I'm glad that people like this. I didn't expect to actually make it in RK, but seems like I did. There's a big smile across my face, thnx to all those who reviewed, love y'all. I'm finishing the before the final chapter and your reviews help push me up, so plz...;p
A week passed and still none of the guys managed to have a word with Kaoru. Sano limited his visits to the dojo to when Kaoru was teaching outdoors and Yahiko failed to talk to her about his classes. Kenshin would purposely pass by her in the corridors and try to read her eyes to see if she was still mad at him or could he start speaking to her. The right time never seemed to come. She seemed to be angrier every time.
Kaoru, tried to avoid everybody as much as possible. She became rather isolated and avoided all the places were she'd usually meet friends. She got out of bed very early in the morning, before neither Kenshin nor Yahiko could possibly wake up and would head to the woods, to warm up before her classes. She packed her lunch herself and returned to the Dojo as late as possible. Sometimes, Yahiko would search for her all day and rarely find her. Kenshin would often stay up late waiting for her. Megumi understood Kaoru's attitude perfectly and refused to interfere despite Sanosuke's constant begging. She told him off for what he did, which made him avoid her too for a few days.
Exactly a month after the incident, Kaoru woke up a little before dawn and found out that she didn't have any classes for the day. She sneaked out of the Dojo and headed for the woods like she always did, she didn't bear staying there longer than necessary. Without warming up and planning exercises and classes, she was starting to get bored. There was nothing to get her mind off what happened a full moon ago.
It was dark and foggy, which gave the surroundings a gloomy expression. She decided to watch the sunrise by climbing a tree near the river. The air was extremely fresh and the earth seemed to be in mourning silence. Slowly, the chirping of the birds brought life around and shortly followed by a beautiful sunrise, Kaoru couldn't help but relate the scenery to herself. She was morning for no reason. If Kenshin doesn't like me so badly, who cares?! I'm beautiful, young and independent. I can defend myself and the ones I love, no matter what they say or think, I'm strong. I'm a catch and if his 'royal majesty' can't see me, I should be happy. Why have a mysterious man like that. He's not that handsome... well maybe he is, but there are many fish in the sea and I can find myself a better one. I'm completely through with him and with those losers that I call friends. I'm done feeling bad about myself. I'm over it. I'm free. Infact, I should celebrate. I'm going out to the market today and pamper myself a little. Then maybe I'll got out with Megum-I'm sure she'll never interfere or open up the subject of what happened- and other girlfriends of mine. We'll go to the theatre or something, spend a well-deserved night in town. Yeah, that'll be good. We'll have lots of fun. The guys will wish they had come along. NO! I'm fed up with them. STOP! You're thinking about them, you're thinking about HIM! You're a new woman now, Kaoru Himur.....I mean Kamiya! Kaoru Kamiya is back!
A few hours later, Kenshin and Yahiko were eating breakfast together in silence. A weird wolf howl cut the silence.
"Come in" Yahiko yelled, "She's not here"
They heard footsteps coming and the door opened revealing a nervous looking Sano.
"You sure?" he asked looking around nervously.
Yahiko nodded dully as he took a mouthful of whatever kenshin had made.
"Good" he said awkwardly, "The last time we made eye contact, I was in danger of spending a month in the hospital"
Yahiko grinned weakly. Kenshin scowled gently at the memory of Kaoru's outburst.
"Want to join us?" Kenshin offered.
"No thanks, I'm full" Sano said, as rolled up his sleeves and started eating using both hands.
They ate silently for a few minutes. Until Sano suddenly stopped, put his plate down and smiled out of focus.
"What is it, Sano?" Yahiko asked.
"I never thought that I'd say this, but I actually miss Kaoru's cooking" Sano said his smile broadening.
Yahiko stared at him with his eyebrows in danger of disappearing into his hair. Even Kenshin showed signs of astonishment. They too stopped eating and put their plates down.
"It was kind of horrible, but it was always a nice subject whenever we needed a laugh" Sano explained, "We all would gather around the table and laugh at each other's expressions"
Yahiko smiled too, as he nodded. "I miss her too" he admitted sadly.
Kenshin took a deep breath, then got up and took his dish to the kitchen.
Sano waited till he left him and Yahiko. "Is he always like this, or just when I'm around to make me feel guilty?" he asked.
"He just misses her badly, Sano" Yahiko answered, sadly. "We hardly ever see her nowadays!"
"I can understand why she's mad at us, but she should pity him you know" Sano said, "He's crazy about her and it was our fault"
"But it was I who fainted" Kenshin said when he appeared suddenly. He was back for the rest of the dishes.
So, any comments? How about a review?!