AN: Phew! Sorry...I really wanted to try and update once a week but that just wasn't working for me. Spring break starts monday, so I'll have a chance to work more. I think I'm brain dead....I rushed through the last part and squeezed all the creativity out of my brain @.@ I'm going to go recooperate by eating a chicken salad sandwich. Mmm....
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"Shinomori," Dr. Gensai, Aoshi's AP Biology teacher, called him to the front of the class and handed him a piece of paper. The guidance office was requesting that he speak with his counselor immediately.
"Thanks," He shoved the paper in his book bag as he stepped out of the classroom, twenty-five pairs of eyes following him as he went. It had almost been a month or so since his mother died, and word was starting to spread somehow despite his lack of communication with his fellow classmates.
The hallways were empty. Aoshi was comforted by this. He slowly walked along, lulled into his own world as his book bag, partially slung over one shoulder, methodically hit his hip as he took each step.
One, two; three, four; five, six; seven, eight.
The guidance office was having a slow day. Aoshi guessed he was called out of boredom or for some minor glitch in paperwork. Miss Tae Sekihara was his counselor. She was very nice normally, smiled a lot, though she looked kind of tired. As he entered her office, Miss Sekihara was zoning out in front of her computer screen, her chin resting in her hand and her brown hair slipping out of its messy bun. Aoshi cleared his throat.
"Oh! Aoshi, so glad to see you. Please sit down. Toffee?" She asked.
"No thank you, Miss Sekihara" Aoshi replied quietly.
"But…but I made it myself…" She whimpered, her lip trembling.
Aoshi groaned. Honestly, he didn't know why Tae Sekihara was a guidance counselor. She was always cooking and forcing her food on her students. It was good, Aoshi couldn't deny that, but he just wasn't one for taking food from other people. Or toffee, for that matter.
"Just one," He replied, reaching out to take the smallest one he could find.
"Good!" She exclaimed, handing him the biggest piece of toffee from the batch. Aoshi stared at it, and proceeded to nibble from the corner as Miss Sekihara explained why she had called him to her office.
"I'm very sorry your mother is not with us anymore, Aoshi. I did a little bit of researching, because I am concerned for you, and you're not in a single club this year. You used to be captain of the Oniwabanshu, but you quit the other year. May I ask why?"
"Oh…that…" Aoshi muttered, trying to swallow the toffee. It was not something he liked to talk about. The Oniwaban group had been martial arts enthusiasts, especially in the Kodachi Nitou-Ryu and variations of Kempo. It had been fun.......at first. All the other club members held him in the highest esteem. Aoshi finally felt that he could belong somewhere.
"I didn't have enough time to practice anymore because of the workload. I resigned as captain." Aoshi lied. In truth, the Oniwaban group was the best there was at all their matches. Another team threatened Aoshi right before a match one day, but he scoffed at them and walked back to the locker room. The events that followed were like that of almost any other match.
{Changing in the locker room. Posing in front of mirrors, making light of the situation. They were the best. The top, the one and only Oniwaban group. Hanya, co-captain would keep the other guys in line as they changed. Aoshi was brushing his hair back quickly before they walked out, when suddenly, he dropped the brush. As he walked toward it, he heard a strange creaking sound.
"Hanya! Look out! Move, guys!" Aoshi shouted too late. He watched, horrified as the row of lockers fell on each of his teammates, injuring some and rendering few unconscious. No one had died, thankfully, but Aoshi had been mortified by the ordeal. Had he not run after his stupid hairbrush, he could have shared the same fate with his teammates instead of visiting them at the hospital every day with guilt. Hanya's face was completely distorted, Beshimi had a broken nose and leg, and Shikijou's ribcage was broken in various places. Had Aoshi taken the threats seriously, he could have saved his friends…he couldn't live with that kind of guilt, even after they were released from the hospital. They begged him to stay as captain, but Aoshi completely removed himself from the club, and never spoke to the boys again}
"Aoshi? Oh…there you are. You were daydreaming. I'm glad I have your attention again" Miss Sekihara smiled. She folded her hands on her desk and took a deep breath, looking pleased with what she was about to say.
"I've been asking around because I'd like you to get involved in some group activity again. There's going to be an audition after school for a new band and I was hoping you'd try it out for me." She handed him the flyer, her smile getting wider.
"A…band?" Aoshi cringed at the thought.
"Eldewater does pride itself in musical talents. Surely you can play an instrument? Or sing?"
"Uh…yeah…I suppose…" Aoshi stood, nodded farewell so Miss Tae Sekihara, and walked out of the office.
***
Misao ran through the automatic doors. Elderly people smiled at her as she ran by. It was not often they got to see children…or young ladies…in the retirement home. Misao picked up speed, checking her watch.
"Shit! I'm late to take Grampa out for his walk! Who knows what's happened to him?!" Misao whimpered, turning around the corner. She skidded to a halt as a young nurse screamed and tore down the hallway, an old man on a motor scooter in hot pursuit.
