Author's Notes: Hello again everyone! I am back for yet another late update. I meant to get this out on Friday night, though when I sat down to write, nothing creative was flowing. I had five tests on Friday, and an amazingly crazy workload all week so all I felt like doing was relaxing and reading other fan fics. But never fear! I am back with this third section of Chapter 6, though more chapters are on their way shortly after that! I just have to figure out how to incorporate the additional characters. . .(must catch my muse and inspiration!) Well, here goes for Chapter Six everyone! I hope you enjoy!

Side Note: I was not able to complete this segment much as I wanted to in three parts, but I know you are tired of waiting for an update, (Not like this story is all that great! Lol!!),so this chapter will be 4 parts instead of three like I promised earlier. I am doing research on Sakura Matsuri now so that I can make the next chapter more fun and historically accurate. Thanks for bearing with me! Spring Break is on its way, and I will be able to write more!

Disclaimer: As always, I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, other than the bento box and manga that I have bought. I guess we're all stuck sharing Watsuki-sama's AMAZING work now aren't we?

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LadySword04

March 27, 2004

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Previously on Part Two:

Stealthily, the two walked on their toes silently. Avoiding all the boards that would squeak to disclose their location and presence, the girls snuck up on the two unsuspecting "juvenile problems" with such skill that even a shinobi would be proud. Heck, Aoshi didn't even notice them!

'I am getting good at this stealth thing!' Misao told herself with pride. 'Aoshi-sama didn't even notice my presence!'

Expertly, Kaoru raised both her bokkens to perform her "Double Bokken of Doom" attack on her helpless victims. Misao and Aoshi merely looked on as Kaoru pummeled each into the ground. If such a thing were possible, they were way past the swirly-eyed 'oroing stage' that Kenshin usually found himself in after one of her attacks.

Needless to say, the two wouldn't be fighting one another until well after dinner. Aoshi was still wearing a smirk when Misao burst out laughing. Kaoru was fuming, and to her surprise, Aoshi let out something that sounded a lot like a small but stifled laugh! Misao face vaulted; she was at a loss for words. Her stoic ice cube actually Laughed!?!  Maybe there was still a person sealed away beneath the icy exterior he always wore, and maybe there was hope for him yet!

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Chapter 7: Dinner, Plans, and CrAzY GuEsTs (Part Three)

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Having heard Aoshi's question, Kaoru simply told him where it was and how to get to it.  "I will also accompany you if you would like." She added politely.

"Aoshi-sama, when are you going to the shrine? Are you going to be back in time for dinner or at least the festival? Do you want me to bring you tea before dinner?" Misao blurted out at light speed, hoping that Aoshi hadn't caught on to what she was doing or trying to do.

"Now." Was all he said to her.

"Well, I guess all of us will see you later then." Misao added in a cheerful manner, clearly trying to hide her mental disappointment that he might not even be there at dinner, or let alone go to the festival with them.

'We come here to take a vacation and all he wants to do is seclude himself in a shrine to pray like he does back home! He needs to learn how to live! I swear, if he doesn't come for the festival, I am going to personally drag him there. He is going to have a good time here if I can help it, and even if it kills one of the two of us! He must BE HAPPY!!!' Misao promised herself with a determination most girls her age could not possibly have.

Just like Kaoru, once she had her mind set on a goal, there was NO WAY she was not going to attain it. Misao would do anything and everything in her power to ensure Aoshi's happiness and mental well being. Heck, locking yourself up for the greater part of the day every day of your life in a secluded area definitely is not healthy for anyone, Aoshi included.

"Misao, is something wrong?" Kaoru tentatively asked her friend after sensing a rise in Misao's ki.

"No, nothing is wrong, nothing at all! What makes you say that? I was just thinking about something. Don't worry. I am fine!" Misao said energetically as her ki returned to a normal level again.

"Well Aoshi and Misao, let's go to the shrine now okay?" Kaoru asked.

"Misao really does not need to trouble herself in coming with us." Came Aoshi's icy response.

"Misao needs to come so she knows where to find you if we need you for something back here." Kaoru added in the defense of her friend. "Besides, she would find out eventually one way or another where it is!"

