CHAPTER 3
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin....all original characters/ideas are mine to claim.
AN: Please tell me if there is too much dialgoue and/or if the plot is too fast. Enjoy!
Warnings: None.
-Cigarette-
Kenshin and Kaoru stared at each other shocked.
And after a few seconds, began to bicker.
"Sir, you have got to be joking!" Kaoru cried.
"I don't joke." Saitoh said crisply.
"But Sir, I can't work with him....I'd rather do the project on my own!"
"Same here!" Kenshin readily agreed.
Saitoh sighed. These two were made for each other. He made a mental note to himself: to place them together for every lab experiment in the semester. "Look you two. It's for participation marks. It's supposed to be a learning experience whereas you two can help each other and teach each other what you know."
Kaoru couldn't believe it. "Me....teach him? He's too air-headed to learn anything anyway."
"Excuse me!" Kenshin blurted. "I doubt there's anything to learn in the first place."
They both forgot that the teacher was right there. All the students, stunned, stared at the two as they argued with one another.
"For your information you big mouthed LOSER - I wasn't the one who failed this class!"
"Are you calling me stupid?"
"...YEAH!"
Kenshin felt like he had been slapped. He wanted no more than to slap her silly, but then that would show he had accepted defeat. He pounded his fist on the desk.
"This is all your fault! You just HAD to take the seat next to mine didn't you?"
"I'm so sorry that there weren't any seats left." She told him, sarcasm dripping with every word. But she meant it too: this was going to be one hell of a semester. "And you're blaming me? You're the one who came in late!"
"What does that have to do with anything?" He demanded.
"EVERYTHING!" She screamed. "You treat everything as if it's my fault."
"It is your fault!" He told her. "It's your fault because I said so."
"Because you said so?" Kaoru repeated dubiously. "You're such a spoiled brat."
"I know."
Now she really wasn't expecting THAT. It was as if he were used to it. And maybe even proud of it. She was at a loss for words.
"Are you two quite done yet?" Saitoh asked with a sigh. He hated teaching. They stopped arguing, and turned to pay attention. Their teacher pulled down the overhead.
"This is what you are to do."
_____________________________
At the end of class, Kaoru gathered all her books, brooding. The red haired individual who sat next to her stomped out of class, without a word as to what was going to happen with their project.
Things couldn't get any worse.
She really wasn't looking forward to failing this first project she had gotten. She was used to getting high grades if not perfect in everything she did. One spoiled brat wasn't going to change that if she could help it. But she had a gnawing feeling that getting a good mark with him as her partner was next to impossible.
Kenshin was brooding. She had all the nerve! So he had failed that class once: she didn't have to rub it in. Everyone already knew, and didn't dare say anything about it. His ego was bruised so much...it hurt. He swore to himself. 'This means war...'
He rushed through the crowds of students as they were dismissed from class. He heard Sano call out. "Oi, Kenshin! Over here!" He looked up to see his tall friend waving his arms to get his attention.
Nonchalantly, Kenshin weaved his way through the mass of bodies and ambled up to his group. Shinomori Aoshi leaned against a locker coolly, Okita Soushi, Seta Soujiro and Amakusa Shougo hung around him. Their friend Shishio Makoto was in the hospital after having serious burn injuries from a burning building.
"What's going on?" Kenshin demanded, unable to keep his anger from filtering his voice.
Soujiro gave him his usual wide grin. "Something bothering you, Himura-san?"
Kenshin slumped against a locker as well. When would Soujiro ever get used to calling him by his first name? He growled. "I'm telling you again Soujiro - call me Kenshin!"
"Of course, Himura-san." Soujiro quipped brightly.
Kenshin snarled again.
"What's eating you today?" Aoshi demanded, not wanting to have a full out argument.
"This girl: Kamiya Kaoru! She has to be the most annoying girl in this whole school! I mean, what doesn't she see in me? Every other girl is head over heels on my part, but she....she's different."
"I like girls who are different." Okita muttered. He received a glare from Kenshin, who then began to rant and rave about their encounters and what she said.
He clenched his fists. "I'm so pissed off - I can't stand the way she opposes me!"
Sanosuke rolled a toothpick in his mouth pensively. "So what is it that you want?"
