A/N: Okay, after thinking about it, I decided to write a dance scene. (Thanks, Daiji!) It's not as intense as the one Catherine Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas had in The Mask of Zorro, but that's okay. ^_^
Padding carefully through the hall of the clinic, Aoshi paused for a minute as a wave of dizziness came over his head. He had been asleep for nearly a day. He could feel his strength slowly returning, but considering how long he had been in bed, it would take a few more hours or so to adjust. Closing his eyes, he leaned back against the wall.
The sound of a door sliding caused his eyes to snap open. He tilted his head slightly to see Megumi emerge from her room, dressed in a long-sleeved blouse which buttoned at the throat with a blue brooch and a long green skirt. Her dark hair was left down, falling like a curtain over her shoulders. She caught sight of him as she was placing a cape on.
"Aoshi." Her lips turned up in a smile. "Are you feeling any better?"
"Aa. Thank you...again," he added after a little hesitation. "I see you have an important engagement to attend..."
Megumi shrugged her shoulders, which seemed much more slender without the layers of her kimono and doctor's smock. "The university is having a lecture all day...several doctors from America, Europe, and China will be there. It's an opportunity to learn about the different medical practices of countries. Kazumi-sensei and I will be representing the practices in Aizu."
He nodded once. "Good luck..."
***
Aoshi let out a breath before he continued writing. As part of his investigation, he had to write a clear and concise report of all the events that had happened. He wrote down everything that he remembered, summaries of his conversations with Jiro, his physician, his attacker, everything he could think of. Aoshi paused.
Jiro. What was his role in all of this? Yes, he originally created the poison, but who else knew the formula? Jiro had been missing for nearly a week now. Was he still alive?
Frowning slightly, he lifted his cup of tea. With the cup halfway to his lips, Megumi partially entered the room, bracing herself against the doorframe, taking a deep, shaky breath. She lowered her head, staring at the floor. It would be one of the few occasions he had ever seen her look upset and vulnerable. Takani Megumi was very good at keeping appearances. No wonder. She rarely let anyone see beneath the surface.
"How was the lecture?" Aoshi asked quietly.
She gasped, clutching the doorframe in shock. "Aoshi...I...I didn't realize you were here..."
"My apologies if I startled you," he said softly.
"It's all right..." she waved her her hand in dismissal. "It's been a long day..."
He was tempted to ask her what had happened, but he remained quiet.
"May I join you?" she asked quietly.
He nodded. Megumi sat across from him and poured herself a cup of tea. He watched her every movement from beneath the shadows of his bangs. After taking a sip of tea, the tension in her shoulders eased, and her eyes trailed to the table. Sighing, she removed the cape around her shoulders, the brooch that tightly held the top of her blouse together. Then she unbuttoned the cuffs of her blouse and rolled them up. It was as if the Western outfit she was wearing was uncomfortable and confining.
"The lecture didn't go very well today...at least to me," Megumi began without preamble. Something flickered in her eyes. Anger? Frustration? "Fifty physicians and not even one percent of them were women. Throughout my lecture, all I received were mocking questions."
He arched a brow.
If she expected a response, she gave no indication. She continued speaking, "So many still refuse to believe that herbs do have healing power. They're caught up in magical elixirs and potions that don't work..." Then her eyes narrowed to slits. "What's worse...a young physician from Tokyo brought up my past...asking why any of the physicians should trust a former criminal..." She sighed, looking away. "Kazumi-sensei came to my defense...The Takani family have been doctors in Aizu for many generations...But...it didn't help at all. I'm not surprised at people's ignorance..."
He was reminded again of their history. And he felt partially to blame. She was being discredited because of her past with Kanryu. And he had made sure that she had a past with Kanryu to begin with.
"Takani-sensei..." he spoke up. "I..." He didn't even know where to start.
Her eyes widened as she looked at him. "I don't blame you, if that's what you were thinking..."
He wondered how she gained such insight. Was he that easy to read?
"What happened is in the past," she said softly. "It's behind me now."
