Authors Notes:
I know its been ages Mara-san but guess what? Part A of chapter 16 is finally here! I haven't been on vacation (Vacation? Like what's the hell's that?) Or ill either…just needing time to really work this part of the series out, it is vital, sooooooooo I had to think real hard to place in every little detail and emotion as possible to come up with THE Aoshi and Misao date!
I'm making this very important…so I decided to place it in two parts…since they are pretty long… now here is the first lot of Chapter 16. I can tell people are getting a little impatient, but you must bare with me, this is hard stuff…trying to please people out there…and I have work and need to sleep as well…also redoing/revising all my other ficcies too!
Oh these parts are just pure fluffiness with a dash of nerves and silliness…and a small disaster which Misao doesn't mind too much…it'll just make you want to puke! *LOL* Ummmmmm I think…anyway…
Part B will be the rest of the date and… OH NO! Its time to say bye-bye to Ayame and Suzume too… *sniff sniff* I'm going to miss those little girls!
And just cause I love Saito too…there'll be more Tokio/Saitou here as well. (The others will appear too…a big luncheon at Kenshin & Kaoru's before the girls depart.)
Here we go!
Under the Cherry Tree
"Misao?" Tsubame spoke as she wiped down the top counter of where the cash register sat. Misao seemed to be locked in her own thoughts. She had been mopping the floor but now just stood in one spot, not moving at all.
"Misao?" Tsubame spoke again, moving over to clean up some tables. They closed the restaurant for an hour as to clean the place up getting ready for the evening rush. Tsubame was working the late shift as well and was glad Misao was taking the night off. She had practically worked herself to death when Aoshi disappeared. Tsubame guessed Misao was doing that to keep her mind off of Aoshi but now she was locked in her thoughts not saying a single word.
"MISAO!?!" Tsubame yelled throwing a damp cloth at her. She thought Misao would have noticed, even felt that something was coming closer but her head turned to face Tsubame and then splat! Tsubame's hands covered her mouth in surprise and then she bowed her head as Misao looked over at her in confusion.
"Gomen Misao, I thought you were paying attention. I didn't actually mean to hit you or anything."
"Its okay Tsubame, nothing wrong with a bit of water." Misao spoke back as she was finally snapped out of her thoughts as she wiped her hand over her wet face brushing off the water.
"I've called you three times now. Where have you been?" Tsubame spoke waving Misao over to sit down at the table with her.
"Oh, it's nothing really. I'm just keeping an eye on the time. I've got to be home by 7 since Aoshi's coming to pick me up and take me somewhere that's all." Tsubame's eyes widen slapping her hands on the table while she stood up looking down at Misao with complete joy racing through her body.
"What do you mean that's all? You're spending the evening with Aoshi! A proper date! That's so wonderful!" Misao stared up at Tsubame with slightly widened eyes. She waved Tsubame off, getting up once more and began mopping the floor again.
"Don't be silly Tsubame! Why I'm just going home to get ready to go out with Aoshi. I don't even know where to though because he said it was a surpri-" Misao's eyes widened in shock as she stopped speaking. Her mind screamed at her telling her that this was a REAL date! Aoshi had asked her out! She faintly heard the clatter of the mop hitting the titled floor as she stared over at a smiling Tsubame in complete an utter realisation. She…was going out for the evening with Aoshi…just the two of them.
"AAAAAHHHHH!" Misao yelled out being knocked out of her short trance as the phone rang. Misao had to sit down or else she was going to fall over.
"Aoshi…he…he asked me out…" Misao mumbled to herself.
"Moshi Moshi, you've reached The Akebeko, Tsubame speaking." Tsubame looked over at Misao to see she was mumbling but couldn't hear a word of it. A smile spread on her lips knowing who was on the other end.
"I'll put her on." Tsubame spoke shaking the phone in Misao's direction.
"Its Omasu, she wants to speak to you." Misao raced over grabbing the phone listening to Omasu speaking a mile a minute when she greeted her sister.
"Okon and Yahiko are having another baby! It's so exciting! Mum and dad are pretty lonely these days and dad misses your little ritual, so perhaps you should ring him up. Oh, they are both so excited about becoming double grandparents again!"
"Hold it Omasu, what do you mean double?" Misao spoke into the phone cutting off her older sister.
"Well, I'm going to have a baby too."
"WHAT? REALLY? WHEN? WITH KURO!?!" Misao yelled into the phone in pure excitement.
"Of course with Kuro! I wouldn't dare think of being with someone else in the whole world! It's only been a month for the both of us. We both wanted to make sure as well. Besides you're very hard to contact Misao. You really should think about getting a mobile one-day."
"Wow! This is the year for babies or what!" Misao spoke grabbing a nearby chair and sitting down.
