A/N
I'm back! And I hope it's with another interesting chapter – although I'm sorry for the delay. Previously, we were informed by our school, that once we finished our exams, we would officially start our summer holidays, since there was no point in us returning for the last two and a half weeks of the last term, with nothing much to do. That way, I was overjoyed as that meant that I would have returned to school for the next academic year, on the 31st of August. But no! We were told suddenly that we had to return to school on the 22nd of June, and start next year's school work! And we actually are doing work now, which is completely unfair, as we only just finished out exams!
Oh well … life is unfair isn't it? sigh I just re-typed this chapter twice, not feeling fully satisfied with it … so I hope it's okay …
Black Metalmark: Heh heh … you play the flute too? Cool! I've always wanted to play the flute … but somehow or the other, I never got to do it. I really envy you. I just love the sound of the flute too! Soujirou is just so 'cluelessly-cute' isn't he? (There's no such word, is there? Oops) Man, that conversation between Aoshi and Misao was so hard to write! I'm glad that it came out okay. Kenshin … ah, when will the poor guy completely slip-up and tell Kaoru? We'll have to wait and see, won't we? Thanks for the review, and I hope you like this chapter as well!
It.soniablade: Thank-you! Oh yes, I did read the new chapter! It's really interesting! I'm glad that Aoshi was the one who found out about what really happened – and about Megumi being such a … cow (to put it mildly). Thanks once again for the review, and I hope you like this chapter!
Becky: Ooops … I'm sorry if I kept you from studying for your finals! Heh, thanks for the review! I just hope that this chapter's good as well!
Mandella-sama: Heh, whoa … I'm glad you like this so much! The Aoshi and Misao moments I am leaving as my second objective just for a short while … since Aoshi needs to find out about his family first, doesn't he? Heh heh … yes, Mrs. Kamiya will tell Aoshi … and you will see what she is motivated by, towards the end of this chapter! Thanks for the review, and I hope you like this one as well!
Hana-chan: Heh heh … thanks! I do try to add the humour in every now and then (since I don't like things that are sometimes too serious … you know?) plus, with characters like Kenshin, Soujirou, Sano, Misao and Kaoru … the humour has to be there, or else it'll be a shame! Yikes! Okay, I guess I didn't update soon … but I definitely will update soon – don't want a crowd of rabid fan-girls attacking me! Thanks for the review, and enjoy this chapter!
RKfaN930: I don't know … is it really that good? I'm glad if it is! Sorry for not updating sooner, but I have to say that this chapter is longer than the previous one, so I hope that the length makes up for the delay! Thanks for the review, and I hope you like this one too!
Kitsune KeNsHiN: HIIIII! It's been a long time, hasn't it? Well … I hope my exams went well too (or else I am DEAD!) How are things with you? Really busy these days huh? Heh … to be honest, at the beginning, when I finished my exams, I thought people would have given up on this story … but I guess they haven't! Yep, Sano should have thought twice before he did what he did, 'coz Saito's not going to be too pleased when he finds out about it! I just love making Soujirou and Kenshin a little … clueless (okay, fine, not a 'little', but 'very' clueless). Heh, Misao will jump over the fence – if no-one kills her before she does that! Well, thanks a lot for the review! And I hope you like this chapter too!
Chapter Sixteen: It won't work out …
Aoshi was lying on his back in bed, staring at the wooden ceiling of the room, watching the different shadows that were cast on the ceiling from the streetlamps and from the waning moon. He smiled inwardly when he remembered what Mrs. Kamiya had told him about Kenshin having come to see Kaoru earlier. So he had listened to what he had told him in class that day. He guessed that Kaoru would have been extremely pleased – naturally, if the guy she had a crush on came to see her, especially when no-one else had come to see her …
He stared hard at the ceiling as he thought of someone else being pleased, after having no visitors for the past couple of days. He couldn't help but smile as he remembered the cute pout that had been on her face when she had turned around thinking that he was someone else – and the way she had become all flustered and embarrassed after that.
One thing that puzzled him then – and that still puzzled him – was why he had stayed when she had asked him to. He never would have done that for anyone else. He would just have given them a frosty look and gone away, without changing his mind and staying. Then why had he stayed when she had asked him to?
Because SHE asked you to.
He continued to stare at the ceiling, not doing anything to shut his inner-voice up. Why? Well, quite simply because it was right. That was why he had stayed; because she had asked him to. He had given up arguing with his inner-voice for a while, seeing as how it was usually almost always right – which was probably why he always tried to argue with it. The life-style that she led certainly was different from what he led. The very layout and state of her room told him that. She was more carefree than he was … and, from what she had told him about walking around and trying to jump over fences if her mother let her, she wasn't afraid to take risks.
He frowned. Was his brain trying to tell him that he was afraid to take risks? If it was, it was mistaken. He may act like a blank-faced block of ice, but that didn't mean that he was stupid. He knew that risks had to be taken in life – what was the point of life if risks weren't taken? People just didn't know that side of his character, as a result of the cold barrier he had placed around him. Yeah … a cold barrier that's starting to melt a little … Aoshi drew the line there. There was no way that he could let the 'cold-barrier' melt. If it did, he would … get close to people, and would end up being hurt. Again.
He pushed those thoughts aside as something from his conversation with Misao flashed across his mind, causing a small smile to form on his lips.
Flashback:
" … Apart from all of that, nothing else has happened …" He glanced at her, waiting for a response, when he caught sight of her rubbing her eyes, stifling a yawn. He looked at the round clock on the wall hurriedly, and his unusual blue eyes widened ever so slightly. It was 9:55. He had been here, talking to Misao for close to two hours!
"Oh – so – sorry about that …" said Misao, sheepishly smiling at him, knowing that he had caught her yawning. "But – you were saying?"
"It's late, I should get going …" said Aoshi, stretching and wincing as he felt his back ache from sitting in the same position for a long time. Misao shook her head fervently.
"No – no, I – I didn't yawn because – "
" – You need to rest and – "
"Aoshi, seriously, I didn't yawn because I wasn't interested in what you were saying … I just – " Misao stopped when she saw him glance sharply at her. " – Did – did I say something wrong?" Aoshi shook his head quickly, surprised at the girl's behaviour.
