A/N
Heh! Another chapter's here! Hope you enjoy this too, and thanks for all the reviews! Heh … I can't seem to get the picture of Hiko Seijiro being 'bullied' and 'driven crazy' by two little girls out of my mind – no matter how hard I try. Oh well …
Kitsune Kenshin: Heh, that was definitely funny. It wasn't what you'd usually expect from someone when they're in a crisis, is it? Heh, and what about the part when Elizabeth falls into the sea, and Jack's talking to 2 soldiers, and he says 'will you be saving her then?" and they're like 'but i can't swim,' and he goes 'pearl of the king's navy you are!' He's really great ... heh, thanks for the review! No, it didn't waste my time at all! Yes, let's hope Tokio does a good job ... I did feel bad about the girls, but I thought about Hiko being bullied by two kids, and couldn't get rid of that thought. Imagine, the famous Hiko Seijiro, handling kids ... heh, hope you like this!
jade eyed neko: Indeed, Soujirou should do that - although, knowing Kenshin, he'd suggest escaping through the window or something, and recieve a good punch from Kaoru! Thanks for your review! And there's a little more Sano and Megumi in this. I just feel sorry for Soujirou, stuck with people that are 'seemingly' going mad! Hope you like this too!
Oniwabanshu: (dodges kunais and kodachi's) I made this one longer than the last chapter! I really did ... (hands kunais and kodachi's over) hmm ... using them is quite effective in making me extend the length. They're good for future use! Heh, thanks for the review! Heh, about your 'ideas' ... i'll just say one thing - i won't say anything now! Heheheh ... you are right about somethings ... or are you wrong? Hmm ... we will have to see won't we? Thanks for the compliments again ... and the review was great. About Hiko dealing with Saito ... we'll have to see the consequences of that ... well, that's it for now ... read on!
kakashi fan: Heheheh ... (sorry if i seem to be doing that a lot) Hiko and Misao's mum ... could be, could not be. You'll have to read and find out! Heh, thanks for the review, and enjoy this!
setsuna: Heh, being threatened to be 'hunted down' and thrown kunais, katanas and kodachis at ... would make anyone update fast - just kidding! Heh, i'll try to keep on updating like this ... Saito and Tokio - well, i hope she'll 'soften' saito somewhat ... who knows what he might do to everyone else if not? Thanks for the review, and hope you like this one too!
HitokiriSky: Thank you, thank you, thank you! Yes, Aoshi/Misao is one of my favourite pairings too (as you might have guessed). Hmm ... good question ... I guess we'll find out during the tournament, right? Heh, thanks for the review!
midnight song: Hmm ... I was thinking about that, actually. Some people spell it 'Saitou' or 'Saito' or 'Saitoh.' Hmm ... i'll try and change it from the next chapter ... though i kind of prefer 'saito.' But thanks for pointing that out, and thanks for the review! Hope you like this one too!
Why?What?Shutup: I don't think Saito's that bad either ... though I'm beginning to get second thoughts after typing his character in this. Heh. But don't worry ... he won't be that bad ... especially with Hiko sensei back! Thanks for the review, and I hope you like this too!
sonia: I was hoping to get them to actually 'talk' to each other first, before the 'real' interaction starts! Heh, there is a bit of it in this one ... and plenty more in the rest to come, of course! Heh, thanks for the review, and enjoy this too!
Chapter Twelve: Helped Again
"What's wrong with Yahiko?"
"I don't know …"
"You're supposed to know! You know him better than I do!"
"I can't read minds, Kaoru …"
"I know that … but – " They were interrupted when they saw Sano and Megumi walking their way. "There's Sano – maybe he'll tell us – " Kaoru was stopped abruptly when Sano whirled around to face Megumi who was walking a few steps behind him, and who was looking rather miffed.
"Will you leave me alone?!" he asked, his voice raised. Megumi stopped walking, startled by the expression of frustration on Sano's face.
"I was just trying to – "
"Well don't, okay?!" A stricken look appeared on Megumi's face … before it was replaced immediately with a mask of fury.
"Fine. You get into trouble and deal with it. Don't ask me for any help ever again then," she retorted, coldly. Sano snorted.
"I won't," he said. "I don't need the help of someone like you." Kaoru's jaw was on the ground and Soujirou's was halfway there as they watched Megumi raise her hand and bring it into contact with Sano's cheek. The resounding slap could be heard from where they were standing.
Sano touched his right cheek as it stung him, his eyes slightly widened as he stared at Megumi. "You watch the way you speak to me, Sanosuke!" snapped Megumi, lowering her hand, her eyes flashing. Kaoru and Soujirou exchanged 'raised eyebrow' glances, before turning back to their two friends.
Megumi, spotting them, brushed past Sano and stopped beside them. "Aren't you going for practice, Soujirou?" she asked. Soujirou nodded weakly, wondering again what had happened to his friends.
"H – Hai … I am," he said. Kaoru stared at Megumi.
"What's up with him?" she asked. Megumi shrugged.
"I don't know," she said. "And I don't think I want to know either."
