Chapter Two: Crystal Diamonds
Disclaimer: I don't own RK or any characters used in this story. I wish I owned my sex god but unfortunately, don't we all?
XXX
Job?! This doesn't look like a restaurant! My eyes do a double take on the blinking neon sign that says Crystal Diamonds. "Guys, this looks like some kind of freaking club!"
"It is a club." I feel my mouth gapping open. Oh no! They did it again! They tricked me! First the uniform now this?!
"You guys told me you were waitresses?!" Megumi turned around and huffed.
"We are Misao. Cocktail waitresses!" Almost immediately after seeing the grim look on my face she replied, "Come on. Like I said before, it's extremely good pay. I wouldn't have made you come all this way just to lie to you!" Okay. I was defeated. I would do anything for Jiya. "Now to get you dressed up!" What? Before I knew it, I was being dragged into the club and towards a dressing room. Kami-sama help me…
XXX
I sigh as I review the last ground rules given to me by the manager for the hundredth time.
-AS EXPECTED OF A WAITRESS OF ANY KIND, YOU ARE TO MAKE SURE YOU FUFILL ALL OF YOUR CUSTOMERS NEEDS. ANYTHING PAST SERVING AND PROVIDING THEM WITH A GOOD EXPERIENCE IS FOR YOU TO DO ON YOUR OWN TIME.
-AS A COCKTAIL WAITRESS, YOU ARE TO BEHAVE NO DIFFERENT. RESPECT AND COMFORT MUST ALWAYS BE DELIVERED TO YOUR CUSTOMERS.
-DO NOT BE ALARMED IF YOU ARE MADE A SEXUAL PASS BY ANY WILLING GOOD-PAYING CUSTOMER. LET ME REMIND YOU THAT YOU ARE A "COCKTAIL" WAITRESS. THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY
-AND WHATEVER YOU DO! DO NOT HURT THE CUSTOMERS. THEY ARE PAYING FOR YOUR JOB!
Love, Mina-san. XOXO
Crystal Diamond Manager.
XXX
My eyes narrow at the last rule. Megumi and Kaoru were dealing with this everyday? Having this job is asking to be groped! Why do I feel like I've been turned into some sex deviant overnight?! Jiya would kill me if he saw me now. As least there wasn't some required uniform. All it said was black. Yet, somehow I ended up being a leather-clad temptress. Complete with tube top, lacy black push-up bra peeking from the top and restricting riding thigh-short mini skirt. Seriously, I don't know where they get these clothes. Twirling in front of the mirror I practically scream 'take me home with you.' My eyes widen as a studded collar is suddenly wrapped around my neck. Kaoru smiles brightly but I don't return it. She then scowls and pulls my checks forcing me to smile.
"Misao! Lose the scowl. If you want good money then start acting like it!" I sigh.
"Kaoru, I'm not exactly here because I want to be here." I instantly regretted my words when I saw a flash of hurt on her face. But it was gone as soon as it appeared. I envied Kaoru for this. She has to deal with that slut hanging off of Himura everyday. I quickly turn around to hug her but the squeaking of our leather made us burst into laughter. "You look hot." Kaoru twirls for me then winks. She wearing a similar leather skirt but instead of a matching tube, she's wearing a lace up corset.
"My, don't we all look spicy?" We turn our heads as the 3rd piece of our trio sways into the dressing room. 3 girls clad in leather. What else would you expect? After chatting for a bit Megumi explains to me that Friday nights are popular and that I shouldn't be surprised if I see a lot of people from school here. Of course the older ones that is. Don't ask why 15 year-old sophomore such as Misao Makimachi is waitressing at a 17 club. Megumi has connections and she and the manager are pretty close. Suddenly my eyebrows ruffle when they mention that Soujiro and his group usually come here every Friday. Wait! Did that mean that Shinomori would be here too? Just the mention of him makes my heart beat fast. And I only saw him for one period today! Almost as if reading my thoughts Megumi winks at me.
