sapphirebubbles: ohayo, minna-san! this is my first fanfics so... i hope you will like it! i also accept reviews and some constructive criticism! just a warning, i am a 100 ken-kao fanatic, so for tomoe fans, gomen! i have nothing against her, but i dislike her just the same! hehehe! arigato gozaimasu! ja ne!
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin! Wish I do, though! Anyway, they are Watsuko-sama's! Enjoy!
Last time...
"Oh, hey fox. Sure. See ya, ladies." he grinned, waving at the girls. They all giggled. Megumi felt her anger rise. What is happening to her? Annoyed, she walked out of the bar, stopping in the middle of the street. Her fists clenched and unclenched.
"What is happening to me?" she muttered angrily. Then, a large truck came barreling towards her. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't move. It seems like her feet were stuck on the ground. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. All she thought was 'Sanosuke no baka...' before there was darkness. She didn't even hear her name that was shouted at the clear night sky.
"MEGUMI!!!"
Chapter 8: Dancing, anyone?
Megumi groaned.
Where am I? What happened? Wait, I'm alive! she thought, sitting up. Just then, she spotted a mass of spiky brown hair on her bedside. Sanosuke? She heard him snoring. Yup, definitely him.
"Sano?" she called out, touching his arm briefly. He groaned.
"Later, Kenshin..." he mumbled sleepily. Megumi sighed, annoyed.
"HEY ROOSTER!" she screamed at his ear. He jolted awake.
"W-where's the fire?"
"Nowhere, you rooster."
"Well, ohayo fox." he grinned, smirking.
"What are you grinning at?"
He leaned forward. "Oh nothing, fox. Just that you're only wearing a yukata which is nearly translucent, you know. Nice view, huh?"
She blushed crimson. "Why you pervert!" she screamed, covering herself up with the sheet, simultaneously throwing a pillow at him.
"See ya later, fox!" he said, dodging the pillow, then left the room.
"Pervert." she muttered darkly.
------------------------------------
Kaoru stirred.
"Good morning, Kaoru-koishii." Kenshin greeted, tenderly kissing her forehead. She blushed at the endearment (and the kiss).
"Good morning, Kenshin." she smiled at him, taking in his disheveled state. Well, he still looked hot. She blushed at that again.
"Koishii? You're all red." he stated jokingly.
"Iie... I was just... thinking..." she said, blushing again.
He grinned. "I'll let you go this time, koishii. So, shall we?"
"Shall we what?" she asked, leaving the bed. She was now wearing a yukata. "Kenshin, my--"
"Oh, I told Tsubame-chan to change you, with the help of other girls too."
"Sou ka... wait, you didn't answer my question. Shall we what?"
"Take a bath, koishii. We're going to school together, right?"
"W-wait... take a bath, as in together?" she asked, shocked.
"Of course not, koishii. But if you have some ideas... after all, you are my girlfriend... I guess we could make arrangements. Just remember to scrub my back, koishii!" he said, grinning mischieviously at her.
"Kenshin!" she buried her face in her hands, her face embedded the shade of pink. "Mou! You... you... you pervert!" she immediately clapped a hand over her mouth. "G-gomen nasai, Kenshin! I..."
"It's no problem, koishii. But if you washed my back..."
SLAM!
When Kaoru left the room, Kenshin was planted on the floor, eyes swirling.
"Oroo..."
--------------------------------
"Mou, that man..." Kaoru muttered darkly, her face still crimson. She went down the stairs for breakfast with Kenshin.
"Kao-chan?" Miza asked, when she arrived at the table. "Join us?"
"H-hai..." she sat herself at the seat next to Kenshin's. "K-kenshin is..."
"You, girl." a gruff voice said.
"Hai, Hiko-san?"
"We know you are not baka deshi's girlfriend." he said bluntly.
Her face paled. She bowed her head, clutching the table napkin tight.
"Sou ka... Hiko-san, please don't hurt Kenshin for lying to you... he... he just doesn't want me to get hurt and... it's not Sanosuke-san's fault either, Hiko-san... onegai... I will just take the blame and--" Kaoru pleaded, near to tears.
"Nobody's blaming you, Kao-chan. We're not angry with you, or Kenshin." she said pointedly to Hiko. "We know Sano bought you from a bar, we know everything. What I want to say is--"
"Make my baka deshi happy, girl. He's not usually this... caring... towards a girl. Not even with his last girlfriend. What's her name again?"
"It's Tomoe, anata." Miza said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But that's all in the past now, right? All we want is for Kenshin to be happy. He's hurting too much. Even though we're not blood-related-- you do know about him, don't you?"
"H-hai. He told me." Kaoru said, wiping her tears away.
"See, he's even opening up to you. We care for him, Kao-chan, and I'm entrusting him to you. Don't break his heart, please?"
"I won't Miza-san. I won't hurt him." Kaoru said resolutely.
"Good."
"But if he hurts you, call me. He'll never know what hit him." Hiko said gruffly.
"A-arigato, Hiko-san. Miza-san." Kaoru said, smiling brightly.
Just then, Kenshin arrived, seating beside Kaoru.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, shishou. Ohayo, mom. Hey, did I miss something?" he asked. "Koishii? You look like you cried! What's wrong?" he said, fussing over her.
Miza sent Kaoru an 'I-told-you' look. Kaoru giggled.
"Nothing's wrong with me, Kenshin."
"You sure?"
"Positive." she confirmed. He sighed in relief.
"Let's eat." Hiko interrupted. Just then, Aoshi arrived. The family ate their breakfast peacefully.
----------------------------
In school...
"Kenshin! Kaoru! Do you know there's a dance this weekend?" Misao announced, bouncing with glee.
"Hontou ni?" Kaoru asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Hai! There will be a dance, and it has a King and Queen! Maybe I get picked with Aoshi..." she said dreamily.
