Alright, alright! After much prodding and consideration, I have decided to
update. *GASP* It's a miracle, right? Yeah, yeah. Sorry for taking so long,
I have preoccupied with other...things.
ANYWAYS, this is going to be a special chapter. Do you know why? I'll tell you!! Since practically everyone who leaves a review (which I appreciate very much) complains about the chapters being way too short, this will be the LONGEST CHAPTER EVER in RTY history!! WOOHOO!!
So buckle your seatbelts, because this is going to be a bumpy chapter. Ohohohohoho...
(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())
Running to You
By Chibi-Nikoru
Chapter 16: Fight!
(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())
"You read it." She handed the slim piece of paper to Aoshi.
"My dearest Misao, I have heard of your recent disposition and have sent you a little something to cheer you up. If you don't like it, I can always have it exchanged, so don't worry. Just remember I'm always thinking of you! Ja! ~ Love from Sou-chan."
He fisted the card, crumpling it considerably. By this time, Megumi had snatched the box away from poor Misao, and had ripped off all of the paper. With a grin the Cheshire cat would envy, she opened the box, gasped, and promptly fainted...
Luckily, Sanosuke caught her before she hit the ground. Everyone gasped and ran over to Megumi, making sure she was okay. Misao wanted to find out what had caused the girl to have such a reaction. Slipping away from the circle of concerned friends, she stealthily tip-toed over the box, and slowly peeked inside. She fought back a gasp.
What was the big idea, exactly? Gingerly, Misao lifted the gift out of box. It was magnificent.
The most exquisite set of kunai she had laid eyes upon gleamed in the window light. The immaculately sharp blades were of remarkable craftsmanship, but it was the small handles that really caught her attention. They were a fiery red, with her name Makimachi Misao, emblazoned in sharp, spidery letters.
"Misao! What are those?" Kaoru prodded, her attention finally swinging to her other friend.
"T-They are kunai. It is my weapon of choice during practice."
"Kawaii!" She cooed, eyes brightening at the pretty blades. "Let me see!" Kaoru prompted, deftly grabbing them from the shorter girl.
She should be appreciative of the gift, she knew, but it somehow did not settle well in her stomach. Misao glanced back into the box, noticing a small bundle of yellow daffodils. With another glance, she cautiously turned her eyes to Aoshi, who hadn't said a word since reading the card.
He looked impassive, as always...but there was coldness to his demeanor. His eyes bore into her own, their iciness attributed to the offering, no doubt.
Misao approached, flashing a small smile before speaking. "Don't worry, I have no intention of keeping them. He is playing a game with me, and I refuse to become involved with him again."
She waited for a response, and it wasn't long before she got one.
"You are right, he is trying to reel you in to something. Keeping the kunai might give him an incentive to continue his persuit, and when he does, I'd like to have a little chat with him."
Misao's eyes bugged momentarily, the true meaning of a "little chat" rising. Aoshi saw her fear, and quenched it.
"I'm not going to fight him, Misao, just tell him to back off. Relax."
He cupped her left cheek with his palm, tracing circles with his thumb.
"O-okay...I just don't want anything bad to happen to either of you. Even if I don't really like him anymore, I would feel bad if something happened to Soujirou."
"Aa."
"Hey, Weasel! That's a nice set o' carving knives ya got there!"
"Thanks, Rooster!" Megumi was beginning to come around, thanks to the efforts of both Kenshin and Sanosuke. She groaned slightly before opening her eyes.
"What happened?"
Kenshin smiled before answering. "You opened Misao's present, and fainted."
"Oh yeah, now I remember. I have a slight phobia of little sharp objects...sorry if I startled anyone."
"It's ok, Fox! I was here to catch you..."
"Eew, get your smelly hands off me, stupid Rooster!"
Sano laughed. "Aw, come on, you know you liked it."
"Alright you two. Let's go out for ice cream." Kenshin chuckled, his hand grabbing for Kaoru's as they turned to leave. The four of them ambled out the doorway, Aoshi and Misao lingering for a few moments.
"Are you sure you're okay with it?" Misao questioned, her shy gaze fixated on Aoshi's shirt collar.
"Why wouldn't I be? As long as I know that you have no remaining feelings for him, I have nothing to worry about. You are not planning on two-timing me, are you?"
"Mou! Aoshi!" Misao squeaked, bonking him on the head. "Don't you dare!" She pouted, a little insulted that he would think she would leave him for Soujirou.
"Maa, maa...I was just kidding." He chuckled, placing a small kiss on her forehead in an attempt to calm her down. "Let's catch up with the others and get some ice cream, ne?"
"Yeah, okay. But you're buying me the biggest sundae on the menu, go it?!"
