Redone for easy viewing (:

Chapter 8: Opposites attract

Hello again, I am really sorry if I haven't been updating, I have tons of holiday homework which I haven't done, and school starts in 4 days! And way, here are the people I would like to thank: wenqi-chan and ocean fish for the delightful reviews and you have to tell me where I got it wrong, or else I won't know how to change. Thanks again.

A few days passed by without any major things happening except Soujiro twisted his ankle trying to kick a football during PE (he missed), and that Kenshin was asked by a few girls to go out with them. All in all, it was getting pretty boring in Tokyo High for the six of them.

Sakura sensei came into class on Monday looking hot and flustered. " Sorry kids, but I missed the bus and got up late, so I forgot to get any worksheets for you." The pupils of 1-A cheered. "Instead, you are going to have to do a composition," Sakura sensei continued loudly, to be heard over the moans and groans of the pupils, "but, it is creative writing, so you get to do whatever type of thing you want, but on this topic: Boyfriends and birthdays."

Sakura sensei turned to the white board and scribbled the words on the board before turning back to the pupils in her class. " And I know the boys don't have boyfriends," she winked at the boys, "unless some of you are hem, hem," she gave a slight cough, followed by a volley a laughter that erupted from the 36 students. " And I am warning Takana-san, if you are giving me something illegible, you are in for big trouble," Sakura sensei continued, eyeing a boy with messy brown hair.

" The main idea is to write about your loved ones and special occasions. So what, are you waiting for? Start writing, get started, and no writing of rubbish!"

After listening to Sakura sensei, Kenshin thought about writing back to his family, and girlfriend, Tomoe Yukishiro. " You guys ever had boyfriends or girlfriends?" Kenshin enquired. Misao pointed at Kaoru and piped, " She does, everybody else, only has crushes." Kaoru was once again doodling in her sketchbook, this time drawing Misao hanged, with blood dripping down on a dog.

" Yuck! What is that supposed to be!" Tsubame scrunched up her nose, pointing at the picture. " Yeah, you are supposed to tell us who your boyfriend is."

" Yeah sure, whatever." Kaoru replied, not listening to her best friends. When Aoshi finally was able to get the question drilled into her head, she blushed bright scarlet and looked away. " You know, that's supposed to be a secret. Where you don't tell anybody? What's for lunch today?" she replied, trying to change the subject.

" Come on, even I don't know," Soujiro pestered Kaoru, trying to wheedle the secret out from her.

" Yes you do. He was still here, when you arrived," Kaoru snapped back.

" Maybe. I want to hear about it again," Tsubame carried on," Or maybe, it would be easier if I just told Kenshin myself." This really pricked Kaoru, and she turned her round to face everybody.

" FINE!"

" His name is Enishi Tamaji, exchange student from England. Perfect English and Japanese. Bilingual. Popped up in school about two years ago. Went away about 6 months ago. Really cute and a bit shy. HAPPY!" Kaoru thundered, turning a brilliant shade of strawberry red.

" Yeah. Let's just say it was Kaoru's type." Misao teased her. She ducked as Kaoru aimed a swipe at her. " Yeah, and he smile a lot." Tsubame said thoughtfully.

" Just like me!" Soujiro replied, giving the group a wide grin.

" Yeah, except your smile is unnerving, creepy, and sometimes a bit weird," Aoshi replied, "You're discomfited." Kaoru glared at him, and shrieked, " Of course! Except you stupid gits just don't understand how it feels right?" Tears were welling up and were threatening to pour down her face.

" There, there. It's okay," Aoshi patted her back, trying to comfort her. " You got a girlfriend, Himura-san?" Tsubame asked curiously. Kenshin blushed a little and ruffled his red hair. " Yeah. I had one. She's Tomoe Yukishiro. Same age as us, erm, very pretty with long black hair, tied at her waist. She was voted as Most Popular Girl in our school." Oohs and Aahs went round the 5 people.

