Disclaimer: I own nothing. Someone else owns the characters, and it looks like the plot owns me.
Dedications: This is dedicated to Silver Miko and Shin Sankai. Without them, I wouldn't be half the AM fangirl I am now. This story is my
humble thanks.
Note:
I have to admit most characters are slightly OOC in this story, some more than others, (:cough: Hiko :cough:) but I wanted to see how I could place all of them in a modern setting and have them all interact. Plus, in this life, these people haven't gone through half the angst the manga plot put them through. I couldn't have Aoshi be a brooding, monosyllabic hulk when all his friends are alive and hearty could I? This is a common premise in my AU stories, so I thought to clarify it here. Thanks to all who took the time to point it out ) And, most importantly... I am first and foremost, a fluff lover.
On with the story!
denotes thoughts
denotes writing
--…--…--…-- — change in scene and maybe character POV
Of Weasels and Chocolates : Chapter 2
It was Monday morning, and as usual Kaoru was waiting impatiently for Misao outside the door of her house, listening to the daily sounds of Misao rushing about getting everything ready. Surprisingly she only took 5 minutes rather than the usual 20, and they started down their normal route to school, joking about being early for once. They hadn't taken 10 steps before Misao handed Kaoru her chocolate, and was promptly enveloped in a bone-crushing hug worthy of Okina.
"THANK YOUUUUUU!"
"Kaoru… can't… breathe…"
"Whoops… Sorry about that. Anyway, thank you so much! I hope there's a box in there for Shinomori. You have to tell him how you feel this year Misao! You've only been in love with him for, what now,... 13 years?"
Misao ducked her head, not really wanting to go into the events of the previous evening. All she knew was that she was now scared out of her mind that when she gave him chocolates he'd accept them out of obligation. That would be worse than him rejecting her outright. Quickly she turned the topic back on Kaoru, slowing her steps and giving her a considering look. "And what about you tanuki-chan? Are you finally going to give Kenshin chocolates this year? It's your last chaaaaance…" sang out Misao.
As usual, Kaoru ducked her head and mumbled something that Misao, with the ease of long years of practice, correctly interpreted as a 'nobecausehedoesn'tlikemeandwhatifhestopstalkingtomeand'. Misao shook her head in resignation, now convinced her decision to take matters into her own hands was the right one.
"Why not! Hell, I think the whole school knows you're in love with him! The only reason he doesn't is because he wouldn't know gossip unless it came up and bit him on the behind! I'm pretty sure he likes you too. He certainly zoomed to the rescue when that crazy Yukishiro went absolutely ballistic in the cafeteria."
Kaoru shuddered at the mention of that name. It had only been 3 weeks ago that Enishi Yukishiro had snapped in the cafeteria and grabbed her, yelling something about his sister. He'd almost been out the door with her when Misao had yanked him back. She'd only managed to get in a couple of blows before Yukishiro had slammed her into a wall, his anger lending him almost superhuman strength. But those few seconds were enough for Kaoru's long-time crush, Kenshin Himura, to yank Kaoru out of Enishi's grasp and push her to safety. What had followed had been a vicious fight that hadn't stopped even when Saitou-sensei showed up. Ultimately Kenshin had managed to knock Yukishiro out, and he'd brushed off Kaoru's stammered thanks with his usual gentle smile.
"From the way you're blushing, I'll bet you remember."
Kaoru flushed even harder at that, realizing her friend had caught her daydreaming. She wrinkled up her nose at Misao, refraining from pointing out that it had been none other than Aoshi Shinomori who'd carried Misao's unconscious form to the infirmary. He'd been hot on Kenshin's heels when they heard the commotion, and he'd stood guard over Misao during the fight while Hannya and Shikijo administered first aid. It had been quite sweet, watching Aoshi and his friends terrorise the school nurse with questions on Misao's condition for the hour she'd been out cold. But he'd made it quite clear he didn't want his role to be known, and though Kaoru didn't understand why, she respected his wishes.
While Kaoru was lost in her own thoughts, Misao was quite anxiously glancing around. She'd expected her friend to chicken out… So, now onto Plan B. If she'd timed their departure from her house just right, it should be right about now that… There he was!
"Tanuki-chan look! There's Himura-sempai now!" With that Misao dashed down the street to the redhead, leaving a shocked Kaoru behind.
"Himura-sempai! Wait up!"
Startled, he turned and narrowly managed to prevent her from slamming into him and sending them both flying. Cheerfully unconcerned, she allowed him to steady them both and handed him his present. "Here sempai! The first of your two Valentine's Day presents. Consider it a thank you for helping tanuki and all your guidance at the dojo." He took the package with a smile and a small bow, as unfailingly polite as always.
