Disclaimer - Alright, I'll admit it...I am the mastermind behind Rurouni Kenshin (Watsuki's just my pen name!)
Ruroken Cast - That's it!
Bokkens, Shinais, Reverse-blade swords, katanas, fists, kodachis, kunais, and every other weapon in Rurouni Kenshin suddenly points towards Hitoezakura.
Hitoezakura - Fine, I DON'T OWN KENSHIN! And...why the heck is the Jackal pointing towards me? ALUCARD!
Alucard (From hellsing) - What? I wanted to join in on the bloodshed!
Hitoezakura - OUT! ALL OF YOU!
HITOEZAKURA IS A LIAR!
For all of you who read the manga, Watsuki writes that he is a liar quite often. Now, it is I who is the liar. I said I updated every Sunday, but after missing three Sundays, I realize that that's a very big lie. And I feel so guilty, because on every review I recieved, the reviewer wrote "update soon". I'M SO SORRY! I usually write my chapters on the weekend, but they've gone by too quickly. The first weekend, my dog escaped from a pet salon, and my family spent five hours searching for him because neither the salon nor Animal control had enough people to help us. When we finally found our dog, he was soaking wet (it was hailing that day) and limping, so we nursed him back to health for the weekend. The next weekend, I spent at my friend's house, and I didn't want to go on the internet because she's only allowed on the internet at night, and that's the only time she can talk to her boyfriend (I mean, fiance) because he works all day. This weekend, we went hiking, and then my mother insisted that this weekend was the perfect weekend to clean the house, so there went that weekend. So I apologize, and hope that you enjoy this chapter!
But first, reviewer responses!
Bradybunch4529 – Yes, Kaoru and Aoshi do upset each other quite easily, but hey, that was the point of the story! The book throwing idea came from my brother and I. He usually interrupts me a lot during the day, and the first thing my hand always reaches to is a book, so I throw it at him! As for Megumi and Sano…well, no one's going to be happy with the cliffhanger, but I really wanted their moment to be perfect!
Nilnil – Yes, the tension between Aoshi and Kaoru is hilarious, and yes you did guess correctly about Saitou and Miyana. Thanks for reviewing!
WhiteRabbit5 – No, Miyana won't be a threat to Megumi, I assure you, and Megumi and Sanosuke do end up working out their problems, so don't worry! Soujirou and Misao's date actually comes up in this chapter, so cheer (I said upcoming because I wasn't entirely sure about the order of some things). However, I won't reveal the end of their date in the next chapter. Kaoru and Aoshi will continue to argue, but it will become a bit more quiet rather than extremely loud yelling. Miyana…I regret making her such an eccentric character (all the crying and the hidden past and what not), but she does open up more throughout the fic, and in the future chapters, you figure out why! As for more Kaya moments, I've been planning it out. I don't tend to lump all the characters together all the time because then I can't reveal any major secrets or hidden pasts or what not, and their personality doesn't shine, so I plan out many moments with one character alone. Thanks for reviewing!
Crewel – This chapter isn't S & M, but the next chapter or so will star them! I'm glad I didn't make you worry too much, and I would like to apologize to you. You reviewed "Behind Those Eyes" and requested me to write a S&M pairing, and I unfortunately received no time to create one. I hope this fic will prove to be worthy though! Thanks for reviewing!
Alright, quick blurb about this chapter. It does contain the very first part of Misao and Soujirou's date (I am horrible at writing about dates, so it's going to be extremely horrible, but please don't kill me, because I have a good idea of what I'm going to do at the end of the date...hehe...), and Miyana and Sanosuke have a quick heart-to-heart, where you discover that Miyana is rather perceptive, and you discover a small secret about her past! This chapter is about five pages, so it's still the same size, but I will update sooner, so don't fear!
Alright, on to the story!
HOW IS THIS LOVE?
"Who are you?" whispered Megumi, her eyes flashing with barely-controlled anger. "And what do you want with Sanosuke?"
The girl set down the dish she was holding and held out her hand.
