* * * *
School past quickly and I hadn't seen Misao since training on Monday. I had finally told Kenshin and the others that I knew Misao from detention. They had asked me if I wished to go to the movies with them but I had declined. My weekends had never been the same ever since my mother had become ill. She needed looking after and it was my responsibility. She is my mother; my family and I'll sacrifice everything to make sure she is looked after and cared for by her son. I took to the streets in walking home instead of the rooftop and noticed a lone figure leaning against the wall up ahead. It was Misao. I gave her a side-glance not stopping at all and kept walking home. It wasn't long until she was walking silently next to me.
"About the funeral remark…" Misao had began but again I cut her off.
"Don't worry about it."
"Look, I asked my father about why you went weird all of a sudden and he told me that I should ask you about it. He got angry with me yet again. He told me to come and apologise for being rude so here I am saying sorry, okay!" God she really was a stubborn chick after all. The rumbling of thunder stopped my thoughts and then the rain began to pour down. I pulled Misao in the direction of my house, knowing it was closer then hers.
"Come on, we should get out of the rain." I stated and started walking towards my home. I knew she was going to hate were I lived but I didn't want either of us getting sick. We arrived moments later and I pushed open an old rusty gate.
"What the hell is this dump?" She stated behind me. I clenched my hand into a fist turning back to stare at her for a few seconds then turned back around walking towards the front door.
"This so called "dump" happens to be my home. I'm sorry if it isn't as exclusive as yours!" I stated bitterly back at her.
"Oh…" Was all she said as we walked inside. I turned on the light and started rummaging around for some towels.
"Aoshi, is that you?" My mother had called from the bedroom and then began coughing loudly. I threw Misao a towel and proceeded to walk to the door, forgetting about drying off and opened it to see my mother trying to get out of bed. I took off my trench coat as that was soaked and rushed over to help her up. I didn't want to add a fever to her sickness so I made sure my clothes were dry. Mum only gets up to go to the bathroom these days.
"How was your day son?" Mum had begun coughing again and hunched over to hold her stomach. As ill as she was, she still wanted to know how my day went. I looked up to see Misao staring at us with guarded features not showing anything as she watched me with my mother. My mother soon noticed that someone else was in the house and began to fidget around for her robe.
"Why didn't you tell me we had a quest Aoshi? I could have cleaned the place up a bit." I found her robe and placed it over her fragile body. I looked up at Misao and was about to answer my mother when she had cut in.
"Oh you don't need to fuss over me, Mrs. Shinomori. Why don't I help you to the bathroom, since I presume that's where you are headed." Misao came towards us and placed a hand around my mother's arm, also taking note of not getting to close. I was struck speechless. Misao was acting concerned for someone who wasn't herself and her voice wasn't cold either. She was showing concern for a complete stranger. This was different.
"Thank goodness. My Aoshi has found such a sweet and beautiful girl to help take care of him." My eyes widened, as I stood stunned at what my mother had said. What the hell was I supposed to say to that! This was becoming most embarrassing for me…
"Actually we are just friends Mrs. Shinomori." Misao had stated. I sighed in relief and then it struck me that after all this time Misao had finally called us friends. She was admitting to herself that she actually needed a friend.
"Oh that's a shame. I thought that someone had finally taken an interest in my son." Even though my mother was ill she could still embarrass the hell out of me. No one effected me or embarrassed me like she did. A grin broke out on my face watching their retreating forms and Misao glanced back at me, her blue eyes sparkling like sapphires. She answered my mother again as they were walking into the bathroom.
"Oh, he's an interesting one all right." My mother laughed as Misao giggled which was quite shocking. It sounded beautiful. Stop Aoshi! What is this female doing to me? I snapped out of my daze when I heard the click of the door and changed the sheets on my mother's bed. I could hear their muffled voices coming from the bathroom and slid to the floor waiting for them to finish. My eyelids felt heavy as they began to close on their own accord. The rain was so soothing and I couldn't help but close my eyes giving in.
I awoke to the feel of someone patting my cheek lightly. My eyes focused onto Misao's blue eyes as she stared at me. She was crouched beside me her arms now folded across her chest.
"I thought I was the guest and here I am looking after your family." She spoke mockingly at me. I looked over to realise she had taken care of my mother as she rested peacefully in her bed sleeping once more, a small smile etched on her lips.
"I'm sorry. Thank you for watching her." I had not looked back at her, as part of me felt ashamed for falling asleep while another part of me was glad that someone else looked after her.
"Don't worry about it. Come on get up, I'll help you to your room."
