By: O. Juice
::~:: Kaoru couldn't help but heave a relieved sigh as she eagerly agreed. ::~::
+---+
Chapter 4
+---+
Tokio's reception was a total and complete success. Well, that is, except for a few little glitches. The trio had yet to find a blubbering Misao huddled in the corner and, strangely enough, everyone else had seemed to disappear, even Soujiro, the man Kaoru had been secretly looking for during their search for Misao.
'Well, I can ask Tokio for a little help...' Kaoru pondered as she lay contentedly in bed.
But as she continued to daydream about another run-in with Soujiro Seta, Kenshin always seemed to wiggle his way into her mind. Kaoru had to admit, she couldn't just leave things at that, as much as she'd like to. Eventually, she would have to face the reality of things. All Kaoru hoped was that it wouldn't have to be any time soon.
Kaoru's thoughts were put to an abrupt halt as the door opened, revealing a very tired looking Misao.
"Misao!" Kaoru jumped and ran to the girl and gave her a closer inspection.
Her hair was a tangled mess, and her make up is all but neat. Kaoru slightly winced at the blobs of black eyeliner that has mysteriously disappeared from her eyes and instead settled for making a nice big circle around it.
Misao failed an attempt to smile and instead crashed onto the bed next to Kaoru. Her arms then reached for a pillow as the weasel girl desperately tried to suffocate herself.
"Where have you been?" Kaoru asked curiosity quirked.
"Nowhere! Nothing!" Misao answered quickly.
"Uh-huh," Kaoru replied with an unbelieving nod.
"I swear!" Misao persuaded as she sat upright, "So, how was the rest of the party?"
Kaoru gave way to a small smile, "It was great, if I didn't spend half of the night trying to find you." Her smile twisted into a frown as the remembered the man she was wondering about, "And thanks to you, I might have missed my chance at true love!"
Misao's ears perked up. Not once in the time she had known Kaoru had she ever had the pleasure of hearing about her love life. To Kaoru, it was something sacred, and not ever to be messed with. This, Misao concluded, was the reason why Kaoru didn't have a love life to not mess with in the first place.
"Who?" Misao sat at the edge of her seat as Kaoru's frown began to widen into a grin.
"Soujiro."
Misao's face nearly fell, "You mean, Soujiro-Soujiro?"
"Yeah, he's got black hair, kind of perfect, great smile." Kaoru nodded.
Misao paused, as though she was in deep thought then her pursed lips turned into a twisted smile. "Do you want his number?"
"Do you have it?" Kaoru nearly screamed and shook the girl hairless.
Misao nodded. "Yup. Why wouldn't I? He's my cousin."
::~::
After things have settled down, the gang finally decided it was time to go back home. It was three hours later that Kaoru found herself unpacking and ready to do the laundry. She had it down to a system, really. With many thanks to Kenshin who had a strange love for washing clothes, she knew how and how not to do the laundry.
In two separate bags, she separated her color clothes and her whites. Just as she was about to dump in a few colored sweaters, Misao came in with the phone in hand and a worn book in the other.
"Here you go." Misao said, handing her the small book. "He's under S. Soujiro Seta."
Kaoru bit back a growing smile as she eagerly flipped through the browning, flimsy pages. "Why haven't you ever mentioned him, Misao?"
Misao shrugged. "I don't know. It's not like you ever ask. But honestly Soujiro? My cousin? What happened to Kenshin? You two looked very interested in each other back on the Ferris Wheel."
Kaoru pondered. Yes, Misao was right. What about Kenshin? She couldn't just brush him aside that she was sure of. But, Kaoru's mind reminded, he could have been about to apologize for what happened and tell her that they aren't meant to be. Kaoru felt her heart sink a little bit at that assumption.
She sighed, "What about Kenshin? It isn't like he's told me anything. Kind of. But don't you think it would be weird? And it should be all right that I go have a nice dinner with Kevin. He isn't even my relative."
Kaoru scribbled down the number in a piece of paper nearby and pocketed it.
"Are you doing to call him now?" Misao offered her the phone.
"I'm busy now." Kaoru confessed as she picked up one of her laundry bags, "I have to do the laundry."
Misao frowned snatching her ancient address book back, "Fine. I'll take this before you call up any more of my cousins."
Kaoru only smiled as she placed a hefty amount of coins in her pocket.
::~::
With a happy song in her head, and the anticipation of calling Soujiro Seta coursing through her veins, she began to put her clothes into the machine. But whenever she thought of Soujiro, Kaoru pondered, she would almost always end up thinking of Kenshin. For the moment, the culprit was the smell of detergent--it reminded her too much of Kenshin.
"Kaoru!" A voice behind her exclaimed with slight delight.
Kaoru spun around to see the man she was thinking about at the moment, "Kenshin! Are you here to do laundry too?"