Just then, Sakura peered at the six students at the far end of the right hand corner over the thick book she was reading. " Aoshi, Kaoru, Misao, Tsubame, Soujiro and Kenshin. What are you doing? Please do your compositions now, or else I am going to have you staying back while the rest of the class goes for the recess coming up in oh say, 20 minutes?" the six of them scrabbled to get some paper and a pen to start writing. Sakura sensei then shifted her attention to another boy and company, so the six of them were allowed time to chat and finish up their half written compositions.

Kaoru got up particularly late on Saturday for some reason. Her alarm had not rung that morning or she would have been awake. She was a really light sleeper and sometimes would wake up to the snoring of her dad. For some reason, she felt rather jittery that morning and had butterflies in her stomach. But why? Was it a special occasion? Was something going to happen which she didn't know about? She went to her sister's bedroom down the hallway, but found it empty. Her parents were out too. They weren't in the garden either or she would have heard their constant laughter. Kaoru knew that they must have gone out when she was asleep and hadn't come to get her up.

Kaoru changed out of her pyjamas and went down to the kitchen in her usual blue slacks and grey t-shirt. At the kitchen table laid a note and a ripe peach. She picked up the peach and read through the note:

Dear Kaoru, Please eat the peach left out for you. And sorry if we left without you, the girls wanted to go to the park. Do your homework and watch TV if you want to. We'll be back soon.
Hugs and kisses,
Your sisters and parents

Kaoru shrugged her shoulders and stuffed the note into her pocket. She headed down to the market to get a real breakfast.

At the market, Kaoru met with Megumi and Sanosuke. She returned to the house with a full stomach and headed upstairs to finish her half done homework. Somehow, she couldn't bring herself to doing her homework, there was something lacking in her life right now, but she just didn't know what. She stared at her calendar, which she had made, pasting photos all over them. Today... today... 16th of May... huh? 16th of May? Wasn't that her... something snapped in Kaoru's mind. Wasn't that her birthday!

Kaoru shot up like a bullet from her previous position. Why hadn't she thought about this? It was her birthday! Maybe she was too busy to notice, after all, she had a pile of homework, and there was a new boy in town, well not really new. Preoccupied seemed like a better word.

The front door slammed open and Kaoru was snapped back into reality. She heard footsteps coming up the stairs, down the hallway, 3, 2, 1, boom! Ayame and Suzume burst into Kaoru's room, " Kaoru! Look at these! Butterflies! We caught them in the park, and it's for you!" Suzume panted heavily, holding a clear glass bottle with some twigs and leaves. It was a beautiful birthday. It's wings were of a gentle mauve, while the inner colour was a fiery red. It looked exactly like Kenshin's eyes and hair, Kaoru thought, then she shook her head vigorously, why am I thinking about him now? Especially at this time!

" Okasan went to get some groceries," Ayame piped up, breaking Kaoru's thoughts like a knife thrown at a fragile porcelain vase.

" Yeah, sure. Whatever," Kaoru replied hazily, wondering why they hadn't mentioned anything about her birthday like they usually did. Maybe they just grew out of it, Kaoru countered her first thoughts.

An hour later, Kaoru's parents were home, hands laden with grocery bags. They chased her upstairs to do her half done homework. Naturally curious, she peeked down the stairs to try and get a better view of what was happening. But when she got there, her parents were drinking coffee, and reading the newspapers like they usually did on Sundays. When her father saw her large eyes staring down at them, he pestered her to go up, and even threatened to lock her in if she kept coming down. Wonder what's their problem? Kaoru swore angrily.

But being a good girl, she came down only to have lunch. It wasn't anything special, which she was hoping for, but at least it was teriyaki chicken, her favourite. Nobody muttered a word about to her and her birthday, leaving Kaoru thoroughly disappointed and depressed. Why can't you celebrate my birthday! I'm going to be 17 already! Have you forgotten? She wanted to scream out at her family.

