A Date With A Senpai

Chapter 12

Author's note:

Minna, this is taking longer that I had expected. Anyway, here is chapter 12. First, I'd like to give my warmest thanks for your reviews and comments. Although I would need them again as we near the end of this fic, I hope that you'll like this bit. And since, I love Sano and Megumi as much as Kenshin and Kaoru, I figured that they should have a date of their own. One more chapter to go, ne? And then, maybe I can do a lemon chapter. Maybe...who knows...on with chapter 12. Ok, but before you read, I have to tell you that this is a major sappy piece. I don't know what had gotten into me, but this is going to be one of those "pretending to be a tear-jerker" piece that I absolutely hate, but can't stop writing. So, you're warned.

A Date With A Senpai

Chapter 12

Sano grumbled his way to the Akabeko. He had lost the money that Kenshin had won for the two of them. Actually, considering Kenshin's lack of interest with the money, it was more of his. Well, for whatever it's worth, at least he was coming to the Akabeko on time. Just as Kenshin had asked from him. He honestly hoped that Kenshin had taken his advice against wearing his pink gi. Nothing really wrong with the color, except one was not likely to take a man wearing something of that shade seriously. If Kenshin were able to propose to Kaoru, which was something he vowed he would not miss, then all would be well.

And hell, a free dinner at the Akabeko to boot! He stopped his grumbling and decided that there was no reason for him to get all worked up. After this he was planning on visiting Kitsune-chan. He needed to have a talk with that woman. If ever they get around bickering with each other. He was almost half way to the Akabeko when he realized how dark the sky had already been. He briefly wondered if it was going to rain and then immediately dismissed the thought. He was never good at guessing the weather anyway. Over his side, two women were speaking to each other, and as he would eventually find out anyway, he heard that it was already past 7 p.m. He was scheduled to be at the Akabeko by 6:30. Sharp.

"Great!" He muttered darkly, quickening his steps. "At this rate, I have already missed Kenshin sputtered and blushed like a lobster." That would have been very interesting to watch. He had a vision of Battousai, not the ruruoni but the real deal proposing to Kaoru and he found it was somewhat amusing. Amber eyed, blushing and mumbling something to Jou-chan.

Poor Jou-chan. But come to think of it poor Kenshin! Well, seeing it was a hell lotta better than hanging around at a stinking gambling house. As he wound up at a corner leading to the Akabeko, he thought of possible excuses for being late. Smiled as he found one and further developed it.

Yahiko was grumbling as well as he paced the Akabeko in his uniform. It was only last year that Tae had implemented a uniform for its waitress or waiter in his case. Needless to say, there were no male working for Tae and so she had never designed a uniform for a boy. And of course he didn't have one that he could wear. Indeed it was humiliating enough that he had to wear a frilly apron with a pink ribbon in the collar but it had to be with Tsubame.

Kenshin had never told him anything about this. In fact all he could remember was Kenshin asking him to go to the market fetch a few stuff and then head at the Akabeko as the rurouni had requested his presence on his and Kaoru's date. Requested. He had liked the sound of that and he had smiled at the idea. He liked the way Kenshin made an effort to include him on this momentous event. He hadn't asked for this and hadn't expected it. He had wanted to give Kenshin and Kaoru the privacy. He had refused at first but then Kenshin told him that Sano and Megumi would be there also. On a date too. And he just couldn't miss that. So after finishing his market task he had excitedly ran towards the Akabeko and had found Tae waiting for him.

Apparently Kenshin had another request that he had failed to tell him. Tae had said and swore on the grave of her beloved dead cat, not much to credit on especially since Yahiko never knew Tae had a cat, let alone a dead one but he had patiently listened. And had found out that Kenshin instructed Tae-san to make him and Tsubame be their personal "server" on the date.

Yahiko had refused the moment Tae's word had sunk in but after giving much consideration he had agreed. After all, Kenshin might still be a little reserved on his first date and wanted the presence of people he was already acquainted with. And that had been fine. Big, major plus was that he'd be working with Tsubame closely and it gave him an undeniable feeling of light-headedness. But when the subject of the appropriate uniform came up, he was instantly sorry he ever agreed to this. He had thought of just sneaking out and then running for dear life, but he guessed that it wouldn't have worked. And Kenshin was expecting him to be here; he had no intention of letting him down. Left with no choice he had grudgingly worn the hideous outfit. Sure Tsubame looked cute in it, but hell, he doubted he did.

