Konnichi wa minna!! How are you? I started my second fic!! WHOO!!
Anyways, I'm having a bit of a writer's block with 'Running to You'. So I decided to take a break until I am inspired to continue it. . .sorry to disappoint those who are eagerly awaiting Chapter 7.
But hey! Check out my newest fic, and maybe you'll forgive me, ne??
Enjoy!! BTW, this is a tester chapter. If I am satisfied with the reviews, I'll consider writing more chapters. HA!!
As usual, all disclaimers apply.
** Denotes thoughts ". . ." Denotes speech
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Anonymous Advances
By Shadow-Flame
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When nightfall approached, he could not help but think about her. During the day, he could push the thoughts aside, focusing on his duties, but she filtered into his mind occasionally, drowning him in unbidden emotions.
He didn't act on these revelations, of course, for he could not bear to stain something so innocent, pure. . .something so alive. Of course, the control had almost slipped more than once, his heart and body willing to become her slave, her savior. . .his mind keeping him in check, but just barely.
The man sighed, walking through the bustling streets of Kyoto, back to his home - back to her.
* * *
"Jiya! Have you seen Aoshi-sama? He was supposed to go shopping with me." She pouted, tapping her foot impatiently.
He grinned, ruffling her hair. "Iie, Misao-chan. Maybe he'll be back soon?"
"I hope so, because I've been wanting to go into town for two hours!"
"Patience, Misao. He could be back any minute now."
As if on cue, a tall figure walked through the gates of the Aoiya, trench coat ruffling in the breeze.
"Mou! Aoshi-sama! Where have you been?"
"Out. . ." came the reply, the man stopping in front of her and Okina. "Here are the items you requested, Okina."
"Aa! Thank you Aoshi." Retrieving the bundle, the old man turned and left, probably to go chase some younger women in the restaurant.
"Ready to go?" He inquired, face remaining impassive when she burst with glee, grabbing the sleeve of his coat and marching back out of the gates, back into the daily hustle and bustle.
Okina stepped out from his hiding place, smiling as he watched the two figures disappear. **I hope they both get over their stubbornness soon.**
* * *
She moved excitedly from stand to stand, examining wares and services. Aoshi just stood nearby, eyes closed, listening to the daily chaos.
She had already purchased a bottle of Sakura blossom perfume, and had her kunai sharpened. He was beginning to wonder what she was looking at now, not hearing hear cheerful banter. Popping one eye open, Aoshi caught her staring intently at a porcelain figurine. It was of a girl dancing; her skirt swirled about her in a graceful movement. The entire piece was white, except for the closed eyes, and red lips.
Satisfied with her browsing, but not the price of the figurine, she informed Aoshi that she was finished, and he stood from his leaning position, walking slightly behind her, watching her and their surroundings.
When they returned, Omasu asked for Misao's help in the kitchen, and Aoshi left the two, heading towards his room.
Unknown to the two was the fact that they were watched throughout the entire outing. Three ninjas were perched on rooftops across the street, all dressed in white, a golden symbol emblazoned onto their uniforms.
As if by magic, the trio miraculously evaporated into thin air, back to where they had come from.
The tallest of the three strode through the halls of the building he had been transported to, eyeing the men that lined the hallways with guarded features.
Entering the main hall, he kneeled before the man that sat before him, only to be ushered out of that position. "Ah, Toku! How was the trip?"
"Everything went well."
"Glad to hear it!" The seated man smiled; relieved to know that everything was all right. "So how is she?"
"Misao-san seems to be in high spirits. She was shopping in the market place today."
"Shopping! What did she buy, do you know?"
"I saw a bottle of perfume, and she had her kunai sharpened." The man leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his features.
"You may go, Toku."
"Arigato, Katou-sama."
Katou sighed happily, glad that Misao was faring well. He had been watching her ever since she ran into him four months ago.
* * * Four months earlier. . .
"Sir! Are you okay?" Katou had been injured in a fight, and badly at that. His chest had a long cut across it, and his left arm was dislocated, bruises scattered over the rest of his body. He looked up as someone questioned him, and gazed into the most beautiful ocean-blue eyes he had ever seen. She looked genuinely concerned, something that usually wasn't directed to him that easily. "Sir! Can you hear me?"