"Thank you Misao-dono. I should be the one thanking you. If you hadn't delayed him, I wouldn't have reached in time to help Kaoru-dono. I was unable to prevent Misao-dono from being hurt though. I'm sorry. You've recovered fully, I trust? As I recall, Shishou and Saitou-sensei still haven't let you back into full training."
She nodded emphatically, refraining from mentioning the sudden, splitting headaches she'd been getting from that day. She was still being handled like spun glass at the club, even by Saitou of all people, and she didn't want to make it any worse.
I think that the kuso oyaji and Hannya-sempai suspect something. They keep asking me if I'm fine
By this time Kaoru had caught up with them, and apart from a timid "Good Morning sempai", was assiduously keeping her gaze on the ground. Thus, she missed the quick look Kenshin darted her. Misao however, didn't.
Here goes nothing…
"Sempai, remember when I said I had two presents for you?"
"Ye-es?"
"Here's the other one. Catch."
With that Misao shoved Kaoru straight into Kenshin's arms. Reflexively he caught her to him, his natural protective instincts overriding his shock. Kaoru on the other hand, was so stunned she didn't even make a move to break free. Misao immediately darted down the street, calling over her shoulder, "She's liked you for two years sempai! Go for it! I'll see you two in school!" There was no doubt in her mind about the outcome of her 'present', something that was proven when Kaoru walked into class later and punched her lightly on the shoulder. "You're an idiot...Thanks." Misao grinned up at her, but just then Okuda-sensei walked in and class began.
During break, she shooed off Kaoru to find Kenshin, declaring that she still had presents to give out. She walked quickly down to the infirmary, knowing this week Megumi was filling in for the school nurse, who was off on vacation. She peeped in and saw Megumi sitting and flipping through a novel, a study in grace even at rest. Knocking softly, she walked over to the elegant girl who was one year her senior. The seventeen year old looked up, smiling at her juniors' approach.
"Misao-chan, what brings you here? How are you feeling? Still getting those headaches?"
Misao ducked her head, having hoped to avoid the question. She nodded reluctantly, but quickly pointed out she was holding up fine. She didn't quite feel like mentioning that they'd been increasing in number and severity, knowing she'd be scheduled for a hospital visit quicker than you could say Jiminy Cricket. Before her senior could question her further, she held out her present.
"Thank you! You didn't have to—"
"You're welcome Meg-chan. Only open it at lunch and no sooner, okay? And in case you were wondering, I know for a fact that rooster-head is partial to milk chocolate with almonds." "Wha…Misao! I'm not making that idiot any!" "Mm-hmm… I'm sure."
Yelling a goodbye, she nimbly skipped out of the infirmary, having achieved her twin aims of passing across the information and diverting attention from her headaches. Before she'd taken another step Megumi's voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Bring a clean change of clothes tomorrow. After club, you're going to see a doctor who specialises in head trauma if I have to drag you."
Maybe not both aims.
"Haaai…"
Walking down the corridor she checked her watch, noting with relief she still had more than 20 minutes left to go till the end of her break. Quickly she made her way down to the most secluded spot in school, the patch of grass behind the equipment shed. As expected, she found a certain rooster-head lounging on his back in the grass, ever present toothpick in his mouth.
"Oi Rooster-head."
"Weasel girl? What's up?"
Seating herself down on the grass beside him, she slammed his present onto his stomach, making him grunt and sit up with a scowl. "Valentine's Day has come early this year rooster-boy. Savour it. But you can only open it during lunch." He ruffled her hair by way of thanks, earning himself a squeal of protest. They fell into their usual bickering with the ease of the long-time friends they were, casually throwing insults back and forth. He'd gotten to know her when she was a skinny ten year old to his eleven, and soon Misao, Kaoru, and he were fast friends. He was a regular at her restaurant, the Aoiya, and his tab was the stuff of legends. But he was almost family, so that made it okay.
He knew all about her crush on Shinomori, hell—everyone knew…except perhaps Shinomori. The two of them had lived under the same roof for 10 years for God's sake… it's not like anyone was surprised. What was surprising was the fact that nothing was happening yet. For all that Misao was a complete strike-out in her own love life, she'd been the first to realise that his constant bickering with Megumi disguised a much deeper attraction. She'd become his confidante and personal cheering squad, and if he hadn't acted on all of that encouragement, it still helped to have someone who understood.
She was tired, he realised suddenly. He took a close look at her and noticed the dark circles and underlying fatigue that had her seniors worried, along with a couple of teachers who'd deny it to their last breath. Scowling, he realised it had all begun when Yukishiro attacked jou-chan. His scowl darkened further as something he'd been told earlier that day came to mind.