"Maybe I get picked with Ken--" she stopped, blushing crimson.
"Ah-ha! Caught in the act! You like him, don't ya?" Misao asked, elbowing Kaoru in the ribs.
"Uh, hai?" Kaoru said timidly.
"I knew it! You should ask him you know! I bet he likes you too!"
"He does?" Kaoru asked, wide-eyed. Misao slapped her forehead.
"Kao-chan, sometimes you can be so dense! Don't you know how he looks at you?"
"How he looks at me?"
"Yup. Like a man in love. Kenshin is crazy about you. He always has this tender, loving look in his eyes when he looks at you. That man adores you! Remember yesterday, when that article was published, Aoshi told me he shouted at the school press because they hurt you! I mean, he is so overprotective! Wait, wait... you should ask Yahiko how he looked when he told Kenshin you were in trouble! He looked like he was gonna die! See, Kao-chan, that man, yup, Kenshin Himura, is absolutely in love with you!" Misao declared happily.
Kaoru froze. He loves me? Wait... I have a dream last night, I just remembered...
Dream
Kaoru was floating in the clouds, thinking about Kenshin and herself.
"I love him so much..." she whispered in the night.
"You love who?" a familiar voice said.
"K-kenshin!" she turned around, shock clearly written in her face. "Mou! You almost gave me a heart attack! What are you doing here?" she asked, her hand over her heart.
"I just miss you, that's all..." he said, walking towards her.
She blushed. "You do?"
"I do. I can't help but think of you..." he took her hand. "Who do you love so much, Kaoru?" he asked, squeezing her hand.
"You..." she whispered breathlessly. "I love you, Kenshin... I love you very much..."
He stilled. She frowned.
"You don't love me, do you?" she whispered angrily, glaring at him.
No response.
"I knew it! Reika was right... I am nothing to you..." she shouted, wrenching her hand away, tears falling. "I am your toy, aren't I, Kenshin? I am just some little girl passing by your life, ne? Ne?"
"No... Kaoru... you don't know... you just don't know!" he shouted back.
"I don't know what, Kenshin? That you don't love me? I know, Kenshin! So stop lying to me!" she said angrily, striding away.
"Koishii, no..." he ran after her, hugging her tightly. She struggled, but it was half-hearted.
"I love you, I love you so much..." he whispered hoarsely in her ear, kissing her forehead. She smiled through the tears.
"I love you too, Kenshin..." she whispered lovingly.
End of Dream
Iie... that was just some dream, but I'm sure I heard Kenshin's voice... iie, it's impossible... Misao is probably lying... just cheering me, yeah, that's it... Mou! she thought, confused.
"I don't know, Misao-chan... how come he won't tell me, then?"
"I don't know too, Kao-chan..." Misao shrugged. "Anyway, how about the dance, huh, Kao-chan? You going?"
"If Kenshin wants to..."
"Of course he will, Kao-chan. Well, I'm positively sure I'm going with Aoshi-sama! He's so cool! You know, when he asked me to be his girlfriend, I thought I were the luckiest girl on earth! Yup! I almost fainted!" she said dreamily.
"Uh-huh. Kenshin told me that too." Kaoru said absentmindedly.
"I knew it! He's opening up to you, ne Kao-chan? So, what did he tell you?" Misao asked, her sea-green eyes twinkling merrily.
"Me? Uh... about some... stuff..."
"He did, didn't he? Did he tell you about you-know-who?"
"You-know-who?"
"Yup. His ex-girlfriend, Tomoe."
"Oh. Her." Kaoru sighed. "He told me about her, Misao-chan..." And how he still loves her... she thought.
"Good. Anyway, Kao-chan, who DID hurt you yesterday?" Misao whispered.
Kaoru looked away nervously.
"Reika..." she mumbled.
"HER?" Misao screeched. "I KNEW IT! THAT NO-GOOD-- RRRR!" she threw her hands in the air. "WHERE IS SHE? I COULD JUST KILL HER!" Misao rolled up her sleeves.
"Misao! Kenshin knows... and even he will not hurt her..." Kaoru said, restraining Misao. "I told him not to... it's not her fault..."
"Oh." Misao calmed down, but was still furious. "I knew that girl is just desperate! But to stoop as low as hurting you! I'm surprised Kenshin didn't hurt her or something, but I'm not surprised if he kicked her out of the school."
"Y-you mean..." Kaoru said, horrified.
"Kenshin won't hurt her, but he will definitely prevent her from hurting you Kao-chan... Kaoru?"
Her face was pale.
"N-no..." She ran, leaving a cloud of dust.
Wow. Kao-chan's fast. Misao thought, then ran after her.
-----------------------------
Kaoru ran aimlessly in the school, trying desperately to find her redhead 'boyfriend'.
Mou! Kenshin, where could you---- She bumped into something hard. She fell on the floor, in a sprawled position.
"Koishii, I suggest you don't show everyone how incredibly adorable you are..." a voice said, laughter in its tone. A hand appeared in her vision.
"Kenshin!" she exclaimed, then blushed, immediately tucking her feet behind her (she was wearing a skirt, then she fell, then, well, you know what happens..). She took his hand gratefully, standing up.
"What's the rush, koishii?" he asked curiously, fixing her already disheveled hair.
"Where's Reika?" she blurted out. His eyes hardened, scanning over her body.
"Did she hurt you again?" he asked gravely.
"He didn't, Kenshin. I mean, did you kick her out?"
"Iie, but do you want me too because---"
"No, no, Kenshin." she sighed, relieved. "Thank God."
After a moment, Kenshin spoke up.
"Would you like to go to the dance this weekend?"
"M-me?"
"You're my girlfriend, right? So, are you up to it, koishii?"
"We're going? Together?" she asked, shocked.
"Of course, koishii. Don't you want to go with me?" he asked, hurt.
