HYM, Part 4
Misao was stirred out of a deep sleep by her teddy bear shaped alarm
clock. She peeked at it through semi-closed eyes and moaned. "7:30 on a
Sunday? There has to be a law against this somewhere." She says, dragging
herself out of bed. She walks down the hall to the kitchen and opens the
fridge. To her dismay, there was only a half eaten pizza and a carton of
milk. She picked up the carton to drink and was nearly knocked over by the
smell.
"Yuck. How old is this?" She asks, looking for an expiration date. Finding
it to be at least a month over, she tossed it. "I assume that you didn't
bother to shop while I was away" She murmers.
"I didn't feel the need to, Misao. You weren't here so i basically ate
take-out." Jiya says, startling her.
"You're up. Ohayou, Jiya." Misao says, wrapping her arms around him.
"And why are we up so early, Misao?" Jiya questions, returning her hug.
"Ano.......I have another tutoring session with Shinoromi's house." Misao
says, not knowing how true it was.
At the mention of Aoshi's name, Jiya raises an eyebrow. "So....you are going
to be with him again. He seems like a nice young man. I just hope that you
two know what you are getting yourselves into." Jiya asks with a serious
face.
"Getting into?" Misao asks, unsure of his meaning.
"Hai. You know what I mean, Misao."
"Ano.......not really."
"What I mean is.....are you being responsible?" Jiya probes.
"Responsible. Oh yes...of course. We are both two, very responsible young
people." Misao states matter of factly.
Jiya sighs in relief, "Good. I was worried that you weren't using
protection."
Misao's jaw hit's the floor. Jiya's true meaning, finally dawning on her.
"J---Jiya.....you don't think we are.....??" Misao starts but finds herself
too shocked to finish.
"What is it Misao? Are you not feeling well?" Jiya asks, noticing Misao's
pale face.
"I am not having sex with Shinomori." Misao heaves out.
"You're not?"Jiya asks. Misao could sense that he didn't believe her. "Than
what were you doing with him for the past four days?"
"Well, you see..." Misao wait into the long, drawn out story of how Aoshi
had kidnapped her and forced her to have a five thousand dollar make-over.
When she had finished she waited for Jiya's reaction. After a few moments he
walked over to Misao and placed his hands on her shoulder.
"Misao. It is only natural for you to be ashamed. But I am not as
closed-minded as other parents and granfparents. I realize what kids are
doing these days and I only ask that you continue to be careful." Jiya says
thoughtfully. "Now....don't you have a date.....er....study date to get
ready for?" Jiya asks, winking.
Misao stares at her grandfather intently. Baka! Misao walks past Jiya
towards the bathroom. "He is a complete nut", She says to herself as she
closes the bathroom door. It was a wonder to her how she ever turned out
normal with him as a grandfather.
-An hour and a half later-
True to his word, a car showed up at exactly nine. Misao grabbed her purse
and her math book and walked to the car. The driver opened the door for her
and Misao got in, waving to Jiya as she did.
"Shinomori wa?" Misao asks, noticing that she and the driver were the only
two occupants.
"Lord Aoshi is waiting for you at the club, madame." The driver responded
robotically.
"The club?" Misao asked confused.
"Hai madame." The driver says simply.
"Ano....what club?" Misao asks, losing patience with the man.
"The Shinoromi Country Club, madame."
"He owns a country club too?" Misao says in shock.
"Hai. The Shinoromi family owns alot of small businesses in Kyoto, madame."
The driver explains.
"Sugoi. He really does have alot of influence here. It sort of explains his
arrogance but he's still a annoying sometimes." Misao says.
"Yes Madame." The driver simply states.
What is with this guy? I have had better conversations with Kaoru's brother.
This was one of the worst insults you could give in Misao's book. Yahiko was
a very annoying boy who never had anything worthwhile to contribute to a
coversation. Oh well....I'll just have to deal with it, I guess. She says to
herself as she leans against the window.
-The Club-
Misao's eyes widened as she follows the driver to where Aoshi is. Taking in
some of the sights, she sees large pools, tennis courts, volley ball courts,
golf courts and even a kaoroke bar. This place is amazing. She spots Aoshi
sitting at a large table, located at the balcony above them. He is
engrossed in the paper he is reading. Misao smiles at the sight. But the
smile soon turns to a frown when she notices he isn't sitting alone.
"Megumi-san?" She says in a harsh whisper.
Misao walks up the stairs hesitantly, debating on rather or not she should
ask the driver to take her home. She reaches the top of the stairs and looks
at the couple. Megumi is spreading cream cheese on a bagel for Aoshi and he
is still reading the paper and sipping a cup of tea. Convinced that they
hadn't noticed her, she turns to head back down the stairs.
"Makimachi?" Aoshi's voice calls out, causing her to halt.
Misao turns around to find his eyes locked on her. "Ohayou gozaimasu." She
says politely, making no attempt to join them.
"Ohayou." Aoshi replies, jestering her to take the seat across from him.