But more than anything his bad mood was caused by the apparent lack of sense of time on Kenshin and Kaoru's part. They were scheduled to be here at 6:30 and it was almost 8 and they were still not here. He had been wearing the stupid...dress...or apron, whatever you call it for the longest time. He sighed finally when he caught sight of Sano's spiky hair. At last Sano had chosen to come, no surprised that he was late. The stupid chicken-head probably wandered around town after making a wrong turn hoping that the dark alley was a shortcut. Yahiko rolled his eyes at the thought. Sano was certainly not fit to be a traveler. He cranned his neck and was expecting Kenshin's small figure beside the ex-gangster but cursed silently when it appeared that Sano was alone.

Where the hell were Kenshin and Kaoru?

Kaoru sighed dreamily. This was nothing she had expected from him. Nothing at all. Not even in her wildest dreams. She looked up into the sky and let out a sweet satisfied smile. Shyly turned her gaze at Kenshin who was watching her and closed her eyes. She relieved every moment that had transpired; still not quite believing this was all happening.

She had been slightly surprised when they had headed for the dojo and not some fancy restaurant she was expecting. She had guessed that Kenshin wanted her to change to a more formal kimono but even before she can step inside, Kenshin had stopped her and told her to wait there. She tried to ask him why or what he was planning, but Kenshin silenced her by pressing his fingers on her lips and lingering there for all eternity, or so it had seemed to her. He vanished at the corner and she was almost near screeching his name at the top of her lungs when he re-appeared with a playful smile on his face and shining purple eyes, tinged with amber gold that made her insides melt. Dinner? How could she think of food when Kenshin was right in front of her smiling secretly?

"What..."

He had just smiled, silently took her arm and led her to the back of her dojo. Her eyes had widened in surprise when she caught a glimpse of her roof; it had been lighted with dozens, perhaps even more candles. Small flames flicking in the night. She didn't know what was going on and she had raised questioning eyes at Kenshin, which he had answered by nodding at a ladder propped at the side of the dojo.

Smiling mischievously at her, he helped her as she climbed up. The tremors that ran across her spine caused Goosebumps on her arms. She giggled nervously and Kenshin only nodded at her ascent, following closely behind her. She had blushed the whole 15 steps as he was pressed so near to her that she could faintly smell his ginger scent mixed with his own masculine smell that made her think of…well, things…She giggled to herself and then took a deep breath. If she laughed again Kenshin would think that she had gone to the edge and had lost her sanity over one simple date. And for Kami's sake, she was a shihondai of a respectable dojo; she should at least show some restraint. Sighing, she remained calm for the rest of the steps.

Only to blush harder when she had accidentally slipped and he was quick to grab her. Her head practically nestled on the crook of his neck; his breath teasing her skin, one arm protectively encircled in her waist. She giggled softly and had muttered something about being clumsy. But then she had reached the roof at the same instant and all words escaped her. She gaped at the image in front of her.

It was triple romantic. It was as if she had woken up in a dream or she had actually fallen from the ladder, had hit her head bad and she was having a hallucination.

Only it was as real as it can get.

Her heart pounded steadily in her chest.

He had laid a deep lavender blanket on the roof and had placed their food on it against the backdrop of the blue-black skyline and the tiny lights from small houses in their village and even up to the next village...even further on. Maybe even all the way to Kyoto! Oh! She wished Misao could see this one! She'd be delighted!

She turned at Kenshin (who had been silently standing behind her, anticipating her reaction and relishing it) with questioning eyes. Maybe he made a mistake? This was for her?

He seemed to have read the questions in her eyes and he smiled at her taking her hands and giving it a squeeze.

"It's...it's..." She paused and looked again at the picnic set atop her roof. With all the stars shining down on them and the light, sweet breeze making the glowing candles flutter. "It's amazing." She had finally found her voice and shyly met Kenshin's gaze.

"Aa." He agreed in his husky voice leaning so close to her. 'Only for you' his eyes seemed to say.

She shivered lightly in delight, more so when he placed an arm around her shoulder to warm her and led her to the waiting blanket.

And thus had started their date. In the privacy of her own home and in the warmth and glow of the closed circle.... or rather perimeter that Kenshin had planned and created.

He watched her, both of her arms resting lightly by her side, her relaxed smile radiating a warmer glow than the candles around them. "Kaoru?" He whispered softly, so afraid to disturb her.

She turned and gave her a shy sweet smile that made his heart stop beating all of a sudden. He unconsciously licked his lips and silently took her hand. He let her lean most of her weight against his body; her back on his chest, her hair lightly teasing and caressing the skin underneath the gap on his gi. He heard her sigh and was glad to know that she had enjoyed their dinner. The peace and the quietness that surrounded them was almost perfect. There was only one thing more left to do. He held her tighter and started to mentally practice his next words.