He released a breath that he hadn't realized he was holding in. When she came to the Aoiya after Himura's battle at Shishio's headquarters, she had treated the injured Oniwabanshu, himself included. She was very surprised to learn he was there. Afterwards, though, someone had apparently told her what had happened, because she showed less surprise and less fear at the sight of him.
In his opinion, Takani Megumi was an excellent physician. He had not only experienced it first hand, but he had also seen what she had done to help her friends after a battle. While she would not let the opinions of ignorant young doctors bother her, he just knew that it stung, knowing that she could never fit into a profession that was primarily for men. They would always mock her, either for her past, her youth which dictated little experience, or...her looks. They would never take her seriously. And regardless of that, she would continue to help patients in any way she could. She would bring a smile to a child's face. She would receive a breathless thank you from an old woman who couldn't afford medicine. She would receive tears of gratitude from a mother holding her newborn. No matter who doubted her abilities, she would continue to be the best physician possible because she believed in what she did. Takani Megumi really was a remarkable woman.
"What matters is that you help those who need you. Others' opinions shouldn't matter," he said quietly. Then he added with a hint of a smile, "But you already knew that..."
She smiled back. For a moment, the room was suddenly filled with some...some feeling he couldn't name. Pushing the thought to the back of his mind, he sipped his tea and reviewed his notes.
"Megumi-sensei, there's someone here to see you," Ayu's voice called out. Soon she came into view in the doorway, two women dressed in Western attire standing behind her.
"Thank you," Megumi responded, rising to her feet and moving forward. He followed.
Once her assistant left, they got a closer look at the two women. One had gold hair piled in ringlets atop her head, her blue eyes wide with curiosity. The other...was a petite Japanese woman with friendly eyes.
"Can I help you?"
The Japanese woman introduced the woman with gold hair as her employer, Amelia Westfield, a physician in America. They exchanged greetings and introductions.
"I will leave you three to talk..." Aoshi said, turning slightly.
"No, it's all right...Shinomori-san. What we have to say won't take long..." Hotari said.
The American woman began speaking. Aoshi could tell by the sincere tone of voice and warmth in her eyes that she came as a friend, not as an enemy. He could barely understand what she was saying, but he clearly picked up the words female doctors, admire, and knowledge.
"Amelia-sensei was very fascinated by your lecture today at the university," Hotari began. "It brings her great joy to know that female doctors are emerging in different parts of the world. She admires your work and would like to hear more about it. Perhaps set up correspondence and exchange knowledge."
Megumi blinked and a rush of pleasure filled her eyes. "Thank you very much...I...I would like that..."
Hotari fished through her purse. "The details can be worked out later...Amelia-sensei's uncle is an American ambassador staying here in Aizu. He's holding a celebration tommorow night..." She held out an invitation. "We'd like for you both to join us. We'll even provide transportation."
Aoshi was mildly surprised...Megumi even more so, judging by the expression on her face.
"Aoshi?" she prompted.
He nodded.
The American doctor beamed as Hotari clapped her hands in delight.
"Excellent! Let me give you directions and describe the dress code..."
***
"Are you sure this is wise?" Kei asked. "Shinomori-san's been out of bed barely two days..."
Megumi saw Aoshi pause as he hung a blue tie around his neck.
"He heals faster than most, Kei-nii. I recommended bed rest, but not too much. And I doubt he'll be doing any strenuous activity..."
Kei looked in his direction. "Just be careful..."
"We're going to an embassy, not a battlefield," Megumi pulled a loose thread from the sleeve of her lavendar dress.
Her brother studied her critically. "Are all Western gowns so...revealing?"
Megumi sighed. The skirt, which flared out, reached the floor. The neckline of her gown was squarecut, exposing her collarbone and throat, hinting at her feminine curves but hardly putting them on display. Her sleeves flowed, strongly resembling those on a kimono. She had pinned her hair up, with several tendrils framing her face. Purple stones dangled from her ears. Megumi had chosen the outfit since it was the most comfortable. Western clothing could be so constricting. Especially corsets. She refused to wear one.
Distinct sounds of horse hooves echoed outside.
"Your carriage is here," Kei announced, apparently forgetting her outfit. "I'll go outside and greet the driver."
