Author: Well, here's the second chapter for you. Please Read and Review!
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin
Chapter 2: Just A Crazy Day
'They surrounded me. There wasn't any way I could get out. I could only feel them coming closer and closer as I backed farther into the corner. They were so close I could sense them almost touch me. I was to afraid to even think of what would happen next...'
I sat up from the bath tub, realizing that I almost drowned myself. I was having that dream again, the dream I'd been having for as long as I can remember. I just wished it would go away.
I shook my head to get the water out of my ears. I slowly got out of the bath, dried myself, and put my new clean clothes on. I knew I needed a distraction, something that would keep all my thoughts away from the past. I figured my new home here would help me with that.
I walked out of the room and immediately found myself on the floor. I had knocked right into Yahiko. A perfect example of my kind of luck. Of course, my face turned a dark shade of red, as did his. He got up and shyly held out a hand to help me up. I told his hand and allowed him to lift me back up. He seemed quite strong for his size.
Strangely enough, Yahiko bowed.
"My apologies," he said before quickly running down the hallway.
I watched him as he ran away. Maybe this was the distraction I needed. Though I had little experience with socializing or boys, I had a feeling about this bone. Yahiko was different from those other ones that I use to watch from the broken window. So far, he didn't seem as ruthless and mean as the boys that fought and played in the mud. I didn't like those boys.
Yahiko ran as fast as he could. He had humiliated himself in front of Memaruu and he knew it. 'First at our meeting and now this!' Yahiko was so embarrassed he could hardly think straight. Memaruu probably thought he was some kind of jerk or a loser. He never seemed to do anything right. 'Maybe for once I can be happy that I'm going to train.' He knew that was an exaggerated thought. He never ever liked going to lessons with Kaoru and he knew it. But he was willing to do anything to become stronger. Just like Kenshin.
I let my thoughts wander as I searched for Kamiya Kaoru. I needed to know what else I needed to do for the day. I just hoped she wasn't with Kenshin. No matter how many times I tried to convince myself, I couldn't get the idea of him being someone else. Father had spoken often about the Battousai. He said he saw him once and described his features to me. Him and mother did not think of him as a bad man, which is why... I had the need to smack myself then. Those memories always brought pain into my heart.
I cleared my mind and looked into each room for Kaoru. Finally, I heard her when I exited the building. She seemed to be yelling at someone. And from the sound of the other voice, it seemed to be Yahiko. I walked at a quick pace to the other building and found them bickering, both with wooden swords in hand. I decided it would be best not to interrupt until someone would realize I was there.
"...well you're ugly!" Yahiko screamed while trying to make himself look taller.
" Take that back you little brat!"
"I'm not little!"
The next thing I knew they were on the floor throwing punches and kicks at each other. It was the perfect opportunity to intervene.
"Eham..." They both looked up to see who it was and looked surprised to find me staring back at them. They stood up straight and I could have sworn that Yahiko turned red.
"I am sorry you had to see this, Memaruu. My student is not always as obedient and behaved as he should be," Kaoru said sweetly, though at the same time sending a glare to Yahiko. Yahiko just stood still in his place.
"It is perfectly alright Miss Kamiya Kaoru," I said just as sweetly. I had a great weakness of being very kind, maybe to a fault.
"Memaruu, I told you that you can just call me Kaoru, remember?" She said as she began to walk towards me. "Why don't you stay and watch the lesson. If you will be staying here for a while, I might as well teach you something."
Learning the way of the sword. Now that was an interesting idea.
"Most certainly Miss Kaoru. But could I ask a favor."
"What is it, Memaruu?" Kaoru asked curiously. Yahiko had a hint of curiosity on his face as well.
"Could I have some paper and ink?" I asked shyly.
"Of course. Could I ask why?"
"I enjoy drawing, and I have not been able to draw for a while. I was wondering if I could do it as I watch." Drawing was a passion for me. Something I was extremely good at. I was good at other things as well, but drawing was something I enjoyed very much.
"Oh! Of course. Of course." Kaoru seemed very delighted to do me a favor. It seemed she was too kind as well. "Yahiko, will you please assist Memaruu in finding the ink and paper."
Yahiko nodded, but said nothing. He walked to the door without looking at me. I looked to Miss Kaoru, who nodded for me to go, and then went to catch up with Yahiko.
This was a very...awkward situation. He did not seem like he was interested in talking, and I was too shy to say anything anyway. So we continued our walk in silence.
Finally we made it to a room full of ink writings. Yahiko ran over to a desk, pulled out the drawer and grabbed some paper and ink. He handed them to me without looking at me again. Suddenly, he bolted out of the room.
Luckily I had somewhat of an idea of how to get back. But, I had to admit, that was such a strange thing to do. I tried to think nothing of it, but it kept coming back. I began to become afraid, thinking he may not like me and did not want to be my friend. There would go my one chance of having a friend my age.
