A/N
Here's chapter ten! Heh … once again, I have to apologize if it's too short, but really, my neck was killing me while I was doing this! I hope this is good anyway, despite the length! And thanks for the reviews!
Kitsune Kenshin: August 16th? Ohh … man, and I thought the 25th was bad. Oh well, we've got to go back someday, right? Heh, that was the impression I was trying to give about Kenshin (the principal thing). And yes, I did put that part about Enishi because I realized that I had to mention the opposition for the tournament! I agree, Misao should go for explanation no. 4. Heh, wonder what she'll do. Anyway, thanks for the review, and I hope you like this chapter!
Oniwabanshu: Hallo! I'm glad I managed to explain how Aoshi and Kaoru are 'related.' I was wondering how I could include that, without making it too direct. I deserve the compliments? Gosh … thanks! Heheh … I will continue to do my best in updating soon! Thanks for the review, and I hope you like this one!
Jt: Thanks! I hope this one's interesting too! Thanks once again for the review!
Jade eyed neko: Aoshi and Misao are definitely cute! (Him especially … heh). And I must agree with you that Saito needs to become a bit more bearable. Like I mentioned before, it is quite difficult for me to write his character in this fic, since I'm making him quite – no, very – mean. Hmm … Tokio … I could do that, actually. Thanks! And Sano and Megumi … yes, there will be more of them, providing that I don't let my focus slip from Aoshi/Misao to Kenshin/Kaoru or Sano/Megumi! Thanks 4 the review, and I hope you like this!
Kakashi-fan: Thanks! Encouragement always helps! Hope you like this!
Leila Jenkens: Heh … nope, I haven't taken part in an athletics tournament before (except for our school's inter house sports meet). I just remember our principal announcing winners of Inter-school tournaments during assembly, calling out their names and the categories they took part in (and I thought I didn't pay attention in assembly!). Thanks for the review, and I hope you like this!
Well … on with chapter 10!
Chapter Ten: Confession
Kenshin sighed as he saw Saito approach him and the rest of his 'group.' Did Saito always like annoying people? He gritted his teeth. He wouldn't let Saito get to him – no matter what he said. Arizuka Shihiro, standing next to Kenshin and watching Sawakita Kaede running, saw Saito approach them, and began quivering.
He hated his captain – he always made him feel small and insignificant. Saito stopped beside Kenshin, his usual smirk on his face. Kenshin didn't acknowledge him.
"Hmm … quite a peaceful practice we have today …" said Saito, looking around the field lazily.
"Indeed …" said Kenshin. "Yes, that's the way, Sawakita san."
"I wonder why it's so quiet and peaceful … " continued Saito.
"So do I …" said Kenshin. "Ah, Aoshi san, arigato." Aoshi nodded as he passed the bottle of water towards Kenshin, before he turned to his own job; timing Mitsui Yoriko on her 100 meter relay. Saito's smirk widened.
"Ah … I know why it's so quiet …" he said at last. "The chicken brain and the brat aren't here …" Kenshin stiffened slightly.
" … Hmmm …" was all he said, as he gulped down most of the water.
"And where are the two idiots?" Kenshin didn't answer at once.
"I think they went home," he said.
"Oh? And … why did they do that?" questioned Saito, glancing eerily at Shihiro and making the younger boy shiver.
"Because you told them to take time off," replied Kenshin. Saito raised his eyebrows at the red haired boy.
"And if I told them to commit suicide, they'd do that too?" he asked.
"No, they're not that stupid …" said Kenshin. Saito frowned, not saying anything. That made Kenshin suspicious. He had thought that Saito would have replied with some sarcastic remark or the other. He saw Saito frowning, and watched as the frown turned into a smile.
Normally, that wouldn't have worried him. A person smiling instead of frowning was a great thing – something he liked very much. But when it was Saito that smiled … that was an entirely different story. Why? Saito never smiled unless something bad was going to happen to someone.
"Hnn …" he said, nodding at Kenshin, and walking away. Kenshin stared after him, a queasy feeling entering his stomach. He didn't like it … he knew that something was going to happen …
Aoshi sighed as Yoriko finished the race, panting and nodding her thanks at him as he passed her a towel. He turned towards Kenshin, and saw Saito walking away. He sighed again. At least nothing explosive was taking place during the practice.
He had never expected to be on this field again – he hadn't even joined the athletics team in the first place – but he had been forced to join it. Well fine, he hadn't been forced to … but he had had to.
Why? During the morning break, he had been approached by Kenshin, saying that they had the application forms for the tournament, and that he and Saito had filled them in. He had nodded all the time he had spoken, wondering what 'application forms' and 'filling them in' had to do with him. He had found out pretty soon; they had entered him for the Under 19 Boys relays …
He had opened his mouth to argue with Kenshin then and there, when the shorter boy had cut in, saying that they had no one else to use, and that he couldn't run in all the races with his leg injury … and that Aoshi was their only hope.