"Are you ready?" Megumi turned to Aoshi, who nodded.
Megumi's eyes widened slightly at the striking image he formed. He wore black boots, charcoal gray pants with matching blazer, white collared shirt and blue tie. Whether he donned a shinobi gi or Western suit, he still held a commanding presence. She placed a cape around her shoulders and headed outside.
"You two enjoy yourselves," Kei said after they got inside the small carriage.
Megumi waved at her brother as the driver took off. Once the clinic was no longer in view, she sat back, looking at the man seated across from her, who was pensively staring out the window.
"Thank you for coming," Megumi spoke up. "I could use the company. Hotari-san encouraged me to bring whomever I wished, but my brother might be needed at the clinic in case of emergency."
"Hotari-san extended an invitation," Aoshi responded. "Besides, one never knows what kind of information can be provided at gatherings like these."
"Always the spy," she said, humor lacing her voice.
He glanced at her before turning his attention back outside. They sat in silence for a while before he spoke up again. "Have you heard from Jiro?"
"Not yet," Megumi answered.
"I have questions to ask him...This needs to be settled as soon as possible. I don't like being away from Kyoto for too long..."
"You didn't seem too eager to go back several days ago," Megumi pointed out gently.
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"For whatever reason, it's your business, but I'm sure Okina-san would like to hear what you've found. And Misao-chan must be worried about you. She'll always be concerned when it comes to you..."
He was silent for the rest of the ride to the embassy.
***
"You look bored," a soft breathy voice entered his ear.
Aoshi looked up to see a woman dressed in a wide, off-the-shoulder gown sitting next to him. Who was she again? He had been introduced to her several hours ago...That's right...She was the daughter of a visiting military officer. While he admired the fact that she spoke his language, that was all that caught his attention.
"Not exactly..."
"Where is your companion?" she asked.
Aoshi didn't answer. He didn't really know the answer, anyway. The woman, apparently miffed at his lack of response, left. Megumi was probably discussing her work with the American doctor. Either that, or dancing with a gentleman. He hadn't missed the appreciative glances several men had sent in her direction. It reminded him of the ways the ex-gangster used to look at her whenever he was around the both of them. Briefly, he wondered if they ever had a relationship. Then he frowned. It wasn't his business. Just like Misao wasn't the lady doctor's.
He knew there was a good reason on why he had attended this party...he had overheard several conversations. Some mentioned fighting techniques of different militaries around the world, ailments of other parts of the world, scientific advances...such gatherings were always full of information. Collecting knowledge was his specialty. He'd have to remember to record the information he learned.
He looked up to see Megumi take the seat next to him.
"I hope you're enjoying yourself," she said. "Amelia-sensei, Hotari-san and I were continuing our discussion from the clinic."
He nodded. She seemed to be in better spirits.
"Have you ever attended a party like this before?" Megumi asked, folding her hands in her lap.
"I did guard one once," he answered finally. "That was a very short employment..."
"Oh?"
"My employer didn't take too kindly to uninvited guests...the ones who appeared at his parties tended to destroy his mansion in the process."
"I'm surprised...the Oniwabanshu are far more skilled than the average guard. It must have been frustrating to deal with such a meager task," she said quietly.
"It had its good points."
After a moment, she then said softly, "You must miss them very much..."
He said nothing. The musicians began to play a slower tune than what they had been playing for the evening. Aoshi watched as several ladies and gentlemen began to sway to the music. Their steps were fluid and graceful as they glided across the dance floor.
"It's a waltz," Megumi explained, watching him. "It's a European dance."
"I know," he replied. He rose to his feet and extended his hand towards her. At the blank expression on her face, he glanced pointedly towards the dancers before looking at her.
She stared at his outstretched hand for several seconds. "You can waltz?" Megumi's eyes widened.
"You'd be surprised what I know," he said in a low voice. His tone was neither suggestive nor threatening.
"What other surprises do you have?" she quipped. In the past, she reserved her flirtatious nature for Ken-san. It was a pleasant feeling, letting that side out again. It had been a while. She felt comfortable enough with Aoshi to say something like that, knowing that he wouldn't take offense to it.
