Technically, I should be updating a different fic, cuz it's been longer,
but I was reading over the reviews for this one and I felt just so bad!
Especially for that person who told me they'd read it five times! The world
needs more ppl like you!!!!! ;o) Anyways, I decided to update. Updating is
a great way to start the new year, don't you think? I'm really sorry about
the delay. You ppl would not BELIEVE how crazy my life is. I have 8 aunts
and an uncle that are all married and almost all have three kids and they
were all HERE for the holidays. Plus I had work! And school, for awhile.
I'm registering for MORE classes today (great). Oh! And my immediate family
got kicked out of my grandma's house on Christmas day. Isn't that just
lovely? Grandpa begged us back but we snuck out early when everyone was
looking at the snow. Anyways, since I know I'm just boring you, here is the
chapter!!! Oh! And LR, get out of suspended animation NOW!
OH! And the couples are *drum roll please*
Kaoru (THANK YOU EVERYONE I AM AN IDIOT. I will spell her name right from now on.) and Kenshin!!! Honestly, can anyone even TRY to argue that?
Than there's Sano and Megumi!!! If anyone DOES try to argue that, they'll have to have a LONG talk with me! *glares* They're my two fav characters, and there aren't enough fics with them!!!!!! I like some Megumi and Aoshi, but probably just because it's so angsty. As far as personalities, Sano and Megumi belong together! I love their fights! And I mean, SANO, how could Megumi resist him for long? And it's so obvious he likes her. He never talks to anyone the same way he does her! And he gets in fights for her!!!!. Okay, I need to shut up cuz if I don't, I can go all day talking about them.
And Aoshi/Misao. I haven't really seen a lot of them together (remember my lack of actually exposure to episodes?) BUT I've read fics and I like them together and I want to write them together! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
The students of Mr. Takahashi's math class finished copying down their homework assignment and hurriedly put their books away. He was a new teacher and none of them had been prepared for just how boring his class would be. Megumi was convinced she had a bald spot from Sano pulling her hair and Aoshi was mad enough to hit something, a sight that interested Misao greatly. Of the group only Kenshin and Kaoru seemed unaffected by the lecture.
"Lunch!" Kaoru smiled happily, sliding her books into her book bag. "Do you want to eat with us?" She smiled warmly at the new students, pretending not to see the exchange of looks between them.
"We'd love to." Megumi answered, turning to face her cousin. "Wouldn't we, Aoshi?" She made her voice as polite as possible.
"Apparently." His voice was noncommittal.
"Great!" Kaoru flashed them both a smile, swinging her bag off her desk and onto her shoulder. She headed out the door, Misao at her side, followed by the two new students. They exited the classroom, but as the two girls rounded the first corner, Aoshi slowed to a halt, forcing Megumi to look at him.
"I know what you're doing." He told her harshly. "It's not funny."
She batted her eyelashes, something he'd seen her do too many times to be affected. "What are you talking about Aoshi-sama?" She pouted prettily, her eyes mocking him. When he didn't change his expression she sighed in exasperation. "You're right. It's not funny. The fact that any girl would ever be interested in you is actually quite frightening." The look she gave him was downright murderous. "The fatality rate for knowing a lap dog of Kanryuu's is . . . rather alarming." Her voice was ice.
He ran a hand through his hair. "Are we going to have to go through this again?"
"No." She shifted, moving away from him. "As far as I'm concerned, this conversation is over." She left, without giving him a chance to say anything else, not that he would have. Megumi had a knack for making him say too much as it was. Her accusations hurt him more than he would ever admit, but there wasn't anything he could do about it.
A few seconds later, he took off in the direction she went. When he reached the cafeteria, his eyes scanned the crowds, looking for a sign of his charge. He didn't see her but he did spot the two girls, Kaoru and Misao, standing by an empty table. They waved him over.
"Where's Megumi?" He didn't bother with pleasantries.
Misao was the one who answered, tossing her braid as she spoke. "I think she said she wanted to buy her lunch." She spared him a glance before turning back to Kaoru, continuing a conversation he had missed the beginning of.
He blocked out their words and sat down, closing his eyes. Though she was still talking, Misao watched him lose himself in thought through the corner of her eye. What did he think about all the time?
***
Megumi strode past the crowds of students in the cafeteria, purposefully ignoring the appreciative stares she received from the male population and the glares directed at her from the girls. She wasn't here to make friends, and she certainly wasn't going to stop for any chitchat. A couple people tried to welcome her to the school, but she just smiled politely and kept walking. Eventually she reached the lunch line, and sighed as she resigned herself to standing next to so many young people for an undefined period of time.
As usual, she had brought her lunch from Kanryuu's, but leaving Aoshi alone with the two girls had been a small act of revenge. Girls were often interested in Aoshi, but the fact that this one was so young and childish in appearance was quite funny. She was sweet though, and Megumi felt a small twinge of guilt at allowing her to spend time with Aoshi. She would only get hurt, and memories of him wouldn't lessen the pain any.
"What would you like?" Finally! Megumi smiled her trademark polite smile. There was no warmth in it, but nor was their cruelty, as she had seen so many men portray. The lunch lady looked at her expectantly, waiting for an answer. She opened her mouth to order, when she was rudely interrupted by an unwelcome but familiar voice.
"I'd like the number three Eiko." Sano cut in smoothly, not even looking at Megumi as he stepped in front of her. She bristled. None of the students behind her were complaining, so cutting in line must have been a usual thing for Sanoske Sagara.