"No …" he said.
"Yeah … and you were saying?" asked Misao, rubbing her eyes again, before turning to face Aoshi, placing a big smile on her face and hoping that it would hide the tiredness she felt. She should have known that that wouldn't work with someone as observant as Aoshi.
"I was saying that that's all that has happened," said Aoshi, standing up and running a hand through his now damply dry hair. "You should rest – walking around the house and garden today really does seem to have made you tired." Misao sighed.
"It's that obvious?" she asked, slowly. Aoshi nodded.
"Yes."
" … Damn … if I only did this little, and I'm this tired, how will I be able to run?" growled Misao. Aoshi stared at her tensed figure, before shaking his head.
"It takes time … your body's still recovering from all those pain-killers and stuff," he said. "Don't worry about it …" Misao didn't say anything for a while, as she stared at her hands. Aoshi stood where he was for a moment, wondering whether he should just leave without saying anything or not. Misao looked up at him, a grateful smile on her lips.
"Thanks a lot Aoshi," she said, really meaning it. "I mean … you didn't have to stay … just because I was bored." Aoshi shrugged, not wanting to say anything to that, as he himself was wondering why he had stayed just because she had said she was bored. He watched as Misao yawned again. "And tell Kaoru – " Misao stopped suddenly, wrapping her arms around her. " – that I said she better get well soon and come here and see me," she continued, starting to stand up from the bed, to close the windows. No wonder it was quite cold in the room. She winced slightly when she felt her knee protest as she attempted to walk casually again – especially after a whole day of walking.
"I'll do it…" said Aoshi, walking across the room briskly, and reaching the windows before Misao could take three steps forward. Misao couldn't help but stare as he stood in front of the windows, with his back to her. What made her stare was the effect the light from the streetlamps had on Aoshi's rather loose, beige t-shirt. The effect only served in clearly outlining Aoshi's body, through the loose t-shirt. Misao felt her face grow hot as she stared, with rather … startling images entering her mind. Images involving Aoshi with – " – isao? Misao?" Misao averted her gaze hurriedly, hoping that she wasn't blushing.
"T – Thanks …" she stammered, staring at her feet instead. Aoshi nodded, although he had noticed her red-tinged cheeks before she had looked away.
"I really should get going now," he said at last, nodding at her. Misao looked up, and looked away when she saw him looking at her.
"Oh, ok …" she said, immediately berating herself for how stupid that sounded. Her thoughts in such turmoil, she started walking forward, only to trip over her own feet and to momentarily lose her balance. Reflexes kicking in, she grabbed the edge of the bed to steady herself, just as she felt an arm wrapping itself around her waist, steadying her. She looked down at the strong arm that was wrapped around her waist. Pushing aside ALL thoughts that were running around her head, she turned her head to her left and found herself staring at some beige material. Raising her head slightly, she was caught by a pair of ice-blue eyes, and found it rather difficult to break away from their gaze.
Tearing her eyes away from his at last, Misao looked down, just as Aoshi straightened and took his arm away from her waist, realizing that she had already steadied herself. And realizing that he had held on to her for a bit TOO long, in his opinion.
Misao waited until he stepped away from her, before she dared to look at him again, with a smile on her face. "T – Thanks …" she mumbled, with false cheer. "I – I guess I really am clumsy …" Aoshi nodded, absent-mindedly, and was rather startled by the glare that Misao sent him.
"What?"
"So you think I AM clumsy?" she asked. Aoshi shook his head hurriedly.
"No …" he said, wondering how she managed to change emotions like that. One minute, she was really tired and exhausted, the next she was embarrassed … and then she was in a threatening mood.
"Good," said Misao, grinning. "Because I'm not clumsy." Aoshi nodded – from being in a threatening mood, she had suddenly got back her cheer. The way she managed to switch between emotions … intrigued him. He shook his head inwardly. What the hell was he thinking!
"Misao, I – " Mrs. Makimachi stopped when she saw both Aoshi and Misao glance at her, Misao looking slightly flushed and Aoshi looking … well, looking normal. " – Was wondering whether you've forgotten your manners."
"Huh?"
"Aoshi, have you eaten? If not, you can always have dinner here – there's no problem," said Mrs. Makimachi, sending her daughter a dark look. "I'm sorry if Misao hasn't asked you that already … she does tend to be a bad host."
"Hey!" protested Misao, changing emotions and facial expressions again. "I'm NOT a bad host – I – I just … I was going to ask him when you came!"
"Yes, I'm sure you were," said Mrs. Makimachi, raising an eyebrow at her. "Aoshi? Have you had dinner?" Aoshi nodded pushing aside the slight flash of pain he had momentarily felt when he watched the interaction between the mother and daughter.
"Yeah, I've had dinner already," he said. "And I should get going …" Mrs. Makimachi sighed.
"Well, the next time you come over, come over for dinner too," she said. "You haven't tasted the famous Aoiya noodles have you?" Aoshi shook his head, wondering what was so important about Aoiya noodles, as he remembered Sano moaning for them once or twice during break.
"The Aoiya's our restaurant," explained Misao, seeing his slightly puzzled expression. "Well, it's Jiya's restaurant, and Kachan works there. Most people love the special noodles dish that we serve at the Aoiya …"
"Oh …" said Aoshi. "Well … thanks for the offer, Makimachi-san." Mrs. Makimachi shook her head as she watched Aoshi step forward, obviously anxious to leave.
"I'll show you out," she said, beating her daughter to it. She was slightly startled when she saw the glare Misao was giving her, for suggesting to do what she had wanted to do. "You, young lady, are not going anywhere. You've done enough walking for one day," she said, walking to the door. Aoshi turned around and nodded at Misao.
"I'll tell Kaoru-san to visit you then …" he said. "Good night."
"Good night …" said Misao, watching as he walked out of the room.
The last thing that Aoshi saw, before he felt a wave of drowsiness hit him was a bright smile and a pair of deep-blue eyes on a face that he seemed to be thinking of quite a lot, during the past couple of days.