Aoshi still had tried to argue – at least once – when the dratted bell had rung, and with a bow and a smile, Kenshin had disappeared, without waiting for an answer. He had had every mind to go home as soon as the bell rang, instead of staying for practice. It wasn't his fault that they had put his name down without even asking him.
But no … his mind had to start gnawing at his conscience, telling it that the school was depending on him, and that they wouldn't have put his name down if they had other runners to use.
And so, during one of his free periods – before the end of school – he had asked the Head of Year 3 if he could dash home and get some clothes to wear …
He had done that, and at 1:40, had made his way to the field. He sighed again. Things were going horribly wrong for him these days. He was doing things that he usually wouldn't have done. And worst of all, he didn't know why he was doing them. And the question as to why Saito wanted to know who he was staying with and his remark about his 'mummy' only served to muddle his thoughts even more.
That and the image of Misao in a 'fighting' costume constantly entering his mind … did nothing to help improve his mood.
Why was all of this happening to him?
"Okasan?" called Kaoru, poking her head into her parents' room. Her mother wasn't there. She walked down the stairs. "Okasan?"
"I'm in the kitchen Kaoru," called Mrs. Kamiya. Kaoru walked into the kitchen to find her mother preparing lunch. She smiled.
"Okasan, I'm going over to see Misao chan … and I'll be there for sometime …" she said. "Is that okay?" Mrs. Kamiya nodded.
"Of course it's okay," she said. "Hmm … I was planning on making some food for you to give her … I'll do that tomorrow then …" Kaoru grinned.
"I'm sure she'll be glad to hear that," she said. "I mean, with the Aoiya's best cook – Makimachi san – and another good cook – you – tending to her, who wouldn't be?"
"Although it is a pity when good cook's daughters don't have the gift … isn't it?" asked her mother, smiling.
"Okasan! I can cook!" said Kaoru. Her mother laughed.
"Hai, hai," she said. "Oh, and ask Misao how the 'good-looking burglar' is …" It took a while for the meaning to dawn on Kaoru. And when it did … her eyes widened. She had forgotten … she had completely forgotten … "Kaoru?" Kaoru snapped out of her daze.
"Okasan! I – I completely forgot that Misao – Aoshi san – " she stopped.
" … Kaoru?"
"Okasan, yesterday, Misao chan … kind of fell off her bed trying to … get to me …" she continued. "When I went there – after Otosama … you know …" Her mother nodded. "Yes, well, she fell trying to get to me, and I didn't know about it. And … and Aoshi san came – to get me – and … and he …" Kaoru grinned. "And he lifted her up and put her back on the bed!"
" … Oh?" asked Mrs. Kamiya, not really understanding what her daughter was trying to say.
"Okasan … she was flushing – not because she had fever or anything – but because she was embarrassed!" exclaimed Kaoru. "I should have realized that before!" Mrs. Kamiya smiled.
"Hmm … have you asked her about it?" she asked. Kaoru shook her head.
"Well … not really …" she said. "Oh! And Aoshi san said that he had gone to visit her – with Kenshin and the rest – after practice that day!"
"Kaoru, I think you're going a bit too far now …" said her mother. Kaoru shook her head.
"No, Okasan, you don't understand," she said. "Misao chan is not the type of person to fall in love with someone." She grinned. "There's a friend of Kenshin's – Amakusa Shogo – who likes her, but she doesn't like him. He does his – "
"Kaoru, I don't think you should be telling me this …" interrupted her mother, smiling. "Misao would kill you …" Kaoru grinned.
"Like I'm scared of her!" she said. "I have something against her!" She stopped. "I wonder … does Aoshi san like her?" Mrs. Kamiya shook her head.
"Kaoru, don't try to set them up or anything," she said, seriously. "You don't know what could happen … your father might get to know and Aoshi could be put in trouble again … or Rika will get to know and you'll be in trou – " She stopped when she saw that she was talking to thin air. Kaoru had gone. She shook her head again. When would Kaoru learn to leave things as they were? If Misao liked Aoshi, or if Aoshi liked Misao, they should figure it out for themselves … without the interference of other people …
Then again … she didn't think that Misao liked Aoshi. The 'good-looking burglar' thing was just something to tease the girl about – not something that had and meaning to it. She sighed.
She should start preparing lunch, instead of thinking about people's love lives.
Misao was fuming. She couldn't help it. Firstly, she was stuck in bed. Secondly, her knee had started throbbing again. Thirdly, she was bored. And fourthly, her inner voice had served in confusing her already confused brain.
"Kuso … if I could just walk …" she growled aloud. She took a deep breath, trying to calm down. There was no point in getting angry anyway. That wouldn't help her get better soon or walk soon.
"Misao chan?" asked Kaoru, poking her head into the room. Misao smiled.
"Kaoru chan!" she said, smiling. Kaoru walked inside, smiling at her. "I thought you were ill," teased Misao. Kaoru stuck her tongue out at her.