"Excuse me." She made her voice as cold as Aoshi had ever managed. He spared her a glance.
"Hey fox!" He flashed her that devilish grin, letting her know that he knew she was beyond annoyed at his antics. "The lines are just so long . . ." He explained, winking at the now giggling lunch lady.
She gritted her teeth. "You are so pathetic." She spoke softly, knowing better than to make a scene regardless of how much she wanted to scream at him. He merely smiled as he picked up his tray and stepped back, obviously waiting for her. Casting another glare in his direction, she turned her attention back to the lunch lady. "I'll have the number three too." It was the only thing that looked remotely edible.
The woman favored her with a pitying glance. "We're all out. Mr. Sagara just took the last order."
Megumi froze, willing herself not to attract more attention than she was already getting from the students around her. She opened her mouth to order something else she could at least pick on, when she was once again interrupted.
"I changed my mind." The expression in his eyes was unreadable. "I think the number six is looking pretty good today." The lunch lady knew better than to remind him that he'd had the number three every day for the past four years. He set the tray back on the rail, eyeing it in feigned disgust.
"I suppose this is the part where you offer it to me and I'm forever grateful." Megume stated, more annoyed at his predictability than anything else.
"Actually, Fox, I was gonna throw it away, and since you obviously don't want it." He picked the tray back up again, using his other head to retrieve his new order, and headed towards the two garbage cans on the closest wall. She hurriedly followed him, lengthening her stride to keep up with him without resorting to jogging.
They both stopped when they reached the trashcans. "You're not really going to-" She stopped, unsure of whether or not to continue.
He eyed her in obvious amusement. "What? I don't want it. Why shouldn't I throw it away?"
If he expected her to ASK for it, he was in for a big surprise. "I can't think of a reason." She stated haughtily. "Go ahead. I just wanted to make sure you recycled your carton." She gestured towards the drink.
He smirked, secretly thrilled at her unexpected defiance. In a smooth gesture, he opened the carton, emptied it, and tossed into recycling. "Happy?" He asked, letting the rest of the tray teeter on the edge of the bin.
"Ecstatic." She answered dryly. She stepped forward quickly, taking the tray from his hands and dumping it herself. His eyes widened slightly, and she reveled in shocking him. He regained his composure quickly.
"I live to serve." He replied mockingly, taking the empty tray from her and setting it on a stack on a nearby table.
"I'm sure." She said demurely, her eyes twinkling. She had won that round, and he knew it. Not by a lot, he hadn't exactly offered his lunch to her, but she had definitely racked up more points than him. "Enjoy your lunch." She gestured towards his meal, schooling her features not to reveal what she thought of the wiggling mess.
"I plan to." His face as stony as hers, he picked up a bit and tossed it in his mouth, making sure to chew it very carefully before swallowing it. He didn't grimace, and winked at her when he caught her gaping. "Delicious." He grinned.
More points for him. She snorted. "Figures." It wasn't the best comeback, but it was enough to get a raised eyebrow from him. She didn't wait for his response, but turned and strode back towards her table. She'd left Aoshi alone with the two girls long enough. Hopefully, he hadn't resorted to violence yet.
***
"OH MY WORD KAORU, LOOK AT THAT FREAK!!!" Misao screamed at the top of her lungs, standing up and pointing behind her friend's back.
"Huh?" Kaoru whirled around, scanning the crowds expectantly. Aoshi didn't move an inch, his posture radiating his disinterest.
Faster than any would have thought possible, Misao's hand shot forward, claiming Kaoru's cookie in one single, smooth gesture. She looked up and caught Aoshi staring at her. Her eyes danced as she flashed him her most innocent smile. Their eyes still locked, she took a bite, crumbs decorating the corners of her mouth. For an instant, Aoshi found himself sorely tempted to smile. His lips twitched slightly, but he quickly got his emotions under control.
"MISAO!!!" Kaoru shrieked, turning back around to see the cookie half eaten and suspiciously close to her friend's mouth.
"What?" Quick as a flash, the cookie was behind her back. She smiled sweetly. "What's wrong Kaoru."
"Don't you 'what's wrong Kaoru' ME you little brat!" They were best friends, but fights like this were common for the two, especially during lunch. "Give me back my cookie!"
"What cookie?"
Kaoru twitched, a sight that had sent lesser people running. "You have crumbs all over your mouth." She pointed out, triumphantly. "Give me the rest of my cookie!"
"But Kaoru!" Misao whined, breaking off a piece behind her back and bringing it over to rest on her lap. "I dropped mine in my milk and it's all soggy!"
"Well than maybe you shouldn't have been dipping your cookie in your milk. I mean, who DOES that anyway?" Kaoru was adamant. She WOULD get her cookie back.
"I do!" Misao retorted defiantly. "You would too if you had the guts to try it at least once!"
"Misao . . ." Kaoru held out her hand, refusing to budge an inch.
"Fine." She sighed, stretching out her hand and dropping what was left of the cookie into her friend's hand. If anyone noticed it was smaller than when she had taken a bite out of it, no one said anything.
Her friend ate the cookie in one bite, smiling widely after it was gone. "Thank you."
"No." Misao quickly brought her hand up with the last bite of cookie. "Thank YOU." She ate it before the dark haired girl could protest. For the second time Aoshi found the corners of his mouth moving upward. He quelled the emotion before any other features started to show mirth.