"No, Kenshin! I'd love to go with you! It's just that there are so many girls out there who'd like to go with you... Me? I'm nobody... I'm not even pretty..." she glanced away.
"You're right, koishii. You're not pretty." he paused. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my whole life and I'm so lucky you get to go to the dance with me."
She blushed prettily. "Mou, Kenshin! You're making me blush!"
"Don't worry, koishii. You look cute when you do." he said, grinning at her.
"Hey, Kenshin, buddy! Jou-chan!" a voice greeted cheerfully.
"Sanosuke-san!"
"Hey, Sano."
"Sano is fine, Jou-chan. I'm still 17 you know."
"Sano, where have you been last night?" Kenshin asked. "I called your house but they said you didn't go home."
Sano looked away sheepishly. "I... got into trouble..." he said, touching his arm briefly.
"Sano! You're hurt!" Kaoru said, pointing at his arm.
"Don't worry, Jou-chan. It's just a scratch, I got it bandaged by a nurse already."
"You got into a trouble? So, who's the girl?" Kenshin asked nonchalantly. Sano always get into trouble when there's a girl involved.
Sano feigned coughing. "I don't feel so good..."
"Sano..."
"Alright, alright. Man, Kenshin. It was the fox lady, ok?"
"Fox lady?" Kenshin thought for a while. His eyes lighted up. "You mean, Takani-san?"
"Gotcha."
"Megumi-san? What happened to her?" Kaoru asked frantically. Megumi was good to her even though they just met.
"Nah. She just almost got run down by a truck is all. The fox lady fainted, I caught her, I got scratched, that's it." Sano shrugged, though inside, he was worrying over the fox. "She's fine."
Kaoru sighed. "Good."
"Sano, why don't you bring Takani-san to the dance this weekend?" Kenshin asked innocently.
The taller man coughed real this time. "What are you thinking Kenshin? I never thought you'd come to a brilliant idea. I'll ask her later tonight." he grinned.
"Tonight? But she's got work tonight, Sano." Kaoru said thoughtfully.
"Not tonight Jou-chan. Fox lady has a date, with me of course."
"WHAT?"
"Yup."
"I can't believe she'd go out with you..."
"What does that mean, Jou-chan? Anyway, she's at the Blue Moon, floor 23, room 109. Got it, Kenshin? The little missy might want to visit her. So, see ya later, lovebirds!" He waved at them.
Kaoru blushed.
"We'll visit her tomorrow, ne koishii?" Kenshin asked.
"Hai."
"But for now, we should shop for your gown this dance."
"G-gown? I don't wear gowns, Kenshin..."
"There's a first time for everything, koishii." Kenshin grinned, holding his car keys.
She groaned mentally.
"Let's go." they walked towards his car.
------------------
Misao walked around the school, trying to catch a glimpse of her raven-haired friend. She lost Kaoru when a class was dismissed.
"Misao?" a voice asked. She started.
"Aoshi!"
"What are you doing here, koibito?" he asked, lifting her up slightly, then pressed a chaste kiss on her lips.
"I'm looking for Kaoru but I lost her..."
"You're not looking for me, Misao-mine?" he asked, feigning hurt.
"No! I mean, I'm looking for you too, Aoshi! It's just that--"
"Just joking, Misao." he said, silencing her with a kiss, his normally ice blue eyes, now soft and tender.
"Ha-ha. Just when did you develop a sense of humor, Aoshi?" Misao asked sarcastically, her hand on her hips.
"That hurt, Misao-mine." he stated softly. She stilled.
"Aoshi... I'm sorry... please, I didn't mean it... I..." she whispered, touching his arm. He glanced away, half-smiling.
"Gotcha, koibito."
"Aoshi! Wait... is that a smile? Has the sky fallen down already? How come I don't see pigs flying? Is this a miracle?"
He laughed genuinely. "You make me do weird things, koibito. You're too good for me."
She hugged him tightly. "I'm glad I can make you smile, Aoshi."
"Aa."
"Aoshi?" her voice was hopeful. Aoshi grinned inwardly, knowing exactly what she wants him to do.
"Would you accompany me to the dance this weekend?" he asked her.
"SUGOI! Hai, hai!" she replied excitedly.
"I know you will, koibito. I know you will." he said fondly.
------------------------------------------
Megumi went back to the bar after Sanosuke left, determined to find out what really happened last night. She didn't have a chance to ask the roosterhead with all their bickering. She was positively sure there was a truck that came barreling towards her then there was darkness.
"Katsu, are you here?" she called out.
"Takani-san? You're alright!" Katsu exclaimed.
"I'm fine, Katsu. What... happened last night?" she asked, looking away.
"You don't know? I thought Sagara-san told you..."
"We... didn't get a chance to talk... much..." That pervert.
"Sou ka... What do you remember, Takani-san?"
"All I remembered was a truck then there was darkness..."
"That's all? Then I will tell you what I know. You see... I was going to tell you that you forgot your keys then I heard a shout coming from outside..."
Flashback
Katsu picked up the keys. "Megumi-san forgot hers, I should follow her..."
Then...
"MEGUMI!!!"
He dashed outside, shocked to see Megumi on the street, a truck dashing towards her. All the people from the bar followed, then screams erupted.
"She's gonna die!" someone screamed.
"Takani-san!"
In a flash, Sano ran towards her, catching her before she fell, barely missing the truck. The truck screeched to a halt, then the driver came out, shaking terribly, approaching Sano, Megumi cradled protectively in his arms.
"Gomen... d-did I hurt someone?" he asked nervously. Sano sighed in relief.
"Iie. No harm done, mister. She just fainted. But next time, drive slower, got it? You wouldn't want my dad knowing you almost ran down his son."
The man gulped. "May I ask who your dad is, sir?"
"You probably know him." Sano grinned inwardly. "Souzo Sagara."