"I want her to fall for me. Completely! Then let's see who gets the last laugh."
Soujiro nodded. "What if she doesn't?"
Okita smirked. "We all know that Kenshin gets what he wants. Or else."
"Damn right I do!" Kenshin couldn't agree more. "I wanna skip class. And you're all coming with me."
Sanosuke shrugged, Okita nodded, Aoshi got up from his slump against the locker and Amakusa grinned. Soujiro's never faltering smile finally faltered. "I'd love to, but I can't.....I've got a major test today."
Kenshin snickered. "Oh come on Soujiro. It's not like you haven't missed a test before."
"I know I have Himura-san," Soujiro answered passionately, "but this one will take a huge chunk of my mark if I don't do it."
"You're such a wuss!" Kenshin taunted. "Such a goody two-shoes! You always come whenever I tell you to, so what's your problem today?"
"I believe you already know." Soujiro said. "Today's not a good day."
The redhead turned on his heel. "Fine! Skip out on me Soujiro. You don't wanna see what will happen."
Okita gave his friend a sorrowful look as he ran to catch up with the others who were already sauntering away. Soujiro thought it over: he wanted to cut class very badly, not to mention stay in that school. If failing a course meant staying in the school, he'd skip any day. "Hey guys! Wait up!" Soujiro cried, running after them.
Sometimes though, Himura could be such a brat.
Kaoru closed her locker. P.E - a class she had with Misao, and a class she loved. As she walked toward building A, where all the gyms were and the main auditorium was, she heard a couple of voices and turned to see what was going on.
A group of girls came up to her. Kaoru shrunk back against her locker. They smelled strongly of perfume, some of their faces painted slightly with makeup. "You're the new girl: Kamiya right?" One asked boldly.
"Yes, I am." Kaoru answered, trying to gather her bearing.
The girl grinned. "You were something arguing with Himura-san today." The girl said, beaming. She paused. "How rude of me, let me introduce myself. My name is Omasu. (don't know her last name, if anyone knows, please tell me? ^^;)"
Kaoru shook the offered hand, glancing at the other 3, who introduced themselves as Shougo Magdaria, Okon, and Tae (Man, I'm so bad with names, need I repeat myself?).
"You and Himura-san don't look like you like each other." Okon pointed out. "May we ask why?"
"WHY!?" Kaoru cried, as if it were the most absurd question she'd ever heard. "He's the most stuck up, arrogant, jerk and moron that's ever walked on this planet! Don't tell me you haven't noticed!"
Okon and Omasu glanced at each other. "Well, Himura-san is good looking...and he can be pleasant and nice.....sometimes. But I do think his Uncle is very good looking." His Uncle? Where had that come from? She met Magdaria's eyes and the poor girl merely shrugged.
Tae leaned forward. "Kamiya-san, please do be careful what you say about Himura-san. I'm worried for you." She was a sweet girl, maybe two or three years older than herself.
"I'm not about to let him shove me over since he's the richest in the school." Kaoru persisted. "If anyone's gonna stand up against him, it will be me."
She caught sight of Misao, who was also dressed in her gym uniform. Her long braid trailed out behind her. The bright-eyed girl nodded. "I see you've met my friends." She said breathlessly. She tugged on Kaoru's shirt. "But we're going to be late for class. We're doing some kenpo today."
Kenpo! Kaoru couldn't wait.
The other girls were already assembled, learning techniques. Misao leaned closer to Kaoru. "You weren't here for the first few lessons. If you want me to help you with the moves, I'll be more than glad to."
"Thanks." Kaoru whispered back. She didn't have the heart to tell Misao that she was an expert when it came to kenpo. After all, her father was a sensei...
She turned her attention to the instructor, who was teaching a girl to hold the bokken properly. A group of boys on the other side of the gym were doing the exact same thing, and she couldn't help but look at them as well. She saw a couple of the guys looking at her. She felt a blush crawl up her cheeks.
"Where's Himura?" The instructor for the boys called out.
"We have no idea sir." Another responded.
Kaoru wanted to die. That made three classes out of six so far that she had the same class with him! She wondered whether or not fate really was against her. She couldn't help but think: where was that ass anyway? He really had the nerve to cut class, smoke and talk back to the teachers.
