Disclaimer: I regret to inform all of you that I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or its characters, although I do own any created characters that my imagination comes up with.

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Chapter 5 – Clubfest

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Author's Notes: This chapter will be in Misao's point of view.

"Kenshin! I'm sooooo confused on how to do this math homework. Can't you teach me?" For real, I've had enough of this. For over two hours, I've been staring at these questions, trying to decipher their meaning as to exactly what they wanted me to do. But alas, after all my hard work, nothing productive came from me. Then again, I was watching some television for the most of those two hours. But Kenshin didn't have to know that small fact.

"Well Misao, maybe if you weren't spending most of your time watching television, perhaps you could have finished it by now." was Kenshin's ever-so clever reply.

I pouted. Man, he knows everything that's going on. I guess that shouldn't be a surprise, knowing that his training with his shishou helps him to be aware of everything.

"Plus Misao, if you actually took a glance at your notes, it'll probably be in there. Kanryu-sensei did go over how to do the problems in class."

I rolled my eyes. "Kenshin, I think I know what type of notes I take and I know – one hundred percent – that he did NOT go over these problems!"

"Just take a look, that you should." And with that, he stepped into the kitchen; Kami knew what he was going to do.

I stuck my tongue at him once I knew he was out of sight and resolved into digging up my notes. Seriously, I think I know what notes I………………….

Ahhhh! Yep, you guessed it.

There it was. The types of problems I was having difficulty with right there, explained step by step on how to do them. I wanted to scream in frustration. Once again, Kenshin was right about things. Man, things aren't going my way.

Anyway, once my anger was gone, I proceeded to do the problems when Kenshin popped out of nowhere.

"Hey Misao, what's for dinner?"

"Can't you see I'm doing homework………KENSHIN! Jeez, I can't do everything around here." Kenshin just knew how to piss me off.

And to top things of, he was……chuckling! Laughing……at me! AH! That wool-headed baka! Ohhhh…I wanted to pounce on him soo badly.

"Sorry Misao. I guess I have been relying upon you too much lately." The apology he gave me wasn't going to fix things now. It was already way too late for him. He's going to be a dead man.

But then he gave me that smile – the smile that I love seeing upon his face. I stood there, totally shocked. That last time I saw him smile like that had to have been years ago. It wasn't one of those fake smiles, to cover up his feelings. It was a true, genuine smile, as if he was enjoying himself for once. In return, I smiled warmly at him and laughed along with him.

"Hey, I got an idea Misao. Why don't we order from that restaurant again? Their food tasted good."

I sulked instantly. "Wha?! Does that mean you don't like the food I prepare for you, Kennie!?" I had to struggle to the fullest not to laugh. The look on his face when I said that was priceless. He was truly worried.

"No no! Don't get me wrong Misao. I love you cooking, it's just….well……I…uh……"

I couldn't hold it back any longer. I broke down into giggles, leaving my redheaded brother totally confused. Man that was soo funny, I just couldn't help myself.

When I finally came to senses, Kenshin was still utterly confused, but didn't say anything. I could tell it by his facial expression.

"Relax Kenshin, I know what you mean. I still love you all the same." And to prove my point, I hugged him. Really! Sometimes when I do hug him, all my worries go away and I'm totally relaxed.

"Well, what are we waiting for, let's order!"

Kenshin nodded as he tossed me the cordless telephone. "Well, since you already ordered from them before, it wouldn't do you any harm to order again – the same thing as yesterday too."

"Yeah, yeah Kenshin, I got it." I quickly dug up the number of the Akabeko I wrote down the other day and ordered what we had yesterday.

Man, I have to give it to the Akabeko – they have good timing. Almost the instant I finished with my homework, the doorbell rang and some voice called out 'Akabeko.' I smiled at my finished homework, admiring my hard work that I put into it.

"Misao, can you get it? I'm kind of busy in the kitchen!"

I frowned thoughtfully at my red-headed brother. He's been in the kitchen for over an hour now. What exactly was he doing? Oh well.

I opened the door and instantly, my jaw dropped to the floor.

It was the same annoying little brat from yesterday.

I saw him smirk as he held the bag of food to me. "Hey busu! Twice in a row? Well, I suppose I can understand. I mean, ugly hags usually cannot cook, but whatever. Can I have my money?"

It took everything within me to hold my anger and not to unleash every kunai I had in my possession at the little brat, emphasis on the little. I dug up the exact change that the food had cost and roughly shoved it towards him.

