Author's Note: My apologies for not responding to everyone who reviewed - I'm posting this with one foot out the door since I'm going out town for a few days.

I'm happy so many people seemed to have enjoyed the last drabble. Thanks so much to each person who reviewed. I hope you all like the second part of the previous drabble!

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

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Magic Pt. 2

Words: 300

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She had walked through most of the night in a daze. It was too good to be true…too unimaginable to even believe that she was at the dance – with Kenshin. Earlier, she had felt like slugging her former date for dropping out on her at the last minute, now, all she wanted to do was hug him until he couldn't breathe.

She had watched Kenshin attend his own dances, and there had always been that dreamy sigh, the magical sweep of imagination that had stolen her mind. An occasion such as this had always been beyond belief.

But…it was real.

Kaoru shivered, and caught her lower lip between her teeth.

She knew that he was here as support – as her best friend. But, she could always imagine. She could always pretend for a few hours that he was with her because he wanted to dance with her, to be with her, to claim her as his date.

She looked up at Kenshin's inquiring expression, and then to his outstretched palm.

Slipping her hand into his, Kaoru followed him onto the dance floor. The music changed from a sedate melody to one that was quick, mindless, and frenzied. Kenshin lowered his head and moved to where his lips were a mere inch from her ear.

Over the music, he said, "Let's show everyone how a real dance is done, shall we?"

A bubble of merriment surged through her, and she couldn't help the laughter that escaped. Eyes twinkling, Kenshin pulled her closer to him and wrapped one hand around her waist, while grabbing her hand with the other.

A flash of light blinded them for a moment as someone took their picture.

Kenshin lowered his cheek down to touch hers. "The tango?" he asked, his voice laced with gaiety.

"Lead on."