The teacher teaching the boys called out for a few others but they weren't there either. She caught the eye of a mature-looking male, who nodded in her direction. Kaoru felt a smile form on her lips, as she smiled back.
Sunlight filtered in through the big windows of the gym, casting what seemed like spotlights on those working on their swings.
Kaoru fingered the bokken at her feet. It was new. Well, no surprise..... but she liked the weight and the feel to it. Smooth and the weight suited her wrists and arms perfectly, almost as if the thing were made just for her. It probably was.
She felt someone poking her. She turned her head to see Misao. "Pssst...you're being called up Kaoru." Her friend's face was pale. "Good luck."
Kaoru nodded, grasping her bokken firmly. She felt the usual confident ease whenever she had that weapon in her hand. She knew she could wield it properly. She strode to the middle of the gym floor.
Once again, she was introduced to the whole class. Even the boy's class got a good look at her. She felt herself turning crimson. Kaoru patiently reminded herself to keep her cool and remain with her calm exposure. She bowed formally to the class who clapped.
"Now, Miss Kamiya. I do hope you are ready for today's lesson."
"I am sir." She responded confidently. The teacher looked taken aback but nonetheless pleased with her positive outlook. He nodded.
"Very well. I will ask you to hold up your bokken so that I can show you how to hold it properly." He instructed.
She held it up, spreading her feet shoulder length apart, and gripping the bokken as she had been taught to do by her father. She kept her back straight and focus on the sensei. He seemed surprised.
"Ookay, well, you're doing it absolutely correct." He fingered his chin thoughtfully. "I would like you to swing down then." She did so, and once finished, she turned to face him expectantly.
He beamed. "That was very nicely done." He once again fingered his chin thoughtfully, as the class clapped, even the boys. The teacher asked her to do ten swings, thinking it had all been a fluke. Ten swings for Kaoru: was a joke. She did them easily, with strength, speed and grace. To Misao, she looked like a star.
To the boys, she looked like a goddess.
They began to whisper among themselves.
"Tell me Kamiya, have you had experience with kenpo before?" The sensei asked quietly.
"Yes sir. I have." She answered. She wasn't one to lie about that. She was proud of her father, and fiercely protective of the school he had once headed.
The teacher nodded. "You have very good skill. It's top notch. I commend you for that."
She smiled, relaxing. "Thank you sir."
Once she took her seat next to Misao, her friend turned to her. "Wow, you were amazing! I thought you didn't know how to do that stuff..."
Kaoru cringed with her friend's implication. "I'm sorry Misao. I didn't mean to tell you otherwise. I wasn't sure if what you learn here is the same as what I have learned in the past."
Misao once again didn't seem to care. "I thought you were great." She said truthfully. Kaoru could only blush.
On her way out, after being held back for a little sparring match with the sensei, Kaoru hurried to her next class. She was starving after one more class was lunch thankfully.
Kenshin leaned against the school's building. "Say, Sano, where should we eat for lunch?" He watched as his best friend downed the rest of his beer bottle.
"I don't know." He answered. "How does Jukuchin Paro sound?"
Kenshin flinched. "I will not eat at just any stand."
Amakusa passed out cigarettes. "Let's smoke up first, before we go anywhere."
Soujiro politely turned them down. "No thanks. This is, after all, non-smoking property."
"You sound just like Kamiya." Kenshin complained.
"You may have the means to get out of trouble Himura-san, but I don't have as strong an influence as you do." Soujiro pointed out matter-of- factly.
Himura decided to drop the argument.
"Then how about...Aikoku-kashin?"
Satisfied, Kenshin nodded. At least he'd be able to get a decent meal. Decent enough: it was Tokyo's 2nd best fine dining. Cheap stores didn't catch his eye, and stands all the less. He didn't trust them to be clean, and the food edible. Talk about greasy!
He lit up his cigarette with Amakusa's lighter and took in a deep breath, letting it out after a few seconds.. And once again, he dropped the cig before he could get another breath when he heard a voice cry:
"Himura!"
It was her!
He began to cough, as he let out the contents of his lungs. AGAIN! He turned on her.
Kaoru had spotted the young redhead instantly. He was back outside smoking. Was there ever a time he was in class?
