Sorry it took so long for me to get this chapter up. Like I said before, I've been really busy. Last week was Homecoming at my school, and the band was been really busy. Now I'm not as busy, but when I tried to update yesterday, FF.net was being stupid, and wouldn't let me sign in. Oh well.... I've decided to post this chapter over my Author's note because it doesn't need to be up anymore, and people never really read them anyway. I'm glad you all like this story. I figured nobody would like my writing, but you've proved me wrong. Thanks again to all those who reviewed! Like I said before, sorry it took so long. On with the story...

Disclaimer: I don't own RK. Duh....

= speech
= thought

Chapter Two: Shopping with Boys

They finally arrived at the mall. Kenshin sat still for a moment, and then faced Kaoru, his eyes purple. Kaoru, who sat silently, not moving an inch, felt Kenshin glare at her. Slowly turning her head, she let out a sigh of relief out when she saw his eye, purple. he was normal again.
Let's go, he said, not waiting for a reply. It was a good thing he didn't want a reply, because he wasn't going to get one. She was still too scared to talk to him, afraid that his eyes would turn golden once more. Kaoru shuddered at the thought. They entered the mall silently. It was loud and busy. Happy couples and groups of girls were everywhere. So were some creepy looking men. And they were looking right at Kaoru. Thanks Tomoe' she thought sarcastically. Kenshin didn't seem to notice her little problem, and kept on walking. Within a few minutes, he turned around and faced her. Kaoru, not expecting this, jumped back a little startled. Kenshin didn't notice, or pretended not to.
We're heading to a friend's shop. He's the best around. Okay? He said, this time, wanting a reply.
All Kaoru did was nod in reply. They took the escalator to the second floor, the silence between them getting more and more uncomfortable. Kenshin stopped outside a rather large shop, and turned around suddenly.
Is there something wrong?
Kaoru just stood there,
Now Kenshin was confused, Sorry for what?
For asking you about your scar and your past. It wasn't my place to ask abo-
Stop. Don't worry about it. My scar is a rough subject to talk about. It makes me go a little....oh. I guess I scared you a little back in the car. Sorry Miss Kaoru, I can't control that anger well sometimes, Kenshin said apologetically.
Right. Remind me never to get on your bad side, Kaoru said laughing.
Kenshin joined her, Now why don't we-
HEY KENSHIN! a voice called out. A tall man with crazy brown hair came running up to them.
Hey Sano, how's it going? Kenshin asked.
Sano was about to answer, but stopped when he noticed what was standing next to Kenshin. How come he always got the good looking ladies! It just wasn't fair! He grinned, and decided to tease Kenshin, hoping to get the whole story about the beautiful lady next to him.
Hey buddy, I see you got a new little friend here, Sano said, elbowing Kenshin, She's a cute one.
I'm not a slut you idiot! Kaoru yelled, attracting attention from people passing by. Who did this guy think her was? How dare he just walk up and think she was.....some kind of...play toy! She had her hands balled in fists, and began to lunge at Sano when Kenshin (of course, who else would it be?) grabbed her.
Now,now Sano that was not a nice thing to say, that is was not. You should apologize to her, Kenshin said, only to receive a sulking look from Sano.
Ahh....sorry Jou-chan. Jeez, you sure are a feisty one, Sano said.
My name's not Jou-chan! Don't call me that again! Kaoru screamed, her eyebrow twitching.
Oh. Let me introduce you, Kenshin said, Kaoru, this is Sanosuke Sagara. Sano, this is Kaoru. She's staying with Saitoh, her uncle, due to some family issues.
Sano yelled, That stupid jerk has a niece! He couldn't believe it. How could she be related to such a creep?
Yes Sano. And we're going to get her some new outfits...
I'll come!
No you won't! Kaoru yelled. She still had no idea who they were going to see, and she didn't need another male there to watch.
Heh heh. you can't stop me Jou-chan, Sano replied, and began to follow Kenshin who had started to walk into the store.
she yelled, angry. She began stomping towards them, growling. Stupid boys!'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hello Kamatari!
Oh Kenshin! How good to see you again! Oh! I see you brought some friends! Kamatari exclaimed.
Kaoru stood there unsure of how to react. This designer, this person in front of her was.... dressed like a man, yet looked like a woman.... She looked sideways and noticed that Sanosuke and Kenshin were acting normal and calm, as if this was something that happened on a regular basis. All she knew right now was that the designer's name was Kamatari.
And who is this gorgeous lady? Kamatari asked, motioning to Kaoru.
This is Kaoru, and you'll be fitting her today, Kenshin replied.
Really? Goodie! Follow me! Kamatari cried happily, motioning them to follow.
Kenshin looked over at Kaoru, to see her a bit confused, Anything wrong?
she said,confused as ever.
Don't worry, I've known Kamatari forever. He's got good taste, and he'll do what you ask him, Kenshin said, and in a low voice whispered, He also makes my thief outfits.
Oh! So Kamatari is a he.
Kenshin fell down anime style. He should have been expecting it, and explained Kamatari to her. Kenshin couldn't blame her though for being confused. He had also been unsure the first time he had meet Kamatari. The shop, Kama's Clothing, was where Kenshin had always gotten his clothing for as long as he could remember. Kamatari knew the all about the spy business, and he knew Kenshin's taste in clothing.
Kamatari, Sano and I are going to pick some things up, go easy on Kaoru and do as she wishes. She'll need casual clothes and some for.....work, Kenshin said.
Kaoru was about to object to being left alone with him, but before she could say anything, Kamatari grabbed a measuring tape and began to take measurements.
You have the perfect figure! We're going to have sooooo much fun with you!
Speak for yourself.... Kaoru mumbled as Kamatari began gathering clothes.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Okay Kenshin. Spill it.
Sano, what are you talking about? Kenshin asked, only to receive a hit on the head,
I mean Jou-chan. And don't lie to me! There's no way she's related to Saitoh. She's cheerful, and he's......he's not. And besides, you took her to Kamatari.
I don't know what you're talking about Sano.....
Kenshin Himura! Tell me or I'll pummel you to the ground! I'm not an idiot, I know you're hiding something. Now tell me, or else....
Fine. You can't tell anybody though. And I mean it. Uncle Hiko wants it kept quiet.
Is it really that big?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lovely. Simply lovely.
You think so? Kaoru aid, spinning around in a dress. She had already tried on and picked out some casual wear. Now it was time for formal wear. The dress she was wearing now was her favorite color, blue. Kamatari said it brought out the blue in her own eyes. The dress was held up by two thin straps, and had a low back. It had two slits, one on each side, that rose to her thigh. Blue sparkles shown al over the dress, making her stand out even more. She wore matching blue gloves extending to her elbows, and three inch heels dyed to match the dress.
Of course darling. That dress was made for you, Kamatari said, Now let's try on the gold one.
Kaoru gladly grabbed the dress and tried it on. Again, it looked gorgeous on her. The dress was strapless, and a few inches above the knee.
I thought formal dresses were long? Kaoru asked.
Well darling, it actually all depends on the type of party and whose hosting it. And who cares, it looks lovely on you!
Kaoru found herself blushing at this compliment. She was actually enjoying herself!
Oh! How rude of me! You must be tired. Would you like some tea? Kamatari asked.
Kaoru said, Tea sounds great!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sir, we still have not heard back form our spy.
A fist was slammed down hard on the desk.
This sets back my plans. Send in Soujiro. I need to talk to him.