The next day:
Kaoru walked down the stairs, frowning slightly when she couldn't find her mother anywhere. Her temperature had gone down, and was almost at the normal body-temperature, and all that was left of her bout of flu, was a slightly blocked nose. She was staying at home to just 'fully' recover, so that she would be able to go back to school the next day. Speaking of school … she found herself grinning widely as she remembered what had happened last night.
She could still remember the shock she had received when she had told whoever it was that had been knocking on her opened room door to come in … and when Kenshin walked in. She was surprised that she hadn't got a heart attack and died then and there. She had been thinking about him at that moment, wondering whether anyone cared about her not coming to school for the past two days … and there he was, standing by her bed, looking a little concerned and sheepish at the same time.
She would never forget the way he had stammered for a while, before holding up a box of chocolates, with an extremely sheepish smile on his face.
"Gomen, Kaoru … I didn't know what to bring you … and – I thought of flowers – but I thought that you might not like flowers …" he had spluttered. "Then I remembered that – that you love chocolates so I brought you some. Is … that okay?"
She wouldn't have minded the flowers at all – especially if they were from him. What girl wouldn't like flowers if the guy she had a major crush gave them to her? But the fact that he remembered that she loved chocolate … and that he had actually brought her something – that was what had really touched her, and made her blush for a moment, before she had been able to thank him for it. He hadn't needed to bring her anything. His presence alone was enough. Especially since NO-ONE else came to see me!
"You should rest and get better soon, Kaoru. Nothing is normal without you around …" the red-haired male had said, before flushing and shaking his head. She almost spat out the medicine she had been drinking, in surprise. Was he – did he say … what she THOUGHT he said? "I – I meant – it's not … it's not normal without you and – and Misao around …" Kenshin had added, hurriedly, concerned as she started choking.
Kaoru blushed as she remembered what he had said – and how he had quickly added something to it, to cover it up. She was starting to wonder … whether … whether things would work out between them. I mean, he didn't need to visit me just because I was sick … or rather, just because Aoshi-san suggested it to him.
Ah, that was the other thing that made Kaoru feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Kenshin had told her that he had found out that she was sick from Aoshi, who had said that it would help if he dropped by to see her. She knew that Aoshi knew she liked Kenshin – her dear friends had told him that. All this time, she hadn't really cared about it … but now … well, now, she couldn't wait until Aoshi got home. She had a lot to thank him for. And speaking of Aoshi, she wondered why he hadn't been in his room when Kenshin had checked, to talk to him for a moment before leaving. Kenshin had told her that her mother had said that Aoshi had gone over to Misao's house to give her the books she had wanted … but surely that would only have taken a couple of minutes. If that was the case, then why hadn't Aoshi been there when Kenshin had been about to leave, around twenty minutes after he had come?
Unless …
"What are you doing standing at the top of the stairs and looking as though an evil thought has crossed your mind?" asked Mrs. Kamiya, snapping her out of her thoughts. Kaoru managed a weak smile at her mother, before her curiosity got the better of her.
"Okasan … what time did Aoshi-san come back home yesterday?" she asked, looking at her mother.
"Aoshi? Well, after athletics practice – "
"No, after he went to Misao-chan's place to give her the books," interrupted Kaoru, wondering why a small smile was forming on her mother's face.
"Well … he came back at around 10:00," said Mrs. Kamiya, waiting for her daughter's reaction. It was just as she had expected.
"At – at – 10:00!" spluttered Kaoru, her eyes widening. "Are – are you sure!"
"Yes," said Mrs. Kamiya. "I was the one that opened the door for him. Hisashi, though, was not very pleased with Aoshi, saying that he had probably been disturbing the – " She sighed as she saw the far-away expression on her daughter's face. " – You're not listening to me, are you?"
"Oh … my … god …" said Kaoru, a wide grin finding itself on her face. "He – he stayed – he was – he was with -?" she stared incredulously at her mother, who nodded.
"Yes, he was with Misao until then," said Mrs. Kamiya, smiling. "I have to admit that I was extremely surprised as well. When has Aoshi ever stayed out so late?"
"Okasan, do you know what this MEANS!" exclaimed Kaoru, raising her voice in joy.
"No, Kaoru, I don't," said Mrs. Kamiya, wincing as she raised her voice.
"Well, see, Aoshi-san didn't even need to listen to you and take the books to Misao-chan's house in the first place, and whilst you may think that he did that because he couldn't say no to you – which was probably true too – I think that it was probably because by doing what you asked him to do, he would be able to see Misao-chan with a reasonable excuse," said Kaoru, speaking so fast that Mrs. Kamiya found her head whirling. "And then, I would have thought – and I'm sure that you thought the same – that Aoshi-san would have given Misao-chan the books, and then taken his leave or whatever, and come back, where he would have been able to meet Kenshin. Even if Makimachi-san had asked Aoshi-san to stay for a while, there's no way that she would have kept him for so long. Which means that someone else kept Aoshi there … and I don't think that they would have managed to do it by force because Aoshi-san is not the type of person to be threatened by force, and besides, I don't think there's anyone in that house that can use force on him. So that means that Misao-chan was the one that kept Aoshi-san back. And that means that Aoshi-san willingly stayed there, because I don't think that Misao has recovered enough to keep him there by force. And if Aoshi-san willingly stayed there, with Misao-chan, then that means that – "
"Kaoru."
" – he might be thinking that – hai?" asked Kaoru, stopping her rant, to see her mother staring at her, rubbing the side of her head.
"Please, stop. What have I told you about speaking a bit slower?" asked Mrs. Kamiya, feeling the beginnings of a headache approaching her. Kaoru scratched her head sheepishly.
"Gomen, Okasan! I didn't realize that I was babbling!" she said. Mrs. Kamiya sighed. Her daughter never realized that she was babbling.
"And speaking of visits, how was Kenshin's visit yesterday?" she asked, smiling as a tinge of red appeared on her daughter's face.
"It – it was … good …" said Kaoru, looking at her feet. "He even … brought chocolates." Mrs. Kamiya smiled, relieved. Her daughter was in love with Himura Kenshin – and not with Shinomori Aoshi.
"I see …" she said, still feeling relieved. She had had nightmares of what would happen should Kaoru actually have feelings for Aoshi. How would she be able to tell her that she couldn't?