"I'm Sagara Miyana" said the girl softly. "You must be Takani-san. Sanosuke told me a lot about you in so little time."
"Sagara?" asked Megumi. "Sanosuke had a sister?"
"You could say we're brother sister" answered Miyana quietly. "We've know each other ever since we were ten, and we were both part of the Sekihotai Agency. But we're not related by blood."
"Wait a minute, Sanosuke was part of the Sekihotai Agency?" asked Megumi, slightly upset that Sanosuke had never told her about his past. "How could he keep that a secret from me?"
"Aren't there some parts of your past that hurt so much that you wish never to reveal them?" asked Miyana softly. Megumi's eyes widened as her mind suddenly backtracked to the past.
"Mommy! Daddy! Where are you? Please, don't leave me in here! Please don't leave me here!"
Megumi didn't answer, but instead simply looked away and began to help Miyana with the cooking, although she didn't seem to need much help; all the food was almost prepared.
I can't believe this! How could Sanosuke keep such a big secret hidden from me? I thought we were finally going somewhere, but…what kind of trust can we share if we don't confide in each other?
Then again, haven't I kept secrets from him as well? Can I truly blame him if I too, don't confide in him?
"Takani-san?"
"Yes?" replied Megumi a bit coldly.
"I've never seen Sanosuke's eyes light up so brightly as they do when he talks about you" said Miyana softly. "You two make an excellent pair, and I don't think there is anyone better for Sanosuke than you…"
Megumi smiled softly, realizing what the girl was implying.
"Thanks" whispered Megumi. "I'm sorry for my earlier actions…I just thought-"
"That I was a threat." finished Miyana, turning off the stove. "I'm sorry too. I should've explained myself earlier as well, rather than making you worry so much."
Megumi shook off her apology. "You don't need to apologize" answered Megumi firmly, picking up a few of the dishes and heading out to the table. Miyana picked up the last few dishes and stared at Megumi's retreating figure.
Takani-san…with Sanosuke as a boyfriend, you are going to need all the help you can get to make him confide his secrets in you…
"So the weasel's on a date, huh?" wondered Sanosuke out loud, chuckling. "Must be the eighth wonder of the world!"
"So how many eighth wonder of the worlds are there?" asked Enishi. He held up his hand and began ticking off the numerous eighth wonders of the world.
"Wonder number one, Misao has a date, two, Kaoru actually managed to get onto Shinomori's nerves, three, Sanosuke actually has a woman friend he hasn't tried to hit on, four, Sanosuke managed to get Megumi, five, Sanosuke…"
"Wait a minute, why am I showing up in this list of yours multiple times?" growled Sanosuke angrily.
And what made you guys think that I didn't hit on Miyana four years ago…maybe I shouldn't say that out loud…
"What do you think?" asked Kaoru with a giggle.
"You should be pleased Sanosuke" replied Kaya with a teasing smile. "You're actually accomplishing everything we thought was impossible for you!"
The whole group burst out into laughter as the angry tic mark on Sanosuke's forehead grew horrifyingly large.
"Dinner is ready!"
Sanosuke's anger dissipated immediately and was replaced by sheer delight as Miyana and Megumi set down dish after dish on the table, passing around plates to the whole group.
"FOOD!" yelled Sanosuke happily, immediately digging in to the mass of food.
"Idiot" muttered everyone else in union, with the sole exception of Kaya and Miyana. Kaya laughed, while Miyana simply shook her head.
"Has he changed a bit ever since you've known him?" asked Enishi, raising an eyebrow towards Miyana, who shook her head gently.
"Not one bit."
"Keep the change!" yelled out Misao, hopping out of the taxi as she stuffed some bills into the awaiting hand. As the taxi drove away, she made sure her bun was in place and checked herself over for rips, stains, and missing jewelry.
"You look stunning."
Misao whirled around, her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Soujirou standing behind her, wearing a dark blue full sleeved shirt and soft black jeans.
"Don't sneak up on me!" she exclaimed, holding her hand to her heart to stop it from beating so quickly due to extreme surprise.
