Authors Notes: HI! Noa here again. Thought I'd write a brief on what's going on in this chapter. Okay it might not seem like a lot of Aoshi/Misao interaction but it's only the beginning of the change after all. Anywho I asked the AMML people for ideas on another suitor for Misao and well it was between Katsu, Kamatari and Enishi. Okay I have no clue as to who the hell Katsu is so I ruled him out completely. Kamatari is…too freaky… too girlie for my liking. And I couldn't even imagine Misao going for a girlie-boy anyway. She's a ninja, a tomboy one yes but still! So I ruled him out as well, cause doesn't he want to be with Shishio or something? Anyway Enishi was the last resort too! (Since Sano, Shiro, Kuro and Soujiro have been used and unavailable to come to Tokyo and Sano's with Megumi now!) I needed another female in the ficcie too so guess what, Tomoe was it! Now be warned Tomoe and Enishi are of no relation to each other. Now also be warned Enishi is way out of character, probably everyone in this story is OOC, but hey my ficcie! Anywho back to the point, Enishi and Tomoe are best friends and there is a little tension between Enishi and Kenshin since Tomoe likes flirting with Kenshin. Enishi hates that, since he likes her a little, but not saying anything. Kenshin hates what Tomoe does as well but Kenshin is way too polite and so tries to ignore it instead. Enishi will usually tell her off for flirting with a married man, but she is mainly doing it to get Enishi's attention anyway. Tomoe actually loves Enishi, but Enishi is clueless to this and so he flirts with Misao all the time. He is smitten with Misao but if he knew how Tomoe felt, maybe things would be different… Aoshi doesn't like this and so…the drama begins yet again…
Under the Cherry Tree
Aoshi took a deep breath as he stood out the front of the Himura residence. The cab had driven off awhile ago and yet his legs had frozen him in that one position not moving off the sidewalk to head into the front yard. A few of Kenshin and Kaoru's neighbours passed Aoshi gazing quizzically at him as to why he was standing there like a statue but they kept walking minding their own business. He fisted his hands in frustration and commanded his feet to move as he open the gate and closed it with a small click. Aoshi's hand lifted up ready to knock but the front door opened and Kaoru ushered him inside. He followed her silently as they walked down the hall moving towards the back screen door.
"Ah Aoshi welcome back. It has been a while since I saw you last." Kenshin spoke gently and happily to Aoshi, as he sensed Aoshi's presence before he even made it to the back door.
"Yes it's been a while and I apologise for leaving without telling any of you. It was a split second decision." Aoshi replied walking down the steps to where Kenshin was standing.
"Oh not to worry Aoshi, come sit down and tell me where you've been." Aoshi sat down watching Kenshin clean the barbecue as he waited silently for Aoshi to speak.
"I went back home to see my parents. I just needed some time away from Tokyo, some quality time for myself to think about a few things. How are the classes going?" Aoshi was not ready to tell everybody what he's been thinking these past few weeks. He had changed the subject to make himself feel more comfortable and he knew Kenshin would have noticed this too but he didn't press the matter and just answered Aoshi's question.
"Not to bad Aoshi. We have a few new students and Shido-san and Daisuke-san want to go up another belt colour but I thought I'd better wait for you to come back and then we shall see if they are ready."
"And how did you know I'd be coming back?" Aoshi spoke an eyebrow arched in question as he stared over at Kenshin. He stopped cleaning the hot plate, his violet eyes gazed over at Aoshi as he replied to his question once more.
"Because Misao-san is still in Tokyo waiting for you." Aoshi shifted in the outdoor chair looking everywhere else but his friend. His eyes soon narrowed when soft chuckling escaped Kenshin's lips.
"Why don't you go talk to her? She has been up many nights dreading the worst of what might have happened to you. Why not let her see you and ease her worrying?" Kenshin spoke seriously once more. Aoshi stood up then, his head turning over his shoulder and looking at the closed blinds of the spare room right next to Misao-chan's.
