SORRY it took me so long. I can't remember when I last updated. I've was really busy with school, and my brother graduated, so things were crazy. Family was here for a longtime, and there was no way I could update.....

Disclaimer: Don't own RK.

Chapter 7: Busy Times

ATTEMPTED BURGLARY ON EMPRESS RUBY Last night, according to authorities, there was an attempt to steal the Empress Ruby, which was currently on display at the museum. Luckily, the advanced security system was able to stop the thieves. Police and guards however, were not able to apprehend the thieve(s). Police will be looking into the matter and, due to the attempt, the Empress Ruby will be leaving the museum today, to be placed in a safer location. More on page 2A.

"Do you three have anything to say for yourselves?" a mad Hiko asked. Kenshin, Kaoru, and Sano all stood in his office, reading the paper he had laid before them.
"Sorry?" Sano said, only to receive a threatening look form Hiko.
"Advanced security system my butt."Kaoru mumbled, causing Hiko to glare at her.
"Then what caused this," he said, pointing at the paper, "to happen.
"There were other thieves there Uncle," Kenshin said, speaking up, "We all got into this fight, and somebody went through the lasers."
Hiko grunted, "Don't you morons know how to fight? This should have been an easy mission."
""
Hiko thought for a moment before addressing the three again, "I have no choice.

Hiko, as predicted, had not been pleased. And because of this, he had put the three on an intense training program. For the last month the three, especially Kenshin and Kaoru, had been training almost nonstop. And if they weren't training, they were off doing
something else. Everybody was busy, well, except for Kaoru. Tomoe had recently been coming around a lot more, and Kenshin had been going out with her whenever possible. Sano had made some new gambling buddies, who much to his delight, were easy to win against. Hiko had just been called to Ireland on some type of business proposal, putting Saitou in charge. Little was seen of him though, for he was busy most of the time, reviewing contracts, and other such things. Kaoru was the only one with nothing else to do, for Soujiro had gone off somewhere on business, and for a long time too. Nowadays, Kaoru spent most of her time in front of the t.v., watching whatever was on. Occasionally, she would journey down to the pool for a swim. That's where she was today. Swimming. By herself. It wasn't much fun, and she found herself easily getting bored. Kaoru had already done dozens of laps around the pool, and was running out of things to do. Sighing, she swam to the ladder, pulling herself out of the pool. Light shone through the windows, as she sighed once more. 'I wish I could do something today. It's so nice outside..'
Grabbing her robe, she rapped the soft fabric around her body, and exited the room, headed for her own. The house was quiet, the only noise being generated by her own footsteps.
As she passed the offices, she heard the muffled sounds of Saitou at work. He didn't sound too happy. Reaching the stairs, she began to climb them, only to hear the ringing of the doorbell. Looking down at what she was wearing, Kaoru sighed and headed for the door, knowing Saitou would not answer it.
"Kaoru!"
It was Misao and Aoshi.
"Umm.hi?" Kaoru said a bit confused, "I thought you two had plans for the next two days."
"We did," Aoshi began to reply, before Misao butted in, "But we got done early Kaoru! Isn't that great!! Now we can go do something."
"Sure Misao"
"Nice outfit," Aoshi told Kaoru, who defensively answered back, "I was swimming."
Aoshi laughed, which was rare for him, "I was only joking Omouto, no need to take it offensively."
"Well the way yo-"
"AHEM!"
"What?!?" both Kaoru and Aoshi yelled at Misao, who shrank back a little at the sudden outburst.
"WellI thought we were going to do something today, it's why we came over"
"Oh! Sorry!" Kaoru said suddenly, "Come on in. You can decide what we'll do while I go change, okay?"
"Sure!" Misao eagerly replied.
Kaoru quickly ran up the stairs and into her room.
"So, I take it that you'll say no to shopping?" Misao asked, looking at Aoshi.
"No shopping."
"Hmph! Fine, how about a movie?"
"Nothing good out."
"Umm.swimming?"
"Kaoru just did that."
"Oh right..skating?"
"No."
"Well what should we do then? You don't like any of my ideas, so you come up with one!"
Kaoru returned from upstairs dressed in a pink tank top and shorts, "So have you two decided yet?"
"No! Aoshi doesn't like any of my ideas! And he can't come up with any of his own."
As soon as Misao had finished saying this, a large rumble erupted from her stomach, causing her to blush.
"Might I suggest lunch?" Aoshi said, smirking at the embarrassed Misao.
"Sure," Misao managed to squeak out.
"Sounds good to me," Kaoru replied, "Where should we go?"