That wasn't the only reason her heart was beating so quickly, and perhaps Soujirou's devastatingly handsome appearance was causing her erratic beating patterns.
That airport lighting must be really crappy and dim! He looks even more handsome in the moonlight! Misao, don't scare this one away!
"Sorry!" said Soujirou with a smile. "I didn't mean to! Gomen nasai!"
"It's alright" said Misao with a grin, still looking slightly dazed as Soujirou's bright blue eyes looked apologetic and kind.
"So shall we?" asked Soujirou with a small bow, holding out his hand. Misao placed her hand in his, the dazed look dissipating as her heartbeat increased, if that was actually possible.
"Let's!" she exclaimed, the smile on her face growing wider. Soujirou's smile widened as they stepped through the doorway of the Akabeko only to see…
"MISAO-CHAN!"
Misao almost cringed as Tae emerged from the back, a devilish gleam in her eyes as her eyes darted on Misao and Soujirou's figures. As her gaze fell upon their linked hands, the gleam seemed to grow even more devilish, if possible.
"Oh, hello Soujirou-san!" said Tae with a grin. "It's a wonderful surprise to see you again! Would you like me to seat you two at the special table you reserved this afternoon?" she asked, giving Misao a devious wink. Misao shot a dangerous glare back at the giddy and cheerful woman.
"Of course Tae-dono!" replied Soujirou with a smile, unaware of Misao's threatening glances towards Tae in the background. Tae gave Misao another wink, totally immune to the glares Misao was directing towards her, and seated both Soujirou and Misao at a beautifully decorated table. Fresh flowers adorned the centerpiece and two tapering candles sat right next to the centerpiece, creating a romantic mood at the table.
"Well, here are some menus, and I'll come by in a few minutes to take your order!" called out Tae cheerfully as she disappeared into the back, an evil gleam in her eyes as she watched Misao and Soujirou begin to talk and laugh.
Well, Misao-chan…this time, I'll make sure that this relationship lasts!
"Why do I have to help you wash the dishes?" grumbled Sanosuke, buried underneath countless pots and pans. Miyana gave him a quick glare in order to silence his grumbling.
"Sanosuke, I thought you would like to spend some time talking to me" replied Miyana softly, dumping her dishes into the sink and rinsing them off carefully before placing them in the dishwasher. She motioned for Sanosuke to do the same.
"So what did you want to talk about?" asked Sanosuke bluntly. "I know you well enough to sense when you have something on your mind."
"Why didn't you tell Takani-san that you were once part of the Sekihotai Agency?" asked Miyana gently. Sanosuke smiled sadly as he rinsed the dishes.
"Why should I sadden her with my past?" asked Sanosuke. "I don't want to see her worry or cry, I want to see her happy. She's different from all the other girls…and I don't want to lose her…"
"And hiding such a huge part of your life from her will make her happy?" asked Miyana incredulously. "Sanosuke, you've been with so many girls, but you have yet to learn the matters of a woman's heart."
"What do you mean?" asked Sanosuke indignantly.
"In order for a woman to trust a man, the man must confide his secrets to her first. By doing this, he will be proving that he is open for commitment, and he will eliminate the insecurities the woman might have. Megumi will never confide in you if you don't confide in her, because she's scared that you might never want to put all your trust into her."
"You've got to be joking Miyana" replied Sanosuke with a chuckle. "Megumi doesn't scare that easily! She's pretty self-confident, and she's not as insecure as you're implying her to be!"
"Tell me then, how would you feel if Megumi ran up to a random man, hugged him tightly, and then brought him back in front of you?" asked Miyana quietly.
"I would blow up of course!" said Sanosuke with a laugh. "I mean, he's some random guy, and suddenly, Megumi's all chummy with him!"
"And what made you think that you bringing me here would be any different?" asked Miyana. Sanosuke stopped laughing immediately, and his eyes widened with realization.
"I didn't realize that…" muttered Sanosuke. "Shit!" he yelled, banging his fist on the counter in frustration. "What am I going to do?"
"You are going to talk to her" answered Miyana firmly. "And I don't mean tomorrow. I mean now! Take a walk or something, but you have to talk to her!"
