AN: BACK! Its been almost a year (almost). REVISION ALERT! REVISION because
of all the things that don't seem to flow. . .so, read it! I changed plot
direction, somewhat. Once again, I apologize because I don't update as
often as I like, due to circumstances I can't control. Can you believe? Its
winter break and I'm studying. Intellectual curiosity must be fulfilled (my
ass). Oh, did I say that? No. . . surely I did not (sarcastic laughter).
For those few that clicked onto this page, thanks a bundle! Please do tell
me what you think (flame me if you'd like, as long as something
constructive is embedded within those words). ^_~ Thanks again! Hopefully
this chapter won't be a letdown.
Old msg:::::: Its been awhile, yup, I realize that. Sorry about that. Does anyone still remember this fic? Ah well, kudos and a great big chocolate bar to you if you remembered (and the crowd yells: get off stage you lame idiot!). I don't know. I stuck in quite a few odd things in this chapter, I hope they flow. I have a feeling they don't but. . .plus, I can't make promises about updates. This semester is going to murder me academically, but I'll try. If you guys want to read it that is. . .it would horrible if I was just posting this obviously piece of junk online and having people scroll down the webpage rolling their eyes and snorting. Hopefully it wasn't devolved to that. . .oh yeah, for those few who read ch1, I edited it .Kenshin's nice guy character did not fit what I have in mind. Well, thanks for readin'~~~
Chapter 1: Blurs, Drunks and Cynics
Kaoru twiddled her thumbs nervously. She had gotten no more than two words out of her tenants ever since they stepped in her apartment. Okay, perhaps they did say "thank you", "excuse me" and all the other usual pleasantries when she showed them around the apartment. She wished for something, anything that would break this awful silence.
She wasn't dumb. She knew what Sano's past was and what kind of people he associated with. They weren't bad, per say, they just weren't the people your parents would not exactly have liked you to spend your time after school with. She wondered how these two guys were connected. . .maybe they weren't, she really shouldn't pry herself into matters that didn't concern her. Still. . .she wondered. . .
Where is Sano? Kaoru asked herself repeatedly. Where is he? Kaoru vowed never to do another favor for her brother again. She was too much of a push over for her own good.
"Well, this will be your room should you decide to, um, live here" Kaoru gestured towards the small unused room crouched at the corner of the apartment. Kenshin and Enishi merely nodded in response. Kaoru scratched her head slightly as she turned the knob. Before she could react a something resembling a blur shot out of the room and hit her in the stomach. Kaoru yelped in surprise as she caught the blur and tumbled backwards with it.
"Who. . .oof. . ." The blur was lifted off Kaoru as she rubbed her eyes to regain focus on her surroundings.
"Who are you?" a stone cold voice questioned
"Put me down! What the hell do you think you're doing?" protested the blur.
"Don't make me repeat myself, who and why are you here?"
"I don't care! Put me down, you flame haired butt head!" the owner of the voice squirmed about and thrashed her limbs about in protest.
"Butt. . .head?" The voice now quavered with a tinge of confusion.
"Kaoru!!!!!" The blur barked, "Kaoru!! Help me here!!" Kaoru, having heard her name and slightly regained her sense of balance, glanced towards the source of commotion.
"Misao!?" Kaoru was surprised, to say the least, about the sudden appearance of her high school friend. "Misao. . .I haven't seen you for years, what. . . what are you doing here? How did you get in my apartment?"
"First, before I answer any of your questions, can you ask flame boy here to put me down?" Misao argued.
"Oh" Kaoru exclaimed and turned to her two tenants "Would you please let her down? She was my high school classmate, I'm sure she meant no harm. . ." Then, as an afterthought she muttered "Though I don't know how in the world she scrambled in here" Kenshin grunted a response and released Misao.
"Ow! Thanks, jerk. . ." Misao muttered; having hit the ground after Kenshin released her.
"Watch it. . .monkey" Enishi warned.
"I'll watch it. . hey! What did you call me!?" Misao gritted her teeth. Although she was slightly bemused by the scene unfolding in front of her, reason unknown, Kaoru sensed the tensing of the atmosphere and quickly intercepted before any more damage could be done.
"Alright, this is getting out of control," Kaoru rubbed her still aching head "I am going to go to the kitchen and make something to calm myself down. Meanwhile. . . " More of a demand than an invitation, Kaoru pointed at the sofas in front of the living room TV "Sit."
"Ne ne, Kaoru. . ." Misao tugged Kaoru's sleeve.
"What?" She snapped
"I don't mean to be. . .rude or anything. . . well, its just that. . . you know, your cooking. . . and or any domestic skills. . .have always been rather. . ." Kaoru flushed.