"Yahiko's been acting pretty much the same …" said Kaoru. "Ever since their meeting with Nakamura sensei." That caught Megumi's attention.
"Yahiko's been the same?" she asked, thoughtfully, as she turned back and glanced at Sano, who was still standing where he was, touching his cheek.
"I think something happened during that 'meeting," said Kaoru.
"Then why won't they tell us about it?" asked Soujirou, confused. Megumi stiffened as Sano walked towards them, snapping out of his reverie. Kaoru and Soujirou smiled rather nervously at him.
"S – Sano …" said Kaoru, smiling. "Er … um … practice … let's go for practice, shall we?" she stammered. Sano's face darkened for a brief second before he turned to Megumi.
"Sorry kitsune, I didn't mean to say that …" he said, gruffly. Megumi looked away from him, obviously not about to forgive him. Sano sighed. "He's gone and told Nakamura sensei that he told us to come for practice, and that we skipped it yesterday – with the tournament coming up. We're on detention – Yahiko and I," he said. "And he's apparently 'innocent' and we're lying about him when we say that he was the one that told us not to come …"
"That's ridiculous," said Soujirou, slowly. "I was there – he told you not to come …" Sano smiled grimly.
"You know that, I know that and Yahiko knows that … but Nakamura sensei doesn't …" he said. "Besides, I guess it's okay – just a detention – but – "
"Just a detention? Just a detention?" asked Kaoru. "Sano, are you mad? What'll your parents say?" Sano grinned weakly at her.
"My parents are used to me getting loads of detentions, Kaoru," he said. Kaoru had nothing to say to that – he was right.
"But the point is Saito shouldn't have lied like that," said Soujirou.
"Yeah, but he did," said Sano, his face darkening again. He turned once more to Megumi. "Thanks for doing the timeline … and I'm really sorry that I spoke that way." He stopped when he saw that Megumi was still not looking at him. "I'm sorry Megumi …" Kaoru and Soujirou watched on as Megumi turned to look at him, sighing deeply, as though she was about to do something against her will.
"You owe me twice, rooster," she said, not saying that she accepted his apology. "For doing your homework and for talking to me like that." She smiled in her 'foxy' way. "And you can start by getting on your knees and apologizing to me …" Sano's eyes almost popped out of their sockets as he stared at her.
"You're – you're not serious …" he muttered. Megumi grinned at him.
"Oh I am … very serious …" she said. "Ho ho ho ho …" Soujirou intervened at that precise moment, much to Sano's relief.
"Er … we should get going if we want to make it to the practice on time …" he said, causing Sano to turn to him and mouth 'thank you.'
"Sano – are you going to go for practice?" asked Yahiko, approaching them with a scowl on his face. Sano scowled.
"I don't want to, but I don't want to get another detention – or suspension from the team, though I doubt they'll do that," he said. Yahiko sighed.
"I was thinking the same thing …" he said. Soujirou smiled in relief.
"Well then, what are we waiting for? We should get going!" he said. Sano and Yahiko nodded, walking forward and heading out of the building. "We'll see you tomorrow …" said Soujirou, smiling at Kaoru and Megumi.
"Soujirou – are you going to see Misao chan today?" asked Kaoru, suddenly. Soujirou nodded hurriedly.
"Of course …" he said. "Why do you ask?" Kaoru grinned evilly.
"Oh … just asking …" she said. Scratching his head in confusion at Kaoru's 'evil gleam in her eyes,' Soujirou followed Sano and Yahiko, hoping this practice wouldn't be a repeat of the day Sano tried attacking Saito. That would be disastrous.
"Are you going home now?" asked Kaoru, turning to Megumi. The older girl shook her head.
"No, there's a Magazine committee meeting today and I am needed there," she said. "You?" Kaoru shook her head.
"I have an extra chemistry class," she said, groaning.
"What do you know, bears are terrible at chemistry …" said Megumi, smiling. "No wonder there's no chemistry between them and certain red-headed cuties …" Kaoru turned super deformed as she glared at Megumi.
"I don't recall noting that foxes have chemistry with 'red-headed cuties," she snapped. Megumi laughed.
"That's because you're a bear who has no talent in spotting chemistry," she said. Kaoru glared daggers at her.
"I do have a talent at spotting 'chemistry'!" she growled.
"Oh? And who have you spotted that has 'chemistry' with someone?" asked Megumi, interested. She had only been teasing the girl – but now she was curious as to whom she thought had 'chemistry' with each other.
"Aoshi san and M – " Kaoru stopped, horror stricken, as her anger vanished in an instant, only to be replaced by horror, as Megumi stared at her, both eyebrows raised.
"Aoshi and … Misao?" she asked. Kaoru turned deep red.
"No – Misao? Who said Misao? Are you mad? Don't even tell that to her, she'll kill me – I mean, she'll kill you for spreading stupid rumours!" she said.
"Really? Well … there's nothing wrong with just asking her, is there?" asked Megumi. "Or telling her that 'Kaoru chan' said this about you and Aoshi?"
