Matcha
3, 2, 1…
Misao stepped up the last step, looked up at the approaching rain clouds and sighed. With the tea tray in hand, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, counted to ten and plastered a smile on her face before making her way to the temple.
"Ohaiyo gozaimasu, Aoshi-sama."
Her cheerful greeting was only greeted by a nod, as usual.
Poor Aoshi…why do you choose to just fade away like this?
Misao's hands moved gracefully as she set the tray down and prepared to serve the tea.
Everyday it's the same. You're getting easier to read than a book. The world is changing around you while you sit in you own still time – struggling to forget the past, refusing to face the future…
Aoshi received the teacup with a polite nod and a murmured, "Arigatou."
Taking her own cup, Misao responded routinely. A chilly wind swept through the temple flickering the candles' flames.
"Looks like it's going to rain again today."
"Aa."
"Maa…that means I won't be able to go shopping with Okon and Omasu."
Silence.
"Ugh, and Okina is probably gonna'-"
"Misao?"
"Huh?"
"Your tea is getting cold."
"Oh…"
Interrupted again. It's obvious you don't want my company. I wonder who I pity more, Aoshi or myself? I pity you because you choose to be cold and practically dead on the inside. But then again, if it works for you….
I guess that means I'm the pitiful one. Honestly Aoshi, do you think I want to be here? To try and cheer you up day after day, to no avail? To wear this smile just to show you that someone cares, that you have a place to turn to, even though you don't want to accept that fact.
If only you'd stop being so self-centered by constantly thinking about how guilty you are and take a look at the big picture. We forgive you. You just need to forgive yourself.
They continued drinking their tea in silence as the raindrops began to fall.
Let's make it clear. I don't want to be here, but as the okashira…Yes, that's right. I am the okashira now. As the leader, I come for the sake of the others because they think I still love you like before. I come to keep their hope for you, to keep you informed, to keep you alive.
"The sound of the steady rain is really calming ne, Aoshi-sama?"
"Aa."
Misao carefully placed the cups onto the tray and got up to leave.
"Well, I'll see you later at the Aoiya for dinner."
She received no reply as Aoshi looked out at the falling rain.
Gee, that helps. Just look and wonder if I'll be okay in the rain. Don't trouble yourself by actually asking.
"Looks like the rain isn't that heavy. Good thing I brought my cloak."
Aoshi nodded and went back to meditating.
Misao pulled on her cloak and forced herself to keep smiling.
Truly, the saddest is the one who must pretend to be happy…
Picking up the tray again, Misao turned to leave. Today's ritual was over.
Standard disclaimers apply
Notes : The title is supposed to be the name of the tea they use for the tea ceremony though I'm not too sure about it. Please tell me the correct term if I'm wrong. ^_^
Anyway, the title is to symbolize how Misao feels that everything has become a ritual.