"Is there something you wish to tell me Misao-chan?" Omasu spoke into the phone. Misao creased her eyebrows in confusion but they raised in surprise when she finally got the gist of what Omasu was talking about.
"No way! I'm not pregnant you idiot! I was thinking of Kaoru and Megumi." The line fell silent as Misao rasped her nails against the counter waiting for Omasu to speak again. No doubt she was going to ask something about Aoshi.
"Okay spill it Misao-chan. I want to hear everything and I know when your lying too." Omasu spoke serious forgetting about her exciting news. She still had a few people to call but family was always first.
"Ah well um…that is…Aoshi and I are just friends Omasu."
"FRIENDS WHO ARE GOING ON A DATE TONIGHT!" Tsubame yelled at the top of her lungs making sure that Omasu could hear every word. Misao placed her hand on the phone but soon received a shriek of happiness from Omasu who started yelling in her ear about her being such a secretive sister. Misao stared daggers at Tsubame but she waved and went back to work wiping the tables down while humming a small tune.
"What are you going to wear Misao?" Omasu spoke excitedly. The colour in Misao's face seemed to disappear as Omasu's question raced around her head. What was she going to wear though? To the others it seemed like Aoshi asked her out on a date. Misao even thought he asked her out on a date, but what if he didn't. What if it was just friends hanging out like they used to in Kyoto. Misao's heart sank at thinking about that.
"Misao-chan? Are you there? Are you okay?" Omasu spoke softly, concern throughout her voice at how quiet her usually loud and energetic sister was being.
"Omasu, what if it isn't a date? What if he thinks that we are just hanging around like old times in Kyoto?"
"Misao-chan don't think like that. Look go out and buy something new, something that you'll feel comfortable in and that would attract Aoshi's attention. This is a new starting point for the both of you so relax and have fun! So where are you going tonight anyway?" Omasu spoke positively trying to cheer her little sister up.
"I don't know… Aoshi said it was a surprise."
"So it is a date then!" Omasu chimed in happily.
"But Omasu…"
"No Misao-chan, you can't deny it at all. Now off you go. Tell Tsubame I said you should go and buy something new for the special occasion. Have a lovely night. I want to hear all about it later on and don't sleep with him on the first date. See you later."
"NEESAN!" Misao yelled into the phone, blushing bright red but all she received was the beeping of the phone as Omasu hung up straight after saying that.
"Now I want to know what she said!" Tsubame skipped over as she looked at Misao's red face. Misao shook her head in embarrassment placing the phone back on the wall and sat down taking a few deep breaths. Why was everyone picking on her today? It was only Aoshi after all. Misao bowed her head, her hands cupping her cheeks trying to hide the redness as flashes of Aoshi raced through her mind. Oh no! This really was a date to Misao! What was she going to wear? Misao began to panic her eyes glancing worriedly up at Tsubame who looked down at her with a smile on her face.
"Go Misao. Before I change my mind and have you stew over your thoughts even more." Tsubame spoke making Misao stand on her feet. A bright smile crossed over Misao's lips as she grabbed her bag and ran out of the Akebeko without a second thought. Misao raced down the street heading into a popular clothes store and began stewing over what she could wear. She didn't want to be too dressed up, nor did she want to look like a scruff. Misao wanted to be comfortable, but elegant as well. Why the hell couldn't he tell her where they were going so she'd know exactly what to find.
"Damn him…" Misao softly cursed as she began grabbing a few things in her size and heading for the fitting rooms.
* * * *
"Aoshi can you get the vegies out of the oven and place them in the dish?"
"Sure." Aoshi had been standing around, grabbing ingredients for this and a few other things for that. Tokio practically choked him to death when he finally told her what was happening. Saitou wouldn't be back to drive Aoshi to Misao's place until 6:45 and take Tokio to the destination so she was able to set everything up. Aoshi had chuckled on the inside when Tokio walked straight up to Saitou, pouting cutely up at him, silently asking for help and he sighed as he caved in to her. Aoshi was placing the vegies in the dish and looked over at Tokio who was humming happily in true joy.
"What are you thinking about?" Aoshi spoke and placed the lid over the dish and set it aside for the moment.
"I think your going to give Misao a heart attack for doing all of this." Tokio giggled while concentrating on cutting up the roast beef.
"Well I can't take credit for everything Tokio. I may have had the plan all thought out in my mind but you and Saitou are helping me out and I really appreciate it. Um, do you want me to cut that up for you?" Aoshi spoke walking closer getting ready to grab the knife from Tokio's hands.