Once she placed her hand in his, he guided her to the dance floor. She used one hand to hold her skirt up to prevent it from being stepped on, her other hand he lightly held in his. She held her breath as his other hand moved to her shoulderblade.
Megumi had the sneaking suspicion that he didn't dance very much either. Then she felt the slight pressure from the hand that held hers, and the hand at her back loosen as he moved a step towards her, and she moved a step back in response.
He was surprisingly good...For a man who spent his life training to move undetected, he was easy to read and follow. She tried to hold back a smile, but it was useless. At the same time, she felt...anxiety? Excitement?
For the first few minutes, she concentrated on her steps. "Where did you learn to waltz?" she asked suddenly.
"Watching," he responded.
"Honestly?"
He nodded. "It's a simple dance. Alternating foot placement, addition of turns to give the dance variety..."
"You make it sound like a martial art."
"Dancing and martial arts have many similarities," he responded easily.
When she thought about it, it made sense. Megumi realized she wasn't even concentrating on her steps anymore. They just naturally moved with the music.
"You're being watched," Aoshi said, his eyes glancing over her head.
He manuevered them so that she could see whose eyes were on her. Amelia and Hotari smiled at her, waving. Megumi nodded her head in acknowledgment. Distracted momentarily, she didn't step back when he moved forward. Her breath caught as he grew very still. Several inches separated them, yet the warmth of his body curled around her. Her gaze met his as if she was looking at him for the first time. Maybe she was. Uncertainty flickered in his eyes. Abruptly, he dropped his hands
She took a step back. It wasn't as if she was bashful when it came to men. But this...this was Shinomori Aoshi and she wasn't sure how to handle this. Pasting a smile on her face, she spoke up, "I must be feeling tired...Perhaps we should head back to the clinic?"
Judging by his expression, he didn't buy it. But he nodded.
"I'll freshen up first," she said quickly.
"I'll wait for you near the front..." he said over his shoulder as he turned to walk away.
Ten minutes later, Aoshi glanced toward the hallway leading to the heart of the embassy. His eyes turned to the grandfather clock propped against the wall.
She's been gone for too long...he thought. A sinking feeling crept inside of him. He swallowed, unable to fight his intuition, this knowledge that something had gone very, very wrong...
Aoshi briskly walked in the direction of the men and ladies' rooms. The hall was empty, half lit by lamps connected to walls and the crystal chandelier that hung high in the ceiling. Aoshi surveyed the area. Something was definitely wrong...
A sparkle caught his eye. Aoshi walked over. Several steps in front of the ladies room was Megumi's earring. He bent to pick it up, glancing at the door of the ladies' room. Then he knocked on the door. No response. He knocked again, louder this time. Silence.
Propriety aside, he opened the door and kept his eyes averted. "Takani-sensei?"
Silence. The wind gently fluttered the curtain across the hallway. Aoshi's eyes narrowed slightly. He walked silently towards the window, moving the delicate material aside. That particular window was the only one open.
That feeling had intensified. He looked at the earring he held in his hand.
***
Megumi's eyes fluttered open. What happened? Where was she? Why couldn't she move her arms? It took several moments, but she soon realized that her arms were bound behind her back. She was...in a carriage? Curtains blocked out the moon, she couldn't see where the carriage was going. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she could see the form of a man sitting across from her. His features were concealed in the shadows. She swallowed fiercely, a sliver of fear coursing through her, causing her heart to pound.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. Don't you agree?" a voice spoke up.
Megumi paled at the sound of his voice, her scream muffled by the kerchief tied over her mouth. No...no...it can't be...! she cried inwardly.
A/N: Okay, I hate the waltz. I much prefer the Latin Ballroom dancing, mainly because I cannot do that stupid weight shift on the balls of your feet thing! I look like a hopping rabbit. Oh yeah, and thank you Disney, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty make it look SO graceful. ^_^ Originally I was going to have Megumi drag him on the dance floor, but I thought it'd be more interesting if he took the initiative.