Misao sighs, unable to think of a god excuse to leave. Submitting, she walks
over and plops down in the chair.
"How graceful" She hear Megumi murmer. He face flushes with anger.
"Makimachi.....you remember Megumi-san?" Aoshi says, pouring Misao a cup of
tea.
"Hai." Misao says, trying to keep the anger out of her voice.
"I remember you from the party. I saw you dancing with Soujiro.......it was
a pretty good show you put on." Megumi says sarcastically.
Misao wanted to punch her lights out but thought better of it, since they
were in a public situation. Causing a scene now would only reflect bad on
her. A fact Misao thought that Megumi probably realized.
"Shinomori, is Megumi-san going to study with us too?" Misao asks dryly.
"Oh no......I just stopped by to keep Aoshi company. I think it is a crime
to keep such a wonderful man waiting." Megumi says, batting her lashes at
Aoshi.
Misao fumed. She didn't know why, but Megumi's obvious flirting session with
Aoshi, irritated her. "So you have some place else to go?" Misao questions,
hoping she takes the hint to leave.
"Hai. But I have a couple of hours, Shinomori.....if you would like to go
someplace?" Megumi says, rubbing her fingers through his hair.
"Sumen. I'm afraid I have already made plans with Makimachi." Aoshi says,
catching hold of her hand and placing it on the table.
"I see. Well, I guess I can't compete with studying. And if you have to
study, than studying with the school's social outcast is definitely a good
plan." Megumi says bitterly.
"And what is that suppose to mean?!?" Misao demanded.
"Nothing at all. I was just complimenting you for being so smart. I
mean.....you do so well even though you are such a social reject." Megumi
says in mock sweetness.
"A WHAT!?!?!" Misao yells out, causing everyone in the club to look up at
them. "Who do you think you are?!? You think you are so cool with your
perfect face and perfect hair. I bet you have never had a real problem in
your entire life! And you sit here, telling me what you think you know about
me! You know nothing. The only thing you have going for you is your money
and your looks.....but you know what? Someday they will all disappear! And
when that happens, than will see who is the social reject! And I say it
couldn't happen to a nicer person!" Misao spits out angrily. She grabs her
purse and her math book and marches away from them.
"Makimachi? Matte!" Misao heard Aoshi call, as she reached the bottom stair.
"Leave me alone. I just want to go home!" Misao says sternly, unable to look
him in the eye.
"Come on, Makimachi. You are much stronger than this. Don't let what
Megumi-san says, get to you." Aoshi says, taking the math book from Misao's
hand. "Now calm down. I invited to here to relax. If she makes you
uncomfortable, we can go somewhere else." Aoshi says, taking her arm with
his other hand.
Misao resists, pulling her arm from his grasp. "Naze? Shouldn't you be
getting back to Megumi-san?" She asks, anger pouring through each word.
"Why should I?" Aoshi asked, eyes narrowing.
"She is your girlfriend, ne?" Misao asks, in breathless anticipation.
"Megumi-san? My girlfriend? What ever gave you that idea?" Aoshi asked,
bewildered.
"Well, she is always around you......always touching you." Misao explains.
Aoshi raises an eyebrow,"Now I see what is going on. You're jealous." Aoshi
states, amused with the situation.
Misao's cheeks flush, "Don't be an such an idiot, Shinoromi. There is no
way that I would ever be jealous of Megumi-san!" She states matter of
factly.
"That is not what I mean, Makimachi" Aoshi says knowingly.
"I'm don't know what you are talking about. You know....you should be more
considerate of girls feelings. Women hate arrogance and insensitivity in a
man." Misao lectures.
"And you?"
" Nani?"
"What do you hate in men?" Aoshi asks, his voice taking on a sudden
seriousness.
Misao stares at him, not sure what to say to this. "This is silly.....we
should really get started on tutoring. I mean that is why you sent for me,
ne?" Misao asks.
The two stare at each other for a long time. Suddenly, Aoshi makes a move
towards her. Grabbing her hand, he motions for her to sit on the bench
behind them.
"You know.....the real reason I sent for you has nothing to do with
studying, ne?" Aoshi asks her in his serious tone again.
"It doesn't? Then why did you send for me?" Misao asked in a whisper.
Aoshi moved closer to his, so that his lips were mere inches from hers. They
were almost touching each other in a soft kiss. "I sent you for you
because....."
"Because?" Misao says, closing her eyes. * He's going to kiss me*
"Because...."Aoshi whispers. Misao can almost taste his lips against hers.
"Hai?" Misao breaths out.
'Because I pitied how easily I offended you the other day. I felt that the
party wasn't really enough to make things up to yoo, so I decided to spend
the day with you!" Aoshi says, moving away from Misao.
Misao's eyes flew open, "NANI?!? She cried out. At that moment, she could
have killed him.
"Sumen. So you want to catch a movie?" Aoshi asks non-chalantly.