"WE are not going there Misao, drop it!"
Aoshi sighed. The girls had been arguing for at least two minutes now.
"But why not?"
"Misao, I HATE that place, and you know it!"
"So?"
"So? So we're not going there!"
"But Kaoru"
"Enough."
They both stopped and looked at Aoshi, who had just spoken that one word, "We're going to Reno's. You both like it there."
And with that, he began to leave the house, causing both girls to quickly follow. Arguing really works up an appetite.

It wasn't too crowded when they arrived at Reno's. The atmosphere, as usual, was full of energy. Reno's was a well known Italian restaurant that was becoming more and more popular. It was run by a man named Joe Martinelli, who had named the place after his daughter. His chefs were the best around, and everything they made was delicious. The three were having a hard time deciding form the choices the menu provided.
"I think I'll get spaghetti and meatballs."
"But Aoshi-sama, that's what you always get," Misao said, "Try something new."
"No Misao, I like their spaghetti."
"But A-"
"Let him be Misao," Kaoru interjected, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder, "You still need to decide on what you're getting."
"Fine," Misao said picking up her menu.
No sooner had she done that, a waitress arrived at their table, "Hello my name is Tsuki. I'll be your waitress today. Drinks?"
"I'll have a lemonade!" Misao chirped, "Oh! With extra sugar!"
'Great, just what Misao needs' Kaoru thought before looking at the waitress, "An iced tea will do."
Tsuki nodded, "And you sir?"
"Coffee."
"Umm..okay," Tsuki said, quickly recovering, "I'll be right back with these."
"Aoshi-sama," Misao said once the waitress was out of earshot, "Could you be any colder?"
"Yes."
Kaoru laughed. 'Typical Aoshi.'
The waitress quickly returned with their drinks and grabbed her pad of paper to write down the orders, "So what can I get you?"
"Spaghetti and meatballs," Aoshi said, receiving a poke from Misao, "Please."
Kaoru went next, " I'll have the chicken alfredo please with a side salad. Caesar dressing."
"Uh-huh," the waitress said, turning to Misao, "What do you want?"
"Well.." Misao said, looking at the waitress, "I still don't know"
"Misao!" Kaoru yelled, "What have you been doing this whole time?"
'Looking at Aoshi-sama.' Misao blushed, "..Trying to decide.."
"She'll have spaghetti and meatballs," Aoshi quickly said.
"Okay!" Tsuki replied, heading off to place the order.
"Misao glared at Aoshi, "What possessed you to do that?"
"Aoshi shrugged, "Do what?"
Misao bopped him on the head.
"Now what was that for Misao?"
"You know very well what it was for Aoshi-sama. I did not want spaghetti and meatballs."
"Too bad. You like it and besides, you couldn't decide.."
So you decided for me?"
"Yes."
"Why I ought to"
Kaoru smiled at the scene before her. 'How cute, their both flirting' She began to look around the restaurant, seeing who was there. A few families of four, many couples, some scary old men, and a bunch of drunk, or soon to be drunk idiots. 'Hey wait..is that Sano?' Kaoru concluded it was. How could she miss that hair style?
"Hey you two, I'll be back. I think I see somebody"
"Huh? Sure Kaoru," Misao replied before saying some smart remark back to Aoshi.
Kaoru shook her head as she left the two in their little world. Making her way to the bar, Kaoru gracefully sat down next to Sano.
Long time no see.
Sano looked up at Kaoru, Well hey there Jou-chan. What are you doing here?
I could ask you the same question?

No Sano, the idiot behind you.
Oh, then let me get him.
Sano turned around, ready to tap the man sitting there on the shoulder. Kaoru quickly whacked him on the head though, causing him to stop.
I was just joking Jou-chan.
Well maybe I'm not in the mood, Kaoru answered sharply.
Somebody's grouchy....
This once again earned Sano a nice smack on the head, Seriously, what are you doing here in an Italian restaurant?
Nothing Jou-chan. I'm just bored, Sano said, rubbing his head. A small bump was starting to form, My new gambling buddies were complete idiots. Taking all of their money was too easy.
Kaoru smirked. Typical Sano. All he cared about was gambling, He come sit with me. Aoshi and Misao are here too. I left them alone.
I've got nothing better to do, he said with a shrug, getting up and following Kaoru.

