MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: Hello everyone! The voting is done at my site and again, I want to congratulate all those who won! Omedetou gozaimasu!
Before anything else, I would like to say SORRY for not updating for so long. But, wait let me explain! It was like this, I arrived from Manila around May 30 (9 am or something). And then, the next day, I had to leave the house again to attend a review class in Nueva Vizcaya (Solano) 2-3 hour drive from home (I'm from Isabela, Region 2) for the UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Entrance Test). That was until June 7 and I had NO access to the internet since we weren't allowed to engage in any other things except to review. (Talk about punishing my brain! You have like two months of vacation where your brain is resting and "inactive" and then quickly have a review. ::sigh:: After that week of reviews and tests, classes opened June 9, and so, that is what happened! I'm lucky to find a free time, so if there are any grammar errors in here, please do bear with me, ne? And sorry to Meg if I wasn't able to send this one. (I know should I post this chappie any more longer, you'll be gritting your teeth! )
Well, in this chapter, we fast forward a little bit. It is really needed and I'm sure you guys have been waiting for this. Also, by this time, Japan's technology would be so "high, so the next few chapters could be a little sci-fi, but not that much. The time line is: Kenshin-27; Kaoru and the others -17; Yahiko- 8
So there! How'd you like that? Happa? Okay, enough blabbering. On to the story already! Enjoy!
TO THE REVIEWERS: At the bottom
DISCLAIMER: Standard disclaimer's apply.
Chapter 14. Gowns and Stilettos
"Kenshin!" Marge exclaimed and then they both laughed. The fireplace crackled silently in the background. It was early spring in Connecticut, but bits of the winter air was still there for some reason. Five years already passed. In those five years, the couple had been trough a lot of things together. Nice and not, but still made it through.
"Why? You don't like them? You did say I can give you anything I want to." Kenshin cocked a brow as he reclined on the sofa which they both sat on.
"You're impossible! I can't believe you'd dare give me these...these..." Marge couldn't seem to say the next word. She fought the urge to laugh, but she failed. Finally giving up, she gave out a watery laugh.
"You mean this cute little things?" Kenshin joked as he held up a plastic covered pink triumph hikini.
Another jolt of laughter. "I just got from social work and what do I get?" Marge gave out a sheepish smile which eventually turned into another giggle. "Kenshin, thank you for always being there."
Kenshin's eyes softened. The girl's simplicity was the very thing he loved. His arms were wide open to take her in an affectionate hug which she willingly took.
"Kenshin, we had been together for a long time...don't you think we---" Marge was cut off as Kenshin's cellphone rang.
Kenshin took her hand and then checked his cellphone. Kaoru-hime...
"Hello?" Kenshin spoke.
"Ken-nii! Genki desu? Have you received my e-mail? Mou! So when are you going to come home?"
The voice wasn't of his little girl's anymore. But still, the sweetness and the care was still the same sound he knew.
"Yes, little princess. I received it and I answered it too."
Kaoru gave out a short laugh on the other line. "Yeah, I read it, but I want to hear it personally from you Ken-nii."
"Hai, hai, hai my little princess. Ken-nii will come home just for you and I'll personally escort you to your prom. There, is that okay?" Kenshin felt amused. Kaoru was still the always expectant little girl he came to know. And he believed she'd never change. And he loved it.
"Yatta ne! Anou, Ken-nii remember that my prom will be this coming week so tell me as soon as possible when you'll come home okay?"
"Okay, okay my dearest. Don't worry. I promise to come home." Kenshin smiled at Marge who was still in his arms.
Kaoru sighed. "Oh thank you very much Ken-nii! Take care always! Ja!"
"Goodbye Kaoru-hime." Kenshin smiled to himself.
"Bye!"
At that, Kenshin ended the call.
"It was Kaoru?" Marge looked up smiling.
Kenshin nodded. "It's her prom this coming week and I'll be escorting her."
"That's great! I wish I can come with you and see her finally. But, well, you know, I have work. Kenshin, how I pity those people and children I see on the streets...I wish there'd be more orphanages. If only I can do something..." Marge paled.
Kenshin let his hand glide through her curls. "Marge, I know you're doing everything you can to help them. But, do remember that you have to take care of yourself, okay?"
Marge nodded gently and placed her head over Kenshin's chest. She blinked. On Kenshiin's neck were two necklaces. The one she had given and another one. She carefully took the unfamiliar necklace on her hands. It was odd she thought. For almost five years, this was the first time she ever saw that necklace.
