Hitoezakura - I have gone back in time and now, Rurouni Kenshin is mine for the taking! Mwahaha!
Aoshi - I seriously think you're crazy...
Hitoezakura - I'm not crazy, I'm just...passionate
Yahiko - Don't use euphemisms ugly!
(A second later, Yahiko is tossed outside in the cold snow)
Hitoezakura - Wait a minute, I'm still in the present...I must have miscalculated...Oh well, back to the time machine.
Alucard - Actually, I used it as target practice, and it is nowa mangled piece of metal.
Hitoezakura - NOOOOOOOOOOO!
Disclaimer - I apologize for the temporary insanity. Rurouni Kenshin is the property of Nohiburo Watsuki, not mine...
Oh my gosh, I have not updated for a little less than two months! You have no idea how incredibly guilty I feel, especially after reading your guys' reviews! I'm so sorry, but school and projects are piling up, and to top it off, I ended up recieving a new original story idea, so I had to start that off as well...
First, reviewer responses!
Crewel - Oh my gosh, you make me feel so happy inside! I almost screamed when I read your review! I felt so wonderful, and thank you for all those wonderful compliments! I assure you, I will keep trying to write many more Sanosuke and Megumi moments! Thank you so much, and I'm thrilled that you love this story! Please, please, please keep reviewing, because I love your reviews so much!
Pinoykengumi - Haha...your poor brother...but I'm glad you paused his download just to read my story. Thank you for the compliment, and I'm glad you enjoyed the plot! I hope you keep reading and reviewing, despite your lack of time!
Blooded wyngs - Thank you! About the drunk scene - I'm not entirely happy with it either, and I felt kind of strange writing like that, since this was the first time I've actually wrote a drunk scene(and if you read WhiteRabbit5's review, you can see that I did a pretty awful job with it too...). Misao and Soujirou's conversation was a bit mushy, but I really do want to bring them closer together, and I know for a fact that they will be more of a sideline couple for almost the whole fiction, so I do want to include some moments between them. Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you'll enjoy the story and keep reviewing!
WhiteRabbit5 - Haha, you told me in the very beginning that you like Kaya's character (that was one of the reasons I went ahead and developed her a lot more than I had planned. Originally, she didn't have such a big role, but I ended up liking her a lot, and soon, I had created a huge plot for her!), and don't worry, you find out what the note says in this chapter! I know some parts in this story are hard to buy (like I said to blooded wyngs, I felt really strange writing a drunk scene, and my brother claims I'm much more naive than a high schooler should be), but I'm glad you found it entertaining. The moment you pointed out the whole vodka issue, I felt like an idiot. Thank you for pointing that out. I assure you in the future, that I will fix up that chapter and will probably use your suggestion (maybe next weekend during Parent teacher conferences), but for the time being, it'll remain like that. Sorry, and thanks for the pointers!
As for Miyana...well, in all honesty, she's not that likeable at this point. I've read a few of your stories and about Naruku (I don't think I'm spelling her name right...sorry), and she's cheerful despite her troubles. The same with Kaoru and Misao. That's what makes them so likeable. At this point, Miyana's personality is shady because she's still secretive, but she does open up more in the future. Perhaps you'll like her in the future...
Thanks for reviewing! I really appreciate your reviews, and I do hope you'll keep reviewing and enjoying this story!
Kaoru4 - Thank you so much for reviewing (there are people on my favorites list who don't review, but I'm glad you're not one of them)! I didn't update as soon as you wanted, huh...Oh well, I'm glad you like this story, and please continue to enjoy it and review!
Ardenilia - Hi! Do you think Enishi and Miyana will make a great couple? We might find out (wink wink)...anyways, thanks for your review!
I assure you, the Enishi Kaoru connection will continue to develop, and during that time, Megumi helps keep Aoshi...occupied...you'll find out how in this chapter...
Thanks for your suggestions by the way (I couldn't pull off the mp3s off hotmail, but my friend lent me her CDs and I listened to them). I'll be sure to use one eventually, but I apologize if it doesn't happen immediately!
I hope you keep enjoying this story, and please keep reviewing!
FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO READ AND DO NOT REVIEW - Although I love seeing my 'hits' number increase, I would love to see my reviews increase as well. Please try to find the time to review, because they really help me and encourage me to write faster.
Anyways, this chapter has the training session...I'm not entirely sure how it came out, but please, provide some comments on it. I'm not good with training sessions, although I do like writing actions scenes with the good guys against the villains, so I'm sorry if it seems strange! Also, you discover something about that mysterious note of Kaya's!
Not revealing anymore! Read the story, and hopefully, you enjoy it!
HOW IS THIS LOVE?
"I am not looking forward to this…" muttered Sanosuke darkly, glaring at the training building as Enishi pulled into the driveway. Megumi placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him.
"Look on the bright side Sanosuke!" said Kaoru with a smile. "At least you don't need to train with Saitou anymore! You two really couldn't get along!"
"That's another thing," said Sanosuke thoughtfully. "Why the hell did the old man team up Saitou and Miyana?"
"Well, Okina did say that he was going to team up people who didn't get along or people that would enhance each other's skills" said Enishi quietly, a scowl on his face. "Maybe he just thinks that Miyana and Saitou would help each other improve…"
"Then why doesn't he just team up Miyana with Kenshin?" concluded Sanosuke. "Both of them trained under Hiko, and both of them could work off each other in the Hiten Mitsurugi technique!"
"Believe me, I'd be thrilled if Himura was teamed up with someone other than me, but Okina knows what he's doing…He has his reasons for teaming the two up…" muttered Enishi.
Meanwhile, Megumi was quietly whispering to Kaoru.
"Are you sure you can deal training with Tomoe-san?" asked Megumi gently. Kaoru nodded determinedly.
"It's been two years since Kenshin and Tomoe-san were married, and I really think I should try to put my past behind me," whispered Kaoru. "After all, I'm powerless in this situation, and I can't force Kenshin to fall in love with me…"
Kaoru trailed off sadly and stared out the window quietly. Megumi sighed and stared outside her window as well.
"Hey, Kaya's cheek is red and swollen!" exclaimed Megumi as Okita's car pulled up next to them, holding Kaya, Okita, Saitou, and Tokio. "What happened to her?"
"You're right, that looks pretty bad," murmured Sanosuke with a frown. "Did someone try to beat her up?"
"How could that have happened?" asked Kaoru curiously. "She was with Okita all day! He would have beaten up any person who raised their fist!"
"Hiko's behind us" said Enishi lifelessly, his eyes narrowing in anger as he saw Kenshin driving the car through the rearview mirror.
I still don't like you…but I'm fighting for Kaoru, so you had better not interfere!
"Where's the kid?" asked Sanosuke, peering in the rearview mirror curiously.
"Baka, do you really think that they would bring a child to a training session?" asked Megumi incredulously. "No, they probably asked Dr. Gensai to take care of him for the time being. Kenji really likes Ayame and Suzume, and Tsubame told me that she's taken care of Kenji a few times herself."
"Here we are" muttered Enishi. "Ready to face torture everybody?"
"I, unlike all of you, have no torture whatsoever" replied Megumi with a slightly smug smile, stepping out of the car. "Let's go in now! It's better than sitting in here and lamenting our fate!"
