MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: Hey there! Well, we're climbing up chapters already... lol... First of all, I'd like to thank Rekka's Angel for putting up with me in pre-reading this to me! Anyways, I think there's not to much A/N for this chapter cuz nothing has been happening for a while. But hey, for those who have been asking a sequel to this fic, I really don't know if there will be a sequel, BUT after this ficcie, I will be working on a new one which will have Battousai, yeez, you read it right Battousai and NOT Kenshin as the main character. It won't be A/U, so watch out for that. For the meantime, let us start with this chap. And yes, let me remind you that this story is somewhat in the year 2018, so expect some cool stuff...LOL
TO THE REVIEWERS: You know where... Thanks to all of ya!
WARNINGS: Hmmmm, a bit of a spoiler, but I guess you're immune with me doing things like that... hehehehe...and some OOC
DISCLAIMER: RK is not mine. I'm just borrowing some characters for a while, so please do not sue!
Ages: Kenshin - 27
Kaoru and others -
17
Yahiko - 9
Chapter 18. Why Did You Have To Come Back?
Kaoru walked through the main hall of the school. Here and there, students thronged with happy faces. Kaoru smiled to herself as she held some books over her chest.
It's no wonder... She told herself. In just a few weeks, I'll be finishing high school...I can't imagine how fast time flies.
She went to the lockers to get a few things before going home. Closing the cover of her locker, a pair of hands encircled her face covering her eyes.
"Guess who?" a sweet voice teased her.
Just from the voice, Kaoru knew who it was.
"Misao-chan!" they both giggled and Misao removed her hands.
"So, how's Miss Valedictorian?" Misao winked as they walked off.
Kaoru smiled flattered. "Mou, Misao-chan, it's not like a big deal..."
"C'mon, don't kid me! It's such a big deal! So, when's the blow out?" Misao smiled to one of her classmates which they met on the way.
"I don't know... I guess it's up to Uncle Hiko." Kaoru returned.
"Hey, people have been noticing that Aoshi guy running in on to you. Is there something...?" Misao didn't finish her sentence as she cocked a brow.
Kaoru gave out a watery laugh. "Of course not! He's just good to me, I mean not all people can see how nice he is."
"All I know is he's weird. But, if you say so." Misao blinked. "Hey, when is...a...well, you know coming home? Will he be---"
"That I really don't know." Kaoru just cut him off. Misao understood right away, so she decided not to lengthen the topic anymore.
"Will Yahiko be attending our graduation?" Misao asked in return.
"That brat...Definitely!" Kaoru smiled widely. Even though the boy was somewhat naughty, Kaoru couldn't deny that she loved him dearly as her little brother.
The two reached the school's main door where Misao told Soujiro would be picking her up.
"Misao-chan, I think it's Soujiro I see over there." And before they knew it, Soujiro came running to them.
"I'm sorry I'm late Misao." Soujiro sincerely said and then bowed to Kaoru.
"Will it be okay if we go now?" Misao asked Kaoru.
"Sure, it's just a little walk from here anyway. Both of you have fun, okay?" Kaoru winked. Misao told Kaoru that she and Soujiro decided to go to a small concert near the port where a fireworks show will be held later on in the evening.
Kaoru sighed to herself and then started to walk. July was about to end abruptly and so as spring. She walked alone in the paved pathway of the busy streets and then decided to take another route through the park where a lot of cherry blossoms awaited the first rain of summer to wash them away.
A gust of wind sent petals of Cherry Blossoms to the ground. Hanafubuki... Kaoru told herself. Often, the appearance of the Sakura signified a time for happiness and rejoicing. While its disappearance means the opposite.
Loneliness...
The park was less crowded. Having only a few people walking here and there. She was about to take on a corner, when suddenly, a voice called out.
"Kaoru-san." It was very well toned.
Kaoru turned back, and as she has expected, it was no other than the blue-eyed guy, Aoshi wearing his black school uniform.
"Aoshi-san." she said as she went back near him.
"I'm sorry if I have followed you, but I couldn't come near to you at school...You had some other acquaintances." He smiled a little.
"Oh, you must mean Misao-chan and Soujiro. Well, they're really good friends of mine. I'll introduce you to them one time. Well, that is if you want." Kaoru smiled back.
