Disclaimer: Neither Rurouni Kenshin nor its characters belongs to me.
Note: Thoughts are in italics.
A few weeks had passed since that first lunch together. True to Kaoru's prediction, Misao seemed to be everywhere Kaoru went, especially if it included seeing Aoshi. She even went to the kendo team practices. When other members complained about her rather loud…cheering…Misao stated that she was researching for an article she wanted to write about their nationally ranked team.
Misao was not the only one often with Kaoru. Soujirou had decided that Kaoru would be his best resource on the team and so was constantly around her. Aoshi had a sneaking suspicion that his interest was more than platonic, but said nothing. He also noticed that Misao spent most of her time watching him during practices, when she claimed to be researching the whole team. The relentless attention was making him slightly uncomfortable (not that he would ever admit it. Out loud.) Before long, seeing the four of them together on campus was a common occurrence. Sometimes, though, Aoshi would catch an odd expression on Kaoru's face. She looked slightly distant, as if she were a little sad about something, but when asked, would deny that anything was wrong.
One afternoon, Misao cornered Aoshi just after practice. Kaoru and Soujirou were putting the equipment away; Aoshi was finishing the day's notes and on his way to deliver them to Coach Himura's office.
"Hey Aoshi! I need your help." Misao's eyes fairly sparkled. "I think Soujirou likes Kaoru. I want to hook them up."
Aoshi's face remained impassive. Why on earth does she think I'd help her with something like that?
"See, you've known Kaoru the longest. Even though I'm her roommate, I've never heard her talk about guys, except for Soujirou, sometimes." Misao paused. "And you, of course, but you don't count since you're team captain."
Am I even supposed to say something to that? Aoshi wondered. He just kept staring at Misao, one dark eyebrow rising in question.
"Come on, what do you think? I bet they'd be so cute together!" Misao bounced on her toes.
Aoshi didn't quite know what to think. He had never actually given dating much thought in the first place.
Taking his silence to mean that he needed more convincing, Misao continued with, "I think she might like him, too."
Does Kaoru like him?…Aoshi wondered. His mouth couldn't seem to stop itself from frowning slightly. Before he could think about it, he asked, "What do you suggest?"
Beaming, Misao clapped her hands together. "I thought we could go on a double-date!"
Suddenly, Aoshi wished he had never laid eyes on this girl at all.
"Explain," Aoshi demanded, tersely.
"See, it won't be so uncomfortable for them if we are there too. We hang out together all the time!" Misao reasoned.
"How would that not be uncomfortable? They are switching roles from friends to…to dating." Why was that so hard for Aoshi to say?
"Well…uh, if it doesn't turn out OK, we can pretend that it was never really a date at all!" Misao countered.
"Just set it up. I will be there," Aoshi said. As the girl bounced away, presumably to talk to Kaoru and Soujirou, Aoshi tilted his head back, placing a hand over his eyes. What have I agreed to?
"The date," as Misao kept referring to it as, was set for Saturday. Misao said she was going on a date with Aoshi and wanted it to be a double-date. They would go to an early dinner at six, and then probably catch a movie at eight. It sounded reasonable enough, but as the day drew closer, Kaoru wondered if she hadn't made a mistake. Yes, she got along well with Soujirou, but she wasn't sure if she thought of him as anything more than a friend. She had seemed so determined to get Kaoru to come with Soujirou…and Kaoru did not have a good enough reason to refuse. I've never known Aoshi to be interested in girls, let alone ask one out, Kaoru thought. I should go, for his sake. Besides, I'm sure I'll have a great time. She could not control the niggling feeling in the pit of her stomach that this might be a disaster, however.
Saturday afternoon found Kaoru and Misao getting ready for the double-date. Kaoru chose a dark blue, pocketed shirt-dress that complemented the color of her eyes. Instead of the usual ponytail, she secured half of her hair up with an ornate, ivory-colored clip she had received from Aoshi as a birthday present the year before. Misao opted for an emerald-colored, mock-turtleneck tunic that was so long for her short frame that it worked as a dress. She kept her hair in its usual braid. Neither girl cared much for makeup, so the application was very light and fresh-looking.
Aoshi showed up first, looking handsome as ever in a white dress shirt beneath a blue argyle v-neck sweater and grey slacks. He held a jacket over one arm. He entered their dorm room and sat down at Kaoru's computer desk to wait. The black sweater Kaoru planned to use that night was draped across the back of the chair. Kaoru sat on her own bed, near Aoshi. Misao was looking for some shoes in her closet.
"So," Kaoru started. "Where are we going for dinner?"