With a sigh, the other three exited the vehicle listlessly.
Aoshi leaned against the wall of the front entrance, his eyes drifting towards the entrance every few seconds, hoping to sight one person.
Miyana.
I really need to apologize…but more than that, I need to find out whether she discovered who Izumi was…I can't let her find out, I just can't…
He suddenly heard the sound of car doors shutting and he raised his head expectantly, but instead of Miyana, a trail of people entered through the doorway. Kaoru, Enishi, and Sanosuke looked fairly depressed, but Megumi seemed fine. Aoshi figured that their emotions were based on their training opponents.
His eyes suddenly widened slightly as Kaya walked in with Okita, her left cheek swollen and red. They were both followed by Saitou, Tokio, Kenshin, Hiko, and Tomoe. However, Aoshi paid no heed to them and walked up to Kaya, the slightest concern radiating in his eyes.
"Kaya, what happened to your cheek?" asked Aoshi quietly. Kaya laughed ever so slightly.
"Aoshi, there's seriously no need to worry about it!" she exclaimed with a laugh. "It's just that I managed to trip and my cheek hit one of the stairs extremely hard."
Then why is your laughter sounding slightly forced and fake? Kaya, something's fishy, you're hiding something…
Aoshi simply raised an eyebrow and turned to the doorway once again to see Miyana grace his presence. She seemed perfectly alright, but when she raised one of her hands to push back a strand of hair, he noted the bandages wrapped around the palms of her hands, and the dark bruises that encircled her wrist. Her trench coat shifted slightly, revealing the marks of hands encircling her neck. However, she quickly yanked up the collar of her turtleneck and pulled down the sleeves in order to cover the bruises.
I was really out of control yesterday…
However, before Aoshi could approach Miyana and apologize, Okina quickly rushed into the hall and greeted everyone.
"Alright, each set of people have been assigned an individual room to battle in, and later on, we'll try practicing group tactics and range shots and what not. I sent each of you a sheet yesterday, highlighting which room each of you would be in, so lets not waste any time and proceed!" exclaimed Okina. He gathered the four Oniwabanshuu and led them to the room in which the four of them and him would be training.
Everyone else glanced at each other before walking to their specific rooms.
"Alright girls, I'm going to be attacking both of you individually, but before that, I want to see you two in combat together so that I can determine any weaknesses or flaws in your fighting. After the individual fights, you both will try to attack me. Any questions?" asked Tokio.
"Let's start Megumi" replied Kaya with a small smile.
"Alright" agreed Megumi.
"Now, this will strictly be hand to hand combat skills, although in the second half, I want you to use any guns and small knives you carry on you. Both of you don't handle swords, so there is no question about that. Megumi-chan, I know that you are more of a medical asset for the team, but I still want to sharpen your skills so that you can defend yourself if you are ever alone" said Tokio crisply.
"Begin!" she yelled out, causing Megumi to launch forward and begin the attack from the offensive. She threw a punch toward Kaya's abdomen, but Kaya neatly blocked it and pushed Megumi to the floor as she pushed against Megumi's fist. Megumi however, caught herself before falling completely and did a spin around to kick Kaya near the ankles. Kaya fell backwards and quickly somersaulted so that she remained standing, and then launched a punch against Megumi, connecting with Megumi's abdomen. Megumi fell to the floor with a cough, and Kaya used that much time to knock Megumi to the ground, flat on her back.
"Alright, Megumi-chan, I'll work on defense with you" said Tokio quietly. "Kaya-chan, while I fight Megumi, why don't you work on your offensive techniques? There are times when offensive techniques at the very beginning of the battle are useful, and I know that you tend to go into defensive at the beginning."
Kaya nodded and Tokio turned to Megumi, who looked slightly upset about her lack of strength and power.
"Megumi-chan, please don't feel bad about this" replied Tokio softly. "I know that over time, your skills will sharpen and you will be able to defend yourself. We asked you to become a secret agent because we felt you had potential. Otherwise, we would've asked you to sit aside, like Tae, Sae, and Dr. Genzai. Don't berate yourself too much, and instead focus on improvement."
"But I feel so useless" whispered Megumi quietly. Tokio smiled gently.
"Megumi-chan, you are training to become a doctor, right?" asked Tokio, watching Megumi nod in accord before continuing to speak. "You can actually apply your medical training to a battle. You know which areas are weaker than others, which points to press in order to dislocate limbs or stop bodily functions, which areas to target in order to weaken your opponent. You cannot solely think about power and strength, but you must use your intelligence and knowledge as well. Do you understand?"
"Hai!" replied Megumi with a grin.
"Alright, now I want to see both of you battle this time!" yelled out Tokio, signaling for Kaya and Megumi to prepare themselves.
"Begin!"
"So, did Takani beat you up?" asked Aoshi with a raise of an eyebrow, commenting on the fading bruises Megumi and Enishi had inflicted upon Sanosuke.
"No, Enishi was there too Ice-man" replied Sanosuke offhandedly.
WHAM!
Sanosuke just barely managed to dodge the punch Aoshi threw at him.
"Hey, watch it Shinomori!" yelled Sanosuke angrily. "What are you trying to do, kill me?"
"If you had been on guard, you would've dodged earlier" replied Aoshi calmly. "And don't call me Ice-man" he added, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"Fine!" muttered Sanosuke, sinking into his battle posture, his arms out in front of him, ready to strike. "Bring it on!" he yelled out, waiting for Aoshi to prepare himself.
"I'm ready Sagara" replied Aoshi coolly, his arms crossed, his kodachi still sheathed.
"Shinomori, you may have those kodachi sheathed right now, but I assure you, I'm going to make you pull them out of their sheaths during this fight!" yelled Sanosuke, launching into an attack. He lunged towards Aoshi, fist extended, but Aoshi immediately grabbed Sanosuke's flying fist and pushed him back, causing Sanosuke to stumble a bit. However, Sanosuke immediately composed himself.
"You know, Shinomori, I don't think you're all worked up yet!" said Sanosuke with a grin. "Perhaps I should just increase that pathetic anger of yours, huh?"
"And what on Earth could you possibly say that would annoy me more than you already do?" asked Aoshi. Sanosuke's grin simply grew wider.
"Ice ice baby!" sang out Sanosuke with a laugh, singing to the tune of Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby" gleefully. "Ice ice baby, Aoshi!"
Aoshi's eyes suddenly turned into icy storms as he charged at Sanosuke with fresh vigor.
"AAAHH! I didn't mean for you to get that angry!"
A sudden crash caused both men to become distracted.
"What was that?" muttered Sanosuke.
"You don't think Yukishiro and Himura are taking this battle too seriously, right?" asked Aoshi warily.
"SHIT!" yelled Sanosuke, punching the wall and running out of the room, Aoshi quietly following the agitated rooster-head.
"Come on boy, you can't just hold your head in reverence to me forever!"
Okita glared at Hiko, his usual smile dissipating into a frown.
Out of all the people I could be stuck with, I'm stuck with the biggest egoist!
"You know, if you don't come and attack me eventually, I'm going to tell Kaya-kun all about your teenage years!" teased Hiko with a big grin.