A few second later, a knock as heard on the door.
Come in.
Hello sir. What can I do for you Lord Shishio?
Sit down Soujiro, Shishio replied.
As the boy sat, Shishio pulled a folder out of his desk.
I'm sure you know her pretty well, he said, showing Soujiro a picture, You are still her boyfriend, right? The plan hasn't backfired yet, right?
No, everything is fine. Kamiya is still my girl friend'. Why? Soujiro asked curiously.
We lost contact with Kamiya two days ago while she was on a mission. I have a feeling she has been kidnaped since there is no news about her in the papers, Shishio said.
And you want me to find her right? Soujiro asked.
Yes, the first place to look is Hiko's mansion, where she was sent to retrieve something.
, Soujiro said, and walked out the door. Now to pay Kamiya a visit.'
As the door closed, and the footsteps died away, Shishio began to laugh. Soon our paths will cross again Hiko.'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru was now sitting with Kamatari, drinking tea and chatting. They had talked about many things, like favorite t.v. shows, colors, and food.
So darling, how long have you been in this business? Oh, and what kind of weapons do you use? I need to know so I can design your outfits, Kamatari said, putting down his tea.
Oh I've been in this business most of my life, I guess. My mother and father were both thieves. Actually, I think most of my family has been a spy of thief at one time. Except for one second cousin....Any way, my mom trained me in her sword technique until she died from some rare disease. Afterward, my father began to train me in his style. He was killed later on by some hit men. I stayed with a family friend, who was a doctor until I was eleven. Then I joined Aoshi, and we were partners for five years, until I left when I was sixteen. I worked with a creepy guy named Jin-eh for two years, but I left when he finally got the courage to hit on me. Then a businessman approached me and offered me work, so I accepted. I was working for him when Kenshin caught me. Stealing is my life. It's in my blood, Kaoru said, leaving out bits of important information. No need to go telling a somebody all of her secrets. It could come back to haunt her.
You sound like Kenshin, Kamatari said quickly,wishing he hadn't. Kaoru's head perked up, and it was obvious she hadn't been told about it.
How so?
Never mind. It's not my place to tell you, Kamatari said, trying to change the subject, How about we get some spy outfits for you to try on?
Kaoru sensed that the subject would not be discussed, and nodded in defeat, Fine, I'll just ask Kenshin myself.
NO! No, no, no! Don't ask Kenshin! He'll hate me forever for even mentioning it to you! Kamatari cried.
Hmmmm....it's not really my concern.....okay, but only if you let me design my spy outfits, Kaoru said slyly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So you're telling me that Jou-chan broke undetected into your house, but how? I mean, your house is completely cover with security equipment. There is not one blind spot in the house that the cameras can't see...
We don't know how she got in Sano. In fact, there's a lot we don't know about Kaoru, Kenshin replied.
Like her last name?