"You know." Misao turned to him, ignoring the rages of her best friend. "You AND Kaoru were supposed to turn around when I yelled. Than I could have gotten your cookie too." She explained, gesturing towards the untouched one on his tray.
"Sorry to disappoint." His voice held no inflection, and she couldn't tell if he was annoyed at her antics, possessive of his cookie, or just held no sense of humor.
She was about to respond, but was cut off by Kaoru's welcome. Turning, she saw the new girl, Megumi. "Hi Megumi!" She smiled warmly, moving over so the older girl could sit next to her. The movement also allowed her to sit across from Aoshi, but no one needed to know that.
Gracefully, Megumi took her seat across from Kaoru. "Hello." She smiled politely at each of them.
"Where's your lunch!" Kaoru blurted, horrified.
"In the trash." Sano sat on the other side of Megumi, ignoring her glare. "I watched her throw it away herself." He smirked at her, expecting Kaoru's immediate response.
"ARE YOU ANOREXIC! Because you're NOT fat! Girls shouldn't do that, especially to please a guy! Did someone tell you you're fat? Did HE tell you you're fat?" She gestured toward Sano, ignoring Megumi's denials. "You can't trust boys to know anything about that. All they know is TV and that's all airbrushed anyways." She would have continued if Megumi hadn't reached over the table and placed a hand over her mouth.
"I am not anorexic." She spoke slowly, as one would if they were speaking to a child. Misao, who had opened her mouth to join Kaoru's tirade, closed it audibly. "It wasn't my lunch I threw away, it was Sano's."
That only led to more questions. "You threw away Sano's lunch?" Kaoru repeated, dubiously. "Why?"
"Because the onna hates me." Sano hung his head in mock remorse.
Megumi nodded firmly, ignoring pitiful glances he sent her way. Kaoru threw back her head and laughed. "Megumi, I think I like you."
Megumi allowed a small smile to curve on her lips. Aoshi watched sharply. There was no real emotion in it so it was nothing to report to Kanryuu. He sighed in relief, not seeing the questioning glance Misao shot him before turning her attention back to his cookie.
"Thanks for telling me where you were sitting today Sano." Kaoru and the others looked up to see the redhead from their morning classes. "You switched seats on me last period too. If I didn't no better I'd say you were avoiding me." Kenshin smiled, setting his tray down across from Sano. He didn't even glance at the girl next to him, which was a surprise for Kaoru. She'd never been so blatantly ignored by a boy before. Not when they were so physically close to her.
"What can I say," Sano grinned, slinging an arm over Megumi's shoulders. "It's over between us Kenshin. I've found someone new."
With a look of pure disgust, Megumi picked up Sano's arm and put it back on his lap. "Than why don't you go sit with him?" She asked, pleased with the snort she got from the table's occupants.
Sano made a face at her. "Ouch." He turned to his mind. "Never mind Kenshin, I think I'll stick with you."
"Oh no you don't." His friend laughed. "You can't come crawling back to me every time other relationships don't work out for you. I refuse to be your rebound."
They grinned at each other, and simultaneously began eating their meals. Sano cast a glance in Megumi's direction. She was the only one without a tray in front of her and he felt just a teeny bit bad. Sure, it was her fault, but she didn't exactly have a lot of fat to spare on her, and he doubted the rumbling coming from her stomach was just his imagination.
He hurriedly ate the grossest part of his meal, leaving only the cookie. Than he sat back and burped.
"You are disgusting." She informed him.
"No." he corrected. "I'm full."
She eyed his cookie, but pride refused to let her ask for it. He knew better than to offer it, she'd probably think he'd poisoned it or something. "Actually," He stretched slowly. "I think I have room for a cookie. And I refuse to share it with you." He picked it up and grinned at her.
She sensed her opening and took it, reaching forward to snatch the cookie from his grasp. "I don't NEED you to share it with me." She smiled viciously. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
He threw back his head and laughed. She started to join in but stopped with a quick intake of breath as Aoshi shot a warning glance in her direction. She ate her cookie instead, hiding her smile with each bite but unable to keep her eyes from dancing.
Misao switched her gaze from Aoshi's cookie to the man himself. "Are you going to eat that?" She asked finally. He didn't say anything, just eyed her suspiciously. "Because I think you're going to give it to me. Yes." She said decidedly. "You're going to give it to me and I'm going to eat it." She looked at him expectantly. When he shook his head, she slouched. "Well, it was worth a try."
Sano laughed at her. "Trying to weasel a meal out of someone? Why doesn't that surprise me." Weasel. He'd called her that ever since freshman year, saying she reminded him of the annoying animal. She didn't really care usually, but did he have to say it in front of Aoshi? He already thought she was immature! She made a face at him and glared at her empty tray.
Aoshi stood, ignoring everyone's curious glances, and walked to the farthest garbage cans. There, out of sight, he slowly dipped his cookie into his milk and took a bite. Than again . . . and again. By the time he finished his cookie, his lips were trying to smile again. He dumped the rest of his tray and headed back to the table, his face once again a mask.
"I will hate you forever if you threw away your cookie." Misao eyed him dangerously, and he was tempted to lie, if only to rid himself of her unwelcome attention. But than he decided a love struck Misao was better than a homicidal Misao, and opted to tell the truth.
"I didn't." Her demeanor instantly changed. She smiled brilliantly at him.
"Good!"
Kenshin eyed his cookie, suddenly wary. "Do you get the feeling we're the only sane one's here?" He asked Kaoru, assuming she hadn't had anything to do with cookies that lunch period.