"If you please." They were silenced for a while as they looked at each other. Kaoru blushed a little with the gravity in his eyes so she looked away.
"Um, are you going home too?" She said to break the ice.
"Actually, I was about to ask you if it's okay to walk you home." he said in a straight sentence.
Kaoru's mouth was half open. "S-sure, if it's not a bother to you."
At that, they both walked off talking about their upcoming graduation.
As if they flew, they reached the dojo gates without their own knowing. Kaoru thanked him, for again, walking her home. He had been doing it for a couple of times, and it seemed he really enjoyed it. Before Kaoru could turn her back, Aoshi spoke.
"Kaoru-san, I have something to give you." At that, he poked through his back pack and handed her out a medium-sized box neatly wrapped in a shade of gold with embossed bamboo grasses.
Kaoru was taken aback and placed her hand over her mouth. "O, A-aoshi-san, you really didn't have to."
"No, please. It's for the Valedictorian." Aoshi joked on one side and then took Kaoru's suspended arms to hold the gift.
Kaoru woke up from her stupor as she felt Aoshi's warm hands.
"Ah, gomen." Aoshi quickly apologized as he removed his large hands away from hers.
"What is it?" Kaoru asked scrutinizing the gift.
"It's a surprise. I do hope you'll like it." He didn't smile but his eyes showed that he was happy.
Kaoru was about to open the package when Aoshi started to protest. "No, no. I mean, it'll be better if you open that later."
"Oh, I see. Sure." Kaoru bit her lip. "Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu!" she carefully said bowing down.
"Dou, itashimashite desu." Aoshi returned bowing low.
The two said their goodbyes and after Kaoru entered the gate, Aoshi went home.
"Yes, I know, but can you not postpone that for a while?" Hiko's gruff voice cracked the silence in the library.
"I think she is really expecting for you to come. One can see how much pain and frustration she put onto attaining her honor." Another phrase went out of his mouth. He then sighed. "All right. I understand. Take care then". At that, Hiko ended the call.
His fingers clattered on the polished table as he eyed the grand father's clock that was on the office. Kaoru could've arrived. He punched in on the intercom. "Kaoru, are you home? I want to speak to you."
Kaoru heard the page as she entered the main hall. She placed her things on the sofa for she decided to put them away later. All too knowing where her uncle was, she rounded a corner to get into the library.
She tapped on the door twice and Hiko beckoned her. "You want to have a word with me, Uncle?"
"Sit down." he spoke timidly.
"So, what do you want for your graduation?" Hiko started casually.
Kaoru smiled. "O, Uncle, if it's about gifts and stuff, all I need is for you, Kamatari-san and Yahiko to be there and see me."
The old man chuckled. "Yes, I know. But of course, aside from that, I believe you do deserve something better, right?"
Kaoru rubbed her forehead gently with her forefinger. "Whatever you decide Uncle, I'll be fine with it." Another smile went out of her.
How do you do it Kaoru? Hiko asked himself. From the start, the innocent and naive smile always found its way to pierce through what he thought that stony heart of his. Never was there anyone who could do this to him. And the love of a father who was never a father to a daughter who was never his, grew more and more through the years.
"Well, if that's what you want, then it'll be a surprise." Hiko smiled in return and there was a moment of silence.
Kaoru saw the smile go away and was replaced by a rather forlorn look. "Is there anymore you want to tell me, Uncle?"
"I spoke to Kenshin a while ago." He started.
Kaoru just nodded. Half expectant, half amused.
"I tried to convince him to come home for your graduation, but it seems that he can' because of his tight business schedule."
Kaoru shook her head and gave out a short smile. "Let him be, I think. I mean, I wouldn't want to disturb him."
Hiko nodded in return and wondered if Kaoru was in one way, disappointed. "But, he said he'll try to catch up later on during the week."
"I see. Well then, tell him to have a safe trip back home." Kaoru simply said out watching her intertwined fingers.
Hiko blinked. "Have you eaten dinner already?" He asked changing the topic.
"Not yet Uncle. Why don't you come and join me?" she invited.