"Okasan, do you need me for anything right now?" asked Kaoru, suddenly.
"Now? No, I don't – why?" asked Mrs. Kamiya. Kaoru grinned.
"I'm going to go and pay our little Misao-chan a visit," she said, her eyes glinting evilly. Mrs. Kamiya sighed.
"Go ahead … but please don't agitate the poor girl more than she already is," she said, knowing that Kaoru would go on and on with teasing the girl.
"I'll try my best!" said Kaoru, smiling at her before running down the stairs and walking outside, closing the front door behind her. Mrs. Kamiya sighed again as she heard the front door close. Kaoru certainly was recovering from the flu, and her cheerful spirits proved it. I wonder … could it be because of the visitor she had yesterday?
Mitsurugi High-School:
"Sanosuke! Give that back!" demanded Megumi, during break, glaring at the boy seated next to her at their usual table. She winced in disgust as Sano opened his mouth to say something – whilst munching his sandwich, or rather, whilst munching her sandwich, which he had stolen.
"Thwarry kwitswune bwut – "
"Oh just shut up!" growled Megumi, turning her face away from Sano, only to see Yahiko and Soujirou grinning at her. "What?"
"Nothing," said Yahiko, shaking his head.
"Ah … has anyone seen Kenshin?" asked Megumi, looking around. "He's usually here by this time …"
"That reminds me, Kaoru's not in school today either," said Yahiko, frowning. "I wonder what's wrong with her."
"She's sick …" said Kenshin, smiling at everyone before sliding down the bench and sitting next to Yahiko. Everyone turned to him.
"Sick? What do you mean?" asked Yahiko. "There's no need to stand, Aoshi. You can sit down." Aoshi said nothing, as he was busy considering his choices. On the one hand … he could sit down next to Megumi … and have to deal with her rather 'questionable' glances … or he could sit down next to Soujirou, and do his best to try and leave the boy unharmed.
"Aoshi? Aren't you going to sit down?" asked Kenshin, turning and seeing him standing. Sano grinned, as he drank a sip of water.
"He's having trouble making a choice, Kenshin," he said, evilly. "On the one hand, he can sit next to kitsune – " He winced as he was whacked on the head by Megumi. " – Or on the other hand he can sit next to Soujirou." Aoshi glared at Sano out of eyes that were somewhat hidden by slightly longer bangs.
"Oro?" asked Kenshin.
" … Heh … what are you going to do, Aoshi?" asked Yahiko, catching on and grinning as well. Looking from Yahiko, to Sano and to Aoshi, Megumi realized what was going on, and she couldn't help but smile. Yes … Aoshi's jealous of Soujirou. Let's see … what can I do to help …? Making up her mind, she turned to Aoshi, and gave him a bright smile, winking at the same time … and smiled inwardly as she saw Aoshi's face pale ever-so-slightly. Now let's see if you will actually sit with Soujirou …
Sure enough, a second later, Soujirou looked up from his food, smiling as usual, when he felt the temperature around him drop a few degrees. Seeing Aoshi seated next to him made him realize why the temperature had dropped.
"Aoshi …" he said, smiling at his senior.
" … …" Aoshi nodded briefly at him, before turning to his food. Why did I agree to follow Himura? Kenshin, totally ignorant of what was going on, turned back to Yahiko.
"Aa … Kaoru is sick, but she's slowly recovering," he said.
"What was wrong with her?" asked Megumi, turning to Kenshin.
"She had fever and the flu," answered the boy.
"Man … we should all go and see her sometime soon then," suggested Sano. "I mean … she must be really sick if she hasn't been coming to school for the past three days." Yahiko nodded.
"What do you say, Soujirou?" he asked, turning to the boy. "Wanna come and see her today?"
"Well … I guess that I can …" said Soujirou, slowly.
"Or are you going to be busy?" asked Sano, noticing the hesitant way the boy had spoken. He didn't miss the quick glance that Soujirou gave Aoshi.
"No … I was just planning on going and seeing Misao today …" said Soujirou, slowly. Kenshin scratched his head as he saw Yahiko, Sano and Megumi immediately turn their heads towards Aoshi, and as Aoshi glared at them. Oro … I don't think that I understand what's going on here …
"Well, can't we go and see both of them?" asked Megumi, after a while. "Since they do live next door to each other …"
"Yeah … that sounds like a good idea …" said Sano, as Yahiko nodded.
"Ah, Aoshi, speaking of Misao, you were over at her place yesterday, weren't you?" asked Kenshin, smiling at Aoshi as he remembered what Mrs. Kamiya had told him the other day. Aoshi really did wish that looks could kill. If they could, Himura Kenshin would be long gone by now.
"Oh?" asked Megumi, raising her eyebrow.
"You were over at Misao's place?" asked Sano, his eyes wide.
"Oh my god …" muttered Yahiko, surprised.
"How is Misao, Aoshi? Is she any better? Or is she really bored?" asked Soujirou, smiling. "Aoshi?" Aoshi nodded, choosing to stare at his food instead of staring at Soujirou.
" … She said that she will be getting her cast off tomorrow …" he said, wincing at the exclamations and cries that the statement received.
"What!" yelled Sano, surprised.
"Oh my god! That means – that means – " Yahiko stopped, a grin forming on his face.
" – That means that she will be able to take part in the tournament!" finished Sano, sitting up straight and looking as though that was the best news that he had heard in ages. Well, it was.
" … That's what she said …" said Aoshi, glancing at Soujirou as he sensed a change in the boy's life-force.
" … But is it safe for her to take part in the tournament?" asked Soujirou, softly. " … I mean, the running she will be able to manage somehow, but the hurdles?" There was a small silence at the table.
"You're right Soujirou," said Kenshin, looking grave. "It might not be the best thing for Misao to do …"
"If she wants to do it … I don't see why we should complain," said Aoshi, slowly, directing his statement at Soujirou, who glanced sharply at him.
"It's not a question of whether she wants to run or not," said Soujirou, slowly, not taking his eyes off Aoshi. "It's a question of whether it will endanger her physique … by injuring her leg further." Kenshin, dense as he was, did not like the aura that was surrounding the two boys.