"You missed it." She whispered back conspiratorially. "I had to fight Misao for the last bite of my cookie. She got most of it." He looked at her, unsure of whether or not she was joking. She nodded wisely. "We caused quite the scene."
"Than you're all insane." He commented.
"Pretty much." She grinned at him, and he found himself smiling back. Misao was still talking a mile a minute to Aoshi, and Sano and Megumi had found something else to argue about.
Kenshin picked up his cookie. "Here." He dropped it on her tray. "Since you didn't get all of yours."
She looked at him with wide eyes. "You don't have to-"
He cut her off. "If you don't take it, that other girl will." He pointed towards Misao. She followed the direction his finger indicated and than quickly took a bite. He laughed.
"You'd be eating it too if the only other option was stuffing her face MORE!" Kaoru insisted, unable to hide her smile as she finished off the cookie. She cast a mock glare in her friend's direction before turning back to the redhead. "Thank you." She added, flashing him her best smile.
He shrugged. "It was just a cookie."
Her eyes widened. "But it was a GOOD cookie! The chocolate chips were still melted, the dough stretched as you bit into it, chewy, not crunchy, and than the-"
He cut her off. "Stop! Stop!" He laughed. "You're gonna make me regret giving it to you!"
She stuck a crumb-covered tongue out at him. "Too late. It's your fault anyway, I gave you a way out."
"That you did." He admitted. "But a guy's entitled to one mistake in his life."
"A GUY is entitled to more than that." She corrected, swallowing the last of her milk.
"Gee, thanks." He muttered sarcastically.
"Any time!" Her smile was dazzling.
"You know, most girls are nicer when they get food from a guy." He commented, his eyes letting her know he was only kidding.
She nodded wisely. "But you wouldn't care about that, would you? I mean, since you and Sano are so close . . . You don't NEED girls to be nice to you!"
He gaped at her before grinning. "I guess that's true, but I have to wait until he gets over this 'straight' idea that's going through his head." He gestured towards Sano and Megumi, still arguing.
"Don't worry." She patted his arm reassuringly. "I'm sure it's just a phase." He sighed pitifully, and she met his gaze with as much sympathy as she could muster. Their exchange lasted about two seconds before they both cracked up.
The bell rang, signifying the end of lunch. Everyone dumped their trays and started to head to class. Misao tried to ask Aoshi a question but he brushed her off. "I need to have a talk with my cousin." She didn't push it, catching up to Kaoru and the redhead, who were chatting amiably.
Sano lifted Megumi's book bag, as if to carry it to class for her. She started to demand he return it when he hung it on her shoulder for her. Startled, she watched as he secured HIS bag on her other shoulder. "Let's go to class." He grinned.
She let his bag fall to the floor and a couple books spilled out. "Yes. Let's." She set hers down too when she saw her 'cousin' approaching.
Aoshi reached them, giving Sano a rude gesture. "You go ahead, we need to talk." He grabbed Megumi by the sleeve of her shirt so she couldn't pull away. Sano saluted them, before turning to catch up with his friends. He stooped to pick up his bag, but Megumi stopped watching as she turned to face Aoshi.
"What is it this time?" Her voice held more than a trace of annoyance and he found himself getting frustrated with her.
"You need to stop being so talkative." He ordered, sounding crueler than he'd intended. "How stupid are you? You can't goof off like any other hormone driven ditzy teenage girl."
She glared right back at him. "I didn't do anything wrong." Her words came out as cold as his.
"Yet." He looked at her until he was sure she understood the intensity of his words. He might come across as a jerk, but Kanryuu would have done a lot worse if he suspected she was 'fraternizing' with other students. They're orders were pretty simple for attending public school, something Megumi had insisted upon. No friends, no contact even, with anyone, unless it was unavoidable. Megumi was treading on very thin ground.
"Let's go to class." He turned and strode away, leaving her alone in the now empty cafeteria. She blinked her eyes rapidly, afraid tears would come. Her throat was closed, and she swallowed hard before turning to pick up her bag. It wasn't there. She looked under the table and cast a glance around the room but her bag was nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly she started laughing, and if she hadn't been so close to tears she probably would have stopped right away. As it was she laughed long and hard before walking out of the cafeteria and heading down the now empty hall towards her class.
Stupid rooster head.
***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
That was a LONG chapter! C'mon ppl! I know. HORRIBLY long between updates, BUT, I think it's a long chapter. Okay, to answer some questions you might have . . .
-Sano is going to look at her schedule (that's in her bag) to find out what class she has next. So she'll get her bag no problem.
-Yes, Aoshi was trying cookie's dipped in milk for the first time, and he liked it! Later I think I'll have him do it in public and Misao will notice ^_^
-Yes, Aoshi is starting to warm up to Misao, but not LIKE her. And she doesn't really LIKE him yet either. She just thinks he's cute and mysterious. That doesn't add up to liking though. And Aoshi has just reached the point where he finds her amusing but not even really that much. Their romance will probably take the longest just cuz he's so STUBBORN about being a loner.
-I LOVE SANO!
Okay, and some questions for you guys.
-Did you like the Kenshin/Kaoru bit? Their's is the HARDEST to write for some reason. I had no idea what to put, so there's what you got.
-Was their too much Sano/Megumi? I looked back over it and it got the most spotlight! I'll have to do better in the next chapter.
-I KNOW you all probably have a lot of questions about Kanryuu and stuff but that'll all be answered when Aoshi and Megumi get home from school. It's not too confusing is it?
