*cough cough* NO, this is NOT another fic! What are you TALKING about?!
*cough cough* Don't hate me? I just wanted to try one, because I've been
reading a lot of Kenshin fics, and I wanted to try my luck.. NO HATING
ME!!!!!! Please?
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The few people still scattered in the hall after the bell had rung held their breath. A few boys braver or more foolish than the rest let out cat calls and whistles. She ignored them, as did her dangerous looking companion. Eventually a hush settled over the group, as every student watched her out of the corner of their eye. It wasn't that they were in awe of her exactly . . . but the students of Genjii high had never seen someone like her except on magazine covers. It was like waking up and realizing you were in a mansion under silk covers. The girls nearly hated her almost instantly. Her cold gaze was enough to make them furious. The boys didn't even acknowledge the proud distance she kept between them, unable to take their eyes off her perfectly chiseled cheeks and long, flowing dark blue- black hair.
The man next to her only added to her allure. Once the girls had overcome their jealousy, they took their time to check him out. He was aloof in the same manner she was, but something about the hardness in his eyes sent their hearts racing. His features, like hers, never changed as they progressed their way towards their first class.
As soon as they disappeared inside, the hall was filled with excited chatter.
*****
The teacher, Mr. Kendo according to the name on the board, glanced up at the sound of their entrance and smiled. "Ah, of course! My two new students! Please, let me introduce you before you take your seats."
The response of the students was less dramatic than in the hallway. Here, in a classroom full of people, they looked more normal thought still distant.
"Shinomori, Aoshi." The teacher read aloud from a paper he'd had on his desk. "It seems that you had wonderful marks at your previous school. We're happy to have you."
The boy stepped forward in acknowledgment, but positioned himself back beside the girl as quickly as was appropriate. That caught the eye of a few of the students. The way they held themselves . . . it didn't seem as if there was anything romantic going on, but the territorial attitude implied otherwise. Noting Aoishi's physical aspects, a couple guys hid groans, knowing they stood no chance with the new girl.
"Takani, Megumi." Mr. Kendo continued, purposefully ignoring the girls who had pretended to swoon at the sight of Aoshi. "You had wonderful marks too. It must run in your family."
The girl, Megumi, inclined her head politely, but didn't speak. The students exchanged looks. Family meant no competition. "Would you like to say a little about yourselves?" The teacher continued.
Aoshi looked bored, and Megumi's face bore no expression. "We're cousins, both seniors." He recited, as though he found speaking a waste of time.
The teacher seemed a little taken aback that he had spoken for his companion too. "Do you have anything to add Miss Megumi?"
She shook her head. "No." Her voice wasn't as soft as the students had imagined looking at her. It was musical enough, but had an underlying firmness to it. Most of the boys gave up right than. No one wanted a girl that was too stubborn.
"Alright than, class, does anyone have any questions for our new students?" Immediately hands were raised. "Alright, Misao, you can go first."
The pretty junior flushed as she lowered her hand. "I uh, was just . . ." She struggled not too look at the boy, whose piercing blue eyes remained fixated on her face. It was unnerving, especially since he was so good looking. "What school did you go to before this?" She blurted, almost covering her mouth with her hands at her stupidity. Great Misao, you just made a wonderful first impression. It was annoying how sarcastic her mind could be.
"Yugi High." His voice held no emotion, and he tore his gaze from hers as soon as he finished speaking. She sank lower in her seat. How embarrassing!
The teacher called on another student, but she didn't hear the questions or even the answers. Her eyes remained riveted on the new guys face. It wasn't just that he was unbelievably good looking, but it seemed as if he did a lot of thinking behind those icy blue eyes. She couldn't help but wonder what about.
"Misao! You're staring!" She started as her best friend, Kamiya Kaoru, nudged her roughly. There was a teasing glint in her blue eyes.
"Can you blame me?" She whispered back, not even bothering to conceal her blush. Kaoru laughed outright, but quickly covered her hand with her mouth.
"You don't even know him. He could turn out to be a total jerk." She shrugged, but smiled at the redness on her friend's cheeks.
"Kaoru, when have I ever taken love advice from you? You hate every male in school!"
"Not every male . . . there are a few I haven't met yet." They both giggled. Kaoru was practically famous around school. A lot of guys wanted to date her, and with good reason. She didn't always get top marks, but she was athletic, and one of the prettiest girls in school. She didn't have natural grace like the classic beauties, but life shown through her pale blue eyes with such intensity it charged those around her. A lot of boys counted themselves lucky if they even got to talk to her, never mind that such talks generally ended with them being thrown against a locker. One thing she wasn't known for was having a good temper.