"Thank you for the food. I guess I'll see you later now, Yahiko-chan!" And I slammed the door shut right in his face. 'Hehehehe.'

I heard him shout something about not calling him "-chan," but I was too busy taking in the wonderful aroma of the food to spend my attention for him.

"Kenshin! Food's here!"

"Ok Misao. Just give me a minute to finish cleaning the kitchen and then I'll join you, that I will."

'Cleaning……the kitchen?' Now I knew something was amiss. "What exactly are you doing in the kitchen, Kenshin Himura? That last time you cleaned the kitchen without me asking was like four years ago!"

I could actually feel him wince. Yep, something was up with him. "Kenshin, I'm coming in there, whether you like it or not. Cuz I know your doing something that you shouldn't be doing."

Knowing I had little time, I quickly ran into the kitchen, only to find my brother washing a knife in the sink. He casually turned around and innocently looked at me with those beautiful violet eyes of his. "Is there something the matter Misao?"

"I……uh……" I was speechless. Here I was standing in the kitchen, expecting at least some kind of mess. But the place was squeaky clean. Accidentally, I sniffed the air and found a wonderful aroma of food invade my senses. "Kenshin, what is that delicious smell?"

"Nothing!" came his reply, very quickly if I may add. "Actually, now that I think about it, it must be the Akabeko food. C'mon Misao, I can't wait to eat! Smells delectable."

He then grabbed the bag of food from my hands and went into our miniature dining room. I knew what I smelt, and it definitely was not the same smell as the Akabeko food. Hearing my stomach grumbling, I shrugged the question out of my mind and went to join Kenshin, only to find out he had already set everything up. 'Damn, that was fast.'

We began eating in silence as I savored every bite. This food sure was delicious. One of these days, I would have to somehow beg Kenshin into going to the restaurant to eat rather than ordering delivery.

It wasn't till towards the end of our meal when a sudden memory popped into my mind. Kaoru had said that there was…….what was it called? Clubfest. Yeah, that's it.

"Hey Kenshin, are you going to be doing anything after school tomorrow?" I asked casually as I ate, trying not to let on anything suspicious to my perceptive brother.

He stared at me for some time – how long, I really didn't know. I could actually feel myself sweat. What in the world was he thinking?

Finally, what seemed like hours, he answered, "Yes Misao, I'll come to the clubfest with you."

You see, if this exact situation happened five or six years ago, I would have been shocked at how he could read my mind. But by now, I knew he could read eyes and body emotions acutely.

I smiled anyway at him. "Thanx Kenshin, you don't know how much this means to me."

Kenshin just simply waved his hand as he finished his meal. "Just don't expect me to join anything, that you shouldn't."

I nodded, but inwardly smiled. 'If I get my way tomorrow, Kenshin will be joining everything that I want him to join. Hehehehe.'

Luckily for me, or perhaps luckily for all the students in my class, our classes actually went by pretty quickly and uneventfully also. Hajime-sensei's class surprisingly went by without any disturbances from my brother, who still doesn't lift a finger to take notes. Lunch was just as boring as usual. Talking to Kenshin is like talking to a wall – at least when we're at school. For whatever strange reason, my brother likes to revert to his "cold" self when we're at school, rather than his open, cheery persona that he reveals at home. Don't ask me why. Surprisingly, the phys-ed teacher – Toma-sensei – was absent again. That's makes two out of three days. Normally I wouldn't care, but something about him just seems off if you ask me. Who knows? Maybe he's sick every other day or something. So we just had a free study period then.

And here I am, staring at the clock, while our science teacher – Hennya-sensei – is boringly explaining some scientific phenomenon that I could certainly care less for.

I swear, when you're desperately waiting for time to fly by, it plays with you and suddenly it seems as if time is going slower than usual. Really, it feels like I've been waiting over an hour just to see that seconds hand go around once.

"Brrrrrriiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggggggg!!!!!"

'Finally!' Almost instantly, the whole class dashed out of their seats and jetted out the door. I stupidly gazed at them. Man, this clubfest thing must be more exciting than I thought.

The only ones left were Kenshin, Aoshi, Kaoru and me. Kaoru and Aoshi were talking to each other in low voice, so I couldn't hear anything they were saying. But then again, who cares what they were talking about. At least I get to stare at Aoshi. Did I mention how hot he is? Well, he's very good looking.


As I was walking over to Kenshin, who was taking his time putting his stuff away, which seemed odd cuz he usually doesn't have anything out to begin with, Hajime-sensei suddenly popped through the door.

"Shinomori, Himura! A word with you two……now."