Ai shiteru. Ai shiteru.

It was anything but quiet and peaceful at the Akabeko. Sano came in late and had the gall to laugh at Yahiko the first time he laid eyes on the boy. He had forgotten his excuse as his bemused brown eyes took in Yahiko's appearance.

Yahiko was mentally reciting Tae's first and only lesson on serving customers. "Customer is always right. Customer is always right." He welcomed him with his best "I'm-gonna-kill-you-Welcome-to-Akabeko-hope-you-get-poisoned-and-enjoy-your-stay" smile. Tsubame had also done the same thing and was rewarded by Sano's warm grin, but she wasn't able to hold on to his attention as he turned his gaze back at Yahiko.

"Looking pretty Yahiko-chan!" He exclaimed appreciatively looking at Yahiko up and down and then bursting into gales of laughter helplessly slapping his thigh as he doubled over in laughter.

Apparently he was as easily amused by Yahiko's playing dress up and the fact that his near state of drunkenness was making him feel a little woozy. He tried to calm down and instead plastered a silly smirk in his face and waited for Yahiko to open his mouth and curse him to the ends of the world. He was surprised when the boy did nothing. He swore he'd force a reaction from Yahiko tonight. This was becoming even better than what he was expecting.

Yahiko managed a grim smile and in a clipped tone he asked Sano to follow him to his waiting table and not to mention his waiting date. Who was in fact fuming mad as to having to wait this long for Sanosuke. It would be interesting once Sano was seated in front of Megumi and realized that he was in the hot seat.

Megumi heard the voice and smelled the sake. Fox ears popped almost at the same instant that Sano walked in to find her waiting patiently. She tried to tell herself that she was doing Kenshin a big favor here and she intend to make the most out of this situation. But another part of her, one that she had been successfully ignoring over the past few weeks knew that she had been longing for that smell. For that intense brown eyes and for that lips..."Finally showed up huh?" She asked icily savoring the way Sano's eyes widened and almost jumped out of his socket. 'Way to go Megumi!' she cheered herself, a wicked smile playing on her lips.

"What...wait a second...this is...this wasn't the plan at all!" Sano exclaimed. If he remembered it correctly Kenshin had said that he would be there in case Kenshin said something stupid and irked Jou-chan. His role was to eat at a safe distant and at the first sign of trouble save Kenshin's ass. Not this. He looked at Megumi again and then down at his half-soiled white jacket and then back again at Megumi's crisp sweet smelling kimono. Yes, she was in a kimono. A deep red kimono with silver Sakura petals that matched her ruby lips and brought out the color of her cheeks. This was not the Megumi to mess with.

Definitely a mistake. A mix up. A terrible mix up.

He grabbed Yahiko's ribbon....or bow....or whatever the Westerners called it, frankly at this moment he didn't care if Yahiko was wearing a skirt…he was in trouble. "Where's Kenshin?" He hissed menacingly at the boy's ears glancing at Megumi who had raised her eyebrows at him, smirking a little. Oh boy.

"Nowhere here as you can see Sir." Yahiko said through his clenched teeth. And with his eyes he communicated what he had been suspecting from the very start.

Sano's brown eyes widened as realization hit him. Payback time. He was not going to witness Kenshin and Kaoru's date as Kenshin had promised him. He was going on a date with Megumi. He wasn't ready for this. He opened his mouth to apologize, winced at the strong smell of alcohol, which Megumi would no doubt miss and tried to apologize when Tae pushed him to his seat.

Tae had gotten what she deserved, she thought ruefully and she couldn't exactly blame Himura-san for the slight deception. So she had to make do with the situation at hand. She smiled smugly, a little thankful for Himura-san, after all it seemed that she was getting the opportunity to play matchmaker once more. And oh, what a lovely couple too. She might have to do a lot more than expected of her tonight, but then Sano and Megumi had been simmering in sexual tension for the past months that she could practically smell love in the air. "Your food will be up in a minute Sir. If you would like anything you can call Yahiko-chan and Tsubame-chan ne?" She said smiling a little brightly at the two scowling couple. "And please, do try to enjoy your dinner." She added and excused herself with Tsubame, leaving Yahiko by the table.

Sano asked for water and Yahiko was quick to get it. He winced inwardly as he realized that they were now left alone. "I'm sorry...this wasn't exactly what I had in mind." Sano began. Megumi stared at him coolly. "So, um, what did Kenshin told you exactly?" He asked.

"He asked me to keep any eye on you so that you won't snoop in on their date." She informed him, her tone flat and uninterested, but her eyes spoke volumes.