Kenshin watched her moves under his bangs.
In Marge's hand was a locket.
"Kagayaki Yorokobi." Kenshin's voice broke in.
Marge's eyes were questioning. "Ka-gayaki yoro-kobi?"
"It means "shining joy". Open it." Kenshin explained.
Marge opened the locket with her lissome fingers. Inside, were small pictures.
"Kenshin, is this you?" Marge was enthusiatic.
"Ahah..." Kenshin smirked.
"And the little girl... Kaoru?"
"Yep. She was around 8 years old or something there. We were up on the Tokyo tower that day."
That day...
"She's so cute! Really, I didn't imagine she looked like this when she was that young. I mean, you've shown me pictures of her recently, but, she's really a beauty. I really want to meet the little girl. I bet she's all grown up now. You're ten years older than her, right? 18 maybe?" Marge smiled.
"The last time I went home was about two years ago. I think she is. But, you know, she's really a very nice girl. Even my Uncle wasn't that 'hard' after all when he had started to take care of her. You see, her parents died when she was still young...And since then, I had been taking care of her." Kenshin relieved the memories.
"I feel sorry for her...But I guess, she is a strong girl considering the fact that she has made it trough, and of course, with your help." Marge complimented.
"She is, actually. But sometimes, I feel guilty that I left her. We had always been fond of each other. I promised to her father that I would take care of her, but, something inside me tells that I broke that vow." Kenshin frowned a little.
Marge placed a hand over his cheek. "Kenshin, you didn't have a choice. But, I know you had been very nice to her and I believe she understands your situation."
"I really hope it's like that..."
But why do I feel it isn't?
----
(Back in Japan)
The phone rang twice already and Kaoru hurriedly went out of her room to answer it.
"Moshi moshi?"
"Kaoru-san?" a manly but boyish voice was on the other line.
"Sou-chan?" Kaoru exclaimed as she caught a glance of the caller i.d.
"Aa. Yes, it's me. I have been trying to call you a while ago but the line was busy."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was talking to Ken-nii. He says he'll come home before our prom! And guess what? He'll be my escort!" Kaoru was as happy as a sparrow.
"That's good news indeed. Anou, Kaoru-san, can I ask you a favor?" Soujiro's voice was hesitant.
"Sure. What is it?"
"If you're not busy, can you please come over here at our house?"
"I'm free. Of course. May I know why?" Kaoru raised a brow.
"Well, I need you to choose my tux color for me. I'm really at loss. And I...I..." Soujiro's voice was more hesitant than a while ago.
Kaoru chuckled. "Okay, okay. Don't worry, I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Doumo. See you then."
"Okay."
The two said their goodbyes and Kaoru searched for Kamatari to ask permission.
----
"Well, here they are." Soujiro led Kaoru into the inner lobby where three different colors of tuxedos hung on individual hangers.
Kaoru rubbed her temples. There was a white one with a black tie. A black tux with a white tie and a navy blue with a sky blue tie.
"Hmmmm..." Kaoru ran her eyes on the clothes and then scrutinized Soujiro who was at her side.
"I think..." Kaoru went a step closer in front of the tuxedos. "This suits you the best." Kaoru patted the navy blue tuxedo. "They go with your flame blue eyes." Kaoru smiled.
"Kaoru-san." Soujiro silently acknowledged the admiring comment.
"Okay, so that's fixed. How about the other one you were mumbling about?" Kaoru crossed her arms.
"Eeto..." Soujiro blinked rapidly.
"C'mon, fess up Sou-chan!" Kaoru encouraged.
"Well, you're the only one who knows, right?" Soujiro sighed. "I decided to tell Misao-san what I truly feel about her during our prom."
Kaoru hurriedly threw her hands around Soujiro.
"That is sooooo greattttt!!!! She'll be veryyyyyy happppyyyy!!!" Kaoru couldn't help it. Misao and Soujiro obviously liked each other but both were afraid to tell. And only Kaoru knew the two's hidden feelings for each other.
"Good luck! I wish you the goodest (lol...goodest...) luck there is!" Kaoru released her hold and saw a half blushing Soujiro.
"Mou! You're blushing already and you haven't even started to say anything to her." Kaoru joked.