"Thank you, but I already had mine. You go and get some dinner. I think Kamatari already fixed you some."
Kaoru bowed and was ready to stand up when Hiko spoke again. "By the way, Yahiko told me he'll be coming home late today. He said he joined the kendo team in their school and there's a try out today.
"Try out? But it's near summer already." Kaoru wondered.
"That's the point. Some students are graduating and they need new recruits before the next school year begins."
"I see." Kaoru thanked him again and then quietly went out of the room wth her arms crossed.
Why am I not surprised that you're not coming home, Himura Kenshin? The words rang through her psyche.
Kaoru went out of the bathroom feeling very refreshed after that stressful day. She put on her pajamas and then went to the side of her bed to comb her hair. At her side was the gift Aoshi had given her. After arranging her hair, she decided to open it.
Taking slender fingers, she carefully untied the golden bow that was laced beautifully around it and laid it down gently on her bed. She then started to remove the bullion colored wrapper embossed with bamboos seeing to it that no part was ripped. She half expected to see the gift right away, but to her surprise, a box encased it, on top was a little card with a note inside.
"I hope you'll like this. Omedetou gozaimasu". Kaoru read out low as she read Aoshi's magnificent calligraphy.
She then set is aside together with the ribbon and detached the box's upper cover where inside, an unwoven cloth filled its higher portion. Kaoru nimbly took it off which revealed a dazzling kimono which had the same shade as that of the gift's wrapper.
"Oh my..." her voice trailed off.
Kaoru pulled the chest portion of the garment. It smelled of dew covered pine trees. Kaoru traced its pattern. It was adorned with autumn leaves and acorns. Poking further, she found the kimono's obi in a stunningly combination of red and black decorated with little fans and flowers.
Kaoru sighed. She couldn't believe her eyes. Aoshi must've spent something really, as in really "something" with this. Before Kaoru could give those things more thought, the phone in her room rang.
She stood up and then picked up the receiver not checking who was the one calling nor switching the video on.
"Hello?" Kaoru answered.
"Ah, Kaoru-san?" A manly voice was over on the line.
"Aoshi-san?" Kaoru cocked a brow.
"Yes, it's me. Did I disturb you?"
"N-no. Really, I was just finished opening your gift. I must say, thank you very much". Kaoru smiled.
"Did you like it? If not, we can--"
"I like it. Very much. It was so nice of you." Kaoru nodded to no one as she smiled again.
Aoshi smiled to himself too. He was glad she liked it. He bought the kimono in the store where he saw Kaoru had her eyes fixed on when they went shopping.
"I'm glad."
Kaoru giggled. "I was really shocked a while ago. I mean, I think it's too much."
"You deserve it Kaoru-san."
Kenshin closed the file book. His eyes were tired from all the figures and numbers written on the report given to him about their sales. He slouched back in his leather arm chair and sighed exasperated. His eyes were focused on the ceiling. Thoughts ran through his mind. Then, he remembered something.
Kaoru's graduating next week...And not only that, she managed to grab the highest honor. I'm so proud of her. A pang of guilt went through him. Ironically, he didn't have the chance to watch his Little Princess' "moment of victory". God, how he missed her.
From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of two picture frames. On the left, was a picture of him and Marge. On the right, was the same picture that was on his locket. A picture of a young Kenshin and a very young Kaoru up in the Tokyo tower.
He pulled the locket close to his eyes and opened it slowly. It has been quite a while and it feels like yesterday...
Later, the door opened.
"Kenshin!" Marge came in smiling with a brown paper bag in her hand.
Kenshin quickly got off from his slouched position half astonished at Marge's sudden appearance.
She came towards him and gave Kenshin a quick hug.
"What are you doing here deary?" Kenshin asked looking up at the woman he came to know as his love.
"O, nothing! I just wanted to surprise you." She smiled. "I brought you some lunch!" she added raising the paper bag near to her face.
Kenshin's eyes sparkled. "How kind of you madamsoille!"
Marge giggled as she went at the back of the chair to hug Kenshin around his shoulders.
"So, when are you going back to Japan? You've been telling me it's Kaoru's high school graduation."
"Yeah. And she's the valedictorian." Kenshin plainly said.