By six that evening, they still hadn't mentioned a thing, not a peep, and it was getting close to dinner! I give up! They didn't bring me out for ice cream! Kaoru thought angrily, what's that supposed to mean? " Kaoru! Time for dinner! We're bringing you out, so dress appropriately!" her mother called out. Finally! They've come to their senses! Kaoru breathed a sigh of relief. Kaoru took out her favourite necklace; it was mainly black, with her name on some beads in kanji. She wore a pair of loose jeans and a red tank top, which wasn't too bright. Not bad she thought proudly, staring at herself in her mirror. She tied her hair into a loose ponytail and headed downstairs.

It was dark in the kitchen so Kaoru headed out side. " SURPRISE!" Kaoru was momentarily shocked at the sight that greeted her! She couldn't believe it! Her family and friends were all here! Even Sano and Megumi! They wished her a happy birthday and brought out their presents. Misao and Tsubame had pooled their money together and bought fantastic posters on anime characters, her favourite pop stars and even made a seashell-decorated photo frame to give her. Kaoru hugged them happily and thanked them profusely later. Her younger sisters and made a simple card filled with her favourite flower: the sakura. It wasn't a really neat job, but it came from their hearts, and Kaoru cherished it well.

Her parents gave her a new CD player and stereo set. She hugged them tightly. Aoshi gave her a few plush toys from TY and a few trinkets. Soujiro was grinning from ear to ear as he presented his present. It was a small figure of Hitokiri Battousai, about 7 inches tall and it walked, talked and even fought. Sano and Megumi gave her a few books on different dances and a baking book. " Baking?" Kaoru stared up at the tall young man. " Didn't think I know eh? Your parents don't really like your cooking you know, heh."

The last and most beautiful present came from Kenshin. He was holding a small box, and when he opened it, she realized it was a necklace. Not just any necklace, but a silver necklace with a single sapphire heart in it. " Oh my gosh! Thank you so much! It's so simple yet so beautiful and delicate at the same time!" Kaoru gushed, her true feelings towards Kenshin shone. " Just like you," Kenshin whispered softly as he put the necklace round her neck.

Kaoru blushed and thanked him silently for his comment. They headed over to the stone benches behind the huge house to have cake and food. They sat down talking amongst themselves. Kaoru thought secretly that this was the best birthday she had had over the many years. But it wasn't over yet.

" We've got another surprise for you, Kaoru." Kaoru's mother announced at 10 after all the celebrations. Kaoru stared up at her mother. Another surprise? Cool! This was definitely a real great birthday bash. Her mother carried on, " For being 17, all you friends are going to be able to sleepover tonight! Kaoru grinned widely, yes! After 2 years, she gets to hold another sleepover!

"You guys are sleeping downstairs while we will be sleeping upstairs. Stay up until 1 only, Megumi; I'll be putting you in charge. Grab the food in the fridge if you want. Agreed?" Kaoru nodded her head and went indoors to get some sleeping bags and blankets. No more dreary nights, tonight, fun, fun and more FUN!

" Okay, now what?" Kaoru asked the 7 other people. Some were slouching on the couches, while others were chatting loudly. Only a certain redhead was keeping to himself. " Introduction please," Tsubame said over the noise. " What for?"

" Our sakes. I don't know that couple over there." Misao piped up, pointing at Megumi and Sano who were stealing kisses for the past minute.

" Oh well, that's Sanosuke Sagara, and that lady over there is Megumi. They are engaged. Sano's training to be a martial arts master. He's got this special technique to turn anything solid into dust. Taught by this funny monk called Anji. Megumi is training to become a doctor. She's currently training under Dr. Genzai. She's an herbalist. Kaoru introduced them.

" And we are probably getting married next spring." Sano carried on in a strong and loud voice.

" And rooster head here is inviting all his gangsters and hooligans to the wedding. Do you think this is some kind of dirt bike derby or what?" Megumi told the teenagers sarcastically.

" You said what?"

" Nothing that concerns you."

" Spit out what you just said!"