"I have a question for the onna." A cocky voice called from the back of the room. The two girls turned, along with the whole class, unable to believe that Sanoske Sagara had actually spoken during a class. It wasn't that he was dumb, he just didn't do friendly participation.
To the teacher's credit, he was unfazed. "Go ahead Mr. Sagara."
"Why don't you," he cocked a finger like a gun, pointing at her. "Talk?" It was true, Aoshi had answered every question, albeit in short abrupt sentences. The class turned back to her, waiting for her answer.
She seemed startled, her eyes widening slightly. "I'm not sure how I should answer that, Mr. Sagara."
He grinned at her, enjoying making her squirm. "Call me Sano."
Her cheeks flushed instantly, as she realized the whole class was waiting for her answer. The nerve of this guy! Asking her to- She felt Aoshi stiffen beside her, but ignored him. "I wouldn't think of becoming so familiar with a rooster head like you." She spoke haughtily, lifting her head proudly.
But instead of lowering his head, as she half expected him to, he grinned wider. "Ouch. The fox has claws."
She glared, annoyance clearly visible on her face. She clenched her fists and took a step forward, but Aoshi spoke before she could even open her mouth.
"And me, so back off." His voice was calm, but that didn't mask the steel in his words. Sano blinked and leaned back in his chair.
"Am I supposed to be scared?" He drawled, much to the enjoyment of the class. Sano was well known for picking fights . . . and winning. It made him quite popular.
"You're supposed to back off." Aoshi hadn't moved since positioning himself at Megumi's side, but suddenly Sano realized how defensive his stance was.
"Maybe you should give me a reason to?" He made his voice lofty, knowing it would annoy both him and the girl. He smirked at the death glares she sent at him.
"That's enough." Mr. Kendo finally broke into the conversation. He was a teacher that firmly believed students had a right to express themselves, but even he wouldn't let two students start a fight in his classroom. "Aoshi, please take a seat next o Misao over there, Misao, please raise your hand." The junior obliged. "And Megumi, please sit next to Sano over there. I don't believe that you need him to raise his hand." The man laughed at his own joke.
Neither teen moved. "We'd rather sit next to each other." Aoshi informed him stiffly. "It is how we've always done it."
"Well, as you can see, there are only two empty seats, and I'd rather not have you sitting by Mr. Sagara. I want my class to remain relatively peaceful throughout the year." He gestured for them to hurry. "We've wasted enough class time, take your seats."
Aoshi strode smoothly to the center of the second row, not even acknowledging Misao as he slid in next to her. Megumi practically glided as she headed to the back corner. With more elegance than a queen, she sat down gracefully, not bothering to glance at the man next to her.
Mr. Kendo turned back to the board, giving Misao the chance to redeem herself. "Hi! I'm Misao." She flashed him her sweetest smile.
"I know. That's what he said." He spoke in monotone, eyes never leaving the front of the room.
"Oh, well, yeah." She flushed. "Anyway, I was just thinking, if you need someone to show you and your cousin around, well . . . I wouldn't mind."
He turned towards her and she almost danced in triumph. At least she had gotten him to notice she was there! "Aren't you a little young for this class?" The question was blunt, as it had been intended to be.
"Oh, uh, yeah." She began lamely, ignoring Kaoru's pitying looks. "I skipped a grade in middle school, so I'm a senior now." How pathetic did that sound!
"Only one grade?" He didn't wait for an answer before turning back to the front of the classroom. He had never been one for small talk and he wasn't going to start now because some schoolgirl thought he was cute. Did she even realize how transparent she was?
She gaped at him, unable to believe how rude he had just been. What happened to the thoughtful looking guy that she had seen earlier?
"Ignore him." Kaoru's voice was murderous in her ear. "He's a freaking jerk. If you want I can teach him a lesson after school."
Misao whirled around. "What?!" She fought to keep her voice a whisper. "Just because you like to beat up every guy that looks at you twice, or doesn't show you the respect you think you're supposed to get, doesn't mean that I want you to hurt some poor guy because he's playing hard to get!"
Kaoru held up her hands in mock surrender, smiling widely. "First of all, I was kidding. And second of all," She paused, fighting back laughter. "You think he's playing hard to get?"
