MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: 9.July.2003 ::rolls eyes:: I really can't believe I'm here typing this petty stowi of mine while I know I got a test tomorrow on Biology and Social Science. And guess what? I just finished re-editing my research papers! Yeah! PAPERS! As in two! A social and experimental one. ::sighs:: I'm really near poofed, but, well, I kinda felt guilty for not updating so soon as promised. I hope I didn't make you scream with the cliffhanger in the last chapter. Right now, I'm sure you all can't wait to find out who the "boy" is, ne? Well, here ya go! Enjoy!
Before I forget, to my "kababayans" (countrymen), if you wish to send me an SMS, here's my number: 0916-433-5741 Hope to hear from you soon! If I don't reply, it only means I have no more prepaid. (I hate post paid!) ^^
To the Reviewers: At the bottom, as olwez...
Warning: I think I got a writer's block, so I'm sorry if this chapter won't appeal to you, ne? Stupid nikki...A little bit OOC, so tell me if I over do it, ty!
Chapter 16. New Acquaintances
Kaoru stepped forward removing her other hand from the porch.
Flame blue eyes seemed to follow her every move and she didn't know why she was equally staring at 'him'.
For some reason...
"Do I know you?" Kaoru said dumbfounded by her squeaky voice.
The man in front of her seemed to a bit amused and at the same time astonished.
"Why do you ask?" Kaoru nearly gasped with the coldness of his tone.
"Ano...You see, it's like..."
"You saw me somewhere else, is that it?" He cut her off.
Kaoru crumpled her forehead. "Well, yeah. Something like that." Kaoru bowed her head for a moment and then slowly looked up again. "But still..."
The man took slow strides to her side. Kaoru watched his every move from her bangs. Kaoru expected him to stare in front of her, but instead, he went in front of the barricade and placed the back of his arms to support him copying what she did earlier. His eyes were looking very far away into the night sky.
"What's a girl like you doing out here alone?" He asked without any prompt.
"Why do you ask?" Kaoru asked repeating what he has said.
He didn't say anything. He just let his eyes bat twice.
Despite the darkness, the moonlight and the nearby lights showed a great deal of him.
He was...gorgeous. A very good looking guy.
His jaws were perfectly shaped. The bangs of his hair danced with the wind perfectly complemented with ice blue eyes.
Kaoru snapped out of her stupor.
"How about you?" Kaoru fought the urge to join him in the porch.
"Why do you ask?" He said for the second time.
Kaoru couldn't find for an answer.
An airplane's beacon caught Kaoru's eyes.
"I hate the music when it's sweet." The both of them said in one accord.
They looked at each other with staggered eyes. A smile crept upon Kaoru's lips which was proportioned by a very tiny curve in the man's lips. For the first time, Kaoru saw him smile. She decided to join him.
"I never thought you knew how to smile." Kaoru giggled.
"I'm not that good at it. Sorry." The cold tone was there again but it felt somewhat comfortable.
"I see. So, you must be in the senior class like me, yes?" Kaoru started a conversation.
"Aa." He simply said. "I'm on the block section."
Kaoru gave out a watery laugh. "That explains why I rarely see you. How come you chose to be in the block section?"
"I'm really not into wasting my time, so, I like it when my classes are synchronized." He said without looking at her.
A moment of silence passed by. From their place, they heard a certain music played over the hall.
"Why don't you go inside and dance with the others?" Kaoru was surprised when he talked.
"I don't feel like going inside just yet. And besides...I..." Kaoru's tongue knotted. The reality that Kenshin wasn't there still seemed to hurt her.
"Don't tell me you don't know how to dance." A smirk went out.
Kaoru cocked a brow. "Of course I do!"
The man looked at her. His blue eyes were...were...enchanting. Kaoru froze.
He stood up and went in front of her. Kaoru was surprised of how tall he was. She was just at his shoulder. Then, he held out a free hand.
"Would you care for a dance, my lady?"
Kaoru was taken aback. Did she just hear him right? Or was her ears playing games on her? My... lady?
Nobody called her like that except for...except for...
For Kenshin...
The only difference is he called her as his little princess.
"You can't dance without any music, right?"
The man shook his head.
Without knowing it, she gave out her right hand and let the man lead her in the 'dance'.
Why? Does it feel so...so right? Kaoru asked herself.