" Spit and rinse. Done." Sanosuke grinned.

" Are they always like that?" Misao whispered into Kaoru's ear. Kaoru nodded her head. " Always. But they don't mind. It's part of their daily lives."
After 15 minutes of bickering and name-calling they decided to hold a truce. Or so it seemed. All of them sat on the couches and chairs to watch the Monster Movie Marathon on the television. The girls went to get popcorn and soda from the kitchen as the boys pushed the couches and chairs nearer to the television.

" You like her don't you?" Sano asked 17 year old Kenshin while pushing some chairs.

" Who?" Kenshin replied, utterly confused.

" Don't play around kid. You do like Kaoru." Soujiro pestered.

" I really don't know." Kenshin muttered under his breath. He was saved from the pestering as the girls came back from their little trip from the kitchen. Their arms were laden with bowls of popcorn and bottles of soda. They sat down on the remaining cushions. Tsubame curled up beside Soujiro, Misao sitting beside her Shinomori-san. And Megumi snuggling close with Sano. Leaving Kaoru and Kenshin alone to sit on the floor.

"Hey, no fair! I live in this house! Why can't I sit on the couch?" Kaoru complained.

" Don't worry, kid. You got Kenshin to protect you," Megumi teased. Kaoru pouted and grabbed a few cushions.

"Aaah!" Kaoru screamed when she saw the vampire being resurrected. For the next 15 minutes or so, she was gripping her cushions thightly, covering her eyes with them.

" Erm, Kaoru-san. Would it be better if you let go of me?" Kenshin gasped for breath, his cheeks flushed. Kaoru stared at her 'pillow' she was hugging. Who would have known that she was hugging Kenshin! She blushed and let go, muttering a soft apology. Everybody was howling with laughter, tears streaming down some of their faces.

" What's that supposed to mean?" Megumi laughed heartily. " It seems that Kaoru here isn't as strong as she thinks she is," Sano teased her. " Well mum told me that when you were young, you would cover yourself with blankets," Kaoru retorted haughtily. Sano gave her a mischievous wink and replied," Yeah, when I was six!"
" Har, Har. Real funny," Kaoru stuck her tongue out at the young man.

After watching the movie, and hearing the many screams from the girls, it was finally time to retire.

" Wait. What about it quick round of Truth or Dare?" Misao asked, lying on her sleeping bag. " Anybody wants to chicken out?" with a scary glint in her eye. " When it came to Kaoru, Kaoru chose a dare. " Bad choice, Jou-chan," Sano warned, knowing Misao, it meant a really bad one.

" Okay. Here's the deal. You have to kiss one of the boys here on the cheek. Even if it's Sano. And to make it more challenging, you will be blindfolded when you are picking the guy. Kaoru was blindfolded and turned around 5 times. She felt around the room, and tapped somebody's head. I really don't know who this is, Kaoru thought. But when she opened her eyes, she silently cursed Misao. She was staring into the face of a certain Himura Kenshin.

"Ho, ho, ho!" Megumi laughed her usual foxy laugh. " Well, look who's here.
It's the famous Himura Kenshin himself. Well, get on with it."

" Kaoru knelt down and slowly planted a soft kiss on Kenshin's cheek. The warmth surged through her body, making her feel so alive, so wonderful, and a bit tipsy too. It was a special sensation she had never felt before. Kenshin had turned really red, touching the part where Kaoru had kissed him: it was still rather warm. Kaoru was furiously turning a bright strawberry red; angry with herself for liking this 'thing' she had not felt before.

" Hey, everybody. It's 12.30 already. Maybe it's time to turn in. let's stop here okay?" Sano was looking at the leaf shaped clock on the wall. " Oh my! My darling Sano! It's a miracle! My baby can read!" Megumi laughed sarcastically, putting a shocked expression on her face, while cradling Sano.

Again, after a few minutes of bickering, they finally calmed down to have enough peace for the night. But, a certain two people couldn't sleep. Not after all that excitement they had just had a few minutes ago.