"Megumi don't you dare! I promised Misao that I wouldn't tell anyone and if you go and tell – " Kaoru closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She guessed she knew how Misao must have felt when she played this 'game' with her the other day, making her admit that she liked Aoshi …
Megumi was amused – highly amused. Not because she had made Kaoru blurt out one of Misao's secrets … but because the thought of Aoshi and Misao as a future 'couple' struck her as being amusing. Not that they didn't suit each other – it had more to do with Aoshi's 'colder than ice' personality … which was the complete opposite of Misao's 'warmer than fire' personality.
"I'll see you later then, Kaoru," she said, smiling sweetly at the stricken girl, before she walked away. Kaoru stared after her, wondering what she had just got herself into. Would Megumi tell Misao? She gulped … Misao would definitely kill her if she did …
Mrs. Makimachi smiled as Suzume spilt a bit of the milk on her already stained brown dress. Smiling patiently, she leaned forward and pressed the serviette on to the dress, gently taking the glass out of the girl's hands. Turning to Ayame, she saw that she had already finished the glass of milk.
"Ayame chan – try the biscuits," she said, nodding at the biscuits she had placed in front of them. Ayame shook her head, smiling shyly.
"I'm … full …" she said. Mrs. Makimachi smiled at her, before turning to Suzume again.
"How about you try a few biscuits?" she asked. The girl shook her head as well, clearly trying to imitate her sister. "How about some milk then?" Suzume shook her head again. Mrs. Makimachi sighed inwardly, before she sat back down on her seat, observing the two children. She smiled sadly as she remembered what Hiko Seijiro had said about their mother.
"Er – Makimach – " She looked up to see Hiko standing at the entrance to the kitchen, a serious expression on his face. She smiled at him.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"No, I need to go now," said Hiko, looking warily at the two girls. He could just imagine going for the practice and facing Saito with the two girls as his 'side-kicks.' Mrs. Makimachi didn't miss the look he gave the children.
"Are you taking Ayame and Suzume for the practice as well?" she asked, curiously. He sighed.
" … I've got no choice …" he grumbled in his deep voice, though his eyes fell on Rika. Mrs. Makimachi pretended that she didn't see him, although she had a feeling she knew what he would like to do … but just couldn't ask her to do that for him. She sighed inwardly.
" … I could … keep them here if you'd like …" she said, not looking at him. "Of course – if you'd like …" Hiko's eyes widened slightly as he looked at her for a moment, digesting what she had said. When it did digest, he made sure to give her his best smile.
"It won't be too much trouble?" he asked. Mrs. Makimachi shook her head, looking somewhat fondly at the two girls.
"It's been quite some time since I've looked after kids – though looking after Misao is similar to that …" she said. Hiko smiled again. He turned to the two girls.
"Now you two girls should behave well, understand?" he asked, using his most serious tone on them. The two girls nodded – though Suzume did it somewhat sleepily.
"We will, Uncle Sei," said Ayame, for her and her sister. Mrs. Makimachi raised her eyebrows. Uncle Sei?
"Hnn … Makimachi san, how can I thank you again?" asked Hiko Seijiro, turning back to her. She smiled, shaking her head.
"A simple 'thank you' will be fine," she said.
"Thank you." She laughed. Looking at the man called Hiko Seijiro one wouldn't be able to tell that he was capable of sounding so humble. He looked more like someone that was always ready to fight, being serious. "Well then – I should get going …" he said, slowly. "Make sure Misao rests."
"It is a bit difficult keeping her in one place," said Mrs. Makimachi. Hiko nodded.
"And it's also necessary to make sure that she doesn't move her knee around too much," he added. "Because that's too dangerous – the fractures could take some time to heal if it is moved." Mrs. Makimachi nodded again, though she was wondering why he was telling her all of this – it wasn't like she didn't know what to do for her daughter. "Oh, and when she is walking, just stay by her side, okay? She might lose her balance or something and then – "
"I know Hiko san," she cut in, before he could go on. "I have been looking after her all this time."
"That is true … She's the only hope for the Girls' team this year, and if she gets taken out at this stage … I shudder to think of the outcome of the tournament for us …" said Hiko. Mrs. Makimachi narrowed her eyes slightly – a feat which did not go unnoticed to Hiko. He noted that her eyes were extra-ordinarily similar to her daughter's – even more so when they were narrowed in anger.
" … So as long as she's okay for the tournament, it's fine?" she asked. Hiko shook his head hurriedly, as Ayame watched on.
"No, no – of course not," he said, shaking his head again. "I was merely saying that she'd be miserable if she had to stay in bed all her life …" He was mentally kicking himself. He must be losing his touch with people if he was able to say the wrong thing – this early - to make someone angry.
"Oh …" said Mrs. Makimachi. "I – " she stood up hurriedly, grabbing the glass of milk as Suzume leaned over on the table and was about to knock it over as she stretched. Hiko frowned slightly. Maybe … maybe he should just take them with him … Glancing at his watch he saw that it was high time that he left. He looked uncertainly at the kids and at Mrs. Makimachi before clearing his throat.