It had been just a few minutes of conversation, but, here they were dancing! Without any music!
Kaoru remembered how Kenshin used to dance with her up in the tree house.
How it gave her back the good old memories...
And how it hurt her at the same time.
But somehow...
This 'man' seemed to make her feel...renewed...
Datte...Naze...
Kaoru sighed. She just let herself immerse in the captivating dance.
Kaoru leaned her head on his chest without his consent. She didn't know why she did so, but it still felt right. No, it was good.
"Who are you?" Kaoru whispered without herself knowing it.
The man ended their dance with a turn letting Kaoru lean on the porch.
"A moment ago..." The man looked up at the sky. Then, he looked back at her. "You said that you have seen me somewhere..."
Kaoru looked at the man beside her who was, from her point of view was so full of mysteries.
"I feel the same way with you too." He continued. "Would you mind if I ask for your name?"
Kaoru smiled. "Of course not. Kamiya. Kaoru Kamiya is my name."
"Kaoru. I think it suits you very well." The man commented sincerely.
"Arigatou." A gust of wind passed. "Ummm, how about you? Is it okay if I ask for your name?"
The man bowed his head low for a moment and then closed his eyes. Later, he looked back at her with those gentle blue eyes.
"Shinomori. Aoshi Shinomori."
-*-*-*-
"Kaoru-chan!" Kaoru heard Misao's voice from afar. She looked around the cafeteria to find her friend. Not far from her, Misao was waving and was walking to her direction.
"Misao-chan!" Kaoru greeted as she put down her orange juice.
Misao sat on one of the chairs of the empty table.
"Lunch?" Kaoru asked.
"Nope. Thanks, but I already had mine." Misao paused. "Hey, where were you the other night? You disappeared like thin air!"
"Oh...Um, I went out to the balcony. I went out for air, well you know." Kaoru reasoned out.
Misao knew that wasn't the real reason. She had a feeling Kaoru was still hurt by the fact that Kenshin "abandoned" her.
"So, tell me, how's your dance with Sou-chan? I bet you guys really had fun, ne?" Kaoru said changing the topic.
Misao tinged a color of pink. She was really grinning and then the both of them laughed.
Kaoru's eyes widened as if confirming something while Misao nodded rigorously.
"You mean?!..." Kaoru cheered. "You little rascal! Tell me what happened!"
"Well, he told me while we were dancing..." Misao smiled. "And I said I felt the same way, so...so"
"So???" Kaoru was excited.
"So... we're on!" Misao hesitantly spoke out.
Kaoru hugged her friend. "Finally! I'm so happy for you two!"
"Thanks!" Kaoru released her hold. Later, Misao asked something. "Kaoru-chan, are you sure you're okay now? I mean...as in?"
Kaoru nodded. "I think I haven't told you, but, that night...when I went out alone I met someone."
Misao eyed Kaoru to continue.
"I really thought I was alone up at the porch, but then, this man appeared and, I don't know...It feels like I have seen him somewhere, but I'm not sure. And you know what's weirder? He said he also feels the same!" Kaoru leaned her arm on the table.
"Is he a student here too?" Misao asked.
"Yeah, but he's on the block section. He's so mysterious..." Kaoru sighed. "And that night, I danced with him...with no music but it felt so...so...unexplainably right!" Kaoru couldn't look for the correct words to describe her encounter with Aoshi.
"Did you manage to get his name?" Misao asked.
"Un. Shinomori. Aoshi Shinomori."
Misao crumpled her head. Where did she hear that name again?
Then she knew it! Her hair rose.
"Was this Aoshi Shinomori tall and extremely sedate?" Misao raised a brow.
Kaoru could do nothing but just nod.
"My goodness Kaoru-chan! Do you know who you were with that night?!" Misao exclaimed.
"I, I guess so. Why? Is there something wrong?" Kaoru was half confused.
"Shinomori Aoshi, my dear friend is one of the richest guys in this school. A lot of girls would give up their life just to have him say 'hi', but he's a complete snob! Rumor has it that he spends much of his time when not in school, that is, up in a temple in their house! People even say that he rarely talks and doesn't even have friends! Some are even afraid to approach him. I dunno... Maybe he's a complete weirdo or something like that!" Misao threw her hands up in the air.