"Oh shut up," she said, good-naturedly. Misao grinned.
"How's Kamiya san?" she asked. Kaoru knew what she meant.
"She's okay I guess … she doesn't show any signs of being affected by what Otosama said …" she said. "Although I know that it's because of her that Aoshi san can stay at our place …" Misao said nothing. "Misao chan?"
"Hai – I'm listening," she said, hurriedly. Kaoru stared at her, making her feel uncomfortable. She felt a lot worse when she saw the glint that had entered Kaoru's eyes. " … Er – Kaoru?"
"Okasan asked me to remind you how the 'good-looking burglar' is …" said Kaoru, watching her friend closely. Misao felt a blush forming on her cheeks. She mentally kicked herself. She shouldn't think of that again … Kaoru was waiting to see her reaction – to make her own decision about whether she loved Aoshi or not –
Loved Aoshi?
"Kaoru that was … that was a mistake," she said, smiling brightly at her friend. "I … I didn't mean to say that about him …"
"So you admit that you were talking about Aoshi san then?" asked Kaoru.
"Yes – " Misao was sure she was turning bright red by now. Kaoru felt a smile forming on her face as she watched Misao blush. Looking at her, Misao saw the smile, and felt more uncomfortable than ever. "Look Kaoru, whatever you say, I don't love Aoshi okay? I don't like him at all. I mean, I'm grateful that he helped me out twice already, and I'm sure that he's a really nice guy and all … but I don't love him at – "
"Misao, did I even mention anything about 'love?'" asked Kaoru, raising her eyebrows.
"N – No … but … you were trying to make me say that I do love him …" said Misao. Kaoru did her best to keep her face serious.
"And do you?" she asked.
"W – What?"
"Do you love Aoshi san?" Misao opened her mouth hurriedly. She knew what she had to say. She had to say 'no.' Kaoru would believe that … Kaoru didn't need to know the truth yet …
Hang on … the 'truth?' Did that mean … did that mean that she –
"Of course I don't," she said. An idea popped into Kaoru's head, causing her to struggle to keep her face straight. She had to get an answer out of Misao … and she knew just how to do that.
"That t-shirt he was wearing yesterday … it was quite nice wasn't it?" she asked. Misao stared at her.
"T-shirt? What t-shi …" An image of Aoshi dressed in the tight black t-shirt entered her mind. Her face grew hot as she remembered thinking that t-shirts that fitting and defining should be banned from being worn.
That 'blush' was part of the answer that Kaoru needed. She just needed the other half of it.
"Do you know that he was talking about you yesterday?" she asked, allowing herself to smile. Misao looked at her hurriedly. He had … talked about her? She bit her tongue as it was about to move – against her will – and ask what he had said about her. She had a feeling that Kaoru was waiting for her to ask that.
She had to outwit her friend … despite the longing inside her to ask her what he had said about her.
"Oh …" she said, lamely. She saw Kaoru's smile widen and knew that she had to either change the subject now, or blurt everything out to her. "Er … how's … er … I wonder if Soujirou will come here today …" she stated, simply. Kaoru wasn't about to let her change the subject.
"He said some pretty interesting things about you …" she said. "What was it again? Ah … er … aha … now I remember …" Misao felt her curiosity increase … and dug her nails into her thigh. She WAS NOT going to fall for Kaoru's trap. "He complemented you, you know. I never thought he'd do that. I mean … he's never complemented anyone before …" Kaoru knew, that once she got her answer from Misao, when she told her that he hadn't spoken about her at all, that she was going to be dead meat.
She stood up. Maybe she should just get going … "Misao chan, I'll come by later, oka – "
" … What did he say about me?" Kaoru's eyes widened as she ogled at her. She saw the patch of dark red that had spread across her cheeks, and watched as she wrung her hands in her lap. A grin spread across her own face.
"What?"
" … What … what did he say about … me?"
"MISAO! YOU LIKE HIM!!" Misao glared at her.
"Kaoru! Don't say it so loud!" she hissed. Kaoru's eyes widened – as did Misao's – as they both digested what she had just said. She hadn't said 'no I don't like him' she hadn't said 'you're mad' … she had just said 'don't say it so loud …'
"You do like him! Misao chan! You never even told me!" screeched Kaoru, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Misao blushed. It was no use lying about it now – Kaoru had already figured it out.
"Just … just shut up …" she mumbled. Kaoru couldn't believe it.
"I don't believe this! You like him! You like Aoshi san!" she grinned. "Misao loves Aoshi sa – " She was cut off when a pillow – courtesy of Misao – hit her straight in the face. She grinned, throwing it back at her blushing friend. "Misao chan loves Aoshi san! Misao chan loves Aoshi san! Misao chan loves Aoshi san!" she chanted, dancing out of Misao's reach, and ducking as she hurled another pillow at her.
"KAORU SHUT UP!!!"