"I'll be leaving now – I'll come and get them at the end of the practice," he said. Mrs. Makimachi nodded, getting up and leading the way to the front door. The moment he had left, and she had closed the door, she let out a deep breath. She should have thought a little before she had offered to look after the kids.
What if he asked her to look after them everyday? Not that she minded – but … it was none of her business … and besides, looking after an injured Misao was more than enough of work for her; not that that was troublesome either.
She had to admit, though … that when Misao spoke about 'sensei' or 'Hiko sensei' … she had expected him to be a rather plump, old man … not someone that looked rather young and out of place in a peaceful society.
"Saito, I got the application forms for the hurdles …" said Kenshin, walking up to Saito, who was watching Mitsui Yoriko as she attempted the 2 into 100 meter race.
"Hnn … and did you find anyone for the Under 19 and Under 17 girls' team?" asked Saito, looking at his vice-captain. Kenshin nodded.
"Yes, Fujita Tokio …" he said. "For the Under 19's."
"And the Under 17's?" asked Saito.
"I'm looking into that …" said Kenshin. Saito raised an eyebrow at him.
"I don't mind if you don't find someone for the Under 17's – Makimachi can run on her own for all I care," he said. "I just thought that you wouldn't want her to be on her own." Kenshin nodded, breathing deeply.
"Which is why I'm looking into it," he said, as calmly as he could.
"Good, good," said Saito. "How is the weasel girl anyway?" Kenshin growled inside.
"She's on top of the world Saito," he said, sarcastically. "How do you expect her to be, with her injuries? Dancing around? Jumping with joy?"
"Careful, Himura …" said Saito, as Sano, Yahiko and Aoshi walked their way. "I mean, two idiots have already received detentions for their insufferable attitudes." Kenshin saw Sano and Yahiko stop walking. He still didn't know what had happened with Nakamura sensei.
"Huh?" was all he asked.
"Aoshi – what was your time for the 2 into 100 race?" asked Saito, turning to him.
" … 4 minutes as 3.2 seconds," replied Aoshi, quietly. Saito nodded.
"Not bad …" he said. "Try the 4 into 100 one tomorrow …" Aoshi said nothing, as his gaze flickered from Sano and Yahiko, to his cousin. Shrugging, Saito walked away, heading towards Shihiro, who had stopped running for a while to take a breather.
"Kaoru." Aoshi looked at Kenshin as he heard him say the name. Sure enough, standing some distance away from them, looking nervous, was Kaoru. Kenshin smiled at her. "Kaoru … over here …" he called. Kaoru looked up at the sound of his voice and walked towards them.
"What brings you here, Kaoru?" asked Kenshin, warmly.
"I finished my chemistry class … and thought I'd come and check up on you guys," said Kaoru, smiling at Aoshi. Actually, she had come to 'check up' on Kenshin, after not getting any chemistry into her head, since she was busy thinking about what she had blurted out to Megumi.
"Heh, you should have brought Megumi with you," said Yahiko. "Kitsune versus Wolf … that would be a sight to see …" Kaoru didn't grin, as the mention of Megumi's name made her remember what she had blurted out to her. She looked again at Aoshi, before looking at Kenshin.
"Are you guys going to see Misao today?" she asked. Kenshin scratched his head, looking thoughtful.
"Hnnn … we didn't go yesterday either …" he said. "So we should go … but I do have some work to do today …"
"I went to see her yesterday," said Sano.
"So did Soujirou," added Kaoru, looking at Aoshi. He stared indifferently at her, though he was squirming inwardly. He had known it was a bad idea to ask her about Soujirou and Misao going out …
"Yeah, but that's it … she won't like it, being left all alone like that," said Yahiko. "I didn't go to see her …" he added, sheepishly.
"Aoshi san went to see her too," said Kaoru. Aoshi glanced sharply at her as everyone turned to look at him.
"Oro?"
"You … did?"
"When?"
" … Kaoru san wanted me to give her some book – Romeo and Juliet I think it was," he said, quietly. "Something about reading it in class …"
"Huh? But … we've finished that book …" said Yahiko, turning to Kaoru. "Right?" Kaoru flushed as she saw Aoshi fix her with a penetrating gaze. "Yeah, we did finish it – remember, two weeks ago – we were given 'Hamlet' in place of that …" continued Yahiko.
"Er … yes – I … I was just – Misao was – " she stopped. "Er …" she grinned, sneaking an evil glance at Aoshi, who immediately knew that something 'bad' was going to happen. "Aoshi san thought that Soujirou and Misao were going out …" If looks could kill, not only would Kaoru be dead in this life, but in all the other lives she would be reborn in, after she died.
"You did?" snorted Yahiko, a smile on his face. "Yeah … I guess it does seem that way …"
"Heh … she'd kill you if she found out you thought that way," laughed Sano. "They're just good friends." Kenshin, however, said nothing as he observed Aoshi's flushed face. He was beginning to get rather strange ideas about this whole affair …
"Uh-oh … Mr. Wolf's heading our way …" grumbled Yahiko, seeing Saito walk up to them. He and Sano immediately moved away, heading to the other side of the field, wanting to put as much distance as possible between their captain and them. Kenshin stayed where he was, with Aoshi and Kaoru.
