Authors Notes: I know, its coming out heaps fast while I'm actually in the mood. Just wait I'll stop when it starts getting harder to think of scenes again. Then you guys will have to wait for weeks, with threatening reviews to tell me to hurry up and everything! I've been having a huge brain break through at the moment and using it as much as possible, even if I'm up late at night. If I don't start typing or writing when I think of something, I know I'll forget it and I'll be kicking myself later on, so while my brain is giving me ideas I better use them!
No Mara-san, Anika isn't a Japanese name, at least I don't think it is, ano I just made it up along with 'Fugishita'. If they are real names, hell I'm physic! Anywho I'm thinking she can be a foreigner, hmm maybe Australian! She loves Japan and I'm thinking the Japanese love her artwork and the fact she's a real lovely lady and all. She is married to a wealthy Japanese businessmen, hence the last name and well yeah that's about it for that explanation. She has a few kids too, Aoshi being an 'Uncle' to them as well, but that's later… Mara-san I got a favour to ask: Can I use 'Kobayashi' for Tokio's last name, from your ficcie 'Saitou Tokio, A Life' Is that her real last name? Anywho that doesn't matter its just that, may I use it? Pretty Please!?!?!? Cause if you don't want me to…I have to think of a name cause seriously I know nothing about her…and its just too hard to think up names I haven't used before! (Am I whining too much? *S*)
Oh prepare yourself for Saitou meeting Tokio's dad, you'll get a look into Tokio's family and a nicer side to Saitou err sort of I guess, since he is trying to make an impression. Its not humorous at all, I think I made it sort of serious…but you all can decide on that once you read it. Trust me I have no idea if Tokio has family in the real manga series and the fact I'm making everything up cause well I don't know her…and its my story so I'll have as much OOCness as possible cause its an A/U fic and mine! Oh get this…Saitou actually decides to be nice to Tokio's little brother! *Hehehe*
Hmm, was there any other questions? I don't recall any so I'll let you continue on reading this damned saga…
Oh and I just had to mention wolverine from X-men in this…he's just so cool! As well as Mystique but Saitou only has one favourite…you'll see…
Under the Cherry Tree
Aoshi's phone ringing snapped him out of his daze as he stared blankly out his window sitting on the table. Aoshi got off heading for the phone and picked it up.
"MORNING AOSHI-NIISAN!" Two voices yelled simultaneously into the phone. A smile crept up on Aoshi's lips hearing the excited screams of his name from his sisters and the evident laughter of his parents in the background. It was apparent he was on speakerphone.
"Have you two been behaving yourselves?" Aoshi spoke seriously into the phone and sat on the kitchen bench, as the phone wasn't a cordless one.
"HAI AOSHI-NIISAN!" Ayame and Suzume-chan yelled again. Aoshi shook his head listening to his mother's soft voice in the background telling the girls they didn't have to yell.
"We've got to get dressed Aoshi-niisan, Mama's taking us to the park!" Ayame-chan spoke excitedly and the running of footsteps meant she'd left the main room and probably upstairs.
"Love you niisan!" Suzume-chan spoke into the phone, her lighter footsteps following after her sisters as they raced up the stairs to their room. A tender smile crossed Aoshi's lips hearing Suzume say that.
"You stay healthy Aoshi dear and we'll see you soon." Mrs. Shinomori spoke softly and Aoshi's father agreed.
"They are only excited because they want to jump around in the puddles along the way to the actual park." A deep voice spoke.
"Saitou? I thought you were with Tokio-chan?" Aoshi spoke back.
"She's in the house, running around like an idiot, cooking all this damned food as though we are all going to starve! It's enough for a damned banquet! I'm pretty sure she's just nervous." Saitou spoke plainly and dryly back picking up the handpiece and turning of the speakerphone so no one else could hear their conversation.
"Nervous for what?"
"She hasn't seen her family in quite a while Aoshi…and this time, she's bringing someone with her."
"Dumdadumdum! You better make a good impression Saitou!" Aoshi knew his brother would be seething silently, his golden eyes, just like their father's narrowing in anger.
"Why thank you for that advice Aoshi. I'll imbed that into my heart." Saitou replied dryly. Aoshi chuckled lightly into the phone and sighed giving up and wishing his brother the best of luck.