"Thanks. But, wait, changing the subject, have you chosen any gown yet?" Soujiro asked as he let Kaoru sit on the bean bags.
"Well, Uncle said we're gonna find one this week." Kaoru replied.
"Hey, have I told you that an aunt of mine and Okita has a dress shop? Those tuxedos were from her. Why don't you give it a try? You'll be glad you did." Soujiro recommended.
"All right. I guess I'll tell Misao-chan too." Kaoru tucked a lose hair behind her ear.
"Daga, Kaoru-san, please don't tell her anything yet, okay?" Soujiro gave her a look.
"Daijobou, she won't know anything. I won't do anything to spoil your 'devious' plans Sou-chan!" Kaoru giggled.
After giving the instructions on how to get to the dress shop, Kaoru decided to go home.
----
"Kaoru-san, Misao is her for you!" Kamatari sweetly called out through the closed shouji of Kaoru's room.
"Hai! Please tell her I'll be out in a minute." Kaoru returned back as she tied her hair in a high ponytail.
After a while, Kaoru met up with Misao on the living room.
"Ohayou Kaoru-san!" Misao greeted cheerfuly.
"Ohayou!" Kaoru replied. "Ready?"
"Yup!" Misao said and at that, the two went out of the door with happy faces.
The taxi stopped and Kaoru placed her cellphone over a black colored rectangular plate that was on the side of the taxi's door. A small beep was heard and the fare was automatically charged from her savings via her cellphone.
"This must be it." Kaoru said as she saw a wide glass window with some manikins.
The dress shop was located outside the main business area of the city and was at the old market. Cherry blossoms lined the streets as well as people thronging here and there. Some were walking on foot. Some on horizontal escalators.
The door opened as Misao stepped on the red rug that led inside and a little bell rang signaling the arrival of a customer.
"Irrashaimase!" A woman in her mid 30's greeted them. Her hair was short and was dark brown. She was slightly rounded, but was still a gorgeous lady. Soujiro told Kaoru his Aunt was still single and that she wanted to be an old maid rather than to marry.
"Ohayou gozaimasu." the two greeted.
"May I help you with anything?" the lady asked them nicely.
"Anou, your nephew, Soujiro told us you own a dress shop---"
"Ah yes! Kamiya Kaoru and Makimachi Misao, am I right?" She broke in happily.
"Eh." Kaoru muttered and Misao silently bowed.
"Soujiro told me you're going to visit me here today. You're looking for a gown to be used in your prom, ne?"
"Hai desu." Misao replied.
"Oh, before anything, you can call me Miss Mikako. Soushi Mikako. I am the sister of Okita's father, and Soujiro's mother."
"Namae wa Kamiya Kaoru." Kaoru presented herself politely.
"And that would make you Makimachi-san!" Mikako exclaimed leading the two inside the dress shop's main hall.
"I have a lot of pre-made gowns here. You can either rent or buy them. Or, you can give me a design which I'll be sewing. It could take me 3 days or so, but, it's your decision my ladies." Mikako sweetly spoke as she showed Kaoru and Misao the different gowns that were in the dress shop modeled by manikins.
After a few hours, they finally closed the "deal". Misao chose a skin tone colored dress. It was relatively simple. The strap was placed over her nape exposing the sides of her shoulders and half of her back. The gown was biased so it fell straight down to Misao's foot. There were slits on both sides that reached near the folds of her legs. She also had a skin tone stiletto to go with the gown.
Kaoru, on the other hand, chose a powder blue gown. The top was separated and was rather stiff with a crisscross design at the back. The lower part of the dress was broad and the color faded out at the bottom creating a monochromatic effect. At the back of the skirt was a ribbon neatly designed that it reached to the floor. Mikako chose a matching blue stiletto for Kaoru just like what she did with Misao.
Mikako clasped her hands together near her face. "You two look outstanding! The gowns perfectly fit you!"
"Well, it's because you're a very good designer and seamstress." Kaoru said smiling.
"Mou! Don't say that Kaoru-san. The point is, that you two really look good on them."
The three giggled. After fixing some more things, a few "payments" and that was it! The two were off thanking Mikako for their gowns leaving the place with smiles on their lips.
"Kaoru-san, Himura-kun will arrive tomorrow, right?" Misao eyes Kaoru as she shifted the paper bag in between her hands.
"Un. And I'm really looking forward to it. He said he'll be my escort...won't that be very nice?" Kaoru smiled coloring a little bit.