I didn't plan on making this an Aoshi/Megumi fic...but the idea's grown on me. So here's my addition to the few Aoshi/Megumi fics out there! *cheers*
Padding carefully through the hall of the clinic, Aoshi paused for a minute as a wave of dizziness came over his head. He had been asleep for nearly a day. He could feel his strength slowly returning, but considering how long he had been in bed, it would take a few more hours or so to adjust. Closing his eyes, he leaned back against the wall.
The sound of a door sliding caused his eyes to snap open. He tilted his head slightly to see Megumi emerge from her room, dressed in a long-sleeved blouse which buttoned at the throat with a blue brooch and a long green skirt. Her dark hair was left down, falling like a curtain over her shoulders. She caught sight of him as she was placing a cape on.
"Aoshi." Her lips turned up in a smile. "Are you feeling any better?"
"Aa. Thank you...again," he added after a little hesitation. "I see you have an important engagement to attend..."
Megumi shrugged her shoulders, which seemed much more slender without the layers of her kimono and doctor's smock. "The university is having a lecture all day...several doctors from America, Europe, and China will be there. It's an opportunity to learn about the different medical practices of countries. Kazumi-sensei and I will be representing the practices in Aizu."
He nodded once. "Good luck..."
***
Aoshi let out a breath before he continued writing. As part of his investigation, he had to write a clear and concise report of all the events that had happened. He wrote down everything that he remembered, summaries of his conversations with Jiro, his physician, his attacker, everything he could think of. Aoshi paused.
Jiro. What was his role in all of this? Yes, he originally created the poison, but who else knew the formula? Jiro had been missing for nearly a week now. Was he still alive?
Frowning slightly, he lifted his cup of tea. With the cup halfway to his lips, Megumi partially entered the room, bracing herself against the doorframe, taking a deep, shaky breath. She lowered her head, staring at the floor. It would be one of the few occasions he had ever seen her look upset and vulnerable. Takani Megumi was very good at keeping appearances. No wonder. She rarely let anyone see beneath the surface.
"How was the lecture?" Aoshi asked quietly.
She gasped, clutching the doorframe in shock. "Aoshi...I...I didn't realize you were here..."
"My apologies if I startled you," he said softly.
"It's all right..." she waved her her hand in dismissal. "It's been a long day..."
He was tempted to ask her what had happened, but he remained quiet.
"May I join you?" she asked quietly.
He nodded. Megumi sat across from him and poured herself a cup of tea. He watched her every movement from beneath the shadows of his bangs. After taking a sip of tea, the tension in her shoulders eased, and her eyes trailed to the table. Sighing, she removed the cape around her shoulders, the brooch that tightly held the top of her blouse together. Then she unbuttoned the cuffs of her blouse and rolled them up. It was as if the Western outfit she was wearing was uncomfortable and confining.
"The lecture didn't go very well today...at least to me," Megumi began without preamble. Something flickered in her eyes. Anger? Frustration? "Fifty physicians and not even one percent of them were women. Throughout my lecture, all I received were mocking questions."
He arched a brow.
If she expected a response, she gave no indication. She continued speaking, "So many still refuse to believe that herbs do have healing power. They're caught up in magical elixirs and potions that don't work..." Then her eyes narrowed to slits. "What's worse...a young physician from Tokyo brought up my past...asking why any of the physicians should trust a former criminal..." She sighed, looking away. "Kazumi-sensei came to my defense...The Takani family have been doctors in Aizu for many generations...But...it didn't help at all. I'm not surprised at people's ignorance..."
He was reminded again of their history. And he felt partially to blame. She was being discredited because of her past with Kanryu. And he had made sure that she had a past with Kanryu to begin with.
"Takani-sensei..." he spoke up. "I..." He didn't even know where to start.
Her eyes widened as she looked at him. "I don't blame you, if that's what you were thinking..."
He wondered how she gained such insight. Was he that easy to read?
"What happened is in the past," she said softly. "It's behind me now."
He released a breath that he hadn't realized he was holding in. When she came to the Aoiya after Himura's battle at Shishio's headquarters, she had treated the injured Oniwabanshu, himself included. She was very surprised to learn he was there. Afterwards, though, someone had apparently told her what had happened, because she showed less surprise and less fear at the sight of him.