"WHOOOOOOOOOOO-EEEEEEEEEEEEE! I'm KING OF THE WORLD! Come back here, cutie!" The man broke into a round of laughter and Misao clapped her hands against her face.
"Grampa! LEAVE THE NURSE ALONE!" Misao wailed as she ran after Okina on his motor scooter. Of course, as we all know, motor scooters never go over 1mph to ensure the safety of its operator, so Misao caught up in no time, switching the scooter off. Okina stopped in mid-laugh, a very puzzled look on his face.
"Egad! I'm not moving! I'VE DIEEEEEEED!!!! And…hey, this place looks a lot like my old retirement home. Hey Ethel, I didn't know you kicked the bucket so recently! How's the food up here?" Okina rambled on, picking up his cane and attempting to get off the scooter. "Damn, I've still got a bad back. Whatever happened to renewed youth?"
"Grampa-"
"MISAO? No! It can't be! You're dead? And all at my expense! So tragic, so cruel! So, you got hit by a taxi or something. Listen, I'm really-"
"Grampa.."
"Sorry about this whole thing, but hey, at least we're-"
"Grampa…"
"-together and all so we can have fun playing checker the rest of eternity-"
"GRAMPA!"
"What?"
"You're not dead, Grampa. I turned the motor scooter off." Misao huffed, exhausted.
Okina was silent.
"Something wrong, Grampa?"
"I was on a motor scooter?" Okina asked, befuddled. Misao sighed.
"Come on, Grampa. It's time for a walk."
Okina got back on the scooter. Misao flipped the switch back on.
"WHOOOOOOOO-EEEE! I'm king of the world!"
Misao walked alongside her Grandfather as they took a "walk" around the lake (Okina obviously has to use a motor scooter to get around). She loved her Grampa very, very much, and showed her love by playing endless games of checkers, bingo, and go fish. She hated the retirement home, but her Okina always brought a smile to her face. Once they were through with their walk, Misao took Okina back to his apartment, noticing she had left her violin case at the door.
"Oh, Misao, you had practice today?" Okina asked, lowering himself into his chair and quickly hiding his video collection of 'Beach Girls: Special Edition' under his blanket. Misao let him believe that she hadn't noticed the offensive tapes and pondered why her violin was with her.
"No, no practice today. Voice lessons, yes-"
"OOH! Sing that Toxic song by that Britney chick!" Okina exclaimed, flipping on MTV in hopes to catch the music video.
"Grampa…you're such a perv."
Okina continued at the top of his lungs.
"There's no escape, I can't hide, I need a hit, Baby, give me it, you're dangerous,
I'm lovin' it! BRING IT ON, Britney!"
Misao rolled her eyes, trudging up to the TV and changing the channel. A man with a British accent that sounded like he was about to fall asleep narrated what was on the screen.
"The king of the jungle perches low, waiting for the opportune moment-"
"Discovery Channel? Bah!" Okina frowned, crossing his arms and looking much like a displeased child (only with a goatee).
"And thus, the day comes to an end as the lion cubs finish their play and settle down for a good nights sleep…" The narrator continued. Okina's eyes started drooping. He mumbled some incoherent phrase about the lousy narrator, and droned off.
"Now I remember! I have to audition for that band!" Misao almost yelled aloud, but remembered to whisper when she saw her sleeping grandfather. She tiptoed over to his recliner and pulled his blanket up around him, kissing him on the forehead. Okina stirred, mumbling something about Angelina Jolie.
***
"Um…ahem-hem." Aoshi coughed, scooting towards the piano.
"What?" The boy running the auditions had his head down on the table, slightly banging it against the polished wood, the pen and judging papers left unattended to his left.
"Untalented, passionless, they suck, no one, is good, enough" He continuously rapped his head on the table, ignoring Aoshi.
"Um…I'm here to…audition? Do I have the right room?" Aoshi asked.
"Yes." the boy did look up. Aoshi suddenly recognized him as Soujiro. He began to back out of the doorway…there was no way in hell Aoshi would give what Soujiro wanted -namely, the undying attention of females- to his band.
"Play." Soujiro commanded. Aoshi immediately sat at the piano.
"Um, I'm using the piano." He informed.
"Fine."
"Uh…I'm going to sing a bit too. I'm not that good."
"Fine."
"Are you looking for a specific sound or instrument? If you don't like piano I can just leave-"
"PLAY, GODDAMIT!" Soujiro shouted without even looking up. Aoshi turned back to the keys, rested his hands on the cool notes of black and white, closed his eyes and began. It was a little ditty he had made up a few years back, and he had never much bothered with music, but he felt compelled to use originality in the audition.
"Forced away, a chance to abandon the horoscopes
A way to live without the rain smudging the newsprint
Could it be possible? A freedom we've never known
Prices we would never have to pay
A selfish dream, to think that someday
"Your every whim and wish could be granted
Love and money, all the same
Immortality would mean nothing
If you've got the whole world behind you
"Years pass, a vampiric chronicle, aging is dusty progress
Abandoned senses, for it all blends together in this life
Could it be possible? Practically a death sentence, this immortality
Feelings would all numb away
The days all fade to one when
"Your every whim and wish could be granted
Love and money, all the same
Immortality would mean nothing
If you've got the whole world behind you…"
Aoshi stopped. This was as far as he had gotten in the song, due to lack of motivation and understanding of the material. He hardly knew what he was writing about, but it fit the tired mood of the piano. Soujiro said nothing throughout this, but his head had stopped its meticulous banging.