"Y-yes. H-help me, please." He choked out, pain overwhelming his nerves. Misao, looking determined, carefully slung the man's uninjured arm over her shoulder, and attempted to help him to his feet.
"Easy now! You don't want to break anything else, ne?" She smiled through the obvious weight struggle. The injured man tried to chuckle, but all that came out was a few pained coughs.
The two hobbled slowly to the closest infirmary, where Misao left the man in the doctor's care. When she turned to leave, the man grabbed her wrist.
"Onegai. . .tell me the name of my savior. . ."
Misao giggled before replying. "I don't know about the savior part, but my name is Makimachi Misao. Bye now!" She waved, and walked back out into the sunny streets. Katou watched until her form retreated out of sight, completely in awe of the concern and sincerity he had received that afternoon.
* * *
Pulled out of the memory, Katou stood, deciding to send an anonymous gift to the girl.
Meanwhile, back in the Aoiya, Misao was heading out to bring Aoshi his afternoon tea. She had noticed that he had been a little less cold towards her lately, and wondered whether her tactics to break his shell were beginning to work. **Of course they are! What other reason would he be acting that way?** She beamed, a little skip entering her step.
Aoshi was deep in thought again. Images of Misao danced through his mind, most of them with her smiling at him. He sighed, trying to regain concentration. He had had a dream the night before. It began nicely enough, Misao curled in his arms, the two in a field of flowers somewhere. She would stand, giggling, and he would smile at the sight. Misao would begin to run, motioning for him to follow. He would reach out to catch her, when she suddenly fell, and disappeared.
Aoshi had woken up covered in sweat, an uneasy feeling taking over. Unsure, he exited his room, walking down the hall. He just had to make sure she was safe. Sliding open the shoji screen, his eyes fell upon the sleeping Misao, wearing only a sleeping yakuta. She looked so innocent and beautiful, he couldn't resist bending over to place a light kiss on her forehead.
The man sighed. He was then aware of someone approaching the temple, their ki shining brightly. It was Misao.
** Misao. . .my Misao. . .**
A slight knock broke the silence, and Aoshi watched through hooded eyes as her head peered around the door, seeking entrance. Nodding slightly, she smiled at the acceptance and strode over to him purposefully, all the while trying not to spill the tea.
"Good afternoon Aoshi-sama. I have brought you some tea." She stirred the burning liquid quickly, carefully handing the delicate cup to the rock in front of her.
"Aa." He watched as she picked up her own cup, shifting the object from hand to hand as to not burn her fingertips. Misao sipped cautiously, face scrunching up every time she scalded her tongue. Frustrated, she almost slammed the cup on the wooden floor, a 'clink' resounding through the room.
He inwardly smiled at the sight. She was so damn fidgety and cute when bored.
Misao then proceeded to flop down on her stomach and trace circles with her index finger.
After finishing his green tea, Aoshi placed his cup back onto the tray, and took a deep breath, causing a confused look to come from the girl splayed out in front of him.
She watched curiously as he rose, stretching in the process. This was very unexpected. Aoshi didn't usually leave the temple this early. She opened her mouth to question him, in which he returned a silencing stare before a syllable could be muttered.
Instead of an explanation, he held out a hand, which she shakily took, caught off-guard by his strange behaviour.
"A-Aoshi-sama?" she gazed up at him, confusion clear in her eyes,
"Walk with me?" He inquired, praying to the gods that he didn't look like an idiot.
"D-Daijabou ka?" Misao squeaked, unsure of what was taking place.
"Hai, I'm quite well Misao." She nodded her head slightly, wide eyes never leaving his. He wanted to laugh. She looked so dumbfounded. Of course, laughing wouldn't help the situation any, so he turned, pulling her along out of the temple, and into the woods.
Aoshi wasn't quite sure where he was going, or what he was doing in that matter, but he just had to get them both far from the confines of the temple.
They erupted from the bush into a sunlit clearing, birds chirping and insects buzzing. It was almost like a scene from a storybook, something akin to an enchanted clearing. His fast paces slowed, and he allowed Misao to catch her breath.
She abruptly plopped onto a tree stump, and watched him, wondering what in the hell was going on.
"Aoshi. . ." She said between pants "sama. . ." He sat beside her, eyes hooded. "What is going on?"
Aoshi slowly opened his eyes, gazing upwards at the blue sky. It was a few moments before he turned to the girl - no, woman beside him, and he stared intently, waiting for the right moment to speak.
