Chapter 4

Sano's Challenge!

The restaurant was already a bustle on the beautiful Saturday afternoon. The tables and bar area were packed with trendy, beautiful people and a very nervous Kaoru sat next to one of the cutest guys she'd ever seen! She was in a great restaurant, surrounded by friends, and spending time with a guy who she could barely make eye contact with. Too bad she was a complete bundle of nerves, ready to go off at her petite friend sitting right across from her!

"Oh my gosh, I am going to KILL Misao! How could she do this? Ack! Okay, what do I say to this guy with out sounding like a complete geek!" Kaoru racked her brains for something interesting to add to the conversation that was taking place between the three other friends. She tried her hardest to pay attention to what they were talking about but she couldn't help but be nervous. Her stomach was still in knots and she was sure that her face was as flushed with a deep blush.

"Hey Kaoru, you sure are quiet. Everything okay?" Suddenly all the conversation stopped at the table and Kaoru took center stage. She turned to her right to face the red head that asked the question and nervously laughed back.

"Oh…oh yeah! Everything is fine! Hehe..." She couldn't help but look into those beautiful amethyst eyes and wonder what he was thinking about her.

"Well in that case, lets order something…I am starving!" Sano was always hungry! But that statement gave Kaoru the perfect comment to add to the conversation.

"Sano when aren't you starving?" she playfully added.

"A growing boy needs his nutrition Missy! Besides, I don't want to end up like the little shrimp to my side" he added while nudging Misao.

If it weren't for the fact that Misao was too busy shoveling the bread sticks the waitress had brought to their table into her mouth, she would've given Sano a piece of her mind.

There were a few more playful comments from the three friends directed towards each other and Kenshin just watched on and laughed aloud. They all ordered and sat back to wait on it as the table fell into silence. Kaoru couldn't think of what to eat and was nervous of looking like pig a in front of Kenshin. So she opted for a simple salad.

Finally, Kaoru mustered up some courage and looked once more at Kenshin to her side. "Um…so Kenshin, tell us a little bit more about yourself. I mean, how do you like it here so far?"

Kenshin smiled at her and looked around towards Misao and Sano who were now also interested in the question.

"Well like I said, my dad and I moved here from the US. I was originally born in New York and we lived there until my mom passed away a little over a year ago and then we moved to California to get a new start. My dad accepted a position from this architecture firm. We were in California for a few months and then the company offered my dad this position here in Japan since they expanded their operations. We thought about it for a bit, and since I wasn't too attached to anything in LA, we just picked up and moved. Honestly I like it here, just because of the new start you know?" He smiled but there was a hint of sadness to his tone that Kaoru couldn't ignore.

"So I guess you and your dad must be pretty close now huh?" she asked without realizing the sweet look she was giving him.

He met her eyes once more and answered. "Well, not exactly. I mean he sort buried himself in his work to keep his mind occupied. Otherwise I think he might have gone nuts after loosing my mom. We don't see much of each other, and even when we do, there's just not a lot to talk about. I mean he's cool and all, but it's been weird without her."

The table was silent as his words sunk into their minds. Kenshin finally broke the silence.

"Hey, but enough about me. I mean there's really nothing else. I like sports, um, the usual stuff…video games, movies, you know?" He laughed a bit and turned to Kaoru once more, "So how about you Kaoru, tell me something about yourself!"

"Oh crap! What in the hell do I say to that? 'Ah, yeah Kenshin, I am a total geek who doesn't do much of anything except hang out at home or shop! Aren't I cool?' Argh, think of SOMETHING to say…something GOOD!"

"Ah, well I umm, mostly just hang out with friends..you know…movies…music... and uh, I guess I'm pretty involved with school and all….ah…"

But before she could finish, Misao chimed in, "Oh, hey Kaoru! Tell Kenshin about the how good you are at Kendo!" Misao turned to Kenshin and went on, "you know Kenshin, our Kaoru used to compete a bit back in the day and she kicked major ass!"