Kaoru was having the worst night yet. She couldn't sleep and was suffering from keeping all her secrets to herself, there was no way someone could live without pouring out their secrets to at least someone. There was something at the back of her mind which kept on bugging her non-stop, keeping her away from dreamland. But what? Kaoru fidgeted in her thin futon, she even tried counting sheep, those fluffy animals kept her awake instead,

Kenshin was having just as bad a time as Kaoru. He was lying on his sleeping bag thinking about something even he wasn't sure what it was about. It definitely had something to do with the kiss Kaoru had given him, it was one he had never experienced before, not even with Tomoe, was there a bond or a connection between Kaoru and him? Something told him she was special, somebody entirely different from other people.

Kenshin felt hot and sweaty, his shirt was sticking rather irritatingly to his body like a wet tissue to your finger. He pulled his shirt over his head and pulled it off. He laid down on to the cool sleeping bag, configuring a way to stop the fidgety in him to lie still and make himself sleep in the next five minutes.

Kaoru on the other hand was irritated. She didn't know why, the only thought was how everybody else could sleep when she couldn't? When did it get so hot? Unlike Kenshin, she couldn't pull of her shirt, so she unbuttoned to top two buttons and shook it gently to get the breeze in. Then she thought what her mother did everything she couldn't sleep: have a cookie and a glass of milk. Kaoru gently go tout of her futon and crept towards the kitchen, careful not to wake anybody else up.

Kenshin was sleeping, or in other words, trying to clam his body down and clam his mind, trying to meditate, what his sensei called was standing in a pool of water, roots going up, trees, flowers, nature calling you like a bird to a worm.

Kenshin heard footsteps. It broke his stream of thoughts and concentration. Nuts! He was going to sleep already! Kenshin leapt out of his sleeping bag and saw a rather small but quickly nonetheless, a shadow creeping towards the Kenshin. Maybe it was just his imagination, probably the sleeping dust was here already, and taking control of his body. Then he remembered: thief! After a while, the shuffling subsided, but his sharp ears caught the clink of glass, definitely and robber! Kenshin hid in the darkness and stealthily traipsed to the kitchen door. When he peered into the darkness, he was a small light flickering unsteadily in the kitchen, what kind of robber ate on the job? Kenshin's feet made no noise while crossing into the kitchen, finally and effortlessly, he made it in without the slightest notice of the robber.

Kaoru was up and about. She had eventually made her way to the kitchen and had switched on a small table lamp to find her way around the objects carelessly placed. Kaoru reached for the fridge and grasped the handle. She opened the door looking for milk and cookies. When she found the carton of milk she walked towards the dish rack and fished out a small mug making the least noise possible. She then walked back to the tabletop and placed her favourite mug down.

Kaoru went back to the fridge and found the plate of leftover cookies from the party a few hours ago. Kaoru hummed tunelessly and turned around to come face to face with a bare chest .she looked up and found somebody had been stalking her .

Kenshin crept into the kitchen and saw a small figure hard at work finding some things from the refrigerator and take it out, the figure then walked to the dish rack and took out a mug from the row of dishes and cups. This 'thing' was too small to be a man and was smaller than the average lady, probably a teenager, Kenshin concluded his little deduction. A girl with long hair too. As the girl walked towards the tabletop, Kenshin spotted a faint glitter from the girl's neck. Who the heck would actually wear a necklace or something like that to sleep? It was probably one of the girl's more precious items, and Kenshin went closer to investigate.

Who was this girl? The question passed through Kenshin's head. The necklace looked somehow rather familiar. It was shiny with a jewelled item casted into the silver necklace.

Kenshin went up to the girl who was now humming tunelessly to herself, totally unaware of anybody standing behind her. Kenshin was about to tap on the girl's shoulder when she whipped around, her hair splayed out all over her face. Kenshin gasped, he stared into the mysterious night prowler, and amethyst met violet.