"Wow... She must really be a smart girl. What do you plan to give her?" Marge asked.
"I have something in stored for her...The only problem is, I might not attend her graduation." Kenshin's voice had a tinge of sadness.
"What? She'd be disappointed! How come Kenshin?" Marge's forehead was crumpled.
"I know...But a lot of things has been coming up which crammed and now, I don't know which one to start with!"
Marge's hand went up to massage Kenshin's head. "Dear, you know, sometimes, our very presence matters most to other people rather than the gifts or material things we give them. I think Kaoru would appreciate it best if you could be there during her graduation."
Kenshin closed his eyes. "I know that...And from the way I see it, I feel like I have been disappointing her. I mean, there were times that I promised to go home, but didn't manage to."
Marge frowned but continued to massage the sides of Kenshin's head. "If that's the case, I guess what you really have to do is iron out all your schedules and then, try the best to go home and see her and of course, congratulate her!"
Kenshin smiled eased both physically and emotionally. "Thank you. I really wouldn't know what to do next if it weren't for you."
A week swept by so fast. And before the students knew it, it was their graduation day.
Throngs of students, parents, visitors, teachers and kids came in and out or basically just sitting or standing and chatting inside the gymnasium of the school.
Here and there you could see a couple of boys and girls wearing white caps and gowns, with different looks in their faces.
Happiness...
Sadness...
Anticipation...
Pride...
Relief...
Kaoru, together with Hiko, Yahiko and Kamatari came in through the wide entrance of the gym.
"You'll be sitting on the front row on the left side, Uncle." Kaoru said as they were inside.
They walked down the aisle and parted ways near the front. The parents and students had different seats so Hiko, Yahiko and Kamatari were on the other side.
Kaoru sat on the extreme left side on the front row of students. They were arranged according to their honors and merits. There were a few students on that row, but some chairs were still empty.
Kaoru decided to make a run through in her valedictory speech.
"Good morning Kaoru-san."
A proverbial voice caught her ears and as she looked up, Aoshi was there.
"Aoshi-san! Ohayou mo." she returned and then bowed.
"Where do you sit?" Kaoru asked.
"Um, well, actually, right next to you."
Kaoru's eyes widened. "Don't tell me! You rascal!"
Aoshi chuckled and then sat down. "You're lucky you had one point ahead of me."
"Too bad for you, Aoshi-san!" Kaoru giggled.
"Who's with you today?" Aoshi queried.
"O, my Uncle, his brother Kamatari-san and my brother, Yahiko." Kaoru answered delighted. "How about you?"
Aoshi blinked once. "Um, basically, there's none, but I'm waiting for my father to arrive."
Kaoru nodded. "I see. Are you--"
"Yes, don't worry. I'm fine".
Before anyone could say another word, there was an announcement.
"Attention, everyone. Students and parents who are still outside the gymnasium are asked to come in. We are about to start the ceremony."
At that, the students were given candles to have the candle lighting ceremony followed by other ceremonial rites.
Students with honors and merits were called, followed by the distribution of diplomas.
"Shinomori Aoshi, salutatorian will now have the oath of loyalty". The emcee said and then Aoshi went up to do his task.
Some girls were gig idly making comments about the guy and hushed murmurs could be heard. Before Aoshi started, Aoshi took a small glimpse at Kaoru and smiled briefly.
"Please stand up. Raise up your right hand and follow after me". After everyone had their hands up, he started. "I, state your name... respectfully pledge my loyalty... to my Alma Mater...to uphold its traditions...its beliefs...and its philosophies...that I will not in any way...tarnish its name by any means...so help me God".
Kaoru handed out a free hand to shake with Aoshi as he came towards her.
Aoshi nodded towards her as the emcee called her name. "Good luck".
"Thanks." Kaoru simply said as she smiled and took her speech which was in a folder.
Kaoru took a good glimpse at the crowd smiling at her "family" and of course, to Aoshi. She took in a deep breath and then started to talk.
"To our beloved parents, our mentors, schoolmates, friends and visitors, good morning. Today, marks the end of our secondary life in our education..." Kaoru blissfully expressed each words that were printed in the paper.