I was thinking he meant me, but the stare he gave to Kenshin meant the "Himura" was for him. Kenshin nodded at me, basically telling me to wait a moment. I smiled as I nodded back and headed out the door, following Kaoru.

Hajime-sensei banged the door shut the second I walked out of the room. Jeez! The nerve of him!

"So what do you think Saitoh wants with them?" a voice suddenly asked me from nowhere.

I turned around to find Kaoru fixing the ribbon in her midnight blue hair. I took this minute to finally get a good look at her. She was indeed a beautiful woman. Her midnight blue hair went gorgeously with her blue eyes and her body stature was nice too. Well, at least now I know that Kenshin has good taste. Hehehe.

"Hello? Misao? You there?"

"Huh? Wha? Oh, sorry Kaoru. I was just……um……thinking clubfest and all." I lied through my teeth. Lying is definitely not one of my strong points. "What was the question again?"

I saw her roll her eyes and sigh. "What do you think Saitoh wants with Aoshi and Kenshin?"

I shrugged at her question. "I don't know about Aoshi, but with my baka brother, it could be anything." I giggled at the thought of Kenshin cowering in fear from Hajime-sensei. Then again, that probably would happen when pigs learned how to fly.

I heard Kaoru giggle for a couple of seconds before she stopped and shrugged as well. "You and Kenshin coming to clubfest?"

"Yep! Can't wait! I hope its fun." I truly was looking forward to this thing. Everyone was saying how cool it is to check out all the clubs and school teams.

"That's cool."

From then on, we spent the next couple of minutes in silence. I really didn't know what else to say, and Kaoru was probably the same.

The door finally opened and I gasped softly as Aoshi walked out first. And even to my greater surprise, he actually spared a second or two to glance in my direction before heading of down the hall. If Kaoru wasn't there at that moment, I would have fainted on the spot. His stare……his eyes……wow!

"Well, there goes my cousin. I'll see you in the gym, kay?"

"Yep! Bye Kaoru."

I watched her as she followed Aoshi. Actually, I watched Aoshi in the distance. Ah, I can't get enough of that guy. I wonder how it would feel to have him actually hug me…or even better…….kiss me! Oooooh! That would be heaven!

I was interrupted from my beautiful daydream by a tap on the shoulder. It was Kenshin.

"So Kennie! What did Hajime-sensei want?"

Even though I wasn't looking at him, I could actually feel Kenshin's penetrating stare at me with his now amber yellow eyes as I called him Kennie. I remember back when, that stare used to scare the living daylights out of me. Now, I'm basically used to it.

"Well Kenshin, are you going to tell me or not?" For some reason, I had to fight the urge to giggle, although I do not know why.

"Saitoh wants me to join the Swordfight Team, as per my punishment."

"Ohhhhh……" I trailed off slowly as I thought about the situation. Actually, this situation was very familiar. It happened many times. Kenshin would have to join the school's swordfight team or else the teacher would report whatever wrong Kenshin had done. That was a famous way of how we usually got expelled from select schools.

I directed my gaze towards the floor. It's not that I cared about Kenshin's decision. I would stand by whatever decision he would make. If he didn't want to join, then we would probably……eventually get expelled. But this was one of the few schools I actually took a liking to.

"Well, I suppose we should pack everything at home, right?" I asked glumly as I felt a tear escape my eye.

"What are you talking about Misao?" I heard my clueless brother ask, roughly if I may add too.

"You're not going to join……which means we'll probably get expelled and have to transfer again."

"Who the hell said I wasn't going to join?"

At this, I rapidly tore my solemn gaze from the floor to my brother. "You mean…….that you'll………"

I heard Kenshin sigh. "Yeah, I'm joining. Plus, if I did get expelled, shishou would probably have my head, huh?"

I nodded happily as I hugged my brother briefly before letting go. He really doesn't like people seeing him all compassionate and stuff. "Thank you sooo much Kenshin!"

I watched him as he growled, quickly reverting back to his cold-attitude self he puts on. "So, do you want to go to this clubfest thing or not? I have better things to do."

"Of course!"

What I didn't know at the time was that Kenshin actually had another reason of why he was joining the Swordfight Team. A more……personal reason.

"Wooooooooooowwwww!" The gym looked like a totally different place that it used to be. Numerous of booths were lined up and erected one after another, with a different club in each booth. Every kid in the school had to be there. There was barely enough room to move around.