But why would some one hide their last name? Sano asked confused.
To cover where they are possibly, Kenshin replied.
But Jou-chan? She's so innocent looking. What could she have done? Sano asked.
Looks can be deceiving Sano. But I agree. Kaoru is a puzzle. A puzzle we must solve.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Saitoh! Where are they! I'm bored! I want to see Kaoru fight! Hiko whined. All Saitoh did was sigh. He had learned to ignore Hiko when he went into his whining boy mode.
Hiko. Shut it. Girls love to shop, and Kamatari is.....crazy. It's going to take a while. Why don't you go examine her weapons she left in the bedroom this morning? Saitoh said.
Hmmmmmm.....good idea. Let me know when they get back! Hiko said, taking of to examine Kaoru's weapons.
Saitoh just shook his head again. What a baby.' He already knew what kind of weapons she used, having examined them while she was knocked out last night. Like Kenshin, she had a katana, but what caught his interest most, was the pair of elbow blades she had. The elbow blades were well taken care of. The hilt of each sword was blue with a huge sapphire on each side placed in the center. The blades did not have one flaw in them, and look if they had just been sharpened. It had been a long time since he had seen anybody using elbow blades. In fact, there was only one person he knew of who had used them. A woman. But she had disappeared 20 years ago......
Yes. A woman known as Aki.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Name sir?

Last name sir.