"Thanks but it really isn't that far." I grabbed her offered hand and stood up. I closed my mother's door as not to disturb her and we walked into the main room once more.
"Well here we are." I stated to Misao plainly throwing my hand out. The couch was my bed and papers, books and clothes lay scattered everywhere.
"This…This is your room?" Misao asked surprised.
"Hey, I didn't say we were rich you know. The two jobs I work don't pay much and they only just cover the bills and the nurse that comes around to check up on my mother a couple times a week. At least I have a roof over my head." I state the last part positively and Misao just nodded silently, her eyes fixed on looking around the room.
"I'll walk you home." I indicated to the door and opened it for Misao. I was amazed that she wasn't more disgusted with the way I lived and how poor my mother and I were. I was inevitably waiting for the whole 'Why isn't she in hospital?' or 'How come you don't receive any benefits?' but they never came. Time passed quickly as we strolled down the street and I spoke wanting to start up a conversation.
"So what did you guys talk about while in the bathroom?"
"A few things…" Misao spoke to me plainly.
"Oh…" We are once again silent and getting closer to Misao's house as I can tell by the change in house sizes. She lives in the 'upper' class area while I the 'lower'. Our silence was broken when Misao sighed lightly and began speaking.
"She couldn't stop talking about you. I won't mention the embarrassing things, but she is very proud at how you are handling everything and taking care of her as well." I silently nod at what she has said to me and yet inside I am leaping for joy at how good that makes me feel. Even though I know I can't help my mother regain her health at least I know she is proud of me for being her son. I am soon surprised when Misao's voice changes to her weak/shy one once more.
"I wander about… I mean, if my mother had lived… I wonder if she would have been proud of me?" I frown at what Misao had said. Misao had finally shared something very private with me. I catch her attention by placing my hand on her shoulder. She stopped walking and looked up at me curiously.
"I reckon if she was here she would be. I know your father is." I can see the loneliness in her eyes at not having a mother figure and try to reassure her. Please let this work. Her father is proud of her, I can hear it in his voice. You better believe me Misao. I stare down at Misao as she looks at me for a little longer and then she gave me the cutest of smiles. No one smiled like that, no female I had met before and I etch that memory of a happy Misao in my mind forever.
"If you'd like, you may visit my mother whenever you like." I was actually thinking this and couldn't believe I had blurted it out. Here I was walking with Misao and offering her my mother. Boy, I hope she doesn't hate me for this.
"Why would I want to do that?" She said coldly at me while we continued to walk down the street. Damn, this was getting harder. I shrugged my shoulders in defeat as Misao once again threw up her walls to protect herself. It was just a suggestion that I thought she'd be grateful for it. I mean having a mother is pretty important and the same goes for a father too. I could tell my mother liked Misao and they'd only just met tonight. There was something about Misao, it was like my mother and myself could see straight through her, knowing there was this wonderful caring person inside. I was surprised when Misao responded to my small statement.
"Would you mind?" I turned to look at her and noticed she has not taken her view off of the footpath.
"Not at all. Besides I can tell she really likes you, because I like you." I smiled down at Misao hoping she wouldn't freak out or take that the wrong way either.
"Thank you…" Misao whispered and I noticed as we passed under a light post that Misao's cheeks were darker then usual. So what I said really did mean something to her after all. I knew I'd get through some of her walls again.
"Would you like to come in? My father would love to see you and you could rest before you walk back home." I nodded at Misao's offer and walked inside, taking my shoes off and followed Misao into the lounge room. She waved for me to sit down and I stared fondly at the couch. It was huge, looked soft and had cushions either end.
"You may lay down on it if you wish. I always do." I took her offer and lay down. I placed my head on the cushions at the end nearest to where Misao sat in a chair. We finally fell into a comfortable silence and I sighed tiredly closing my eyes for a brief moment. I knew I was going to fall asleep but I just couldn't get up from this wonderful couch. 'Actually we are just friends Mrs. Shinomori' this kept running through my mind and I had to ask Misao if it was true.
"Misao about what you said to my mother, are we really friends?" She laughed at my question but replied to me in a soft voice.
"Sure…" I smiled tiredly and said one last thing until I fell into a blissful sleep.
"I'm glad…"
* * * *
I awoke to the sound of some frustrated grumbling coming from another room. Room? We didn't have a lot of rooms in our house. My eyes came into focus and I stared over at the expensive television set. I sat up realising I was still at the Makimachi's. I had fallen asleep and Misao had placed a blanket over me and let me stay. I looked at the time and realised I had missed school altogether, as it was 3:30pm. My body obviously needed the rest. I shot up onto my feet realising I had forgotten about my mother. I ran to the door, leaving a small note on the table thanking Misao and raced home.