"Fine, fine."
Misao grabbed the box under one arm, held Aoshi's hand with the other, and waltzed out of the empty classroom.
* * *
"BRAIN FREEZE!" Sano whined loudly, clutching his head in temporary agony. Everyone laughed at him, and Megumi scolded the Rooster for downing too much ice cream at once.
The had stopped at the local 31 Flavors, and it seemed that Sano had actually tried to consume all 31 in one go, declaring that the dessert should be quivering in fear of what was to come.
Kenshin and Kaoru had shared a double fudge sundae, making shy glances at each other occasionally. Misao wanted to laugh at the cuteness of the situation. Of course, she was occupied with the task of conquering her own concoction. There was about five heaping scoops of ice cream in all, chocolate syrup, strawberries, sprinkles...you name it, is was in there. Aoshi had laughed at her ice cream "salad", sneaking bites for himself when she wasn't looking. Megumi, always concerned about one's health, settled for a small bowl of frozen yogurt, rolling her eyes at Sano's mountain.
It was a great afternoon, and they were all having such a good time, when Kenshin remembered something important. "Hey, guys! I just remembered something Hiko-sensei told me to pass on." He paused to pull something out of his shirt pocket. Laying it out on the table, he continued. "The martial arts center is holding a party for all of this year's participants. It's next Friday, and goes from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. He said something about dinner and dancing, but who knows."
"Hey, that sounds like fun!" Kaoru declared, hopefully hinting to Kenshin.
"Yeah, wanna go?" Misao asked Aoshi, who's head turned fractionally to look at her.
"I suppose."
"YATTA!" Misao squealed, glomping her boyfriend. He tried not to grin and keep his "stoic" façade.
"Well, I guess we'll go too, then." Kenshin said, beaming at Kaoru. She blushed, and tried to duck her head so he wouldn't see.
"Yeah, count me in, too. Comin', Fox? I can't really go by myself. Although, even if you didn't come, there are plenty of ladies who would be honored to spend time with Sanosuke Sagara." He grinned, seeing Megumi's eye twitch slightly.
She turned to him, a smile plastered onto her face. "I don't know if I want to be seen at a function with a rooster..." His face fell, and she knew she had him. "...But I suppose, this once, I'll go with you."
The sparkle returned to his soulful brown eyes, and he grinned widely at her. "I knew you'd come around!" Sano dove back into his dessert.
"You know what this means, girls?" Megumi asked, her red lips turning upwards in an almost predatory grin.
"Um... more ice cream?" Misao suggested, scratching the back of her head.
Megumi laughed, her fox ears popping up. "No, Misao-chan. It means that the three of us have to go shopping! Ohohohoho!"
Kaoru turned to her friend, and whispered something in her ear. "Right now? I suppose, Kaoru-chan, but we'd better hurry if we want to make it."
Misao, Kenshin, Sano, and Aoshi looked on in confusion.
It was Kaoru who broke the silence.
"Misao-chan, you're coming with us."
"Wha? Now? I haven't even finished my--"
Megumi cut off the rest of her sentence by grabbing her hand, and dragging her out of the parlour. Kaoru followed, pecking Kenshin on the cheek before running after them. Misao mouthed a "call me later" to Aoshi, and Megumi simply waved to Sano.
The three teenagers looked at each other, not sure of what just happened.
"Well then. What do you guys say we go to the arcade?" Kenshin offered. Aoshi and Sanosuke nodded in their agreement, and the three of them left for the arcade, leaving the remains of their melting confections behind.
* * *
The atmosphere at the Galaxy Arcade was loud, blaring, and hectic. Nothing out of the ordinary, really. Sano was busying himself with the latest Moto- Cross simulator, while Kenshin and Aoshi were trying out 'Samurai Sword', a virtual reality game in which you actually sparred with your opponent. With the headset on, you were transported back in time to just before the Meiji Era, and took on the role of a samurai, fighting with the customary katana.
They were really getting into the game, slashing and slicing the digital weapons at one another.
In the midst of their second round, someone tapped politely on Kenshin's shoulder. Setting the game to 'Pause', he removed the headset and turned around.
"Uh...one second, Aoshi." The newcomer mumbled something to the red-haired teen, who nodded and went to the snack bar for a few moments.
Soon, the game resumed, but Aoshi was surprised to find himself fighting a different player. He slipped his headset up so he could see what was going on, and the new player grinned.
"Hello, Shinomori-san. Let's play, ne?"
TBC...
(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())
So how was that? I really, really tried to make it as long as I could without interfering with what happens in the next chapter.
Talk about cliffhanger, eh? I'm still an evil bum. And I'll try not to wait so long to update next time.