And Sano then realized that Megumi had known all along that they would be having dinner tonight and had in fact taken great lengths to look doubly stunning. And had succeeded in doing so. "Oh, that's why you're all dressed up." Sano teased regaining some of his composure and his trade mark mild arrogance.

Megumi jaw dropped. She had worn a kimono and maybe a little perfume and a darker shade of lip stick, but that was all. She didn't think that Sano would notice. 'I didn't..." she began.

"Yes you did." Sano finished for her. He paused and leaned forward. "I like it." He whispered hoarsely.

Blood crept up in Megumi's neck and she felt incredibly hot. He had said he liked it. Hadn't he? "I'm sure you do Sagara." She smiled lethally, "You're crazy about me." She said her voice equally muted.

"Che, as crazy as one can get Kitsune-babe." Sano said nodding thoughtfully. "Missed me?" He asked arching his eyes brows suggestively and smiling as Megumi's shocked eyes blazed with both passion and fury. Before Megumi can answer he caught sight of Yahiko coming their way with a glass of water in his hands. He reached for the boy's face and shoved him away.

There was a muffled curse and a loud crash followed by the distinct sound of shattering glass and then silence. The flirting continued on.

Kenshin and Kaoru were more on being subtle when it comes to flirting. Not what someone would expect from a hot blooded Tanuki and a legendary hitokiri. They had been seated side by side on the roof, watching and waiting for falling stars. None came and they were both beginning to get a little uneasy. Their shoulders had brushed more than they can count and shy smiles had been exchanged steadily over the past few hours. More than twice, Kenshin came close to saying the magic words but then ended up choking on it and the second time he said it too softly that Kaoru had turned at him and asked him with big curios blue eyes, "What?"

Felling incredibly stupid he had remained silent and so had she. Kaoru on the other hand was nearing the point of jumping at Kenshin, but considering the height they were in, she just couldn't think of a smooth maneuver that won't lead to broken bones or cracked ribs. She glared at Kenshin, maybe that was why he had chosen this very spot. He knew she was afraid of heights. But she'll have other opportunities. She just had to try and remain calm. She sighed again. "Kenshin?" She asked tentatively.

"Hai Kaoru?" He asked just as softy.

She paused again, relishing her name spoken without barriers then smiled brightly up at him. "Do you remember the last time we were sitting on the roof?" She asked.

"Aa." Kenshin nodded. Mentally smacking himself. He had spoken almost three words in the entire course of their date. Kaoru, Aa, and Hai. He sighed, tried to relax and get the words out of his mouth before Kaoru starts thinking that his brain had shrunk into a relative size of a pea. "It was at Kyoto." He said, relieved that it didn't came out as a strangled squeak he was expecting. He felt oddly insecure, as though he was back to being a 15-year-old unsure teenager. He was nearing thirty, for crying out loud. 'Try and act like an adult' He hissed to himself.

"Yeah. It was a beautiful night wasn't it?" Kaoru cocked her head to one side, giving the impression that she was trying to conjure up the picture of the sky at Kyoto that night and Kenshin was again at lost for words. "Funny," Kaoru said smiling shyly up at him. "I keep expecting Yahiko to suddenly come up here and do something stupid or make me do something stupid. And well, Sano too..." She giggled softly, which reminded Kenshin vaguely of little bells all clinking together in one enchanting music. "I wouldn't be surprised if the whole town came up...like the oni..." She turned at him. "Only this time, you're not saying goodbye. Right?" She asked, hiding the underlying fear in her voice.

Kenshin blinked at her. Surprised by the fear and longing he detected in her voice. "Of course not Kaoru." He finally got the courage to take her hands. He cradled it for a while running his gaze on her face trying to ease pain he had caused so many months ago. With her hand still enclosed with his, he brought it up to his scared cheeks and pressed it there when she tried to take them away. "I'll stay here. If that is what you want." He saw that she was about to protest and he silenced her by leaning his forehead against her. Her blue eyes were wide and he could see the uncertainty in there, mixed with anticipation and fear as well. "Demo...sessha..." He paused to collect his thoughts. "You already know who I am and who I was and yet you have opened your home and your heart to me. I will treasure that Kaoru…your kindness, your loyalty...but most of all your love.... even though shessha does not deserve it" He said faintly.

His voice had dropped so low that Kaoru strained to hear what he was saying. It was as if he was afraid that he would say something that she would not like. And he was probably right. When his word floated through her almost hazy brain, she wanted more than anything to pound some sense in it. Instead, she whispered almost viciously but with warm affection, "Baka!"

He smiled sadly at that. He knew he was right and even if Kaoru might think other wise, he was still unworthy. "But don't you see how selfish I am?" He asked her. "You should be with someone who had never been in a killing frenzy that he had almost lost himself...lost those who he loved...."