"Never heard it before." He grunted.
"I would hope you haven't. I made it up." Aoshi replied.
"You…made that?" Soujiro asked. Aoshi began fervently hoping Soujiro would tell him that it sucked and that he should go away, before he discovered who he was. Soujiro was silent, then he began a gradual increase in enthusiasm.
"That…was…PERFECT! I could use you! You're hired, dammi-" Soujiro stopped when he brought his head up to see who he had hired. "AOSHI?!! YES! My dreams have come true! We'll be #1 in no time!"
Aoshi grimaced; remembering how becoming #1 had turned out the last time. Soujiro finally calmed down and began scribbling at his papers.
"Okay, so far the band consists of…you and me…heh…don't worry, we've still got two more hours before auditions close." Soujiro grinned sheepishly.
"Hey, am I late?" A familiar voice echoed happily in the auditorium. Soujiro's smile never left his face, though it took on a malicious air of irritation. Aoshi was amused by this…Soujiro and Misao would make the perfect married couple…for a sitcom, that is. When it came to real love, Aoshi had a different sort of pairing in mind.
"YOU! You're running the auditions?" Misao screeched. As much as they had enjoyed the kiss, there were still some quirks that bothered each other. And they hadn't really spoken of that kiss since. They had pretty much forgotten about it.
"Well, I have to hear her out anyway." Soujiro sighed, falling back into his seat at the table. Misao angrily whipped out her violin.
"I am accomplished in most instruments. However, since I could only carry my violin with me, this is what I will be playing, and later I will sing a little something."
Misao was fire on the violin. Even Soujiro had to get over his aggravation to admit she was good. Once she finished, she cleared her throat, took a sip from her handy water bottle, and began to sing "Nature Boy", originally a Nat King Cole tune. Soujiro had always been particular to the hypnotic melody and words, and he felt he would have a hard time saying "no" to Misao if he chose to do so. After she finished she gave a mock bow, then turned to leave.
"Hey, wait, don't you want to know your score?" Soujiro called.
"No. You weren't going to let me join anyway." Misao turned on her heel once again, and Soujiro ran after her.
"Waaaaaaaait please, please, please! Your voice is wonderful! Maybe we could use a violin in more depressing songs. You play bass guitar? Any guitar? Drums? Aoshi's got song writing and male vocals covered-" Soujiro was almost one step away from getting down on his knees and begging her to join the band. Misao smiled, and evil, triumphant one, and nodded her head.
"Seems we have a deal."
Soujiro breathed a sigh of relief, and Aoshi made a slight grin as he leaned up against the wall. Suddenly Kenshin walked in, followed by Kaoru and Sanosuke.
"Just about wrapped up?" Kenshin asked, his hands in his pockets as he trudged towards the group.
"Yeah." Soujiro sighed. "Hardly anyone auditioned; if they did, they sucked. Aoshi was the first I accepted-"
"Aoshi? OUR Aoshi?" Sanosuke exclaimed. "Shinomori, my man! You're finally warming up to a social life, eh?"
Aoshi had nothing to say to him, and only shrugged. Kenshin noticed the electric guitar on the floor, conveniently plugged in and everything.
"Hey, guitar! Haven't played one in a long time, that I haven't." He picked it up, fumbled with the pick for a moment, and played whatever in the hell came into his head, bits and pieces of songs he heard on the radio, some songs Julie and Lisa liked to listen to, his own mediocre tunes, and the list went on as he changed the tune every few moments. Aoshi was definitely impressed…slightly irritated, but impressed. Soujiro looked like he was about to cry from joy, and Misao was carrying on a conversation with Sanosuke and Kaoru.
"Kenshin…I'm going to ask you one more time. Please say you'll enter the band." Soujiro asked, his smile rigid on his face as he held his pen above his papers. Kenshin looked at Aoshi and Misao, shrugged, and replied, "If Shinomori is okay with it, why not?"
"YES! I have a band, yeah! We're going to kick ass, yeah!" Soujiro danced around in a parody of the conga. Everyone just stared at him like he was the most idiotic person they knew.
"Well…Kenshin on the lovely midnight wine colored electric guitar…Aoshi for male vocals, piano/keyboard when needed; Misao on bass guitar and vocals, violin when needed; …Me on another electric guitar and backing vocals; Sanosuke on drums-"
"Hey, how do you even know if I play drums?" Sanosuke bellowed.
"I know you do. Plus, every band needs a good stoner that plays the drums." Soujiro retorted with his infamous smile.
"Well…you're…you're really lucky that I do just so happen to play the drums!" Sanosuke grumbled. He was really tired of being associated with drugs, but he couldn't deny that he used them.