"I thought we could go to Il Cielo, an excellent little Italian restaurant near the movie theater by the beach. The restaurant is on the pier. We can take my car since it's a little too far to walk." Aoshi answered, facing Kaoru. "You look lovely, Kaoru."
"Thank you, Aoshi. You're looking pretty good yourself," Kaoru laughed, her cheeks pink. It was rare to hear a compliment from Aoshi outside of kendo.
Misao emerged from the closet, triumphantly holding a pair of shoes. "Found 'em!"
At that moment, there was a knock on the front door. Kaoru stood up and answered the door, revealing Soujirou holding a single red rose. He wore a grey round-necked sweater with black slacks. He gave the rose to Kaoru, smiling. Kaoru blushed prettily, accepting the rose and letting Soujirou step inside.
"Come on in, Soujirou. We're ready to go; just let me put this in some water first." Kaoru reached underneath her bed for something. Since their dorm had communal bathrooms, Kaoru pulled out a bottle of water, opened it and stuck the rose inside. "There we go. It's beautiful, Soujirou. Thank you."
Soujirou murmured his greetings to Aoshi and Misao. Aoshi had already informed him of the night's plan. Soujirou said, "Kaoru, Misao, you both look very nice tonight." He offered his arm for Kaoru to take, but before she could, Aoshi maneuvered Kaoru into putting on the sweater he had picked up from her chair.
"It may get cold tonight, so don't forget your sweater." Aoshi stated.
"Oh, thank you." Kaoru smiled. Aoshi helped her put it on. Misao's eyes narrowed, and she grabbed her own sweater from off her bed. Before she could rush to Aoshi to ask him to help her put it on, Soujirou smoothly intercepted her.
"Here Misao, let me help you." Soujirou smiled.
"But…oh, fine. Thanks." Misao grumbled, but she tried to be nice about it. She handed her sweater to Soujirou, who then held it open for her to easily slide her arms in. Aoshi and Kaoru watched them, exchanging a glance.
Aoshi led the way downstairs and to where his car was parked. Kaoru and Soujirou sat in back while Misao took the front passenger seat. The drive to the pier was uneventful.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the girls were impressed. Il Cielo was indeed located on the pier, and the table Aoshi reserved was situated right by the windows. The view was of the sea and sky meeting.
"How did you know about this place?" Misao asked, once they were seated.
"I've been here before. I know how much Kaoru enjoys the ocean." Aoshi replied. Kaoru looked pleased, but Misao looked peeved. Soujirou retained his smiling façade. Realizing that Misao was on edge, Aoshi asked her, "Do you like the ocean?"
Misao's mood changed in an instant. "I love the ocean! It's beautiful!"
"Then I'm sure you'll like it here." He said.
When it came time to order, Aoshi and Soujirou had already arranged to pay for dinner, so all the girls had to do was choose their entrees. Aoshi was having Lasagna alla Bolognese, Soujirou chose Fettuccine alla Papalina, Kaoru selected Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Misao picked Penne all'Arrabbiata. The conversation centered around academics. Soujirou and Misao were new to Hiten, and the classes could be formidable. Aoshi and Kaoru had amusing stories about some of the professors, but the two freshmen were still a little intimidated by the courses.
When the food came out, everything was delicious. Kaoru, having hers Cabonara style, meant that her pasta was mixed with egg and bacon. She looked longingly at Aoshi's rich lasagna (discreetly, she thought.) Before she knew it, he had sliced off a little section for her and scooped it onto her plate. Misao watched Aoshi's silverware like a hawk.
"Yes! Yours looks awesome, Aoshi. Thanks!" Kaoru stuffed a forkful of lasagna into her mouth.
"If you wanted to try other dishes Kaoru, I would be happy to share." Soujirou said.
"Oh no, ours are kind of similar since they both have bacon. Thank you, though!" Kaoru smiled.
Misao's jaw clenched. Kaoru is supposed to be clicking with Soujirou! Not…interfering with Aoshi and me!
Misao flashed a megawatt smile at an unimpressed Aoshi. "May I…"
"How is your penne?" Aoshi asked Misao.
"Oh, it's delicious." Misao replied, caught off guard at the sudden question.
Dinner continued, and it wasn't until after the meal, when the four were considering ordering dessert, that she realized she hadn't gotten a bite of Aoshi's lasagna. Soujirou passed on dessert, saying he was too full. Misao also passed, claiming dietary concerns. Kaoru turned big puppy eyes on Aoshi. She really wanted to try the tiramisu. Aoshi knew that face.
"Order whatever you want, Kaoru. I'll share it with you." Aoshi said.
OK, this is not quite going according to plan, Misao worried. But we're going to the movies next. I can get closer to Aoshi and push Soujirou and Kaoru together!