"Go ahead, you know nothing about me!" declared Okita triumphantly.
"What about that time a mere baby goat chased after you and you went fleeing away from it?"
Okita's eyes widened with horror and anger as well.
How the hell does he know about that?
"Or perhaps Kaya-kun would be interested to know about the time you tripped over a rock and fell into a pile of horse dung? Or maybe that-"
"That's enough!" yelled Okita angrily, charging at Hiko, his blade perfectly horizontal, executing a gatotsu that would've made Saitou proud. Hiko neatly dodged the blade however, and turned around just as Okita flew past him to deliver a blow on the back. Okita crashed into the wall, but immediately stood up and slowly approached Hiko until he was only ten meters away from the great swordsmaster.
"Charge boy! You can't just stand there!" bellowed Hiko. "Or are you just so intimidated my power that you cannot continue?"
Okita growled and charged once again, this time managing to clash with Hiko's blade, although in the end of the struggle, he greeted the wall once again. Okita and Hiko continued to charge at each other, Hiko constantly inserting egotistical comments in the middle of it all, until Okita lay on the ground nearby the now completely demolished wall in pain.
"How long are you just going to lay there?" demanded Hiko. He received no answer from Okita whatsoever, and decided to settle down in a corner before withdrawing a sake jug and saucer from the depths of his cape.
"Perhaps I can use this time to rack my mind for more amusing anecdotes to tell Kaya-kun" murmured Hiko. In a flash, Okita was in front of Hiko, almost ready to strangle the now smug and laughing man.
"I'm beginning to understand why Himura-san sometimes avoids you" muttered Okita darkly.
"Nonsense! That's not the reason! He's just jealous of my wonderous strength!" chuckled Hiko, causing Okita to bang his head on the ground in agony and exasperation.
Suddenly, the crashing of walls sounded throughout the room. Hiko and Okina glanced at each other.
"Kenshin!" muttered Hiko.
"Enishi!" muttered Okita.
They both rushed out of the room, trying to find both men.
"Kaoru-chan? Are you ready to begin?" asked Tomoe softly, tossing Kaoru a bokken for defense, keeping the second bokken for herself.
How can I ever be ready Tomoe-san? I was never ready for anything when it came to you…I wasn't ready for your arrival, for your marriage with Kenshin, for your child…and look where I am now! I've suffered heartbreak for two years...
"I'm ready Tomoe-san" replied Kaoru softly, holding up her bokken. They both charged at each other, and within a minute, Tomoe had knocked the bokken out of Kaoru's hands.
"You weren't ready Kaoru-chan" admonished Tomoe sternly, picking up Kaoru's bokken at tossing it back to Kaoru.
I'm so sorry Kaoru-chan…You must think I stole the one man most precious to you, and for that I am truly sorry…but I cannot give up Kenshin. Kenshin is the one man I can depend on. After my first love, I didn't think anyone could heal the raging fires within my heart…but Kenshin was there for me…I can't give him up, I just can't!
"You must always be prepared Kaoru-chan" whispered Tomoe. "There are times when the battle will not be going the way you anticipated, but you must pick yourself up and continue to fight, even if it seems you're losing, because you never know when you may win. Perhaps you didn't win in the manner you anticipated, but at least you won…"
Kaoru's eyes widened, her sapphire eyes shining behind her tears.
Tomoe-san…you understood all along?
"But I want to win in a particular way" murmured Kaoru.
"That way is no longer available" whispered Tomoe softly. "I'm sorry Kaoru-chan, but I cannot give him up for you…I'm so sorry…"
"I understand that you love him, and I don't want to stand in the way of your love" murmured Kaoru softly. "I just never realized that you noticed I was heartbroken. Kenshin didn't…"
"Kenshin's extremely dense" said Tomoe with a smile. "But there are emotions only women can sense…"
"So what are you trying to tell me?" asked Kaoru softly. "About my situation?"
"I'm begging you to move on Kaoru-chan" whispered Tomoe. "I know how it feels to fall in love with someone only to be spurned, but I met Kenshin, and he healed my pain. I want you to meet someone who can ease your pain, heal the wounds Kenshin and I have inflicted upon you…"
"The wounds are not your fault, they are mine" said Kaoru firmly. "I was foolish enough to assume that Kenshin would love me…but if I was to move on, who would I approach?"
"What do you believe when you think of love?" asked Tomoe.
"I believe that there is one person out there for everybody. It's just the matter of meeting the person that we must take into our own hands" replied Kaoru softly.
"And perhaps Kenshin was not the one for you" whispered Tomoe. "Perhaps there is someone else…"
"But who?" murmured Kaoru.
"This may not be the best of solutions, but at least it is a suggestion" replied Tomoe with a smile. "I was thinking of Enishi."
"Me? Date Enishi?" asked Kaoru incredulously.
"And what's wrong with my brother?" asked Tomoe with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing, nothing at all!" answered Kaoru hurriedly, trying to appease Tomoe. "But Enishi and I are just friends!"
"And isn't friendship the first step towards love?" asked Tomoe curiously, a smile spreading across her face. "Kaoru-chan, who knows, he might be the one destined for you! There may be one person out there for everybody, but you may not see your person immediately. You may have to suffer heartbreak before finding your special person, and who knows? Maybe he'll be the one who has stood by your side the whole time."
Kaoru smiled softly.
"I'll think about it" she replied. She quickly settled into her fighting stance with a wide grin on her face. "But now, I'm definitely ready!"
Tomoe smiled and charged immediately. However, this time Kaoru was prepared, and she lashed out with a solid defense. Within half an hour, both women sat on the ground, panting heavily, neither one able to defeat the other.
"It's a draw…" replied Tomoe weakly.
"So it is" answered Kaoru, shakily rising to her feet. Suddenly, they heard a crash, as if the walls were falling down.
"Who could that be?" whispered Tomoe softly. "It's training! Who could possibly take this session that seriously?"
"Enishi!" yelled Kaoru suddenly.
"Kenshin!" murmured Tomoe, rushing out of the room, Kaoru right at her heels.
Enishi glared at Kenshin behind the dark shades of his, not willing to allow a shred of kindness to reach this man, despite the fact that he was the best friend of his crush, and the husband of his sister.
You ruined it all…you took oneesan away from me, you took Kaoru away from me…what more could you possibly do to ruin my life?
"You should remove those shades Enishi" said Kenshin quietly. "They'll hamper you in the battle."
"Don't tell me what to do Himura!" spat Enishi angrily. "Don't try to give me any advice!"
"What have I done to you Enishi?" asked Kenshin. "I know that Tomoe was a mother to you, but I really do love her, and I try to keep her happy-"
"You will never be good enough for Oneesan!" yelled Enishi furiously, charging at Kenshin with his sword, forcing Kenshin to apply all his strength just to push Enishi away from him.
"Let me tell you a story Himura" replied Enishi with a wry grin, ready to charge again, his sword gleaming in front of him.
"Once upon a time, there was a young boy who's mother died while giving birth to him, leaving him and his older sister motherless. His father tried his best to raise his daughter and son, but when the son was only ten, and the daughter only fifteen, the father was killed by a hitokiri."