Misao giggled. "Really really hard to get?" She sighed. "Okay, maybe not, but I still think there's more to him than being a jerk. And I'm gonna find out what!" She set her jaw in a determined line.
Kaoru rolled her eyes. "Right. You'll find out that he's a jerk and an idiot. Good luck to you."
"Not every guy's like that Kaoru! Someday you're gonna find the perfect man and I'm gonna laugh at you till my sides hurt." She insisted.
"Thanks for your support." Her voice was sarcastic but she grinned. "Won't happen, but I'll let you imagine." They both made a face at each other before turning back to the lesson.
Meanwhile, in the back of the classroom, Megumi was having her own boy troubles.
"Hey, Fox!" That annoying bad boy wannabe wouldn't stop pestering her.
"What? And why must you call me that idiotic name?" She growled, finally turning to face him.
"Hey, you answered to it." He shrugged and she only glared harder. "So what's with your cousin, is he always such a stiff?"
"So what's with your mouth, is it always so big?" She snapped back, mimicking his way of talking.
"Fox, Fox," He shook his head like a condescending father. "This is only our second conversation. It's much to early for you to be concerned about my mouth."
It took a few seconds for her to understand his meaning. He wiggled his eyebrows to make it more obvious. "You . . . You . . ." She stuttered, trying to think of an appropriate insult. Than, realizing how loud she was, she lowered her voice, filling it with venom. "You're a filthy pervert. Shut up."
"Aw, but you like filthy perverts, don't you?" He grinned and she didn't know whether to scream at him or hit him. Neither was likely to do any good. But suddenly he turned serious. "So you can stick up for yourself."
"Of course I can!" She bristled, wishing he would just shut up already.
"Than how come you let your cousin speak for you back there? You really don't strike me as the type of girl to let someone else fight her battles." He was baiting her and she knew it, but it was a valid question.
"I believe I told you to shut your mouth, Rooster." She spoke stiffly, obviously uncomfortable with the question. He let it slide.
"And I believe I told you it was too early in our relationship for you to talk about my mouth." He replied smoothly, laughing inside at the rage that covered her features.
"Do not think, for one second, that we have even the beginning of anything that could ever remotely become a relationship." She made sure to sound as cruel as possible, but it didn't faze him.
"I don't think anything,"
She interrupted him with a snort. "Well, obviously."
He continued as though he hadn't heard her. "I wouldn't want a fox girl like you, you'd probably murder your husband in his sleep."
"If that husband was you, than who could blame me?" She glared at him, more frustrated than she was willing to show.
"Ouch onna. You really do have claws!" He grinned again, and she wanted to wipe it off his cocky face. "This should be a fun term."
"Not for you." She retorted, turning her attention back to the lecture before he could respond. He looked at her for a second, almost admiringly, and than nudged his best friend, the red head sitting on the other side of him.
"What do you think of the new students, Kenshin?" He questioned, startling his friend out of his note taking.
"I think that Aoshi is more dangerous than he lets on and Miss Megumi is more than she seems." Kenshin straightened his notebook and continued riding, oblivious to the look his friend gave him.
"Kenshin . . . you have issues."
*****
Class got out, and Megumi had barely taken five steps into the hallway before someone asked her out. Politely, she declined, deigning to give the boy a small smile. Satisfied with at least that, he took off to tell his friends.
"You wouldn't be that polite to me if I asked you out." Sano caught up to her and hung his arm around her shoulders. "You'd probably hit me or something."
She tried to ignore the shivers that came at his touch. He was annoying, and she, more than anyone, knew better than to judge someone by their looks. Especially someone who knew just how good they looked. He grinned knowingly at her, and she wanted to kick herself. Shrugging his arm off, she turned to glare at him. "Than for your sake, you'd better not ask."
"I wasn't planning on it, Megitsune, though I'm flattered you're worried about me." Again, that grin. He was so infuriating!
She was about to respond when Aoshi swooped down on them. "You can leave now." His voice was as hard as ever, if not harder.
"That would be what they call a hint." He winked at her and stepped backwards. "It's a good thing she has you to fight her battles Aoshi." He met her gaze, knowing the comment would needle her. "Until next time, Fox." He waved cockily, and turned to walk with the red haired boy he had been sitting by in class.
Aoshi glared at her. "What were you doing with him? He had his arm around you!" He didn't yell, but that didn't make his words any less forceful.