Kaoru was numb! "Oh my gosh, she told him about THAT! Did she just say that! Maybe he didn't notice…or doesn't care…"

"Oh wow Kaoru, how come you didn't say anything? That's pretty awesome! You'll have to teach me sometime you know? I did a little bit of wrestling on the school team back in the States myself and got into some Martial Arts, but just didn't follow through!"

"Awww, he sounds so excited! Ah…umm…yeah, that was a while ago though. I mean we used to own this school and all…but we don't anymore. My dad…he…ah, doesn't do that anymore." She reflected on her thoughts for a moment and remembered all the competitions she was in. The moments of pride and encouragement she used to feel from her father were long gone. "That was a long time ago. That'll never happen again…ever."

"Well in any case, you'll have to show me some moves. So you guys owned a school huh? That sounds interesting. What do your parents do now?" he asked casually enough, but the other two knew the implications of his question on Kaoru.

Misao looked at her friend encouragingly and Sano gave her a quick glance and went back to scanning the room for cute girls, pretending not to notice.

Kaoru let out a sigh and smiled, staring at the table top in front of her, she began to speak. "Well my mom is a manager at this restaurant not too far from the house. She's been there for a while and everyone loves her there. My dad…he umm…isn't working right at the moment, but he used to teach Kendo. He was really very good. For the most part, he taught me everything I know from really early on. But he's…umm…sick a lot so that's why we sold the place and he's home most of the time."

To Kaoru this wasn't really a lie, or at least it didn't seem like one anymore. It was sort of the truth, but she couldn't exactly blurt out to this very sweet, cute, new friend of hers about the crap her father put them through. "I don't want him to think of me as some poor, helpless, little girl. No pity for Kaoru!" Besides, the story about her father being sick worked countless times before. They would give the same song and dance routine to all their relatives, and family friends that used to call before. "No one calls now because they all know the truth. And who wants to be near a raging alcoholic who thinks nothing of belittling anyone he talks to at any time?"

Kenshin looked at the girl a bit more intently as she finished her statement, but he knew she was still deep in thought by the look on her features. He wanted to inquire more, but felt the unease in her tone and decided now wasn't the time. So he decided to lighten the mood.

"Well I say after we chow down, let's head upstairs and Kaoru can show me how good she is on whatever fighting games they have. What do you say Kaoru? Accept my challenge?" He had a mischievous tone about his last statement that sent a wave of enthusiasm through her.

"Sure, but I bet I'll totally kick your butt" she laughed back at him.

"Ah Kenshin, I don't think you know what you're getting yourself into. Missy here is very competitive and she won't take a defeat too easily. Better wear some protective gear!" Sano added.

Misao and Kenshin both laughed aloud as Kaoru gave Sano a death stare!

The rest of the meal went on like that. Occasionally Kenshin's hand would brush against hers and it would send electric currents through her body. She loved the way he smelled but couldn't put her finger on what cologne he was wearing. They all continued telling each other more about themselves until they couldn't eat anymore!

"Ack, I am so FULL!" Kaoru announced.

"Hehe, yeah this place is really good! Let's head upstairs after the bill?" Kenshin asked the people at the table.

"Of course! We can't come here and not take in all the sights of this place" Sano added still peering around and occasionally stopping to stare at a cute girl that would walk by.

The bill came and graciously the two boys offered to split it between themselves and pay for the girls. But being the stubborn young women they were, a short argument ensued about splitting everything equally.

"Alright, alright…I've never met a group of people so insistent on paying a bill!" Kenshin laughed.

The group slipped out of their seats and left towards the front of the restaurant. Misao and Kaoru giggled, walking behind the two boys who were discussing what games they would play and who would beat the other.