"There were times when we had petty fights and misunderstandings. Times when we were all frustrated of exams, assignments and other activities. But then, we can never deny the friendship and the wonderful moments we had together not only as students or classmates, but as a family as well...True, high school life is somewhat undefined for there are a lot of words that can describe it and we may never enumerate all of these..."
"People ask me, what keeps me going to strive harder. I rarely answer their questions. But today, I want to tell you with all honesty." Kaoru paused for a while smiling. She turned to see Hiko, Yahiko and Kamatari, and finally her friends who were equally smiling. "I gain my inspiration from my family. Uncle, you have been so caring towards me, like my own dear father. If Papa were here today, I'm sure he would be as proud as you are." Kaoru said those words without flinching.
"My brother, Yahiko, you are the brother I never had. I thank God for giving you to us... Kamatari-san, you have been very helpful towards us all. Without you clattering around the house, I can't imagine what will happen. I guess, I never called you like this before, but just this time, thank you to you too Uncle." Kaoru bit her lip smiling as she saw Kamatari with a happy and touched look and of course, an "I'll-get-you-for-that-Uncle-thing-later".
"To my closest friends, Misao-chan, Sou-chan and Okita-kun, we have been through many things together, and yet, we always managed to hold on. You all mean so much to me. Lastly, to a new found friend. We may, sometimes, miss this person in the background but we never know, unless we try to discover how much of a person there is in everyone. He may be defined a snob, or a complete weirdo. You may want to ask if he ever knows how to talk, but then, it's the desire to find out what's behind that scary and tall wall that gives the word 'friend' a real meaning." Kaoru eyed the expectant crowd again. "Minna-san, let us give a round of applause to Mr. Shinomori Aoshi."
Aoshi was taken aback that he hardly heard the claps that echoed inside the gym. Some were even standing. He looked at Kaoru who was in the stage and then eyed the people around the gym who seemed to "accept" him for the first time. "Thank you". He said to Kaoru in a mute tone, and then, he bowed.
As the claps silenced, Kaoru continued to talk. "Ladies and gentlemen, our journey isn't over. Instead, we are now getting ready for another long and winding one. But whatever awaits for us at the last 'train station', let us make sure that we succeed in every endeavor we face. We may fail sometimes, but let these failures remind us of what we must do... To stand up and conquer every obstacle on the way."
Kaoru closed the folder and then took a good glimpse on the crowd. "Happy graduation to all of us! Omedetou gozaimasu!"
And again, claps roared just after her last word until she was seated on her chair where a lot of congratulations and flattering comments came rushing in.
"For our success and for the future!" Okita raised a wine glass filled with red wine.
"Toast!" Everyone said in one accord. The Akabeko was closed for that night since Tae said it was going to be her gift to Kaoru. Soujiro, Misao, Yahiko, Hiko, Kamatari, and even Sanosuke and Megumi were even there.
"Hiko-sama, when will Kenshin come home? Didn't he manage to come home?" Sanosuke said as he laid down his cup. Sanosuke was working, for some odd reason, in a law firm while Megumi was on her last year in Medical school.
Hiko eyed him. "Sadly, no. But he promised he'll be catching up on this week, so if you wish, you may visit him if he's home already."
"Was it, um, well, I mean, okay on Kaoru's part? I'm sure she has been eager to see him too... especially that it's her graduation". Megumi's eyes were closed after that.
"I told him that too, but, I guess he really is that busy. Kaoru said it was okay anyway." Hiko sighed.
"Weird. It's not like him." Sanosuke simply said as he finished drinking the remaining part of wine in his glass.
It was a good thing that the three were a little far from where the "graduates" were sitting. Kaoru's night could be "ruined" if she heard any word on that.
Later on, Tae came in with trays of noodles while on her side was a young girl carrying a little wooden tray with chopsticks.
"Your noodles, minna-san!" Tae chimed as she served them one by one followed by the girl.
"Kawaii!" Misao exclaimed upon seeing her. "Who's she Tae-san?"
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Boys and girls, meet Sanjou Tsubame. She's my niece. Her mother is my sister. She's here for a little vacation cuz her parents went to Britain, and there was a problem on her visa, so her parents decided to arrange her visa once they are there." Tae introduced her.