"What would I say to her without upsetting her more?" Aoshi mumbled still starring up at Misao's bedroom.
"Nothing yet, just comfort her. I have heard her cry many nights, mumbling everything was her fault. I know it is not my business but whatever has changed between the two of you is hurting Misao-san deeply. Just sit with her for the moment, maybe tell her you need time to express what you are thinking and ask her if she can be patient?" Aoshi nodded his head at what Kenshin said. To this day he was still amazed at the way Kenshin would be so calm about feelings and emotions as though he were an expert on them. Aoshi on the other hand was not so energetic at showing so many emotions, but maybe just this once he would listen to his friend's advice. Aoshi silently waved his thanks and walked into the house passing Kaoru and Misao-chan whom where playing in the lounge room and headed upstairs. Aoshi walked passed Misao-chan's room and stood in front of the last closed door on the left.
"Stop being so weak Aoshi and go inside." He grumbled to himself and opened the door, closing it behind him without a sound. The room was pitch black; the slight movement of the blinds from the ceiling fan shed the smallest amount of light. A large wooden cupboard leaned against the left wall stopping about two meters from the door. The glass sliding door took up most of the wall in front of Aoshi, as a balcony lay hidden behind the closed blinds. A wooden dressing table and a cushioned stool took up the right far corner. Aoshi finally turned to his right, a large bed sat against the other two walls with a side cupboard next to it. Aoshi's eyes finally adjusted to the darkness inside the room and he noticed Misao's figure lying in the bed. He moved closer making sure he didn't trip over Misao's things, which lay scattered over the carpeted floor. He looked down at her petite figure engulfed by the blankets on the bed. She was sleeping soundly but Aoshi couldn't leave the room. He took off his shoes and socks and dumped his trench coat on the ground climbing on the unused side of the bed. He lay on his right side facing Misao. His weight was heavier then hers and Misao shifted sinking closer towards him, her blanketed body right beside his and her head resting near his upper chest, her ear close so she would be able to hear the beating of Aoshi's heart.
"Aoshi?" Misao had whispered tiredly knowing it was he but not to sure if he was just an illusion or actually the real thing.
"Sleep Misao…I'm staying right here with you…" Aoshi whispered his left hand brushing lightly up and over Misao's cheek into her soft hair. Silence filled the room as Misao snuggled closer, sighing contently and falling asleep once more listening to Aoshi's request and trusting him completely. A sigh left Aoshi's lips as well and he placed his head down on the pillow closing his eyes too.
Unknown to the two sleeping in the room two heads popped around the corner of the now open door having a look. Violet eyes shimmered happily as Kenshin quietly pushed his wife out of the room and closed the door silently behind him.
"Do you think they'll be okay Kenshin?" Kaoru asked as they descended the stairs moving into the lounge room.
"Hai, they'll figure their feelings out together, I'm sure of it." Kenshin spoke, his arms wrapping around his wife as he hugged her gently to him, placing a soft kiss on her cheek as Kaoru's arm wrapped around his waist. Kaoru's eyes closed in enjoyment at being held by her loving husband and he whispered gently into her ear a smile crossing her pink lips.
* * * *
Aoshi groaned awake as he turned on his back and opened his eyes when he heard excited laughter coming from outside. He lay in the bed, Misao's side of the blankets resting over him as he looked at the slightly red and orange sky indicating the sun was setting. The blinds had been drawn, the door open wide letting in a cool breeze. He heard excited laughter coming from the backyard once more. Aoshi looked around the room noticing Misao was no where in sight. The room had various photos around mostly of him with Misao, Hannya and the other guys as well as one of her family. Aoshi brushed the sleep away from his eyes, his hands running through his messy black hair. He got up off the bed and moved outside and onto the balcony looking down at the other occupants in the backyard. Kenshin stood behind the barbecue cooking the meat while he chatted with Saitou who was standing next to him lighting up a cigarette. Kaoru and Tokio were chatting happily and bringing out the cutlery, paper plates, drinks and salad dishes.