Misao stuck her nose up feeling an air of satisfaction. "Tell me, Kaoru-chan, you really are fond of Himura-kun, ne?"
Kaoru but her lip. "Very much..." she looked at Misao. "Misao-chan, you're the only one who knows... Ever since knew, I had been very fond of Ken-nii. Datte," Kaoru placed her palm over her chest. "There's this feeling I can't explain. Starting when I found out that he had a girlfriend, I, my, my emotions were all mixed up. There was a feeling of anger and bitterness, but, I can't help but to hear his voice and eventually I forgave him for everything. I mean, when he commits a mistake, I think of the good things he has done to me and...and"
Misao raised a brow. "And?"
A gust of wind blew over Kaoru's reddened face. "I know it's wrong, I've tried to fight it, but...It shouldn't be this way, but, without my own knowing, I loved Ken-nii..."
Misao kept silent. From Kaoru's looks, she knew she was going to say something more.
"And, it hurts to know he only loves me as a sister...Nothing more, nothing less." Kaoru closed her eyes.
Misao sighed feeling sympathetic. "Hmmm...look on the brighter side Kaoru-chan. Maybe one day, he'll see you more than just a small sister. Someday, I know, you'll be the "Little Princess" he calls you in his heart." She winked.
That made Kaoru's spirits rise a little. She smiled. "I hope so..." I hope so, but I'm not sure if that would be possible...
----
Kaoru arranged her gown in a hanger and hung it near the mirror sighing in satisfaction as she sat on her bed.
She smiled sweetly to herself. Tomorrow, Ken-nii will arrive. And then, and then, he'll be my escort for my prom. I wonder what he'll think when he sees me in this gown... Another smile crept upon her lips. Mou! I feel like this is going to be a long night! I can't wait for---
"Kaoru?" a groggy voice came out from nowhere.
Yahiko eyed the shouji door. "Yahiko-chan?"
Yahiko placed his hands over his waist. "Mou! Don't call me 'chan'"!
Kaoru nearly laughed. "Ow? Where's the 'Kaoru-nee' I have been accustomed to?"
"It's not the latest fad ya know?" Yahiko answered as he walked in the room. His spiky hair now more distinguished.
"Well, I still feel like saying 'Yahiko-chan'. It's really nice to irritate someone sometimes, you know?" Kaoru joked.
"So, you're going to wear this as a sleep wear?" Yahiko eyed the blue gown.
"Baka...on my prom Yahiko-chan. And, guess what? Ken-nii will be there!" Kaoru said cheerfully.
Yahiko eyed the framed picture that still hung on Kaoru's wall. "Tsk, tsk. He'll be very disappointed! With that dress, your lards will surely be visible!" Yahiko laughed out loud.
Kaoru flashed a look. "What did you say???"
Yahiko gulped. He knew it was coming. Without any warning, Kaoru came lunging at him giving Yahiko some rib tickles.
The two laughed without any care. The two always seemed to enjoy simple moments like this. Yahiko might be very "witty" when it comes to teasing, but the years Kaoru spent in taking care of him created a very strong bond between the two.
"I give up bosu! I give up already!" Yahiko tried to say in between laughs.
"ahahaha!!! Once again! I conquered Yahiko-land! You shall bow down to your new master!" Kaoru blurted out eliciting yet another laugh from the both of them.
"You know, when I was as small as you, and Ken-nii was still here, we used to play a lot and spend countless hours up the tree house. But now, well, I can no longer fit inside the tree house but, you can see how much I treasure it because Ken-nii built it for me." Kaoru spoke out softly.
"Oi, Kaoru, you like Kenshin, ne?!" Yahiko suddenly said as he coked his brows up and down.
She gave him a look. "How old are you again Yahiko? How do you know such things? Are you watching too much t.v.?"
"I'm not hearing you!" Yahiko teased covering his ears with his hands.
"Mou! Mou! Mou!"
The two accented the night with teasing and laughter. Making her remember the nights she and her Ken-nii had shared years and years ago.
Kaoru never felt so excited in all her life. She felt like not knowing what to think or to do.
Ken-nii, I'll be seeing you tomorrow. Tomorrow...
Tsuzuko
----
And finally, to the nice people who reviewed the last chappie:
Well, that's it! Please do leave sessha a review! I'd be more than happy to answer your questions, criticisms, etc... Matane!