"Stay away from the master of cooking and cutting meat Aoshi." Tokio spoke pointing the knife in his general direction. He placed his hands up in "defeat" and sat on the bench watching Tokio. She was true to her word at being an excellent cook and cutting meat. The aromas of the food were making Aoshi hungry. Aoshi got off the bench facing Tokio now who seemed to be locked away in her own thoughts at the moment.
"Tokio-chan?" Aoshi spoke softer then usual trying to get Tokio's attention. She placed the knife down having cut a reasonable amount of meat off and placed it in a dish pouring the gravy over the top. She turned to face Aoshi waiting for him to speak again.
"Thank you…for everything." A smile spread over her face as she stepped closer her small arms wrapping around his waist to comfort one of her best friends. She stared up at her tall friend looking into his green-blue eyes and softly spoke, her eyes glistening in happiness.
"Are we talking about tonight or looking after Misao-chan while you weren't in Kyoto?" Aoshi couldn't help but smile as he wrapped his arms around Tokio and spoke softly into her ear.
"Both."
"Am I interrupting anything?" Saitou spoke dryly looking at his brother hugging his…well what was he supposed to call Tokio. He hadn't confirmed that they were having a proper relationship together. He loved her but never said it to her face only to his sisters and that's not the same even if she did hear it. Saitou clenched his hands into fists but it went unnoticed by them as they were tucked in his uniform pockets. Saitou decided he didn't like the thought of any male hugging HIS Tokio! He watched as the two of them pulled away and listened to what Aoshi said.
"I was just thinking how great Tokio is and how damn lucky you are to have her Saitou. I'm sure lots of guys out there would love to have her but instead she chose someone like yourself. I don't know how you did it but you better be worth it in the end. Tokio-chan's a wonderful young woman and I think you better take her out once in a while to prove that you care for her." Saitou was grating his teeth together at what his brother was saying. What he wouldn't give to smack the hell out of him right at this moment, but lucky for Aoshi they weren't alone.
"I'm going to change, then we can go." Saitou spoke through clenched teeth as he swiftly turned around walking out of the kitchen and down towards his bedroom. Aoshi watched Saitou leave, as did Tokio.
"Aoshi what did you just do? Now he'll be grumpy for the entire night!" Tokio spoke irritably looking up at Aoshi.
"No, I made him think over a lot of things." Aoshi spoke staring directly into Tokio's dark eyes. She blinked a couple of times and then a bright blush covered her cheeks. Her hands crept up trying to cover her embarrassment as she spoke softly to Aoshi once more.
"Now I'll be thinking about what's going on inside of him for the rest of the evening." A light chuckle left Aoshi's throat as he placed his hands on Tokio's shoulders, receiving her attention and spoke once more before leaving the kitchen to change into the clothes he brought with him.
"All you have to do is look in the mirror Tokio-chan."
* * * *
Aoshi walked out of the bathroom once he heard Saitou start up his rust bucket car. Aoshi was wearing black dress pants with a black shirt on. It fell just to his waist hiding his belt. It showed off the contours of his muscles but he placed a deep blue shirt on, unbuttoned, over the top. A black dragon was outlined on the back with a small one on the front pocket. His hair was wet and spiked up everywhere. He placed on his black sneakers and headed for the front door.
"You're wearing the shirt I bought you!" Tokio spoke happily clasping her hands in front of her in pure joy. Saitou was wearing all black but his shirt was the colour of his eyes. His jacket was unbuttoned at the moment and fell to mid thigh area much like his police uniform one.
"Well it would be rude not to wear it since you spent your money on it Tokio-chan. Go and get Aoshi, we're leaving."
"I'm right here." Aoshi spoke closing and locking the door behind him. Aoshi noticed Tokio's hair was down and cascaded over her shoulders like silken strips of material. She wore a black ankle length skirt and a long sleeved dark brown top to compliment her dark hair and eyes. Saitou didn't say a word as he got into the car but Aoshi noticed Tokio's blush as he had heard everything that was said. A sly grin formed on Aoshi face, as he secretly knew that Saitou was going to take Tokio out this evening.
* * * *
"KAORU! KAORU QUICK!" Misao yelled as she raced into the house kicking off her shoes. Kaoru came racing into the main room looking over at a breathless Misao.
"You've gotta help me now!" Misao raced over grabbing onto Kaoru's arm and dragging her up the stairs towards Misao's room.
"Misao what in the world is going on?" Kaoru spoke prying her arm away from Misao.
"Aoshi's picking me up in… SHIT FIFTEEN MINUTES!" Kaoru watched as Misao ran out of the room obviously heading for the bathroom by the slamming of the door and the sound of running water. Kaoru sat down on Misao's bed looking at her parcels and opened them up scanning the contents. She'd really gone out buying heaps of things, obviously unsure of what to wear. Lucky for Misao, Kaoru was here to help her.