"That's so nice of you Saitou, but really good luck. I'm sure everything will go along nicely." There was a soft snort on the other end coming from Saitou and he replied straight away to Aoshi's statement.
"Yeah I'll take your expert advice on relationships little brother."
"Hey I had it easy! Megumi's parents were dead before I even met her and I already know Misao's off by heart! They love me!" Aoshi bit back defending himself.
"So how is the weasel going anyway? Still blushing and insanely nervous around you like always?"
"What are you physic or something?" Aoshi spoke back in an instant, he and his brother sharing a soft chuckle together.
"SAITOU! WE'VE GOT TO GO NOW!" Aoshi heard Tokio's voice in the background. Saitou groaned slightly but spoke once more then hung up.
"I'll see you in two days." Aoshi placed the phone down and glanced at his watch to see what the time was.
"SHIT!" Aoshi yelled and grabbed his things running out the door making sure it was locked behind him. What he forgot was the silver keys resting comfortably on the coffee table and glittering in the morning sunshine.
* * * *
Aoshi raced down the main street of Tokyo heading for the training hall, weaving through other pedestrians walking on the street, sometimes occasionally jumping bench chairs to get there faster. Aoshi came to a slow opening the door to see Kenshin, Kaoru and Misao-chan waiting for him. Aoshi placed his hands in the air knowing Kaoru was ready to scold him for being late but he interrupted her giving him his excuse.
"Ayame and Suzume-chan rang up this morning and I spoke to Saitou for awhile as well. He's going to meet Tokio's family today."
"I'd love to be a fly on the wall to see this drama unfold." Kaoru spoke and began to giggle as she walked to the door, Kenshin following close behind.
"Now Koibito that's not ni-"
"Come on Kenshin, you must admit you have to be a little intrigued to see how it will all turn out." Aoshi spoke interrupting Kenshin. He was silent, not saying a thing, but both Aoshi and Kaoru knew he would be intrigued just like them.
"Misao-chan you be a good girl for Aoshi. We'll only be gone for a couple of hours okay sweetie?" Kaoru spoke seriously and sternly to her daughter but her eyes softened as Misao-chan was sitting down and playing quietly with her toys.
"You'll miss your appointment if you don't leave." Aoshi watched as they left the hall and Aoshi turned around making his way over towards Misao-chan who began making weird noises trying to speak differently as she played with each toy giving them voices.
"You make sure you stay over this side okay Misao-chan? I'll be teaching just over there so don't wonder around, it's dangerous."
"Okay Uncle Aoshi!" Misao-chan spoke brightly and smiled looking up at him. Aoshi squatted down his hand coming out to ruffle Misao-chan's hair and tickle her a little as well. Her laughter bubbled out of her throat as she squirmed away from Aoshi catching her breath. Aoshi stood up hearing the door open as the first lot of his and Kenshin's students turned up.
"Sensei you're back!" A group of the men spoke happily. Aoshi nodded his head at them as they took off their shoes and headed over towards him.
"Himura-san said you were on holidays?" One of the youngest men spoke up and Aoshi nodded his head silently and watched as they turned away after greeting Misao-chan and walked into the middle of the room to start stretching. Many minutes passed by; Aoshi looking down at his watch knowing it was time to start class and moved towards the twenty students who had finished loosening up. They bowed simultaneously to Aoshi and he bowed in return as they began working through one of the kata's Aoshi had taught them.
* * * *
Hours passed the students packing their things up ready to leave. Most were sweating profusely as they hadn't been trained by Aoshi in over three weeks and some had forgotten how passionate Aoshi got about his kata's.
"Daisuke and Shinta?" Aoshi spoke grabbing the last two men's attention as they turned around waiting for him to speak again.
"Be ready for next week, you shall be tested." They bowed formally at Aoshi once more and then left the building but seconds only passed when it opened again to reveal Kenshin and Kaoru. They had an appointment with Megumi making sure that everything was all right with Kaoru and how she and their unborn child were fairing so far.
"Was she good?" Kaoru spoke softly looking down at her sleeping daughter, her thumb stuck in her mouth.