Sanosuke stuffed his hands into his pockets when his left hand suddenly brushed against cold metal. He pulled out his hand to reveal the car keys in his pocket.
"I think I'll take Megumi on a ride now" replied Sanosuke with a grin. "Thanks Miyana, and I'll see you later!"
He quickly left the kitchen, leaving Miyana with a pile of dishes to rinse. As she proceeded to clean once again, her own mind traveled back in time.
"Trust…faith…and friendship" whispered Miyana with a giggle. "The three pillars of the strongest bond in the world – love! Wouldn't you agree?"
He laughed as he picked her up and twirled her around, causing her to giggle harder.
"Of course I agree" he whispered softly.
CRASH!
Miyana looked down at the now shattered mug that she had been cleaning. She carefully picked up the sharp shards of glass.
It's been a year now…so why can't I forget you? You lied every moment you were with me, and still…I can't forget you…Why?
"Oh, come on Aoshi, you can't remain a block of ice forever!" called out Enishi with an evil grin. "I'm betting that whatever happens to Ryou in your movie will happen to you!"
A book went soaring towards Enishi, who gracefully dodged it. He unfortunately did not notice the second book, and was promptly hit in the head with a very large, and very painful book.
"I hope you learned your lesson" replied Aoshi coldly, sending Megumi, Kaya, Kaoru, and Okita into gales of laughter.
"But Aoshi-san, I know that one day, you will fall in love" said Kaya softly, startling Aoshi greatly. "When someone looks underneath your icy exterior, they'll be able to see the Aoshi-san I see."
"After all, name one person who can't fall in love!" exclaimed Kaoru with a grin.
"Hiko Seijuurou" answered Aoshi. Kaoru rolled her eyes.
"Must you contradict every single thing I say?" asked Kaoru sarcastically.
"Of course I must, if I wish to prove your idea about love is wrong" retorted Aoshi. Within a few seconds, Aoshi and Kaoru commenced a glaring contest. Megumi and Kaya began to giggle.
"Hey Kitsune."
Megumi jumped and whirled around to see Sanosuke standing behind her, a grin on his face.
"What do you want Sanosuke?" asked Megumi with a smile, trying to hide the slightly insecure feelings in her heart.Sanosuke quickly pulled her behind him and ushered her out the door.
"Sanosuke, what are you doing?" asked Megumi, laughing as Sanosuke picked her up.
"We are going on a drive!" exclaimed Sanosuke triumphantly.
"Sano no baka, for the last time, I am not going to do it in a car!" yelled Megumi angrily.
"Why not?" asked Sanosuke with a pitiful face as he opened the car door and placed her on the seat. Megumi rolled her eyes, but the wide smile on her face reassured Sanosuke that she was not taking him seriously.
"Actually" whispered Sanosuke as he sat in the driver's seat. "I was hoping we could talk."
"About what?" asked Megumi quietly.
"About us."
I know someone out there is going to kill me for writing cliffhanger endings to chapters...
Anyways, I wanted to clear up a few things (just in case it wasn't clear in the story). Miyana did love someone in the past (gasp!). Also, despite her worries, Megumi smiles a lot at the end of this chapter because she doesn't want Sanosuke to know that she's feeling a bit insecure (she doesn't know if she should take the first step or not). And third, just because Miyana doesn't smile doesn't mean she's gloomy. She's quiet, but she's not trying to be gloomy! And bold italics are flashbacks, while regular italics are just thoughts!
Food for the thought - two cars are outside - Okita's and Enishi's. If Sanosuke pulled out car keys, whose car did he take? You'll find out next chapter!
Future chapters - The end of Soujirou's and Misao's date, Sanosuke and Megumi's talk, Okita and Kaya's private time, Aoshi and Kaoru alone, and a secret about Enishi revealed! Keep reading!
Thanks for reading, sorry for the late update, and please review! (I recieved 135 hits and 35 reviews...please feel free to leave anonymous reviews if you don't wish to give an email address)
Ja ne!