"Hey, maybe the Ice Prince will be coming tonight too." Ice Prince? What the hell? That's a mean nickname. Although I felt sort of bad, I had to agree. But not in the way they did. The moment our eyes had connected I felt a shiver allover my body. It could've lasted forever…but it was only a few seconds. And what could I say? I liked it. Suddenly I hear music and we take that as a cue of the DJ starting up. Let's see how much I can get out of my first night. Don't worry Jiya. I'll take care of you!
XXX
"One order of coconut shrimp and the house special done!" I give my thanks to the cook and balance the tray in my 3-inch heels. Heading over to table 25 I happily give them their orders as they stare lecherously at my legs. Give them the benefit of the doubt Misao! More tips! Those were the exact words Kaoru told me before they opened the doors to the club. Heading over to Mina who's currently bartender to get a cosmopolitan for another table, I'm suddenly jumped by another waitress who politely asks me to serve table 30. She seemed to be in a rush so I agreed. Pulling my pen and order pad from my pocket, I walk over to the enclosed booth and automatically ask for their orders. Suddenly my eyes widen when I hear a whistle and a familiar voice.
"Hello Makimachi! I didn't know you worked here." I look in disbelief at Soujiro Seta who's grinning widely and taking in my whole attire. I mentally sighed. What were the chances? Did everything have to be against my odds lately?
"So, can I start you off with drinks?" I watch as everyone began to skim their menu although Soujiro seemed comfortable just sitting there staring at me. God, that smiling idiot doesn't know when to stop. And what the hell is Yumi glaring at me for? It's not my fault he doesn't find her interesting.
"Um...is there anything on this menu that's really sweet but not so fattening?" Tomoe asked me.
"Are you trying to stay within a specific calorie zone?"
"Calorie zone? What's that?" It took my whole job and paycheck to not bash my head on the table laughing. Instead I smile since I value my paycheck more than my job.
"I would recommend a virgin piῆa colada then." My eyes widen as another perplexed look shows up on her face. Dear Kami-sama.
"Virgin? Does that have alcohol?" PAYCHECK, JOB! PAYCHECK, JOB!
"I'm sorry Makimachi-dono. You can just give the both of us a strawberry daiquiri." Huh, Himura? I didn't even notice him. I have to tell Kaoru A.S.A.P! Suddenly, I felt cool air rush past my back and it felt like everything was going in slow motion. As I lightly turn my head I feel my heart pounding. There he was. Aoshi Shinomori… As he quietly took his seat next to Kenshin he picked up his head as I turned mine away disinterested. You don't have a chance Makimachi…
"And what can I get you Shinomori-senpai?" I ask, suddenly finding the lines of my pad extremely interesting.
"No alcohol today. I would like some herbal tea…perhaps-"
"Green tea." We say simultaneously. I look up from my pad at his raised eyebrow.
"Aa. Some green tea." Immediately jotting it down I look at Soujiro and my face returns to normal at his cocky grin.
"How about a cosmopolitan and you share it with me?" Bending down to reach for the menu I can feel Soujiro's gaze lingering on my cleavage. And I swear I felt Aoshi's too. Standing by the table I wave him off.
"I'm working Seta-senpai. I get paid by the hour you know." And with that I headed over to Mina to place their orders.
XXX
Yumi huffed in disgust as Soujiro stared at my retreating derriere. Leaning back in his seat he chuckled and began fanning himself.
"Woo! Ha-ha, I'll make sure she gets a big tip just for wearing that outfit…" Kenshin sighed.
"Soujiro, don't you think Makimachi-dono might not like you coming on to her?"
"Eh? Come on Kenshin! Don't be like that." Kenshin sighed again. Typically, girls would squeal when the womanizer would throw a pass a them but I, Misao Makimachi, am different. I don't fall for players. In my opinion the guy's too creepy for my tastes. So I'm sitting at the stool waiting for Mina to finish the drink for their table and see Kaoru heading here also. I grabbed her firmly by the arm and told her that I'm serving Himura's table and her face got cherry red. Pointing at table 30, she turns and swoons. She must like him a lot. There's nothing I wouldn't do to just get them to talk.
"I wonder why Aoshi's here alone. I would've thought he'd be swarmed by girls right about now." Kaoru nodded.