"Damn you woman! Why do you always show up whenever I am about to take another freaking pull of my cigarette! You constantly make me lose it!"
"As if!" Kaoru scoffed. "And it suits you right to keep losing it. I can't believe you're out here again with that thing!"
Kenshin scowled, but before he could say anything more, Sano put a hand on his shoulder, keeping him back. "So, this is the girl huh?" He grinned widely at her. "Hey, Jou-chan! What's a pretty chick like you doing out of class? Wanna join us for some booze?" He held up his empty bottle.
Kaoru wrinkled her nose in disgust. "No thank you." She said, instantly offended by his manners.
"Aw, you're no fun!" Sanosuke drawled. "Guess you aren't up for a bit of fun either huh?"
"Are you trying to hit on her!?" Kenshin demanded.
Sanosuke shook his head. "Nah, just teasin' her a bit."
Kaoru stood with her hands clenched at her sides. She once again addressed Kenshin. "The project is due in two weeks you know. I'm not about to fail it because of you."
Now it was Kenshin's turn to smile. He leaned against the brick wall. "Ah, well...I don't wanna do it anyway."
"What?" She practically shrieked. This guy was unbelievable. She just wanted to strangle him.
He smoothly ran his fingers over his scarred cheek, keeping his violet gaze on her. If Kaoru didn't hate, or rather, dislike (since hate was such a strong word) him, she would have thought he looked downright sexy doing that. "How about we make a deal. If you do the project..."
Kaoru instantly shook her head. "I don't think so."
"...Then I'll give you $100."
"Do I look like I'm that cheap!" Kaoru demanded angrily.
"...Yeah." Kenshin told her. It took every part of patience Kaoru could muster to stop herself from outright hitting him.
"There's no way in the world I would - "
" - 200."
"No."
"300?"
"Look you dumb beast, I am not going to..."
"...double it then. 600."
She let out a breath. This guy was absolutely crazy! She couldn't believe he was so arrogant. Despite the fact that $600 was a lot of money, she shook her head.
"Fine, how about $900?"
"You might as well make it $1000..." Aoshi muttered sarcastically.
Kenshin shrugged at the suggestion. "Fine. $1000 is okay too."
$1000! What a huge sum of money! She almost couldn't believe that he would offer it so willingly. She was largely tempted to say yes, but she wouldn't back down.
"In fact, I have the bills right here if you want..." He continued, "if ever..."
"Take your money and shove it up your ass!" She cried. "I don't want your money, got it? I can't believe you'd think me so dense!"
"Wait a second." Sanosuke interrupted. "You'd turn down $1000? Are you crazy?"
Kaoru ignored him. Kenshin couldn't believe it either. Normally, anyone would jump at the chance for an easy $1000 dollars. He would have thought, that in her situation, she would take it willingly if not quickly.
"Ah...Kamiya...." he was confused. "...in your current situation, I would have thought..."
"What do you know about my situation anyway!" She snapped. She paled when she saw his knowing smile. She tried not to show any panic. "I will make your life a living hell if you don't work on that project, Himura!" She warned.
'Not before I do.' Kenshin thought darkly. He gave her a clumsy salute. "Yes Ma'am, I'll think on it."
Taken aback by his gesture of defeat, she nodded. Inside she did a little victory dance: she had won that battle! She could do it again, she was sure. As she pushed past them, Kenshin caught hold of her arm.
He pulled her close. He liked the smell of Jasmine, and her body seemed just right for his arm. He disregarded that, reprimanding himself quietly. He whispered, "Don't think you've won yet, Kamiya.....the battle's only just begun." In her ear, before letting her go.
She turned to face him with big confused eyes that instantly took up the challenge. Without another word, she headed for her next class.
"I wanna skip the next class too." Kenshin said thoughtfully. "So you are all going to have another free period as well."
Amakusa merely shrugged. "Would you like another cigarette?" He asked.
Kenshin considered it. "No thanks. They bring me bad luck nowadays." He said darkly.
Soujiro shifted nervously. "Himura-san, I can't possibly skip biology...I'm already failing as it is."
"Aren't you always." Kenshin said beneath his breath. He couldn't help but feel sorry for his friend. He usually didn't get all moody with them even if he was feeling down. He managed to put on a smile. "Sorry about everything Soujiro. Go ahead and go to class. I'll meet you at your locker at lunchtime. Okay?"