"MISAO CHAN LOVES AOSHI SAN! MISAO CHAN – "
"KAORU!!! KUSO – WAIT TILL I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!!"
Mrs. Makimachi was in the kitchen, serving the day's lunch into dishes and placing them on a tray, to take to Misao. She was washing a ceramic dish, when she heard shouting from upstairs. She stood straight, wondering if something had happened, the previous night's events still fresh in her head.
"MISAO!!! YOU LIKE HIM!!!" She started as she heard Kaoru scream that out. Her eyebrows shot up. Had she heard her correctly? Misao … liked someone? She smiled. So much for Misao trying to act like she was not going to fall in love.
"KAORU SHUT UP!!!" She shook her head as the shouting continued, wondering if Kaoru would be in one piece by the time she went upstairs with Misao's food. As it was, Misao was sounding as though she would love to murder her.
Even though she didn't poke her nose into her daughter's life … she couldn't help but wonder who Misao 'liked.' She knew, that as a mother, it was her duty to make sure that it was a decent boy, and that nothing 'out of hand' happened between them …
She shook her head. She was overreacting. High School girls had to fall in love at some point in their lives. She was just surprised that Misao hadn't done so sooner. Hearing a loud thump from upstairs, she winced. She guessed that Kaoru would have got her punishment for shouting out. Girls will be girls …
Soujirou stretched as they walked home after practice. He couldn't help it … he was tired. Kenshin smiled at the younger boy as he yawned.
"Tired, Soujirou?" he asked.
"I … guess I didn't get much sleep yesterday …" said Soujirou, sheepishly. Aoshi, as usual, said nothing. Kenshin turned his attention to him.
"Aoshi san, do you know why Kaoru san didn't come to school today?" he asked, making Soujirou smile at the touch of concern in his voice. That didn't go unnoticed to Aoshi either.
"She … said she was sick," he said.
"Oh …" said Kenshin.
"Why don't you go and see her?" suggested Soujirou.
"Oro?"
"I mean … I'm sure she's fine – but it would be nice if you went and checked up on her …" said Soujirou.
"Sou ka … let's all go then …" said Kenshin. Soujirou shook his head.
"Er … I … I need to go home …" he said hurriedly.
"Oro? You're not even going to see Misao?" asked Kenshin. Soujirou sighed.
"I think I'll go home and finish my homework and stuff …" he said. "And then visit her …" Kenshin glanced at him, surprised.
"But it'll be quite late by that time …" he said. Soujirou smiled.
"Makimachi san is quite used to me coming over at strange times," he said.
"Oro?" Kenshin noticed, somewhat surprisingly, that Aoshi was looking questioningly at Soujirou too.
"Oh, I sometimes visit Misao early in the morning – not these days, but before – or late in the night …" said Soujirou, sheepishly. "Whenever … whenever I feel lonely …" he added as an afterthought. Kenshin didn't say anything. He guessed that Soujirou felt lonely quite a lot – living all by himself.
"Sou …" he said. Aoshi turned his attention back to the road. "Aoshi san … what do you think our chances are for the tournament?" Aoshi looked surprised at his question.
" … … …" What was he supposed to say? " … The Girls team is a bit … blank …" he said, finally. Kenshin nodded. He had been thinking about that too. He hadn't forgotten his tasks; he needed to find a girl to take part in the Under 19 section of the tournament … and in the Under 17 section of the tournament.
"Soujirou, do you know anyone in your year that would like taking part in this tournament – for the girls?" he asked, turning to him. Soujirou looked thoughtful.
"Well … they're mostly interested in basketball – or in something other than sports …" he said, honestly. "I guess … hmm … Kyoko san?" Kenshin shook his head.
"She's listed for the Under 18's …" he said. Soujirou said nothing. Who could they use? "I think it would be best to find two … I don't think Misao will be able to take part …"
"Misao?" asked Soujirou, looking startled. "Who asked her to take part? She … she shouldn't … not with that leg …" Kenshin nodded, darkly.
"Yes, but Saito said that she should be able to," he said. "She's listed as a part of the team in the entry forms anyway." Soujirou stopped walking.
"Demo – that's dangerous!" he said. "If Misao found out that she was listed as a part of the team, she'll definitely participate – whether or not it's good for her to do that!" Kenshin nodded again.
"I know Soujirou, I know … but … our captain had other ideas …" he said. Soujirou glared at the sidewalk. Saito … he really knew how to make enemies for himself, didn't he?
" … Don't you think … you're being a little … unfair?" Aoshi's question surprised both of the boys.
"Oro?" asked Kenshin.
"What do you mean?" asked Soujirou, curiously. Aoshi kept his face emotionless.
"Haven't you considered the possibility that … Misao will recover in time … and would want to take part in the tournament?" he asked. The stares the boys were giving him obviously said that they hadn't thought of that before.
"I guess … you're right …" said Soujirou, slowly. "But – what if something happens to her again?"