"Nothing is wrong, I assure you. I just had the urge to leave the temple for a while. It is too lovely a day to waste inside, I suppose."
Misao stared at him, shocked by his words. Now this was an interesting occurrence. Her shock subsided quickly, and was replaced with joy, along with a dash of butterflies in her stomach.
She blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Hai, Aohi-sama!" a blinding smile ensued, relaxing the tension between the two. Unsure of what to do next, Misao stood from the stump, making her way over to a small pond. She grinned back at a staring Aoshi, and proceeded to jump into the water, clothes and all.
Deciding to pull a prank, she stayed submerged. Sure enough, Aoshi came running over to the edge when Misao didn't resurface, whipping off his gi top and diving in after her.
The girl giggled inwardly, then swam to the surface, waiting for the second intruder to come up for air. When he did, he didn't look pleased at all. Not only was he soaking wet, but it was all for nothing. Misao laughed aloud, not able to hold it in any longer.
She splashed him playfully, chiding that it was important to cool off on hot days. He raised an eyebrow quizzically, and then grinned ever so slightly, causing Misao to freeze in realization and fear. Without warning, a tsunami hit her, and she was plunged back under the water, fuming. Instead of returning the wave, she swam behind Aoshi, leaping out of the water and onto his head.
Unfortunately, he had predicted her attack, in which he turned, catching her in his arms instead.
She squealed in frustration, then turned bright pink when she realized where she was. Held up against Aoshi, no less. "A-Aoshi-sama?"
Again, he shushed her, pulling Misao closer to his sculpted chest.
She could do nothing but wonder what had gotten into him.
Deciding it was better than to be shut out, Misao slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.
* * *
Later that evening, Misao was still fuzzy from the afternoon's events. Aoshi didn't imply anything had happened when they returned to the Aoiya, but held her hand until they emerged from the woods. It was clear that he wanted the rendezvous to be kept between them.
She sighed gaily, flopping down on her futon, but before she could concentrate on sweet dreams filled with her 'Aoshi-sama', pretty paper caught her eye.
TBC. . .
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
R&R!! More Reviews = More Chapters!!
Until next time. . .
Anyways, I'm having a bit of a writer's block with 'Running to You'. So I decided to take a break until I am inspired to continue it. . .sorry to disappoint those who are eagerly awaiting Chapter 7.
But hey! Check out my newest fic, and maybe you'll forgive me, ne??
Enjoy!! BTW, this is a tester chapter. If I am satisfied with the reviews, I'll consider writing more chapters. HA!!
As usual, all disclaimers apply.
** Denotes thoughts ". . ." Denotes speech
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Anonymous Advances
By Shadow-Flame
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
When nightfall approached, he could not help but think about her. During the day, he could push the thoughts aside, focusing on his duties, but she filtered into his mind occasionally, drowning him in unbidden emotions.
He didn't act on these revelations, of course, for he could not bear to stain something so innocent, pure. . .something so alive. Of course, the control had almost slipped more than once, his heart and body willing to become her slave, her savior. . .his mind keeping him in check, but just barely.
The man sighed, walking through the bustling streets of Kyoto, back to his home - back to her.
* * *
"Jiya! Have you seen Aoshi-sama? He was supposed to go shopping with me." She pouted, tapping her foot impatiently.
He grinned, ruffling her hair. "Iie, Misao-chan. Maybe he'll be back soon?"
"I hope so, because I've been wanting to go into town for two hours!"
"Patience, Misao. He could be back any minute now."
As if on cue, a tall figure walked through the gates of the Aoiya, trench coat ruffling in the breeze.
"Mou! Aoshi-sama! Where have you been?"
"Out. . ." came the reply, the man stopping in front of her and Okina. "Here are the items you requested, Okina."
"Aa! Thank you Aoshi." Retrieving the bundle, the old man turned and left, probably to go chase some younger women in the restaurant.
"Ready to go?" He inquired, face remaining impassive when she burst with glee, grabbing the sleeve of his coat and marching back out of the gates, back into the daily hustle and bustle.
Okina stepped out from his hiding place, smiling as he watched the two figures disappear. **I hope they both get over their stubbornness soon.**
* * *
She moved excitedly from stand to stand, examining wares and services. Aoshi just stood nearby, eyes closed, listening to the daily chaos.