* * * *
I opened the front door to our house and looked around the room in amazement. It was completely cleaned. Piles of clothes were stacked on the table, all washed, dried and folded up. The furniture had been dusted and the pillow on the couch fluffed up and sitting on the folded blankets I slept under. I walked into my mother's room to find her sitting up in bed and reading a book. Her room was cleaned also and new sheets were on her bed as well.
"Mum?" I stated bewildered, as she looked better then ever as her faced had a soft glow to it.
"Aoshi, how are you doing?" My mother spoke placing down the book, making sure to place her marker in it.
"Shouldn't I really be asking that question to you?" I said as I sat down on the bed next to her.
"Oh I'm fine! Misao called around early this morning telling me you needed to rest. I know she is right as well. Misao cleaned the place up for us. Isn't she such a sweetie?" Misao came to the house voluntarily? This was becoming very strange indeed. Especially my mother, she never looked so healthy before. It was as though Misao had given her a new sense of life. I nodded at what my mother had said agreeing to her question. I smiled across at my mother an idea popping up in my head.
"Hey mum since you seem to have a new lease of life how about we go out to the park? It isn't too far." I suggest positively to her.
"Well Misao said she was coming back over soon but I'm sure we'll be able to see her from the park. She said she was bringing me a gift." I smiled again at my mother. She looked so happy, so excited and so I helped her get ready to go out.
* * * *
It had been about 20 minutes and my mother was sitting on a bench talking to a woman she knew. They hadn't seen each other in a while, the other woman being away visiting her parents. I sat under a tree knowing everything was fine and my mother was in the company of her friend. I snapped my eyes open when I heard my mother yell excitedly.
"Misao! Misao sweetie over here!" I looked to see my mum standing up and waving to Misao like an excited child. What surprised me the most was when Misao broke into a run to reach my mother faster and they embraced like mother and daughter. I observed the two of them and it seemed that ever since they met the other night their lives had completely changed. I stood up and began walking towards them with a smile on my face. My mother excused herself to talk to another woman she saw in the park and slowly walked off.
"Thank you Misao." I spoke with all the emotion I could summon at this moment. She had a look of surprise on her face and spoke back to me.
"For what?"
"She seems to have a new lease of life ever since she met you and that was only yesterday! There's…something about you that really makes her happy and I am truly grateful." I say honestly to her.
"Gee, don't go all mushy on me…" She has said with no emotion in her voice. We both smile at each other and I watch Misao turned to walk over to my mother who was watching us. Misao stopped walking; turning her face over her left shoulder and spoke to me again.
"By the way, you're welcome." I watch Misao turn around again and sat down across from my mother. Misao had pulled out a small box and given it to my mother. A few seconds later my mother reached out placing her hand on Misao's cheek. Moments pass and a small conversation is said between them before Misao rises and silently waves at me and then leaves. I walk over to my mother who is sitting down on the bench watching Misao's retreating form and clutching the small box in her hands.
"Mum I think we should be going now. Soooooo um, what's with the box?" I spoke slightly intrigued.
"Oh just a gift from Misao. I'll show you when we get home dear." We silently walked back home and I got mum ready for bed. All the day's events have sent her into a blissful slumber as soon as her head hit the pillow. I notice she has placed the box next to her and I pick it up and walking into the main room, closing the door behind me. I open the lid and realise many photo's are lying facedown inside. I pick up the first one and notice a beautiful woman holding a young child. I take a second glance at the child and immediately recognise those blue eyes as Misao's. She must be no older then 3. I flip through many other photos, and realise this is Misao's private life that she has shown to my mother. I flip over another photo and realise this is a very recent one of Misao. She is dressed in a dark purple and blue kimono and sitting in the long grass holding some flowers with that smile I saw today which lit up her eyes. This must have been taken at a festival. I look back into the small box and notice I have missed a photo and turn it over. I drop the others on the ground when I notice the Makimachi family standing near a much younger me and mum. That isn't what shocks me the most though. Standing next to a laughing Mr. Makimachi is my father. Our families have obviously known each other even before Misao and I was born. I felt angered at not even being told this, both from my mum and Mr. Makimachi. I could hear the rain pouring outside but that didn't stop me from running out the door to Misao's place.
I arrived at the Makimachi residence soaking wet and holding the picture tightly in my hand. I was breathing heavily from running so fast here. I banged on the door loudly waking the occupants inside. As the door opened I barged inside nearly knocking a tired Misao over. She was now only dressed in a tank top and small shorts that showed off her curves immensely.