Kaoru grew more agitated. There was no reason to smile like he knew what he was talking about. Because he didn't. And there was certainly no reason for him to feel that way either. "That's not true. Stop it!" She said her voice muted, although one can clearly hear the hint of anger and annoyance in it. "Stop that right now. It isn't true. It never was." She raised her other hand and clasped his. Their breaths mingled and she knew that this was what she wanted. To be this close to him. Always. "Why won't you believe me?" She asked this time pouting.

"Nani?" Kenshin asked. He couldn't think straight with her this close to him. With her lips only inches from him. He would watch it move with heady fixation and only understand the words after a second or two. He wanted nothing more that to taste them. Brush his lips against her…kiss her with all the passion burning inside him. He tried to tear his gaze of her lips and concentrate on what she was trying to tell him.

"I think that someone had really hit you a little to hard on the head." She said trying to catch his eyes. When he finally looked up to meet hers, he couldn't believe that she was smiling at him. "Kenshin, you're such a baka sometimes." She told him and leaned close to kiss his lips.

It was a mere passing of her breath in his lips but it left him utterly defenseless and open. For a moment he thought he was going to have a heart attack and ruin the night. The thought almost caused him to laugh out loud but he could still feel her lips and it was enough to stir some senses back to his already spiraling brain.

Her lips. Softly brushing against his. And he wanted more of that! To feel more!

He blinked back several times, not actually believing what she had done. He searched for her face again and realized that he was no longer holding her. She was back to her original position, hugging her knees to her chest watching the sky. "Kaoru?" He asked, his voice hoarse and still questioning.

"You know, my father used to tell me that when you wished at a falling star it might come true. He said I have to want it so bad and then I have to work hard for it." She told him without looking at him, her gaze fixed at the sky. "Do you know what I'd wish for?" She asked this time looking straight at him. She was still blushing form the kiss. Half of her was screaming and dancing in her head and urging her to just jump at him and sear him with kisses until he's forced to admit what he feels. But the other half wanted Kenshin's admission first. She wanted to hear it from him. He could show her how much he loved her later, but for now, she needed the assurance of his words.

In the harsh light of the candles she looked like she was about to cry. Tears glistened in the corner of her eyes. Kesnhin found himself staring not at Kaoru the young girl that he had vowed to protect but he saw Kaoru the woman that he loved. Strong, intelligent, vulnerable, courageous, loving, innocent, charming. She was all that. And more.

"What?"

She shyly looked away, hiding the tears that was pricking at her eyes. "I'd wish that I can take all your pains away." She murmured softly, "I'd wish that you'd let me." She finished.

He didn't know how to respond to that one. How could he? Did she really know what she was asking of him? The things that he had been through, those were the things that he desperately wished no one would ever experience especially his Kaoru. And she was asking him to share all his pains? The darkness that he possesses. "Kaoru..." He began and when she turned at him, all his questions just disappeared. The look of determination in her gorgeous clear blue eyes. The look of acceptance that he had always longed to see. They were there and all he has to do was accept this..…this gift from this incredible woman who had awakened so many emotions in him that he had longed since thought was gone and dead. Love surged to his heart that all his fears were eventually shut down. That even in this very moment, she was already taking some of the pains away.

He took her hand and smiled. She was still not crying although he could see that it would only take one word to break her down. 'Stubborn girl.' He thought fondly, cradling her face in his hands.

She looked a bit panicked but she relaxed at the smile he gave her. "Would you let me?" She asked her blue eyes a little wide and scared. Her lips slightly parted. Wanting to speak more but afraid to say them out loud.

Again, he was left with one of those three words. "Aa." He said smiling wider at the shocked expression in her face. She seemed to be expecting that he would say no. 'Still unsure koiishi?' He mentally asked, liking the term of endearment that popped in his head and stayed in his heart. To erase any doubts, he took a deep breath and murmured against her lips, sweetly and sincerely, "Ai shiteru."

Short Note:

Aaackkk...I had to end it there! Because...well, because I like suspense. And you won't believe this but I feel really stupid for cutting it there and at the same time, it's like I'm reading someone else's fic and I just can't wait what happens next. Sometimes I think, I'm more of a reader than a writer of this fic. Am I weird or am I weird? Anyway, the last chapter will be up soon. Hopefully. I hope that you guys liked this bit. It was sappy, yeah I know. But I can't seem to stop myself from writing such. So? Should I be expecting flames for this? Death threats maybe? Reviews and comments please! Thanks! On to chapter 13 (the unlucky number!)