She had already purchased a bottle of Sakura blossom perfume, and had her kunai sharpened. He was beginning to wonder what she was looking at now, not hearing hear cheerful banter. Popping one eye open, Aoshi caught her staring intently at a porcelain figurine. It was of a girl dancing; her skirt swirled about her in a graceful movement. The entire piece was white, except for the closed eyes, and red lips.
Satisfied with her browsing, but not the price of the figurine, she informed Aoshi that she was finished, and he stood from his leaning position, walking slightly behind her, watching her and their surroundings.
When they returned, Omasu asked for Misao's help in the kitchen, and Aoshi left the two, heading towards his room.
Unknown to the two was the fact that they were watched throughout the entire outing. Three ninjas were perched on rooftops across the street, all dressed in white, a golden symbol emblazoned onto their uniforms.
As if by magic, the trio miraculously evaporated into thin air, back to where they had come from.
The tallest of the three strode through the halls of the building he had been transported to, eyeing the men that lined the hallways with guarded features.
Entering the main hall, he kneeled before the man that sat before him, only to be ushered out of that position. "Ah, Toku! How was the trip?"
"Everything went well."
"Glad to hear it!" The seated man smiled; relieved to know that everything was all right. "So how is she?"
"Misao-san seems to be in high spirits. She was shopping in the market place today."
"Shopping! What did she buy, do you know?"
"I saw a bottle of perfume, and she had her kunai sharpened." The man leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his features.
"You may go, Toku."
"Arigato, Katou-sama."
Katou sighed happily, glad that Misao was faring well. He had been watching her ever since she ran into him four months ago.
* * * Four months earlier. . .
"Sir! Are you okay?" Katou had been injured in a fight, and badly at that. His chest had a long cut across it, and his left arm was dislocated, bruises scattered over the rest of his body. He looked up as someone questioned him, and gazed into the most beautiful ocean-blue eyes he had ever seen. She looked genuinely concerned, something that usually wasn't directed to him that easily. "Sir! Can you hear me?"
"Y-yes. H-help me, please." He choked out, pain overwhelming his nerves. Misao, looking determined, carefully slung the man's uninjured arm over her shoulder, and attempted to help him to his feet.
"Easy now! You don't want to break anything else, ne?" She smiled through the obvious weight struggle. The injured man tried to chuckle, but all that came out was a few pained coughs.
The two hobbled slowly to the closest infirmary, where Misao left the man in the doctor's care. When she turned to leave, the man grabbed her wrist.
"Onegai. . .tell me the name of my savior. . ."
Misao giggled before replying. "I don't know about the savior part, but my name is Makimachi Misao. Bye now!" She waved, and walked back out into the sunny streets. Katou watched until her form retreated out of sight, completely in awe of the concern and sincerity he had received that afternoon.
* * *
Pulled out of the memory, Katou stood, deciding to send an anonymous gift to the girl.
Meanwhile, back in the Aoiya, Misao was heading out to bring Aoshi his afternoon tea. She had noticed that he had been a little less cold towards her lately, and wondered whether her tactics to break his shell were beginning to work. **Of course they are! What other reason would he be acting that way?** She beamed, a little skip entering her step.
Aoshi was deep in thought again. Images of Misao danced through his mind, most of them with her smiling at him. He sighed, trying to regain concentration. He had had a dream the night before. It began nicely enough, Misao curled in his arms, the two in a field of flowers somewhere. She would stand, giggling, and he would smile at the sight. Misao would begin to run, motioning for him to follow. He would reach out to catch her, when she suddenly fell, and disappeared.
Aoshi had woken up covered in sweat, an uneasy feeling taking over. Unsure, he exited his room, walking down the hall. He just had to make sure she was safe. Sliding open the shoji screen, his eyes fell upon the sleeping Misao, wearing only a sleeping yakuta. She looked so innocent and beautiful, he couldn't resist bending over to place a light kiss on her forehead.
The man sighed. He was then aware of someone approaching the temple, their ki shining brightly. It was Misao.
** Misao. . .my Misao. . .**
A slight knock broke the silence, and Aoshi watched through hooded eyes as her head peered around the door, seeking entrance. Nodding slightly, she smiled at the acceptance and strode over to him purposefully, all the while trying not to spill the tea.