Eventually they made their way upstairs and to the second floor of the establishment via the escalator. Every now and then Kenshin and Kaoru would make eye contact and smile shly at each other. As they entered the arcade area on the second floor, Kaoru looked around. There were noises of different types coming from everywhere. Crowds of young people around most of the machines; each one laughing, smiling or screaming at each other or the game. The large room was still dimly lit save for a few hanging lights and the colors radiating from each of the seemingly hundreds of game screens. There were neon lights and signs displayed on practically every wall and the color washed over the patrons. Kaoru looked across the room and noticed another bar against the back wall with a few tables and chairs littered in front. As the afternoon had changed into the early evening, the arcade was even more packed with weekend customers, and the crush of bodies was a bit unnerving for Kaoru. How she hated crowds!

After getting some change the group went and played a few games. At first the boys competitively challenged each other to a few racing and fighting games. They eventually decided they were evenly matched but Kaoru thought Kenshin totally kicked Sano's butt! While the boys were lost in their games, Misao and Kaoru stole a few moments to exchange some words.

"I thought we were just hanging out Misao!" Kaoru had to practically scream over the loud music and video game sounds for her to be audible.

The smaller girl looked at her friend and smiled, "I thought so too, but Sano wanted to hang out too and then we thought why not invite Kenshin too!"

"Liar!" Kaoru thought. "I am going to KILL you Misao! You totally planned this!" Kaoru shot back.

"Well are you really that mad? I mean, be honest, you're not having fun with him?" Misao had her there.

Kaoru could not give her a disapproving look for another second before it melting into a shy laugh. She shook her and head and rolled her eyes at her friend as the boys were making their way back to the girls.

Kenshin leaned in towards Kaoru and smiled, "I thought we were supposed to play each other?"

"Haha, I didn't know you were so eager to get beat! Okay, let's go!" Kaoru lost her shyness in her passion for competition. The group walked over to a fighting game, she didn't bother to notice the name, just the fact that she was standing shoulder to shoulder with Kenshin.

"Alright, go easy on me!" he teased her.

She didn't answer. Instead she laughed at him as the game started. After a few rounds of her beating him, then him beating her, they called it a truce. Although Kaoru would've continued to play until she proved she was better.

"Well you are pretty good on this, but I bet you'd kill me in a real fight" Kenshin smirked to her.

"Kenshin," Kaoru replied, smiling innocently "I would totally kick your ass!" With that they both laughed.

The group wandered around from game to game as the boys battled each other, then the girls, and then they switched between partners. The hectic pace soon had its toll on Kaoru who felt a bit tired and suddenly dizzy from the images and loud music on the different game screens. She rubbed her temples for her hands to stop the slight pain in her head as Misao and Sano were busy racing each other side by side on another game. Kenshin noticed and leaned in to talk to her, "Hey, you look tired! Want to take a break?" She nodded and Kenshin told Misao and Sano they were going to sit at a table on the other side of the room near the bar. The two hardly noticed as they were too busy trying to out race each other and Kenshin and Kaoru slowly made their way through the crowds.

They reached an empty table and sat down. Kenshin looked at her and told her he'd be right back with something to drink. Kaoru surveyed the place from her seat. The bar area was a little bit back from the loud noises and chatter of the arcade place. The seats and tables were pretty uncomfortable and seemed to be made of black steel. The bar was already getting a bit busy and Kaoru quickly looked at her watch on her wrist. She frowned at the time, "Shit! 6:00 pm already! We've been here for hours!" she mumbled. But it didn't seem like it. The time with her friends, and with Kenshin, seemed to by. The last thing she wanted to think about was going back home, so she pushed it out of her mind. Just then she noticed Kenshin approaching the table with two tall clear drinks in his hands.

"Ah what's this?" she asked skeptically.

"Hehe, don't worry, there're just Sprites. I don't drink at all, and you don't seem like a drinker either." He handed her the cold drink and sat down next to her. "Why did he sit down next to me? There's a chair on the other side of the table…argh…okay, don't say anything stupid" she was a bundle of nerves once more as she realized she was now practically alone with Kenshin.

They sipped their drinks quietly for a moment and continued to look around the arcade for what seemed like forever, until Kenshin spoke. "So Kaoru, I've been meaning to ask you…umm…you're parents weren't mad about the other day right? I mean me dropping you home and all. I hope you didn't get in trouble".