Soujiro nodded, his smile plastered into place. "Sure okay. Thanks." That was more of the Kenshin he knew.
"If any of you need to go to class...." Kenshin started to say.
"Nah, screw it." Okita told him. He reached out for another cigarette, ending up in a coughing fit, making the group laugh.
Soujiro caught sight of Kaoru rummaging through her locker. He noticed her looking frantically through her agenda at the map of the school.
She was so pissed at herself! Only just yesterday she had practically memorized all her classes and where they were located, but after meeting that jerk from hell, she had forgotten everything. Not only was she already 10 minutes late, she wasn't sure which class she had and where it was for that matter. She cursed beneath her breath, and made a mental note to herself: she'd have to re-memorize the school.
"Do you need some help, Miss?" Soujiro asked politely from behind. His voice made Kaoru jump in surprise. She whirled around to face him. His smiling figure made her relax. He seemed nice enough. He had dark brown hair and he looked to be younger than her - then again, she had thought the same for Misao only to find that the genki girl had only a year behind hers to catch up on.
"I'm sorry for startling you." He apologized. "I just thought you'd like some help, seeing as to how you're flustered..."
Kaoru smiled, embarrassed. "Well, I need to find *Hyougo-sensei's class. I can't even remember what class it is or where it's located. I seem to have left my schedule at home." She said sheepishly. (*Kujiranami Hyougo is from the Jinchuu arc, and wanted Kenshin dead because he cut his left arm and dishonored him)
Soujiro nodded. "I believe you have class with me. Biology in building C." He helped her pick up her books. "I'll walk you there." He offered.
"...Thanks." She said, uncertainly. She swore she had seen him with Kenshin, and if so, she wanted nothing to do with Kenshin's friend. She decided to ask. "Um....are you close to Himura-san?"
Soujiro made a face. "I'm sorry Kamiya-san, I'm not like that."
She gasped when she realized what she had said. "Ah! No! I mean....I didn't mean it like that! I meant, I wanted to know if you were close friends with Himura-san that's all."
Soujiro actually laughed. "I know what you mean Kamiya-san. I was just joking. I find I'm not good with jokes and so....."
Kaoru relaxed a bit, hearing his easy laughter. He continued, "Himura- san and I have been together for about 6 years. So I know him very well. I'm not as close to him as Sagara-san, who has been with him for the whole of his life, but Himura-san trusts me."
Kaoru frowned. "How can you stay with such an arrogant bastard?"
Soujiro's eyes gleamed with protectiveness. "Himura-san can be very different. He's not always what it seems. Perhaps you're speaking without much experience Kamiya-san, but I would ask that you get to know him first before judging so harshly." With his little reprimand, he softened his stiff smile. "I hope that since your first impression on him was bad, you won't find me the same. Not everyone who hangs out with Himura-san is just like him."
Kaoru nodded, taking this all in. "No, I don't find you the same. May I ask your name?" She asked.
"Ah, Seta Soujiro. Sorry if I was rude."
"You really weren't." Kaoru told him. They walked outside, and this time, Kaoru was careful in opening the twin oak doors. Luckily, Kenshin wasn't behind it.
The autumn air was warm, much to her relief. She really disliked the cold, and was a bit miffed when she had heard that even in the winter the girls still had to wear their skirts (yes we do!!! *sniffs*). Leaves fell, stripping the trees with an agonizing slowness that seemed to take forever.
"You don't smoke either, do you Seta-san?" Kaoru said, absently.
Soujiro nodded. "Very perceptive of you Kamiya-san. Please call me Soujiro."
"Okay, if you call me Kaoru."
"Very well then, Kamiya-san." Soujiro answered. She laughed.
They entered the class, 15 minutes late. Hyougo-sensei was lenient though. They built off each other's words with excuses and took a place at the very back.
During the middle of it, Soujiro elbowed her. "Hey, Kamiya-san. Would you like to have lunch with me today?" He asked.
"Lunch? Sure! I'm going to head to my locker first and meet up with a couple of friends to let them know. Then I'll meet you.....where?"
"By my locker." He said.