The man fainted. Sano chuckled.
"Takani-san!" Katsu approached the couple. "Is she alright?"
Sano nodded. "She just fainted is all. She's fine now."
"Good. Wait, you're injured!" he pointed at his arm.
"Huh? Oh, it doesn't hurt anyway. Didn't even know I have one. So, we're going now..."
"Wait, her keys..."
"Oh, thanks man. What's your name again?" Sano took it, then went to his car.
"It's Tsukioka Tsunan, sir. You can call me Katsu."
"Thanks Katsu. Sagara Sanosuke here." He opened the backseat, gently laying the fox lady. Smiling softly, he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, unaware they have an audience.
Kirei...
On the background, Katsu smiled.
"So, we'll see you then!" Sano waved at them, going to the driver's seat, roared the engine, then sped away.
Take care of her, Sagara-san...
End of Flashback
Megumi sat still, wide-eyed.
"You mean that... that roosterhead saved me?"
"He sure did, Takani-san. He even risked his life for you."
"I see..." she stood up abruptly.
"Takani-san?"
"I'm fine..." I haven't even thanked him... Baka roosterhead! Why didn't you tell me? "So, I'll see you later, Katsu." she left the bar.
---------------------
"Kenshin! I don't want to!" Kaoru wailed, being half-dragged by the redhead.
"Iie, Kaoru. If you're going to the dance, you're should wear a gown. We're here." he announced, coming to a halt in front of a large clothing store. From the outside, Kaoru could already see lots of gowns. Oh, the frills, the laces, the ribbons! Kaoru groaned mentally. Sure, she liked ribbons, but only for her hair.
"Kenshin!!!"
"Nope. Let's go, Kaoru." he said cheerfully, dragging her to the store.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Himura-san." the saleslady said, smiling seductively at him. Kaoru stopped. Why this boyfriend-snatching, no-good...
"Let's go, Kenshin." she said, latching to his arm tightly, leading him further down the store.
"Oro? Koishii, I thought you don't want to go! Or are you just jealous of that beautiful lady over there?" he asked innocently.
She fumed inwardly. "Of course not, Kenshin. I just don't want to make a scandal here you know. Well, you can go to that pretty lady over there, for all I care." she said, smiling sweetly, then left him standing there, chatting amiably with a man on the next aisle.
"Oro?"
"Serves you right, Kenshin." she muttered under her breath.
The man tapped her on the shoulder. "It's pretty hot in here, why don't we go somewhere... cool?" he grabbed her arm roughly.
"I... uh..."
"I don't think that is such a good idea." a cold voice bit out.
They whipped their heads toward the voice. There, the redhead stood, head bowed low, his bangs covering his eyes.
"Kenshin!" She wanted to move closer to him, but the man grabbed her back.
"And why is that, little man? It seems the pretty lady wants to go with me." the man sneered.
"No! I went with---" Kaoru objected.
"Because I told you so. This pretty lady goes with me." Kenshin interrupted, lifting his head, revealing glittering amber orbs. The man abruptly let go of her, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand. Kaoru moved to stand behind the redhead.
"S-sorry, man. Didn't know she was yours. I'll go now." the man said nervously, then left.
"Kenshin?" He looked at her, amber returning to its normal amethyst hue. "I'm sorry for leaving you there, it's just that..." she fidgeted.
"No harm done, koishii." Kenshin said, taking her hand. "Now, do you want to go pick some gowns, or do I have to pick it for you?"
"I guess you should do ti, because I don't know what to pick..."
"Hmm... let's see, what could be suitable for my date to the dance this weekend?" he said thoughtfully, still holding her hand. "Aha!"
-------------------------------------------
Kaoru smiled, recalling what happened earlier this afternoon. Kenshin picked dozens of gowns for her to try (they didn't buy it because they own the store) but they only brought home one. It was made of the finest silk. The top was of a pale blue color, with silver sequins studded on it. It has a modest neckline, which she was thankful for. The lower part was of a dark blue shade, which swept the floor. It fit her like a second skin, giving emphasis to her curves nicely. When she came out of the dressing room wearing that, she was pleased with Kenshin's reaction. He stood there, transfixed, as if in a trance. She blushed then, and they picked that one.
Later on, they bought matching high heels (which Kaoru grudgingly accepted), sapphire earrings, and a blue handbag to top the outfit. After their shopping, they watched a movie, ate dinner, then went home. Before she entered her room, they kissed making her blush. Man, since she met Kenshin, she couldn't count how many times she had blushed!
"Oh, Kenshin..." she said dreamily, then fell into a deep slumber.
-------------------------------------------------
'Boss' cackled gleefully, watching Himura and his girl strolling around the mall.
"Prepare yourself, Himura. Your end is near."
"Are you sure about this, Enishi?" a voice asked.
"What kind of question is that, Shishio? Of course I am. I have waited for this moment all my life. Eversince I saw him with my sister years ago, I knew he would destroy her. He ruined my sister's happiness, and now I will ruin his." Enishi said angrily to his bestfriend, and partner-in-crime, literally.
"Forgive me for asking. I didn't mean to upset you." Shishio apologized, with no remorse.
"I'm not upset, old buddy. In fact, I am overjoyed. Himura will suffer, and so will his woman." He glared at the couple. "Have fun while you can, Himura. It won't last long."
-----------------------------------
a/n: finally, finally! those readers of mine who keep questioning who the boss is, THIS is my answer! hooray! i've finished chapter 8, a few more chapters to go! oh, i am overjoyed! you see, i just finished my quarterly exams yesterday and now I am free to use the internet! let's celebrate people! three cheers 4 me! yosha! anyway, Enishi have finally appeared in my story, and Shishio too! but don't worry KK fans! there's no tomoe in this story! maybe, in my next story, but it's still KK, y'know! i can't bear the thought of making a tomoe-kenshin story... (shudders)... enough of that. i hope you like this chapter, and thank you for the reviews! arigato gozaimasu! ja ne, minna-san! :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin! Wish I do, though! Anyway, they are Watsuko-sama's! Enjoy!