Kaoru slowly nodded. "But, if you say he rarely talks, why did he talk with me? I mean, yeah, he was like really this type of snob, but then... " Kaoru sighed. "I don't know! I'm really at loss! But, I sure do want to talk to him again if I ever see him!"
"Well, whatever." Misao breathed out. "Where's Okita by the way? Don't you guys have the same class schedules?"
"Oh, him? I think he's at the clinic. I bet he's getting some medicine for his sore throat." Kaoru explained.
"Tell me about it. He was a complete lunatic in front of the mic! You should've seen him!" Misao commented.
The two laughed.
Scants of seconds later, the bell rang signaling the start of the afternoon session. Kaoru took a quick sip at her drink and then the two bid their quick good byes.
-*-*-*-
Kaoru went home late that day. There were only a few students inside the school and almost none on the grounds. She was at the school's main door arranging her report files on a folder when the wind suddenly blew hard sending the papers in different directions.
Kaoru dumbly watched as the papers left her hands. She sighed a heavy one.
"Talk about bad luck!" she whispered.
"I do hope you're not talking about me, Miss Kamiya." a very familiar voice caught her ears.
It couldn't be...
She looked at her back...and then...
There he was!
A moment ago, Kaoru was all alone but as swift as the wind, Aoshi Shinomori was there!
"Ah, no. O-of course not, Shinomori-san." Kaoru was taken aback almost forgetting about the papers.
His hands were shoved in his pockets. Again, like what he did the other night, he took slow strides with his long legs, and one by one, picked up all the papers that were scattered in diverse places.
It wasn't long enough when he finished collecting and arranging them neatly.
He went in front of her. "I believe these belong to you."
Kaoru didn't understand why she felt so "dumb" in front of this Aoshi. Somehow, he made her feet stick in just one place while her eyes followed his every move.
"Eh, doumo." Kaoru carefully accepted the papers and returned them in the folder.
"I guess you're going home Miss Kamiya?" Aoshi asked looking down at her.
"A, hai. How about you?" Kaoru couldn't think of anything else to say.
"Same here."
Another cloak of silence hovered over them.
"Kamiya-san." Aoshi spoke gently.
"Hai?" Kaoru looked at him their sapphire eyes clasping with each other.
"Is it okay with you if I walk you home?" he asked without any hesitation.
Again, Kaoru was more than surprised.
The other night, he asked her for a dance...without any music!
And come to think of it, they didn't even know each other back then.
And now, he is asking her to walk her home!
What will she say? Yes? No?
"Well?" Aoshi waked up her senses.
"Un, if it won't cause you much trouble, sure why not. My house isn't too far from here anyway." Kaoru returned.
"With my pleasure, Miss Kamiya." Aoshi told her and gestured her to walk.
Both walked through the paved road. The sun was already setting tainting the sky with its golden red color. The wind was mild. Spring was already nearing its end and the summer season was eminent to be coming soon.
They walked in silence but Kaoru felt somewhat comfortable. Hesitantly, she took a peek from her bangs to catch a glimpse of Aoshi.
He was good looking under the night sky but the brighter light showed that he was really attractive. His black hair shone majestically matching the black pools in his cerulean eyes.
"Is there something on my face, Miss Kamiya?" Aoshi asked looking at her once again.
Kaoru quicly removed her sight from him and colored a little bit.
"Gomen." She snapped. "Ano, Shinomori-san...?"
Aoshi looked back at her urging her to continue.
"Is it true, that...that..." Kaoru didn't have the courage to go on.
"That I don't have any friends?" Aoshi added.
Kaoru gulped. How did he ever manage to read her mind? Not once, but twice!
"I'm sorry." Kaoru slowly said hugging the folder to her chest.
"That's all right." He simply said.
And so they walked. Kaoru wondered why he was so familiar with the place. His steps were sure as if his house was the same house she was living in.
After rounding a corner, the dojo's gates were visible.
Stopping at the main gate, Aoshi spoke. "I guess I have to say goodbye for now."
Kaoru smiled. "Doumo arigatou gozaimasu." She then bowed.
Aoshi bowed back. "You're very welcome. And, thank you too for allowing me to walk you home."
Kaoru smiled again. Just when she was ready to go in, she heard Aoshi call her.
"Kamiya-san, I guess I forgot to tell you something..." Aoshi stared at her.