"Yeah, and how will I know where to bring your afternoon tea?" Misao added knowing that her Aoshi could not possibly survive without it. A day without tea for him was like trying to breathe on an earth without oxygen; which is a necessary and important part of life.

"Fine." Aoshi remarked in a cool monotone voice, though his agitation at losing the battle was clear in his tight shoulders. His face and eyes would never betray his emotions, but his clenched fists and tight muscles would alert anyone with a knowledge of Aoshi's mannerisms to his annoyed state.

Misao of course could read him like a book, having known him for so long, but decided to play his reactions off and not let them get to her. 'I wonder why he is so tense. Is it because he doesn't want me to go with him? Or could it be that he really doesn't want to be here with us, or even come with me in the first place?' She wondered, while feeling guilty for upsetting him.

Plastering on a grin from ear to ear, she jumped up and down in her characteristic manner before grabbing Kaoru to lead the way to the shrine. Aoshi just rolled his eyes behind their backs before following the two equally crazy girls. They walked out of the main house and into the back courtyard that led to the steps heading up a steep incline of stairs to the shrine.

The whole trip up there, the spastic duo talked about what had been happening in the past six months since they had seen each other. Let's just say that there was A LOT to catch up on, and the walk up there was not time enough to say everything. For Kaoru, the walk was much shorter than she ever remembered it being because before she knew it, they were already there.

On the other hand, for Aoshi, the trip up couldn't possibly have been any longer. The girls were getting on his nerves with their constant banter and bubbly attitudes. After a while, he decided to hang back for a bit in order to tune them out.

When the girls reached the top of the stairs, they stood and waited for Aoshi, who seemed to be taking his sweet time in getting up there.

'Well, at least he's taking in his surroundings and enjoying the beauty of nature. It's a start. I just wish he would be more expressive. We will have to work on that later.' Misao said before letting out a loud sigh.

"Misao, are you alright?" Asked Kaoru after hearing her friend's huge sigh.

"I. . .I am fine. Don't worry Kaoru! Just a little winded that's all. That sure was a lot of stairs to climb!" Misao added in the hopes that Kaoru would buy it therefore not become concerned and question her further.  "Hey Aoshi, hurry up!" Misao joked.

"Hn." Was the only answer she got. 'Here we go with the monosyllables again.' Misao thought while mentally growling.

Kaoru led her two friends into the interior of the shrine before saying, "Here we are! I am going to go back to check up on Sano and Yahiko, and see if Kenshin is back. I will see you both later tonight!" she smiled and gave a wink to Misao.

Aoshi walked up to the middle of the far wall that held a statue and sat down on one of the few mats in the room. Misao simply said that she would see him later before she turned to leave. As usual, she got no response from him; he was already deep in meditation.

Misao ran to catch up with Kaoru, and the two continued to talk about their lives during their separation. Kaoru checked in on her still unconscious boarders.

"Well, they're still breathing. I bet by the time Kenshin gets home and starts dinner that they will wake up. (This sentence whispered into Misao's ears.) The smell from the kitchen is sure to wake them up. It works every time!" Kaoru giggled remembering all the times when even the mention of food got the two freeloaders with the never ending appetites to come running.

Just then, Misao got a devilish grin on her face as an idea invaded her brain. "Hey, while they're out, why don't we have a little fun?" She asked in a devious manner. Kaoru, getting where her friend was going grinned in much the same manner as Misao.

"There is a ton of ink in the shed! Kenshin isn't home yet to stop us either. This is going to be so much fun!" With that the duo went to the shed to get the ink. They then went into the room where the boys were sleeping and decided to have a little fun of their own.

"Shouldn't we water it down a bit? You know that the festival is tonight right?" Misao asked feeling momentary regret for suggesting the idea.

"NO Way!" They're getting it full strength! If you're going to do something, you have to do it well!" Kaoru said as she slid the shoji open.

Both of the boys were on their backs sprawled out on their futons still knocked senseless. Sitting in between the futons with their trusty ink jar and brushes, each girl proceeded to use each guy as her 'canvas' on which she would create her work of art. Let's just say by the time they were done, the faces, necks, and chests of their victims were covered in designs.