"Kaoru, would you like to do anything? I'd rather not outnumber Misao…you know, being the only girl." Soujiro asked. He ran his hand through his aqua hair, looking expectantly at Kaoru. She seemed a bit surprised, then checked her watch.
"Oh, no! I'm going to be late…I've got to get back to the dorm and…er…get ready. I'm sorry, I really don't think I'm band material. I can't play any instruments and I couldn't sing to save my life. Gotta run, guys!" She waved, and the faked smile of assurance changed into one of worry and anxiety. Kenshin stared after her, wondering what the ring on her finger was. She had never worn jewelry before…maybe she had had a birthday?
Or maybe there was…
Kenshin couldn't bring himself to the thought.
***
Kaoru ran as fast as she could, oxygen tearing through her lungs with the ferocity of sharp ice. Now she would have to take a shower and juggle the task of cleaning and cooking at the same time. Luckily, Misao would be consulting with the new "band" Soujiro had formed about music style and, most importantly, a kickass name.
She fumbled with the keys, her legs cramping after running up the stairs so quickly. Kaoru burst into the dorm, picking up paper and books and half-empty water glasses, tossing them in her room for the time being. Hopefully the night would be a pleasant dinner in the dining area in the kitchen and perhaps a relaxing talk in the living room and no one would want to go into her room.
Ah hell, who was she kidding?
Kaoru rummaged through the fridge, finding her pre-cut chicken tenders and tossing them into flower. Quickly she ran across the room to put some rice in a pot and she raced back to the chicken to bring it back to the stove and stir fry it. Her arms were shaking as she poked at it in the pan.
"Hurry up and cook, god DAMMIT!" Kaoru shouted. The phone rang, and Kaoru turned around to reach for the phone. With one hand stirring the chicken around in the pan, she stretched her other arm to the opposite counter, hoping she could reach the ringing nuisance. While she didn't exactly pick it up, she did succeed in knocking it to the floor and burning her thumb on the side of the pan.
"Shhhhhhhhit!" Kaoru shrieked, diving on the floor with her thumb in her mouth to answer the phone. "Hewwo?" She asked, forgetting that she was still sucking on her burn wound.
"Kaoru?" Kenshin asked.
"Kenshin! I can't talk right now, I'm in the middle of preparing a dinner and I've still got to clean and take a shower and find something to wear!" She cried, mourning her reddening scar on the side of her hand. She winced and began shaking her hand in hopes to cool the pain.
"What are you trying to do, host a dinner party for the King of Spain?"
"As good as." Kaoru glowered and hung up. She stood, hitting her knee on the side of the fridge, and turned back to the stove while cursing up a storm. The phone lay forgotten on the floor. The rice was done, and the chicken was getting dry. The evening was already going downhill, and Kaoru was out of ibuprofen.
Soon the lemon chicken was done, drenched in the sauce in an attempt to make up for the dryness, and clumps of rice were tossed in a bowl. Fruit was prepared as well, and she set this all out on the table. If dessert was needed she could just pull out the damn ice cream tub. So with dinner finished, Kaoru figured cleaning was in top priority. Being a neat freak had led the dorm to being mostly clean, and she picked up the things that were out of place and rushed around to put them in their rightful place. Sprinting back to her room, she grabbed a pair of hose, her make up bag, and a strapless black dress; then headed for the shower.
Chaos ensued inside the shower stall, including a bottle of body wash that seemed to be related to those bottles of ketchup that just never seem to pour. After repeatedly slapping the vexing container, liquid soap squirted everywhere. The hot water decided to give out, and Kaoru screamed like there was an axe murderer in front of her as the cold water battered at her skin. Finally pissed beyond measure, Kaoru stepped out of the shower and dried off, hopping around as she tried to pull on her hosiery and apply lipstick at the same time.
Heaving a sigh of exhaustion, Kaoru finished by pulling her hair back with pretty silver clips, and she slipped her glittering ring back on her finger. The doorbell rang, and Kaoru rushed as fast as she could to the door while trying to avoid accidents.
Remember the phone was never picked up off the floor?
Kaoru went sailing across the kitchen due to that pesky plastic mechanism. And in the process she broke the phone and two fingernails. She was rather thankful, though, that her ring was unharmed. Kaoru hopped back to her feet, pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear as if nothing had happened, and proceeded to open the door.
"Hey baby. It's been a while, hasn't it? I've missed you a lot." Enishi stood in the doorway, a bouquet of deep red miniature roses in his hand. He handed these to Kaoru and she smiled hesitantly as she stepped back to invite him in.
"Like them?" He asked. Enishi was wearing a tight black turtleneck and light khakis. He was still wearing his trademark glasses and looked rather handsome at the moment. But Kaoru knew another side of him that she had been trying to escape for a long time.
"The flowers are…beautiful, Enishi." Kaoru smiled. Enishi smiled as well, a mischievous, daring grin.
"It's been so long," He moaned bringing his lips to her neck, "Let me refresh my memory, I forget your taste." He whispered seductively into her ear. Kaoru brushed her lips against his cheek in attempt to feign interest, shuddering as she let him wander where he would.