"Ano – why don't we – "
"The doctor has apparently said that it was okay for her to take part in the tournament," said Aoshi, interrupting Kenshin. "Unless you happen to know more than what he knows … I would suggest that we take the doctor's word for it." Sano and Yahiko were staring at Aoshi with their mouth's slightly open, whereas Megumi was observing the two boy's faces carefully.
"When a person is under pressure, they say things that they normally might not say, for the patient's benefit, and we all know what kind of pressure Misao can put on a person," said Soujirou, calmly. "I'm sure the doctor would have said the truth when he said that she can take part in the tournament … but it might not be safe for her."
" … But she's made up her mind to take part in it," said Aoshi, ignoring the amazed glances he was getting from anyone. "So I don't think that you will be able to stop her, if you know how stubborn she can get."
"Yes, I do know how stubborn and strong-willed she is," said Soujirou, smiling. "And I will never try and stop her from doing what she wants to do. I am just worried about her – and about her future. If anything happens to her, she might have to suffer the consequences for the rest of her life … and for someone as cheery and bubbly as Misao – well, I can't imagine her suffering with a bad leg for the rest of her life."
"I would have thought that the – " Aoshi stopped abruptly when he sensed someone else was standing next to the table. He turned around, to see Fujita Tokio standing next to the table, an apologetic look on her face.
"Tokio-san," said Sano, snapping out of his amazement.
"I … I just wanted to know whether we're having practice today," said Tokio, smiling at him. Sano nodded, glancing briefly at Kenshin, who was utterly grateful for the interruption.
"Yes," he said, nodding.
"How was late-detention, Tokio-san?" asked Yahiko, remembering that she had been stuck with Saito. Tokio looked surprised.
"It was … as okay as a late-detention can be," she said, shrugging.
"Did that freak do anything to you?" asked Sano, grunting as Megumi poked him in the ribs.
"Freak?"
"He means Saito," said Kenshin, shaking his head.
"Oh – well, no, not really," said Tokio. "But he was saying something about someone else signing his name in the late-book and how he was going to find out who it was and stuff …" She tilted her head to the side as she saw Sano turn slightly pale. "Sano? Are you okay?"
"Er – yeah – he's fine Tokio-san …" said Yahiko, grinning weakly at the girl. "You are coming for practice aren't you?"
"Yes, I am," said Tokio, glancing at Sano again, before nodding. "Well, I'll see you guys later …" Kenshin waited until Tokio had walked away, before turning to Sano, worry present in his eyes.
"Sano … I hate to say this … but I told you so," he said.
"Damn … I hate it when you're always right," said Sano, wiping a few beads of sweat off his pale face. Megumi glanced at Kenshin, confused.
"What's going on? Why does Sano look like he's in deep trouble?" she asked.
"Because he is …" said Soujirou, sighing. "He signed in Saito-san's name in the late-book … and Saito-san got a late detention because of that."
"Were you mad! How could you do such a thing! Didn't you know that it could get you into serious trouble!" cried out Megumi, glaring at the pale-faced Sano. Sano scowled at her.
"Yes, but I didn't think that he would take it that far …" he said.
"This is Saito we're talking about, Sano …" said Kenshin, shaking his head. "You shouldn't have done that …"
"Yes, you've told me that about a million times now," grumbled Sano, as the atmosphere around the table turned into a rather glum and gloomy one.
Kashiwazaki Residence:
Misao was sitting on one of the sofas in the living room, her injured leg stretched out on the low coffee table, a far-away expression on her face as she recalled the events of last night, with Aoshi. One thing that she still couldn't believe was the fact that Aoshi had stayed with her, when she had asked him to stay. Why had he stayed? She had never, in her wildest dreams, thought that he would stay, but he had.
And then … the fact that he had spoken normally to her … that was just amazing. The man that usually either said 'yes' or 'no' or spoke in one-word sentences … had talked freely to her. And he looked damn good while he was at it …
She shook her head inwardly, screaming at herself to stop. This wasn't good. She was thinking about him way too much. She shivered as she remembered the way he had steadied her when she almost tripped over her own feet … and how he had looked when he had been standing in front of the window, looking – the sound of the door-bell ringing snapped her out of her thoughts. She moved to stand up, when her mother appeared in front of her, seemingly out of nowhere.
"I'll get it," she said, walking to the door. Misao sat back on the sofa, closing her eyes as her mind conjured up a picture of Aoshi, staring at her out of uniquely intriguing ice-blue eyes.
"Man … I've got to stop this …" she mumbled to herself, despite the fact that the image was still in her mind.
"Got to stop what?" asked a familiar voice, causing Misao's eyes to snap open. She stared at the girl standing in front of her.
"Kaoru!" she exclaimed, standing up hurriedly. "You're okay!" She threw her arms around the girl, hugging her. "I was so bored! How are you? Are you feeling better?"
"Misao-chan, calm down," said Kaoru, laughing at the girl's energy. "Yes, I'm okay … I'm even going to school tomorrow."
"You didn't even tell me that you were sick! You're mean, Kaoru," grumbled Misao, sitting back down on the sofa.
"Gomen … I didn't get the chance to," said Kaoru, sitting down next to her friend. "But … how did you know that I was sick?"
"Aoshi told me …" said Misao, flushing slightly as she said his name. God, he's not even here and I'm flushing when I just mention his name!
"Ah, yes … I heard about Aoshi-san …" said Kaoru, grinning at her friend. Misao attempted to glare at her, but failed.
"Re – really?" she asked.
"Yes," said Kaoru, carefully. "I never thought that Aoshi-san would spend such a long time at anyone's place … much less yours." She stared hard at Misao. "I want the details – every single one of them."
"There – it – nothing happened Kaoru," said Misao, shaking her head. "We just talked … and then he helped me when I was clumsily tripping over my own feet … and … that's about it." Kaoru's raised her eyebrows at her.
"So he was at your place for what – 2 hours, and all that you did was talk?" asked Kaoru, skeptically.
"Yes, Kaoru, all we did was talk," said Misao. It was true – they hadn't really done anything else, except her messing a few things up, and blushing once or twice.
"Mou … did he say anything interesting at all?" asked Kaoru, rather disappointed.