"Just wait 'til they wake up! This is going to be soo great!" Misao said.

"Yeah, now let's hide all the mirrors in the shed so they won't know anything until it's too late!" With that, both giggled and retrieved all the mirrors in the house.

Task accomplished, the two decided to invite the crushes of the two pieces of art that night around seven. First, they went to Megumi and asked that she come. Megumi was reluctant at first, but hearing that the girls had a surprise for her, Megumi just couldn't resist. Their next target was Tsubame who eagerly jumped at the chance to get out to the festival.

"Our plan is going well! I can't wait until tonight! Let's hurry home so Kenshin doesn't get worried." Kaoru said as she began running with Misao back to the dojo.

They arrived at the gates just a moment before Kenshin did, and slipped in unnoticed. Kaoru and Misao went to the kitchen to boil some tea for Aoshi, and soon Kenshin was in there cooking dinner as well.

"Hi Kenshin!" said Kaoru when she noticed him come in. Misao was still focused on the boiling tea leaves. However, after hearing Kaoru's greeting, she decided one of her own was in order. Luckily, he had set everything down prior to her welcome.

"HIMURA!" She exclaimed while hugging him in her vice like grip. "It's so good to see you again! We've missed you. Even Aoshi-sama has missed you, though he won't say so." She said in a rush before noticing Kenshin was trying to say something.

"Mi. . .sao. . .please. . .let. . .ses. . .sha. . .go. . ." He gasped before she finally did just that.

Recovering, he exclaimed, "It's good to see you too, that it is! I suppose you brought Aoshi with you right?" He asked while giving her his famous rurouni grin before turning to the counter to begin cooking dinner.

She simply replied with a yes before noticing the familiar scent in the air. Misao noted that the tea was done and both she and Kaoru headed back up to the shrine to give it to Aoshi.

During her stay, the two girls were inseparable, and boy could they cause trouble if they wanted to! However, luckily for Aoshi, the two left his tea alone.

Most of the way back up the stairs, they talked about what was going to happen that night at the festival. Reaching the top of the stairs and then the shoji of the shrine, Kaoru opened it and let her friend inside. Misao sat down next to him and began pouring the tea for the two of them. Kaoru took the hint and left, knowing that 'tea time' was Misao's time alone with Aoshi, which was important to her friend.

That said and done, she went down the stairs thinking about the reaction she would get from the two boys when their "dates" or "crushes" showed up that night.

About thirty minutes after Kaoru returned, Kenshin had finished their meal for that night, making sure to create enough to feed the extra two guests. Kaoru set the table again that night for dinner, and went to wake her friends up.

However, what she got was quite a surprise. Just as she went up to the shoji and lifted her hand to slide it open, the darn thing jumped open all by itself! Or wait, it was Sano and Yahiko who threw it open before practically running the poor girl over in their haste to get to the kitchen. Luckily, Kaoru dodged in time to save herself, and grab the two by their collars.

"Ok, if you two want to race to the kitchen, it will have to be a fair one." She said with authority. "When I count to three, I will release you, and then you can try to beat each other to the kitchen alright?"

"Fine." They mumbled.

"One. . .Two. . .There's a bird over there!"

Both boys tried to take off, but Kaoru's grip remained firm. "Tsk, Tsk, Tsk." She scolded. "I didn't say the magic word!"

"JUST SAY IT!" They screamed in agitation.

"Fine. . .Three!" With that she let them go, and watched in amusement as the two proceeded to trip each other and try every dirty trick in the book to beat the other to the finish line that was the kitchen at the end of the dojo's porch.

"I Win!" Exclaimed Yahiko. "AND you have a bigger stride then me! Guess I outsmarted you this time Tori-no-atama! But what can I say. You are a rooster with a rooster's intelligence you know." He taunted before getting another whack to the head. Sano took advantage of his little friend's momentary lapse in consciousness to rush and sit at the table.

"Nope. I do. I beat you to the table Yahiko-CHAN!" Sano grinned in his victory. Believe it or not, neither noticed the ink on the other's face. Their fight was more important to them than noticing such trivial details was.