I heard Kenshin grumble something under his breath, but I paid no attention to it. I didn't care what he thought about it. All I knew was that I was going to have fun, join some clubs, and if I get lucky, get Kenshin to join his fair share of clubs too.

"C'mon Kenshin, let's go!"

Again, Kenshin muttered something under his breath. I couldn't get a clear look into his eyes because the bangs of his hair were hiding it. But believe me, just because I, or anyone for that matter, can't see his eyes, doesn't mean Kenshin can't see. He's aware alright, aware of almost everything.

Anyway, I had to practically drag my brother around. Yeah, I know. It would have been easier to go alone, but where's the fun in that? Plus, I wanted Kenshin there, just for the sake of knowing he's there………protecting me I suppose.

"Hey Kenshin, let's stop at that booth. Looks like the computer club!"

We joined in just in time for some speech.

"Are you computer illiterate? Are you having trouble operating your computer? Or do you just want to have fun with them? This club has it all – help, games, food and online interaction with people all over the world. Membership is at an all-time low at the moment, but with your help, we can really get this club started."

I nodded thoughtfully at what this guy was saying. Sounded fun. I looked around to see what other kids were interested. My jaw dropped as I looked around, and to top things of, I heard Kenshin snickering – probably at me.

All male geeks!

I quickly grabbed Kenshin and ran away from the booth as fast as possible. "Idiot! Why didn't you tell me!?"

Once again, my baka brother snickered. "I wanted to see your reaction. And from what I saw, it was all worth it."

I gave him a quick death glare as I diverted my attention elsewhere. There was no way I was going to let Kenshin ruin this for me.

I dragged him around to booth after booth. Some clubs were ok – like the environmental club and the speech and debate club. Others, well, let's just say they were as bad as the computer club – attracting crowds that I rather would not hang out with.

I think we spent an hour in there when some students began to leave, which obviously meant that clubfest was soon coming to an end. "Kenshin! I still haven't found a club I like!"

He chose not to reply to my comment so I ignored him as well. Two can play at that game. I was about to give up hope when I spotted Kaoru walking off towards somewhere. Wanting to say hi, I tried to follow her without bumping into other people.

When I did finally catch up to her, she was at a booth. Curious as to which booth had her attention; I walked up to her and grabbed a flyer that a nearby student was handing out.

"Drama Club.

Free your heart and let your imagination run wild as you perform in numerous plays.

This year's main play will revolve around the legendary swordsman that was believed to have lived during the revolution. It will concentrate on his life roughly ten years after the revolution, from facts we were able to obtain from history books, old documents dated back to the years of the revolution, and stories that the myths foretell about the legendary manslayer.

Sign up today to be part of the fun!"

'Wow, this is so very cool!' I thought to myself as I read.

"Yeah, you said it Misao. Are you going to join?"

I looked towards the direction of the voice and found it to be Kaoru's. "Oh, hey Kaoru. I didn't know I said that out loud. As for joining, I don't know. Are you going to join?"

I saw her nod. "Yep, you bet. I've been in this club for the past two years, and believe me, its fun. Plus, after all the hard work, the finished products are usually really great. You should join."

Once again, I nodded thoughtfully and thought about it. "Who else joins?"

Kaoru chuckleed as she pointed over to a small group of guys. "Believe it or not, Aoshi and his friends are actually joining this year. I don't know why, but Aoshi gives the excuse of saying it's a good way to learn about the legendary swordsmen and his sword techniques."

I smiled brightly as I listened to what Kaoru was saying. Aoshi, joining? Wow, never would have thought it would happen in a million years. Maybe I could pair up to be Aoshi's partner. WOW! Now that's a thought.

"Count me in, Kaoru!"

I quickly scribbled my name on the sign-in sheet and quickly took note that meetings were held every Thursday. I kept that in mind as I turned around, only to come face to face with Aoshi. 'When did he come here!?'

I found myself paralyzed. Seriously, I couldn't feel anything in my body, or move for that matter also. My mind was only concentrated on two thoughts – Aoshi and damn was he hot!

"Hello Misao."

"Hi……ya." I managed to say without making a fool out of myself.

"Your joining the drama club as well, I ascertain?"

'Ascertain? Wow, he's even smart!' I nodded meekly when strangely, newfound courage seeped throughout my body. I mean, he was only another kid – just a really hot kid though. "Yep, I can't wait. It's going to be so cool acting out characters from the revolution. Really, I can't wait."

I peeked up to him to see him nod. I smiled inwardly. At least I was doing something right, even if I had no clue what.