"You gotta catch me!" Aoshi looked further into the yard to see Misao being chased by Misao-chan, Suzume-chan and Ayame-chan.
"Not so fast Aunt Misao!" Misao-chan had yelled, as she was the slowest out of all of them. Aoshi sat on the railing of the balcony his shoulders slouched forward slightly his arms resting on his upper thighs as he overlooked everyone. He only wore his black jeans and a dark grey button down shirt, which was untucked and creased. A smile touched Aoshi's lips as he watched Misao purposely trip over and fall to the grass letting the three girls catch her. They laughed happily trying to tickle Misao but they soon tumbled to the grass as well and Misao began tickling them.
"Stop Aunt Misao! Stop!" Misao-chan chimed in as she was being tickled the most. Aoshi watched as Suzume-chan was the first to sit up properly, giggling quieting, but she jumped to her feet yelling loudly and waving her small arms up at Aoshi.
"AOSHI-NIISAN!" All conversations had stopped as everyone's eyes were on Aoshi. He stared down at his friends not saying a word and watched Suzume-chan race over.
"Aoshi-niisan come down and play with us!" She cried out excitedly as she jumped up and down in the grass barefoot. Aoshi glanced his eyes over at Saitou and Kenshin to see Saitou tilt his head slightly and Aoshi followed with his eyes to see Misao starring up at him too. He could make out the soft blush covering her cheeks. Aoshi knew it was his 'fault' that she was blushing, as Misao was thinking about waking up to find him resting beside her and that closely too. How he missed her ocean-blue eyes, actually he missed everything that was Misao, but he'd never speak that out loud, not just yet anyway.
"Aoshi you better no-" But Kaoru never finished as Aoshi pushed away from the balcony landing easily and effortlessly in the lush grass in a crouch position. Aoshi smirked as Kaoru grumbled openly in front of the others about stubborn men not listening to her. Suzume-chan on the other hand thought it was most exciting and clapped her hands praising Aoshi for a fine jump.
"Take me next time you do that Aoshi-niisan!" Suzume-chan replied happily running over to him and jumping on his back asking for a piggyback ride. Aoshi stood up placing his arms under her legs and butt and began walking closer to the others.
"Mou Aoshi! Don't do that again! I'll have none of this 'showing off business' in my house understand?" Kaoru reprimanded Aoshi.
"Hai, gomen nasai Himura-san. I'll just do it at my place instead." Aoshi had bowed sarcastically at Kaoru for jumping down from the balcony of her house.
"You don't have a balcony at your place." Everyone turned to face the two Misao's as they spoke simultaneously breaking into the conversation. Aoshi crouched down placing Suzume-chan on the ground and she began pulling on his pant legs once more wanting to be lifted up again.
"Suzume-chan why not go to Saitou for a piggyback ride? He's just as tall as Aoshi." Tokio spoke crouching at the saddened expression on her chubby face as Aoshi walked off heading over to Misao completely forgetting about his little sister.
"Excuse me, but when did I ever get involved in this?" Saitou responded and soon a small bickering started between him and Tokio with Kenshin and Kaoru trying to calm them down. Aoshi was oblivious to what was occurring behind him, as his eyes never left Misao's as he walked over to where she sat in the grass.
"Misao-chan lets go play with your toys!" Ayame-chan piped up and they ran past Aoshi giggling happily leaving him alone with a nervous Misao. Misao's eyes finally left Aoshi's, her right hand twisting the end of her plaited hair around and around. She ended up having a fist full of her own hair and was unable to wrap anymore around or else she'd be tugging too hard. Aoshi chuckled lightly squatting to the ground in front of her and took her hand unwrapping the hair.