Last time...
"Oh, hey fox. Sure. See ya, ladies." he grinned, waving at the girls. They all giggled. Megumi felt her anger rise. What is happening to her? Annoyed, she walked out of the bar, stopping in the middle of the street. Her fists clenched and unclenched.
"What is happening to me?" she muttered angrily. Then, a large truck came barreling towards her. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't move. It seems like her feet were stuck on the ground. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. All she thought was 'Sanosuke no baka...' before there was darkness. She didn't even hear her name that was shouted at the clear night sky.
"MEGUMI!!!"
Chapter 8: Dancing, anyone?
Megumi groaned.
Where am I? What happened? Wait, I'm alive! she thought, sitting up. Just then, she spotted a mass of spiky brown hair on her bedside. Sanosuke? She heard him snoring. Yup, definitely him.
"Sano?" she called out, touching his arm briefly. He groaned.
"Later, Kenshin..." he mumbled sleepily. Megumi sighed, annoyed.
"HEY ROOSTER!" she screamed at his ear. He jolted awake.
"W-where's the fire?"
"Nowhere, you rooster."
"Well, ohayo fox." he grinned, smirking.
"What are you grinning at?"
He leaned forward. "Oh nothing, fox. Just that you're only wearing a yukata which is nearly translucent, you know. Nice view, huh?"
She blushed crimson. "Why you pervert!" she screamed, covering herself up with the sheet, simultaneously throwing a pillow at him.
"See ya later, fox!" he said, dodging the pillow, then left the room.
"Pervert." she muttered darkly.
------------------------------------
Kaoru stirred.
"Good morning, Kaoru-koishii." Kenshin greeted, tenderly kissing her forehead. She blushed at the endearment (and the kiss).
"Good morning, Kenshin." she smiled at him, taking in his disheveled state. Well, he still looked hot. She blushed at that again.
"Koishii? You're all red." he stated jokingly.
"Iie... I was just... thinking..." she said, blushing again.
He grinned. "I'll let you go this time, koishii. So, shall we?"
"Shall we what?" she asked, leaving the bed. She was now wearing a yukata. "Kenshin, my--"
"Oh, I told Tsubame-chan to change you, with the help of other girls too."
"Sou ka... wait, you didn't answer my question. Shall we what?"
"Take a bath, koishii. We're going to school together, right?"
"W-wait... take a bath, as in together?" she asked, shocked.
"Of course not, koishii. But if you have some ideas... after all, you are my girlfriend... I guess we could make arrangements. Just remember to scrub my back, koishii!" he said, grinning mischieviously at her.
"Kenshin!" she buried her face in her hands, her face embedded the shade of pink. "Mou! You... you... you pervert!" she immediately clapped a hand over her mouth. "G-gomen nasai, Kenshin! I..."
"It's no problem, koishii. But if you washed my back..."
SLAM!
When Kaoru left the room, Kenshin was planted on the floor, eyes swirling.
"Oroo..."
--------------------------------
"Mou, that man..." Kaoru muttered darkly, her face still crimson. She went down the stairs for breakfast with Kenshin.
"Kao-chan?" Miza asked, when she arrived at the table. "Join us?"
"H-hai..." she sat herself at the seat next to Kenshin's. "K-kenshin is..."
"You, girl." a gruff voice said.
"Hai, Hiko-san?"
"We know you are not baka deshi's girlfriend." he said bluntly.
Her face paled. She bowed her head, clutching the table napkin tight.
"Sou ka... Hiko-san, please don't hurt Kenshin for lying to you... he... he just doesn't want me to get hurt and... it's not Sanosuke-san's fault either, Hiko-san... onegai... I will just take the blame and--" Kaoru pleaded, near to tears.
"Nobody's blaming you, Kao-chan. We're not angry with you, or Kenshin." she said pointedly to Hiko. "We know Sano bought you from a bar, we know everything. What I want to say is--"
"Make my baka deshi happy, girl. He's not usually this... caring... towards a girl. Not even with his last girlfriend. What's her name again?"
"It's Tomoe, anata." Miza said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But that's all in the past now, right? All we want is for Kenshin to be happy. He's hurting too much. Even though we're not blood-related-- you do know about him, don't you?"
"H-hai. He told me." Kaoru said, wiping her tears away.
"See, he's even opening up to you. We care for him, Kao-chan, and I'm entrusting him to you. Don't break his heart, please?"
"I won't Miza-san. I won't hurt him." Kaoru said resolutely.
"Good."
"But if he hurts you, call me. He'll never know what hit him." Hiko said gruffly.
"A-arigato, Hiko-san. Miza-san." Kaoru said, smiling brightly.
Just then, Kenshin arrived, seating beside Kaoru.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, shishou. Ohayo, mom. Hey, did I miss something?" he asked. "Koishii? You look like you cried! What's wrong?" he said, fussing over her.
Miza sent Kaoru an 'I-told-you' look. Kaoru giggled.
"Nothing's wrong with me, Kenshin."
"You sure?"
"Positive." she confirmed. He sighed in relief.
"Let's eat." Hiko interrupted. Just then, Aoshi arrived. The family ate their breakfast peacefully.
----------------------------
In school...
"Kenshin! Kaoru! Do you know there's a dance this weekend?" Misao announced, bouncing with glee.
"Hontou ni?" Kaoru asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Hai! There will be a dance, and it has a King and Queen! Maybe I get picked with Aoshi..." she said dreamily.
"Maybe I get picked with Ken--" she stopped, blushing crimson.
"Ah-ha! Caught in the act! You like him, don't ya?" Misao asked, elbowing Kaoru in the ribs.