Kaoru grinned at Aoshi, knowing that what she was going to say would make him keep his distance from her – for a little while. "Satisfied, Aoshi san?" she asked.
" … … ..."
"They're just friends … not going out …"
"Oro?" asked Kenshin, watching Aoshi's flush turn a deep red. He couldn't say anything else as Saito stopped beside them. Kaoru watched Saito's gaze turn from her to Aoshi … and back again.
" … Is this the Fujita girl?" he asked, looking at Kenshin, who had stiffened slightly.
"No … this is Kaoru – Kamiya Kaoru …" he said. Saito's eyes widened slightly as he heard the name. He turned to look at Aoshi, his earlier question answered. So this was the Kamiya girl …
So this is Aoshi's 'sister'
Aoshi saw the way he looked from him to Kaoru and frowned. Saito's comment about still being with his 'mummy' was still fresh in his mind. He opened his mouth to say something, when Saito beat him to it.
"Ah, I see the two chickens ran away from me …" he said, looking at the distant figures of Sano and Yahiko. "Hnn … their detentions serve them right …"
"Detentions?" asked Kenshin, surprised. "What detentions?" Saito smirked, noticing Kaoru look up hurriedly.
"You call yourselves friends … but you don't know about the detentions those two have received?" he asked. Kaoru glanced hurriedly at Kenshin.
"No, I don't know about the detentions they've received," he said. "Care to enlighten me?" Saito shook his head.
"Figure it out yourself …" he said. He glanced at Kaoru for moment. "Then again … why don't you ask your girlfriend?" He didn't know for sure whether the Kamiya girl knew about the detentions or not, but from the guilty look on her face as he asked Himura to ask her, he guessed that she did know.
"What does Kaoru have to do with this?" asked Kenshin, his eyes narrowed at Saito. Understanding dawned on the captain as he took in Kenshin's change of temper.
" … Dear me, we seem to have gotten defensive …" he said. Kenshin glared at him.
"What does Kaoru have to do with this?" he repeated. Saito smirked.
"Why ask me? Why not ask her?" he asked. "Oh, and Aoshi … I want a word with you …" Kaoru and Aoshi stared curiously at him. Shrugging, Aoshi followed him. Kaoru glanced at Kenshin, who wasn't looking too happy. She touched his hand gingerly.
"Kenshin? Sano told Megumi and I about it … that's how I know …" she said. Kenshin turned to her, his expression softening.
" … What happened?" he asked.
"Saito san's apparently gone and told Nakamura sensei that Sano and Yahiko didn't come for practice and that they should be punished for it," said Kaoru. "And when they said that Saito san was the one that asked them not to come, they were accused of lying and were given a detention each." Kenshin's eyes widened.
"A – Are you sure that it was Saito that told that to Nakamura sensei?" he asked. Kaoru nodded.
"At least – that's what Sano and Yahiko think," she said. Kenshin said nothing as he looked at where Saito and Aoshi were standing, talking. He couldn't believe it – true, he knew that Saito Hajime wasn't a nice person … but he never thought that he'd do something like this.
"I don't believe him …" he said, his voice low and threatening. Kaoru nodded slowly.
"Neither do I." Kenshin's eyes widened as he heard the familiar voice. He spun around, and came face to face – or rather, face to torso – with Hiko Seijiro.
"S – Sensei!"
Aoshi stood facing Saito, his face impassive. Saito stared at him for a second or two before shrugging, and starting the 'conversation.'
"Otosan wanted to know if you were being treated well by – Mrs. Kamiya …" he said. Aoshi glanced at Saito in surprise. Uncle Tooru wanted to know? Ah yes … he hadn't liked Kamiya san at the beginning …
" … She's treating me … as well as anyone can treat a stranger who was suddenly dropped off at their house," he said, making no notion of hiding the fact that he was still a little bit resentful over his Aunt and Uncle's decision to leave him at the Kamiya's. Saito picked up on his tone.
"They did it for your own good …" he said. Aoshi said nothing.
" … Yes, leaving me with a stranger works wonders for my own good …" he said. Saito said nothing. Should he, or shouldn't he? He knew that it would be completely out of his character if he did do that … but … as the kid's cousin …
"They're not 'strangers' Aoshi …" he said, at last. Aoshi glanced sharply at him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked. Saito stared at him, not making any sarcastic comments. Then again, if that was indeed Mrs. Kamiya's daughter … it was best for Aoshi to know in case … just in case …
" … I don't know whether I should be telling you this …" he said. "But … I guess it's best for you to know …"
" … Are you going to tell me what you mean … or are you going to stop at that?" asked Aoshi, anger beginning to rise inside him, even as he did his best to hide it. To his surprise, Saito didn't make any 'smart ass' comment about his 'temper' or anything … That was something new. Since when did Saito stay quiet when he had the chance to make a sarcastic comment?
"Uncle Yuuji …" said Saito, slowly, trying to think of the best way to put all of this. " … Wasn't telling you the truth when he said that your mother 'le – " He was cut off when a loud voice reached his ears. He turned around slowly, and his eyes widened slightly as he saw the owner of the voice.