Enishi's eyes burned with fury and fire as he charged at his foe yet again. Kenshin parried the blow, jumped over Enishi, and using the sheath of his sword, pushed against Enishi with maximum force, throwing Enishi against the wall. Enishi merely grinned and stood up yet again.
"That was a good blow brother-in-law" he complimented. "But perhaps we should refrain from fighting until the story is done, agreed?"
Enishi sheathed his sword, motioning for Kenshin to do the same.
"Enishi, maybe we should just begin training" said Kenshin quietly.
"Not until the story's done" replied Enishi coolly.
"Of course, the daughter became a mother and father to the young boy, and soon, he began to treasure his sister so dearly that he was afraid she would be stolen from him unexpectedly. She became a reporter at the mere age of eighteen in order to support her younger brother, and she discovered that the hitokiri was still alive. She and her boyfriend plotted to end the hitokiri's life, but the boyfriend suddenly disappeared during their mission, and she came face to face with the hitokiri. She was ready to murder him, ready to end his life, when his sweet, fake words brought her to his side, and in spite of herself, she fell in love with him."
Enishi glowered angrily, and his hand began inching towards his sword. Kenshin's watchful eyes did not miss this tiny movement, and Kenshin too, prepared to charge.
"Very attentive Battousai" spat Enishi in disgust, as if saying the name was like contaminating his mouth. "He quit his job as an assassin for her, and he proposed to her four years later. She accepted his proposal happily, but was informed the next day that she would have a six year job in Africa. She and the hitokiri promised to stay together during those six years through means of letters, emails, and conversations, and she left.
Her brother however, was furious with the turn of events. His sister was stolen from him by an assassin with dirty hands, hands caked in disgusting and filthy blood. He did not deserve such a pure woman, but the brother saw the happiness in his sister's eyes, and chose to try to bear the pain. However, it only got worse when the assassin stole yet another pure woman's heart."
"Oro?" asked Kenshin confusedly. "I was engaged to Tomoe! I didn't fall in love with someone else!"
"You stole her heart!" yelled Enishi angrily, whipping out his sword. "And after you, I had no chance! But now, I won't let you ruin my life!"
He charged furiously at the redhead, who immediately sank into a stance of defense. Just as their swords were about to clash, a loud crashing sound arrived to their ears, causing them to drop their swords in surprise.
"What was that?" muttered Enishi under his breath.
"I don't know, that I don't" said Kenshin, more confused than before.
Suddenly, the door to their training room slammed open, and Hiko, Okita, Aoshi, Sanosuke, Tokio, Kaya, Megumi, Tomoe, Kaoru, Okina, Omasu, Okon, Shiro, and Kuro all came bombarding through the door.
"Kenshin! Enishi!" they cried out in unison, but suddenly stopped in their tracks.
"What the hell are all of you doing here?" growled Enishi.
"We thought it was you and Kenshin who made all that racket!" Kaoru exclaimed.
"But looking at this room, I don't see any signs of a powerful struggle…multiple cracks in the wall, but they couldn't have possibly been the source of that loud crash…" murmured Tomoe.
"So, where is that racket coming from?" asked Megumi curiously.
"All of us are down here!" exclaimed Okita with a shrug.
Another crash was heard, much louder than the first one, forcing Kaya to cover her ears.
"Not all of us are down here" said Aoshi suddenly and sharply. "Where's Miyana?"
"And where's Saitou?" asked Tokio curiously.
"SHIT!" yelled Hiko, turning away suddenly and running upto Miyana and Saitou's training room, everyone trailing behind him.
"Hello Sagara Miyana."
Miyana flinched as she met Saitou's cool amber eyes (slightly hidden by the cloud of smoke from his cigarette), but her eyes were just as defiant and cold as his were.
"And a good day to you too Saitou-san" she replied softly, although her eyes betrayed the polite greeting. Saitou grinned and dropped his cigarette on the floor, smoldering the orange glow with the tip of his foot.
"It has been a year since I last interrogated you" said Saitou coolly. "But I'm not satisfied with the pathetic verdict of the jury. There is something suspicious about that murder scene that is directly linked to you."
"I told you everything I knew" replied Miyana quietly. "I personally don't care for this nonsense. I was told that today was a training session, not an interrogation."
Saitou suddenly remembered something he had once heard Sanosuke say.
"Miyana used to be so cheerful and optimistic, but now…now her smile has disappeared from sight. But you can still tell she's the same Miyana. That stubborn streak and determination still radiates from her…"
The ahou's right I suppose…but could a violent fight break that stubbornness of hers?
"Alright then, I'll begin!" yelled Saitou, launching into a Gatotsu, hurling towards Miyana at a frightening speed. She ducked as quickly as she could and suddenly received a powerful blow on her head, hard enough to cause bleeding, but thankfully not unconciousness. Saitou laughed as he spun on his heel, his grin growing more wild and sinister by the moment.
"You are just as weak as Battousai" he chuckled, suddenly switching back to his Gatotsu stance, poised and ready for attack.
"Perhaps I'm weaker if not just as weak as Himura-san" replied Miyana. "But I will never lose to you if you still believe that I'm a murderer! I will fight until I drive into your brain that I am innocent!"
"Then fight this!" yelled Saitou, charging at her once again, anticipating that she would try a different technique to avoid his deadly blade. However, she ducked at an even faster speed than the first time, and before he could react, she spun around, the back of her sword connecting with his neck and hurtling him against the solid wall.
"That's a very good blow" muttered Saitou, lifting himself up from the rubble that had fallen from the wall, brushing himself off. "But still not good enough!"
He went hurtling towards her so quickly that she barely had enough time to raise her sword and block his sword from cutting across her neck. He applied pressure, trying to push her own sword into her own neck, his grin growing wider as he began to make progress.
"So, how does it feel for a murderer to be murdered, I wonder?" asked Saitou coldly. Miyana's eyes flashed with fury.
"I wouldn't know, because I'm not a murderer!" shrieked Miyana, gaining a new burst of strength, enough to push Saitou away from her and jump up, rebounding against the ceiling and landing on the floor behind Saitou. He whirled around only to be knocked into the wall once again, this time eliciting a huge crash as the wall collapsed due to the force of the blow.
"I'm not a murderer!" whispered Miyana. "I'm not!"
She tucked some stray hairs behind her ears as Saitou rose once again, and for the first time, he realized that details that he hadn't seen before.
Why does she have bandages on her palms? Bruises on her wrist…and neck? What was she doing last night?
"Care to explain how you injured yourself?" asked Saitou coolly. "Why do you have bandages and bruises all over?"
Miyana's eyes widened in shock as her eyes immediately traveled to her hands, running over the wounds she had received the night before.
I can't say anything about Shinomori-san…not until I talk to Shinomori-san himself!
"I burned my palms on the stove" whispered Miyana weakly.
"And once again, you are lying!" yelled Saitou, delivering a powerful blow, sending her into the wall across from him, demolishing yet another wall as she crashed against it.
"You're a liar" replied Saitou simply. "But one day, I'll unveil these lies of yours."
"And you won't find anything different from what I am saying" whispered Miyana coldly. "I'm telling the truth Saitou-san…why can't you see that?"