"Its been awhile Misao." Aoshi spoke in his usual deep voice but to Misao it seemed more thrilling and even deeper then usual, almost sexy to her. She gulped silently, trying to clear away the lump in her throat as she diverted her eyes between his face and the hand on her right one. Misao finally nodded her head answering him.
"Shall we go for a walk Misao? We really should talk about a few things." Aoshi questioned Misao.
"I-I can't…" Misao mumbled out with all the courage she could muster up. Her blue eyes stared up at Aoshi only to see his face hold a small bit of confusion but his shoulders had tensed almost in fear. Fear that Misao was separating from him, being uncomfortable in his presence after the last conversation they shared together.
"Oh…" Aoshi had let slip, a tinge of sadness showing in his voice and Misao heard it all.
"It's just that, I have invited some guests over to eat with us. Kaoru and Kenshin have some exciting news to tell everyone so we shouldn't leave or else we'll miss it." Misao tried reasoning with Aoshi.
"Aa, I understand Misao." Aoshi responded, his voice devoured of emotions once more even though inside he was a little disappointed. Misao sighed happily thanking the gods Aoshi wasn't angry with her for not taking him up in his offer. Little did she know about the disappointment going on inside Aoshi.
"Perhaps another time?" Misao boldly spoke her eyes drifting up and landing on Aoshi's as the wind picked up blowing his long bangs around. A small smile spread over Misao's face as Aoshi nodded his head and then he thought it only right to return the smile as well. A silent moment passed between the two of them as they looked into each other's eyes for a few more seconds. Aoshi stood up placing his hand out wanting to help Misao. Their hands touched, small electric shocks ran through both of them but the moment was ruined by loud voices.
"WE'RE HERE!" Misao let go of Aoshi's hand, her eyes lighting up in happiness as she moved passed him walking over to the others. A sad expression crossed Aoshi's face as he watched Misao walk away from him and over to the new guests who walked down the steps greeting the others. The man was tall, but not as tall as himself and Saitou. He had spiky silver hair, a pair of small blue glasses sitting close to the edge of his nose, showing off his green-blue, almost turquoise eyes. He wore white jeans, a tight black top and a white jacket over the top. An earring hung from his left ear and a mischievous grin crossed his lips as he gazed at Misao walking his way. Aoshi's left hand fisted out of view from the others as the man began walking towards Misao, his arms outstretched.
"Ah it's my pretty Misao! How I missed you!" He spoke happily pulling her into his embrace. Misao laughed the flirting going on between her and him, as it was evident to those around them. Misao hugged him back not even caring what the others would think, what Aoshi would think. Aoshi's eyes narrowed in annoyance wanting to kill this guy with his stare but both the man and Misao where oblivious to his presence as he watched the affection run between the two of them.
"You saw me yesterday at the Akebeko Enishi." Misao spoke affectionately to him and pulled away from his hug and waved at the other woman who was speaking to Kaoru and Tokio.
"Aa, but how I miss your beautiful presence whenever I leave you to go to my own home and to university."
"Oh stop it! You see me at least 12 hours everyday." Misao spoke blushing at what Enishi said and swatted his arm lightly walking off towards Kaoru and Tokio.
"Tomoe, its lovely to see you again!" Aoshi watched as Misao hugged the woman that walked in with this Enishi guy. She had black hair, which fell down her back and some fell loosely over her shoulders. She had pale skin and dark eyes. She wore a simple red summer dress with black roses over it and a black knitted sweater over the top.
"It's lovely to see you as well Misao. Its lovely to see everyone here." Aoshi observed silently, as her voice was soft, almost a whisper when she spoke. Her voice hid her emotions well, as it was nothing like Misao's, Tokio's and Kaoru's. Aoshi stuffed his hands in his pockets and began walking towards the group as he watched Enishi move over to Misao placing an arm around her shoulders.
"If only Sano and Megumi would hurry up then we could tell everyone our news." Kaoru spoke happily, her eyes sparkling as she stared lovingly at Kenshin who returned her gaze and smiled softly at his wife. Aoshi observed as a sad expression crossed Tomoe's face for a split second.