"Shit! I forgot, I practically slammed the door on him that day!...Practically! I DID slam the door on him" her heart raced once more.

"Ah…n-no, no…it was just a, the place was a mess and umm…otherwise you know I would asked you in, but I wasn't sure who was home or whatever…so…you know…" She nervously played with her straw in the glass and swirled it around in the drink.

He seemed a bit confused by her statement and continued, "You know Kaoru, I…" but before he could finish, Sano and Misao walked up to the table and interrupted.

"Oi, you two are a bit young to be drinking ya know!" Sano joked.

"Hehe, they're Sprites man!" Kenshin laughed.

Misao sat across from Kaoru and looked at her smiling and secretly hoping they hadn't disrupted something. Sano looked around towards the bar area as a smile curled up from his lips, "I think I'm going to go get some real drinks", and he headed towards the bar. Sano was very familiar with clubs and bars, and his tall stature, and fake ID helped him pass through any bouncer or security. Soon he was back with a single Tequila shot in one hand and another mixed drink in the other hand. Kaoru couldn't tell, but knew it had to be something similar to what her father normally drank. "Hmm, can't be Vodka, otherwise it'd be clear…maybe whisky?" Her thoughts darkened once more as she wondered what her mom was doing. He sat down and offered Kenshin who quickly declined and reiterated, "I'm driving man, and besides, I don't touch the stuff". Sano snorted a "whatever" and started to sip as his eyes wandered around once more.

"Oh right, he said before he didn't drink. I guess I just didn't focus on that since he sat right next to me. Wow…a guy that doesn't drink and doesn't ogle every girl that walks by, and is genuinely sweet. Why is he single!" Kaoru couldn't help but smile at her own thoughts.

Soon the friends were laughing and joking once more. Sano made another trip to bar to get yet another shot of Tequila for himself and Misao. Kaoru had never even tasted alcohol before, but could only imagine its appeal. Her dad drank it like a man dying of thirst downs water, and Misao always told her that it wasn't that bad in small doses. Although she always wondered what the appeal of getting "buzzed" was.

The conversation continued as the topics ranged from school, friends, movies, and other pointless chatter. Sano was feeling the slight buzzing in his brain and he leaned back in his chair to relax. Misao was still a bundle of energy and opted not to down the Tequila shot, instead slowly sipping a whisky drink Sano had bought. Kaoru couldn't help but feel happy to be around these people, and was smiling contently to herself when Kenshin interrupted her thoughts, "Kaoru, tell me more about the Kendo competitions you were in".

Surprised at his interest in her, but more about the fact that he remembered, Kaoru smiled and started to talk about her achievements. As she finished she added "and come to think of it, that's where I met Sano for the first time I think. Hehe, we never got a chance to go at it, but I am sure I would've kicked his gigantic ass!"

The last thing that Kaoru was not shy about were her skills in Kendo. But Sano wasn't exactly a push over either, "Oi Missy, you may be good at waving that baton around, but don't forget you're talking to a champion here! No GIRL can beat me!"

Kaoru instantly felt a familiar sensation of her competitive spirit return, "whatever Sano! I could bet I could kick your ass even after not practicing for so long. Besides, who said girls are weak!"

"Hehe, Sano you better watch out before you really make her mad" Misao joked.

Kenshin sat there chuckling softly at the conversation, but dually amazed at Kaoru's sudden defensiveness.

"Hehe, right! Missy, you should know that females are weaker than men by sheer nature. It's only natural!" Sano stated arrogantly.

"Ah, Sano…I think you've had a bit too much to drink. Stop trying to pick a fight with her" Kenshin tried to intervene with as much diplomacy as possible.

Kaoru's head was spinning with rage though. Her eyes were no longer focused on the spiky-headed friend, but on a snotty, arrogant jerk, and she was ready to pounce! "What? I can not believe you seriously think that! I mean what century are you living in dude! Keh! I can do anything that any other guy can do…and do it better if I really put some effort into it!"

