it. It was way oversized and must have looked funny. He pulled her closer again and rested his head on her shoulder. He purred until he fell asleep again.
Jenn couldn't help but look back at the clock, dreading the morning. More importantly, dreading going back to the house. Neither of them, Becca or Brandy, would let her hear the end of this. I'm gonna get it tomorrow... Jenn drowsily thought as she snuggled closer and fell back asleep. But it's worth it... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Notes: why aren't you ppl reviewing?