She glared right back. "It wasn't like I let him! I'm not stupid! That idiot decided that it would be fun to annoy me to death, just like-."
"Just like who?" He demanded, hardening his expression slightly. "Me?" You could hear the contempt for her underneath the word.
"I don't think you're annoying cousin." She spat. "I find you despicable."
He would have responded, but the girl from earlier, Misao was her name, approached them. "Hi!" She smiled nervously. "I was just wondering if you needed any help finding your next class."
Sensing Aoshi's annoyance at the girl, Megumi seized the opportunity. "We'd love some help. This school is so big." She stressed the word so he would know she was doing this to torment him. "Maybe you could help us with all our classes?"
The girl brightened noticeably, making Megumi feel a small twinge of guilt. "That's great! My name's Misao!" She introduced herself to the older girl.
"And I'm Kaoru." Her companion, a pleasant looking girl with her hair pulled up, gave them both a friendly smile.
"I'm Megumi, and I'm sure you've already met Aoshi." The glare from the older girl told her all she needed to know. "Our next class is math with Mr. Takahashi."
"Cool!" Misao's smile brightened even more if that was possible. "Kaoru and I have that next too!" The began to walk down the hall, but Aoshi grabbed Megumi painfully by the shoulder and pulled her back just far enough he could whisper in her ear.
"Stay away from Sagara. Both him and his red haired friend hold themselves like fighters." He tightened his grip with every word, so by the last one she could almost feel the bruise. Coolly, she pried her arm from his grasp.
"Don't you dare tell me who I can talk to." She whispered back fiercely.
He glared in response. "Than don't blame me if Kanryuu finds out. You know the rules."
She scowled, and would have replied scathingly but they had already reached the classroom. Her ears twitched at the sound of a familiar, egotistical, voice.
"Well well, if it isn't the Fox." She turned, prepared for the cocky grin that spread across his features.
"Well well, if it isn't the Rooster." She replied, striding past him and leaving both men staring after her.
Aoshi faced Sano with a look of pure disgust. "Don't talk to her." The words came out as an order, something he was used to giving.
That seemed to set him off. "Listen here pal, don't you dare tell me who I can talk to! You really think you're something, don't you?"
Aoshi didn't reply, temporarily distracted by the likeness of the two different people's responses. Finally he spoke, not even looking at the other boy. "Class is starting." He headed inside the classroom, leaving Sano confused. His eyes searched the room until he found Megumi, sitting between Kaoru and Misao. She glared at him briefly before motioning for him to take the seat next to Misao. He obliged, but only because he didn't want to cause a scene.
Didn't she get it? It wasn't that he was on Kanryuu's side, he just didn't want to see her get hurt. He knew what would happen if she didn't obey every rule in every instance. She knew too! And she also knew that there was no way he could help her. But the hatred in her eyes told him that she expected more from him, and he was sorry, but sympathy was all she would get. She wasn't important enough to risk everything else.
He was thinking again. Misao tried to sneak a few peaks at his vacant face. She wanted to know what he was thinking so bad! But if she asked, he'd probably just insult her somehow. There had to be away!
A few seconds before the bell rang, Sano strolled in. Instead of sitting by Kenshin as he did in every class, he sat behind Megumi and motioned for his friend to move. The red haired man obliged, taking a seat behind the unfamiliar girl with the ponytail.
Aoshi shot Sano a glare, which the second promptly ignored. He was having too much difficulty staring at the teacher and not Megumi's hair.
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All done! Well, with the chapter. Tell me what you think PLEASE!!!! And I need a little help.
I've never met Misao's character, I only know what I've read in fanfiction, so any help you could give me on her personality or physical features would be greatly appreciated!
I can't for the life of me remember what color Kouru's hair is!! How sad is that! Very sad.
C.) Can anyone help me with Japanese names? Someone gave me a site a while ago and I lost it and I have no idea what to call other students or teachers! It's really quite stupid of me, lol.
Oh! And I want to explain a few things too.
Aoshi and Megumi are not cousins. I don't know if you picked that up or not. I have a reason for this, and it will come in later chapters.
Yes, Kenshin and Kouru will get together, but the chapter would have been too long if I'd have gone into that.
I'm thinking of putting Yahiko in, but it would only be as a small character, so no promises.
Hey that's funny . . . three categories for each topic. Yeah, I'm dumb. Anyways, this is my FIRST attempt at a Kenshin story, so any help, recommendations, or general comments would make me feel absolutely WONDERFUL!!! Thanks a bunch!