'What a stupid question, Kaoru! You're at the laundry mat.' She scolded herself and continuing to busy her actions with laundry.
Kenshin nodded as he occupied the machines next to her, "Yes, I have lots to wash to finish, that I do."
Kenshin smiled pleasantly, just as he usually would whenever Kaoru was around. Unfortunately for Kaoru, her stomach began to churn with uneasiness and nervousness. Why was she so nervous? Kaoru herself couldn't even answer that question. Was it because of the long road trip that her stomach hasn't quite settled? No, her stomach settled hours ago. Or, perhaps, was it because Kenshin knew her inside out, her flaws and her weaknesses and might in fact love her exactly as she is?
Her thoughts continued as she heaved a silent sigh ripping open the small box containing the detergent and began to empty it out into her machine.
"Oro," Kenshin's voice cut through her thoughts like a hot knife through butter. "Kaoru, you have no more detergent, that you don't."
Kaoru's eyes snapped to the cardboard box. "Huh? But I just bought this!" She began to complain.
Her eyes searched box, and found the reason for it all--a hole which was probably made by some small rodent. A heavy frown coated Kaoru's face. She felt her pockets for change she could use, but alas, all she has was enough for her laundry.
"Kaoru," Kenshin said, a smile spreading across his kind face, "you could use mine, that you can."
"Thanks, Kenshin." Kaoru smiled back, unknowingly making Kenshin slightly redden.
::~::
The air was starting to cool as Kaoru walked back to her place, armed with bags full of clean laundry. Kenshin and her parted ways a block down, he needed to go to work, and she needed to make a certain call to a certain someone.
She walked into an empty apartment, knowing Misao would be out at work as well. Kaoru herself didn't need to check in with her boss, Megumi, until tomorrow morning. Just as she emptied out her laundry bag, the strong scent of Kenshin seemed to fill the air.
Kaoru frowned, although everything in her swelled with warmth and happiness. To her, Kenshin's smell meant his brand of laundry detergent, the brand she used to wash all of her clothes with. It was quite fascinating, really, how many times a day Kenshin would go to the laundry mat to wash his clothes, dirty or not. You would think he only has one of everything. But, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, that was just Kenshin. It was his way of dealing with certain things that he isn't too happy with.
She put away her last shirt and pulled her clean sweater on. Kenshin's aura seemingly got stronger now that the smell was on her. She smiled, comforted by that thought as she pulled out a number from her pocket and picked up the cordless.
'What am I going to say?' The realization hit Kaoru as she hesitantly put down the phone.
"I can't just call!" Kaoru began to pace the room. "I might come off as some kind of stalker. Or even desperate!"
With a defeated sigh she crashed onto her bed, "He probably forgot all about me, anyway."
She blinked, once, twice, before she put the phone on her nightstand. Just as she was about to leave her room to make her own dinner, the phone had rung. She casually picked it up, not knowing who was at the other line.
"Hello?" Kaoru answered.
"Is this Kaoru?" A man's voice replied.
'Kenshin?' Kaoru's mind analyzed, 'No, Kenshin's at work, stupid.'
"Yes, who may I ask is this?"
Kaoru could almost hear the gorgeous smile that was forming on the other line, "Oh, it's Soujiro. Soujiro Seta. I hope you haven't forgotten about me already."
Her insides began to swell with joy and happiness. She couldn't believe her luck that he hadn't forgotten all about her. Kaoru couldn't help but smile wildly as she sat down on her bed.
"No, no. Of course not."
After a lengthy conversation, which left Kaoru dreaming about wedding bells, she found out that he had gotten her number from the chatty Misao. But she was quite disappointed he was out of town right now, Kaoru really wanted to have dinner with him--coffee, at least. But, he assured her, that he would be back in town in a few days and would call her when he got back so they could make plans.
Kaoru's heart seemed to flutter just thinking about talking to him again. She's never felt this way in years, and it felt good to finally feel this excitement again.
::~::
It's been one and a half weeks since Kaoru had last heard from Soujiro. It was starting to worry her, to be honest. Was it because she sounded boring and plain during their one and only lengthy conversation? He seemed interested enough; they even made plans for dinner at some point. Soujiro isn't the type to just make plans then forget about them, Kaoru reminded. At least, he didn't seem the type.
'Stop it, Kamiya! Kaoru's mind scolded, 'Someone probably took his phone, that's why he hasn't called.'
That was her mantra for the past two weeks, her mind was scraping for excuses as to why he hasn't called. At first, it was because he was busy, then it was probably because he was tired, other times it was because he lost his keys and can't get into his apartment to call her, and recently, it was because he didn't pay his phone bills that the phone company disconnected it. It seemed the longer the time span the more far-fetched her excuses have been. But, being the determined Kamiya girl she was, she refused to give up and still waits for his phone call.