In his opinion, Takani Megumi was an excellent physician. He had not only experienced it first hand, but he had also seen what she had done to help her friends after a battle. While she would not let the opinions of ignorant young doctors bother her, he just knew that it stung, knowing that she could never fit into a profession that was primarily for men. They would always mock her, either for her past, her youth which dictated little experience, or...her looks. They would never take her seriously. And regardless of that, she would continue to help patients in any way she could. She would bring a smile to a child's face. She would receive a breathless thank you from an old woman who couldn't afford medicine. She would receive tears of gratitude from a mother holding her newborn. No matter who doubted her abilities, she would continue to be the best physician possible because she believed in what she did. Takani Megumi really was a remarkable woman.
"What matters is that you help those who need you. Others' opinions shouldn't matter," he said quietly. Then he added with a hint of a smile, "But you already knew that..."
She smiled back. For a moment, the room was suddenly filled with some...some feeling he couldn't name. Pushing the thought to the back of his mind, he sipped his tea and reviewed his notes.
"Megumi-sensei, there's someone here to see you," Ayu's voice called out. Soon she came into view in the doorway, two women dressed in Western attire standing behind her.
"Thank you," Megumi responded, rising to her feet and moving forward. He followed.
Once her assistant left, they got a closer look at the two women. One had gold hair piled in ringlets atop her head, her blue eyes wide with curiosity. The other...was a petite Japanese woman with friendly eyes.
"Can I help you?"
The Japanese woman introduced the woman with gold hair as her employer, Amelia Westfield, a physician in America. They exchanged greetings and introductions.
"I will leave you three to talk..." Aoshi said, turning slightly.
"No, it's all right...Shinomori-san. What we have to say won't take long..." Hotari said.
The American woman began speaking. Aoshi could tell by the sincere tone of voice and warmth in her eyes that she came as a friend, not as an enemy. He could barely understand what she was saying, but he clearly picked up the words female doctors, admire, and knowledge.
"Amelia-sensei was very fascinated by your lecture today at the university," Hotari began. "It brings her great joy to know that female doctors are emerging in different parts of the world. She admires your work and would like to hear more about it. Perhaps set up correspondence and exchange knowledge."
Megumi blinked and a rush of pleasure filled her eyes. "Thank you very much...I...I would like that..."
Hotari fished through her purse. "The details can be worked out later...Amelia-sensei's uncle is an American ambassador staying here in Aizu. He's holding a celebration tommorow night..." She held out an invitation. "We'd like for you both to join us. We'll even provide transportation."
Aoshi was mildly surprised...Megumi even more so, judging by the expression on her face.
"Aoshi?" she prompted.
He nodded.
The American doctor beamed as Hotari clapped her hands in delight.
"Excellent! Let me give you directions and describe the dress code..."
***
"Are you sure this is wise?" Kei asked. "Shinomori-san's been out of bed barely two days..."
Megumi saw Aoshi pause as he hung a blue tie around his neck.
"He heals faster than most, Kei-nii. I recommended bed rest, but not too much. And I doubt he'll be doing any strenuous activity..."
Kei looked in his direction. "Just be careful..."
"We're going to an embassy, not a battlefield," Megumi pulled a loose thread from the sleeve of her lavendar dress.
Her brother studied her critically. "Are all Western gowns so...revealing?"
Megumi sighed. The skirt, which flared out, reached the floor. The neckline of her gown was squarecut, exposing her collarbone and throat, hinting at her feminine curves but hardly putting them on display. Her sleeves flowed, strongly resembling those on a kimono. She had pinned her hair up, with several tendrils framing her face. Purple stones dangled from her ears. Megumi had chosen the outfit since it was the most comfortable. Western clothing could be so constricting. Especially corsets. She refused to wear one.
Distinct sounds of horse hooves echoed outside.
"Your carriage is here," Kei announced, apparently forgetting her outfit. "I'll go outside and greet the driver."
"Are you ready?" Megumi turned to Aoshi, who nodded.