"Uh, hai?" Kaoru said timidly.
"I knew it! You should ask him you know! I bet he likes you too!"
"He does?" Kaoru asked, wide-eyed. Misao slapped her forehead.
"Kao-chan, sometimes you can be so dense! Don't you know how he looks at you?"
"How he looks at me?"
"Yup. Like a man in love. Kenshin is crazy about you. He always has this tender, loving look in his eyes when he looks at you. That man adores you! Remember yesterday, when that article was published, Aoshi told me he shouted at the school press because they hurt you! I mean, he is so overprotective! Wait, wait... you should ask Yahiko how he looked when he told Kenshin you were in trouble! He looked like he was gonna die! See, Kao-chan, that man, yup, Kenshin Himura, is absolutely in love with you!" Misao declared happily.
Kaoru froze. He loves me? Wait... I have a dream last night, I just remembered...
Dream
Kaoru was floating in the clouds, thinking about Kenshin and herself.
"I love him so much..." she whispered in the night.
"You love who?" a familiar voice said.
"K-kenshin!" she turned around, shock clearly written in her face. "Mou! You almost gave me a heart attack! What are you doing here?" she asked, her hand over her heart.
"I just miss you, that's all..." he said, walking towards her.
She blushed. "You do?"
"I do. I can't help but think of you..." he took her hand. "Who do you love so much, Kaoru?" he asked, squeezing her hand.
"You..." she whispered breathlessly. "I love you, Kenshin... I love you very much..."
He stilled. She frowned.
"You don't love me, do you?" she whispered angrily, glaring at him.
No response.
"I knew it! Reika was right... I am nothing to you..." she shouted, wrenching her hand away, tears falling. "I am your toy, aren't I, Kenshin? I am just some little girl passing by your life, ne? Ne?"
"No... Kaoru... you don't know... you just don't know!" he shouted back.
"I don't know what, Kenshin? That you don't love me? I know, Kenshin! So stop lying to me!" she said angrily, striding away.
"Koishii, no..." he ran after her, hugging her tightly. She struggled, but it was half-hearted.
"I love you, I love you so much..." he whispered hoarsely in her ear, kissing her forehead. She smiled through the tears.
"I love you too, Kenshin..." she whispered lovingly.
End of Dream
Iie... that was just some dream, but I'm sure I heard Kenshin's voice... iie, it's impossible... Misao is probably lying... just cheering me, yeah, that's it... Mou! she thought, confused.
"I don't know, Misao-chan... how come he won't tell me, then?"
"I don't know too, Kao-chan..." Misao shrugged. "Anyway, how about the dance, huh, Kao-chan? You going?"
"If Kenshin wants to..."
"Of course he will, Kao-chan. Well, I'm positively sure I'm going with Aoshi-sama! He's so cool! You know, when he asked me to be his girlfriend, I thought I were the luckiest girl on earth! Yup! I almost fainted!" she said dreamily.
"Uh-huh. Kenshin told me that too." Kaoru said absentmindedly.
"I knew it! He's opening up to you, ne Kao-chan? So, what did he tell you?" Misao asked, her sea-green eyes twinkling merrily.
"Me? Uh... about some... stuff..."
"He did, didn't he? Did he tell you about you-know-who?"
"You-know-who?"
"Yup. His ex-girlfriend, Tomoe."
"Oh. Her." Kaoru sighed. "He told me about her, Misao-chan..." And how he still loves her... she thought.
"Good. Anyway, Kao-chan, who DID hurt you yesterday?" Misao whispered.
Kaoru looked away nervously.
"Reika..." she mumbled.
"HER?" Misao screeched. "I KNEW IT! THAT NO-GOOD-- RRRR!" she threw her hands in the air. "WHERE IS SHE? I COULD JUST KILL HER!" Misao rolled up her sleeves.
"Misao! Kenshin knows... and even he will not hurt her..." Kaoru said, restraining Misao. "I told him not to... it's not her fault..."
"Oh." Misao calmed down, but was still furious. "I knew that girl is just desperate! But to stoop as low as hurting you! I'm surprised Kenshin didn't hurt her or something, but I'm not surprised if he kicked her out of the school."
"Y-you mean..." Kaoru said, horrified.
"Kenshin won't hurt her, but he will definitely prevent her from hurting you Kao-chan... Kaoru?"
Her face was pale.
"N-no..." She ran, leaving a cloud of dust.
Wow. Kao-chan's fast. Misao thought, then ran after her.
-----------------------------
Kaoru ran aimlessly in the school, trying desperately to find her redhead 'boyfriend'.
Mou! Kenshin, where could you---- She bumped into something hard. She fell on the floor, in a sprawled position.
"Koishii, I suggest you don't show everyone how incredibly adorable you are..." a voice said, laughter in its tone. A hand appeared in her vision.
"Kenshin!" she exclaimed, then blushed, immediately tucking her feet behind her (she was wearing a skirt, then she fell, then, well, you know what happens..). She took his hand gratefully, standing up.
"What's the rush, koishii?" he asked curiously, fixing her already disheveled hair.
"Where's Reika?" she blurted out. His eyes hardened, scanning over her body.
"Did she hurt you again?" he asked gravely.
"He didn't, Kenshin. I mean, did you kick her out?"
"Iie, but do you want me too because---"
"No, no, Kenshin." she sighed, relieved. "Thank God."
After a moment, Kenshin spoke up.
"Would you like to go to the dance this weekend?"
"M-me?"
"You're my girlfriend, right? So, are you up to it, koishii?"
"We're going? Together?" she asked, shocked.
"Of course, koishii. Don't you want to go with me?" he asked, hurt.
"No, Kenshin! I'd love to go with you! It's just that there are so many girls out there who'd like to go with you... Me? I'm nobody... I'm not even pretty..." she glanced away.