"My skills have much improved since Sano, let us not forget that idiot who should be here right now, bought me a rather helpful book. . ." Kaoru scratched her head in embarrassment. "Idiots Guide to Home making and Cooking" Enishi snorted. Kaoru glared at him and then added sheepishly "The foolproof edition" Kenshin smirked. Kaoru shook her head in exasperation and headed off to the kitchen.
"Here you go," Kaoru returned, balancing four mugs in two hands. "Hot" She warned as she passed the mug to Enishi, who threw her a quizzical look that seemed to say - as if I am stupid enough not to know that.
"All right" Kenshin folded his arms and reclined onto the sofa "I suppose you tell us how you got here and why?"
"Heh . . ." It was Misao's turn to flush red in embarrassment. "Actually, Kaoru. . .I"
"What?" Rather irked at the situation, Kaoru threw Misao an unfriendly look.
"Um. . .I. . .well, you know I am good at. . ." Misao continued to mutter incoherently before taking a deep breath and whispering "Aoshi"
Kaoru flinched and Misao's faced reddened even more. Kenshin's eyes narrowed upon hearing that name but quickly relaxed when Enishi nudged him.
"Yes I do, why?" This was the first time Misao felt chills emitting from Kaoru's voice.
"I know it wasn't pleasant but. . .things have changed" Misao began to defend her wavering position but was quickly waved off by Kaoru.
"Look, you know my opinion of him" in her mind Kaoru added, and you "will never. . . because, well, because you know what happened. . ." Kaoru's knuckles turned white as her fingers intensified their grip on her mug.
"Wait. . ." interjected Enishi, hoping to at least salvage some information from this exchange "You" he pointed at Misao "still haven't explained why you are here"
"I was hoping you wouldn't switch the subject" She began sheepishly.
"And I was hoping you would answer the question" snapped Enishi sarcastically.
"Ok. . .well, you see, back in high school. . ow!!" Misao rubbed the spot on her arm where Kaoru pinched her.
"Misao," Kaoru warned "If you know what is good for you, shut up right now."
"Whoa, chill out" Misao patted her friend but received a glare in response "ok ok. . . I'll shut up and keep to the subject"
"Thank you," Kaoru breathed, voice strained "Now, answer Enishi's question"
"You're Enishi? Good to meet you, I'm Misao by the way" She spoke as she turned to Kenshin, who was currently rubbing his temples in frustration. "You are?"
"Misao. . ." Kaoru warned
"Himura Kenshin" He frowned, "Please. . .answer the question now" Misao opened her mouth but was interrupted by a loud slam.
"Ta. . da. . ima~" a gloomy and slurred voice interrupted the somewhat tedious exchange.
"Sano?" Kaoru rushed to the door just in time to catch her older brother as he stumbled in, wry grin plastered all over his face. Kaoru sighed, her voice gentle "you okay?"
"She. . .left" Sano sniffed and tumbled over.
"Why? I thought you said. . ." Sano's disgruntled voice cut her off
"Never mind what I said. . . she needed time alone. . . to think. . .pursue career, something about a support group. . .its all over" Kaoru swatted her brother on the forehead.
"You," she chided softy "are hopeless." She hoisted Sano onto her shoulders and attempted to place him onto the sofas. "Wait here. . ." She instructed.
"Is everything ok?" Misao eyed the scene, a little fearful.
"Everything is fine. Since its late, why don't you go change and stay in my room for the evening" almost as an afterthought Kaoru added "Don't ask too many questions, you know you have yours to answer tomorrow."
"Himura san? Yukishiro san?" Enishi and Kenshin tilted their heads slightly in her direction "I'm sorry this had to happen. . .especially on your first night here, but, I need your help with. . .with, well, this" Kaoru failed to turn her grimace into a grin as she pointed in the general direction of her brother. "Could you please help get him into his room? It's the one across from the bathroom, ah, yes, with the. . .thanks"
Wordlessly, Kenshin and Enishi followed her requests. Once out of earshot, Enishi crossed his arms and glared at Kenshin.
"You sure this is a good idea?" Enishi's voice, never diminishing in its sarcastic and bitter quality, nagged at Kenshin.
"Sano is trustworthy" Kenshin hissed softly.
"How about the girl, Kaoru? Need I remind you that. . ."
"Everything will be fine" a groggy voice interrupted.
"Sano!?" Kenshin was a bit caught off guard. "And here I was thinking you were piss drunk"
"Well," Sano grinned good-naturedly "I am piss drunk. But I can still hear some things here and there. . . don't worry about my sister. . .she doesn't know. She won't know. Even if she does, she won't tell"
"Go to sleep, idiot" Kenshin chided as Sano rolled over and returned to his unconscious dream land.