The looming figure of Hiko Seijiro was easy to recognize … Aoshi watched as people started murmuring, and as they ran towards the man. He frowned slightly. Who was he? Some important person? He personally didn't care who he was – all he wanted to do was to find out what Saito had been about to say about his father … and his mother.
His wish was denied as Saito growled under his breath and began to move forward, as the man shouted for everyone to 'gather around.'
"Wait," he said a hint of urgency present in his voice. He knew that it was now or never – Saito would never finish what he had said. Saito stopped, turning to him. "What were you saying about Otosan? And my … mother?"
"Aoshi – " The loud voice was heard again. Saito shook his head and walked away – at his usual pace – leaving Aoshi where he was, staring after him, mixed emotions running through his head. Dammit … how was he supposed to 'move on' now, knowing that Saito knew something about his mother … something he didn't know? For one of the first times in his life, frustration covered Aoshi's face instead of the emotionless mask that usually covered it.
Misao winced as her mother tightened her grip around her waist, gripping the railing at the same time. "Kachan …" she mumbled. Mrs. Makimachi sighed.
"I'm sorry Misao …" she said, stopping their 'journey' for a while. "Maybe we should try this when Otosan gets home …" Misao shook her head vehemently.
"No! Jiya'll only make it worse," she said. "You know him … he'd probably fall down the stairs instead …" Mrs. Makimachi smiled, despite having one foot on one step, the other on another step, and supporting Misao at the same time. She was right … her father would most probably do that.
"Okay then … we'll start slowly …" she said, taking a deep breath. "Tell me when you want to stop." Misao nodded, though she did not tell her mother that even if it did hurt, she wouldn't tell her. She had to get used to the pain anyway … so it was no point complaining about it. Besides, if she didn't do it now, her mother wouldn't let her try until a few days had passed – and by that time, she would probably have died of boredom.
"Kachan … where're Suzume and Ayame?" she asked, biting down a hiss as pain reeked through her knee.
"They're fast asleep … on the couch …" said her mother, concentrating on getting her daughter down the stairs safely. Misao grunted slightly as pain seared through her ankle again. "Shall we st – "
"No!" Mrs. Makimachi sighed. She had known, before the question left her mouth, that Misao would say that. Shaking her head, she started moving again.
"Hahahaha … this is a really good day, isn't it, Sano?" asked Yahiko, a goofy grin on his face. Sano nodded, an equally goofy grin on his face.
"Indeed it is Yahiko …" he said. "The best day I've seen so far in my life!" Soujirou chuckled to himself as he watched the two of them stagger down the road looking as though they were drunk – on happiness.
"Ano … I know it's a good thing that Sensei's back … but is that really the reason why you're so happy?" asked Kenshin, confused. Kaoru shook her head in exasperation as Soujirou smiled.
"They're not happy because of that, Kenshin … they're happy because Saito san was kept back by Hiko sensei …" she said, smiling as she too remembered Hiko Seijiro's words before dismissing them; 'Saito … I want a word with you … stay back for a while.'
"Oro? But … is that something to get so happy about?" asked Kenshin, not understanding. Kaoru sighed.
"Yes, because it looked like Saito san was going to get into trouble," she said.
"Oro?! How do you know? Did sensei tell you that?" Soujirou chuckled again.
"Iie, but the look on his face said that Saito would probably get into trouble …" he explained, taking over from Kaoru.
"Oh …" Kaoru smiled as Yahiko and Sano continued with their silly joy, before she turned to Aoshi, walking silently beside them. True, he was always silent, but … something about this silence was wrong.
"Aoshi san?" she asked. He didn't reply. "Aoshi san – is something wrong?" Aoshi shook his head slowly.
" … Iie …" he said, knowing that that was a complete lie. Of course something was wrong. He was apparently not living with 'strangers' and there was something that Saito knew about his mother … and he still didn't know what it was. Kaoru frowned.
"You sure don't act like nothing's wrong …" she said. "Are you angry with me for telling Kenshin and everyone what you thought about Misao chan and Soujirou?" When Aoshi didn't answer, she was sure that that was the reason. "I'm sorry Aoshi san – I was just joking around … I didn't mean for you to take it serious – "
"No … it's not that," said Aoshi, unable to stop himself from smiling slightly, inwardly. Did she honestly think that he was like some people, getting upset over something as small as that? Even though it was 'big' enough to make him flush?
"Then what is – " Kaoru stopped. No, she shouldn't ask him that. " … If you want to tell someone about it … you can always tell me …" She smiled brightly at him. "Then again … you may not want to tell me …" Aoshi shook his head again. In a way, he envied Kamiya Kaoru. She didn't have a single worry in her life – unless it was something about Kenshin, her friends, her father or him. But those weren't major problems. She had both her parents, and didn't have a cousin like Saito. Although he thought he saw a flash of compassion in his cousin's eyes as he tried to tell him about his mother and father.
"Here we are – Misao's place," called Yahiko, gleefully. "I can't wait to see her reaction to this!" Sano nodded eagerly.
"It'll make her day …" he said.