To ease her mind, just a little bit, she decided to stop by the Akabeko for a nice cup of tea. The day was crisp and cool. A cup of tea seemed to compliment the atmosphere nicely, she thought. Kenshin and Misao were going to be there soon anyway, so where's the harm in that?
She made her way to the back tables, but no enthusiastic greeting met her ears. There was no Misao who was happily chomping away at a sandwich, in fact, there wasn't even a Misao at all. Instead, in her place, was her cousin.
Kaoru grinned, ready to walk over and say hello to Soujiro. But two steps later, the gears in her mind began to work.
'Why didn't he tell me he was in town already?' Kaoru wondered, her mind unable to bail Soujiro out this time.
Her eyes slightly narrowed as she inconspicuously made her way to a table not too far away. Her hot tempered mind already thinking he was avoiding her. It made perfect sense, actually. She ducked her head in a menu, her eyes watching Soujiro.
Sanosuke made his way to Kaoru, slightly disturbed at the way she was glaring.
"Oi, missy, what'll it be?" He asked, snapping her back to reality.
"Sano? I haven't seen you working in a while." Kaoru looked up at the man.
Sano just shrugged rubbing his head, "Miss Tae's getting a little violent now, and so I thought why not?"
Kaoru just smiled as she shook her head, "I'll just have some hot tea."
"Sure thing, missy." He grinned, "And don't forget the tip, all right?"
She only shook her head at Sano as he left. Her eyes slightly narrowed again to look at the man currently occupying their usual booth. Just before Kaoru could even find something to count against him, Misao appeared next to her, quite confused.
"Kaoru, why are you sitting here?" She asked, refusing to sit down.
Kaoru shrugged, "The table is taken."
Misao's curious green eyes looked at their usual spot, then back to the smug Kaoru who was sipping her tea.
"Why are you sitting here? You could go over there, you know. Next to Soujiro." Misao persisted as she eventually sat down.
Kaoru heaved a sigh, "Well, I talked to him a little over a week ago, right? He told me he'd call when he got back into town, and look! He's right there eating some pie! I don't think he just got here a few minutes ago, Misao."
Misao just managed a sheepish smile. "C'mon, let's just say hello. I will."
With such bravery Misao walked up to Soujiro who seemed quite surprised to see her. Kaoru's eyes narrowed and watched them through the rim of her cup. They exchanged a few words, then Soujiro looked to Kaoru's direction and smiled.
She froze, her anger seeming to melt away with just one look.
He motioned for her to come over. Kaoru managed a small forced smile as she nodded and gathered her things to sit next to Misao.
"Soujiro, you remember Kaoru, right?" Misao started as Kaoru paid more attention to her tea then to Soujiro.
He nodded, "Yeah. Did you get my messages, Kaoru? I was starting to get worried."
Kaoru blinked, quite confused. "Messages?"
'Messages?' Her mind echoed as her chest began to swell with joy, 'He left me messages?'
Misao's sheepish laugher could be heard, "I forgot to tell you, Kaoru, Soujiro called. A lot."
Kaoru frowned, "Thanks for giving them to me now, Misao."
"No problem." She smiled, not noticing Sano coming up to us.
"Hey, Misao, what'll it be?" He grinned, ready to take down her order.
Misao shrugged and motioned dismissively in front of her, "Whichever will be fine."
Sano just grinned and nodded as he left. There was a moment of silence, and Kaoru took that moment to glance at Soujiro. She felt her cheeks slightly twinge with a blush as she looked away.
'He's still as cute as the last time I saw him.' She thought, a small smile spreading across her face.
"I have a great idea!" Misao suddenly exclaimed, "Why don't you come with us, Soujiro?"
"To where?" Kaoru and Soujiro chorused.
"Didn't Kenshin tell you, Kaoru?" Misao gave her a skeptical glance. "It was your idea in the first place, after all. We're going to that new bar you told him about. You know the one near the Akabeko. So are you coming, Soujiro?"
"Of course." Soujiro nodded, a smile adorning his face.
But Kaoru was too troubled to notice his smile. Was Kenshin trying to exclude her already? She felt her heart crack just a little. They haven't been spending as much time together anymore since The Incident, to be honest. A thick cloud of tension would usually be hanging around as well whenever the two seemed to come near each other and it was getting too uncomfortable to bear.
'Pull it together, Kamiya.' Kaoru silently reprimanded, 'A perfectly perfect man is going to come along tonight! You should be in front of the mirror preparing this instant!'
::~::
Kaoru scanned the pages of the glossy magazine scavenging issue after issue for make up tips. Tonight, she had concluded earlier, she must look beautiful for the benefit of her future love-life. They would be meeting in thirty minutes, and she has yet to find an article that would be of use to her.
"Are you done yet?" Misao called out from her room.