Rogue Pryde
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The few people still scattered in the hall after the bell had rung held their breath. A few boys braver or more foolish than the rest let out cat calls and whistles. She ignored them, as did her dangerous looking companion. Eventually a hush settled over the group, as every student watched her out of the corner of their eye. It wasn't that they were in awe of her exactly . . . but the students of Genjii high had never seen someone like her except on magazine covers. It was like waking up and realizing you were in a mansion under silk covers. The girls nearly hated her almost instantly. Her cold gaze was enough to make them furious. The boys didn't even acknowledge the proud distance she kept between them, unable to take their eyes off her perfectly chiseled cheeks and long, flowing dark blue- black hair.
The man next to her only added to her allure. Once the girls had overcome their jealousy, they took their time to check him out. He was aloof in the same manner she was, but something about the hardness in his eyes sent their hearts racing. His features, like hers, never changed as they progressed their way towards their first class.
As soon as they disappeared inside, the hall was filled with excited chatter.
*****
The teacher, Mr. Kendo according to the name on the board, glanced up at the sound of their entrance and smiled. "Ah, of course! My two new students! Please, let me introduce you before you take your seats."
The response of the students was less dramatic than in the hallway. Here, in a classroom full of people, they looked more normal thought still distant.
"Shinomori, Aoshi." The teacher read aloud from a paper he'd had on his desk. "It seems that you had wonderful marks at your previous school. We're happy to have you."
The boy stepped forward in acknowledgment, but positioned himself back beside the girl as quickly as was appropriate. That caught the eye of a few of the students. The way they held themselves . . . it didn't seem as if there was anything romantic going on, but the territorial attitude implied otherwise. Noting Aoishi's physical aspects, a couple guys hid groans, knowing they stood no chance with the new girl.
"Takani, Megumi." Mr. Kendo continued, purposefully ignoring the girls who had pretended to swoon at the sight of Aoshi. "You had wonderful marks too. It must run in your family."
The girl, Megumi, inclined her head politely, but didn't speak. The students exchanged looks. Family meant no competition. "Would you like to say a little about yourselves?" The teacher continued.
Aoshi looked bored, and Megumi's face bore no expression. "We're cousins, both seniors." He recited, as though he found speaking a waste of time.
The teacher seemed a little taken aback that he had spoken for his companion too. "Do you have anything to add Miss Megumi?"
She shook her head. "No." Her voice wasn't as soft as the students had imagined looking at her. It was musical enough, but had an underlying firmness to it. Most of the boys gave up right than. No one wanted a girl that was too stubborn.
"Alright than, class, does anyone have any questions for our new students?" Immediately hands were raised. "Alright, Misao, you can go first."
The pretty junior flushed as she lowered her hand. "I uh, was just . . ." She struggled not too look at the boy, whose piercing blue eyes remained fixated on her face. It was unnerving, especially since he was so good looking. "What school did you go to before this?" She blurted, almost covering her mouth with her hands at her stupidity. Great Misao, you just made a wonderful first impression. It was annoying how sarcastic her mind could be.
"Yugi High." His voice held no emotion, and he tore his gaze from hers as soon as he finished speaking. She sank lower in her seat. How embarrassing!
The teacher called on another student, but she didn't hear the questions or even the answers. Her eyes remained riveted on the new guys face. It wasn't just that he was unbelievably good looking, but it seemed as if he did a lot of thinking behind those icy blue eyes. She couldn't help but wonder what about.
"Misao! You're staring!" She started as her best friend, Kamiya Kaoru, nudged her roughly. There was a teasing glint in her blue eyes.
"Can you blame me?" She whispered back, not even bothering to conceal her blush. Kaoru laughed outright, but quickly covered her hand with her mouth.
"You don't even know him. He could turn out to be a total jerk." She shrugged, but smiled at the redness on her friend's cheeks.
"Kaoru, when have I ever taken love advice from you? You hate every male in school!"
"Not every male . . . there are a few I haven't met yet." They both giggled. Kaoru was practically famous around school. A lot of guys wanted to date her, and with good reason. She didn't always get top marks, but she was athletic, and one of the prettiest girls in school. She didn't have natural grace like the classic beauties, but life shown through her pale blue eyes with such intensity it charged those around her. A lot of boys counted themselves lucky if they even got to talk to her, never mind that such talks generally ended with them being thrown against a locker. One thing she wasn't known for was having a good temper.
