Chapter One- Old friends, new faces

Disclaimer: I don't own RK, don't plan on it, just want to flatter those that do. :) Please forgive me if some characters are very OOC.

"Kaoru make sure that you are home right after school today. We have some important guests coming and I want our family to make a good impression."

"Yes Father, I will be home as soon as my legs carry me home." The girl stole a sly glance at her father. "That is unless you'd be willing to allow Sano to give me a ride home?" Kaoru was a sweet natured girl who was as innocent as she looked with ivory skin and gleaming blue eyes, a wide oval face framed by dark ebony hair. Her open heart and blindness to others' pasts allowed her to befriend many people and allow people to attach themselves to her. One such person was her friend Sanosuke Sagara, a young man, a year older than Kaoru who took it upon himself to be her best friend and guardian. Her father disapproved slightly of the friendship since it was known that Sano had once been involved in gangs and still had connects that might be seen as unsavory.

Mr. Kamiya sighed. "That will be fine as long as-" His daughter cut him off

"I'm home before our guests. I get it, no problem." She smiled at her father before jumping up from the breakfast table, "I got to jet, or I'll be late." As she kissed him good-bye she waved to her father, while grabbing her school bag and running out the front door.

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"Misao! Hey you, wait up!" I raced through the crowd of people on their daily commute to catch up to my friend Misao. I began to wave my arms as I suddenly felt the sensation of falling. 'This is so great. Not.' I closed my eyes waiting for impact, when instead I felt suspended in air and as I slowly opened my eyes I heard a chuckle.

"Next time watch yourself there 'jou-chan. I don't think the people of this town need to be looking at a Missy Pancake." Sano helped me to my feet.

"Thanks. Can't believe that I fell. Good thing you were there." I smiled at Sano as I watched him blush. Sometimes it paid to kill 'em with kindness.

"Yeah, well… you know." Sano mumbled. Humiliation, another fun thing about being nice.

"Hey, seeing as Misao walked right ahead without sparing a backwards glance want to walk me to school? Wait- where's your jeep?"

"In the shop, somehow the breaks have gone flat. I would have work on them myself, but seeing as I have no time what so ever, I guess that's where it is. And even without the car I would love to walk to school with you." Sano looked at me as I groaned. "What's the matter with you? I took a shower this morning."

"No, for once it's not your stench. Just kidding Sano. It's just that my dad wants me home right after school today and he said that I could get a ride with you. Now I have to make sure that I don't get detention or allow myself to be caught up in extra things." I sighed. "Oh well, let's get through this day and we'll see what happens."

"Kao-chan, that's what everyone loves about you."

I looked up at Misao who waited for us outside the school gate. "What do you mean?"

"She means that persistent attitude, that optimism that sees the silver lining in every rain cloud, basically the cheeriness that is you." By this I was blushing.

"Sano stop it, I get the point." I think that my face was bright red. "Now I just want to get to class."

"Hey Kao, did you hear about the new transfer student?" Misao was turned on full of energy; I could practically see the information she had gotten shifting around in her head.

"No I hadn't. Misao, have you turned into a Melvin?" Sano and I laughed. Misao turned her nose up at us.

"Well, when you're done with the little club meeting come see me for advice.' And she headed off down the hall to our homeroom.

"Maybe that wasn't so nice. I should go apologize. See ya at lunch Rooster head." I took off after Misao.

"Yeah, later 'jou-chan."

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I got to the classroom and Misao was sitting in her seat and facing the window, not the door I was standing at. I walked over and took the seat next to her. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to call you a Melvin. I just don't understand the sudden interest in needing information about incoming students before the staff or student gives it."

She turned to look at me and rolled her eyes. "Kaoru I am trying to be knowledgeable." I raised an eyebrow at her. "Actually Kao-chan, I saw him and he is a hottie. I think I am in love."

"Don't you mean lust? How could you be in love with someone by just looking at him or her? Besides, what about Sou-chan? I thought you were in love with him?"

"Kaoru!" Misao somehow managed to look as well as sound exasperated. "Soujurio is completely not interested, but this new guy. Well, let's just say that even Megumi is going to want a piece of him."

"Yuck. Well if that's the case then, let her have him. There's no use fighting with her when she wants a guy."

"Whom are we talking about?" Misao and I both looked up.

"Oh hey Megumi. We were talking about you."

"Geeze am I supposed to be flattered?" Megumi smiled. Even though Megumi is totally gorgeous and a slight snob, she a really caring person whose life dream is to be a doctor.

"No." Misao is as blunt as can be. "I was trying to entice Kaoru into asking me about the new guy, even dropping your name as bait, yet she's not biting."

Megumi started to laugh. "You mean to tell me that the little Raccoon girl is showing no interest." She turned her attention to me. "Kaoru you might want to know about this one. He's definitely going to be a source of constant gossip around this school." No sooner had she finished her statement then the bell rang and our teacher entered the room asking for order.