"Oh trust me, he is. But it's not like he cares for their attention. I mean, he's like mobbed by practically the whole female population. Freshmens to seniors: all of them!"
"Really…" I had to admit that I was a little upset by that. I don't want to be interested in a guy that practically the whole school is into. I'd just be like everybody else. Once Mina finished the drinks I carried them over to the table only to find it empty except for one. Aoshi's staring at me while I place the drinks at their respective spots. I feel the heat rush to my cheeks as I hand him his green tea.
"Arigatou…" I nod my head in reply and he looks like he's about to say something but I quickly retreat when the others return.
XXX
Aoshi raised his eyebrow confused. Why did it feel like that Makimachi girl was running away from him? Did he smell bad or something? He wasn't stupid and he noticed the occasionally glances that would be thrown his way. Not at the table but directly at him. This was the first time he had experienced a girl not trying to make a pass at him. And here he was attempting to have small talk with her. Although Soujiro had less shame and always voiced out his thoughts, he had to admit that the Makimachi girl looked really good in that leather outfit. But of course, him being, well, Aoshi, he merely observed.
"Aoshi! Are you going to sit on your ass all day or are you going to dance some?" Aoshi narrowed his eyes at Tomoe. If he had remembered correctly, she had gone out with Kenshin after being flat out rejected by him. He didn't want to come in the first place. Kenpo was going to start in less than a week and he had to train. Only after some convincing from Soujiro and Kenshin did he come.
"Maybe." He sat there un-amused as she began spewing curses at him. "Himura, get control of your women." Kenshin sweat dropped as this only added more venom to her outbursts. He turned his head and saw Misao sitting on one of the stools casually. His mind told him-
"She must be on break." Soujiro stated following Aoshi's gaze. He suddenly stood up and fixed his attire. "This is my chance!" Aoshi watched as Soujiro made his way to Misao who in turn looked less pleased at seeing him. Unable to make out their words, he quietly observed as he held out his hand and she hesitantly reached for it. Soon they were on the dance floor and Aoshi couldn't help but notice how her body moved provocatively to the song. A part of him wanted to walk up and shove Soujiro out of the way since he had done nothing better to do then stand still staring. After about 15 minutes, long after losing interest in watching the 2 dance together, he made his way to one of the side exits and was greeted by an unexpected sight. There she was sitting on some cartons in the alley. It seemed she hadn't noticed him yet so he decided he should go and talk to her.
XXX
"It's not smart for a young girl to be out here all alone." I gasped immediately recognizing the sultry deep voice behind me. Turning my head, he doesn't disappoint. Here I am…with Shinomori…ALONE!
"I can take care of myself. I'm not some dirty whore like many of the other girls in there." Aoshi mentally chuckled. He knew Tomoe and Yumi were some of the girls I was referring to.
"Your outfit says otherwise." I immediately blushed. Whoa! Did he just admit to checking me out? Score 1 Makimachi! I look up at him but his face is the same as ever. This guy is so hard to figure out.
"So…how come you're here and not in there dancing?" I asked him trying to keep a conversation going.
"I could ask the same of you." I pursed my lips. I hate it when people answer questions with questions.
"Yeah well, it was getting too hot in there. And I got tired of dancing." I decided to lean back against the brick wall and I noticed his gaze lingering on me. Suddenly I felt really exposed and shifted to wrap my arms around myself. Hey, it was pretty cold out there. And only god knows where Megumi and Kaoru stuffed my clothes. Soon I felt a weight on my shoulders and I look to see his leather jacket around me. I blush and was about to mumble a thanks until I noticed he was looking elsewhere.
"Got too tired of dancing with Seta?" What? Where the hell did that come from? I narrowed my eyes at him and replied.
"Obviously. The guy doesn't take no for an answer." Did he just raise his eyebrow?
"You looked like you had fun dancing with him." Okay, now he was starting to aggravate me.
"I had fun dancing, I didn't say with him. Don't put me on the same levels at those other girls you know. I'm not going to kiss his feet to get him to look at me. I'm not that low." Okay, he was smirking. What did I say that was funny?