Kaoru went to her room to prepare for dinner before going to eat. When she came out of her room a minute or so later, she found that Misao had just come down from the shrine.

Everything was served, and both made sure to sit so they wouldn't have to stare at the faces of the boys when they ate. "Hey, you guys are in a competitive mode tonight, so after everyone has been served, why don't you compete with Misao to see who can eat their meal the fastest?" Kaoru asked.

Kenshin was the last to sit down, and as he finished serving himself, he noticed the faces of the boys across from him. A look of horror came across his face for a moment, which was just enough for Sano to catch before Kaoru gave the word to begin.

"What?" He asked.

Kenshin being polite just said, "Nothing." before averting his eyes and focusing on eating his meal.

Dinner was silent that night, save for the "Go!" heard from Kaoru and the sounds the three made as they scarfed their meals down in their little race. Misao won with Sano and Yahiko following close behind in what had to be a tie.

"I win!" Misao said as she spun around and gave the victory sign she was known for. Gathering up the extra bowls she had made for Aoshi, she carried them up to him on a tray. (Gee, Misao sure is getting a lot of exercise in this fic! Run up the stairs and down them twenty times….go Misao go!)

The two boys just face vaulted before staring at each other dumbstruck. "What did you let her win for you Baka?" Roared Sano.

"Me? Who's the idiot that got beaten by a G…I…R…L?" Yahiko retorted while drawing the last word out.

Kaoru growled in her corner and began to fume, so the two decided to call the outcome of their battle a momentary draw and form a truce before the evil Tanuki that promised hurt could do anything.

When Misao returned, Kaoru was inviting the guys to come to the Sakura Matsuri that night. Kenshin agreed as Kaoru wanted to go, and would need someone to keep an eye on her in case any criminals or old enemies wanted to cause her harm.

Sano was at first reluctant, as was his little friend, but both were easily convinced as Kaoru promised to give Sano money later on to go gambling, and Yahiko could get a day off from his training and chores. Little did they know who would come waltzing through the doors at any given moment.

Kenshin and the boys went to do the dishes as Kaoru and Misao went to let the other girls in and then all get ready in Kaoru's room. In about the time the guys finished the dishes, the girls were ready.

Kaoru wore a lavender kimono with a brown sakura tree and pink petals that were on both the tree and all over the lower half of the kimono. The sleeves also were graced with the petal's presence. Her outfit was completed with a pink obi and ribbon.

Megumi wore a deep purple kimono with a similar pattern as Kaoru's save for a few differences. The bottom hem had sakura trees all along its length with pink and silver petals on the trees, and also on the sleeves. The look was tied together with a silver obi, and her hair was down as always.

Misao wore a deep blue kimono with a silver colored crane on the side that wrapped around the front, side, and back of her left leg. The crane's wings were up and arched in an "o" over its head, which was looking skyward as well. The obi was silver, and Misao just left her hair in its usual braid, though Megumi had put it in a loose bun with the ends sticking out all around it, giving her a different, but stunning look.

The three of them wore a little rouge on their cheeks, and a faint pink tinted lip balm Megumi had concocted. None wanted to use the concealer she had mixed up earlier that night (lucky for the boys).

Tsubame decided not to wear any makeup as she was too young, and still didn't like it. She wore a rose pink that faded into a purple above and a sky blue below kimono with silver butterflies along the bottom hem up in a diagonal line to the left side of her waist up to the obi, and also on her sleeves. Her obi was a silver and pink pinstriped one. Her short hair was also down and man was it ever shiny as Megumi added a special concoction of her own into it.

Exiting the room, they went to find the boys who were just about to do the same thing. Needless to say, they all met on the porch near the kitchen.

Kaoru was the first out and walked up to Kenshin and the gang so they could wait for the others. Aoshi surprisingly was hiding behind a tree waiting for Misao. Megumi and Misao were the next out, and if they could have laughed any louder, they would have. Sano and Yahiko looked ridiculous with the face paint.

"Goodness Misao, they look even worse than you told me! I must say though that I think the work of art on Sano is very fitting for such a rooster head! It complements him nicely!" She smirked and laughed with a fox paw in front of her mouth again.