I delivered, so deliver me!! WITH LOTS OF SHINY REVIEWS!!!
Ohohoho...
ANYWAYS, this is going to be a special chapter. Do you know why? I'll tell you!! Since practically everyone who leaves a review (which I appreciate very much) complains about the chapters being way too short, this will be the LONGEST CHAPTER EVER in RTY history!! WOOHOO!!
So buckle your seatbelts, because this is going to be a bumpy chapter. Ohohohohoho...
(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())
Running to You
By Chibi-Nikoru
Chapter 16: Fight!
(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())
"You read it." She handed the slim piece of paper to Aoshi.
"My dearest Misao, I have heard of your recent disposition and have sent you a little something to cheer you up. If you don't like it, I can always have it exchanged, so don't worry. Just remember I'm always thinking of you! Ja! ~ Love from Sou-chan."
He fisted the card, crumpling it considerably. By this time, Megumi had snatched the box away from poor Misao, and had ripped off all of the paper. With a grin the Cheshire cat would envy, she opened the box, gasped, and promptly fainted...
Luckily, Sanosuke caught her before she hit the ground. Everyone gasped and ran over to Megumi, making sure she was okay. Misao wanted to find out what had caused the girl to have such a reaction. Slipping away from the circle of concerned friends, she stealthily tip-toed over the box, and slowly peeked inside. She fought back a gasp.
What was the big idea, exactly? Gingerly, Misao lifted the gift out of box. It was magnificent.
The most exquisite set of kunai she had laid eyes upon gleamed in the window light. The immaculately sharp blades were of remarkable craftsmanship, but it was the small handles that really caught her attention. They were a fiery red, with her name Makimachi Misao, emblazoned in sharp, spidery letters.
"Misao! What are those?" Kaoru prodded, her attention finally swinging to her other friend.
"T-They are kunai. It is my weapon of choice during practice."
"Kawaii!" She cooed, eyes brightening at the pretty blades. "Let me see!" Kaoru prompted, deftly grabbing them from the shorter girl.
She should be appreciative of the gift, she knew, but it somehow did not settle well in her stomach. Misao glanced back into the box, noticing a small bundle of yellow daffodils. With another glance, she cautiously turned her eyes to Aoshi, who hadn't said a word since reading the card.
He looked impassive, as always...but there was coldness to his demeanor. His eyes bore into her own, their iciness attributed to the offering, no doubt.
Misao approached, flashing a small smile before speaking. "Don't worry, I have no intention of keeping them. He is playing a game with me, and I refuse to become involved with him again."
She waited for a response, and it wasn't long before she got one.
"You are right, he is trying to reel you in to something. Keeping the kunai might give him an incentive to continue his persuit, and when he does, I'd like to have a little chat with him."
Misao's eyes bugged momentarily, the true meaning of a "little chat" rising. Aoshi saw her fear, and quenched it.
"I'm not going to fight him, Misao, just tell him to back off. Relax."
He cupped her left cheek with his palm, tracing circles with his thumb.
"O-okay...I just don't want anything bad to happen to either of you. Even if I don't really like him anymore, I would feel bad if something happened to Soujirou."
"Aa."
"Hey, Weasel! That's a nice set o' carving knives ya got there!"
"Thanks, Rooster!" Megumi was beginning to come around, thanks to the efforts of both Kenshin and Sanosuke. She groaned slightly before opening her eyes.
"What happened?"
Kenshin smiled before answering. "You opened Misao's present, and fainted."
"Oh yeah, now I remember. I have a slight phobia of little sharp objects...sorry if I startled anyone."
"It's ok, Fox! I was here to catch you..."
"Eew, get your smelly hands off me, stupid Rooster!"
Sano laughed. "Aw, come on, you know you liked it."
"Alright you two. Let's go out for ice cream." Kenshin chuckled, his hand grabbing for Kaoru's as they turned to leave. The four of them ambled out the doorway, Aoshi and Misao lingering for a few moments.
"Are you sure you're okay with it?" Misao questioned, her shy gaze fixated on Aoshi's shirt collar.
"Why wouldn't I be? As long as I know that you have no remaining feelings for him, I have nothing to worry about. You are not planning on two-timing me, are you?"
"Mou! Aoshi!" Misao squeaked, bonking him on the head. "Don't you dare!" She pouted, a little insulted that he would think she would leave him for Soujirou.
"Maa, maa...I was just kidding." He chuckled, placing a small kiss on her forehead in an attempt to calm her down. "Let's catch up with the others and get some ice cream, ne?"
"Yeah, okay. But you're buying me the biggest sundae on the menu, go it?!"
"Fine, fine."
Misao grabbed the box under one arm, held Aoshi's hand with the other, and waltzed out of the empty classroom.