-Oh! And can anybody give me info on that group? The oni wabban group? I can't spell it. I know I could probably find all the info online, but when ppl give me the info I know I'm going to get the personalities right.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING! I'll update faster, I promise! And thanks again for all the reviews too. I was bored today, read them over, and before I knew what I was doing I started typing up the next chapter. See? I can be grateful... it just takes me forever. *is sorry*..
OH! And the couples are *drum roll please*
Kaoru (THANK YOU EVERYONE I AM AN IDIOT. I will spell her name right from now on.) and Kenshin!!! Honestly, can anyone even TRY to argue that?
Than there's Sano and Megumi!!! If anyone DOES try to argue that, they'll have to have a LONG talk with me! *glares* They're my two fav characters, and there aren't enough fics with them!!!!!! I like some Megumi and Aoshi, but probably just because it's so angsty. As far as personalities, Sano and Megumi belong together! I love their fights! And I mean, SANO, how could Megumi resist him for long? And it's so obvious he likes her. He never talks to anyone the same way he does her! And he gets in fights for her!!!!. Okay, I need to shut up cuz if I don't, I can go all day talking about them.
And Aoshi/Misao. I haven't really seen a lot of them together (remember my lack of actually exposure to episodes?) BUT I've read fics and I like them together and I want to write them together! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
The students of Mr. Takahashi's math class finished copying down their homework assignment and hurriedly put their books away. He was a new teacher and none of them had been prepared for just how boring his class would be. Megumi was convinced she had a bald spot from Sano pulling her hair and Aoshi was mad enough to hit something, a sight that interested Misao greatly. Of the group only Kenshin and Kaoru seemed unaffected by the lecture.
"Lunch!" Kaoru smiled happily, sliding her books into her book bag. "Do you want to eat with us?" She smiled warmly at the new students, pretending not to see the exchange of looks between them.
"We'd love to." Megumi answered, turning to face her cousin. "Wouldn't we, Aoshi?" She made her voice as polite as possible.
"Apparently." His voice was noncommittal.
"Great!" Kaoru flashed them both a smile, swinging her bag off her desk and onto her shoulder. She headed out the door, Misao at her side, followed by the two new students. They exited the classroom, but as the two girls rounded the first corner, Aoshi slowed to a halt, forcing Megumi to look at him.
"I know what you're doing." He told her harshly. "It's not funny."
She batted her eyelashes, something he'd seen her do too many times to be affected. "What are you talking about Aoshi-sama?" She pouted prettily, her eyes mocking him. When he didn't change his expression she sighed in exasperation. "You're right. It's not funny. The fact that any girl would ever be interested in you is actually quite frightening." The look she gave him was downright murderous. "The fatality rate for knowing a lap dog of Kanryuu's is . . . rather alarming." Her voice was ice.
He ran a hand through his hair. "Are we going to have to go through this again?"
"No." She shifted, moving away from him. "As far as I'm concerned, this conversation is over." She left, without giving him a chance to say anything else, not that he would have. Megumi had a knack for making him say too much as it was. Her accusations hurt him more than he would ever admit, but there wasn't anything he could do about it.
A few seconds later, he took off in the direction she went. When he reached the cafeteria, his eyes scanned the crowds, looking for a sign of his charge. He didn't see her but he did spot the two girls, Kaoru and Misao, standing by an empty table. They waved him over.
"Where's Megumi?" He didn't bother with pleasantries.
Misao was the one who answered, tossing her braid as she spoke. "I think she said she wanted to buy her lunch." She spared him a glance before turning back to Kaoru, continuing a conversation he had missed the beginning of.
He blocked out their words and sat down, closing his eyes. Though she was still talking, Misao watched him lose himself in thought through the corner of her eye. What did he think about all the time?
***
Megumi strode past the crowds of students in the cafeteria, purposefully ignoring the appreciative stares she received from the male population and the glares directed at her from the girls. She wasn't here to make friends, and she certainly wasn't going to stop for any chitchat. A couple people tried to welcome her to the school, but she just smiled politely and kept walking. Eventually she reached the lunch line, and sighed as she resigned herself to standing next to so many young people for an undefined period of time.
As usual, she had brought her lunch from Kanryuu's, but leaving Aoshi alone with the two girls had been a small act of revenge. Girls were often interested in Aoshi, but the fact that this one was so young and childish in appearance was quite funny. She was sweet though, and Megumi felt a small twinge of guilt at allowing her to spend time with Aoshi. She would only get hurt, and memories of him wouldn't lessen the pain any.
"What would you like?" Finally! Megumi smiled her trademark polite smile. There was no warmth in it, but nor was their cruelty, as she had seen so many men portray. The lunch lady looked at her expectantly, waiting for an answer. She opened her mouth to order, when she was rudely interrupted by an unwelcome but familiar voice.
"I'd like the number three Eiko." Sano cut in smoothly, not even looking at Megumi as he stepped in front of her. She bristled. None of the students behind her were complaining, so cutting in line must have been a usual thing for Sanoske Sagara.
"Excuse me." She made her voice as cold as Aoshi had ever managed. He spared her a glance.
"Hey fox!" He flashed her that devilish grin, letting her know that he knew she was beyond annoyed at his antics. "The lines are just so long . . ." He explained, winking at the now giggling lunch lady.