The door suddenly slammed open and both Miyana and Saitou turned around to see the whole group congregated in front of the room.
"Oh Kami!" whispered Tokio softly, staring at the demolished walls and then looking at both Saitou and Miyana's disheveled states.
"This was a training session!" insisted Okina angrily. "Saitou, Miyana, what the hell were both of you doing?"
"Training" replied Saitou simply, sheathing his sword and glaring at Miyana as she rose to her feet and sheathed her sword as well.
"Then why in the world are two walls demolished?" asked Tomoe incredulously.
"Stop the questioning" replied Hiko quietly. "Okina, I think our experiment was a failure. Come Miyana." He took her arm and walked away with her, everyone's eyes locked on him.
"What experiment was this?" asked Kaya softly.
"Tokio, Saitou, you two need to come with me" said Okina quietly, ignoring Kaya's question completely. "The rest of you, you are dismissed. We shall have another training session tomorrow."
Okina walked out, Tokio and Saitou following him silently, leaving behind many surprised adults.
"Miyana, what the hell happened in there?" questioned Hiko roughly. "What were you and Saitou doing? Didn't either of you realize how deadly your blows were?"
Miyana remained silent, staring at the sun ahead of her. Hiko practically lost his patience and grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her slightly.
"Miyana, are you even listening to me?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm listening to you Hiko-san!" insisted Miyana, slightly upset and angry. "I'm listening, and I know that Saitou-san and I weren't training, but fighting!"
"Then why didn't you stop it?" asked Hiko, releasing her.
"Because he won't believe the truth" replied Miyana simply. "I've explained it to him, begged him to see the truth, done everything in my power just to make him understand the circumstances, but he won't even listen to them. The only option I had left was to fight him."
"That isn't like you Miyana" murmured Hiko quietly.
"It's not like before Hiko-san" whispered Miyana. "I can't just smile and make all this pain in my heart go away…It sometimes takes pain to end pain…"
Miyana turned and fled from Hiko, leaving him standing there on the sidewalk. He watched as she disappeared from his sight before turning around to talk to Okina.
"So, what happened Saitou?" asked Okina tiredly. "Why did you fly at her in a rage?"
Saitou scowled as he withdrew a cigarette from the depths of his pockets, deftly lighting it before answering Okina's question.
"You know exactly why I loathe that girl" replied Saitou evenly. "She's a liar, a murderer, a-"
"That's enough!"
Both Saitou and Okina turned to see Tokio's eyes burning with fury.
"Hajime, she was in the police station, she was in jail for a whole month, suffering multiple interrogations, she was tried in court, and she still came out innocent!" insisted Tokio. "What more proof do you need of her innocence? I don't want to hear these words out of your mouth again!"
She flew up from her seat and slammed the door behind her. Saitou immediately put out his cigarette and chased after her, almost slamming into Hiko on his way out of the door. Hiko watched both of them disappear down the stairs before seating himself in front of Okina.
"I take it you didn't have the discussion?" asked Hiko with a raise of his eyebrow. Okina shook his head with a sigh.
"I think we need to switch around the partners" he muttered.
"So what do you propose?" asked Hiko curiously.
"Tokio, Kaya, Megumi can stay together, so can Tomoe and Kaoru, but Enishi and Okita are going to be a new pair, so are Miyana and Himura, and I think you and Saitou can become partners."
"What about Shinomori and Sagara?" asked Hiko, nodding in approval of the new arrangement.
"They were bickering a fair amount too, and I think Sanosuke needs to work with people who use brute force rather than swordsmanship, so I might let Hanya and Aoshi train together, and Shikijou can train with Sanosuke. Beshimi and Hyottoko like to be left to their own devices, and that will leave me free to train with the Oniwabanshuu" murmured Okina. "I guess our experiment was a complete failure, huh?"
"Yes, but they are going to have to learn to get along with these people when we determine groups…" said Hiko with a sigh.
"We'll see what happens when the time comes" said Okina tiredly. "Hopefully, it turns out for the best."
"So, we're on for coffee tonight, right?"
Okita grinned as he kissed Kaya softly on the cheek that was uninjured. "Yeah, after a long night after police duties, coffee would sound wonderful! I just wish I didn't have to work today! I would've loved to spend our last summer days together" he replied, slightly wistful as he approached the door of the police station.
"Are you sure you're alright?" asked Okita softly, his hand resting on the handle of the door.
"Soushi, I've been away for four years. I'm pretty sure I should be able to handle a few hours of separation!" said Kaya with a soft laugh.
"I didn't mean these few hours, I meant your cheek" replied Okita quietly.
"Oh Soushi, it doesn't hurt anymore!" said Kaya with a giggle. "It'll heal!"
"But will the wounds my parents gave you ever heal?" murmured Okita. Kaya smiled gently and kissed Okita on the cheek gently.
"Soushi, one day they'll acknowledge our relationship, I'm sure of it!" she whispered softly in his ear. "We just have to wait…"
"I guess" replied Okita with a smile. "Oh boy, this day is going to be such a drag. Saitou-san said something about paperwork…if I'm dead when you arrive, can you just cremate me instead of preparing a funeral?"
"Don't worry Soushi, I'll be here at ten o'clock sharp to rescue you!" called out Kaya with a grin, waving as Okita opened the door disappeared into the building. As soon as her eyes could no longer glimpse Okita, she immediately hailed a taxi.
"Where to ma'am?" asked the taxi driver, slightly bored.
Kaya quickly withdrew the fan from her purse and quickly pulled out the slip of paper she had found nestled in the delicate folds last night. She unraveled it hurriedly and quickly scanned the contents.
"Mishima Café please" replied Kaya softly. The taxi driver nodded and she carefully stepped inside, trying to avoid disheveling her appearance in any way. He immediately made his way to the Café, not attempting to have a conversation with Kaya, who was deeply lost in her own thoughts.
Soushi…should I have told you? But it said not to tell you, and after yesterday…I don't want to make you suffer like you did yesterday!
Like it or not, I must do this!
She carefully fiddled with her fan and smoothed out her jeans, trying to make them look as presentable as she possibly could, before moving on to her soft blue blouse.
"Ma'am, we're here" replied the taxi driver. Kaya thanked him and paid him with a generous tip before stepping out of the taxi.
"Hello Kaya-dono."
Kaya looked up in surprise to see Hakujin, the servant from the Hishimoto Mansion, greet her with a wide smile before offering his arm. She accepted it politely, but confusion swirled about in her eyes. Hakujin chuckled slightly.
"Kaya-dono, Mishima Café is a rather elegant area, and mostly couples arrive here. This is simply a ruse. Anyways, she's waiting inside, so let's head in" whispered Hakujin, steering her towards a secluded table in a lush garden.
"Kimana-san, Kaya-dono has arrived" announced Hakujin quietly, bowing politely in front of the woman. She nodded her head gently towards Hakujin and then turned to Kaya, whose eyes widened in surprise.
The ice that reigned in those eyes yesterday…it's melted…and for some reason, she seems so much calmer, more relaxed…more…kind and motherly?
"Kaya-kun, please take a seat" said Kimana softly, her voice lilting and musical, unlike the harsh voice Kaya had been greeted with yesterday. Kaya sat down, slightly wary, but smiled politely.