"Aa, Misao-chan's always good with me Kaoru." Aoshi replied watching Kenshin pick her up without waking her and they silently waved goodbye leaving the training hall once more. Aoshi made his way towards the bathroom to take a shower.
* * * *
When Aoshi came back into the main room Misao was sitting on the floor stretching out her legs. Aoshi promised he would spar with Misao, making sure she wasn't falling behind in her training and she had asked him if he could teach her how to use a sword or maybe even two like him. Misao wanted to have many skills and Aoshi knew that she still didn't feel like she was his or Hannya's equal. Misao didn't have to say anything he could see it in her eyes. Aoshi watched as Misao stood up and his eyebrow raised as she bent over, placing her hands flat on the wooden floorboards giving Aoshi a free look at her pert bottom.
"Are you ready?" Aoshi spoke as he turned away grabbing a couple of bokken's out of the cupboard for later on.
"Hai sensei!" Misao spoke standing up once more and turning around to face him. Aoshi walked towards Misao and both eyebrows rose this time when she bowed formally to him.
"Misao you don't ha-"
"But you're my teacher Aoshi and I must show respect." Misao replied back without blinking an eye. They both fell into defensive stances and began sparring slowly both breaking into a small conversation, but once they sped up it was all concentration from here on out.
* * * *
Hours passed Aoshi and Misao having moved onto the bokken's. Aoshi noticed Misao wasn't too bad, but she needed a lot more practice before he'd let her hold real swords. He could tell she was becoming frustrated, as she didn't like how slow she was adapting to using a bokken. Aoshi knew what was coming next and exactly on time Misao let out a frustrated yell, wanting to take her frustration out on the closest thing which happened to be him but he had already read her thoughts. Before Misao knew it she was tripped up. She fell flat on her back and a small grunt left her throat at the impact her body made against the wooden floor. Her eyes opened to stare up at Aoshi. He was leaning over her, resting on all fours, his left hand clasping Misao's wrists above her head while his right was beside her head keeping him up and his knees where either side of Misao's thighs. His long bangs where damp and small wisps of his hair stuck to the back of his neck and his forehead. Misao stared into his blue-green eyes noticing as they flickered down having a look at her. She was panting heavily, the gi top she was wearing pressed tightly against her chest.
"W-Why are you looking me up and down Aoshi?" Misao whispered softly, her cheeks showing a faint pink tinge. Aoshi's eyes rested on Misao's once more, his head tilting slightly, a small grin crossing his lips as he spoke.
"Well, the last time we were like this was in Kyoto. Years have passed and you really HAVE changed Misao." Aoshi's response brightened Misao's blush; her eyes widening the slightest as she stared up at him in disbelief at what he was saying and revealing to her. A soft 'mmmmm' rumbled in Aoshi's throat as he bent his head his lips brushing lightly over Misao's not making full contact. They parted underneath his, her hot breath rushing over his lips her sparkling blue eyes never leaving his. A cruel smile crossed Aoshi's lips when Misao moved her head wanting to press her lips closer to Aoshi's but he moved away teasing her. Misao opened her mouth more letting out a breathless…
"Meanie…" A soft chuckle left Aoshi's lips but he finally succumbed to his desires and placed his lips against Misao's. Another smirk crossed Aoshi's lips as Misao kissed him passionately back but her fingernails dug lightly into his left hand as she wanted her hands to be free so she could roam them into his hair like she had done before. Aoshi however clasped them a little tighter and moved his right hand closer to Misao's neck, making sure his thumb was in reaching distance to stroke the sensitive skin there. Misao tilted her head, her breath catching in her throat at this new feeling. She had become Aoshi's prisoner, not being able to break free from his tight grip. A small amount of fear rose in Misao but passion took over when she felt the roughness of Aoshi's tongue brush her lips asking for access. Misao's heart pounded in her ears as her mouth opened wider, the kisses becoming even more passionate then before. A soft moan escaped Misao's throat disobeying her wishes to try and stay in control of herself. She felt Aoshi pull away, his lips and his soft kisses trailing over her cheek and then she gasped lightly as he placed some along her neck. He sat up then, not going any further then that, moving off of Misao and letting go of her wrists. Misao's chest heaved lightly as did Aoshi's and he watched as she rubbed her right wrist lightly. Aoshi thought he had hurt Misao but once he saw the happy glint in her eyes and the lovely smile on her swollen pink lips he knew it was because of him and what they had shared together once more.