"Where's your father?" I asked forcefully.
"In the study upstairs why?" I hadn't answered her as I climbed the steps two at a time. Misao was right behind me cursing away. I completely ignored her and walked straight into the study across from the stairs.
"Hello Aoshi, what do I have the pleasure of your visit at this hour of the night?" I stormed towards the desk and slammed my hand down on the desk that had the photo.
"For starters you can tell me about my father and why you have never told me that you knew him Mr. Makimachi."
"What!" Misao's voice came from behind us. I looked back to see her eyes filled with anger at her father.
"Misao please leave us alone." She had turned silently around and closed the door behind her. My gaze turned back to Mr. Makimachi as he had begun his story about how his late wife and my mother were best friends. He and my father were in business together until Mr. Makimachi had found out my father was ripping him off. He had let it slide for awhile until the business went down hill and soon they became bankrupt. In the end he had reported my father to the police and my mother was extremely upset and frightened that something may happened to her and I. So we were taken to live with the Makimachi's until everything calmed down. That's when my mother had begun to get sick. Soon the cops were tracking down my father but he took the easy way out by killing himself and leaving my mother and I behind to pay for all his mess. I felt extreme hatred towards him and would never call him my father again. I only respected the fact that my mother loved him and that I was created. He was never there for us so why should I even give him a second thought.
I walked out into the hall in a daze and closed Mr. Makimachi's door behind me. I noticed that Misao was sitting on the floor waiting for me. She suddenly stood up and although she'd never admit to it later she had concern written all over her face. She grabbed my wrist and led me down the hall. To my surprise I actually followed willingly.
"I know you might not want to tell me what happened yet or at all, but I hope this will help cheer you up." She opened a door for me and pushed me inside. I glance around to notice this must be her bedroom. I look around the room to notice it is bigger then mum's place. What caught my attention is all the photos plastered on the walls. I walk to one of the walls and notice many faces. I recognise them as the students at school. Misao has caught them on camera in particular strange facial expressions. There are also general photos as well. I turn to look at her and she is still standing at the doorway watching me.
"I have a habit of taking photo's. Some are quite nice while others are pretty funny." She moves her hand as if allowing me to wonder in her room. I notice a few pictures on the wall are of Megumi, Kaoru, Sano and Kenshin. I laugh at some of the expressions shown there. I keep walking around the room to see certain ones of Misao growing up with just her father. I find a particular one that I love and place my hand on it. It's a very young Misao in a school uniform with her hair in pigtails crying her eyes out as she has fallen over and scraped her knee. I look back to Misao and notice she is standing beside me looking at what I have been staring at for so long.
"Oh yeah that…" She blushes lightly and turns away in embarrassment. I get closer to the end and notice this wall isn't completely finished yet but I reach the end and look at the photos here. I am in awe as Misao has captured many beautiful scenic views. I notice the photos at the end are quite recent as they are of my mother. I gaze at the many photos and notice that Misao has captured my mother laughing or smiling. I sink to the floor and sit on my knees looking at the pictures in front of me. I've never seen her so happy before…
"If you don't want them up there I can take them down." I turn my head to look over my shoulder at Misao and see she is hugging herself as though afraid I'll tell her not to have them up there.
"No I like them. Besides maybe I should get some copies of these and show them to the others. It would be so funny to see the look on their faces if they saw these. Then you could take a photo of those expressions." I chuckled lightly and stood up turning around to face Misao. I walked towards Misao and placed my hands on her shoulders.
"You're right, it did make me feel better. Thank you Misao." Before I knew what I was doing I hugged her. Misao grew tense in my arms and I was about to let go when she wrapped her small arms around my waist and placed her cheek on my chest. We were in the embrace for a few seconds when she pushed me away.
"Gross, you're all wet!" She moved to the bathroom to change her now damp clothing. I laughed at this and she threw me a towel out of the door and then closed it shut. Since we were alone in her room this gave me an idea.
"Would you like to have your first training lesson?" I said while taking off my shirt and placing it on the balcony rail so it could dry. I placed the towel around my neck and sat in the middle of the room waiting for her to return. Even though my eyes were closed I could feel her presence getting closer to me as she was trying to be sneaky. I opened my eyes, grabbed her arm before she could do anything and soon tripped her up as she landed on the floor noisily.
"Hey! That's unfair! How'd you do that?" She asked irritated at me.
"This will be your first lesson. Feeling the presence of another." I lifted her into a seated position and placed my hands on her shoulders, which immediately tensed up as her large blue eyes stared into mine questioningly.