"That wasn't extremely convincing. . ." Enishi warned, his visage darkening slightly.
"Well, you I hope you do realize that Sano is drunk" Kenshin argued "I don't see why we have any reason to doubt any one of them"
"Shinomori Aoshi"
"That doesn't mean anything"
"You're too trustworthy"
"You're too cynical"
"You forget too much"
A soft rapping on the door silenced Kenshin and Enishi's bickering.
"Come in" Enishi and Kenshin spoke simultaneously.
"I'm sorry" Kaoru opened the door slightly and stuck her head in "I was just about to go to sleep but wondered if you guys needed anything. Blankets? Towels? Toothbrush? Toothpaste? Pillows?" With each question Kenshin and Enishi shook their heads quietly. "Well, if you get hungry you will just have to raid the fridge. Don't worry, my food doesn't kill. Good night" With a slight bow, Kaoru left the room. Kenshin turned to Enishi, rolled his eyes and muttered sarcastically.
"Right, and she'll be trouble" Enishi frowned at Kenshin's words.
"You've completely forgotten about Tomoe haven't you?"
AN new: ha ha. Not much changed, but hey, a little less awkward and the words seemed to have flown better. . .(Sigh) read on people, read on and review!
AN old one: Oops, and that ends there. Anymore this short chapter would extend about 200 percent and that would just not be good. Oh yeah, sneak peak at my ideas for the next chapter (which are subject to change. . . oh man I am being specific and helpful) - Misao finally explains and becomes less bimbo-like. Sou reappers. And, what? There is going to be a date!?!? Tune in. . .in about another century for. . . the next chapter (well, you can always encourage me with reviews). Oh, should not have said that. Well, thanks for reading!
Reponses
Kard of Dark K/K? Your wish may be my command! Well, let's just say that I've completely lost sight as to what is going to happen in the relationship arena of things. Don't worry, things will get sorted out in due time. Thanks~~
Bard : You like Yahiko? Hmmmm. . .I wasn't really planning on placing a person for Yahiko. Well, I promise you this, whoever Yahiko ends up being with will be you (but in an alter ego. . .). . . I'm being a butt head. Sorry. But, thanks!!
Jaid Skywalker Glad you think this is cute. ^^ K/K? E/K? ahhh! Well, I'll make sure everyone is happy in the end. Well, I'll try anyway. Thanks~
To my first reviewer with no name: Love triangle. Sounds like a plan ^^ Only mar in the plan is this - I don't know if I'll be able to get that far. I know I know. But, thanks so much for the suggestion!
Old msg:::::: Its been awhile, yup, I realize that. Sorry about that. Does anyone still remember this fic? Ah well, kudos and a great big chocolate bar to you if you remembered (and the crowd yells: get off stage you lame idiot!). I don't know. I stuck in quite a few odd things in this chapter, I hope they flow. I have a feeling they don't but. . .plus, I can't make promises about updates. This semester is going to murder me academically, but I'll try. If you guys want to read it that is. . .it would horrible if I was just posting this obviously piece of junk online and having people scroll down the webpage rolling their eyes and snorting. Hopefully it wasn't devolved to that. . .oh yeah, for those few who read ch1, I edited it .Kenshin's nice guy character did not fit what I have in mind. Well, thanks for readin'~~~
Chapter 1: Blurs, Drunks and Cynics
Kaoru twiddled her thumbs nervously. She had gotten no more than two words out of her tenants ever since they stepped in her apartment. Okay, perhaps they did say "thank you", "excuse me" and all the other usual pleasantries when she showed them around the apartment. She wished for something, anything that would break this awful silence.
She wasn't dumb. She knew what Sano's past was and what kind of people he associated with. They weren't bad, per say, they just weren't the people your parents would not exactly have liked you to spend your time after school with. She wondered how these two guys were connected. . .maybe they weren't, she really shouldn't pry herself into matters that didn't concern her. Still. . .she wondered. . .
Where is Sano? Kaoru asked herself repeatedly. Where is he? Kaoru vowed never to do another favor for her brother again. She was too much of a push over for her own good.
"Well, this will be your room should you decide to, um, live here" Kaoru gestured towards the small unused room crouched at the corner of the apartment. Kenshin and Enishi merely nodded in response. Kaoru scratched her head slightly as she turned the knob. Before she could react a something resembling a blur shot out of the room and hit her in the stomach. Kaoru yelped in surprise as she caught the blur and tumbled backwards with it.
"Who. . .oof. . ." The blur was lifted off Kaoru as she rubbed her eyes to regain focus on her surroundings.