Misao smiled as she watched Suzume and Ayame run around the garden, giggling. Her mother had managed to get her outside, when two things had happened at once. For one, the phone had rung, and for the other, Suzume and Ayame had run outside, having woken up. At first, Misao had started throwing stones around – telling them to bring them back to her, but after a while, the three of them had gotten bored of that.
She had then asked them to pick some flowers for her, and try and make something – like a chain – and see who did it the nicest. Half way through that, the girls had decided to chase each other around the garden instead.
Feeling pins and needles on her left leg, she moved it around, frowning as the feeling didn't go away. After a few minutes of moving it around, she decided to try standing up. Using the tree she had been seated against – at the far corner of the garden – as support, she tried to stand up …
… And found herself wincing as she landed back on her bottom, on a few roots. She saw stars of pain for that silly stunt. "Grr … I will do this …" she growled to herself, trying to stand up again, putting all her weight on her left leg – the uninjured one – when the leg gave out underneath her, and she fell again. She smiled stupidly as she imagined the message her bottom was giving her mind; Attention, bottom in pain; do not attempt standing again.'
She shook her head; maybe she was going mad from boredom …
Kaoru, Kenshin, Soujirou, Sano and Yahiko walked up to the front door of the Kashiwazaki Residence, grinning from ear to ear. Aoshi trailed behind them, still thinking about the earlier events. He was raging war with himself – partly because he shouldn't have shown Saito that he was interested in what he had to say, and partly because he knew he wouldn't be able to do anything until he found out what Saito had been trying to say.
Everyone was meanwhile staring at the two little girls that were running around the garden. "Who – who are they?" wondered Kaoru.
"Probably some cousins," said Sano, grinning. "Aww … they're cute …"
"Sano! Honestly, you're going after little kids now?" teased Yahiko, causing Sano to whack him on the head.
"Shut up," he grumbled. Kenshin laughed. Aoshi only briefly glanced at the children, before going back to his own 'world.'
"Aoshi san – come on! Misao won't bite!" called Kaoru, grinning as her 'perverted' mind thought of something else; involving Misao, Aoshi and …
Aoshi looked up hearing her, and walked slowly towards them. That was when Soujirou saw the figure moving towards them – slowly, but walking all the same. His eyes widened.
"Misao!" Everyone turned to look at him, surprised.
"Misao?"
"Yo, you feeling okay?"
"Are you dreaming about her now?" Aoshi, seeing where Soujirou was looking, turned as well, only to see Misao walking towards them, the two girls running around her.
"Come on girls … let's try and calm down a little here…" said Misao, laughing as they ran around her.
"Mi-nee chan! Let's play some more!" cried Suzume. Misao reached forward and ruffled her hair, almost losing her balance in the process.
"Not today Suzume …" she said, smiling. "I'm a little tired …" Ayame's eyes landed on the cast on Misao's knee and the bandage on her ankle.
"Maybe we should stop – "
"Misao!" Misao looked up as her name was called.
" – running around Mi-neechan …" finished Ayame, stopping as she saw the people staring at them. Suzume stopped running abruptly, accidentally bumping into Misao. The girl tried valiantly to get her balance back … but found herself rapidly failing. Not again …
Kaoru stared as Misao struggled to keep her balance. "Oh no!" Kenshin, Yahiko and Sano moved forward hurriedly, Kaoru behind them.
"What is she thinking?" growled Sano. They stopped when they saw the two figures beat them to it.
Misao, thinking about giving up the struggle, found herself being supported in two places – or rather, two sides. Hands were gently but surely holding her on either side, steadying her. She sighed in relief.
Kaoru clamped her hand over her mouth, fighting the urge to giggle as she saw Aoshi and Soujirou. As it was, she was making some pretty weird noises, and was scaring Yahiko, Kenshin and Sano.
Misao turned to her left, and saw Soujirou holding on to her, a worried expression on his face. He smiled at her as he saw her look at him.
"You should be careful, Misao," he said, steadying her. She frowned when she realized that both of Soujirou's hands were in view. That was wrong … wasn't it? Then … who was holding her on the other side? Frowning, she turned to her right … and saw Aoshi holding onto her, his ice blue eyes looking concerned as he held her.
"A – Aoshi!" she stuttered, feeling a blush form on her cheeks. Aoshi nodded, glancing at Soujirou, who smiled at him.
"Good thing we were here," said Soujirou. "Don't try that again …" He turned to Aoshi. "Shall we, Aoshi san?" Aoshi nodded curtly at Soujirou, and shifted his arms, so that one was supporting Misao's back (which it seemed to be doing a lot lately) whilst the other held her from the back of her knees, so that she wouldn't need to walk. Soujirou did the same.
"Is Mi-neechan okay?" asked Ayame, worriedly. Soujirou turned and smiled at her.
"She'll be okay … if she gets inside …" he said, comfortingly. Ayame nodded slowly, looking quite upset.
Together, Soujirou and Aoshi helped her towards the door. Misao tried protesting. "I can walk – Sou! Let me go … you know I can walk!"