"I forget the taste of you……"
Kaoru squeezed her eyes shut, and hoped she would make it through the night.
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"Shinomori," Dr. Gensai, Aoshi's AP Biology teacher, called him to the front of the class and handed him a piece of paper. The guidance office was requesting that he speak with his counselor immediately.
"Thanks," He shoved the paper in his book bag as he stepped out of the classroom, twenty-five pairs of eyes following him as he went. It had almost been a month or so since his mother died, and word was starting to spread somehow despite his lack of communication with his fellow classmates.
The hallways were empty. Aoshi was comforted by this. He slowly walked along, lulled into his own world as his book bag, partially slung over one shoulder, methodically hit his hip as he took each step.
One, two; three, four; five, six; seven, eight.
The guidance office was having a slow day. Aoshi guessed he was called out of boredom or for some minor glitch in paperwork. Miss Tae Sekihara was his counselor. She was very nice normally, smiled a lot, though she looked kind of tired. As he entered her office, Miss Sekihara was zoning out in front of her computer screen, her chin resting in her hand and her brown hair slipping out of its messy bun. Aoshi cleared his throat.
"Oh! Aoshi, so glad to see you. Please sit down. Toffee?" She asked.
"No thank you, Miss Sekihara" Aoshi replied quietly.
"But…but I made it myself…" She whimpered, her lip trembling.
Aoshi groaned. Honestly, he didn't know why Tae Sekihara was a guidance counselor. She was always cooking and forcing her food on her students. It was good, Aoshi couldn't deny that, but he just wasn't one for taking food from other people. Or toffee, for that matter.
"Just one," He replied, reaching out to take the smallest one he could find.
"Good!" She exclaimed, handing him the biggest piece of toffee from the batch. Aoshi stared at it, and proceeded to nibble from the corner as Miss Sekihara explained why she had called him to her office.
"I'm very sorry your mother is not with us anymore, Aoshi. I did a little bit of researching, because I am concerned for you, and you're not in a single club this year. You used to be captain of the Oniwabanshu, but you quit the other year. May I ask why?"
"Oh…that…" Aoshi muttered, trying to swallow the toffee. It was not something he liked to talk about. The Oniwaban group had been martial arts enthusiasts, especially in the Kodachi Nitou-Ryu and variations of Kempo. It had been fun.......at first. All the other club members held him in the highest esteem. Aoshi finally felt that he could belong somewhere.
"I didn't have enough time to practice anymore because of the workload. I resigned as captain." Aoshi lied. In truth, the Oniwaban group was the best there was at all their matches. Another team threatened Aoshi right before a match one day, but he scoffed at them and walked back to the locker room. The events that followed were like that of almost any other match.
{Changing in the locker room. Posing in front of mirrors, making light of the situation. They were the best. The top, the one and only Oniwaban group. Hanya, co-captain would keep the other guys in line as they changed. Aoshi was brushing his hair back quickly before they walked out, when suddenly, he dropped the brush. As he walked toward it, he heard a strange creaking sound.
"Hanya! Look out! Move, guys!" Aoshi shouted too late. He watched, horrified as the row of lockers fell on each of his teammates, injuring some and rendering few unconscious. No one had died, thankfully, but Aoshi had been mortified by the ordeal. Had he not run after his stupid hairbrush, he could have shared the same fate with his teammates instead of visiting them at the hospital every day with guilt. Hanya's face was completely distorted, Beshimi had a broken nose and leg, and Shikijou's ribcage was broken in various places. Had Aoshi taken the threats seriously, he could have saved his friends…he couldn't live with that kind of guilt, even after they were released from the hospital. They begged him to stay as captain, but Aoshi completely removed himself from the club, and never spoke to the boys again}
"Aoshi? Oh…there you are. You were daydreaming. I'm glad I have your attention again" Miss Sekihara smiled. She folded her hands on her desk and took a deep breath, looking pleased with what she was about to say.
"I've been asking around because I'd like you to get involved in some group activity again. There's going to be an audition after school for a new band and I was hoping you'd try it out for me." She handed him the flyer, her smile getting wider.
"A…band?" Aoshi cringed at the thought.
"Eldewater does pride itself in musical talents. Surely you can play an instrument? Or sing?"
"Uh…yeah…I suppose…" Aoshi stood, nodded farewell so Miss Tae Sekihara, and walked out of the office.
***
Misao ran through the automatic doors. Elderly people smiled at her as she ran by. It was not often they got to see children…or young ladies…in the retirement home. Misao picked up speed, checking her watch.
"Shit! I'm late to take Grampa out for his walk! Who knows what's happened to him?!" Misao whimpered, turning around the corner. She skidded to a halt as a young nurse screamed and tore down the hallway, an old man on a motor scooter in hot pursuit.
"WHOOOOOOOOOOO-EEEEEEEEEEEEE! I'm KING OF THE WORLD! Come back here, cutie!" The man broke into a round of laughter and Misao clapped her hands against her face.