"Who are you?" a stone cold voice questioned
"Put me down! What the hell do you think you're doing?" protested the blur.
"Don't make me repeat myself, who and why are you here?"
"I don't care! Put me down, you flame haired butt head!" the owner of the voice squirmed about and thrashed her limbs about in protest.
"Butt. . .head?" The voice now quavered with a tinge of confusion.
"Kaoru!!!!!" The blur barked, "Kaoru!! Help me here!!" Kaoru, having heard her name and slightly regained her sense of balance, glanced towards the source of commotion.
"Misao!?" Kaoru was surprised, to say the least, about the sudden appearance of her high school friend. "Misao. . .I haven't seen you for years, what. . . what are you doing here? How did you get in my apartment?"
"First, before I answer any of your questions, can you ask flame boy here to put me down?" Misao argued.
"Oh" Kaoru exclaimed and turned to her two tenants "Would you please let her down? She was my high school classmate, I'm sure she meant no harm. . ." Then, as an afterthought she muttered "Though I don't know how in the world she scrambled in here" Kenshin grunted a response and released Misao.
"Ow! Thanks, jerk. . ." Misao muttered; having hit the ground after Kenshin released her.
"Watch it. . .monkey" Enishi warned.
"I'll watch it. . hey! What did you call me!?" Misao gritted her teeth. Although she was slightly bemused by the scene unfolding in front of her, reason unknown, Kaoru sensed the tensing of the atmosphere and quickly intercepted before any more damage could be done.
"Alright, this is getting out of control," Kaoru rubbed her still aching head "I am going to go to the kitchen and make something to calm myself down. Meanwhile. . . " More of a demand than an invitation, Kaoru pointed at the sofas in front of the living room TV "Sit."
"Ne ne, Kaoru. . ." Misao tugged Kaoru's sleeve.
"What?" She snapped
"I don't mean to be. . .rude or anything. . . well, its just that. . . you know, your cooking. . . and or any domestic skills. . .have always been rather. . ." Kaoru flushed.
"My skills have much improved since Sano, let us not forget that idiot who should be here right now, bought me a rather helpful book. . ." Kaoru scratched her head in embarrassment. "Idiots Guide to Home making and Cooking" Enishi snorted. Kaoru glared at him and then added sheepishly "The foolproof edition" Kenshin smirked. Kaoru shook her head in exasperation and headed off to the kitchen.
"Here you go," Kaoru returned, balancing four mugs in two hands. "Hot" She warned as she passed the mug to Enishi, who threw her a quizzical look that seemed to say - as if I am stupid enough not to know that.
"All right" Kenshin folded his arms and reclined onto the sofa "I suppose you tell us how you got here and why?"
"Heh . . ." It was Misao's turn to flush red in embarrassment. "Actually, Kaoru. . .I"
"What?" Rather irked at the situation, Kaoru threw Misao an unfriendly look.
"Um. . .I. . .well, you know I am good at. . ." Misao continued to mutter incoherently before taking a deep breath and whispering "Aoshi"
Kaoru flinched and Misao's faced reddened even more. Kenshin's eyes narrowed upon hearing that name but quickly relaxed when Enishi nudged him.
"Yes I do, why?" This was the first time Misao felt chills emitting from Kaoru's voice.
"I know it wasn't pleasant but. . .things have changed" Misao began to defend her wavering position but was quickly waved off by Kaoru.
"Look, you know my opinion of him" in her mind Kaoru added, and you "will never. . . because, well, because you know what happened. . ." Kaoru's knuckles turned white as her fingers intensified their grip on her mug.
"Wait. . ." interjected Enishi, hoping to at least salvage some information from this exchange "You" he pointed at Misao "still haven't explained why you are here"
"I was hoping you wouldn't switch the subject" She began sheepishly.
"And I was hoping you would answer the question" snapped Enishi sarcastically.
"Ok. . .well, you see, back in high school. . ow!!" Misao rubbed the spot on her arm where Kaoru pinched her.
"Misao," Kaoru warned "If you know what is good for you, shut up right now."
"Whoa, chill out" Misao patted her friend but received a glare in response "ok ok. . . I'll shut up and keep to the subject"
"Thank you," Kaoru breathed, voice strained "Now, answer Enishi's question"
"You're Enishi? Good to meet you, I'm Misao by the way" She spoke as she turned to Kenshin, who was currently rubbing his temples in frustration. "You are?"
"Misao. . ." Kaoru warned
"Himura Kenshin" He frowned, "Please. . .answer the question now" Misao opened her mouth but was interrupted by a loud slam.