"Weasel, be careful aight? Yukishiro is attending counselling, but I heard he's been raving about how without your interference he'd have gotten jou-chan away before Kenshin showed up. And if he hears about your part in getting them together, he isn't going to be too happy with you—Kuso!" That last was barely a growl. "I just wish that I'd been there when the bastard dared touch the both of you!"
Now it was her turn to ruffle his hair. The three of them usually ate lunch together, but it had just been their bad luck that the day Enishi snapped was the day Sano had chosen to skip school. It was amazing how many people felt guilty over something that wasn't their fault.
Sano felt guilty for skipping.
Kenshin felt guilty for letting her get hurt.
She knew Aoshi felt guilt for not being there. He hadn't turned up at the Aoiya for a month.
And if Misao was being honest with herself, she'd have to admit that she felt guilt too. She felt guilty that she hadn't reacted fast enough to push Kaoru out of the way. She'd been training for years, dammit! And to be knocked unconscious by an opponent using only one hand… that had been a bruise her ego still hadn't recovered from. She disregarded all talk of how the others had trained more intensively and how she had only been training for a couple of years. She hadn't been able to protect her friend.
She knew Kaoru had faced nightmares for a few nights. And if she'd only trained harder at her peripheral awareness she'd have been able to… That was why she refused to complain about the headaches. If she'd worked harder she wouldn't have them. Twisted logic to be sure, but at the moment Misao wasn't exactly in the most rational frame of mind.
"Yo weasel. Don't space out on me like that. Don't worry about it. Kenshin, Aoshi n I won't let the bastard get within two feet of you girls."
Hell, Aoshi might even kill him if he tries anything
The entire week after the attack Aoshi hadn't let Misao out of his sight, something no one else but Kenshin and Sano had noticed. Somehow wherever Misao happened to be, so did Shinomori and his pals. Misao however, winced at the mention of Aoshi, not as certain of protection from that corner as Sano was. He'd seemed so remote in the days since the attack. Hell, he'd been avoiding her so much her brain had even resorted to dreaming of him, a lovely dream in which he was carrying her and stroking her hair gently.
She glanced at her watch and jumped up, realising break was almost over. She yanked him to his feet, knowing that if she left him there, he'd probably miss the next class with joy. They made their way to the main building and parted in the hallway, she reminding him of his promise only to open the package during lunch.
--…--…--…--
The lunch bell was about to ring, and true to his word Sano was waiting for it.
Barely.
His eyes had been firmly fixed on the clock for the last five minutes, and the moment the bell rung he reached into his bag for the chocolate. Almost before everyone had left the classroom he was ripping joyfully into the wrapping, looking forward to the candy. She'd given him chocolates the year before as well, and it had been good. Flipping up the lid he saw a smaller packet inside with Megumi's name written on it
The weasel must have mixed up our chocolates. How many people does she give chocolates to anyway?
He looked around quickly, but she'd already left the class. With a mournful sigh, he got up to make his way down to the infirmary. He wanted his chocolate. And if it was surprising he knew exactly how Megumi usually spent her day, no one was around to comment on it.
--…--…--…--
Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Megumi carefully unwrapped the present, making sure not to tear the gaily patterned paper. Setting the intact wrapper aside, she flipped up the lid and blanched when she saw Sanosuke's name.
That rooster? Misao-chan must have mixed up the presents. He should be in the cafeteria now with Kaoru and her.
If it was odd she knew where and with whom Sanosuke spent his lunch break, she refused to dwell on it. Before she could turn to leave there was a sharp rap on the door, and Sano stepped in. Closing the door softly behind him, he walked over to her, present in hand.
"I believe you have my property, kitsune."
"And I believe you have mine tori-atama. Hand mine over first. I don't trust you not to make a break for it with both chocolates in hand."
He grinned, not bothering to deny the truth of the remark, and handed her box over. She gasped at its mangled condition. "You ripped up the paper! And it's dented! How could you do so much damage just by opening it roosterhead?"
"In case it's slipped your notice, I'm male. You can have the other box and paper if you like. Now hand over my chocolate."
She didn't mention that she definitely knew he was male. No girl could make her heart beat faster the way his presence did. Arching an eyebrow at his unexpected amiability, she took his packet out of the box on the table. Before she could hand it over, she noticed Misao had scrawled a note under the packet.