"So where is Megumi little brother?" Saitou spoke lighting another cigarette much to the death glare coming from Tokio. He completely ignored it waiting for Aoshi to answer.
"How am I suppose to know. She should be with Sa-"
"YO! WE'RE HERE!" Sano bellowed out interrupting Aoshi as he walked around the corner of the house holding Megumi's hand in his. There were surprised gasps from Tokio, Kenshin and Kaoru. Aoshi stood at the back of the small group as the others fired questions at Sano and Megumi. Aoshi's eyes fell on Saitou who had the smallest hint of a smile as his younger brother finally took some of his advice for a change. Aoshi shifted his gaze and his eyes widened the slightest as Misao's blue eyes were gazing over at him. They held so much sadness in them and Aoshi didn't like it at all. He turned away from them looking over at Kaoru as she asked everyone to stop talking.
"Kenshin and I have wonderful news!" Kaoru waved Kenshin over and he stood behind his wife, his hands on her shoulders looking over at their closest friends.
"Shall we tell them?" Kaoru spoke and Kenshin nodded his head in agreement.
"We're having another baby." Kaoru and Kenshin spoke together. A delighted squeal came from Megumi, Tokio and Misao. Sano went over slapping Kenshin on the back rather hard and Enishi and Saitou shook his hand. Aoshi stood back a small smile crossing his lips as he looked up at the others as they congratulated Kaoru and Kenshin numerous times. Aoshi soon noticed that the woman named Tomoe was standing beside him, a smile just like his etched on her lips.
"Just think one day Misao and I will have beautiful children together." Enishi spoke up wrapping his arms around Misao's shoulders embarrassing her once more.
"Give me a break." Aoshi and Tomoe had mumbled together, each hearing the other one say this. They turned to stare at each a smile breaking out on Tomoe's face as she spoke once more.
"I'm Tomoe. I don't think I've met you before."
"No, I've been away for awhile. I'm Saitou's brother Aoshi." They both sat down in chairs waiting for the others to calm themselves down from Kenshin and Kaoru's news. Tomoe picked up some cups of coffee handing one politely to Aoshi and he took it nodding his head in thanks.
"Well that just makes our news easy to follow as well." Sano spoke up. Conversations stopped and all eyes were on him.
"Err that is…umm…" Sano was stalling not to sure about what to say but Megumi's hand being placed into his made it a lot easier and he soon blurted out his own surprise.
"Meg's having our baby." Aoshi stared silently into his cup of coffee, as another round of congratulations were spoken.
"How far along are you Megumi?" Kaoru spoke excitedly.
"Two months." Megumi replied without even thinking of what she was saying. The sound of a cup shattering interrupted everyone and the backyard was filled with silence. Pieces of the mug lay on the patio concrete while many others lay in Aoshi's fisted hand. His head was bowed looking at the spilled hot coffee on the ground and on his now red hand. Aoshi knew he was bleeding and he stood up quietly excusing himself and disappearing into the house. More moments of silence passed between the other occupants in the household until…
"YOU ASSHOLES!" Saitou yelled, his usual serious composure leaving him as he dropping his cigarette on the ground and stomped on it.
"SAITOU!" Tokio spoke loudly almost shocked at how rude and angry he was being.
"NOT NOW TOKIO! You just confessed you'd been pregnant for TWO MONTHS! Two months ago you were with AOSHI! You were sleeping with each other behind his BACK!" Saitou's fists literally shook at his sudden realisation. He knew the Roosterhead and Fox liked each other but he never knew that they had been THAT close with each and behind his brother's back too. That was unforgivable.
"Oh no, what have I just done?" Megumi spoke in a whisper, sitting herself down in a chair. Sano was by her side an arm around her shoulders trying to comfort her as best as possible.
"Hey, did anyone know where Misao went?" Enishi spoke up looking around the yard and couldn't find her anywhere. He received angered looks from the others about worrying about Misao when there were more important things happening right now.