"What are you talking about Megumi?" Sano fumed.

"Just go and look in a mirror!" Megumi slyly said to him.

A few moments later, Sano came back. "Geez Jou-chan. There're aren't ANY Mirrors ANYWHERE in this place! What's with you? You're a girl, you're supposed to be concerned with your looks! Where are the mirrors at?" He roared, clearly annoyed at the absence of mirrors and the laughs that his friends were having at his expense.

Kaoru just ignored him, which made him even angrier.

Just then, he noticed what was on Yahiko's face. "Hey Yahiko, what happened to your face? You look like you got in a fight with a jar of ink and lost!" He said before keeling over on the floor in laughter.

Upon hearing the commotion, Tsubame who had been reluctant to leave the room came out. She too could soon be heard stifling a cute giggle of her own. Aoshi on the other hand merely let out an exasperated sigh before rolling his eyes.

'Could they possibly be any more annoying?' He thought before creeping up behind Misao to startle her.

However, his little plot was soon discovered, and while Misao decided to pretend that she did not notice him, she definitely was not going to let him scare her. Just as he was about to grab her shoulders, she spun around.

"Thought you could sneak up on me did you? I knew you were there the whole time!" She asked and stated with a grin.

"So, you're getting better than, Misao-chan." He whispered.

"Yep." She said. "Let's get going! With that, everyone turned to leave except for Megumi, Sano, Yahiko, and Tsubame. Megumi called to her friends, "Go on ahead of us. We will catch up with you later alright?"

Fox ears popped up on her head as she thought of what she could do to remedy the situation of the two boys that had both fallen victims to the plot of Kaoru and Misao.

She had each of the boys sit on the mats in the kitchen while she simply took out her concealer and skillfully applied it on the marks on their faces and necks. They would have to deal with the other markings by keeping the collars of their gis tightly shut.

"There, all done. See, it didn't kill you now did it?" Megumi asked.

"Yeah, but now I feel like a GIRL!" Sano said in an agitated tone.

"Oh grow up! You act like one sometimes. Like just tonight you wanted to look in a mirror and worry about your complexion." Megumi scoffed at him. "Let's get going before the others get worried about us!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever Kitsune."

With that said and done, the four of them proceeded to walk into town to enjoy their night out on the town. 

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Author's End Notes: For those that don't read my junk at the top, this three part chapter is now a four part one. It's longer than the last chapter like I promised, being nine pages versus seven…there. I can keep a promise…*shocker I know* I am spending time to research Sakura Matsuri so that I can keep everything historically accurate and give good descriptions in the next chapter. I know that you all got tired of me not updating fast enough, so I thought it would be nice to give you something to read til I can post again this weekend. Spring Break for me starts on Friday the 2nd of April, so I can definitely write more during that time! Thanks for bearing with me!

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Personal Replies:

Hitokiri Elf Slayer of evil: I am entertaining? Wow! Thanks! *feels special and smiles* Thank-you for giving me the line, and I am glad that you liked my use of it! Thanks for the help!

Leah Durose: I hope you are okay now! I didn't mean to cause you to go into spasms…I guess I will have to warn you next time about things like that! Sorry! Glad to hear that Aoshi talking and laughing made you smile and happy too! Thanks again! See you next chapter!

S3r3nity: Yeay! *does victory dance* Another person that likes my fic.! Thanks for saying that! I hope you continue to enjoy it! See you next chapter!

RoseoftheDesert: Thanks for another review, and for the compliments! It makes me happy to know you still are enjoying this fic. I sure am having a blast writing it! And to think, it was supposed to be a One Shot! Lol. Jelly beans are Good! *went out to buy some* Thanks for the suggestion. The sugar helped me stay up late one night and type some of this chapter! *heroic music…Rose to the rescue!* You guessed right as to who the letter was sent to, but you have no idea who he is going to drag along with him! Things are going to get good later with this one! See you next chapter!

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Please review and let me know what you think of this story! I need ideas for the festival, and would love to know what you want to read. . .maybe have a little fluff with the characters, or stick to the original plot? Let me know! I'll be looking I promise! Thanks guys!

*hugs readers and reviewers!*