* * * *
In a matter of minutes Kaoru watched as Misao burst into the room once more now only dressed in some underwear and a bra. Her long hair was clasped on top of her head not wanting it to get wet and she raced around the room mumbling to herself. Kaoru began giggling and Misao finally stopped and stared at the older woman sitting on her bed watching her.
"Misao relax, you look like you've lost your head! Now I picked out what you should wear tonight. Nothing too daring and nothing too casual either. It's elegant and will compliment your lovely figure." Misao grabbed the black pants placing them on as they sat on her hips hugging them. The shirt was a green-blue colour just like Aoshi eyes and Misao placed it on doing up the buttons. It fell to her hips, just wear the waistband for the pants were and was short sleeved too.
"See Misao you look lovely. Now sit down and I'll brush your hair for you." Misao sat on the stool looking in the mirror as she placed on some light make up while Kaoru unclasped her hair from its usual plait and brushed out the tangles. Misao applied some light foundation onto her skin wanting to look as natural as possible. To highlight the brightness in her eyes Misao placed on some eyeliner and a natural shade of lipstick placing on some lip-gloss as well.
"There we go!" Kaoru spoke as she finished brushing Misao's hair leaving it down as it fell across her back in soft wavy curls.
"IS ANYONE HERE?" A masculine voice yelled from downstairs and Misao squeaked in surprise.
"Oh my god what do I do?" Misao turned around clasping Kaoru's hands trying to stop hers from shaking.
"You sit here for a few more seconds, take a few deep breaths, grab your sling bag and go downstairs and greet Aoshi. You can't keep him waiting forever Misao." Kaoru stood up heading for the door.
"Thank you Kaoru, I won't be long." Misao spoke once more a small smile crossing her lips.
"Just relax and think about what a wonderful night your going to have with Aoshi." Misao nodded her head and watched Kaoru leave the room but she never closed the door making sure Misao would get up and follow. Misao took a deep breath, placing on the black sandals she borrowed from Kaoru, placed her sling bag around her neck and shoulder and got up walking towards the stairs. Misao froze at the top of the stairs looking down at Aoshi as he spoke to Kaoru and held a giggling Misao-chan in his arms.
"A-Aoshi…" Misao whispered staring at him. She felt the heat rise in her cheeks as he was breathtaking. His shirt was the colour of her eyes while hers was the colour of his. They really did think alike. Misao knew she was blushing, just hoping it wasn't to bright as he finally sensed she was in the room and his green-blue eyes caught hers. Misao watched as Aoshi absently passed Misao-chan to Kaoru and she walked off leaving them to be alone. Aoshi's hand racked through his hair spiking the long bangs and making them fall back down but she could see the sparkle in his usually hidden eyes. He'd begun to walk up the stairs and Misao was walking down as they met in the middle. The height of Misao's sandals and the fact she was a couple of steps higher then Aoshi finally made her as tall as him. Aoshi watched a bright smile cross Misao's lips as she stared into his eyes. She looked wonderful with her hair down and wearing clothes that fit her perfectly making sure he knew that under the boyish girl he knew long ago there was this beautiful curvy woman.
Aoshi was at a loss for words as he tried swallowing the lump in his throat. He reached his right hand out feeling the softness and warmth of Misao's smaller one cradled in his as he walked her down the stairs and out the door towards the taxi that was waiting for them. Aoshi had everything planed out a couple of hours beforehand. The driver knew where to go without Aoshi telling him.
"Ladies first." Aoshi spoke opening the door and watched a light blush cross Misao's cheeks as she hopped in the car and watched Aoshi get in beside her. A curious look crossed Misao's face as Aoshi brought out a black blindfold. She watched a smile cross his lips as he leaned closer placing it over her eyes and tying it up.
"What? What are you doing Aoshi?" Misao spoke in a small voice. She could feel his warm breath flowing across her left cheek as he made sure it was secure and that she couldn't see anything.
"Well it's a surprise so you can't see where we're going just yet. Relax and enjoy the ride Misao." Aoshi spoke quietly while sitting back in the seat. He noticed Misao's hands began to shake and Aoshi lifted his right hand up moving it over towards Misao's left hand and clasped them together as he whispered softly into her ear.
"Don't be nervous Misao-chan, tonight will be perfect." Aoshi watched a smile cross Misao's lips, the hint of pink etching her cheeks as she relaxed slightly. Aoshi couldn't help himself but stare down at there clasped hands. Hers was so small, so soft and warm just like his. A smile crept onto his own face as Misao clasped his right hand a little tighter while her right one came over softly caressing the back of his palm. This was going to be a night they'd never forget.
* * * *
End Chapter 16, Part A…
* * * *