Megumi's eyes widened slightly at the striking image he formed. He wore black boots, charcoal gray pants with matching blazer, white collared shirt and blue tie. Whether he donned a shinobi gi or Western suit, he still held a commanding presence. She placed a cape around her shoulders and headed outside.
"You two enjoy yourselves," Kei said after they got inside the small carriage.
Megumi waved at her brother as the driver took off. Once the clinic was no longer in view, she sat back, looking at the man seated across from her, who was pensively staring out the window.
"Thank you for coming," Megumi spoke up. "I could use the company. Hotari-san encouraged me to bring whomever I wished, but my brother might be needed at the clinic in case of emergency."
"Hotari-san extended an invitation," Aoshi responded. "Besides, one never knows what kind of information can be provided at gatherings like these."
"Always the spy," she said, humor lacing her voice.
He glanced at her before turning his attention back outside. They sat in silence for a while before he spoke up again. "Have you heard from Jiro?"
"Not yet," Megumi answered.
"I have questions to ask him...This needs to be settled as soon as possible. I don't like being away from Kyoto for too long..."
"You didn't seem too eager to go back several days ago," Megumi pointed out gently.
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"For whatever reason, it's your business, but I'm sure Okina-san would like to hear what you've found. And Misao-chan must be worried about you. She'll always be concerned when it comes to you..."
He was silent for the rest of the ride to the embassy.
***
"You look bored," a soft breathy voice entered his ear.
Aoshi looked up to see a woman dressed in a wide, off-the-shoulder gown sitting next to him. Who was she again? He had been introduced to her several hours ago...That's right...She was the daughter of a visiting military officer. While he admired the fact that she spoke his language, that was all that caught his attention.
"Not exactly..."
"Where is your companion?" she asked.
Aoshi didn't answer. He didn't really know the answer, anyway. The woman, apparently miffed at his lack of response, left. Megumi was probably discussing her work with the American doctor. Either that, or dancing with a gentleman. He hadn't missed the appreciative glances several men had sent in her direction. It reminded him of the ways the ex-gangster used to look at her whenever he was around the both of them. Briefly, he wondered if they ever had a relationship. Then he frowned. It wasn't his business. Just like Misao wasn't the lady doctor's.
He knew there was a good reason on why he had attended this party...he had overheard several conversations. Some mentioned fighting techniques of different militaries around the world, ailments of other parts of the world, scientific advances...such gatherings were always full of information. Collecting knowledge was his specialty. He'd have to remember to record the information he learned.
He looked up to see Megumi take the seat next to him.
"I hope you're enjoying yourself," she said. "Amelia-sensei, Hotari-san and I were continuing our discussion from the clinic."
He nodded. She seemed to be in better spirits.
"Have you ever attended a party like this before?" Megumi asked, folding her hands in her lap.
"I did guard one once," he answered finally. "That was a very short employment..."
"Oh?"
"My employer didn't take too kindly to uninvited guests...the ones who appeared at his parties tended to destroy his mansion in the process."
"I'm surprised...the Oniwabanshu are far more skilled than the average guard. It must have been frustrating to deal with such a meager task," she said quietly.
"It had its good points."
After a moment, she then said softly, "You must miss them very much..."
He said nothing. The musicians began to play a slower tune than what they had been playing for the evening. Aoshi watched as several ladies and gentlemen began to sway to the music. Their steps were fluid and graceful as they glided across the dance floor.
"It's a waltz," Megumi explained, watching him. "It's a European dance."
"I know," he replied. He rose to his feet and extended his hand towards her. At the blank expression on her face, he glanced pointedly towards the dancers before looking at her.
She stared at his outstretched hand for several seconds. "You can waltz?" Megumi's eyes widened.
"You'd be surprised what I know," he said in a low voice. His tone was neither suggestive nor threatening.
"What other surprises do you have?" she quipped. In the past, she reserved her flirtatious nature for Ken-san. It was a pleasant feeling, letting that side out again. It had been a while. She felt comfortable enough with Aoshi to say something like that, knowing that he wouldn't take offense to it.