"Good afternoon" said Kaya softly, greeting the woman with a smile.
"A good afternoon to you too Kaya-kun" said Kimana with a nod of her head. "Would you like some tea?"
"Kimana-san, I don't mean to be rude, but why did you leave me a letter in the fan, asking me to come here?" asked Kaya softly. "I'm very sorry for being so frank, but I'm extremely confused."
"You have a right to be" replied Kimana with a nod. "I wasn't exactly hospitable yesterday now, was I? Does your cheek still hurt?"
"Not at all" whispered Kaya, fingering the swollen and red cheek gingerly.
"I'm sorry" murmured Kimana. "I'm terribly sorry. There was a matter I wanted to discuss with you, but yesterday was neither the time nor the place."
"What was it?" asked Kaya, dreading to hear the answer.
"Do you love Okita?"
Kaya looked up in surprise, shocked to realize that this was the only question Kimana was asking. Deep in Kimana's eyes lay pain, hurt, joy, and care, swirling about in the two single orbs.
"What do you mean, do I love Soushi?" whispered Kaya with a small laugh. "I will always love Soushi, and I could never, ever get rid of my love for him!"
Kimana smiled, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. "Then, I accept you as my daughter-in-law" whispered Kimana happily. "But you must promise me one thing."
"Yes?" asked Kaya inquisitively.
"You shall never tell Okita of this meeting, or any future meetings."
Kaya's eyes filled with surprise once again, and Kimana sighed.
"What you saw yesterday was an act on my behalf. I have been an actress since the first day of marriage" whispered Kimana.
"I don't understand" murmured Kaya. "What do you mean, you've been an actress since the first day of marriage?"
"Kimana-san, your chauffer will be here to pick you up in twenty minutes" said Hakujin politely. "Perhaps we can reveal the details to Kaya-dono later."
"No, she needs to hear the story today" said Kimana sternly. "I owe her that much, at least."
Kimana drained the little tea that remained in her cup before beginning her story.
"Women, in this world of politics, are merely nothing more than pawns for their fathers. They are used to create alliances among families and businesses, despite their own hopes and dreams. And that's exactly what happened to me…at the age of eighteen, my father married me off to Hishimoto Shiroji."
"When you were just eighteen?" whispered Kaya softly. "That young?"
"My father wanted the marriage to occur as soon as possible. That way, his business could reap all the benefits of Hishimoto Incorporated. Shiroji was a perfect gentleman the first year, and I really felt I could love him. But after Okita was born…our lives were ruined…"
Kimana's voice began to grow thick with unshed tears, but before Kaya could offer any gesture of comfort, Hakujin placed his hand on Kimana's shoulder, offering her his comfort and support. Kimana smiled softly at Hakujin, and Kaya's eyes widened as she stared at the two of them.
Does he...yes, I think he does!
"Kimana-san, if you feel uncomfortable, perhaps we should halt the story" replied Kaya softly. "I don't want to see you cry…"
"You need to know" murmured Kimana-san, wiping her eyes hurriedly with the corner of her handkerchief. "Anyways, Shiroji wanted to raise Okita to become our successor, while I wanted to raise Okita to follow his dreams. Shiroji and I argued, and I suddenly realized exactly who I had married – I had married a businessman, one who thought nothing of his family, only viewed his family members and closest friends as assets. I died inside that night, and I didn't want Okita to live this life. I hardened myself, and I drove him away from our family. He grew up hating us passionately because of the actions I took to drive him away. He began to stay away from the house for weeks during high school, staying with his friends and only coming home to grab fresh clothes. One day, I found out that a couple had housed him as if they were his own parents. I was so happy that he found people he could live his life with. But Shiroji grew furious, and he had someone forge Okita's signature on some documents…"
"What documents are these?" asked Kaya curiously.
"This is where I need your help" whispered Kimana. "Okita knows nothing of these documents, and Shiroji would harm Okita if he knew I was revealing this secret to you. The documents state that Okita is not allowed to separate himself from the Hishimoto Estate, and when he turns twenty-five, he shall be engaged to Maeda Ririka, his childhood friend…"
Kaya's eyes filled with tears.
Soushi…you're supposed to be engaged to someone else…
"It hasn't happened yet Kaya" said Kimana sharply. "Don't lose hope! Okita does not turn twenty-five for a few more months, and until then, we can fight against this contract. That is why I need you to help me. I cannot help Okita, I don't have the power or the strength to help the son I drove away from my own house, but you have the power to help him. You are the woman closest to him, and I want you two to end up together, because you make him happier than I've ever seen him…"
Kimana started to tear up again, and Kaya reached over to grasp the older woman's hand. Kimana looked up in surprise.
"My mother once said that it was every mother's dream to see her child happy" whispered Kaya through her own tears. "And I want to help you achieve that dream. I'll help you for sure!"
Kimana smiled softly and suddenly rose and embraced Kaya, tears running down her cheeks. Kaya's own cheeks were slightly dampened from the tears as they broke away, a smiled on both of their faces.
"Thank you Kaya…I'm eternally grateful to you" whispered Kimana.
"Oh no, don't say that!" exclaimed Kaya. "I'm so thrilled that I can help you after all those years of suffering. It's my pleasure…"
Suddenly, Hakujin cleared his throat. Kimana turned to see sheepish smile on his face.
"I'm sorry Kimana-san, but I must insist you leave now. Hishimoto-san has invited you for lunch, and he will become rather suspicious if you aren't punctual" said Hakujin politely.
"I guess you're right Hakujin" replied Kimana softly. "Kaya, I hope to see you again soon, and I hope you and Okita have a wonderful life together. I will do everything in my power to keep you together…"
"Thank you" whispered Kaya with a smile.
"It's the least I can do for my son" said Kimana gently. "Goodbye."
She left hurriedly and stepped into her limo. Hakujin shut the door behind her and stood at the edge of the sidewalk as she drove away. Kaya looked up at him and smiled.
"What?" asked Hakujin curiously.
"You like Kimana-san" said Kaya with a grin. "Admit it Hakujin-san!"
Hakujin turned bright red and Kaya giggled.
"So you do like her!" she exclaimed. "Why don't you tell her?"
"Are you kidding me?" yelled Hakujin. "She's a married woman!"
"You need to be honest about your feelings" replied Kaya. "You can't hide them forever!"
"Hey, I've hid them for twenty years, I can still hide them!" insisted Hakujin. Suddenly, before Kaya could retort again, the cell phone in Hakujin's pocket rang. He answered it gratefully.
"Hello?" he asked. A silence fell upon both Kaya and Hakujin as the voice on the other side of the phone spoke rapidly until Hakujin hung up the phone, a disgruntled look on his face.
"I better leave Kaya-dono" replied Hakujin politely. "Would you like a ride anywhere?"
"No thanks" said Kaya softly. "Thank you Hakujin-san, and I hope that one day, you shall act on your feelings…"
Hakujin turned red and walked away, leaving behind Kaya, who stood there with a small smile on her face.
Kimana-san…you might receive a new love in your life…and I wish for that with all my heart…
"Tokio!"