Tell Sano you like him, Meg-chan, before I do. You won't be disappointed
She tried to flip the lid down but his sharp eyes had seen the writing. Correctly assuming the note was about him, he grabbed it. She tried to get it back but he easily caught both her hands in one of his while he scanned the note, a look of shock appearing on his face. She wrenched her hands free and took the other box he'd set on the table, intent on getting her chocolate and making him leave.
I'm going to wring Misao's neck when I see her next. How dare she—
Her murderous train of thought abruptly stopped when she saw the note Misao had written in his box.
Oi rooster. Quit insulting Megumi and tell her how you feel! I'm tired of hearing you go on and on about how she'll never like you back
The few seconds it had taken her to read the note hadn't been sufficient for Sano to recover from his shock. When she turned back to him he was still staring at the note, apparently unable to take in what Misao had written.
"Sa…Sano? You like me?"
She was stunned to see a flush darken his cheeks before he snapped out of his shock and grabbed the box she was holding, quickly reading the note. If anything his flush darkened, but he held his ground. "What about you Megitsune? Is what Misao said true? Do you really not think I'm completely hopeless?"
She smiled at that, ducking her head to hide her own flushed cheeks. She'd thought that Misao was lying, or simply assuming things. But upon seeing his reaction… she could believe it.
Sagara Sanosuke never blushed.
"Yeah. Not completely."
His hands tipped up her chin, forcing her to look into his Eyes. "Will you be mine kitsune? Think carefully before you answer, because I've waited too long for this." "Yes. I—" She was crushed to him in a sudden embrace, his face buried in her hair, inhaling her scent. Once she got over her initial surprise she responded, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck and hold him to her. When he felt her lips brush his cheek he shuddered…He was a normal, healthy male, with normal, healthy desires…And to finally have his fox in his arms was testing his control to the utmost. Drawing back slightly he looked down at her, taking in the sight of her in his arms. "You're mine now, Megitsune. I now have the right to kill any man who so much as touches you." She smiled at that, now knowing the rough words hid much deeper feelings. "And you belong to me rooster. I now have the right to scratch out Miwa-san's eyes if she gives you any more of those come hither looks." He grinned at that, pleased that she'd noticed. Then his expression turned serious.
"You were always the only one I saw."
Her answering smile was covered by his lips. The kiss started out slow, more a melding of lips than anything. Then as long-repressed feelings took over, he took it deeper, drowning himself in her taste, in her feel. Her hands wove into his hair, nails lightly scoring his scalp as she lost herself in him. Soon he had her backed against the wall, aligning their bodies so that they were joined from hip to chest in delicious friction. Hands wandered, discovering the feel of each others' bodies, and the silky smooth glide of clothes against skin. When he found himself growling into her mouth, hands already sliding up her shirt, he knew he had to pull back before he had her stretched out beneath him on the infirmary bed.
Slowly he drew back, loving the fact she seemed as dazed as he was. It was taking all of his self control not to pull her back into another kiss, especially when she looked up at him like that, eyes blurry with passion and mouth slightly puffy from his kisses. He settled for trailing kisses down her neck, nipping lightly at the delicate skin and soothing the small hurt with his tongue. He couldn't get enough of her.
Megumi, on the other hand, couldn't believe she was allowing this, letting him kiss her senseless in the infirmary where anyone could walk in on them. The thought of that jolted her out of her daze and she gently pulled away, one hand cradling his cheek to soften her actions. She could barely breathe, mind still whirling at the tumult of sensations he'd roused in her. It was some comfort that his breathing was equally uneven, chest heaving in short hard pants. He eyed her quizzically, not understanding the reason for her withdrawal. Shyly, she walked over to lock the infirmary door, knowing she'd hear if anyone knocked.
When she turned, his cocky smirk had her flushing beet-red, knowing full well the kind of thoughts that were rushing through his head. Probably because they were the same kind of thoughts she was having now. But it had been a bit fast. "There's almost 40 minutes left of lunch break…" He reached out to her but she stopped him gently, catching his hands in her own. "It went a bit fast just now…but I trust you won't go too far this soon." His gentle smile was all the reassurance she needed, and she stepped into his arms joyfully.
"Remind me to get the weasel something good this year for White Day."
Any reply she may have made was swallowed by his mouth.
--…--…--…--
Half an hour later they were walking back to class, having finally managed to control themselves. They weren't holding hands or showing any outward signs of affection, but the moment Misao saw them, she knew they were together. Her happy shrieks had to be forcefully smothered by Sano before she finally calmed down enough that he could remove his hand from her mouth. She hugged Megumi happily, elated at her success.