Ah yes. Here it is. A package for Mr. Shinta Sagara. The clerk pulled out a long slender package. There was no return label and was wrapped in plain brown paper. Let's see....a new katana. I take it you're a collector?
A collector? Yes.
Well here you are sir. Nothing is due. The package was prepaid, the clerk said, Have a nice day.
Thank you , the man said, and walked out if the shop, where he was met by another man.
Shinta Sagara? Jeez Kenshin, could you be any more original? Sano asked.
, Kenshin said, beginning to walk faster, Come on, Kamatari must be down by now, it's been three hours.
So do you think Kamatari will be one by now? Didn't he spend five hours on you last time? Sano asked jokingly.
Kenshin could only shake his head and laugh. How true that was. He had forgotten Kamatari liked to make every detail perfect. Last time he had gone in for a new thief outfit, and had come out with a new everything. And this had, as Sano had said, taken five hours. Kenshin just hoped Kamatari would be done soon. He despised shopping, and was growing impatient.
They arrived at Kamatari's shop within ten minutes. Kenshin could hear Kamatari happily praising one of his outfits, and a happy sounding voice, most likely Kaoru's. They entered the shop and walked into the room that Kaoru was in, and gasped at what they saw. Kaoru looked amazing, in what Kenshin figured was her thief outfit. Kaoru wore two inch back boots that were just below her knee. She had on black shorts with two holders, one on each side for her weapons. Kaoru's top was a black button up three inch tank, and looked like a vest. She had elbow length gloves that didn't cover her fingers. Instead, a thin strip went between her thumb and first finger.
Kaoru was happy with this outfit. Even though it was like the one Tomoe had lent her, Kaoru didn't care. She didn't like wearing black skimpy clothes daily, but she loved wearing it for stealing. It allowed her to be more flexible and it looked like thief material.
Oh, hi Kenshin, Kaoru said happily as she noticed him,
Kenshin, who was staring at Kaoru for a few seconds, had forgotten Sano and Kamatari were there, was snapped back to reality as he heard the commotion around him.
Hey nice outfit! What are the holders for? Sano asked.
Kenshinnn! What is Sano doing here? He's not supposed to know! Kaoru cried out.
Don't worry Jou-chan. I know what's going on, Kenshin told me.
Kenshin told you!?! Kaoru turned quickly to Kenshin, expecting an answer.
Don't worry, Miss Kaoru. It's okay. Sanosuke is one of us, Kenshin calmly replied.
One of us? Oh. A thief, Kaoru said, Why doesn't any one tell me these things?
Yup. Zanza's the name. But I'm sure you know that. I am one of the best-
Zanza....oh. You're the thief that knocked an entire stained glass window in while trying to climb a wall and you also stole the wrong painting once.... Kaoru said, only to be interrupted.
Hey! How do you know these things? Kenshin's the only one who saw it happen. Nobody else as there! Sano yelled.
Things have ways of coming out, and besides, my ties told me. We got a good laugh out of you, Kaoru replied.
Why you little-
Sano. That is enough Now Kamatari, is Kaoru done? I would like to go home now, Kenshin said.
But Kenshin, I wanted to fit you! Kamatari said.

I want Kaoru and you to have matching outfits! PLEASE! Kamatari said, clasping Kenshin's hands, PLEASE KENSHIN!
I really don't want to Kama-
He'll do it.

Kenshin will do it Kamatari, Kaoru stated again. She faced Kamatari with an evil glint in her eye, I'll help.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

No! I refuse to wear this ever again! Kenshin cried.
Please Kenshin! Do it for me! You two look so good together! Kamatari said.
Yeah Kenshin. You and Jou-chan look perfect together, San said smirking.
Kaoru asked, I wanna see! Kamatari brought in a standing mirror, and placed it in front of the two. Wow. We do look good together, Kaoru said surprised.
Kenshin looked in the mirror and sighed in defeat. They did look good together. Both of their suits brought out their features. His simple black pants covered black boots. He wore a long sleeve black mesh top, covered by a black tank. His Katana would fit on his back on a strap that went over his right shoulder.
Are we done now? I'm sure my Uncle is getting impatient. If you don't mind, can you wrap the thief outfits to go, nd ship the other stuff? Kenshin asked Kamatari.
Can I take a few changes though? Kaoru asked, not wanting to be stuck in Tomoe's clothes again.
Sure. Ill get right on it. Bye! Stop by soon! Kamatari yelled. He was in the back already, packing all of Kaoru's clothes into boxes.
Hey Kenshin, I'm coming over, okay? Sano said suddenly as they walked out of the shop, I've got nothing to do, and I'm not in the mood to gamble tonight.
Sure Sano. You're always welcome, Kenshin replied, Besides, you almost live there anyway.
Kaoru just walked silently next to Kenshin, happy in her new suit. She wore low cut jeans, and a violet tank top that said Spoiled Brat. Before she realized it, they were at Kenshin's car, and Sano had gone to his.
Don't worry Miss Kaoru, I'll drive the speed limit, Kenshin said, seeing the look upon her face.
Kenshin, just call me Kaoru. No miss. I'm not a lady for crying out loud, I steal things for a living. Kaoru will be just fine, she said. It just bugged her for some reason to hear Kenshin call her that. Nobody had ever called her that before, and it was annoying.
Ummm...sure Mis....I mean Kaoru, Kenshin said surprised. He'd only meant it as a sign of respect.
The car ride home as silent, for they were both tired. Both Kenshin and Kaoru waned nothing more than to go to sleep. They soon arrived home, and Sano pulled up right behind them. They all got out of the cars, and walked into the house. Unaware to them, a shadowed figured watch their every move from his car. After ten minutes the lights went out in the two front rooms he assumed were bedroom, he pulled into the street and drove away.



Done! Sorry it took me so long to update. I'll try to update every Wednesday, but I can't promise that I will. I can promise that I will try my hardest to do so though. That all!
Les723