Misao looks at him for a moment and than blows up. (Typical Kenshin moment).
-Kaoru's House-
Kaoru hangs upside down from her bed. Her mind goes over and over her
run-in with Kenshin the previous night. She smiles and clamps her hand over
her heart. "Kenshin" She says, letting the name roll off her tongue.
Suddenly, she hears the phone ring. Forgetting her akward position. she
jumps up, causing her body to flip over which results in her crashing
headfirst into her floor.
"Moshi Moshi. Kamiya residence" Kaoru says breathlessly.
"Is this Kaoru-dono?" A familiar voice asks.
Kaoru freezes. No way it's him. "Hai. This Kaoru." She answers,
hesistantly.
"Good. I was hoping I would catch you. Look, I was wondering if you would
like to go see a movie with me? That is you're free." Kenshin asks.
"HAI!" Kaoru shouts into the phone. Her face turns red from embarrassment.
Good going, Kaoru. Now he thinks your desperate for a date. Or worse. If he
didn't know I liked him before, he certainly does now.
"Great. I hope you don't mind, but I got your number from the phone book."
Kenshin says before Kaoru had the chance to ask how he had gotten it.
"Oh....no problem.....I mean that's what I'm there for.....I mean the phone
books are there for....to look up people you want.........not saying that
you wanted me......ano...." Kaoru babbles nervously. Shut up Kaoru! She
mentally lectures herself. He is going to think you are some wacko.
"Okay. I have your address too. I should be there in about two hours."
Kenshin says. Kaoru agrees and glances at the clock. Two hours to get ready.
She thinks as she says her goodbyes to Kenshin.
"Now what should I wear?" Kaoru says, rummaging through her closet.
-Two Hours Later-
True to his word, Kenshin arrives exactly when he said he would. Kaoru steps
out onto the porch and Kenshin smiled at her.
"You look grear, Kaoru-dono." Kenshin says, looking her over.
"Arigato" Kaour says with a blush.
"Shall we go?" Kenshin asks, extending his arm.
"Hai" She says, excepting his escort happily.
-The Movie Theatre-
"Tell me again what we are seeing?" Misao asks as Aoshi stocks up on
popcorn, candy and drinks.
"It's called 'Eyes Wired Shut'. It's basically a mystery movie. I'm not
sure what it's about." Aoshi explains, handing her a drink.
"Than why go see it? I would much rather see, 'Mystery Men" with Greg
Kinear. He is pretty funny."
"He's okay. But he reminds me of that other American comedian."
"Who?"
"You know....Chris something."
"Rock?"
"No"
"Tucker?"
"No"
"Farley?"
"Hai. That's him!" Aoshi says.
"No way! You have got to be kidding me." Misao whines. "Greg Kinear is much
funnier."
"I think they are about the same." Aoshi argues.
"Shows how much you know about comedy." Misao comments.
"Keep it up....and no milkduds for you." Aoshi threatens.
"Stingy" Misao says, accepting defeat. "Come on...the movie is about to
start."
"Misao-chan?" A familiar voice calls from behind her.
"Kaoru-san? What are you doing here?" Misao asks.
"I could ask you the same thing.....Konnichiwa Shinoromi-san." She says
politely.
"Are you here alone?" Misao asks, hoping that she wanted to join them.
"Well actually. I'm here with....."
"Kaoru-dono... I hope you don't mind that I asked them to put butter on the
popcorn." Kenshin says, coming up to them.
"No. i like it that way" Kaoru says smiling. She looks up at Kenshin and
notices that he isn't looking at her. Instead, his eyes are locked with
Aoshi's as the two begin a very intense staring match.
"Himura" Aoshi says grimly.
"Aoshi" Kenshin responds with the same grim disposition.
Misao threw a confused look at Kaoru, who shrugged in response. "Do you two
know each other?" Misao asks, trying to break the silence.
"Hai." Kenshin says.
"Oh. So you and Shinoromi-san are friends than? Kaoru asks.
Neither man commented. The last of the crowd entered the movie. Misao put a
hand on Aoshi's arm.
"The movie has probably started already.....I think we should go." Misao
urges.
Aoshi nodds in response and walks silently past Himura. Misao throws one
more confused look to Kaoru, before turning to follow him.
Kaoru and Kenshin are left standing alone in the lobby. "What was that all
about, Kenshin?"
"Aoshi and I go way back?" He replies.
"Than why were you looking at each other that way. I mean if your
friends...."
"We aren't really friends." Kenshin says, cutting her off.
"So you are enemies?" Kaoru asks.
"Not really."
"I don't understand." Kaoru says, confused.
"He blames me for something." Kenshin says with sad eyes.
"Blames you? For what?" Kaoru asks softly.
"For him losing his friends." Kenshin answers.
"Losing his friends. If he lost them..then why on earth would he blame you?"
"Because it's my fault."
"You're fault?"
Kenshin drops his eyes to the floor, "Hai....you see it's my fault...because
I killed them!"
TBC