Tokio turned around, her eyes an icy blue as she met the gaze of her husband. Amber clashed with blue as the two of them fought with their eyes, full of defiance and stubbornness.
"You had no right to fight with Miyana like that" said Tokio sharply. "For heaven's sakes Hajime, she's a woman! She's so young, and you lashed out at her!"
"You think justice applies to only men?" asked Saitou angrily. "Tokio, my justice spares no one, not even a girl who can fake her own emotions!"
"What makes you so sure she's fake Hajime?" asked Tokio. "Hajime, I researched about her before we interrogated her. She was in jail for a whole month, she was tried in court, and they still found her innocent! What more proof do you need?"
"Her court case was the weakest I had seen in years" muttered Saitou angrily. "Tokio, I know she's lying…that man she murdered was-"
"I'll tell you what Hajime" interrupted Tokio, her anger cooling down as she realized that their arguing was leading to nowhere. "You and I will not speak of this matter anymore until you bring some kind of substantial proof that she is guilty. Agreed?"
"Agreed" replied Saitou a bit sullenly. Tokio rolled her eyes and kissed him on the cheek gently.
"Not on the streets" muttered Saitou.
"No one's here" whispered Tokio with a smile. "I think I can get away with it…"
Saitou grinned as Tokio laughed and entered the police station, Saitou following right behind her.
Enishi rolled his eyes as he watched Sanosuke and Megumi disappear into a café. Kaoru, on the other hand, was simply smiling as she watched the two of them enter the café with love displayed in their eyes.
"They make such a wonderful couple, don't they?" said Kaoru with a laugh.
"I still think Megumi could've done better" muttered Enishi with a grin, earning himself a punch from Kaoru. He grimaced from the pain of the petite girl's fist.
Honestly, where does all that strength come from?
"Wow, Sano's right, your punches do hurt" said Enishi with a laugh. "Fine, the Rooster and Megumi make a good couple, alright? I was just joking before!"
"It's so strange though…" murmured Kaoru. "It's the least likely couple…"
"Well, if you work hard at a relationship, more often than not, it will probably live" said Enishi with a shrug. "No matter which two people share that relationship."
Kaoru stared out the window quietly, listening to Enishi's words and taking them in.
"And isn't friendship the first step towards love? Kaoru-chan, who knows, he might be the one destined for you!"
Tomoe-san…could you possibly be correct? Could Enishi really be the one for me?
I'll never know unless I try, right?
"Kaoru? Kaoru, are you okay?"
Kaoru shook her head slightly and turned to Enishi to see a confused and perplexed look surface on his face.
"Enishi, I'm fine" replied Kaoru. "Sorry for worrying you there earlier. I was just thinking about what you said…"
"What? That any two people could make a relationship work if they tried hard enough?" asked Enishi.
"Yes" said Kaoru with a smile. "Those words…"
Enishi and Kaoru remained silent for a minute, both a bit apprehensive about bringing up the subject on their minds. Finally, Enishi cleared his throat.
"Kaoru…do you think that maybe…you'd like to come to the karaoke bar with me tonight?" asked Enishi curiously.
"As in a date?" asked Kaoru softly.
"Yes" replied Enishi hurriedly.
Please say yes…please say yes…Tomoe's soft words from the morning and Enishi's words from just now suddenly replayed in Kaoru's head, and she answered Enishi with a smile.
"Alright" she agreed. "It's a date."
Enishi broke out into a wide grin. "Alright then! I'll pick you up at nine!"
Kaoru couldn't help but grin upon seeing Enishi's enthusiasm, and before she stepped out of the car, something inside her led her to impulsively kiss Enishi lightly on the cheek.
"I'll see you at nine!" she exclaimed, running into the Akabeko with a wave of her hand, not able to see the surprised glance that Enishi hid behind those shades of his.
Aoshi leaned against the bookcase, calmly waiting for Miyana to arrive at the bookstore.
I need to apologize to her…but more importantly, I need to find out how much she learned from my random comments…
"Hello Mr. Shinomori! Are you waiting for Miyana?"
Aoshi turned around to see Minabe Mika, the owner of the bookstore, greet him with a smile, and he greeted her with a polite nod of his head. Mika was pleased to see that Miyana had a friend, and she always greeted him with a smile, thankful that he spent at least some time with the seemingly lonely girl.
"Where is Miyana?" asked Aoshi curiously.
"She called in sick today" answered Mika. "She really didn't sound so good either…rather shaky if you ask me…"
"Do you have her address?" asked Aoshi.
"I do" replied Mika with a grin, whipping out a slip of paper and scrawling an address on it, perfectly thrilled that someone would be able to visit Miyana. "Please send my regards to her, and tell her that I hope she feels better soon!"
Aoshi nodded in response and walked out the bookstore wordlessly.
"Alright Kitsune, what did you want to talk about now?" asked Sanosuke with a grin, digging into his fairly huge lunch while Megumi delicately picked at her salad, staring as Sanosuke with well-shielded disgust.
"Geez tori-atama, you don't need to inhale your food!" said Megumi with a grin.
"Don't change the subject!" said Sanosuke hurriedly.
"Alright…well, lately, I've had the urge to play matchmaker…and I think there are two couples worth my time!" said Megumi with a smile, her dark eyes sparkling with delight.
"So who are the lucky people in these couples?" asked Sanosuke carelessly, downing his soda.
"Kaoru and Enishi" said Megumi slowly, unsure of Sanosuke's opinion on this couple.
Sanosuke nodded in assent, and Megumi continued.
"Miyana and Aoshi" she finished triumphantly, turning to Sanosuke.
She suddenly ducked under the table as a stream of soda came flying towards her. Luckily, she escaped the sticky substance and instead, a very disgruntled waiter threw his tray down in anger and stalked off, dripping with soda, ignoring Sanosuke's sheepish and apologetic grin.
"Miyana and Aoshi? Miyana and Ice-man? Miyana and Shinomori?" sputtered Sanosuke, his eyes wide and confused.
"You have way too many nicknames for Aoshi" replied Megumi with a roll of her eyes. "Perhaps you should spend your free time doing something more substantial than making up nicknames."
"This isn't about me!" exclaimed Sanosuke. "I don't think Miyana and Aoshi are good for each other. He's just too cold…and she's…"
"She's not her cheerful self anymore Sanosuke" interrupted Megumi. "And I think that maybe if she opened her heart to someone, she would smile again. Love would be sure to change her, and I really think Aoshi could actually fall in love with her…"
"And what makes you think that Aoshi could fall in love with her?" asked Sanosuke bluntly. Megumi smiled softly.
"Sometimes…they act the same. Cold and indifferent on the outside, but if you look deeply into their eyes…there's the slightest glimmer of sadness, of pain, hidden so deeply inside them that it has become a part of them…"
Sanosuke stared at Megumi, who had simply trailed off.
I don't know if you realize it Kitsune…but if you look closely at Jou-chan these days…you can see the same hurt, the same pain, hidden so neatly behind that smile of hers…
No matter how I look at it, I just can't see Miyana and Aoshi together! I just don't think they click!
"What are you thinking about?" asked Megumi softly.