She gritted her teeth. "You are so pathetic." She spoke softly, knowing better than to make a scene regardless of how much she wanted to scream at him. He merely smiled as he picked up his tray and stepped back, obviously waiting for her. Casting another glare in his direction, she turned her attention back to the lunch lady. "I'll have the number three too." It was the only thing that looked remotely edible.
The woman favored her with a pitying glance. "We're all out. Mr. Sagara just took the last order."
Megumi froze, willing herself not to attract more attention than she was already getting from the students around her. She opened her mouth to order something else she could at least pick on, when she was once again interrupted.
"I changed my mind." The expression in his eyes was unreadable. "I think the number six is looking pretty good today." The lunch lady knew better than to remind him that he'd had the number three every day for the past four years. He set the tray back on the rail, eyeing it in feigned disgust.
"I suppose this is the part where you offer it to me and I'm forever grateful." Megume stated, more annoyed at his predictability than anything else.
"Actually, Fox, I was gonna throw it away, and since you obviously don't want it." He picked the tray back up again, using his other head to retrieve his new order, and headed towards the two garbage cans on the closest wall. She hurriedly followed him, lengthening her stride to keep up with him without resorting to jogging.
They both stopped when they reached the trashcans. "You're not really going to-" She stopped, unsure of whether or not to continue.
He eyed her in obvious amusement. "What? I don't want it. Why shouldn't I throw it away?"
If he expected her to ASK for it, he was in for a big surprise. "I can't think of a reason." She stated haughtily. "Go ahead. I just wanted to make sure you recycled your carton." She gestured towards the drink.
He smirked, secretly thrilled at her unexpected defiance. In a smooth gesture, he opened the carton, emptied it, and tossed into recycling. "Happy?" He asked, letting the rest of the tray teeter on the edge of the bin.
"Ecstatic." She answered dryly. She stepped forward quickly, taking the tray from his hands and dumping it herself. His eyes widened slightly, and she reveled in shocking him. He regained his composure quickly.
"I live to serve." He replied mockingly, taking the empty tray from her and setting it on a stack on a nearby table.
"I'm sure." She said demurely, her eyes twinkling. She had won that round, and he knew it. Not by a lot, he hadn't exactly offered his lunch to her, but she had definitely racked up more points than him. "Enjoy your lunch." She gestured towards his meal, schooling her features not to reveal what she thought of the wiggling mess.
"I plan to." His face as stony as hers, he picked up a bit and tossed it in his mouth, making sure to chew it very carefully before swallowing it. He didn't grimace, and winked at her when he caught her gaping. "Delicious." He grinned.
More points for him. She snorted. "Figures." It wasn't the best comeback, but it was enough to get a raised eyebrow from him. She didn't wait for his response, but turned and strode back towards her table. She'd left Aoshi alone with the two girls long enough. Hopefully, he hadn't resorted to violence yet.
***
"OH MY WORD KAORU, LOOK AT THAT FREAK!!!" Misao screamed at the top of her lungs, standing up and pointing behind her friend's back.
"Huh?" Kaoru whirled around, scanning the crowds expectantly. Aoshi didn't move an inch, his posture radiating his disinterest.
Faster than any would have thought possible, Misao's hand shot forward, claiming Kaoru's cookie in one single, smooth gesture. She looked up and caught Aoshi staring at her. Her eyes danced as she flashed him her most innocent smile. Their eyes still locked, she took a bite, crumbs decorating the corners of her mouth. For an instant, Aoshi found himself sorely tempted to smile. His lips twitched slightly, but he quickly got his emotions under control.
"MISAO!!!" Kaoru shrieked, turning back around to see the cookie half eaten and suspiciously close to her friend's mouth.
"What?" Quick as a flash, the cookie was behind her back. She smiled sweetly. "What's wrong Kaoru."
"Don't you 'what's wrong Kaoru' ME you little brat!" They were best friends, but fights like this were common for the two, especially during lunch. "Give me back my cookie!"
"What cookie?"
Kaoru twitched, a sight that had sent lesser people running. "You have crumbs all over your mouth." She pointed out, triumphantly. "Give me the rest of my cookie!"
"But Kaoru!" Misao whined, breaking off a piece behind her back and bringing it over to rest on her lap. "I dropped mine in my milk and it's all soggy!"
"Well than maybe you shouldn't have been dipping your cookie in your milk. I mean, who DOES that anyway?" Kaoru was adamant. She WOULD get her cookie back.
"I do!" Misao retorted defiantly. "You would too if you had the guts to try it at least once!"
"Misao . . ." Kaoru held out her hand, refusing to budge an inch.
"Fine." She sighed, stretching out her hand and dropping what was left of the cookie into her friend's hand. If anyone noticed it was smaller than when she had taken a bite out of it, no one said anything.
Her friend ate the cookie in one bite, smiling widely after it was gone. "Thank you."
"No." Misao quickly brought her hand up with the last bite of cookie. "Thank YOU." She ate it before the dark haired girl could protest. For the second time Aoshi found the corners of his mouth moving upward. He quelled the emotion before any other features started to show mirth.
"You know." Misao turned to him, ignoring the rages of her best friend. "You AND Kaoru were supposed to turn around when I yelled. Than I could have gotten your cookie too." She explained, gesturing towards the untouched one on his tray.
"Sorry to disappoint." His voice held no inflection, and she couldn't tell if he was annoyed at her antics, possessive of his cookie, or just held no sense of humor.
She was about to respond, but was cut off by Kaoru's welcome. Turning, she saw the new girl, Megumi. "Hi Megumi!" She smiled warmly, moving over so the older girl could sit next to her. The movement also allowed her to sit across from Aoshi, but no one needed to know that.