"Grampa! LEAVE THE NURSE ALONE!" Misao wailed as she ran after Okina on his motor scooter. Of course, as we all know, motor scooters never go over 1mph to ensure the safety of its operator, so Misao caught up in no time, switching the scooter off. Okina stopped in mid-laugh, a very puzzled look on his face.
"Egad! I'm not moving! I'VE DIEEEEEEED!!!! And…hey, this place looks a lot like my old retirement home. Hey Ethel, I didn't know you kicked the bucket so recently! How's the food up here?" Okina rambled on, picking up his cane and attempting to get off the scooter. "Damn, I've still got a bad back. Whatever happened to renewed youth?"
"Grampa-"
"MISAO? No! It can't be! You're dead? And all at my expense! So tragic, so cruel! So, you got hit by a taxi or something. Listen, I'm really-"
"Grampa.."
"Sorry about this whole thing, but hey, at least we're-"
"Grampa…"
"-together and all so we can have fun playing checker the rest of eternity-"
"GRAMPA!"
"What?"
"You're not dead, Grampa. I turned the motor scooter off." Misao huffed, exhausted.
Okina was silent.
"Something wrong, Grampa?"
"I was on a motor scooter?" Okina asked, befuddled. Misao sighed.
"Come on, Grampa. It's time for a walk."
Okina got back on the scooter. Misao flipped the switch back on.
"WHOOOOOOOO-EEEE! I'm king of the world!"
Misao walked alongside her Grandfather as they took a "walk" around the lake (Okina obviously has to use a motor scooter to get around). She loved her Grampa very, very much, and showed her love by playing endless games of checkers, bingo, and go fish. She hated the retirement home, but her Okina always brought a smile to her face. Once they were through with their walk, Misao took Okina back to his apartment, noticing she had left her violin case at the door.
"Oh, Misao, you had practice today?" Okina asked, lowering himself into his chair and quickly hiding his video collection of 'Beach Girls: Special Edition' under his blanket. Misao let him believe that she hadn't noticed the offensive tapes and pondered why her violin was with her.
"No, no practice today. Voice lessons, yes-"
"OOH! Sing that Toxic song by that Britney chick!" Okina exclaimed, flipping on MTV in hopes to catch the music video.
"Grampa…you're such a perv."
Okina continued at the top of his lungs.
"There's no escape, I can't hide, I need a hit, Baby, give me it, you're dangerous,
I'm lovin' it! BRING IT ON, Britney!"
Misao rolled her eyes, trudging up to the TV and changing the channel. A man with a British accent that sounded like he was about to fall asleep narrated what was on the screen.
"The king of the jungle perches low, waiting for the opportune moment-"
"Discovery Channel? Bah!" Okina frowned, crossing his arms and looking much like a displeased child (only with a goatee).
"And thus, the day comes to an end as the lion cubs finish their play and settle down for a good nights sleep…" The narrator continued. Okina's eyes started drooping. He mumbled some incoherent phrase about the lousy narrator, and droned off.
"Now I remember! I have to audition for that band!" Misao almost yelled aloud, but remembered to whisper when she saw her sleeping grandfather. She tiptoed over to his recliner and pulled his blanket up around him, kissing him on the forehead. Okina stirred, mumbling something about Angelina Jolie.
***
"Um…ahem-hem." Aoshi coughed, scooting towards the piano.
"What?" The boy running the auditions had his head down on the table, slightly banging it against the polished wood, the pen and judging papers left unattended to his left.
"Untalented, passionless, they suck, no one, is good, enough" He continuously rapped his head on the table, ignoring Aoshi.
"Um…I'm here to…audition? Do I have the right room?" Aoshi asked.
"Yes." the boy did look up. Aoshi suddenly recognized him as Soujiro. He began to back out of the doorway…there was no way in hell Aoshi would give what Soujiro wanted -namely, the undying attention of females- to his band.
"Play." Soujiro commanded. Aoshi immediately sat at the piano.
"Um, I'm using the piano." He informed.
"Fine."
"Uh…I'm going to sing a bit too. I'm not that good."
"Fine."
"Are you looking for a specific sound or instrument? If you don't like piano I can just leave-"
"PLAY, GODDAMIT!" Soujiro shouted without even looking up. Aoshi turned back to the keys, rested his hands on the cool notes of black and white, closed his eyes and began. It was a little ditty he had made up a few years back, and he had never much bothered with music, but he felt compelled to use originality in the audition.
"Forced away, a chance to abandon the horoscopes
A way to live without the rain smudging the newsprint
Could it be possible? A freedom we've never known
Prices we would never have to pay
A selfish dream, to think that someday
"Your every whim and wish could be granted
Love and money, all the same
Immortality would mean nothing
If you've got the whole world behind you
"Years pass, a vampiric chronicle, aging is dusty progress
Abandoned senses, for it all blends together in this life
Could it be possible? Practically a death sentence, this immortality
Feelings would all numb away
The days all fade to one when
"Your every whim and wish could be granted
Love and money, all the same
Immortality would mean nothing
If you've got the whole world behind you…"
Aoshi stopped. This was as far as he had gotten in the song, due to lack of motivation and understanding of the material. He hardly knew what he was writing about, but it fit the tired mood of the piano. Soujiro said nothing throughout this, but his head had stopped its meticulous banging.