Sano laughed, "Well, aside from the millions of things that you CAN'T do, one thing is you can't out-drink me!"

Kaoru shot up from her seat and leaned in with her hands flat on the table towards Sano, "Oh yeah! Well, I bet I can even do THAT better than you!" And without another word, she grabbed the small shot glass filled with tequila and downed it in one gulp.

She winced a bit at the bitter taste of the warm liquid as it ran down her throat leaving a burning sensation all the way down.

Misao and Kenshin sat wide-eyed, shocked, and stared up at her. Before anyone could get a word out, Kaoru spoke up with a valiant tone, although her throat was feeling a bit horse from the drink, "HA! See, that wasn't so bad. I don't why you GUYS think everything is so tough."

Sano chuckled and slowly rose from his seat, "Well Missy, if it's a challenge then you better hang tight. Let's settle this and see who can out drink who…light weight!" He started walking towards the bar with a grin on his face.

"BRING IT ON" Kaoru yelled behind him.

"Ah Kaoru, have you EVER had a drink before?" Kenshin asked as the girl slowly sat back down in her seat.

"Don't worry Kenshin. Sano's had a few drinks already. I'll have him laid out on the floor in no time. I'll be fine, besides, this stuff isn't so bad!" Kaoru replied.

"Yeah! That's my girl" Misao finally added as her face turned from shock to sheer excitement.

"Kaoru, I don't think it's smart for you to do this. Sano…he's…ah…a lot bigger…I mean he's tall and all…and can probably really hold his liquor." Kenshin tried his best to try to calm the girl without igniting her rage towards him. He saw a sample of her temper a few moments ago, and knew he didn't any of it directed towards him.

Kaoru was sitting down still feeling the stings of the tequila on her tongue, in the back of her throat and even felt it slowly fall into her stomach. She didn't notice too much of what Kenshin said to her as she continued to fume to herself. "What the hell…this stuff tastes HORRIBLE! You'd think it was cool aide the way they drink it! But I HAVE to prove Sano wrong! What an arrogant jerk!"

Before another word of protest…or reason…could be uttered, Sano returned with four shots glasses of tequila. He held two small glasses in each hand as he made his way back to the table. "Alright Missy, let's see what you're made of!" He placed all four drinks on the table between himself and Kaoru as he took the seat beside her once more.

"Ha!" Kaoru laughed, as she snatched a glass from the table top and downed it once more. Misao was squealing with excitement and did nothing to stop her friend, much to Kenshin's dismay.

Sano casually took the next glass and smugly smirked at Kaoru as he downed it even faster than she did.

"GRRR…" Kaoru took the third glass and downed it, although a bit too hastily as some tequila dribbled down her chin. She wiped it quickly with the back of her hand and looked at Sano through squinted eyes as the harsh taste and burn hit her once more.

Sano laughed at her distorted features as Kenshin looked nervously on. Hearing Sano laugh only infuriated Kaoru further as she quickly grabbed the final shot glass before the tall man could reach it.

Cursing to herself, she quickly downed it and slammed the glass on the table triumphantly. Kenshin's eyes were wide with shock as he looked downing her third shot in a row.

"HA!" she cried, "Who beat WHO!"

"WOAH Kaoru! You definitely got him there!" Misao added, as Kenshin shot the girl a look that could only be interpreted as, 'Don't encourage her!'

Sano got up and looked down at Kaoru, "This is NOT over yet!" and stomped he off to the bar once more.

Another four shots came to the table, despite Kenshin's protests to stop the silly game. "Ah, guys, this is going a bit too far. Look, you both are pretty tough, now can we just call a truce?" He went ignored as Kaoru and Sano raced each other through their respective shots.

Another two for Kaoru, making it her fifth straight shot of tequila, as the burning and bitter taste seemed to numb. Sano downed his two without much effort.

"HA! This is nothing! I could have ANOTHER TWO if I want!" Kaoru declared as she slammed both hands flat on the table top.