Gracefully, Megumi took her seat across from Kaoru. "Hello." She smiled politely at each of them.
"Where's your lunch!" Kaoru blurted, horrified.
"In the trash." Sano sat on the other side of Megumi, ignoring her glare. "I watched her throw it away herself." He smirked at her, expecting Kaoru's immediate response.
"ARE YOU ANOREXIC! Because you're NOT fat! Girls shouldn't do that, especially to please a guy! Did someone tell you you're fat? Did HE tell you you're fat?" She gestured toward Sano, ignoring Megumi's denials. "You can't trust boys to know anything about that. All they know is TV and that's all airbrushed anyways." She would have continued if Megumi hadn't reached over the table and placed a hand over her mouth.
"I am not anorexic." She spoke slowly, as one would if they were speaking to a child. Misao, who had opened her mouth to join Kaoru's tirade, closed it audibly. "It wasn't my lunch I threw away, it was Sano's."
That only led to more questions. "You threw away Sano's lunch?" Kaoru repeated, dubiously. "Why?"
"Because the onna hates me." Sano hung his head in mock remorse.
Megumi nodded firmly, ignoring pitiful glances he sent her way. Kaoru threw back her head and laughed. "Megumi, I think I like you."
Megumi allowed a small smile to curve on her lips. Aoshi watched sharply. There was no real emotion in it so it was nothing to report to Kanryuu. He sighed in relief, not seeing the questioning glance Misao shot him before turning her attention back to his cookie.
"Thanks for telling me where you were sitting today Sano." Kaoru and the others looked up to see the redhead from their morning classes. "You switched seats on me last period too. If I didn't no better I'd say you were avoiding me." Kenshin smiled, setting his tray down across from Sano. He didn't even glance at the girl next to him, which was a surprise for Kaoru. She'd never been so blatantly ignored by a boy before. Not when they were so physically close to her.
"What can I say," Sano grinned, slinging an arm over Megumi's shoulders. "It's over between us Kenshin. I've found someone new."
With a look of pure disgust, Megumi picked up Sano's arm and put it back on his lap. "Than why don't you go sit with him?" She asked, pleased with the snort she got from the table's occupants.
Sano made a face at her. "Ouch." He turned to his mind. "Never mind Kenshin, I think I'll stick with you."
"Oh no you don't." His friend laughed. "You can't come crawling back to me every time other relationships don't work out for you. I refuse to be your rebound."
They grinned at each other, and simultaneously began eating their meals. Sano cast a glance in Megumi's direction. She was the only one without a tray in front of her and he felt just a teeny bit bad. Sure, it was her fault, but she didn't exactly have a lot of fat to spare on her, and he doubted the rumbling coming from her stomach was just his imagination.
He hurriedly ate the grossest part of his meal, leaving only the cookie. Than he sat back and burped.
"You are disgusting." She informed him.
"No." he corrected. "I'm full."
She eyed his cookie, but pride refused to let her ask for it. He knew better than to offer it, she'd probably think he'd poisoned it or something. "Actually," He stretched slowly. "I think I have room for a cookie. And I refuse to share it with you." He picked it up and grinned at her.
She sensed her opening and took it, reaching forward to snatch the cookie from his grasp. "I don't NEED you to share it with me." She smiled viciously. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
He threw back his head and laughed. She started to join in but stopped with a quick intake of breath as Aoshi shot a warning glance in her direction. She ate her cookie instead, hiding her smile with each bite but unable to keep her eyes from dancing.
Misao switched her gaze from Aoshi's cookie to the man himself. "Are you going to eat that?" She asked finally. He didn't say anything, just eyed her suspiciously. "Because I think you're going to give it to me. Yes." She said decidedly. "You're going to give it to me and I'm going to eat it." She looked at him expectantly. When he shook his head, she slouched. "Well, it was worth a try."
Sano laughed at her. "Trying to weasel a meal out of someone? Why doesn't that surprise me." Weasel. He'd called her that ever since freshman year, saying she reminded him of the annoying animal. She didn't really care usually, but did he have to say it in front of Aoshi? He already thought she was immature! She made a face at him and glared at her empty tray.
Aoshi stood, ignoring everyone's curious glances, and walked to the farthest garbage cans. There, out of sight, he slowly dipped his cookie into his milk and took a bite. Than again . . . and again. By the time he finished his cookie, his lips were trying to smile again. He dumped the rest of his tray and headed back to the table, his face once again a mask.
"I will hate you forever if you threw away your cookie." Misao eyed him dangerously, and he was tempted to lie, if only to rid himself of her unwelcome attention. But than he decided a love struck Misao was better than a homicidal Misao, and opted to tell the truth.
"I didn't." Her demeanor instantly changed. She smiled brilliantly at him.
"Good!"
Kenshin eyed his cookie, suddenly wary. "Do you get the feeling we're the only sane one's here?" He asked Kaoru, assuming she hadn't had anything to do with cookies that lunch period.
"You missed it." She whispered back conspiratorially. "I had to fight Misao for the last bite of my cookie. She got most of it." He looked at her, unsure of whether or not she was joking. She nodded wisely. "We caused quite the scene."
"Than you're all insane." He commented.
"Pretty much." She grinned at him, and he found himself smiling back. Misao was still talking a mile a minute to Aoshi, and Sano and Megumi had found something else to argue about.