"No …" said Misao, abruptly.
"What!" asked Kaoru, frowning. "Even Kenshin managed to say something when he came over yes – " Kaoru stopped, as Misao stared at her, her eyes as wide as saucers.
"WHAT! Kenshin did WHAT!" shouted Misao, shocked. "Did he tell you that he LOVES you!"
"Misao-chan!" squealed Kaoru, trying to punch the girl but failing miserably. "Keep your voice down!"
"You mean – he – he ACTUALLY told you that he LOVES you!" yelled Misao, surprised.
"MISAO-CHAN LOWER YOUR VOICE, PLEASE!" screamed Kaoru, at the top of her voice. Mrs. Makimachi, busy making tea in the kitchen, shook her head as she heard the two girls shout. Honestly … had she been that loud when she was 16? "If you don't I will shout about Aoshi-san!" This time, Kaoru avoided Misao as she tried to hit her, to get her to shut up. When the two had managed to calm down, they stared at each other for a moment, before speaking again.
"Okay, firstly, why did Kenshin come? And when?" asked Misao, speaking first.
"Well, he had asked Aoshi-san why I hadn't come to school … and – oh Misao, I love Aoshi-san!" said Kaoru, emotionally. Noticing the glare that Misao was sending her way, she shook her head hurriedly. "No, no – I don't love him in that sense … I just love him …" She stopped, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Aoshi-san told Kenshin to come and see me … and he CAME! He even brought me some chocolates! The ones I love!"
"Whoa … I … Aoshi actually said that?" asked Misao, surprised. "And leave him aside; I can't believe that Kenshin actually came!"
"I know! And he said that nothing's normal without me around," said Kaoru, blushing. "And … I started choking like an idiot, probably ruining whatever else he was going to say, and making him say that nothing was normal without you and me around …"
"Mou … why did you start choking, you idiot!" growled Misao. "Stupid idiot!"
"I know," wailed Kaoru. "But, Misao-chan … what do you think he meant by that?" Misao was thoughtful for a moment. She knew that Kenshin had a thing for Kaoru and vice-versa … but she didn't think that either of them was in a position to tell each other that. Yet. Once she got better, she would change all of that.
"Kaoru … I think that you're very lucky," she said, at last. "He does have something for you …" Kaoru's face turned bright red.
"You – you think so?" she asked, looking happy. Misao nodded, happy for her friend.
"Yes," she said. "I really think so." She grinned suddenly. "And if I were you, I'd do something about it soon. This is Kenshin's last year in school, you know …" She immediately wished that she hadn't said that, as Kaoru's face turned pale.
"Oh no … I – after this year I – Misao-chan! After this year, I will probably never see Kenshin again!" wailed Kaoru, her eyes widening.
"Kaoru – don't be stupid. If you two get together, you will definitely seem him again, although not in school," said Misao. "Besides, I don't think that Kenshin will ever forget us when he goes to University. Kaoru for god's sake, don't be stupid! Don't think about the future, think about the present!" Kaoru nodded.
"Yes … yes, you're right …" she said, gaining her colour. "Thanks … I – Misao-chan, you won't be seeing Aoshi-san after this year either!"
"Kaoru what are you – " Misao stopped. Kaoru was right. Aoshi was in his 3rd Year in High-school too. He would be leaving … when Kenshin left … which meant that … " – No …"
"Now Misao-chan, you shouldn't think about the future! Think about the present!" said Kaoru, giving Misao her own advice. "Besides, when the two of you fall in love … I don't think that he will be able to forget about you …"
"Okay, can we stop talking about this?" asked Misao, feeling her spirits dropping for some reason. Why? Well, one of her inner-voices had just told her something rather depressing. Or rather, it had asked her something rather depressing. 'Do you really think that someone as good-looking and classy as Shinomori Aoshi … will EVER fall in love with someone like you, who, until recently, lived in a fantasy world?'
"Okay, we will," said Kaoru. "Now, tell me, what exactly did you two talk about?" Misao shook her head, not really feeling like talking about it anymore.
"Kaoru, it was nothing, really," she said, slowly. "Please, can we … talk about something else?"
"Why? Don't you want to talk about Aoshi?" asked Kaoru, nudging her teasingly.
"No."
"Misao-chan?" she asked. "Is something wrong? I mean … why wouldn't you want to talk about Aoshi-san? You've always 'enjoyed' talking about him …"
"It's no use Kaoru," said Misao, sighing. "What would he see in someone like me?"
"Misao-chan!"
"No, I'm serious …" said Misao, not looking at her friend. "I mean … I'm just an immature, plain girl … whereas he's – "
"Makimachi Misao, you will not put yourself down – especially not in front of me!" exclaimed Kaoru, surprised at the change in Misao's behaviour. "Are you feeling tired or anything? Is that why you have suddenly changed?"
"No … I just realized the truth," said Misao. "Aoshi would be better off with someone like … someone like Megumi …"
"Misao-chan what are – "
"Can we please change the subject, Kaoru?" asked Misao, pleadingly. Kaoru stared at Misao for a full minute, before giving in, sighing.
"As you wish …" she said. "How's your leg?"
"It's getting better … the doctor said that he will be taking the cast off tomorrow, so it should be easier for me to walk around and train for the tournament …" said Misao.
"What? You're going to take part?" asked Kaoru, surprised. "But – Misao-chan, are you sure that it's safe?"
"Yes … I mean, the doctor said it's okay, so – "
"Does Soujirou know about this?" asked Kaoru, surprised. "Or anyone else? Yahiko? Kenshin? Sano?" Misao shook her head.
"No … none of them know about it yet," she said. "They haven't come to see me, so I didn't get the chance to tell them about it …"
Mitsurugi High-School:
Saito nodded at the guard that stood by the gates that led to the school, as he walked up to him. The guard seemed to be a rather easy-going fellow, and he seemed surprised to see him.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" asked the guard, smiling politely at him. Something about the boy … made him dislike him …
"Yes," said Saito, politely, as there was no reason for him to be rude to the guard. "I would like to see the late-book, if you don't mind."