" … Won't she know that? That she'd be risking a lot to take part?" asked Aoshi, quietly. Soujirou sighed. He was right. Misao could recover before the tournament – but would Makimachi san let her take part in it? If Misao pleaded … he guessed she would – but still …
"But Saito will want her to do the hurdles," he said. Aoshi frowned. That was true. "And we saw what happened the last time she did that. Running is okay … but hurdles …?"
"But she did meet with that unfortunate accident because of the position of the hurdles," cut in Kenshin. "The hurdles will be evenly spaced out at the tournament …"
"True …" said Soujirou. Kenshin smiled at Aoshi.
"Misao would hug you for supporting her – if she was here," he said. Aoshi stared at him, mentally berating the red head as a picture of the cheerful … bouncy girl, throwing her arms around him in a hug, flashed across his head. Why did he have to say that? He turned back to the road.
First it was Misao in a fighting costume … now it was her hugging him. Great. He could imagine what it would be next.
His ice blue eyes widened slightly. Had he just … thought … what he thought he thought? He resisted the urge to moan and whack himself on the head. What was wrong with him?
Kashiwazaki Residence; 8:00 pm:
"Kashiwazaki Resi – Soujirou! Come in, come in," said Mrs. Makimachi, opening the door to find the black haired boy standing outside, looking slightly sheepish, and carrying a small back with him.
"I'm sorry for coming so late … should I – "
"Soujirou."
"Hai?"
"Come in," said Mrs. Makimachi, stepping aside to allow him to enter. He did that, removing his sneakers by the door. "Have you had dinner?" Soujirou shook his head.
"Iie …" he said. He saw her smile. "Oh – you don't need to prepare some for me – really, it's fine – " Mrs. Makimachi shook her head.
"I always prepare extra …" she said, smiling at him. "Have you finished your homework, or are you coming straight from a class?"
"I did my homework, Makimachi san," he said, smiling. "Although I didn't finish yesterday's set of work …"
"Soujirou – "
"I did, I did! I finished it this morning," he said, hurriedly, as he saw Makimachi Rika open her mouth, ready to start lecturing him. Ever since he had befriended Misao, her mother had been like that; always asking him how he was doing, whether he had a stocked fridge, whether he needed any help in anything … whether he wanted to spend the night with them …
He swallowed. She was treating him like part of the family – almost. In fact, there were times, after his guardian had died when he was just 13, when he had spent a few nights at the Kashiwazaki residence. It was much better than living alone …
"Hmm … the room is always ready," said Mrs. Makimachi, looking at him. "All that's left is for you to bring a few clothes and things, and stay …" He shook his head.
"Iie … there's no point in having that house if I don't live in it, is there?" he asked. Makimachi Rika ruffled his black hair, fondly.
"Hai, hai … but you do know that you're always welcome here, don't you?" she asked. Soujirou nodded, feeling a lump rise in his throat.
" … Hai …" he said, somewhat hoarsely.
"Good. Now, I believe Misao's upstairs – bored to death," said Mrs. Makimachi. "I'm not lying. She wanted to know if I could get her some stones, for her to throw out of the window, aiming at the next door neighbor's cat." Soujirou laughed.
"I can imagine how bored she must be," he said.
"Yes … well, go ahead, I'll serve dinner …" said Mrs. Makimachi. Smiling at her, he walked towards the stairs.
Misao twirled a strand of her long hair, thoughtfully. After Kaoru had gotten over the initial shock of her admitting that she liked … Aoshi … she had started telling her ways to get his attention, and how to 'take thing's easy' and not to 'force' things. She remembered having thrown another pillow at her, telling her that she had no 'future plans' or anything about him.
This had caused Kaoru to start lecturing her to 'stop thinking for the moment and think for the future for a change' because apparently 'there might come a time when Aoshi decided to marry her.'
That was where she had stopped her friend, asking her if she was thinking of Kenshin in the same way – as a future husband – to which the girl had no answer, except a blush and a glare. Honestly, at this age, thinking of marriage … what was wrong with Kaoru?
"Am I disturbing anything?"
"Sou!" Misao beamed at him, telling him he could enter. Smiling at her, he walked inside the room, plopping himself on the ground with his bag, leaning against the wall that had her windows in it. He had always liked sitting there. "How was school? Where's Yahiko? I didn't see him at all! And Kenshin?" Soujirou smiled.
"Yahiko's probably lazily sprawled on his bed, snoring," he said. "And Kenshin said he'd come tomorrow, saying he was tired."
"Tired – oh, how was it?" asked Misao. "The practice, I mean." Soujirou sighed.
"It wasn't bad …" he said.
"Really?" asked Misao. "And … what about the day before? When … when he made that comment?" Soujirou grinned sheepishly, knowing what she was referring to.
"Who … who told you?" he asked.
"Kaoru," said Misao. "And don't ask me how Kaoru got to know. I'm not telling you." She glared at him. "If I had been there – mou … I would have … I would have given him a good kick up his – "
"Right," said Soujirou, interrupting her before she could finish. He stretched one of his legs out and rested his elbow on the knee of the other leg that was raised. "How's your leg by the way?" Misao grinned sheepishly.