"Close your eyes and relax." I was amazed that she had complied with what I said. I rose to my feet and began to wander the room silently looking at her belongings. I noticed she wasn't concentrating at all as she didn't sense I was still in the room as she began to talk in a sarcastic tone to herself not knowing that I was listening to her every word.
"Close your eyes and relax he says. Yeah right. How the hell am I suppose to do that, when he's half-naked in my room. This is so stupid! I can't believe I even listened to him. What the hell has he done to me? What happened to the cold Misao?" I moved closer to her and placed my mouth at her ear.
"Stop talking!" I said in a hushed yet forceful tone and it scarred the crap out of her as she screamed. She turned to look at me crouching behind her as she tried to control her heavy breathing.
"If you value your life I suggest you don't try and do that again!" Misao scowled me. I watched as she blushed beautifully, as she now knew I had heard everything she said. I smirked and stood up, not pressing the matter any further on what she had said before and offered her a hand to help her up. She took it and I turned her around so her back was facing me.
"Fall backwards." I state plainly at her.
"What?" she turned around to look at me again. I forced her back around and began talking again.
"Just a little truth test between us. Don't worry I'll catch you. Now fall backwards." I say with more order in my voice and she silently nods. She begins to fall and I catch her just before she hits the ground.
"You asshole!" She states plainly at me and smacks my arm angrily.
"Hey I said I'd catch you and I did. I never said when I was going to catch you." I began to chuckle and watch Misao get up and stand determinedly in front of me with her hands on her hips.
"A truth test between us. Stand up, turn around and fall backwards." She commands me to do as she points her finger down at me.
"I'm too heavy for you to catch. If I was lighter or you stronger I'd gladly do it then." I stand and watch her grab a huge cushion and place it in front of me. I supposed this was to break my fall if she couldn't hold me. Boy she was determined to do this. I sighed and knew I wasn't going to get out of this.
"All right then." I looked at her and realised her face held sheer delight as she clapped her hands together and then steadied herself to catch me. I turned around and knew this was going to sting. I fell backwards and felt her small hands try to hold me up but she soon let out a small squeal and we both fell to the ground unsuccessfully. Her long legs were spread out to the sides as my head lay in her lap, her arms under my armpits crossing over my bare chest.
"Whoops. I guess you were right. Um does anything hurt?" She asked me shyly as though she was sorry for making me go through with it.
"Yeah my ass totally missed the pillow." I said while laughing softly. I closed my eyes but they soon snapped open as I looked up at Misao brushing away my bangs and placing a light kiss on my forehead.
"I'm sorry." She stated weakly at me and turned her flushed gaze away from me. I got out of her lap, her arms dropping away and sat in front of her. I reached out and cupped her face with my larger hands and placed my lips on hers. She immediately tensed but soon relaxed as her hands wound around my neck and she pressed her young body into mine. I have now confirmed that Misao has another side to her, a softer and much sweeter side. I hugged her furiously and continued to kiss her possessively as she was showing it to me. Moments latter we pulled apart to catch our breaths.
"What have you done to me?" Misao said shyly and looked into my eyes while blushing cutely.
"I guess there is two sides to everyone." Hoping this would sort of explain what I meant. Misao nodded her head at me and left my embrace.
"It's late. I think you should go, we have school tomorrow." I silently nod at her and leave her room. I stopped at the bottom of the stairs when I heard Misao call my name. I turned and noticed she was holding my shirt and my coat that I had forgotten about. I began to ascend the stairs again and she handed them to me.
"I was wandering where I had left this." Indicating to my coat. I looked into her blue eyes intensely and she gave me that cute smile she had displayed a couple of days ago.
"Sorry, I just have to do this." I had said to her.
"Do wh-" I had interrupted her talking by crushing her in my embrace and placing my lips on hers again. I couldn't help it. She was just too damn cute. What had Misao done to me? She placed slight pressure on my shoulders as she groaned in frustration as I was much taller then her. I smirked against her mouth and then realised her. I stared down into sparkling eyes looking up at me. Her lips were swollen and her cheeks slightly flushed. She was…beautiful…
"I'll see you in school tomorrow Misao."
"I actually won't be their tomorrow. I've got some family things to attend to." She said quietly at me her eyes glancing down to peer at her bare feet.
"Really, like what?" I asked her in interest.
"Oh just stuff." I narrow my eyes at the way she was acting now. After what we just shared moments ago, now she chose the time to clam up.
"I see…" I stated at her defeated. Her protective walls were back up again. I didn't turn around to look at her and just walked out the door and down the street to my house. I knew something was wrong so I decided I'd follow her to where she was going to go. If she wasn't going to tell me I was going to find out myself.