Once she placed her hand in his, he guided her to the dance floor. She used one hand to hold her skirt up to prevent it from being stepped on, her other hand he lightly held in his. She held her breath as his other hand moved to her shoulderblade.
Megumi had the sneaking suspicion that he didn't dance very much either. Then she felt the slight pressure from the hand that held hers, and the hand at her back loosen as he moved a step towards her, and she moved a step back in response.
He was surprisingly good...For a man who spent his life training to move undetected, he was easy to read and follow. She tried to hold back a smile, but it was useless. At the same time, she felt...anxiety? Excitement?
For the first few minutes, she concentrated on her steps. "Where did you learn to waltz?" she asked suddenly.
"Watching," he responded.
"Honestly?"
He nodded. "It's a simple dance. Alternating foot placement, addition of turns to give the dance variety..."
"You make it sound like a martial art."
"Dancing and martial arts have many similarities," he responded easily.
When she thought about it, it made sense. Megumi realized she wasn't even concentrating on her steps anymore. They just naturally moved with the music.
"You're being watched," Aoshi said, his eyes glancing over her head.
He manuevered them so that she could see whose eyes were on her. Amelia and Hotari smiled at her, waving. Megumi nodded her head in acknowledgment. Distracted momentarily, she didn't step back when he moved forward. Her breath caught as he grew very still. Several inches separated them, yet the warmth of his body curled around her. Her gaze met his as if she was looking at him for the first time. Maybe she was. Uncertainty flickered in his eyes. Abruptly, he dropped his hands
She took a step back. It wasn't as if she was bashful when it came to men. But this...this was Shinomori Aoshi and she wasn't sure how to handle this. Pasting a smile on her face, she spoke up, "I must be feeling tired...Perhaps we should head back to the clinic?"
Judging by his expression, he didn't buy it. But he nodded.
"I'll freshen up first," she said quickly.
"I'll wait for you near the front..." he said over his shoulder as he turned to walk away.
Ten minutes later, Aoshi glanced toward the hallway leading to the heart of the embassy. His eyes turned to the grandfather clock propped against the wall.
She's been gone for too long...he thought. A sinking feeling crept inside of him. He swallowed, unable to fight his intuition, this knowledge that something had gone very, very wrong...
Aoshi briskly walked in the direction of the men and ladies' rooms. The hall was empty, half lit by lamps connected to walls and the crystal chandelier that hung high in the ceiling. Aoshi surveyed the area. Something was definitely wrong...
A sparkle caught his eye. Aoshi walked over. Several steps in front of the ladies room was Megumi's earring. He bent to pick it up, glancing at the door of the ladies' room. Then he knocked on the door. No response. He knocked again, louder this time. Silence.
Propriety aside, he opened the door and kept his eyes averted. "Takani-sensei?"
Silence. The wind gently fluttered the curtain across the hallway. Aoshi's eyes narrowed slightly. He walked silently towards the window, moving the delicate material aside. That particular window was the only one open.
That feeling had intensified. He looked at the earring he held in his hand.
***
Megumi's eyes fluttered open. What happened? Where was she? Why couldn't she move her arms? It took several moments, but she soon realized that her arms were bound behind her back. She was...in a carriage? Curtains blocked out the moon, she couldn't see where the carriage was going. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she could see the form of a man sitting across from her. His features were concealed in the shadows. She swallowed fiercely, a sliver of fear coursing through her, causing her heart to pound.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. Don't you agree?" a voice spoke up.
Megumi paled at the sound of his voice, her scream muffled by the kerchief tied over her mouth. No...no...it can't be...! she cried inwardly.
A/N: Okay, I hate the waltz. I much prefer the Latin Ballroom dancing, mainly because I cannot do that stupid weight shift on the balls of your feet thing! I look like a hopping rabbit. Oh yeah, and thank you Disney, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty make it look SO graceful. ^_^ Originally I was going to have Megumi drag him on the dance floor, but I thought it'd be more interesting if he took the initiative.
I didn't plan on making this an Aoshi/Megumi fic...but the idea's grown on me. So here's my addition to the few Aoshi/Megumi fics out there! *cheers*