"I wonder how Saitou and Tokio are?" Misao spoke first trying to start a conversation.
* * * *
(Kyoto – Tokio's Family Home)
"Tokio, you're more nervous then I am and they are your family!" Saitou spoke placing his hand on the small of her back coaxing her into walking towards the large wooden gate.
"You don't know my father Saitou, if he doesn't like you, then he'll never like you. I just want to warn you that he's very stub-"
"Tokio-chan?" A deep voice spoke from the main entrance to the large house. Tokio wiped her head around to see her father walking down the steps and towards herself and Saitou. He limped slightly, a permanent injury he'd given himself when he was involved in a car accident when he was about 25 years old.
"Hello father." Tokio spoke softly and rather formally to her own father. Saitou had raised an eyebrow watching the both of them. Her father didn't even hug her for Kami-sama's sake! He stood emotionless, looking over at her and then turned his steel-grey hunting eyes to Saitou wanting to know who the hell he was.
"Father this is Saitou Shinomori." Tokio spoke softly and watched with amazed eyes as Saitou bowed formally to her father acknowledging him in his soft voice.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Kobayashi." There was a snort from Tokio's father as he turned around and began walking towards the house. Saitou straightened up, his face not showing any expression whatsoever. Tokio took his larger hand with her smaller one, smiling up at him but he saw the sadness in her eyes at the way her father was behaving but she began walking towards the house and Saitou followed her.
"Tokio-chan! It's so wonderful to see you!" Saitou watched an elder version of Tokio walk up to her and hug her.
"I missed you as well Mama." Tokio spoke softly as she rubbed her mother's back comfortingly. She let go looking up at Saitou and Tokio introduced him again.
"Mama, this is Saitou Shinomori." Saitou bowed politely at her softly speaking to her like he did with Tokio's father and then straightened once more.
"Oh my, what a gentlemen." Tokio's mother replied and then waved at Saitou speaking once more.
"There is no need to be so formal young man. Any friend of Tokio's is welcome in our house any time."
"Kachan you are getting blind in your old age. This is no friend, am I right Tokio-chan?" Another male voice spoke walking into the room. A light blush crossed Tokio's cheeks all the occupants in the room seeing this and Tokio moved closer hugging the man.
"Its good to have you back imoto-chan." He whispered softly to Tokio his eyes gazing over at Saitou for a moment then moving back to Tokio.
"Only for a couple of days Akira and then its back to Tokyo for myself and Saitou." Tokio's older brother, Akira let go walking over to Saitou, his hand out ready to greet him. Saitou shook his hand firmly and they nodded silently at each other.
"Wait a minute! Where is Tak-"
"NEESAN!" A loud and very young voice yelled from the top of the stairs. Saitou looked up to see a young boy who was probably about five or six years old race down the stairs and hug Tokio around the legs.
"I missed you so much Tokio-neesan!" Takeda spoke into the long skirt Tokio was wearing. She bent down hugging her little brother and picked him up, a small grunt leaving her lips and placed him on her right hip.
"Boy! You are heavy!" Tokio spoke and began walking off with her mother and older brother as they left Saitou and Mr. Kobayashi alone in the room.
* * * *
"Should we have left them alone Mama?" Tokio spoke placing Takeda on the kitchen bench.
"This ought to be good! Saitou looks pretty determined although he shows nothing really, but I know whatever dad says he will match it." Akira spoke and sat on the bench top as well.
"That's what worries me…" Tokio spoke absently but helped her mum with making getting some drinks and finger food.
* * * *
Silence rained through the main room, only the faint talking of an excited Takeda asking about presents was heard. Saitou watched as Mr. Kobayashi began walking down a hall and Saitou felt obliged to follow knowing he'd have to speak about himself and Tokio soon enough. Saitou followed Mr. Kobayashi out and into the large backyard as he lit up a cigarette. Saitou began to fidget with his own cigarette's in his trouser pocket but thought it best he not smoke unless he was offered one by Tokio's father.