* * * *
Aoshi stood in the bathroom, the first aid kit on the counter, his right hand under warm water as he picked out some pieces of the mug from his skin. The bathroom window was open and he heard what Saitou was saying. A small smile crossed Aoshi's lips, as he knew deep down Saitou really did love him as a brother and hated when something like this happened to the ones he truly cared about.
"Do you need any help?"
"No." Aoshi shot back without even detecting who was standing behind him. He didn't care though. The news about Megumi and Sano was a major shock to him. Sure he was happy for them, but now it really did prove she was sleeping with him. His suspicions had been true since the very beginning and now he felt like a complete idiot.
"You can't wrap the bandage all by yourself Aoshi." Aoshi snapped out of his thoughts and turned around to see Misao looking up at him.
"What are you doing here?" Aoshi mumbled turning back around as he opened the first aid kit to get out the bandages and antiseptic cream. A smaller hand being placed over his left one stopped him from doing so.
"Get on the counter." Aoshi sighed sitting on the counter next to the sink and Misao opened his hand seeing small cuts etched into his fingers and palm, blood flowing once more. Misao dabbed on the cream hearing a small hiss leave Aoshi's lips at the coldness and the stinging sensation.
"I'm sorry Aoshi…" Misao spoke looking up at him for a few seconds then placing a non stick bandage on and wrapping his right hand up.
"What for now?"
"Was that…Was Sano the name Megumi yelled out when you to where…" Misao didn't finish as she knew Aoshi would understand what she meant. She looked up when she finished placing on the wrapping and watched as Aoshi nodded his head silently. He turned his head looking out the window hearing the yelling going on in the backyard once more.
"YOU TWO ARE SUCH MORONS THAT YOU BELONG TOGETHER!" A small chuckle left Aoshi's throat as he heard Saitou's voice say that to Megumi and Sano.
"He's really angry at them." Misao spoke her eyes moving back to Aoshi's as they locked gazes together.
"Saitou can be a bastard at times but when something happens to a family member he'll go out of his way to protect them, no matter what the costs. I guess it's his way of saying he really does care for us." Aoshi absently spoke looking down at his bandaged hand.
"Aoshi, are you going to be okay?"
"I think so." Aoshi replied to Misao's question. Aoshi's bandaged right hand came up, the tips of his fingers brushing lightly over Misao's smooth skin on her left cheek. Her lips parted in surprise, her cheeks a faint pink and her blue eyes wider then usual at being in such a moment with Aoshi. Aoshi's blue-green eyes stared down at Misao's lips as his index finger brushed over her lower lip coming in contact with her teeth. Misao's hot breath trickled over his finger.
"Misao I-"
"Are you hiding from me my pretty Misao?" The voice of Enishi could be heard down the passageway suspended Aoshi's speech. He dropped his hand away, his eyes narrowing in annoyance about this guy interrupting his moment with Misao once more. Aoshi got off the counter packing the first aid kit up and putting it back under the sink. Misao had stepped back, her eyes never leaving Aoshi, but another person entered the bathroom spoiling everything.
"There she is!" Enishi spoke happily but turned to look at Aoshi placing his hand out and spoke.
"My name's Enishi." Aoshi looked down at his hand accusingly then back up to his turquoise eyes.
"Excuse me…" Aoshi spoke brushing past him. He made a quick detour to grab his coat and placed his socks and shoes on then made his way towards Misao-chan's room to check on Suzume-chan and Ayame-chan.
* * * *
"How are you thr-" Aoshi stopped looking down at the three sleeping girls on the floor, toys scattered around them. He shook his head walking towards them and picking Misao-chan up and placing her into her crib and pulling a sheet over her. She shifted a little, her thumb going into her mouth her eyes opening for a brief moment but closing once more. Aoshi brushed his fingers over her hair, brushing it away from her forehead and then turned to his sleeping sisters. He moved over towards them picking them up and placing them on his hips. They immediately grabbed the material on the back of Aoshi's coat, their heads resting on his shoulders. He left the room silently walking downstairs and back towards the backyard where the argument was still going on.