Kenshin picked up his cookie. "Here." He dropped it on her tray. "Since you didn't get all of yours."
She looked at him with wide eyes. "You don't have to-"
He cut her off. "If you don't take it, that other girl will." He pointed towards Misao. She followed the direction his finger indicated and than quickly took a bite. He laughed.
"You'd be eating it too if the only other option was stuffing her face MORE!" Kaoru insisted, unable to hide her smile as she finished off the cookie. She cast a mock glare in her friend's direction before turning back to the redhead. "Thank you." She added, flashing him her best smile.
He shrugged. "It was just a cookie."
Her eyes widened. "But it was a GOOD cookie! The chocolate chips were still melted, the dough stretched as you bit into it, chewy, not crunchy, and than the-"
He cut her off. "Stop! Stop!" He laughed. "You're gonna make me regret giving it to you!"
She stuck a crumb-covered tongue out at him. "Too late. It's your fault anyway, I gave you a way out."
"That you did." He admitted. "But a guy's entitled to one mistake in his life."
"A GUY is entitled to more than that." She corrected, swallowing the last of her milk.
"Gee, thanks." He muttered sarcastically.
"Any time!" Her smile was dazzling.
"You know, most girls are nicer when they get food from a guy." He commented, his eyes letting her know he was only kidding.
She nodded wisely. "But you wouldn't care about that, would you? I mean, since you and Sano are so close . . . You don't NEED girls to be nice to you!"
He gaped at her before grinning. "I guess that's true, but I have to wait until he gets over this 'straight' idea that's going through his head." He gestured towards Sano and Megumi, still arguing.
"Don't worry." She patted his arm reassuringly. "I'm sure it's just a phase." He sighed pitifully, and she met his gaze with as much sympathy as she could muster. Their exchange lasted about two seconds before they both cracked up.
The bell rang, signifying the end of lunch. Everyone dumped their trays and started to head to class. Misao tried to ask Aoshi a question but he brushed her off. "I need to have a talk with my cousin." She didn't push it, catching up to Kaoru and the redhead, who were chatting amiably.
Sano lifted Megumi's book bag, as if to carry it to class for her. She started to demand he return it when he hung it on her shoulder for her. Startled, she watched as he secured HIS bag on her other shoulder. "Let's go to class." He grinned.
She let his bag fall to the floor and a couple books spilled out. "Yes. Let's." She set hers down too when she saw her 'cousin' approaching.
Aoshi reached them, giving Sano a rude gesture. "You go ahead, we need to talk." He grabbed Megumi by the sleeve of her shirt so she couldn't pull away. Sano saluted them, before turning to catch up with his friends. He stooped to pick up his bag, but Megumi stopped watching as she turned to face Aoshi.
"What is it this time?" Her voice held more than a trace of annoyance and he found himself getting frustrated with her.
"You need to stop being so talkative." He ordered, sounding crueler than he'd intended. "How stupid are you? You can't goof off like any other hormone driven ditzy teenage girl."
She glared right back at him. "I didn't do anything wrong." Her words came out as cold as his.
"Yet." He looked at her until he was sure she understood the intensity of his words. He might come across as a jerk, but Kanryuu would have done a lot worse if he suspected she was 'fraternizing' with other students. They're orders were pretty simple for attending public school, something Megumi had insisted upon. No friends, no contact even, with anyone, unless it was unavoidable. Megumi was treading on very thin ground.
"Let's go to class." He turned and strode away, leaving her alone in the now empty cafeteria. She blinked her eyes rapidly, afraid tears would come. Her throat was closed, and she swallowed hard before turning to pick up her bag. It wasn't there. She looked under the table and cast a glance around the room but her bag was nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly she started laughing, and if she hadn't been so close to tears she probably would have stopped right away. As it was she laughed long and hard before walking out of the cafeteria and heading down the now empty hall towards her class.
Stupid rooster head.
***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
That was a LONG chapter! C'mon ppl! I know. HORRIBLY long between updates, BUT, I think it's a long chapter. Okay, to answer some questions you might have . . .
-Sano is going to look at her schedule (that's in her bag) to find out what class she has next. So she'll get her bag no problem.
-Yes, Aoshi was trying cookie's dipped in milk for the first time, and he liked it! Later I think I'll have him do it in public and Misao will notice ^_^
-Yes, Aoshi is starting to warm up to Misao, but not LIKE her. And she doesn't really LIKE him yet either. She just thinks he's cute and mysterious. That doesn't add up to liking though. And Aoshi has just reached the point where he finds her amusing but not even really that much. Their romance will probably take the longest just cuz he's so STUBBORN about being a loner.
-I LOVE SANO!
Okay, and some questions for you guys.
-Did you like the Kenshin/Kaoru bit? Their's is the HARDEST to write for some reason. I had no idea what to put, so there's what you got.
-Was their too much Sano/Megumi? I looked back over it and it got the most spotlight! I'll have to do better in the next chapter.
-I KNOW you all probably have a lot of questions about Kanryuu and stuff but that'll all be answered when Aoshi and Megumi get home from school. It's not too confusing is it?
-Oh! And can anybody give me info on that group? The oni wabban group? I can't spell it. I know I could probably find all the info online, but when ppl give me the info I know I'm going to get the personalities right.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING! I'll update faster, I promise! And thanks again for all the reviews too. I was bored today, read them over, and before I knew what I was doing I started typing up the next chapter. See? I can be grateful... it just takes me forever. *is sorry*..