Author's Note: Wow, I can't believe how you all responded to my plea. You guys are wonderful! -_-' Honestly, I didn't think I did that well with Misao. Well, my second plea: Help with Chou! I can't get his accent down, and I hardly know he frickin' personality. *mutters something about empty assassins* Sorry to keep you from the story.
Chou: Uneasy Acquaintances:"OHAYO!" came the overly enthusiastic voice of the one and only-
"Misao-chan!" Aiteru shouted as she jumped to her feet. "Ohayo, ready for breakfast?" she asked as she tugged on Misao's hand toward the embers of the fire.
Chou glanced at Soujiro, as the girls entered the mindless chatter similar to the one of the previous night before he forced Aiteru, who's health was already in bad condition, to go to sleep. Chou's glare was returned by an apologetic smile from the now rurouni. Chou snorted as he went back to his food. There was no point in getting Soujiro to leave now that Aiteru knew he was here.
Misao, he could deal with. He was used to her inhuman level of energy, her obsession with being a ninja. But he didn't like Soujiro.
He could hardly stand the kid when he worked for Shishio. Always smiling like there ain't nothing to be worried about. His horrendous ease with killing. Chou was also uncomfortable around someone he used to take orders from. He also did not like the fact that Soujiro's presence gave Aiteru more things to worry about now. She had enough to worry about even before coming on this vacation.
Soujiro certainly presented more trouble than his prodigious talents could amend for. Yet Himura was confident he was on his way of reform. Chou grumbled to himself as he glared at Soujiro, who was busy watching the two girls clean up. Shishio's stinkin' errand boy still got it made. Never had to worry about money or nothin'.
As everyone got up to continue their hike to Hokkaido, Chou positioned himself behind the three. He could never get used to Soujiro, and the girls' energetic talking.
"Ever feel left out?"
Chou practically jumped. He turned and was shocked to see Misao walking beside him in a quiet and reserved manner. He was so absorbed in watching Soujiro that he hadn't even noticed Misao drop back. Remembering her question, he raised an eyebrow. Last I noticed, Misao was laughing with Aiteru. "'Course," he responded simply.
Misao remained quiet as she watched Aiteru talk excitedly with Soujiro, who became her new confidant. "Feel replaced? Jealous?"
"No," Misao quickly answered. Chou only raised an eyebrow.
"Well… I mean I understand that they haven't seen each other in so long. But it just sort of upsets me, you know? I mean, Soujiro came back to her and things are just like before. But when Aoshi came back… things just… changed…" Misao sighed. "I feel like I missed out."
Chou nodded. Soujiro took Aoshi from her, and is now taking her best friend from her too. Feeling his own past despair when he had nothing after the defeat of Shishio, Chou smiled as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "I know the feeling…"
Author's Note:
Yes, I'm on a ranting rampage, but that's not the point!!! I'm sorry I didn't get in any Soujiro/Misao. It's Chou for heaven's sake! He isn't into lovey-dovey stuff! That's why there's another chapter! BUT you can't read it until you tell me how to improve Chou!!!! You people are evil you know that?! EVIL! I don't want Misao going after Soujiro yet! She's not going to miraculously drop Aoshi out of her life just 'cause Soujiro showed up!!!
Kyouhi: I'm sorry about my 'mu' thing, but it's some Greek letter I picked up. But thanks anyway, I'll keep 'mou' in mind. ^-^ I like your hypothesis, but I am not doing Aiteru and Chou! Chou actually looks old, and Aiteru's only 16 like Misao! Thanks for your review! It helps so much! I'm weaseling in Misao and Soujiro in the next chappie!
Ru: THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your critique really surprised me. But it helps a lot! I guess I messed up with Aiteru, I'll try to keep her as a different identity from Misao, but the fact that she's a 'carbon-copy' might play a part… *evil ideas spawning* I don't want Soujiro to be like Kenshin! He should be different! Thank you so much! Your treat will come in the next chapter! I couldn't work it in this one. -_-' (And no, I wasn't going to do it from someone else's POV!)
^_^ : Aiteru isn't going to be the love interest of Soujiro, I don't want to scare you… at least not that way. *evil grin* Misao+Chou, now that's a twist I doubt anyone will see coming! But alas, give the public what they want… Misao and Soujiro Forever! Thanks for reviewing! I hope you like the updates!
Animeluverthatiam: Thanks for your help! (No sarcasm meant!) I won't call you master anymore. My sense of humor is very different from lots of people. And my obsession has turned to *quickly does eeny-meeny-miny-moe* BAKURA! *evil laughter* Evil people are cool! Come back okay?! I know you hate me, but *sniffles* COME BACK and help me! ^_~ Ja ne!