"Saitou, please stop or you'll wake Misao-chan and these two. Just leave it alone for now. I must be going, these two have had a busy day and I should get them home." Kenshin and Kaoru nodded there heads in agreement and Kaoru soon brought out a plastic container placing some meat and vegetables in it so Aoshi could have it when he got home.
"Thanks Kaoru and congratulations to you and Kenshin. I bet Misao-chan can't wait to have a brother or sister." Aoshi took the bag from Kaoru kissing her cheek and turned around walking away heading for the front door. He opened it up but was stopped by Misao speaking.
"Aoshi I…um…just say goodnight to them for me?" Aoshi never turned around but spoke once more then headed out the door closing it silently behind him.
"Hai…goodnight Misao…"
* * * *
Aoshi had been walking for a while, but stopped when he heard a car horn. He turned to see Saitou pull up beside him and he leaned over unlocking the door and opening it.
"Get in, I'll give you a lift home." Aoshi got in carefully trying not two wake his little sisters. He closed the door and watched as Suzume-chan and Ayame-chan stirred slightly but never woke up. They were really deep sleepers not even waking up from when he was carrying them to when there was a huge argument going on at Kenshin's place.
"Are you alright Aoshi?" Saitou spoke quietly while lighting up a cigarette as soon as he finished off his other one.
"I guess… I mean you were angry for the both of us so I really didn't have to do much at all, so thanks."
"No problem, I can be angrier if you want." Saitou spoke more seriously his golden eyes glancing over at his brother.
"No, I'll pass on that. I think you've scared the shit out of Megumi and Sano enough. You know the stupid thing about all of this is I actually knew they were sleeping together but I guess I didn't want to believe it. Next time I'll listen to myself more often." Aoshi spoke looking out the window. The two brothers fell silent, Aoshi wanting to leave it at that and so Saitou respected his wishes and kept driving to Aoshi's apartment.
* * * *
"If you need anything, let me now alright?" Saitou spoke once more waving to Aoshi and then drove off. Aoshi entered the apartment block waving at Okina who was on the phone and then headed upstairs towards his apartment.
* * * *
Aoshi placed Ayame and Suzume into their pyjamas and closed his bedroom door letting them sleep. Aoshi sat on the edge of the coffee table looking down at his shaking hands.
"No…no emotions…don't be so weak…" Aoshi was mumbling to himself but placed his hands over his face covering up his emotions trying to fight how hurt he was feeling.
"I knew you'd be doing this." Came a breathless voice. Aoshi jerked his head up looking at a panting Misao. She pointed to his front door and spoke once more.
"I was running here…but Saitou drove me the rest of the way when he found me and…and your door was open." Aoshi had not shed any tears thanking the gods for Misao walking in now and not moments later. He watched as she cautiously walked over and stood in front of him.
"Gomen nasai Aoshi…I'm sorry you're hurting inside…" Aoshi looked up at Misao, blinking numerous times to force his tears away. He was angry at himself for being so weak but he let out a shuddered breath bowing his head and closing his eyes succumbing to his emotions just a little. He didn't want Misao to see him looking so pitiful. Aoshi tensed slightly as Misao stepped closer standing in between his legs, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, her lips placing a kiss into his hair. Aoshi couldn't help himself anymore and placed his arms around Misao's waist holding her tightly. Misao's head lay against Aoshi's as she held him close wanting to help him. A tear slipped down Aoshi's face but went unnoticed by the one that was holding him, the one that loved him as her best friend and as something more.
"You'll get through this Aoshi. I'll make sure you will." Aoshi nodded his head his body finally relaxing into the one he truly wanted to be with but never saw it until tonight.
* * * *
To be continued…
* * * *