"You're right, koishii. You're not pretty." he paused. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my whole life and I'm so lucky you get to go to the dance with me."
She blushed prettily. "Mou, Kenshin! You're making me blush!"
"Don't worry, koishii. You look cute when you do." he said, grinning at her.
"Hey, Kenshin, buddy! Jou-chan!" a voice greeted cheerfully.
"Sanosuke-san!"
"Hey, Sano."
"Sano is fine, Jou-chan. I'm still 17 you know."
"Sano, where have you been last night?" Kenshin asked. "I called your house but they said you didn't go home."
Sano looked away sheepishly. "I... got into trouble..." he said, touching his arm briefly.
"Sano! You're hurt!" Kaoru said, pointing at his arm.
"Don't worry, Jou-chan. It's just a scratch, I got it bandaged by a nurse already."
"You got into a trouble? So, who's the girl?" Kenshin asked nonchalantly. Sano always get into trouble when there's a girl involved.
Sano feigned coughing. "I don't feel so good..."
"Sano..."
"Alright, alright. Man, Kenshin. It was the fox lady, ok?"
"Fox lady?" Kenshin thought for a while. His eyes lighted up. "You mean, Takani-san?"
"Gotcha."
"Megumi-san? What happened to her?" Kaoru asked frantically. Megumi was good to her even though they just met.
"Nah. She just almost got run down by a truck is all. The fox lady fainted, I caught her, I got scratched, that's it." Sano shrugged, though inside, he was worrying over the fox. "She's fine."
Kaoru sighed. "Good."
"Sano, why don't you bring Takani-san to the dance this weekend?" Kenshin asked innocently.
The taller man coughed real this time. "What are you thinking Kenshin? I never thought you'd come to a brilliant idea. I'll ask her later tonight." he grinned.
"Tonight? But she's got work tonight, Sano." Kaoru said thoughtfully.
"Not tonight Jou-chan. Fox lady has a date, with me of course."
"WHAT?"
"Yup."
"I can't believe she'd go out with you..."
"What does that mean, Jou-chan? Anyway, she's at the Blue Moon, floor 23, room 109. Got it, Kenshin? The little missy might want to visit her. So, see ya later, lovebirds!" He waved at them.
Kaoru blushed.
"We'll visit her tomorrow, ne koishii?" Kenshin asked.
"Hai."
"But for now, we should shop for your gown this dance."
"G-gown? I don't wear gowns, Kenshin..."
"There's a first time for everything, koishii." Kenshin grinned, holding his car keys.
She groaned mentally.
"Let's go." they walked towards his car.
------------------
Misao walked around the school, trying to catch a glimpse of her raven-haired friend. She lost Kaoru when a class was dismissed.
"Misao?" a voice asked. She started.
"Aoshi!"
"What are you doing here, koibito?" he asked, lifting her up slightly, then pressed a chaste kiss on her lips.
"I'm looking for Kaoru but I lost her..."
"You're not looking for me, Misao-mine?" he asked, feigning hurt.
"No! I mean, I'm looking for you too, Aoshi! It's just that--"
"Just joking, Misao." he said, silencing her with a kiss, his normally ice blue eyes, now soft and tender.
"Ha-ha. Just when did you develop a sense of humor, Aoshi?" Misao asked sarcastically, her hand on her hips.
"That hurt, Misao-mine." he stated softly. She stilled.
"Aoshi... I'm sorry... please, I didn't mean it... I..." she whispered, touching his arm. He glanced away, half-smiling.
"Gotcha, koibito."
"Aoshi! Wait... is that a smile? Has the sky fallen down already? How come I don't see pigs flying? Is this a miracle?"
He laughed genuinely. "You make me do weird things, koibito. You're too good for me."
She hugged him tightly. "I'm glad I can make you smile, Aoshi."
"Aa."
"Aoshi?" her voice was hopeful. Aoshi grinned inwardly, knowing exactly what she wants him to do.
"Would you accompany me to the dance this weekend?" he asked her.
"SUGOI! Hai, hai!" she replied excitedly.
"I know you will, koibito. I know you will." he said fondly.
------------------------------------------
Megumi went back to the bar after Sanosuke left, determined to find out what really happened last night. She didn't have a chance to ask the roosterhead with all their bickering. She was positively sure there was a truck that came barreling towards her then there was darkness.
"Katsu, are you here?" she called out.
"Takani-san? You're alright!" Katsu exclaimed.
"I'm fine, Katsu. What... happened last night?" she asked, looking away.
"You don't know? I thought Sagara-san told you..."
"We... didn't get a chance to talk... much..." That pervert.
"Sou ka... What do you remember, Takani-san?"
"All I remembered was a truck then there was darkness..."
"That's all? Then I will tell you what I know. You see... I was going to tell you that you forgot your keys then I heard a shout coming from outside..."
Flashback
Katsu picked up the keys. "Megumi-san forgot hers, I should follow her..."
Then...
"MEGUMI!!!"
He dashed outside, shocked to see Megumi on the street, a truck dashing towards her. All the people from the bar followed, then screams erupted.
"She's gonna die!" someone screamed.
"Takani-san!"
In a flash, Sano ran towards her, catching her before she fell, barely missing the truck. The truck screeched to a halt, then the driver came out, shaking terribly, approaching Sano, Megumi cradled protectively in his arms.
"Gomen... d-did I hurt someone?" he asked nervously. Sano sighed in relief.
"Iie. No harm done, mister. She just fainted. But next time, drive slower, got it? You wouldn't want my dad knowing you almost ran down his son."
The man gulped. "May I ask who your dad is, sir?"
"You probably know him." Sano grinned inwardly. "Souzo Sagara."
The man fainted. Sano chuckled.
"Takani-san!" Katsu approached the couple. "Is she alright?"
Sano nodded. "She just fainted is all. She's fine now."