* * *
"BRAIN FREEZE!" Sano whined loudly, clutching his head in temporary agony. Everyone laughed at him, and Megumi scolded the Rooster for downing too much ice cream at once.
The had stopped at the local 31 Flavors, and it seemed that Sano had actually tried to consume all 31 in one go, declaring that the dessert should be quivering in fear of what was to come.
Kenshin and Kaoru had shared a double fudge sundae, making shy glances at each other occasionally. Misao wanted to laugh at the cuteness of the situation. Of course, she was occupied with the task of conquering her own concoction. There was about five heaping scoops of ice cream in all, chocolate syrup, strawberries, sprinkles...you name it, is was in there. Aoshi had laughed at her ice cream "salad", sneaking bites for himself when she wasn't looking. Megumi, always concerned about one's health, settled for a small bowl of frozen yogurt, rolling her eyes at Sano's mountain.
It was a great afternoon, and they were all having such a good time, when Kenshin remembered something important. "Hey, guys! I just remembered something Hiko-sensei told me to pass on." He paused to pull something out of his shirt pocket. Laying it out on the table, he continued. "The martial arts center is holding a party for all of this year's participants. It's next Friday, and goes from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. He said something about dinner and dancing, but who knows."
"Hey, that sounds like fun!" Kaoru declared, hopefully hinting to Kenshin.
"Yeah, wanna go?" Misao asked Aoshi, who's head turned fractionally to look at her.
"I suppose."
"YATTA!" Misao squealed, glomping her boyfriend. He tried not to grin and keep his "stoic" façade.
"Well, I guess we'll go too, then." Kenshin said, beaming at Kaoru. She blushed, and tried to duck her head so he wouldn't see.
"Yeah, count me in, too. Comin', Fox? I can't really go by myself. Although, even if you didn't come, there are plenty of ladies who would be honored to spend time with Sanosuke Sagara." He grinned, seeing Megumi's eye twitch slightly.
She turned to him, a smile plastered onto her face. "I don't know if I want to be seen at a function with a rooster..." His face fell, and she knew she had him. "...But I suppose, this once, I'll go with you."
The sparkle returned to his soulful brown eyes, and he grinned widely at her. "I knew you'd come around!" Sano dove back into his dessert.
"You know what this means, girls?" Megumi asked, her red lips turning upwards in an almost predatory grin.
"Um... more ice cream?" Misao suggested, scratching the back of her head.
Megumi laughed, her fox ears popping up. "No, Misao-chan. It means that the three of us have to go shopping! Ohohohoho!"
Kaoru turned to her friend, and whispered something in her ear. "Right now? I suppose, Kaoru-chan, but we'd better hurry if we want to make it."
Misao, Kenshin, Sano, and Aoshi looked on in confusion.
It was Kaoru who broke the silence.
"Misao-chan, you're coming with us."
"Wha? Now? I haven't even finished my--"
Megumi cut off the rest of her sentence by grabbing her hand, and dragging her out of the parlour. Kaoru followed, pecking Kenshin on the cheek before running after them. Misao mouthed a "call me later" to Aoshi, and Megumi simply waved to Sano.
The three teenagers looked at each other, not sure of what just happened.
"Well then. What do you guys say we go to the arcade?" Kenshin offered. Aoshi and Sanosuke nodded in their agreement, and the three of them left for the arcade, leaving the remains of their melting confections behind.
* * *
The atmosphere at the Galaxy Arcade was loud, blaring, and hectic. Nothing out of the ordinary, really. Sano was busying himself with the latest Moto- Cross simulator, while Kenshin and Aoshi were trying out 'Samurai Sword', a virtual reality game in which you actually sparred with your opponent. With the headset on, you were transported back in time to just before the Meiji Era, and took on the role of a samurai, fighting with the customary katana.
They were really getting into the game, slashing and slicing the digital weapons at one another.
In the midst of their second round, someone tapped politely on Kenshin's shoulder. Setting the game to 'Pause', he removed the headset and turned around.
"Uh...one second, Aoshi." The newcomer mumbled something to the red-haired teen, who nodded and went to the snack bar for a few moments.
Soon, the game resumed, but Aoshi was surprised to find himself fighting a different player. He slipped his headset up so he could see what was going on, and the new player grinned.
"Hello, Shinomori-san. Let's play, ne?"
TBC...
(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())(())
So how was that? I really, really tried to make it as long as I could without interfering with what happens in the next chapter.
Talk about cliffhanger, eh? I'm still an evil bum. And I'll try not to wait so long to update next time.
I delivered, so deliver me!! WITH LOTS OF SHINY REVIEWS!!!
Ohohoho...