"It's … okay I guess," she said.
"You guess?"
"Well … I kind of tried to do something stupid and moved it – but it's okay," she said.
"Misao! What did you try and do?" asked Soujirou. Misao scratched her head.
"I tried to … er – walk …" she said, not willing to blurt out Kaoru's situation. Not that she didn't trust him – she could trust him with her life – but she didn't think Kaoru would appreciate it if she told someone else about her 'family' problems.
Soujirou shook his head. "Don't do that again Misao … I mean … you won't heal soon then," he said. Misao nodded vigorously.
"I know! I must get better before the tournament," she said, eagerly. "When are the trials anyway?" She paused. "And did you get the entry forms?"
"The trials are two weeks away …" said Soujirou. Misao's face fell. Two weeks … that was … quite close. Would her leg heal by then? "And yes, Kenshin and Saito signed the entry forms." Misao's eyes narrowed.
"Saito?" she grumbled. Soujirou nodded.
"Yep," he said. "And … Saito put you down for the girls' events – Under 17 of course."
"Heh … don't worry, I'll get better before that," she said. "But … what about the trials? What if I'm not fit for them?" Soujirou shook his head.
"I don't think it will be a problem if you're not fit for them …" he said. "In any case, you need to recover soon – which means no more doing any stupid things, which include throwing stones at cats."
"Heh … Kachan told you that?" asked Misao. Soujirou nodded. "Well I'm bored! At least you go to school! I have to stay on this bed all the freaking time!" Soujirou smiled, patting the black bag he had brought with him. "Eh? Oh!" Misao smiled again. "You're staying the night?" Soujirou shook his head.
"Iie … not today," he said, seeing her smile disappear. "But I did bring you some schoolwork …" Misao's eyes widened.
"What?"
"I thought you'd be bored, so I got you the books we had to get out of the library for literature, and the other stuff we've been doing in class," said Soujirou. Misao groaned.
"SOUJIROU! That's not what I meant when I said that I was bored!" she groaned aloud. Soujirou grinned.
"Anything is better than nothing, is it not?" he asked, ducking as a pillow was hurled at him. He picked it up. "Now, now, Misao … you shouldn't use up your energy like that …" he said, mockingly. Misao glared at him.
"Sano came by … and said that he wasn't going for practice," she said. Soujirou nodded.
"Yahiko didn't come either," he said. "Saito asked Sano not to come for a week, but asked Yahiko not to come at all." Misao scowled.
"Darn him …"
"Hmm … But Kenshin said that he's included Sano and Yahiko in the entry forms …" said Soujirou. "For the Under 18's and the Under 17's …"
"What're you doing for the Under 17's?" asked Misao.
"The mixed relay, probably the hurdles – those application forms haven't come in yet – the 100 meter, 2 into 100 meter, and 4 into 100 meter races …" he said. Misao grinned.
"But of course … who else would be perfect for those events," she said. "You do have backup, don't you? I mean, I know you're fast … but you are also human …"
"Really? I … didn't know that." Soujirou ducked again, as a rather heavy hard back book was hurled at him. "Misao, didn't I tell you to be careful? I mean … although all of us aren't as fragile as you are … we are prone to injuries …" he said, as seriously as he could.
"Oh shut up," grumbled Misao, good-naturedly. "Oh, did I tell you that Otosan came over?" Soujirou's mouth dropped open.
"W – WHAT?!" Misao winced as he yelled. "Sorry … what did he say?"
"The usual …" said Misao, sighing heavily. "That if I was staying with him, I wouldn't have done this to myself … that Kachan can't take care of me well … that it's all Kachan's fault – " She stopped, taking a deep breath. "It's not fair, you know … I mean Kachan takes really good care of me …" She stared at Soujirou, her blue eyes dull. "Just last night, she couldn't get any sleep because my leg was killing me … and she stayed by me all the time." She broke off.
Soujirou didn't say anything, knowing that she had to let it all out of her system. He, instead, waited until she was ready to continue.
"And – and … I know that whatever happens, they're both my parents, and that I love them dearly …" she said. "But it's not fair! If anything happens to me when I'm with Kachan, it's her fault. And no one bothers to tell Otosan that it's my fault, not his or Kachan's …" She took a deep breath. "I'm … I'm sorry … I shouldn't bore you will this …" Soujirou shook his head.
"Misao, you know you can tell me," he said, gently. "You always have been telling me …" Misao smiled weakly.
"You know what I sometimes wonder?" she asked. Soujirou shook his head. "I wonder what good deed I must've done to get a good friend like you." It took a few seconds for Soujirou to realize that she had complimented him. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly – something he always did when he was embarrassed.