She beamed. "Sure thing!" She really found him easy going and really really nice. He had the tendency to smile a lot. In fact, she never saw him do otherwise. She wondered vaguely if he ever got angry, and if he did, what he looked like.
He nodded, glad. He hoped that Kaoru and Kenshin would be able to get over this petty fight. He really didn't want the two of them bickering.
After class, they got up to leave, Kaoru promising to meet Soujiro by his locker. She spoke a few minutes with the teacher and then quickly left the room. Her way was blocked by an individual who stepped in her way. Frustrated, she looked up to see who it was.
It was the same boy who had been looking at her through gym class. She felt her cheeks heat up. She fell a step back.
"H-hello." She said, stupidly.
"Good afternoon." The boy greeted formally. "Miss Kamiya Kaoru, am I correct?"
"Y-yes." She squeaked. What was wrong with her? Her knees buckled under the boy's penetrating glance and his cool composure. He carried himself with an air of authority. Kenshin did too, but he was different compared to this individual.
She noticed he had offered her a hand. "My name is Akira. Kiyosato Akira." He said. Even his voice was rich and full. She felt her heart flutter. What was this? Love at first sight? She desperately didn't want to take his hand, but she desperately did as well. She finally got the courage to take it. It was warm. Just like his eyes.
"Nice to meet you." She heard herself say.
"I wanted to tell you that you were great today. In kenpo class. I never got the chance to let you know, because you were busy."
Kaoru blushed to her roots. "Oh....well, I'm not that good...I...."
Akira's grip on her hand tightened. "Yes, well, I believed you were."
She hastily pulled her hand out of his. "Ah....I'm really sorry Kiyosato-san. I've got to run. I've promised a friend I would go to lunch."
He nodded. "It's okay. I hope to catch you tomorrow. I'm not sure if you noticed, but I'm in your bio class."
She felt her breath get caught in her chest. "I-I see....it was very nice meeting you Kiyosato-san. I am sure we'll talk again soon." She hoped they'd talk again soon.
Kaoru ran off, leaving Akira watching after her wistfully. She just couldn't face him at the moment: it felt strange. Unlike the easy friendship she had with Soujiro, she hadn't been able to feel that connection with Akira. She wished more than anything that she'd find it someday with the guy. He was really something else.
Misao and the other girls were around her locker, their own lockers very close by. Omasu and Okon waved eagerly to her, and she waved back in response. She turned to Misao's voice.
"Let's have lunch! It's my favorite time of the day!" She said excitedly.
Kaoru laughed. She had guessed as much from the beginning of the day. She closed her locker after putting all her books away. "I'm really sorry, Misao. I can't today. I've got an appointment with someone."
Misao blinked. "Really? Who?"
"His name is Seta Soujiro. He said he'd eat lunch with me."
She was surprised when the genki girl grasped her arm almost instantly. "You're going to eat lunch with Seta-san?!" She cried. (genki = optimistic, happy, jumpy, etc.)
Kaoru gently pried the girl's fingers off. "Yes, I am...is that good or bad?"
"That is amazing! I'm so jealous!" Misao complained.
"Why?" Kaoru asked. "I never knew you had something for him."
Misao made a face. "Not for him! Aoshi-sama! He hangs out with Seta- san! Have you ever seen him, he's the bomb!"
She managed to cough dryly, but Misao rambled on. "If you have a chance to meet with him, please mention me? What would I give to go out with a hunk like that!"
"Aa....okay.." Kaoru said, anything for her to quit gripping her so tightly.
When she finally managed to dispatch herself from the girl, she went to meet up with Soujiro by his locker. When she finally caught sight of him, she frowned: she saw Kenshin by his locker.
Kenshin saw her too. Her face was flushed, it seemed as though she had been running. A happy glow was in her eyes, and her hair was wind blown. The smile on her lips was genuine, but as soon as they saw each other, her smile disappeared. He didn't know why, but he wanted nothing more than to see her smile again. He arrogantly pushed the thought away and stood proud and as tall as he could.
"What are you doing here?" He demanded, as she got within earshot.
"What kind of a question is that?" Kaoru shot back. "I'm definitely not here to see you."
"And you can bet everything that I'm not waiting here for you either."