"I have a question for the onna." A cocky voice called from the back of the room. The two girls turned, along with the whole class, unable to believe that Sanoske Sagara had actually spoken during a class. It wasn't that he was dumb, he just didn't do friendly participation.
To the teacher's credit, he was unfazed. "Go ahead Mr. Sagara."
"Why don't you," he cocked a finger like a gun, pointing at her. "Talk?" It was true, Aoshi had answered every question, albeit in short abrupt sentences. The class turned back to her, waiting for her answer.
She seemed startled, her eyes widening slightly. "I'm not sure how I should answer that, Mr. Sagara."
He grinned at her, enjoying making her squirm. "Call me Sano."
Her cheeks flushed instantly, as she realized the whole class was waiting for her answer. The nerve of this guy! Asking her to- She felt Aoshi stiffen beside her, but ignored him. "I wouldn't think of becoming so familiar with a rooster head like you." She spoke haughtily, lifting her head proudly.
But instead of lowering his head, as she half expected him to, he grinned wider. "Ouch. The fox has claws."
She glared, annoyance clearly visible on her face. She clenched her fists and took a step forward, but Aoshi spoke before she could even open her mouth.
"And me, so back off." His voice was calm, but that didn't mask the steel in his words. Sano blinked and leaned back in his chair.
"Am I supposed to be scared?" He drawled, much to the enjoyment of the class. Sano was well known for picking fights . . . and winning. It made him quite popular.
"You're supposed to back off." Aoshi hadn't moved since positioning himself at Megumi's side, but suddenly Sano realized how defensive his stance was.
"Maybe you should give me a reason to?" He made his voice lofty, knowing it would annoy both him and the girl. He smirked at the death glares she sent at him.
"That's enough." Mr. Kendo finally broke into the conversation. He was a teacher that firmly believed students had a right to express themselves, but even he wouldn't let two students start a fight in his classroom. "Aoshi, please take a seat next o Misao over there, Misao, please raise your hand." The junior obliged. "And Megumi, please sit next to Sano over there. I don't believe that you need him to raise his hand." The man laughed at his own joke.
Neither teen moved. "We'd rather sit next to each other." Aoshi informed him stiffly. "It is how we've always done it."
"Well, as you can see, there are only two empty seats, and I'd rather not have you sitting by Mr. Sagara. I want my class to remain relatively peaceful throughout the year." He gestured for them to hurry. "We've wasted enough class time, take your seats."
Aoshi strode smoothly to the center of the second row, not even acknowledging Misao as he slid in next to her. Megumi practically glided as she headed to the back corner. With more elegance than a queen, she sat down gracefully, not bothering to glance at the man next to her.
Mr. Kendo turned back to the board, giving Misao the chance to redeem herself. "Hi! I'm Misao." She flashed him her sweetest smile.
"I know. That's what he said." He spoke in monotone, eyes never leaving the front of the room.
"Oh, well, yeah." She flushed. "Anyway, I was just thinking, if you need someone to show you and your cousin around, well . . . I wouldn't mind."
He turned towards her and she almost danced in triumph. At least she had gotten him to notice she was there! "Aren't you a little young for this class?" The question was blunt, as it had been intended to be.
"Oh, uh, yeah." She began lamely, ignoring Kaoru's pitying looks. "I skipped a grade in middle school, so I'm a senior now." How pathetic did that sound!
"Only one grade?" He didn't wait for an answer before turning back to the front of the classroom. He had never been one for small talk and he wasn't going to start now because some schoolgirl thought he was cute. Did she even realize how transparent she was?
She gaped at him, unable to believe how rude he had just been. What happened to the thoughtful looking guy that she had seen earlier?
"Ignore him." Kaoru's voice was murderous in her ear. "He's a freaking jerk. If you want I can teach him a lesson after school."
Misao whirled around. "What?!" She fought to keep her voice a whisper. "Just because you like to beat up every guy that looks at you twice, or doesn't show you the respect you think you're supposed to get, doesn't mean that I want you to hurt some poor guy because he's playing hard to get!"
Kaoru held up her hands in mock surrender, smiling widely. "First of all, I was kidding. And second of all," She paused, fighting back laughter. "You think he's playing hard to get?"
Misao giggled. "Really really hard to get?" She sighed. "Okay, maybe not, but I still think there's more to him than being a jerk. And I'm gonna find out what!" She set her jaw in a determined line.