"Eeto … I don't think it's that big a deal …" he said. Misao grinned. That was Soujirou – always trying to put himself down whenever possible. Her mother's entry into the room caught both of their attention. Mrs. Makimachi was walking inside, balancing two trays of food in her hands. Soujirou stood up at once. "Makimachi san! You should have called m – "
Mrs. Makimachi pushed him away gently. "I do work at a restaurant, Soujirou. I can balance two trays in my hands …" she said.
"But – " he sighed. He could see where Misao got her stubbornness from. "Hai, hai." He sat back down. Mrs. Makimachi placed one tray on Misao's bed, whilst placing the other one beside Soujirou. "Arigato, Makimachi san," he said, inhaling the enticing aroma of the food. Mrs. Makimachi shook her head, smiling.
"Arigato Kachan!"
"Well, I won't keep you from your conversation," she said. "Soujirou, just make sure that Misao takes these tablets once she's finished eating, okay?" She placed the three tablets on the bedside table. Soujirou nodded.
"Hai," he said. Smiling at them, Mrs. Makimachi walked out of the room.
"Well, I don't know about you, Sou, but I'm hungry! Itadakimasu!" said Misao, before diving into her food. Metaphorically. Shaking his head, he turned to his own food.
"Itadakimasu," he said, before helping himself.
"Is Soujirou here?" asked Okina, as he walked down the corridor and spotted the white and blue sneakers. His daughter ran to greet him.
"Otosan! How was work?" she asked. Okina smiled at her.
"Exciting as usual," he said. "Is Soujirou here?" Rika nodded.
"Hai, I just gave him and Misao their dinner," she said.
"Ah … speaking of dinner – I'm hungry …" said Okina, the aroma of food reaching his nose. Rika laughed.
"Come this way then," she said, walking towards the kitchen where she had been heating the food, awaiting her father's return.
Kamiya Residence:
Kaoru smiled to herself as she remembered Misao's 'confession.' Try as she might, she couldn't get the smile off her face; Misao, her good friend … liked Aoshi. And to make things better, Aoshi lived opposite her room. What did that mean? That meant she was in the best position to set the two of them up – without making it obvious.
Misao had nearly killed her when she had started 'lecturing' her. She smiled. She still couldn't believe it. She frowned suddenly. She had decided, after getting back from Misao's house a few hours ago, that she had to take action – immediately.
But how? She went through the mental list of things she had decided that she could do. One of the things she had thought about doing was to get Misao to come over, and somehow – somehow – make her catch a glimpse of Aoshi – shirtless or something. She had thought that sounded good, until she had realized that there was no way she could get Aoshi to be shirtless when Misao came over and that Misao wasn't in a position to come over in the first place.
Her other thought had been to send Aoshi to Misao's place – on pretence of giving something to her, or getting something for her. Aoshi didn't know for sure whether she was sick or not, so she could ask him to do that, because she was sick and didn't want to go over to Misao's and make her get sick as well.
She looked up as she heard knocking on her door. "Come in!" she called. Her mother entered.
"Kaoru, Hisashi said that he'll be getting late today," said Mrs. Kamiya. "Let's have dinner …" Kaoru glanced at the clock. It was 8:15. This was just great. She could get Aoshi to – but first, she needed to tell her mother.
"Okasan, guess what?" she said, grinning. Mrs. Kamiya stared at her daughter.
"Er … something good happened?" she asked.
"Yes! Misao admitted it!" said Kaoru. Her mother's eyes widened. "She said she did like him!"
"M – Misao said that?" asked Mrs. Kamiya. Kaoru nodded, grinning. She looked behind her to see Aoshi's closed door.
"Unbelievable isn't it?" asked Kaoru. She nodded.
"Y – Yes …" she said, beginning to smile. "I thought she wasn't being serious – " She stopped as Aoshi opened his door, having being called for dinner too. "Aoshi … good, we can have dinner together then."
"Ah, Aoshi san …" said Kaoru, deciding that it was now or never. Aoshi turned to her. "Can you do me a favour?" Aoshi was on guard the moment she said that. He remembered her earlier 'request.' Mrs. Kamiya stared questioningly at her daughter.
" … … …" He chose to wait and hear her out before refusing.
"I – I would love to go and give this to Misao chan, but with this sore throat and cold …" said Kaoru, as hoarsely as she could. "I don't want to go and … give it to her … she has enough to worry about as it is …" Her mother was almost gaping at her as she acted 'sick.'
Aoshi frowned. She really was sick then … he had thought it was just and excuse to stay at home …
"Kaoru – " started Mrs. Kamiya.
"We … had to read this book for literature – I forgot to tell her this yesterday," interrupted Kaoru, smiling as she saw her literature book on the table. " … Could – could you please go and give this to her?" Aoshi stared at her. She didn't look sick, but she did sound it. He sighed inwardly. Why was it always him? And what had happened to his strong resolve about not doing what other people wanted him to do?
Mrs. Kamiya understood what her daughter was trying to do. She couldn't help but smile slightly – before she turned serious.