Kaoru stuck out her lower lip stubbornly. "I'm here because I have been invited to go to lunch with Soujiro."
Kenshin nearly fell over. The nerve! Soujiro had better have a good explanation to this... he couldn't help but notice the way she used his first name as if they were really good friends.
Before he could say anything, Soujiro came by. "Oh, Kamiya-san! I went by your locker only because I forgot to tell you where my locker was, and I thought to accompany you so you wouldn't have to wander...." Kenshin gave Soujiro a death glare. "Ah...Himura-san...I've invited Kamiya-san to lunch with us. If it's too much for you, I will pay for her."
Kenshin instantly countered. "I can pay for everyone myself you know that Soujiro. Including the wench!" He smiled at her slyly, and Kaoru bit her lip to keep from sticking out her tongue.
"Pay? I thought we were going to the cafeteria to eat...." Kaoru said, confused.
The 6 of them looked at each other before bursting into peals of laughter. "That was so funny!" Kenshin said as soon as he was able to. The others were trying to catch their breaths.
"What was so funny about that?" Kaoru asked, instantly rising to the challenge.
"We never eat at the caf." Okita told her.
"It's not a place for a man of my status." Kenshin said, throwing his head back with pride. "I wouldn't be caught dead eating there."
Kaoru paled. "Well of course." She said sarcastically. "...Then, where ARE you guys planning to eat?"
"Aikoku-kashin." Soujiro said.
Kaoru instantly turned her heel. "No I'm sorry Soujiro. I just remembered I can't go to lunch with you. I've got...something I need to do."
"What you mean is...you've got no money." Kenshin put in.
"You shut up!" She cried.
"The truth hurts, and don't you know it!" Kenshin said happily. He finally touched her weak spot, but for some reason he felt so guilty. "It's not your place with us rich people anyway."
She was about to retort with something when Soujiro said quietly, "Okay, Kamiya-san, if you can't pay, I'll simply pay for you."
"I said I can pay for all of us dammit!" Kenshin roared. "Now will y'all just shut your holes and let's go!"
Sanosuke shrugged. "Come on Jou-chan, we don't have all day."
Soujiro offered Kaoru his arm. 'I can't believe I'm doing this.' Kaoru thought mournfully. She took the arm, knowing she was making the biggest mistake.
Kenshin up ahead, was on his newest up-to-date cell phone. "Is my limo waiting? I'm starved." There was a pause before he said, "Good." And hung up without a word of thanks or farewell.
He opened the twin oak doors and led them down the cobblestones toward the arc. He opened the main gates and gestured for them all to step inside a shiny black limo, where three men in black waited. They all bowed as Kenshin drew nearer.
One stepped up and dusted Kenshin's clothing, which, according to Kaoru, wasn't dirty in the first place. The other two began opening the doors. Kaoru hadn't ever been in a limo before. She felt giddy.
Before Soujiro could help her into the expensive car, Kenshin grabbed her hand, a bolt running through the both of them. She looked up, surprised, and covered it as quickly as she could. She met his eyes, which seemed just as surprised, but he quickly covered his as well as she did.
There was no denying what they had felt though.
She could feel her pulse beating hard.
A snicker came from his throat. "As I've said before Kamiya - welcome to my world."
There was no way to back out.
To Be Cointinued....
AN: Wow, I got carried away there didn't I? The longest chapter I've ever made so far I do believe. One long chapter for all of you guys! Thanks to all my reviewers! I never thought...wow! You all made me so happy! As I've said already, I'm not about to go thanking each and every one of you, it's too long. But I do want to say, Ayumi, that was a good idea, only it was chemistry, not parenting. I should have made it parenting though *Sweatdrops* Sabrina-star, it looks like I can't stop now, or else, Shuno No Miko WILL throw those tomatoes. Kamimura-san, genki dayo na!!! And finally, thanks Kyaa Kyaff for the get well soon notice. I will post more people! Promise! But please.....review again! I LOVE YOU ALL! *Hugs each and every one of her reviewers*
Kaoru and Kenshin having to do a project together...and now lunch! ORO!!Sorry JML - Looks like I always give Kenshin a hard time. Look at it on the bright side people: Kaoru's suffering too! MUAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!!!
CHAPTER 4
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