"You are in a relationship with my daughter?" Saitou nodded silently at Mr. Kobayashi and he watched his eyes narrow in anger and he spoke once more looking accusingly at Saitou.
"So you've taken my little girl away from me!"
"Tokio is not a little girl. She is a very independent young woman." Saitou spoke back firmly; knowing something like this was going to happen. This had already happened twice to him already, but that was when he was in high school and he sort of understood what the fathers where doing then. There daughters where only 14 or 16 years old.
"She is a woman in your eyes because you have taken her innocence!" Saitou's jaw was set. This man was stubborn as hell. At least Saitou finally realised where Tokio got it from but she wasn't as bad as her father.
"To me Tokio will always be innocent and beautiful no matter what has happened. If you look into her eyes, you'll know she has not changed."
"Don't you dare tell me what to do!"
"Well someone has to! I've met my share of fathers, but the way you act is ridiculous. Tokio is not a 12-year-old girl, she IS an 18-year-old woman whether you can get used to that or not! You may dislike me all you want but do not hold a grudge against Tokio and don't deny her happiness either, because I intend to give her just that!" Saitou had finished speaking his mind and turned around walking swiftly back into the house. He found his way into the main room to see Takeda waiting for him. Saitou raised and eyebrow looking down at the young boy but he decided to amuse the kid and follow him upstairs giving Tokio time to spend with the rest of her family.
"Your Tokio-neesan's boyfriend?" Takeda spoke walking into his large room littered with action figures and other sorts of toys. Saitou watched where he stepped and sat on the ground in front of Takeda and watched as he picked up some of his action figures and handed them to him.
"I guess you could say that." Saitou spoke quietly while staring down at the action figures.
"Did you play with these when you were little Saitou-niisan?" Saitou raised an eyebrow at the 'older brother' comment Takeda spoke to him but let it slide and nodded his head affirmatively.
"Who are your favourites Saitou-niisan?" Takeda asked once more, his big brown eyes staring into cool golden ones.
"Him..." Saitou spoke softly holding up an action figure of wolverine from X-Men. A bright smile crossed Takeda's face as he nodded his head in agreement.
"He's cool!" A smirk crossed Saitou's lips as Takeda raved on about certain episodes wolverine had been in on the cartoons he watched in the morning, Saitou surprising him with offering the ones he watched when he was a kid.
"TAKEDA! HAVE YOU SEEN SAITOU?" A voice yelled from downstairs. Saitou shocked himself as he picked Takeda up and placed him on his shoulders walking out the room.
"He's with me Tokio-neesan!" Takeda yelled back and the family watched, Tokio with bulging eyes, as Saitou sat on the railing of the staircase and slid down it. Two small hands lifted Saitou's face up and Takeda spoke joyously looking down at him.
"I really like you Saitou-niisan!"
"Takeda is right." Mrs. Kobayashi and Akira spoke simultaneously. Saitou looked over at them picking Takeda up and placing him back on his feet. His eyes diverted to the figure standing in the lounge room looking at them, a hint of a smile on his face. Perhaps this wasn't going to be as bad as Saitou first thought.
* * * *
"I'm sure everything is fine Misao…" Aoshi whispered his lips brushing over hers once more. Misao 'mmmmed' in reply loosing her senses whenever Aoshi was this close to her. Aoshi got off the floor, taking Misao with him and moved over to collect his things and place his sneakers back on. Aoshi watched in fascination as Misao untied the sash around her waist pulling the gi top off and placing it in her bag. She was wearing a grey tank top and a black bra as he could see the straps. Aoshi watched Misao stand up once more; noticing how curvy and plump she had become. Misao placed on a dark green shirt and buttoned it up. It fell to her hips just like the blue-green shirt she had worn on their date.
"Do you wa-" Misao faulted in her talking as her cheeks flushed pink when she noticed she already had Aoshi's undivided attention. That small secret smile had crept onto his lips, as he said nothing but stare at her. Now she knew how Tokio felt when Saitou said nothing but stared straight into her eyes.
"I am listening Misao, you can continue with your question." Aoshi spoke softly as he placed his hand against Misao's back leading her towards the door. Once outside Aoshi made sure the lights were off and he locked the door checking it once and then began walking with Misao beside him.