"Sano, would you please stop this! Come on man, you can't be thinking of continuing this!" Kenshin asked in an agitated tone.

"Hehe, she thinks she's so tough….she can handle a few more" Sano replied, slurring slightly.

"Ooooh! Kaoru!" Misao added.

"Damn straight I could!" Kaoru added. She was no longer thinking straight, and for some reason, all she wanted to do was stand up and reiterate her point to Sano.

"I feel FINE! I am sooooo NOT drunk! Ha! These boys are such wimps" she thought to herself. She pushed her chair away from the table and shot up to stand. As soon as she did though, her head was dizzy as her vision was slightly blurred. The lights and images in her peripheral vision all melted into each other. The loud music, laughter, talking, and other noises seemed distant and almost inaudible as her ears popped slightly. Her legs felt a bit shaky and wobbly under her as she leaned in toward Sano.

"See…I….TH-TOLD you, I'm not drunk!" she added turning to Sano. "Wow, I feel different standing up!"

"Oh crap…hehe…she's tipsy!" Misao laughed.

"Tipsy! She practically inhaled all those shots, and she hasn't eaten anything for a while except that salad earlier. And I bet you anything this is her first time drinking!" Kenshin shot back as he looked disbelievingly at Kaoru. "She's DRUNK!" he finished.

"I'M NOT DRUNK DAMNIT" Kaoru shouted back. "Sano! Go get another shot…I'll ssssssshow you!"

Sano cocked an eyebrow at her and let out a small chuckle. "Okay, okay Missy. You proved your point. You're pretty damn tough, no more alright? Let's call it a truce for now!"

"Ah…FINALLY!" Kenshin added looking at Sano. He stood next to Kaoru for fear that she would keel over at any moment, and was ready to brace her. "Come on! We have to get out of here before someone finds out she's under age and DRUNK".

Kenshin bent down, and picked Kaoru's purse and then gently gripped her arm with his free hand. "Come on Kaoru, we have to leave" he softly spoke to her.

Kaoru's head was swirling at this point and she could hardly think straight. "Ah…I have to sit for a second…just one sssecond!" She slumped down into her chair as Kenshin was still holding onto her arm. The red-head looked down at her as Misao and Sano assessed the situation and rose from their seats.

"Come on Kaoru, we got to get you back home" Misao added, concerned for her friend's state now.

"We'll have to let her walk around a bit first. Can't just let her waltz home like THIS" Kenshin said while looking back down at Kaoru.

Sano stood there shaking his head, but before anyone could say another word Kaoru started rubbing her temples with her fingers. "Aaaah…" she sighed "I have such a headache. Lemme jus' put my head down for a sec…one sec…k?"

The entire place was spinning before her very eyes and she couldn't keep focused on any point. Her head was throbbing and her eyelids felt incredibly heavy. And without warning she leaned forward and let her head freefall down towards the cold, metal table.

SMACK!

She sat folded over, her forehead pressed into the cold table, arms hanging at her sides, and her three friends standing over her in complete shock! The customers at other tables and standing around heard or saw the entire thing and stared for a few moments in disbelief. Some laughed and others were concerned that she had split her forehead open.

"WHOLLY SHIT!" Kenshin hurried and bent down at her side dropping her purse on the table.

End Chapter 4

Well guys, what did you think? I loved the last part! 'SMACK'! And I absolutely love leaving it off with these little cliffhangers!

I know Kenshin sounds like a bit of a wimp with all the "You guys shouldn't do this" or "You guys shouldn't do that", but I think that'll change a bit in the upcoming chappys!

ENAJ-chan, I think I will go into Kenshin's world and learn more about his life and family? Well, I wasn't really planning on doing so, and I am still not sure. I had expected to write the story focused on Kaoru's POV, but now since she's drunk…lol…I don't think her thoughts are coherent enough to express without becoming completely confused. So maybe the next chappy will change up a bit! Oh…here I go again…leaving you with another cliffy!

Thanks for reading, and for the support! Please continue to review!