"You don't look any different from any of the other girls here." At that I went to slap him but he easily caught my wrist in his hand. Damn…that's right. He's the Kenpo Captain! I felt my breath hitch in my throat as he leaned in closer to me…okay, more like bended. My heels only gave me like a few more inches.
"Like I said, no different." He then let go of my wrist and unbuckled the top 3 buttons of his shirt turning to head back in. He had some nerve, just because he's the high-mighty Aoshi Shinomori, he thinks he can say whatever he wants and get away with it? I'll prove him wrong. Quickly casting his leather jacket aside, I sped up to him and jumped.
"TRY ME!" I yelled as I threw a roundhouse kick to his head but he dodged it only by a second. His eyes slightly widened not expecting that attack. Ha! That's what he gets. Soon enough I was attacking him and he was half-heartedly blocking my moves. I guess I'll have to fight his way. After about a minute he caught my foot when I went to kick him and he said disbelievingly, "Kenpo?" Smirking I replied.
"Still think I'm the same as every other girl?" There were beads of sweat rolling down his forehead and I self-consciously watched as it slid to his chest. In a second I was slammed against the brick wall. DAMMIT! I got distracted!!! Why did he have to look so good?! One of his hands was holding my wrists in a death grip above my head and he was looking directly into my eyes. Suddenly, I felt his free hand brush against my check and he leaned in. I instinctively licked my lips but we both sensed someone coming and stopped. He backed away from me and I could see Soujiro and Kenshin at the end of the alley. My heart was beating so fast I don't think I was breathing normally.
"Aoshi? Come on, we're leaving." He nodded at them then stopped walking without looking back at me.
"Kenpo begins in 3 days after school in the dojo. I would appre...I'll expect you to come." Then he left me in the alley. Was he going to kiss me? Looking at my cell phone I instantly gather my things…including his jacket and rush back inside. I'm 15 minutes over my break and as soon as I step in, Mina is reprimanding me. I head over to table 30 to clean up what's left and see a note folded on the table. I open it and there's a large some of money and then...I fall anime-style.
'Thanks for the outfit and the dance.
-With Love, Seta-senpai. ♥'
XXX
After the three of us got changed we began walking back to our suite. It was almost 12 and the long hours paid off. There's almost $700 stuffed in my pocket right now and I'm going to send more than half of it to Jiya. Whatever's left over is more than enough.
"Hey, Misao? You didn't come here wearing that jacket did you?" I blink twice and notice that I had put on Aoshi's jacket. Remembering our little incident less than an hour ago I blush.
"Um…it's not mine."
"Whose is it?"
"Shinomori Senpai's." Suddenly I notice I'm walking alone and turn to see Kaoru and Megumi 10 feet behind me with shocked faces.
"HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET HIS JACKET?!" I felt like I owed them answers so I began to give them a short summary of what happened.
"We met outside on my break and I was cold so he gave me his jacket. Then he insulted me so I kind of attacked him and we ended up fighting and he left." It was silent and I started to get annoyed by their looks. "WHAT? Something wrong with that?"
"That's it? Did he say anything?" I instantly stopped walking when I remembered his last words.
"Yeah…he wanted- no he expects me to show up for the Kenpo meet on Friday." Suddenly they squeal and Kaoru latches onto me.
"Misao! You should totally go! This is a chance for you to get closer to him! And maybe Kenshin too! But he's off limits!"
"I'm so proud of our little Misao…snagging the attention of 2 of the hottest guys in the school. Ohohoho!"
I sighed…I didn't have to time to deal with this right now. I'm here not to goof around with guys but to help out Jiya! That's it…nothing else. Right…?
To Be Continued…
Author's Notes:
Okay, there's the second chapter OOML. There's not really much I can say about this chapter other than I'm not satisfied with it. Oh, for those out there wondering, I'm not abandoning any of my fics. They will be updated/completed in due time. I'm working on the stories on my free time and it's kind of a turn off for people to keep demanding updates. Thanks for reading so far and I appreciate the reviews for all of them! With love, Mimi-san!