"Good afternoon Aoshi-sama. I have brought you some tea." She stirred the burning liquid quickly, carefully handing the delicate cup to the rock in front of her.
"Aa." He watched as she picked up her own cup, shifting the object from hand to hand as to not burn her fingertips. Misao sipped cautiously, face scrunching up every time she scalded her tongue. Frustrated, she almost slammed the cup on the wooden floor, a 'clink' resounding through the room.
He inwardly smiled at the sight. She was so damn fidgety and cute when bored.
Misao then proceeded to flop down on her stomach and trace circles with her index finger.
After finishing his green tea, Aoshi placed his cup back onto the tray, and took a deep breath, causing a confused look to come from the girl splayed out in front of him.
She watched curiously as he rose, stretching in the process. This was very unexpected. Aoshi didn't usually leave the temple this early. She opened her mouth to question him, in which he returned a silencing stare before a syllable could be muttered.
Instead of an explanation, he held out a hand, which she shakily took, caught off-guard by his strange behaviour.
"A-Aoshi-sama?" she gazed up at him, confusion clear in her eyes,
"Walk with me?" He inquired, praying to the gods that he didn't look like an idiot.
"D-Daijabou ka?" Misao squeaked, unsure of what was taking place.
"Hai, I'm quite well Misao." She nodded her head slightly, wide eyes never leaving his. He wanted to laugh. She looked so dumbfounded. Of course, laughing wouldn't help the situation any, so he turned, pulling her along out of the temple, and into the woods.
Aoshi wasn't quite sure where he was going, or what he was doing in that matter, but he just had to get them both far from the confines of the temple.
They erupted from the bush into a sunlit clearing, birds chirping and insects buzzing. It was almost like a scene from a storybook, something akin to an enchanted clearing. His fast paces slowed, and he allowed Misao to catch her breath.
She abruptly plopped onto a tree stump, and watched him, wondering what in the hell was going on.
"Aoshi. . ." She said between pants "sama. . ." He sat beside her, eyes hooded. "What is going on?"
Aoshi slowly opened his eyes, gazing upwards at the blue sky. It was a few moments before he turned to the girl - no, woman beside him, and he stared intently, waiting for the right moment to speak.
"Nothing is wrong, I assure you. I just had the urge to leave the temple for a while. It is too lovely a day to waste inside, I suppose."
Misao stared at him, shocked by his words. Now this was an interesting occurrence. Her shock subsided quickly, and was replaced with joy, along with a dash of butterflies in her stomach.
She blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Hai, Aohi-sama!" a blinding smile ensued, relaxing the tension between the two. Unsure of what to do next, Misao stood from the stump, making her way over to a small pond. She grinned back at a staring Aoshi, and proceeded to jump into the water, clothes and all.
Deciding to pull a prank, she stayed submerged. Sure enough, Aoshi came running over to the edge when Misao didn't resurface, whipping off his gi top and diving in after her.
The girl giggled inwardly, then swam to the surface, waiting for the second intruder to come up for air. When he did, he didn't look pleased at all. Not only was he soaking wet, but it was all for nothing. Misao laughed aloud, not able to hold it in any longer.
She splashed him playfully, chiding that it was important to cool off on hot days. He raised an eyebrow quizzically, and then grinned ever so slightly, causing Misao to freeze in realization and fear. Without warning, a tsunami hit her, and she was plunged back under the water, fuming. Instead of returning the wave, she swam behind Aoshi, leaping out of the water and onto his head.
Unfortunately, he had predicted her attack, in which he turned, catching her in his arms instead.
She squealed in frustration, then turned bright pink when she realized where she was. Held up against Aoshi, no less. "A-Aoshi-sama?"
Again, he shushed her, pulling Misao closer to his sculpted chest.
She could do nothing but wonder what had gotten into him.
Deciding it was better than to be shut out, Misao slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.
* * *
Later that evening, Misao was still fuzzy from the afternoon's events. Aoshi didn't imply anything had happened when they returned to the Aoiya, but held her hand until they emerged from the woods. It was clear that he wanted the rendezvous to be kept between them.
She sighed gaily, flopping down on her futon, but before she could concentrate on sweet dreams filled with her 'Aoshi-sama', pretty paper caught her eye.
TBC. . .
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
R&R!! More Reviews = More Chapters!!
Until next time. . .