"Yes?"
"You dance really well. I'm looking forward for the next." He smiled. A very small one but it to Kaoru, it did feel somewhat big.
"Thank you. The pleasure is mine." She smiled.
-*-*-*-
Aoshi Shinomori...Who are you? You're so mysterious... Those thoughts boggled her mind.
"Telephone call for Miss Kamiya." the computer echoed through the house.
Kaoru was on the main hall when the page sounded so she went straight to the lobby where the nearest video phone was in.
The phone registered Kenshin's number. She sighed. She decided not to activate the video.
Kaoru pressed the receiver button "Hai?"
"Kaoru-hime?" Kenshin's usual name for her sounded bittersweet to her ears.
"I just wanted to know how your prom went on."
"Oh, it was fine. I had fun, really. Okita was the emcee, and Misao and Soujiro were there as well." She felt void of emotions.
"That's nice to hear. So, anything you might want to tell Ken-nii this time?" he asked.
"Um, well, I'm having some research work, but I already am near finishing it." Kaoru wanted to end the call.
"Hmm, that's good. When you finish it, send me a copy, okay?"
"Un."
"How about Yahiko, Ucle and Kamatari-san? Are they okay?"
"They are, don't worry." Kaoru tried to sound happy.
"I see. Well, I've got to go now. You take care there my little princess."
"Yes. Thanks. You take care too Ken---nii." Kaoru had a hard time saying the last word.
At that, Kaoru ended the call.
Kenshin felt absurd. Usually, Kaoru waited for him to say goodbye before ending a call. But then...
Was that the only thing that was bothering him?
There was something...
Yes something...
Something he missed...
He wasn't sure what it was...
But...
Something was...
Terribly...
Missing...
Tsuzuku
-*-*-*-
A/N: So, how'd you like it? Not too much I presume. I told you I'm on a writer's block. It really sucks! And, this has just come in. For the past few weeks, I have had experienced headaches and chest pains. And just recently, I lost consciousness in school sending my mom and dad into frenzy! (Not to mention my teachers). But, anyway, it was actually my fifth time. Other "faints" were when I was sooooo tired. ::sigh:: And so, they ran tests on me on the hospital and they found out that I'm.... ::sigh:: anemic ladies and gents. Now, I have to take Iron supplements every night and MUST sleep at around 8:30. It really is irritating. Well, anyway, I have to thank you guys again so...
Yuki - Oooopsss... I hope you won't bash me now. I updated, ne? lololol... Thanks!
Anonymous - ::smiles wickedly:: Oh you bet I will! Just wait and see, okay? ::laughs evily again and again:: Thanks!
flyingangel - Yep! It's good old Aoshi all right! Hehehe... I'm sorry if there are no M/S scenes here for now. There'll be in the succeeding chappies, so watch out! ^^ Thanks!
Koalla - Thanks! Here's the update my dear. How is it?
Kiyoshi-chan - ::helps you get out of the hole:: Good guess! I really like (next to BK/K) Aoshi and Kaoru pairings! I dunno. Kenshin will be back, don't worry! Thanks!
Dark - Trinity - lolololol... You really don't need to. But, again, I'm sorry for the long update. I had been very busy in school and stuff really won't stop coming in, so, I hope you understand. Lookie! No cliff hanger here! I hope you liked it! Doumo!
Angela - Two thumbs up. Right you are! ^.^ I hope I didn't bore you with this chapter. Thanks!
Pescado 01 - And here's more! Did you like it? Thanks!
TenkunoMeiou - I'm sorry if I'm making Kenshin such a "meanie" in here, but, it is really needed, so, I hope you forgive sessha. hehehe... Thanks!
Shel - Hehehe... Medyo nga e! Well, actually, I'm thinking if I'm gonna put a chapter on Kaoru's debut, so, just wait for now, k? Thanks!
EK - Sure why not!? Did you see my mobile number above? Send me an SMS if you got time,ne? Doumo!
Shizuka - hehehe...same here! And, have I told you? After this ficcie, I'm gonna have my first B/K fic! Yay! I'm not gonna tell the plot for now, but the title will be: Yoshiwara (The Floating World). Well, you'll see! Well, the blue eyed guy? It's AOSHI! I'm so mean, ne? But, I'm hoping you also like A/K pairing. Laterz!
babyg2988 - Yep. I know what you mean. There was this time that I really had a hard time uploading documents. But anyway, now it's fixed. No cliffy here! Did you like this chapter? Tell me, k? Thanks!