"Good. Wait, you're injured!" he pointed at his arm.
"Huh? Oh, it doesn't hurt anyway. Didn't even know I have one. So, we're going now..."
"Wait, her keys..."
"Oh, thanks man. What's your name again?" Sano took it, then went to his car.
"It's Tsukioka Tsunan, sir. You can call me Katsu."
"Thanks Katsu. Sagara Sanosuke here." He opened the backseat, gently laying the fox lady. Smiling softly, he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, unaware they have an audience.
Kirei...
On the background, Katsu smiled.
"So, we'll see you then!" Sano waved at them, going to the driver's seat, roared the engine, then sped away.
Take care of her, Sagara-san...
End of Flashback
Megumi sat still, wide-eyed.
"You mean that... that roosterhead saved me?"
"He sure did, Takani-san. He even risked his life for you."
"I see..." she stood up abruptly.
"Takani-san?"
"I'm fine..." I haven't even thanked him... Baka roosterhead! Why didn't you tell me? "So, I'll see you later, Katsu." she left the bar.
---------------------
"Kenshin! I don't want to!" Kaoru wailed, being half-dragged by the redhead.
"Iie, Kaoru. If you're going to the dance, you're should wear a gown. We're here." he announced, coming to a halt in front of a large clothing store. From the outside, Kaoru could already see lots of gowns. Oh, the frills, the laces, the ribbons! Kaoru groaned mentally. Sure, she liked ribbons, but only for her hair.
"Kenshin!!!"
"Nope. Let's go, Kaoru." he said cheerfully, dragging her to the store.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Himura-san." the saleslady said, smiling seductively at him. Kaoru stopped. Why this boyfriend-snatching, no-good...
"Let's go, Kenshin." she said, latching to his arm tightly, leading him further down the store.
"Oro? Koishii, I thought you don't want to go! Or are you just jealous of that beautiful lady over there?" he asked innocently.
She fumed inwardly. "Of course not, Kenshin. I just don't want to make a scandal here you know. Well, you can go to that pretty lady over there, for all I care." she said, smiling sweetly, then left him standing there, chatting amiably with a man on the next aisle.
"Oro?"
"Serves you right, Kenshin." she muttered under her breath.
The man tapped her on the shoulder. "It's pretty hot in here, why don't we go somewhere... cool?" he grabbed her arm roughly.
"I... uh..."
"I don't think that is such a good idea." a cold voice bit out.
They whipped their heads toward the voice. There, the redhead stood, head bowed low, his bangs covering his eyes.
"Kenshin!" She wanted to move closer to him, but the man grabbed her back.
"And why is that, little man? It seems the pretty lady wants to go with me." the man sneered.
"No! I went with---" Kaoru objected.
"Because I told you so. This pretty lady goes with me." Kenshin interrupted, lifting his head, revealing glittering amber orbs. The man abruptly let go of her, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand. Kaoru moved to stand behind the redhead.
"S-sorry, man. Didn't know she was yours. I'll go now." the man said nervously, then left.
"Kenshin?" He looked at her, amber returning to its normal amethyst hue. "I'm sorry for leaving you there, it's just that..." she fidgeted.
"No harm done, koishii." Kenshin said, taking her hand. "Now, do you want to go pick some gowns, or do I have to pick it for you?"
"I guess you should do ti, because I don't know what to pick..."
"Hmm... let's see, what could be suitable for my date to the dance this weekend?" he said thoughtfully, still holding her hand. "Aha!"
-------------------------------------------
Kaoru smiled, recalling what happened earlier this afternoon. Kenshin picked dozens of gowns for her to try (they didn't buy it because they own the store) but they only brought home one. It was made of the finest silk. The top was of a pale blue color, with silver sequins studded on it. It has a modest neckline, which she was thankful for. The lower part was of a dark blue shade, which swept the floor. It fit her like a second skin, giving emphasis to her curves nicely. When she came out of the dressing room wearing that, she was pleased with Kenshin's reaction. He stood there, transfixed, as if in a trance. She blushed then, and they picked that one.
Later on, they bought matching high heels (which Kaoru grudgingly accepted), sapphire earrings, and a blue handbag to top the outfit. After their shopping, they watched a movie, ate dinner, then went home. Before she entered her room, they kissed making her blush. Man, since she met Kenshin, she couldn't count how many times she had blushed!
"Oh, Kenshin..." she said dreamily, then fell into a deep slumber.
-------------------------------------------------
'Boss' cackled gleefully, watching Himura and his girl strolling around the mall.
"Prepare yourself, Himura. Your end is near."
"Are you sure about this, Enishi?" a voice asked.
"What kind of question is that, Shishio? Of course I am. I have waited for this moment all my life. Eversince I saw him with my sister years ago, I knew he would destroy her. He ruined my sister's happiness, and now I will ruin his." Enishi said angrily to his bestfriend, and partner-in-crime, literally.
"Forgive me for asking. I didn't mean to upset you." Shishio apologized, with no remorse.
"I'm not upset, old buddy. In fact, I am overjoyed. Himura will suffer, and so will his woman." He glared at the couple. "Have fun while you can, Himura. It won't last long."
-----------------------------------
a/n: finally, finally! those readers of mine who keep questioning who the boss is, THIS is my answer! hooray! i've finished chapter 8, a few more chapters to go! oh, i am overjoyed! you see, i just finished my quarterly exams yesterday and now I am free to use the internet! let's celebrate people! three cheers 4 me! yosha! anyway, Enishi have finally appeared in my story, and Shishio too! but don't worry KK fans! there's no tomoe in this story! maybe, in my next story, but it's still KK, y'know! i can't bear the thought of making a tomoe-kenshin story... (shudders)... enough of that. i hope you like this chapter, and thank you for the reviews! arigato gozaimasu! ja ne, minna-san! :)