"Not yet!" Kaoru called back, giving up her hunt and deciding she had better hurry.
After brushing her hair for the hundredth time, she looked at herself in the mirror, quite pleased with what she saw. Kaoru pulled out her shoes, a little resistant to be wearing something that looked so painful.
'Suck it up! You have to look perfect!' Kaoru nodded as she gave her feet a good rub before putting the shoes on.
"You do know Soujiro likes you, so you don't have to try so hard." Misao said as she came into the room and took a few random items.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Misao. And is it such a sin for me to want to look nice tonight?" Kaoru asked innocently as she braced herself to stand up.
Misao just scoffed, "It depends on who you're trying to impress."
The weasel girl put down what she took. She seemed, to Kaoru, that she wanted to say some more, but then decided against it. As she turned to leave, Misao glanced back at Kaoru one more time and just smiled. "Just so you know Kenshin would be one step away from being destroyed if you ever decide to go with Soujiro and just leave him hanging."
Kaoru sat down, "What do you mean?"
Misao just shrugged as she leaned on the door frame, "One day, I was at the Akabeko and he told me that--"
Just then the doorbell had rung, causing Misao and Kaoru to frown.
"Go on," Kaoru urged.
"He said--"
The doorbell rang again, along with a few hard knocks preceding a voice. "Kaoru? Misao? It's Soujiro!"
"I'm coming!" Misao yelled back. "I'll just tell you some other time."
Kaoru frowned. Why was it only now that Kenshin seemed to realize that he might, in fact, like Kaoru more than he had thought he did? Kaoru would agree that Kenshin was a little slow, but not this slow.
'Oh well, you snooze, you loose.' She thought to herself as she checked herself one last time before meeting Soujiro.
"You look great, Kaoru." Soujiro complemented.
Kaoru just smiled and thanked him. 'I think I may have just died and gone to heaven. Here is some terribly handsome guy telling me that I look great.' Kaoru swooned.
"Shall we get going?" She asked as she opened the door for Soujiro and Misao.
"Oh, you two go on ahead." Misao said disinterestedly, "I need to go and pick up Aoshi. Save us seats!" She said as she ushered the two out the door.
'How strange.'
"Do you know where it is?" Soujiro asked as he offered an arm for her to take.
Kaoru smiled as she linked arms with him. "Yeah."
As the two walked together to the bar, Kaoru couldn't help but notice how similar yet different Soujiro and Kenshin were. They both had this certain quality that seems to just suck her in like a moth drawn to a lamp. They both seemed so care-free, but Soujiro seemed a little bit more focused and clear as to what he really wanted. Which was good, Kaoru thought. But Soujiro could never really make Kaoru smile the way Kenshin would, nor did Soujiro and Kaoru share a history together as friends. But, she thought, Kenshin doesn't really smile the way Soujiro does, the gorgeous kind.
'Maybe he does, but I haven't really noticed.' Kaoru pondered, vowing to examine Kenshin's smile when she had the chance.
They talked as her thoughts continued to swerve in and out of the here and now. She was surprised to see that she could still carry a decent conversation when she blanked out to think a few times. As her rogue thoughts continued to wander, she thought back to that crumpled piece of paper that lay in the very bottom of an old dusty shoe box.
Kaoru smiled, 'Maybe Yun was right, The List might help me find Mr. Right.'
::~::
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin!
Author's Notes: Ah! I'm terribly apologetic for the rediculously long wait! So sorry! So sorry! So sorry a million times over! Wah! SORRY! I've been soo busy with stuff and my computer totally broke down on me, so that set me back a while. I had half of this stuff done before vacation started, and I only got to working on it now. But I'm on vacation now, so I will work super hard to update new chapters days apart. Not weeks, or even months. Hope you guys liked the chapter! Much love to those who have reviewed and those who have read my story!
Misao-chan Eek! *Dodges throwing knives* So very sorry for making you wait so long! And thanks a bunch for leaving a review!
swtrkgurlz *Hands white roses from Tokio's wedding* There you go! Thanks for waiting for so long! I hope you liked the chapter, and about Misao, I'm thinking of giving her and Aoshi their own story spin off. I just had an Eureka! moment! Thanks for the review! ^_^
Papaya! So sorry for making you wait so long!! Hehe, I couldn't resist but to put another interruption before Kaoru finds out. But she will, eventually. Just not right now. ^_^ Thanks for the review! It made my day!
x_soukaoken_x / soujiro_okita Lol, I'm known for typos too. (Thank goodness for spell check!) Really sorry for making you wait for so long! Thanks for your reviews!
la-nonymous Sorry for making you wait! Many thanks for your review!
Ducki Hehe, thanks! Really sorry for making you wait so long! Thanks for your review!
SamuraiGirl I'm glad you like the idea for it! Sorry for the long wait! Thanks a bunch for your review!
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