Naoko - ::hands you out a really thick rope:: You can now strangle Kenshin! lolololol!!! How's this one? No cliff hanger but I feel like I messed it cuz of my writer's block. Heh... Thanks again!
star-crystals - Awwwww... That's so nice of you! ::smiles:: I'm happy that you like my fic. The boy... hehehe... Well, it's the man with the ice blue eyes! Shinomori Aoshi! How's that for a change? Sorry for the late update, ne? Thanks again!
april - ::claps:: It is our dear Aoshi-sama! Everybody loves Kenshin, right? Well, anyways, all I can say for now is thank you!
cherrymecha - Yeah, some men can really be stupid! But not all though. Uhuh! It is Aoshi! I thought of Enishi first but then I remembered I already had him paired with Kaoru in one of my past stories, so I decided to make something new.
Nah, not really. I already paired Misao with Soujiro, so there won't be any conflict. Bye for now! Arigatou!
Miya-chan - I'm really sorry to confuse you my friend, but Tsuzuku is the Japanese word meaning "to be continued". Did I clear that up? ^^
Jen - You bet someone will! ::laughs:: Very nice observation. ^^ And well, here's Aoshi and he's all grown up too! ::sticks out tongue to Kenshin:: Thanks!
Fuuko-san - That's fine, I understand. I am equally busy as well, but I thought of updating. Did you receive my e-mail? If I remember, it was one of the early chapters when Kenshin took little Kaoru to a festival. (I'm too lazy to check my files ^^) But, anyway, did you see my mobile number on my first A/N? You can send me an SMS so I can save your number and I'll just text you whenever I update, okay? Thanks again!
ran-chan - Tsubame? Um, nice suggestion. I'll think about it, k? Is it okay that I paired up Kaoru and Aoshi? Hope so. Thanks!
Aino Saori - Awww! That is too much! I am so flattered. Really, there are other better writers than me, but, still I want to thank you for your nice comment. How do you like this chappie? Is my writer's block that bad? Till next time!
charismatic angel - Thank you very much to you too! Here's the next chapter. How is it? I hope you're not disappointed. Don't worry, Kenshin will be back, just wait for now, okay? ::winks::
Reviewer - Yep! It is Aoshi all righty! Sorry again for the late update. I had been so busy and it's only now that I have some spare time. Thanks!
missblu - ::pats you on the back:: daijobou! They'll meet eventually, but not for now. The occasion calls for it, so Kenshin and Kaoru should be away from each other for a while. Ja! Thanks!
Besho - It's Aoshi-sama my dear! So, you're Pinoy too? Got my number? Text me then, oks?
Yuhi - And thanks for the review! How'd you like this? Text me too if you want to know anything! It's the fastest way to communicate right now... Hehehe! ^^
Midnight Dreamz - Hello! lololol!!! Don't worry, he won't be so much of a jerk in the next chapters. Masterpiece? Lol! I really don't think so, but, still thank you! And I hope I made it up to you somehow by not placing another annoying cliffy! Till next time!
M@ry - lol! Let's just hope we'll have a house like that when time comes! But then, I saw this feature on Discovery Channel. Mitsubushi is really advancing on "the house of the future". Some of the things in Kaoru's house are really working in Japan right now, but as protoypes, that is. They aren't commercially available for now. We'll just see, ne? ::winks::
omochi - Well, that's life in this story, and so... ::smiles:: Sorry for now! ^^ How's this chappie?
InuYasha Fan - It's Aoshi my dear. And now, Kenshin is up for a competition! ^^ How's this update?
Silver Rune - Yeah, I know. And it really sucks, but welcome to FF.net! Have you started with some stories? Thanks for the review!
april-moon - Ah! But it is Aoshi! Don't worry, there'll be Soujiro and Misao scenes as promised. Yep. Kenshin has but, like every two years, once a year, ya know? Thanks!
ponchita - That's okay. I curse sometimes too. ^_^ But, as you can see, there's no cliff hanger here! How's that?
regina-terrae - THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
A/N: Well, that iz it! Until next time! C ya'll then! Bye!
~diary15~