Kaoru rolled her eyes. "Right. You'll find out that he's a jerk and an idiot. Good luck to you."
"Not every guy's like that Kaoru! Someday you're gonna find the perfect man and I'm gonna laugh at you till my sides hurt." She insisted.
"Thanks for your support." Her voice was sarcastic but she grinned. "Won't happen, but I'll let you imagine." They both made a face at each other before turning back to the lesson.
Meanwhile, in the back of the classroom, Megumi was having her own boy troubles.
"Hey, Fox!" That annoying bad boy wannabe wouldn't stop pestering her.
"What? And why must you call me that idiotic name?" She growled, finally turning to face him.
"Hey, you answered to it." He shrugged and she only glared harder. "So what's with your cousin, is he always such a stiff?"
"So what's with your mouth, is it always so big?" She snapped back, mimicking his way of talking.
"Fox, Fox," He shook his head like a condescending father. "This is only our second conversation. It's much to early for you to be concerned about my mouth."
It took a few seconds for her to understand his meaning. He wiggled his eyebrows to make it more obvious. "You . . . You . . ." She stuttered, trying to think of an appropriate insult. Than, realizing how loud she was, she lowered her voice, filling it with venom. "You're a filthy pervert. Shut up."
"Aw, but you like filthy perverts, don't you?" He grinned and she didn't know whether to scream at him or hit him. Neither was likely to do any good. But suddenly he turned serious. "So you can stick up for yourself."
"Of course I can!" She bristled, wishing he would just shut up already.
"Than how come you let your cousin speak for you back there? You really don't strike me as the type of girl to let someone else fight her battles." He was baiting her and she knew it, but it was a valid question.
"I believe I told you to shut your mouth, Rooster." She spoke stiffly, obviously uncomfortable with the question. He let it slide.
"And I believe I told you it was too early in our relationship for you to talk about my mouth." He replied smoothly, laughing inside at the rage that covered her features.
"Do not think, for one second, that we have even the beginning of anything that could ever remotely become a relationship." She made sure to sound as cruel as possible, but it didn't faze him.
"I don't think anything,"
She interrupted him with a snort. "Well, obviously."
He continued as though he hadn't heard her. "I wouldn't want a fox girl like you, you'd probably murder your husband in his sleep."
"If that husband was you, than who could blame me?" She glared at him, more frustrated than she was willing to show.
"Ouch onna. You really do have claws!" He grinned again, and she wanted to wipe it off his cocky face. "This should be a fun term."
"Not for you." She retorted, turning her attention back to the lecture before he could respond. He looked at her for a second, almost admiringly, and than nudged his best friend, the red head sitting on the other side of him.
"What do you think of the new students, Kenshin?" He questioned, startling his friend out of his note taking.
"I think that Aoshi is more dangerous than he lets on and Miss Megumi is more than she seems." Kenshin straightened his notebook and continued riding, oblivious to the look his friend gave him.
"Kenshin . . . you have issues."
*****
Class got out, and Megumi had barely taken five steps into the hallway before someone asked her out. Politely, she declined, deigning to give the boy a small smile. Satisfied with at least that, he took off to tell his friends.
"You wouldn't be that polite to me if I asked you out." Sano caught up to her and hung his arm around her shoulders. "You'd probably hit me or something."
She tried to ignore the shivers that came at his touch. He was annoying, and she, more than anyone, knew better than to judge someone by their looks. Especially someone who knew just how good they looked. He grinned knowingly at her, and she wanted to kick herself. Shrugging his arm off, she turned to glare at him. "Than for your sake, you'd better not ask."
"I wasn't planning on it, Megitsune, though I'm flattered you're worried about me." Again, that grin. He was so infuriating!
She was about to respond when Aoshi swooped down on them. "You can leave now." His voice was as hard as ever, if not harder.
"That would be what they call a hint." He winked at her and stepped backwards. "It's a good thing she has you to fight her battles Aoshi." He met her gaze, knowing the comment would needle her. "Until next time, Fox." He waved cockily, and turned to walk with the red haired boy he had been sitting by in class.
Aoshi glared at her. "What were you doing with him? He had his arm around you!" He didn't yell, but that didn't make his words any less forceful.
She glared right back. "It wasn't like I let him! I'm not stupid! That idiot decided that it would be fun to annoy me to death, just like-."