"The late-book?" asked the guard. "Ano, I'm afraid that I can't let you do that. It's standard procedure. Students have asked for the book in the past just to cut their names off the book, if they've been late …"
"I am aware of that," said Saito. "But, if I look at it in front of you, without a pen in my hand, that should be fine, shouldn't it?" The guard stared at him for a moment, before nodding, sighing. Going inside the little room that he had, he came back out a moment later, with a thick book in his hand.
"Is something wrong? Is that why you're doing this?" he asked, handing the book to Saito.
"Some idiot wrote my name in, instead of their own, when they got late," said Saito, flipping the pages to the date he wanted. "And I was stuck in late-detention because of that."
"Oh …" said the guard, watching Saito carefully, just in-case he tried to change anything. Saito stared at the untidy handwriting that his name had been written in. Somehow, everything about the handwriting screamed 'Sagar – he shook his head. No, he shouldn't jump to conclusions before he had actual proof.
"Do you remember who wrote this?" he asked, pointing at the handwriting. The guard looked at it for a moment, before shaking his head.
"I'm sorry … but a lot of people get late, so I don't really keep track of all of them," he said. "Hang on – this name 'Saito' … is that you?" Saito nodded.
"Yes, why?" he asked. The guard frowned.
"If I remember correctly … someone … someone tall did sign your name in …" he said. "I remember asking him his name, when he refused to take that awful red bandana off his head …" Saito's amber eyes narrowed into slits. He was right, then. That idiot had signed his name … He gave the book back to the guard, nodding at him. The guard shivered as he looked at the narrowed amber slits that Saito stared at him with. Whoa … this kid looks dangerous …
"Thanks," he said, as the guard took the book. He turned around and walked back the way he had come. Sagara Sanosuke … had effectively humiliated him. "That idiot will not know what hit him …" he growled, his eyes still narrowed.
Later that evening
Kamiya Residence:
Aoshi closed his chemistry text-book, before standing up and stretching his stiff limbs. Glancing at the opened window, he saw that it was a starry evening, just a perfect evening to go outside and take in a few breaths of fresh air. Leaving his books on the table, he walked out of his room, closing it behind him. Kaoru's door was wide open. He paused, wondering whether he should ask her about Kenshin's visit … but he immediately decided not to. He shouldn't interfere with anything – although he already had.
He was about to walk down the corridor, when Kaoru, poking her head out of her room, stopped him. He turned around as she called out his name, and saw her standing at the doorway of her room, fiddling with the hem of her shorts.
"Yes?" he asked.
"Well – er – I … I just – " Kaoru stopped, wondering how to say it. Aoshi waited patiently for a few seconds, but she didn't say anything.
"Are you feeling any better?" he asked, instead. Kaoru nodded.
"Yeah …" she said.
"That's good …" said Aoshi, standing awkwardly, waiting for her to say whatever it was that she wanted to say. " … Well, I'll – "
"Aoshi-san I – " Kaoru looked up at him, the smile on her face making him feel uncomfortable. What she did next almost gave him a heart-attack – as it was, he looked furtively around, to see if Mr. Kamiya was around to kill him. He looked down at Kaoru, who currently had her arms wrapped around him in a … hug. Despite the fact that he felt uncomfortable … it felt … it felt like it was a normal thing …
" – Kaoru-san …" he said, softly.
"Aoshi-san, thank you! Thank-you so much!" said Kaoru, her voice rather muffled, as she buried her face in his t-shirt, to hide her embarrassment at doing something as rash as this to Aoshi. She guessed that he would never speak to her again. "Kenshin came here because of you! I don't know how I should thank you!" Aoshi was surprised. Kenshin had told her that he had asked him to come? What an idiot - he wasn't supposed to say that.
"I – didn't – "
"I know you told him to come, Aoshi-san, so don't lie," said Kaoru, interrupting him.
" … … …" Mrs. Kamiya walked out of her room at that moment, ready to run down the stairs to the kitchen, where she had left something one the stove. She stopped short when she saw the two figures in front of her, hugging. Her face paled. Aoshi and Kaoru. Aoshi and Kaoru. And she had thought …
"I really appreciate what you did, Aoshi-san … and I'll never forget it," said Kaoru, moving away from Aoshi and flashing him a bright smile. She stared at him for another moment, before she ran back into her room, hoping that she hadn't frightened Aoshi out of his wits. Aoshi stood where he was, momentarily stunned. Not because he had been hugged … and not because Kenshin had foolishly told Kaoru that he had asked him to come, instead of saying that he had wanted to come. That brief hug … had seemed … comfortable. Like … like when good-friends … or family members hugged each other.
He shook his head. He was thinking too much. He had to go out. For the fresh air. Sighing inwardly, he walked down the stairs, leaving behind a stunned Mrs. Kamiya, who suddenly felt her knees weaken.
Aoshi and Kaoru.
Kashiwazaki-Residence:
Misao stared up at the stars as she leaned against the low fence that surrounded the whole Kashiwazaki Residence. The whole road was quiet, and not a single vehicle had gone down it for the past twenty minutes. She had been standing outside, leaning against the fence, and staring at the road for the past twenty minutes, thinking.
Ever-since her conversation with Kaoru, she had somehow or the other managed to get really depressed. And she didn't like it one bit. She wondered why her mood had changed ever-since Kaoru had come to visit her. Oh come on, don't pretend like you don't know. You know why you got depressed. Kenshin's got feelings for Kaoru, and he's making it obvious now, obviously showing that he wouldn't mind something happening between the two of them. You got depressed because it made you think about you … and Aoshi. And because you wondered whether ANYTHING like that would happen to you.
Misao sighed as she listened to her inner-voice. It was right. That was why she had got depressed. She didn't like this strange behaviour of hers though. Why was she wasting time thinking about these things? What will happen will happen – and if she and Aoshi weren't meant to be together … then they probably wouldn't get together. Says who? Misao sighed again. Her inner-voice was right again. Who said that things worked like that? Hang-on, didn't she believe in that? Things that were meant to be would happen, and those that weren't meant to be, wouldn't happen?
Kamiya-Residence:
Aoshi closed the front door behind him and walked down the three steps that led to the garden that was a part of the Kamiya property. His mind was still whirling. Walking across the garden, until he was next to the gate, he leaned on it, letting out a deep sigh. His mind was unstable, what with the things that had taken place during the day – and things that had taken place yesterday.