"I was going to ask if you wanted to go see a movie and then get some dinner afterwards?"
"Sure…" Aoshi spoke and headed for the nearest cinema complex to see what was of interest.
* * * *
Many hours had ticked by, Aoshi and Misao walking lazily down the residential street heading for the Himura's. Aoshi looked at his watch after passing under a streetlight noticing it was 11 at night. He and Misao had been walking around for hours on end talking about the old days back in Kyoto and up until now. Both had conveniently side tracked on what was happening in their relationship.
"Here we are." Misao spoke opening the gate to the house and getting out her keys to unlock the door.
"Well Okina would have closed up by now, so I better be off and let you get some rest. You have work tomorrow right?" Aoshi spoke his hands moving around in his pockets trying to locate his keys.
"I think…I left my keys on the coffee table in the apartment." A giggle left Misao's lips as she grabbed his arm pulling him towards the front door.
"You can stay here tonight you dummy." Misao spoke sweetly to him and opened the door shutting it silently behind them and headed upstairs towards her room. Aoshi stood at the doorway and watched Misao turn on her bed lamp and move around the now clean room grabbing her sleeping clothes.
"You can come in Aoshi. You have been in here before." Misao spoke not turning around as she bent over grabbing a tank top from under the bed. Aoshi walked inside and silently watched as Misao left the room to change. Aoshi sat on the soft mattress of the bed taking off his shoes and socks and took off his jacket and lay on the side closest to the wall. The blankets were scrunched at the end of the bed, Misao never making her bed in her life. Aoshi placed his folded arms behind his head resting contently. His eyes were closed but the soft click of the door closing made him open his left eye to see Misao walking around the room once more. She placed her dirty clothes into a basket obviously ready for a wash tomorrow and then she sat down on the stool at the dressing table. Aoshi leaned on his elbows now, his attention fully on Misao as she laced her fingers through her long hair parting it from her usual plait. She flicked it around and finally stood up, Aoshi watching her make her way over to the other side of the bed. Misao smiled down at him and she sat down, her hand reaching over to turn off the light and then Misao shifted slightly as she lay on her side facing Aoshi. The moonlight flittered into the room; the blinds open as was the glass door letting in a cool breeze. Without even a single word Aoshi turned on his side, his arms going out and wrapping around Misao holding her close. She had been stunned at this bold action but Misao curled into his lean body, her left arm wrapping over his waist as Aoshi had already pulled the covers over them and she fell asleep listening to the lulling sound of his beating heart.
* * * *
Morning had come too quickly for Aoshi and the first rays of light cast their glow over his relaxed face. Aoshi brought one hand up, shielding his eyes from the sunlight until he was used to it and looked down finding Misao comfortably sleeping and curled up into him like a small kitten. She had not woken up to the sunshine as her head rested against his chest, the blankets covering her sweet face only giving him a view of the top of her head. Aoshi shuffled slightly, a groan escaping Misao's lips as he was disturbing her peaceful slumber. Her eyes blinked open, staring sleepily up at him but the love and happiness floating through her eyes filled Aoshi with utter joy.
"I've got to go Misao…" Aoshi whispered into her hair smelling its flowery scent. Aoshi took a deep breath as Misao snuggled even closer then before, her body curving and molding into his and her arm snaked around his waist holding him close, telling him silently that she didn't want him to go.
"Don't make it harder then it is Misao…" Aoshi spoke sternly, his emotions going haywire. A soft tired giggle escaped Misao's lips and Aoshi stiffened slightly when Misao pressed her lips to his neck once and then rolled over, snuggling back into the blankets and making sure the sun wasn't reflecting on her face. Aoshi stealthily got out of the bed, placing his socks and shoes on and grabbed his jacket ready to leave. He was already at the door but once he turned his head to look at Misao he knew he had to move over and brush his lips against hers once more. Aoshi did just that and smiled as Misao halfheartedly responded back.
"I'll see you Misao-chan…" Aoshi whispered softly, placing a gentle kiss to her cheek and then into her hair, smelling the fragrance for the last time and left the room not hearing Misao's small voice at all.
"Hmm…Aoshi…stay with me…forever…"
* * * *
To be continued…
* * * *