"Just like who?" He demanded, hardening his expression slightly. "Me?" You could hear the contempt for her underneath the word.
"I don't think you're annoying cousin." She spat. "I find you despicable."
He would have responded, but the girl from earlier, Misao was her name, approached them. "Hi!" She smiled nervously. "I was just wondering if you needed any help finding your next class."
Sensing Aoshi's annoyance at the girl, Megumi seized the opportunity. "We'd love some help. This school is so big." She stressed the word so he would know she was doing this to torment him. "Maybe you could help us with all our classes?"
The girl brightened noticeably, making Megumi feel a small twinge of guilt. "That's great! My name's Misao!" She introduced herself to the older girl.
"And I'm Kaoru." Her companion, a pleasant looking girl with her hair pulled up, gave them both a friendly smile.
"I'm Megumi, and I'm sure you've already met Aoshi." The glare from the older girl told her all she needed to know. "Our next class is math with Mr. Takahashi."
"Cool!" Misao's smile brightened even more if that was possible. "Kaoru and I have that next too!" The began to walk down the hall, but Aoshi grabbed Megumi painfully by the shoulder and pulled her back just far enough he could whisper in her ear.
"Stay away from Sagara. Both him and his red haired friend hold themselves like fighters." He tightened his grip with every word, so by the last one she could almost feel the bruise. Coolly, she pried her arm from his grasp.
"Don't you dare tell me who I can talk to." She whispered back fiercely.
He glared in response. "Than don't blame me if Kanryuu finds out. You know the rules."
She scowled, and would have replied scathingly but they had already reached the classroom. Her ears twitched at the sound of a familiar, egotistical, voice.
"Well well, if it isn't the Fox." She turned, prepared for the cocky grin that spread across his features.
"Well well, if it isn't the Rooster." She replied, striding past him and leaving both men staring after her.
Aoshi faced Sano with a look of pure disgust. "Don't talk to her." The words came out as an order, something he was used to giving.
That seemed to set him off. "Listen here pal, don't you dare tell me who I can talk to! You really think you're something, don't you?"
Aoshi didn't reply, temporarily distracted by the likeness of the two different people's responses. Finally he spoke, not even looking at the other boy. "Class is starting." He headed inside the classroom, leaving Sano confused. His eyes searched the room until he found Megumi, sitting between Kaoru and Misao. She glared at him briefly before motioning for him to take the seat next to Misao. He obliged, but only because he didn't want to cause a scene.
Didn't she get it? It wasn't that he was on Kanryuu's side, he just didn't want to see her get hurt. He knew what would happen if she didn't obey every rule in every instance. She knew too! And she also knew that there was no way he could help her. But the hatred in her eyes told him that she expected more from him, and he was sorry, but sympathy was all she would get. She wasn't important enough to risk everything else.
He was thinking again. Misao tried to sneak a few peaks at his vacant face. She wanted to know what he was thinking so bad! But if she asked, he'd probably just insult her somehow. There had to be away!
A few seconds before the bell rang, Sano strolled in. Instead of sitting by Kenshin as he did in every class, he sat behind Megumi and motioned for his friend to move. The red haired man obliged, taking a seat behind the unfamiliar girl with the ponytail.
Aoshi shot Sano a glare, which the second promptly ignored. He was having too much difficulty staring at the teacher and not Megumi's hair.
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All done! Well, with the chapter. Tell me what you think PLEASE!!!! And I need a little help.
I've never met Misao's character, I only know what I've read in fanfiction, so any help you could give me on her personality or physical features would be greatly appreciated!
I can't for the life of me remember what color Kouru's hair is!! How sad is that! Very sad.
C.) Can anyone help me with Japanese names? Someone gave me a site a while ago and I lost it and I have no idea what to call other students or teachers! It's really quite stupid of me, lol.
Oh! And I want to explain a few things too.
Aoshi and Megumi are not cousins. I don't know if you picked that up or not. I have a reason for this, and it will come in later chapters.
Yes, Kenshin and Kouru will get together, but the chapter would have been too long if I'd have gone into that.
I'm thinking of putting Yahiko in, but it would only be as a small character, so no promises.
Hey that's funny . . . three categories for each topic. Yeah, I'm dumb. Anyways, this is my FIRST attempt at a Kenshin story, so any help, recommendations, or general comments would make me feel absolutely WONDERFUL!!! Thanks a bunch!
Rogue Pryde