Kaoru … had really seemed grateful, for asking Kenshin to come and see her. He nodded. That was natural – however it happened, the guy she had a crush on came to see her. What he didn't understand was why he had felt as though the 'hug' was … natural …
And then, he was still berating himself for what had happened during break, with him and Soujirou. He didn't know why he had done what he had done … and why he had spoken against Soujirou in the way that he had. He understood that the boy didn't want Misao to take part in the tournament, because of her leg, which was natural – he was probably very concerned about her. Then why had he started saying that if Misao wanted to take part in it, they shouldn't do anything to stop her?
Had he taken part in that 'argument' just because he really did believe that they shouldn't stop Misao from doing what she wanted to do, or had he done it just because he had wanted to start something with Soujirou, to actually get into an argument with the boy?
Turning his head to his left, he frowned slightly as he made out a figure standing a little away from him, in the – his eyes widened slightly. It was Misao. From what he could see of her face, with the help of the street-lights, she had a rather thoughtful, saddened expression on her face. He wondered why that uncharacteristic expression was on her face. Did something happen to her?
He heard her sigh and continued to stare at her, as she lifted her head to stare at the stars. Again, he didn't know why, but he couldn't turn away … although he knew that he should turn away, in-case Misao turned around and spared a glance at the Kamiya Residence, to see an idiot gaping at her. Whoa … did I just call myself an idiot? What's wrong with me? I need to get myself sorted out … soon.
His body working on its own accord, he started to move, meaning to jump over the fence and see whether Misao needed something – 'Needed something'? Like what? Heh …although I can think of a few things you wouldn't mind giving her … His face turned dark as he growled at the inner-voice that had spoken. One day, he was going to shut his inner-voices up, for good, without harming himself in the process.
He stopped abruptly, when he saw another figure approaching Misao, from the road. He watched with slightly narrowed eyes, unable to make out who the person was, until he stopped in front of Misao. His face darkened a bit more, although a part of him told him that he was just being stupid.
Soujirou …
"Misao?" Misao looked up, startled, as she heard the familiar name calling her voice. Standing in front of her, on the other side of the gate, with a small smile on his face, was someone she had wanted to see for quite some time now. She stepped away from the gate, and closed it as he walked inside.
"Mou … where have you been!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "I missed you, you know!"
"Gomen … I was just rather busy …" said Soujirou, scratching his head. "Er – Misao – I – can't – breathe – " Misao let go of him at once.
"Ooops … sorry," she said, sheepishly. "But really! I'm angry with you. With all of you for that matter."
"What? But why?" asked Soujirou.
"Because none of you came to see me for some time! I haven't seen Yahiko in ages! Or Sano, or Kenshin or Megumi!" said Misao, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Gomen …" said Soujirou, once more. "But they said that they will try and come tomorrow. They were going to come and see you and Kaoru today, but they were really tired after today's practice. It went on for longer than usual." He smiled. "It's great to see you up and about though …"
"I know, it feels great too!" said Misao, cheerfully. "And it helps take the loneliness away …"
"I said I'm sorry, Misao," said Soujirou, sighing. "I really am …" He paused. "But … surely you weren't lonely yesterday? When Aoshi came to visit you?" Misao glanced sharply at him, wondering why she had done that. Soujirou was her best-friend. Why would it be surprising for him to talk about Aoshi?
"No … I wasn't lonely yesterday," she admitted, softly. "It was way better than how I've been spending my time all alone. But still, I expected my old friends to come and see me. I mean, I really appreciate what Aoshi did … especially since he didn't need to do that, since he's not one of my close friends …"
"Misao … please," said Soujirou, guiltily. "I said I was sorry …" Misao stuck her nose up in the air, making Soujirou sigh. "Okay, okay … what can I do to make it up to you?" Misao turned to look at him.
" … Spend the night with us …?" she asked, hopefully. Soujirou smiled, as he held up a small, black bag.
"That's what I came here to do …" he said. "Makimachi-san's offer seemed too good to resist." And I was feeling a little miserable, staying at home all alone … but you don't need to know that.
"REALLY! That's GREAT!" exclaimed Misao, grabbing Soujirou by the arm and dragging him inside. "Let's go!"
"Hai, hai, Misao …" said Soujirou, smiling.
Aoshi stared at the two people, a different, annoying emotion whirling around inside him. He watched as Misao jumped back, allowing Soujirou to enter, and as she threw her arms around the boy, hugging him and saying that she had missed him. He watched and heard as Misao made him feel guilty for not coming to see her, saying that 'Aoshi' hadn't needed to stay with her … as he was not a close friend of hers, compared to the rest.
Somehow or the other … hearing her say that, hit him. He didn't know how or why, but it hit him. He wasn't a close-friend … at least he wasn't as close as Soujirou was to her. The fact ricocheted inside his head, causing him to growl under his breath. It was true, wasn't it? Misao didn't know him as well as she knew … Soujirou … and Soujirou was her best-friend, so he had to be closer to her than he was …
The crowning moment, was when he heard Misao asking Soujirou to 'spend the night with us.' He knew that the two were close friends, and he knew that Soujirou was an orphan, and that there was nothing wrong with him spending the night at Misao's place. Then … why was he feeling so strange? Why was he feeling as though he was going to be in a rather bad mood for a while? Frowning, he turned around and walked back towards the house, not really wanting to stay in the 'fresh air' anymore. Why was he feeling this way? What was this feeling in the first place?
You want to know what the 'feeling' is? Well pal, it's called 'JEALOUSY.' He shook his head as his inner-voice lectured him. Jealousy? No way …
A/N
Aaargh … my hands are KILLING me! I think I might make the next chapter a bit shorter … or else my hands are going to go on strike. Heh heh … well … I didn't include too much of Aoshi and Misao moments, because, before anything else happens … I want Mr. Kamiya to – er, never mind. You'll find out soon. Heh, imagine, poor Soujirou not knowing why Aoshi's going to really dislike him from now onwards!
Heh, I hope this was okay!
See ya soon!
Siriusgirl1