After the last comment, we stood there in uncomfortable (at least for me) silence for a minute when I remembered as certain event. "Aoshi, I'm still holding you to that rain-check for Wednesday, in case you think I would have forgotten!" I smiled brightly as him as I saw his nervous expression. Yep, he probably thought I had completely forgotten. Yeah, in his dreams.

"Nope, haven't forgotten yet Misao."

I nodded slowly, trying to prolong my time with him when one of his friends came by.

"Hey Leader, we're going to the dojo now. Are you coming?"

'Leader? Why'd they call Aoshi that? There must be more to this group Kaoru was telling me about than meets the eye. A group I wand to know everything about. I scrutinized Aoshi's friend carefully. He was a huge fellow – could have passed for a sumo wrestler if he wanted to.

"Ok Hyottoko. I'm coming." Aoshi waved to his friend as the huge guy wobbled off to somewhere. Aoshi than returned his gaze towards me, and again, strangely, this time I didn't feel restrained. "Well Misao, I'll see you later than."

"Yep, bye Aoshi!" I waved to him as he walked to where his friend left moments ago. Wow, now that I reviewed that conversation in my head, things had definitely gone well. I congratulated myself for a job well done.


But something was missing.

It didn't hit me for a full minute. Kenshin!

Oh my god. What did he think about the situation? Would he like Aoshi? Hate him? Ah!!!

I quickly turned around, expecting him to be deathly gazing at me with his amber yellow eyes.

But the weird thing was – he wasn't. He wasn't even behind me.

Where the hell did he go?

I didn't have to walk far to find my brother. It was exactly five steps when I saw him, and when I did see him, I stood in shock.

There he was, my red-headed baka brother, actually talking to Kaoru – the person of his affections. Now you see, this is something that has never happened before. Never in any previous schools had Kenshin actually said hello to another student, let alone talk to them. And from what I saw, Kenshin seemed totally calm and open – something that did not happen very often.


I stood my ground as I watched Kenshin scribble something on a piece of paper Kaoru was holding. Now that I actually looked at Kaoru, wow, was she blushing a deep red. One could see it from fifty feet away.


I smiled. This was already getting interesting.

They continued to talk for what seemed like forever when Kaoru suddenly looked at her watch and ran off, leaving my brother waving at her in a daze.

Now it was time to find out exactly what that was all about.

"Kenshin!"

No answer. Wow, he really must be in a daze.

"KENSHIN!"

"Huh, wha?" Kenshin had finally came back to his senses. "Yeah Misao?"

I gasped. Kenshin wasn't showing off his cold-like exterior, but the emotions he usually shows off at home, when he's with me. Wow, Kaoru had some affect on him.

"What was that all about?"

"What was what about?" he asked innocently as he continued to gaze after Kaoru.

"You and Kaoru! Come on! Spill the beans!"

Kenshin smirked. He actually smirked, and to me! Argh! Ooo, how I wanted to pounce on him and beat him into submission, forcing him to tell me everything. "Nothing that concerns you. Now that you're done here, let's go home."

I stood my ground as I watched Kenshin walk away. "Kenshin! This is NOT fair! C'mon, you can tell me! And Kenshin! What did you write on the paper Kaoru was holding?! Kenshin!!! Are you even listening to me!!!?? KENSHIN!!!!!!"

Ugh! My stupid, lovable brother.

Author's Notes: Once again, let me thank my regular reviewers so far who have given me the reason and inspiration to keep on writing. I thank all of you greatly:

Kimiko5, blackshadow, BillabongBob3, Misao Mei Mei, kenshin fan, flyinangel777, Lingoddess, dark hope1, missaw, mayabf93, moomoo-chan, merlegirl, chocolatetiger23, jus_som1, Setine, Jen, larisa, Califpinay3001, Linwe, Ayuka, Namiko the anime wizard, Freesia, Selena Rose, Jewel210, irksome one, lil-miss-kitsune, Karen, CurlsofSerenity, Ame Kurayami, AnImEfReAk34, Janee

Sorry if I forgot anyone. I'll be sure to add you guys next chapter then.

Anyway, well here is chapter 5 and I hoped you guys like it. I know there wasn't too much fluff put into this chapter, but I hope the length of this chapter made up for that - was about 4300 words.

As for my next update, I start college next Friday, so I will try my best to get an update before that. Because after that, I don't know when I'll be able to update next. But rest assured, this fic will not die.

Again, thank you SOOO much for the reviews, and I do hope to see more of them. So LEAVE A REVIEW! ^_^

Till next chapter,
vindemon64