"Never heard it before." He grunted.
"I would hope you haven't. I made it up." Aoshi replied.
"You…made that?" Soujiro asked. Aoshi began fervently hoping Soujiro would tell him that it sucked and that he should go away, before he discovered who he was. Soujiro was silent, then he began a gradual increase in enthusiasm.
"That…was…PERFECT! I could use you! You're hired, dammi-" Soujiro stopped when he brought his head up to see who he had hired. "AOSHI?!! YES! My dreams have come true! We'll be #1 in no time!"
Aoshi grimaced; remembering how becoming #1 had turned out the last time. Soujiro finally calmed down and began scribbling at his papers.
"Okay, so far the band consists of…you and me…heh…don't worry, we've still got two more hours before auditions close." Soujiro grinned sheepishly.
"Hey, am I late?" A familiar voice echoed happily in the auditorium. Soujiro's smile never left his face, though it took on a malicious air of irritation. Aoshi was amused by this…Soujiro and Misao would make the perfect married couple…for a sitcom, that is. When it came to real love, Aoshi had a different sort of pairing in mind.
"YOU! You're running the auditions?" Misao screeched. As much as they had enjoyed the kiss, there were still some quirks that bothered each other. And they hadn't really spoken of that kiss since. They had pretty much forgotten about it.
"Well, I have to hear her out anyway." Soujiro sighed, falling back into his seat at the table. Misao angrily whipped out her violin.
"I am accomplished in most instruments. However, since I could only carry my violin with me, this is what I will be playing, and later I will sing a little something."
Misao was fire on the violin. Even Soujiro had to get over his aggravation to admit she was good. Once she finished, she cleared her throat, took a sip from her handy water bottle, and began to sing "Nature Boy", originally a Nat King Cole tune. Soujiro had always been particular to the hypnotic melody and words, and he felt he would have a hard time saying "no" to Misao if he chose to do so. After she finished she gave a mock bow, then turned to leave.
"Hey, wait, don't you want to know your score?" Soujiro called.
"No. You weren't going to let me join anyway." Misao turned on her heel once again, and Soujiro ran after her.
"Waaaaaaaait please, please, please! Your voice is wonderful! Maybe we could use a violin in more depressing songs. You play bass guitar? Any guitar? Drums? Aoshi's got song writing and male vocals covered-" Soujiro was almost one step away from getting down on his knees and begging her to join the band. Misao smiled, and evil, triumphant one, and nodded her head.
"Seems we have a deal."
Soujiro breathed a sigh of relief, and Aoshi made a slight grin as he leaned up against the wall. Suddenly Kenshin walked in, followed by Kaoru and Sanosuke.
"Just about wrapped up?" Kenshin asked, his hands in his pockets as he trudged towards the group.
"Yeah." Soujiro sighed. "Hardly anyone auditioned; if they did, they sucked. Aoshi was the first I accepted-"
"Aoshi? OUR Aoshi?" Sanosuke exclaimed. "Shinomori, my man! You're finally warming up to a social life, eh?"
Aoshi had nothing to say to him, and only shrugged. Kenshin noticed the electric guitar on the floor, conveniently plugged in and everything.
"Hey, guitar! Haven't played one in a long time, that I haven't." He picked it up, fumbled with the pick for a moment, and played whatever in the hell came into his head, bits and pieces of songs he heard on the radio, some songs Julie and Lisa liked to listen to, his own mediocre tunes, and the list went on as he changed the tune every few moments. Aoshi was definitely impressed…slightly irritated, but impressed. Soujiro looked like he was about to cry from joy, and Misao was carrying on a conversation with Sanosuke and Kaoru.
"Kenshin…I'm going to ask you one more time. Please say you'll enter the band." Soujiro asked, his smile rigid on his face as he held his pen above his papers. Kenshin looked at Aoshi and Misao, shrugged, and replied, "If Shinomori is okay with it, why not?"
"YES! I have a band, yeah! We're going to kick ass, yeah!" Soujiro danced around in a parody of the conga. Everyone just stared at him like he was the most idiotic person they knew.
"Well…Kenshin on the lovely midnight wine colored electric guitar…Aoshi for male vocals, piano/keyboard when needed; Misao on bass guitar and vocals, violin when needed; …Me on another electric guitar and backing vocals; Sanosuke on drums-"
"Hey, how do you even know if I play drums?" Sanosuke bellowed.
"I know you do. Plus, every band needs a good stoner that plays the drums." Soujiro retorted with his infamous smile.
"Well…you're…you're really lucky that I do just so happen to play the drums!" Sanosuke grumbled. He was really tired of being associated with drugs, but he couldn't deny that he used them.
"Kaoru, would you like to do anything? I'd rather not outnumber Misao…you know, being the only girl." Soujiro asked. He ran his hand through his aqua hair, looking expectantly at Kaoru. She seemed a bit surprised, then checked her watch.