Hey this is pretty good! Misao happily said through forkfuls of spaghetti.
And who didn't want to get it?
Misao's only reply was to stick her tongue out.
Fine. I see how it is. Don't wait for me to get back.
The two turned around to see Kaoru standing there with Sano.
Misao blushed in shame, Sorry Kaoru...we were hungry..
Kaoru laughed as she sat down, Sano taking the seat next to her, It's okay Misao, I was only kidding.
The four began to chat, enjoying their food and the company. The talk eventually turned to poking fun at Kenshin, since he was the only one missing. Sano began to tell the three about some of Kenshin's embarrassing childhood moments. He accidentally let the one slip about the time Kenshin had worn a dress to school, and how Kenshin had called one of Hiko's partners in business something that Hiko had actually said behind the man's back. The laugher did not cease. Poor Kenshin was not going to want to be at home tonight. Glancing at her watch, Kaoru gasped as she realized what time it was.
Ahhh! It's 2:45! Kaoru yelled.
The others glared at her like she was crazy.
I have training with Hiko at 3, was her reply, Actually you do too Sano.
Sighing, the group decided it was time to go as they paid the bill and slowly piled into Aoshi's car. There was no traffic, and they made it back to the mansion just in time. As they pulled into the driveway, Saitou and Kenshin came into view.
I see you made it home in time, wa all Saiotu said as the four got out of the car.
Aoshi and Misao said their goodbyes, not being able to suppress a laugh when addressing Kenshin. Sano and Kaoru also joined in, causing the redhead to become suspicious.
Sano, what is going on?
Nothing at all Kenshin.
Like I believe that.' Kenshin thought as he eyed the four. Something was definitely up because Aoshi was even laughing. He turned his ice cold glare to Misao. Luckily for Kenshin, Misao could no longer keep it a secret.
Sano told us a few of your childhood stories, she said between laughs.
Kenshin turned to Sano, as he watched his friend's face pale, I'll get you during training for this.
Speaking of training, Saitou interrupted, You all need to get ready.
Aoshi and Misao turned to leave, but Saitou called to them, Where do you think you're going?
Aoshi turned around sharply, We don't work for you.How did we get pulled into this? Aoshi asked as he stood there, dressed in one of Sano's outfits. He wasn't exactly sure how Saitou had gotten him or Misao to stay.
It doesn't matter, Saitou said as he entered the room, Let's not waste time. Aoshi, Kenshin, and Sano will spar, as well as Kaoru and Misao. Losers get an extra hour in here. You may begin.

A few hours later, Kaoru and Aoshi found themselves watching tv. They had been the victors of their fights, and were relaxing after taking a nice bath. Misao had been easy to beat. All Kaoru did was use Aoshi to distract Misao. Aoshi, Kaoru knew, was one of Misao's weaknesses. Aoshi on the other hand, had made a pact with Kenshin. He was to win so Kenshin could beat the crap out of Sano for another hour. Aoshi had no problem with this. In fact, he thought that it had worked out quite well. He also had a sneaking suspicion that Saitou knew it was planned. Aoshi didn't really care though, and he returned to watching the tv, cartoons on.

Misao was exhausted and drenched in sweat as she walked with Sano and Kenshin upstairs. It was well after 8 pm, and all three were tired. Saitou's extra hour had turned out to last an additional two hours on top of that. Going into Kaoru's room, she found the girl relaxing on the bed, a book in her hands.
I hate you.
Kaoru looked up, smiling at Misao, Hey...you look like crap. Everything you'll need is in the bathroom. When you're done the extra bed is for you.
Misao said, walking towards the bathroom. She turned around and paused in the doorway, I don't hate you Kaoru.
Thought so, Kaoru replied as she got ready for some much needed sleep. I wonder how Sano's doing? I'll get the scoop from Misao tomorrow.'

Sano was sore all over. He was never going to tell another story about Kenshin as long as he lived. Tired and sore, he was barely able to drag himself to the bed. Taking a shower would have to wait, he didn't have any energy left.

Kenshin felt good. He had beaten Sano up badly, and felt positive that there wouldn't be anymore talking about him. Getting out of the shower, Kenshin's stomach growled. Grabbing some pants, Kenshin went downstairs, grabbing some food and relaxing in front of he tv. He was still wide awake, not ready to retire to bed.

Saitou sat in the office, a cup of coffee in his hands. He still had a lot of work to do, and there was no time to waste. The office phone rang, and Hiko quickly answered it. He stopped all work, listening intently to the voice. Grumbling a good bye, he quickly slammed the phone down, rushng to get the work done tonight. Hiko was coming home tomorrow, and it sounded like a new mission was in store for them.

Okay, that's it. This is more of a filler chapter. I had to make time quickly fly by. Sorry if it's crappie, but I tried to update as soon as I could. Sorry it took me so long!

-Les723