"Kaoru, Aoshi needs to have dinner," she said. Kaoru's face fell. She had hoped her mother wouldn't interrupt. Aoshi saw her face fall, and, kicking himself mentally, shook his head.
"Iie … I'll give it and come," he said. Mrs. Kamiya stared in disbelief at him and her daughter.
"Arigato … Aoshi san …" said Kaoru, beaming at him, although she was cackling inside. She handed him the book they were doing; Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet.' Misao already had that book – they had been working on it since the beginning of the year … but he didn't need to know that.
" … … …" was all Aoshi said as he took the book and turned around.
"Ah – Aoshi san? Tell her … I told her to … picture herself as … 'Juliet' … and a 'partner' as Romeo" said Kaoru, grinning. "S – Sensei told us to do that, and it helps …" Looking strangely at her, Aoshi nodded before walking away. Mrs. Kamiya turned back to her daughter.
"Misao's going to kill you for that," she said.
"I know," said Kaoru, grinning.
Kashiwazaki Residence:
Aoshi walked up the stairs, heading towards the room he had gone to yesterday – Misao's room. The door, as usual, was opened. He stood at the doorway, looking inside. Misao was seated on the bed, laughing. There was a tray of food on her lap and – he stopped as he heard the male voice. Looking closely, he saw Soujirou seated on the ground, a tray of food on the floor next to him. He was smiling as he spoke to her.
He cleared his throat softly, unable to think of any other way to get their attention. Soujirou turned to the door, and smiled as he saw him. Misao, on the other hand, found her face growing slightly warm.
"A – Aoshi … " she said. He nodded, walking up to the bed.
" … How's … your leg?" he asked, thinking it impolite to hand the book over right away. Misao glanced at her leg, as though remembering only then that there was something wrong with it.
"Oh – it's … er … its okay …" she said. Soujirou grinned.
"And we believe you, don't we, Aoshi?" he asked, teasingly. Misao threw the remaining pillow she had on her bed at him. "I told you twice already, Misao, fragile things like you shouldn't waste your energy like that." He chuckled as he saw the glares she was sending his way.
Aoshi watched the two banter. He was somewhat surprised to feel … rather strange as he watched them. His mind was no help, whirling with questions.
What was Soujirou doing in her room at this time of the night? Did Mrs. Makimachi even know he was there? Ah, there're two trays of food … she must know that he's there …
And … who was Soujirou to Misao … anyway? That was easy; he was her best friend. He had said so when they were walking home.
He growled inwardly. Shouldn't his mind be asking him; why are you so concerned in the first place? He held out the book Kaoru had given him. Misao stared at it, startled.
" … Kaoru san … she asked me to give this to you," he said. "She said she was too sick to come over."
"Sick? Is she alright?" asked Misao, rather surprised. Kaoru hadn't looked sick before … And … why was she giving her a copy of 'Romeo and Juliet'? Her eyes widened. Unless …
" … … …" Aoshi shrugged. " … She asked you to imagine that you're Juliet … and your 'partner' – " Here, he glanced at Soujirou. " – is Romeo." Misao turned bright red – out of embarrassment or anger she didn't know. What she did know, was that she wasn't going to let Kaoru live to see another day.
"I – er … yes … th – thanks …" she stammered, smiling, despite her blush. Aoshi stared at her, thoughtfully, as she turned red. He still couldn't tell whether she turned red because she was embarrassed, or whether it was because she had fever or something.
"Is that 'Romeo and Juliet'?" asked Soujirou, surprised. Misao nodded. "But … you already have it, don't you, Misao? We got it at the beginning of the term …" Misao nodded again, unable to tell Soujirou to stop because he was probably going to get Kaoru in trouble. Aoshi shrugged.
" … … …" Nodding at Soujirou and Misao, he turned to walk away. Misao said it before thinking.
"Wait!" Aoshi stopped and turned to look at her, Soujirou doing the same. She blushed. "Er … would you – would you like to stay for dinner?" Aoshi raised his eyebrows slightly at the request. "I – I mean – if you'd like to – no one's forcing you to – " stammered Misao. He shook his head slowly. Misao's shoulders slumped. "Hai – I understand. I shouldn't have asked – I'm sorry – "
A small – very small – smile formed on Aoshi's lips as he watched the flustered girl stammer. She was … different … to the other girls – especially to the ones that followed his every move. She was more of a … intriguing person, with her bursts of temper, sudden flustering and liveliness.
"Thanks for the offer …" he said, walking to the door, before stopping again – on his own accord. " … Good night …"
" – Good night!" squeaked Misao, watching him walk away, before burying her face in her hands. Soujirou scratched his head as he watched her. Now he was confused.
What was that all about?
A/N
Heh … perhaps that was a bit too rushed … but my hands and neck are killing me. I'm sorry! Next chapter will be longer – I promise! Heh … Misao's 'intriguing' now, is she???
I hope you liked that!
See ya very soon!
Siriusgirl1