I eventually made it back to the room where Kaoru and Yahiko were continuing the lesson. I took a seat against the wall and began my drawings. One thing I enjoyed about drawing was that it took my mind off of things. I just let my happiness and comfort guide my hand. Sometimes I did not even realize what I was drawing. I just drew. But, this time, I knew what I wanted to draw. I wanted to draw Yahiko.
I looked over my paper to find him swinging his sword over and over again. That was the position I would draw him in then. I took the image into my mind and began my work. I did not even pay attention to the lesson that was being given.
After a long time passed, I did not even see that Kaoru had left. I just continued my drawing, Yahiko's image still fresh in my mind. It was then that I felt something above me. I quickly looked up to find none other than Yahiko himself looking down at me. I shoved my drawing underneath me and blushed. He probably saw the drawing and was secretly laughing at me.
I looked back up to see him go red as well. Suddenly, he lost balance and fell on top of me. Of coarse, another prime example of my luck. Before I could even think another thought, Yahiko was off of me and out the door. My that one was a quick one. I lifted myself up and grabbed the drawing supplies. Upon impact, the picture I had been working on was wrinkled and a bit torn. But I knew I wouldn't throw it away. It was an incredible piece of work and in addition to that, it was a picture of Yahiko.
I made sure I had everything in hand before I set off the find Miss Kaoru again. I found her in the kitchen with Kenshin.
"Ah, Memaruu. Could you please get Yahiko for me? It's almost time to eat," Kaoru asked. Of course I could not refuse. That wouldn't be something I would do.
"Certainly," I answered. I knew that this was not going to be easy. After that little incident it would be very difficult to form even a sentence in front of him without blushing. But, I knew I had to do it anyway. I had told Miss Kaoru that I would.
"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid, Yahiko!" He screamed at himself while hitting himself with a cushion. He was probably the dumbest person he had ever met. 'I just had to find out what she was doing. I couldn't have just asked...no...I had to climb above her and spy. But then again...'
He slowly stopped hitting himself. 'She might not have told me, considering what the picture was...'
Yahiko couldn't help but smile. It was a picture of him! She had drawn a picture of him! So that meant she might not have thought he was a stupid loser after all. She had to like him a bit to have been drawing something of him. He couldn't control his excitement. It was better than he had expected. He almost burst into a small dance, until the movement of his door stopped him. He stared at the door until it opened fully, revealing Memaruu. His nervousness swept over him again and he could only stare.
"I am sorry for disturbing you, Yahiko," she said in the most beautiful voice he had ever heard. "But it is time for us to eat supper."
Like every other time, he couldn't speak, or think properly for that matter. He just nodded. Memaruu took the hint and she slowly made her way out the door. But not without one last noticeable glance. Once she was out of sight, Yahiko smile widened. She had drawn a picture of him! She had drawn a picture of him!
I walked slowly down the hall after giving the message to Little Yahiko. I wondered why they called him that. He wasn't even that little.
I couldn't help but worry about what had happened earlier. They was no denying it. Yahiko had most definitely seen the drawing. I knew I would have to deal with the embarrassment, since I had no intention of leaving any time soon. He probably wouldn't tell anyone anyway. He didn't seem like that type of boy.
I made my way into the eating area, where everyone except Yahiko was waiting.
"Please, come join us Miss Memaruu," Kenshin said, motioning towards the seat next to his. Though I didn't want to, I took my seat next to him. I knew this was going to be a very interesting meal.
"Thank you Mr. Himura," I said with a fake smile plastered onto my face.
"Now we only have to wait for Little Yahiko," Sano said grumpily. Not long after did Yahiko himself come bursting in. He was clear that he was about to state his reason for being tardy. But, instead, he paused and looked to me. I wasn't certain of what he was doing so I looked away. He mumbled a quiet sorry and sat down in a seemingly nervous manner.
"Alright, everyone. We can finally begin," Kaoru said. Sano immediately dove into the food in front of him. The rest of us were less disgusting and ate in a more civilized manner. I knew that on any other occasion that the others would have done the same, but they were most likely refraining from that since a guest was present. There wasn't much conversation since everyone, including myself, was very focused on their meal. That is, until Kaoru broke the silence.
"Kenshin, I need you to go to market tomorrow for some things we need," Kaoru said in a strict manner. I did not like that everyone seemed to refer to this man by that name. They must have known who he was.
Mr. Himura only sighed. It didn't seem to be a sigh from annoyance though. I couldn't really figure it out.
"Most certainly, Miss Kaoru."
I needed to get out of there. There were too many problems in one room. It was bad enough that I had to deal with embarrassment with Yahiko, but now Sano was chewing like an untamed animal and everyone was treating Kenshin as if he were normal. Then I stood up.
"Miss Kaoru, may I pleased be excused early from the meal," I said while trying not to sound too disturbed. Everyone looked at me in a confused manner.
"Certainly, Memaruu. I hope you enjoyed the meal."
"Yes. It was deliciousThank you very much." My fake smile remained on my face. The meal was actually disgusting, but I would never tell Kaoru that.