"Hello Tsubame-chan!" Kaoru smiled at her.
"Nice to meet you!" Okita said as Soujiro bowed low.
"H-hello...!" Yahiko mumbled as he stared wide eyed at Tsubame. Somehow, he was...was...well, he didn't know what, but he felt excited and uneasy at the same time.
"You look very cute Tsubame!" Kamatari greeted with her hands clasped.
"Konbanwa minna-san!" Tsubame's voice came out squeaky. She was never accustomed to a lot of people. She saw the glued look of Yahiko on her, and blushing, she bowed her head low.
Kaoru noticed it and smiled to herself.
Later, the word that someone arrived rushed inside. Kaoru went to see who it was for Tae was busy in the kitchen. Kamatari was there too for she insisted to help with the serving.
At the door, was an undecided Aoshi. "Aoshi-san!" Kaoru called out as he was about to leave.
"Hi." he simply said. "I thought there was no one in."
"O you silly thing! Why would I invite you then?" Kaoru smiled. "Come in, please."
"Someone will be joining us minna." Kaoru came in first.
Everyone on the room were eager to find out who their guest is. "May I present, the Salutatorian, Shinomori Aoshi."
Aoshi slowly came out from the corner. "Good evening everyone. Thank you for having me here." he said politely and then bowed.
Everyone welcomed him and offered him to sit and of course, some food and drinks. Kaoru sat next to him.
"Aoshi-san, I want you to meet my friends." Kaoru handed out her hand. "This is Makimachi Misao, her boyfriend, Seta Soujiro and his cousin, Soushi Okita. This little brat, is my brother, Yahiko". "The people on the other table are my Uncle Hiko, the woman is Takani Megumi and the other guy is Sagara Sanosuke." Kaoru didn't bother to explain any farther.
Aoshi just smiled with a "nice to meet you" look.
"So, did your parents make it this morning?" Kaoru asked.
"Well, yes, but they were only there for about ten to fifteen minutes. They had to catch a flight for Biei." Aoshi had a brief smile.
"I see. Well then, let's just celebrate." Kaoru smiled. How can his parents not give him time? Even in his own graduation? He deserves it... Kaoru's mind drifted. And...Kenshin Himura...he could've at least came home for me... But...
Shut up Kaoru! You're not about to think of that again!
Kaoru lifted the covers to her shoulder and then rolled to one side. She was half awake, but her eyes resisted to open up. She knew it must've been 9:00 o'clock or something. The party last night was tiring, but fun. If she could remember it right, no one went home after 1 am.
Random, rather annoying thuds were heard from outside. Kaoru tried to ignore it and fought to sleep some more. She was relived that it was silenced for some seconds, but then the thuds started again and seemed to become louder this time.
Giving up defeat, she went out of bed quickly to check where the noise was coming from. She followed the thuds and it sounded it was just outside her door.
Kaoru's eyes were still sleepy as she opened the shouji door fuming. "Who's making noise! Someone's trying to sleep here you know!" Kaoru screeched at the top of her lungs.
A chuckle was heard. "Seems like you're throat hasn't lost it's touch little princess."
Little...princess?...
Kaoru repeated the words inside her.
It can't be...Am I dreaming...?
Kaoru's eyes were shot open wide as she looked up at the tree.
Long, red hair swayed with the morning breeze.
Violet eyes looked down at her with amusement.
Kaoru's voice was buried somewhere deep and it refused to come out.
Is it really him?...
Is he really home?...
All Kaoru could do was watch Kenshin come down from the tree to come near her.
And as if everything went to void, there he was, face to face with Kaoru.
Kenshin...
Tsuzuku
A/N: :runs away: I know you all want to kill me now! GOMEN! Sorry for the cliffhanger, I mean, its needed badly. lol...I promise to make a better chappie next time! I hope you don't go bashing around me for this stupid cliffhanger...hehehehe...Now, time to say THANKS:
GENERAL THANK YOU: I am so happy that I have been receiving positive responses from you guys. I really don't know how to thank you enough. But the least I can do is to give you something to read to set your minds off reality for a while. Again, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
A/N: Well,that's all for now! See you on the next chapter! Mwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!
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