"Of course … just wait a little while …" said Soujirou, smiling. Misao turned to Aoshi.
"Aoshi … please – I really can walk – "
" … … Yes, but I wouldn't advise you to do that now …" said Aoshi, concentrating on not letting his grip on Misao slip. Misao sighed, giving up … until she saw Kaoru. That wasn't bad … but she saw Kaoru with a big grin on her face. She turned purple as they reached them.
"Oy, weasel! Don't try anything like that again!" said Sano, a worried expression on his face.
"Yeah! What if something had happened?!" asked Yahiko.
"Misao … are you okay?" Misao grinned sheepishly at Sano and Yahiko, and nodded at Kenshin.
"Yes, I'm fi – " Mrs. Makimachi opened the door, a small smile on her face. The smile disappeared when she saw Misao, helped by Aoshi and Soujirou.
"What did you do now?" she asked, looking worriedly at her daughter. Misao grinned sheepishly at her mother's words, but the grin vanished the moment she saw the worry in her eyes … the worry mixed together with fatigue.
"Nothing … I – I just asked Aoshi and Soujirou to help me … instead of me walking …" she said, hurriedly, before anyone could say anything. The look Soujirou gave her was enough to make Mrs. Makimachi suspicious.
"Soujirou, what happened?" she asked. Soujirou felt Misao stiffen.
"Er … she couldn't walk, so she asked us to help her," he said, focusing his gaze on Misao instead. Aoshi glanced at him, surprised. Mrs. Makimachi sighed. She should have known better than to ask Soujirou about it – of course he would take her daughter's side.
"Come on in," she said, smiling weakly at them. Kaoru watched as Aoshi didn't look at her. She couldn't help but smile. Was it merely a coincidence that Aoshi was there whenever Misao needed help …?
She felt warm inside her as she saw the quick glances Aoshi was giving Soujirou … not to mention the quick glances Misao was giving Aoshi. This was really going somewhere … without her needing to get involved.
"Soujirou … why don't … why don't you let Aoshi san do that – you must be tired …" she said, smiling as she watched Misao glare at her. Soujirou, being the person he was, didn't get the hint she was trying to pass … and Aoshi, being the person he was … got the hint that was being passed by Kaoru, and glared in her direction. Mrs. Makimachi, Sano, Yahiko and Kenshin stared at Kaoru.
"Iie … I can manage …" said Soujirou, smiling. Misao glared daggers, spears, kunai and swords at Kaoru, wondering what the best way to torture her was.
" … Hold on tight to her …" said Aoshi, talking to Soujirou.
"Eh?"
"I'm letting go …" said Aoshi. Soujirou nodded. Mrs. Makimachi smiled, having a feeling she knew what was going on.
"No! Don't do that!" said Kaoru. "Aoshi san – it would be best for Misao chan to get all the help – "
"No, I'll tell you what – how about I go by myself?" asked Misao.
"No!" She winced as the seven voices said the word as one.
"Okay, okay …" grumbled. "But it isn't a nice feeling being held up like a sack of potatoes you know …" Soujirou grinned apologetically.
"Sorry …"
"Aoshi, Soujirou, could you both help get Misao upstairs to her room?" asked Mrs. Makimachi. "I'll just get Suzume and Ayame inside." Soujirou nodded, and Aoshi had no choice but to do the same. Tightening his grip on her, he and Soujirou walked inside the house, a confused Yahiko, Kenshin and Sano following them, along with a giggling Kaoru.
He stood outside the room, his expression blank. Through the window at the end of the corridor, he could see that the evening was upon them. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door. The room was dark, even though the soft pink curtains were opened. Even in the dark, he knew where the light switch was. Flicking it on, he winced slightly at the light seeped into every corner of the room.
He took his first look at his sister's room … after the day she had fatefully died, leaving him all alone. The comfortable looking bed with its soft pink and lilac bedspread lay neatly on top of each other – his sister had made her bed before … she had left on the 'date.' He took an uncertain step forward, his eyes feeling heavy, and his heart feeling heavier.
He glanced at the bedside table closest to him and smiled softly as he saw the framed picture on it. It was a picture of his sister … holding him when he was six years old. His gaze went to the picture next to it, and his smile disappeared as his heart hardened. His sister was leaning against a male, a happy smile on her face. The male, in return, had his arm around her, and was smiling innocently as well. He scowled as he took in the man's red hair and pleasant features.
It was his fault … his fault that he lost his sister, his only family.
In a fit of anger, he reached forward and slapped the picture off the bedside table. He watched as it fell, in slow motion. It hit the ground with a soft thud, causing a crack to appear in the glass frame. He smiled in satisfaction as the crack appeared on the glass covering the man's face.
He would make him pay … he had vowed that he would, the day his sister had died. He would make him pay for what he did to his dear sister … if it was the last thing he did.
A/N
Heh … I had to include this part about Enishi … sorry if I shouldn't have! Heh, this was longer than the other chapter, wasn't it? I'm sure it was. I wonder what'll be going through Aoshi's head now … about helping Misao … with Soujirou!
Well, hope you liked that!
See ya!
Siriusgirl1