I tried to discreetly go out of the room. The moment I was out the door I swiftly ran away from the building. I found comfort under a large tree and relaxed. I was never good in situations with loud noises like Sano's chewing.
Before I could fully relax myself I heard quiet footsteps coming towards me. Out of fear, I shyly looked around the tree trunk. To half of my relief, it was Mr. Himura. But he didn't have his usually happy face on. He didn't seem evil, but more serious than usual. I decided not to hide and came out from behind the tree.
"This one thinks we need to talk, Miss Memaruu,"Kenshin said. It was strange how he didn't seem to use "I" or "me". He said "this one" instead.
I nodded. He sat down behind the tree with me and I waited for him to speak.
"Do you know who I am, Miss Memaruu?" I nodded again in fear. I was actually talking to the person I had great admiration for, though I thought I would never meet him.
"Then, who am I?" He asked. He probably wanted to make sure or else he wouldn't tell me. I don't blame him. I'd do the same thing.
"You are the Battousai. Are you not?" I said, almost certain of my answer.
He sighed. "That is correct."
We sat there in silence for a little while, until he decided to speak again.
"Do you fear me now?"
"To be honest, a little," I replied. It was better to be honest in a situation like this.
"I understand."
"No, no. Don't get me wrong," I said quickly, "I have great admiration for you as well. You see my parents never believed you to be a bad man, and I have come to believe that as well."
My statement caused him to raise his brow. Admiration for him as the Battousai most likely did not come often. He did not speak, so I continued.
"You see, my parents thought extremely well of you. That is reason why I think they were killed." I paused for a moment to see if he wanted to say anything. But since he did not, I went on. "My father had said he had seen you once and described you to me. I drew you, ya know. And my drawings were quite accurate. Maybe not perfect, but I was close. Too bad they're gone and I cannot show you." I couldn't help the sad complexion coming onto my face. Talking about my parents and my memories was quite painful
"Thank you," Kenshin said. I became confused. Why was he saying thank you? I had not done anything. I knew he noticed my confusion because he starting speaking again. "As you can tell, not many people have come to idolize this one in any way. They usually either fear this one or are very angry. For that this one thanks you. And yes; this one would have liked to see your drawings." He looked at me while a sincere smile. I was happy that I had finally come to terms with him.
"You..you're welcome."
"Would you draw a picture of this one if you have time? This one would very much like to see your skill," Kenshin said while beginning to stand.
I couldn't help but beam. The great Battousai wanted me to do something for him. It was more than I could have asked for.
"Most certainly!"
"Well, then. This one thinks we should be getting indoors now. The others may be worried." He lent me a hand in getting up and we made our way indoors.
Yahiko sat in the tree as Kenshin and Memaruu went inside. He had a sorrowful expression on his face. 'Her parents...died?' He thought to himself. Yahiko knew how she must have been feeling for he had lots his parents as well. His liking for her only continued to grow.
He made his way down the tree and crept back inside when no one was looking. Or at least, that was what he had thought. Out of nowhere, Sano came and snatched him into the air. He had a hand over his mouth and he took Yahiko into an empty room. Finally, he let go and Yahiko took in a deep breath
"Hey, there, Little Squirt," Sano teased.
"Hey, who are you calling little?" Yahiko screamed before trying to punch Sano. Sano easily caught the punch and grabbed his other hand so he wouldn't try it again.
"Relax. Relax. I'm just trying to help you."
Yahiko stopped trying to get free and glared at him.
"Help me? Help me! How is this helping me?" He then resorted to kicking Sano, which also failed.
"Like I said, relax. I want to help you with your little girlfriend," Sano said in a sinister manner. Yahiko stopped fidgeting. How did he know?
"Wh..what are you t..talking about?" Yahiko stuttered.
"You know very well what I'm talking about. You need serious help when it comes to girls and I'm the perfect guy to help you," Sano said with arrogance in his voice.
"Oh yeah. And how can you help?" Yahiko didn't like where this was going. Maybe getting Sanosuke involved wasn't the best idea.
"Well. I think I can find a way to get you two some "alone time"," Sano answered.
Yahiko definitely knew he didn't like where this was going. He barely even knew the girl. He wasn't ready to actually have a conversation with her just yet.
"Sano. I don't kn..."
"Of course you do. It'll be perfect. You'll have a chance to win her over and live happily ever after.I'm telling you! It's gonna be great!" Sano was getting a bit overly excited. Yahiko had a feeling this wasn't just about him anymore, but decided it didn't matter. 'Who knows? Maybe one Sano's ideas will actual work to my benefit.'
"Alright, Sano. I'm in. How do I get the girl?" He was getting a bit excited too. The thought of Memaruu liking him back was almost more than he could bear.
"That's what I'm talking about. Here's the plan..."
Author: Yeah, I know it's not that great but I tried! Anyway, hope you liked it. Please review and tell me if I did anything wrong or if you liked it. Thank you so much!