"Awesome! This is so cool! Two couples in a day! Just call me Cupid"
"Oi Misao, I think Cupid actually had a love life. Two? Who's the other— oh…"
Before Sano could complete his question he'd caught sight of Kenshin and Kaoru walking down the corridor towards them, hand in hand. Kaoru smiled resignedly at the sight of them, realising Misao must have put in a lot of work for one day. But then again, hadn't the four of them only needed a little nudge? Remembering the events of the morning, she laughed inwardly. In her and Kenshin's case all that'd been needed was a good hard shove. Now the only one unattached was Misao…She shuddered at the thought of nudging Aoshi. Whoever did that was going to be made of sterner stuff than she was.
Maybe they could get his gang of friends in on the action. Hannya-sempai certainly loved Misao like a baby sister. They'd hit it off famously ever since Aoshi had introduced them, years ago. Heck, even Shik— her inner musings were interrupted by Kenshin squeezing her fingers lightly, alerting her to the fact they now stood before the others. Misao was practically dancing in place, her exuberant nature causing the other two no little embarrassment.
'Weasel, will you quit singing! It's giving me a headache, and I don't want it to rain anytime soon. Shishou's ordered me down to the dojo for training, and I wouldn't put it past him to make me train in the rain to 'build character'." Given that Misao had been singing a certain famous rhyme about trees and kissing ever since she'd noticed the mark Sano had left on Megumi's neck, his ire was quite understandable to the rest. Misao laughed at the mention of Hiko's obsession with instilling 'character' on his students, using means which frequently involved intense physical exertion… like hoeing his garden, or cleaning out his pottery furnace.
Megumi was also quite flustered, seeing as how she never knew she had a tendency to … 'bruise' … so easily.
But it felt so good when he… Bad thoughts Megumi, bad thoughts! Slapping herself mentally, she smartly turned the tables on Misao. "Ne Misao-chan…What about your love life? Have you met Aoshi yet?" She had the pleasure of seeing Misao flush in response, indicating the answer was a 'no'. She was about to query further when Hannya walked up to them, postponing the interrogation… or so she thought.
"Misao, when will you give Aoshi his chocolate? Lunch break is almost over now…"
Nope, apparently he was there to join it. Ah well, the more the merrier. Nodding, Megumi continued. "After all you've done today, shouldn't you start focusing on your own love? Wait outside his class after the final bell rings. Tanuki, you'll be there to give her moral support, won't you?"
"Ah, gomen Misao-chan! I forgot to tell you, Yahiko needs me to pick up his pictures from the shop! I'll have to run off straight after class as they're closing early today!" Misao only mumbled under her breath in response, desperately searching for a way to change the topic. It was bad enough when Megumi was needling her, but now Hannya-sempai had joined the party! Did everyone know she was hopelessly in love with Aoshi! Kenshin inadvertently saved her by remarking that he'd also have to leave immediately after class ended. Apparently Enishi's psychiatrist wanted to meet him. This immediately reminded Sano about what they'd been discussing earlier.
"Remember what I told you weasel…Watch yourself around Yukishiro. He's really got it in for you now." They didn't notice Hannya's gaze sharpen at this, or the way he casually moved over to the window, placing himself nearer Misao. Kenshin frowned lightly, adding that Enishi was extremely emotionally volatile. Misao and he exchanged a long look, both of them knowing full well what had caused that volatility. Before they could continue the conversation the bell rang, precluding any chance of further talk.
Ruffling Misao's hair lightly, Hannya slung a brotherly arm around her shoulders, steering her in the direction of her class. "C'mon Misao, I'll walk you to your class. Let's give the lovebirds some privacy." Laughing, she walked beside him, unaware of the tall figure standing beyond the bend of the corridor. He'd heard every word of the conversation, and his jaw was clenched tightly at the thought of anyone harming her. It was probably a good thing no one was passing him at that time, or the entire school would have heard about how scary Shinomori-sempai could be when given the chance.
--…--…--…--
Author's note
Yes! Another chapter finished! Thank you all for the reviews! This fanfic is actually an experiment to see how my writing is, so I decided to post it up long before V Day. I'll hopefully write a better one next year :) I had a completely different plot in mind... One that merely involved the return of White Day presents and a love confession. I wrote one line about headaches... and this is where we end up. sigh Proof positive that sometimes, the author isn't the one in charge of the story... Points to anyone who caught the reference to another famous comic, this one Western. Anyone?
For those who've uploaded stories onto ffnet, when I upload certain characters don't come in, like asterisks and brackets. This caused major problems in my other story, as I used asterisks as scene dividers. In the end my story looked really chopped up… Any suggestions?
The reviews really helped, both in correcting my spelling and rectifying a couple errors in the story. Thank you! Please tell me what you think!