"Ta. . da. . ima~" a gloomy and slurred voice interrupted the somewhat tedious exchange.
"Sano?" Kaoru rushed to the door just in time to catch her older brother as he stumbled in, wry grin plastered all over his face. Kaoru sighed, her voice gentle "you okay?"
"She. . .left" Sano sniffed and tumbled over.
"Why? I thought you said. . ." Sano's disgruntled voice cut her off
"Never mind what I said. . . she needed time alone. . . to think. . .pursue career, something about a support group. . .its all over" Kaoru swatted her brother on the forehead.
"You," she chided softy "are hopeless." She hoisted Sano onto her shoulders and attempted to place him onto the sofas. "Wait here. . ." She instructed.
"Is everything ok?" Misao eyed the scene, a little fearful.
"Everything is fine. Since its late, why don't you go change and stay in my room for the evening" almost as an afterthought Kaoru added "Don't ask too many questions, you know you have yours to answer tomorrow."
"Himura san? Yukishiro san?" Enishi and Kenshin tilted their heads slightly in her direction "I'm sorry this had to happen. . .especially on your first night here, but, I need your help with. . .with, well, this" Kaoru failed to turn her grimace into a grin as she pointed in the general direction of her brother. "Could you please help get him into his room? It's the one across from the bathroom, ah, yes, with the. . .thanks"
Wordlessly, Kenshin and Enishi followed her requests. Once out of earshot, Enishi crossed his arms and glared at Kenshin.
"You sure this is a good idea?" Enishi's voice, never diminishing in its sarcastic and bitter quality, nagged at Kenshin.
"Sano is trustworthy" Kenshin hissed softly.
"How about the girl, Kaoru? Need I remind you that. . ."
"Everything will be fine" a groggy voice interrupted.
"Sano!?" Kenshin was a bit caught off guard. "And here I was thinking you were piss drunk"
"Well," Sano grinned good-naturedly "I am piss drunk. But I can still hear some things here and there. . . don't worry about my sister. . .she doesn't know. She won't know. Even if she does, she won't tell"
"Go to sleep, idiot" Kenshin chided as Sano rolled over and returned to his unconscious dream land.
"That wasn't extremely convincing. . ." Enishi warned, his visage darkening slightly.
"Well, you I hope you do realize that Sano is drunk" Kenshin argued "I don't see why we have any reason to doubt any one of them"
"Shinomori Aoshi"
"That doesn't mean anything"
"You're too trustworthy"
"You're too cynical"
"You forget too much"
A soft rapping on the door silenced Kenshin and Enishi's bickering.
"Come in" Enishi and Kenshin spoke simultaneously.
"I'm sorry" Kaoru opened the door slightly and stuck her head in "I was just about to go to sleep but wondered if you guys needed anything. Blankets? Towels? Toothbrush? Toothpaste? Pillows?" With each question Kenshin and Enishi shook their heads quietly. "Well, if you get hungry you will just have to raid the fridge. Don't worry, my food doesn't kill. Good night" With a slight bow, Kaoru left the room. Kenshin turned to Enishi, rolled his eyes and muttered sarcastically.
"Right, and she'll be trouble" Enishi frowned at Kenshin's words.
"You've completely forgotten about Tomoe haven't you?"
AN new: ha ha. Not much changed, but hey, a little less awkward and the words seemed to have flown better. . .(Sigh) read on people, read on and review!
AN old one: Oops, and that ends there. Anymore this short chapter would extend about 200 percent and that would just not be good. Oh yeah, sneak peak at my ideas for the next chapter (which are subject to change. . . oh man I am being specific and helpful) - Misao finally explains and becomes less bimbo-like. Sou reappers. And, what? There is going to be a date!?!? Tune in. . .in about another century for. . . the next chapter (well, you can always encourage me with reviews). Oh, should not have said that. Well, thanks for reading!
Reponses
Kard of Dark K/K? Your wish may be my command! Well, let's just say that I've completely lost sight as to what is going to happen in the relationship arena of things. Don't worry, things will get sorted out in due time. Thanks~~
Bard : You like Yahiko? Hmmmm. . .I wasn't really planning on placing a person for Yahiko. Well, I promise you this, whoever Yahiko ends up being with will be you (but in an alter ego. . .). . . I'm being a butt head. Sorry. But, thanks!!
Jaid Skywalker Glad you think this is cute. ^^ K/K? E/K? ahhh! Well, I'll make sure everyone is happy in the end. Well, I'll try anyway. Thanks~
To my first reviewer with no name: Love triangle. Sounds like a plan ^^ Only mar in the plan is this - I don't know if I'll be able to get that far. I know I know. But, thanks so much for the suggestion!