"I still don't agree entirely with Miyana and Aoshi as a couple, but for the time being, I think I want to focus on our relationship more" said Sanosuke with a soft chuckle. Megumi laughed softly as she finished the last of her salad.
"So what do you have in mind tori-atama?" asked Megumi with a grin.
"How about a walk in the park?" said Sanosuke, rising from his seat and standing beside Megumi, his hand outstretched.
Megumi smiled and took his hand gently as he led her outside the café. They had walked about one block before Megumi suddenly realized something.
"Sanosuke, did you pay for lunch?" she asked curiously.
"No, I thought you did!" answered Sanosuke.
"Stupid tori-atama! I'm the girlfriend, why should I pay for lunch! Now we have to go back and apologize!" yelled Megumi angrily.
"Relax, we'll pay them back next time" said Sanosuke with a shrug. "Anyways, we've reached the park, and since I didn't pay for lunch, I can take you on a carriage ride!"
Megumi grinned and kissed Sanosuke on the cheek. "That's so sweet Sanosuke, but do you actually have the money?"
"Of course!" exclaimed Sanosuke, whipping out a few bills and handing them to one of the drivers, who jumped down from his post and graciously opened the door for the both of them.
Kitsune doesn't need to know that I rifled through the weasel's purse and stole a few bills…
And all thoughts of Misao went flying out of Sanosuke's head as he and Megumi enjoyed the wonderful carriage ride.
"That was a wonderful movie Sou-chan!" exclaimed Misao with a grin, stretching out her arms above her head before grasping Soujirou's hand. "Now, we did your activity, and now its my turn to decide what to do!"
"Alright" agreed Soujirou with a grin. "What exactly do you want to do?"
"Dance Dance Revolution!" exclaimed Misao, dragging poor Soujirou to the arcade as he sweatdropped.
I need to think of an excuse…and quick!
"Misao-san, I have no money!" insisted Soujirou.
"But I have plenty!" said Misao with a grin, whipping out her purse and rifling through its contents. "Huh…that's strange, some of my money is missing…what's this?" she murmured, her fingers coming into contact with a smooth piece of paper. She pulled it out and her eyes immediately narrowed.
"Rooster-head…you're a dead man!" she growled as she stared at the little note. A little rooster was winking at her, holding up his wing in a thumbs up position, with a little speech bubble containing the words 'Thanks for the cash, weasel!'.
"That's it, we're definitely playing DDR to let off some steam!" exclaimed Misao, pushing Soujirou onto the platform and inserting a few coins before selecting all the options.
Soujirou's heart filled with dread, but after the first two games, he realized he actually enjoyed the game.
Perhaps I should buy the game myself…it will really help my reflexes…
He turned to Misao, who was stomping away, a smile on her face, and for a moment, his heart felt as light as snow.
What's this feeling? I've never felt it before…
What's wrong with me lately? What is this girl doing to me?
Perhaps I'm just feeling ill...yes, that's probably it...and this game's music is starting to give me a headache...
Aoshi knocked on the apartment door of Miyana, his quiet knocks echoing through the hallway. After waiting for a minute and receiving no reply whatsoever, in exasperation, he began to fiddle with the doorknob, and to his surprise, the door opened.
She didn't lock her door…what's wrong with her?
He stepped inside quietly to see Miyana sprawled out on the floor, her black hair billowing out like a fan. His eyes widened as he quickly made his way towards her, feeling for a pulse. He breathed a sigh of relief as he found one, but his relief ended as soon as his hand brushed against her forehead.
Her forehead's burning hot!
He immediately began to lift her up, but the moment his arm encircled her shoulders, her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him in clouded confusion.
"Shinomori-san…what are you doing here?" she murmured, her hand sliding up to her aching head.
"You were on the floor, and now you have a fever" replied Aoshi simply, helping her rise from the floor. She gratefully accepted his help and shakily rose to her feet.
"I'm sorry for worrying you" she whispered. "Thank you for your help."
"If you think I'm leaving right now, you have to be kidding me" muttered Aoshi firmly. "You are sitting down and telling me why you ended up on the floor."
"You're treating me like a child" said Miyana quietly.
"You're only a year older than Misao" retorted Aoshi angrily. Upon the mention of Misao, Miyana fell silent, still upset about her encounter with the furious girl last night.
"So, why are you not feeling well?" asked Aoshi, rummaging around the kitchen.
"Shinomori-san, what on Earth are you doing in my kitchen?" asked Miyana, completely ignoring his question and rising to pull him away.
"I'm making you something to eat" replied Aoshi simply, pushing her back into her seat.
"Shinomori-san, I believe the owner of the apartment gets to make lunch for the visitor" said Miyana softly.
"And I believe that when someone carries a drunk back home, she shouldn't end up getting strangled and cut on the palms" replied Aoshi shortly.
"You were delirious" whispered Miyana. "It wasn't your fault…"
"I still hurt you, didn't I?" interrupted Aoshi. "Do you go shopping every day?"
"What?" asked Miyana, confused about why Aoshi suddenly changed the subject.
"You have a well stocked cupboard. Did you go shopping every day?" asked Aoshi firmly.
"No" said Miyana, still thoroughly confused with Aoshi's questions.
"So that means you haven't been eating much these past few days?" guessed Aoshi, his eyebrow raised.
"No" whispered Miyana. "I haven't been feeling very hungry lately, and-"
"Well, today, you're going to eat in front of me" interrupted Aoshi in a firm, deciding tone.
"Can I at least make my own food?" asked Miyana. "I feel extremely guilty about making you do all the work."
"Live with it then" replied Aoshi. "I'm making lunch."
The phone suddenly rang out, and Miyana rose to get it, but Aoshi pushed her down on her chair once again.
"Let it go to the answering machine" said Aoshi firmly, effectively cutting off any protests Miyana was about to make. After four rings, the machine began to pick up the message.
"Hey Miyana, Enishi here. I guess you're at work right now. Aoshi told me you worked at a bookstore, but I had no clue which one, so I called you at home. Anyways, great news! I asked Kaoru out, and she accepted! We're going on our first date! Thank you so much for encouraging me to at least ask her! I'll se you later!"
The phone clicked, and a beep signified the end of the message. Aoshi stared at the phone in silence, while Miyana instead, stared at Aoshi quietly, contemplating the confusing emotions clouded by his typical coldness, trying to penetrate through his icy exterior to determine his emotions.
Shinomori-san…you may not know it yet, but I think you might have feelings for Kamiya-san…
But what will happen of Enishi-san if you ever discover your feelings?
ARGGGGGGGGGGGH!
This was not how I wanted to end it, but somehow, this chapter just ended this way!
Anyways, Miyana and Aoshi were not sharing a romantic moment, just in case any of you were wondering! There's a reason I put in that little excerpt about Misao being just a year younger. In Aoshi's eyes, Miyana's like Misao - a little sister.
Was the Kaya - Kimana situation unexpected? Heehee...
Anyways next chapter - Okita and Kaya's coffee, Kaoru and Enishi at the karaoke bar, and...I don't know what else...I'm not that far ahead in planning! (But of course, Aoshi will feature in the beginning of the next chapter!)
Ja ne for now! i hope you enjoyed the story, and PLEASE REVIEW!