"Oh, no! I'm going to be late…I've got to get back to the dorm and…er…get ready. I'm sorry, I really don't think I'm band material. I can't play any instruments and I couldn't sing to save my life. Gotta run, guys!" She waved, and the faked smile of assurance changed into one of worry and anxiety. Kenshin stared after her, wondering what the ring on her finger was. She had never worn jewelry before…maybe she had had a birthday?
Or maybe there was…
Kenshin couldn't bring himself to the thought.
***
Kaoru ran as fast as she could, oxygen tearing through her lungs with the ferocity of sharp ice. Now she would have to take a shower and juggle the task of cleaning and cooking at the same time. Luckily, Misao would be consulting with the new "band" Soujiro had formed about music style and, most importantly, a kickass name.
She fumbled with the keys, her legs cramping after running up the stairs so quickly. Kaoru burst into the dorm, picking up paper and books and half-empty water glasses, tossing them in her room for the time being. Hopefully the night would be a pleasant dinner in the dining area in the kitchen and perhaps a relaxing talk in the living room and no one would want to go into her room.
Ah hell, who was she kidding?
Kaoru rummaged through the fridge, finding her pre-cut chicken tenders and tossing them into flower. Quickly she ran across the room to put some rice in a pot and she raced back to the chicken to bring it back to the stove and stir fry it. Her arms were shaking as she poked at it in the pan.
"Hurry up and cook, god DAMMIT!" Kaoru shouted. The phone rang, and Kaoru turned around to reach for the phone. With one hand stirring the chicken around in the pan, she stretched her other arm to the opposite counter, hoping she could reach the ringing nuisance. While she didn't exactly pick it up, she did succeed in knocking it to the floor and burning her thumb on the side of the pan.
"Shhhhhhhhit!" Kaoru shrieked, diving on the floor with her thumb in her mouth to answer the phone. "Hewwo?" She asked, forgetting that she was still sucking on her burn wound.
"Kaoru?" Kenshin asked.
"Kenshin! I can't talk right now, I'm in the middle of preparing a dinner and I've still got to clean and take a shower and find something to wear!" She cried, mourning her reddening scar on the side of her hand. She winced and began shaking her hand in hopes to cool the pain.
"What are you trying to do, host a dinner party for the King of Spain?"
"As good as." Kaoru glowered and hung up. She stood, hitting her knee on the side of the fridge, and turned back to the stove while cursing up a storm. The phone lay forgotten on the floor. The rice was done, and the chicken was getting dry. The evening was already going downhill, and Kaoru was out of ibuprofen.
Soon the lemon chicken was done, drenched in the sauce in an attempt to make up for the dryness, and clumps of rice were tossed in a bowl. Fruit was prepared as well, and she set this all out on the table. If dessert was needed she could just pull out the damn ice cream tub. So with dinner finished, Kaoru figured cleaning was in top priority. Being a neat freak had led the dorm to being mostly clean, and she picked up the things that were out of place and rushed around to put them in their rightful place. Sprinting back to her room, she grabbed a pair of hose, her make up bag, and a strapless black dress; then headed for the shower.
Chaos ensued inside the shower stall, including a bottle of body wash that seemed to be related to those bottles of ketchup that just never seem to pour. After repeatedly slapping the vexing container, liquid soap squirted everywhere. The hot water decided to give out, and Kaoru screamed like there was an axe murderer in front of her as the cold water battered at her skin. Finally pissed beyond measure, Kaoru stepped out of the shower and dried off, hopping around as she tried to pull on her hosiery and apply lipstick at the same time.
Heaving a sigh of exhaustion, Kaoru finished by pulling her hair back with pretty silver clips, and she slipped her glittering ring back on her finger. The doorbell rang, and Kaoru rushed as fast as she could to the door while trying to avoid accidents.
Remember the phone was never picked up off the floor?
Kaoru went sailing across the kitchen due to that pesky plastic mechanism. And in the process she broke the phone and two fingernails. She was rather thankful, though, that her ring was unharmed. Kaoru hopped back to her feet, pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear as if nothing had happened, and proceeded to open the door.
"Hey baby. It's been a while, hasn't it? I've missed you a lot." Enishi stood in the doorway, a bouquet of deep red miniature roses in his hand. He handed these to Kaoru and she smiled hesitantly as she stepped back to invite him in.
"Like them?" He asked. Enishi was wearing a tight black turtleneck and light khakis. He was still wearing his trademark glasses and looked rather handsome at the moment. But Kaoru knew another side of him that she had been trying to escape for a long time.
"The flowers are…beautiful, Enishi." Kaoru smiled. Enishi smiled as well, a mischievous, daring grin.
"It's been so long," He moaned bringing his lips to her neck, "Let me refresh my memory, I forget your taste." He whispered seductively into her ear. Kaoru brushed her lips against his cheek in attempt to feign interest, shuddering as she let him wander where he would.
"I forget the taste of you……"
Kaoru squeezed her eyes shut, and hoped she would make it through the night.