Under the Cherry Tree

The piercing sound of the phone ringing echoed through Saitou's house, all pairs of eyes glancing over at it. Tokio watched, along with a puffy eyed Misao as Saitou moved towards it and picked it up, not even getting out a hello as he listened to the unknown person on the other end.

"I'll be there soon." Saitou spoke and hung up the phone, his eyes glancing at two pairs of eyes. They had been intently watching him, desperately wanting to know whom the hell he had been talking too.

"I've got to go to work." Saitou responded with no emotion in his voice and watched Misao bow her head; she hoping to the gods it was Aoshi. Saitou began grabbing his things together as he spoke to Misao.

"Weasel girl, I'm sure Aoshi will be fine. He's a big boy and can take care of himself."

"You don't understand Saitou! What Aoshi saw…he saw…" Misao mumbled, she loosing her voice, as the tears welled up in her eyes once more and then she was hugged by Tokio for the umpteenth time. Saitou glanced over at Tokio watching as she waved him off telling him to go and so he did. He walked quickly down his passageway, opening the front door and slamming it closed behind him.

* * * *

Saitou had been driving for hours when he finally made it to his destination and turned of the car as he pulled up at a Yokohama parking lot over looking the beach. He stepped out of his vehicle and closed the door, his eyes glancing over at the lone figure that sat in the sand looking at the rising sun in the distance. It had been Aoshi on the phone, but Aoshi had told him to shut up and listen to where he was situated and demanded to be picked up. Typical, although he had worried his older brother, he had acted so rude to him. Saitou would get his revenge soon…but right now wasn't the time.

Saitou stepped over the small wooden railing and made his way down onto the sand, his hand falling onto Aoshi's shoulder and squeezing it lightly, telling him he was here. A cool breeze blew by, Saitou glancing down at a hurt and lost Aoshi, his green-grey eyes a soft shade of red, indicating he had cried, but stopped hours ago. Even Saitou had never seen Aoshi in such a state and although Saitou stated Aoshi was tough, even he wasn't too sure if Aoshi could pull through such a traumatic event such as this.

Saitou knew he couldn't exactly say 'cheer up' to his younger brother, for he himself had never been through or seen such a sight before. Although Saitou had found out the most crucial detail of all about Misao not having really slept with Soujiro, just the concept of ever seeing the two of them together would have even shocked himself. It wasn't Saitou's business…actually it was no one's but Aoshi and Misao's and therefore he would tell him the news of his misunderstand at thinking Misao and Soujiro slept together.

Saitou said nothing, not truly knowing what to say to his brother. Instead Saitou did the only thing he could do at the moment. He sat beside his brother, silently looking out to the ocean, just hoping his being here would help Aoshi to forget such a sight. But who could forget something like that? Saitou knew it was doubtful, for Aoshi remembered everything about everyone. Saitou glanced his eyes over at his brother to see Aoshi pull his legs to his chest and place his chin on his knees, those lost green-grey eyes closing for several moments. For once in Saitou's life he was at a complete loss of what to do. He had no answers, no ideas of how to help his brother and instead hoped that he being beside him would help Aoshi on the road to recovering. It would be long and tiresome, but Saitou wouldn't let Aoshi full into his own darkness…no way in hell!

* * * *

Hours had passed as Saitou had finally coaxed Aoshi into getting into the car so they could go back to Tokyo. Aoshi had been reluctant, but Saitou had an old one-bedroom apartment in which Aoshi could take shelter.

The apartment was far from residences, it being a small sanctuary for Saitou if he ever wished to get away from work. He too could disappear, as nobody knew of this place. It rested in the slums of Tokyo, no one bothering to have a look; homeless people would rather stay in a shelter then this place. Saitou turned down an alleyway, it littered with trash and stopped at a broken fence and a very busted up apartment.

Saitou knew Aoshi was not ready to face Misao…not ready to face anyone and so his small dingy sanctuary had become Aoshi's refuge so he could try and mend his battered heart.

Saitou stepped out of the car and had to open the door for Aoshi and drag him out of the car as he sat emotionless, not even blinking! Saitou moved towards the door, dragging Aoshi beside him and brought out a key, the front door still intact and with a lock funny enough. Saitou opened the door and ushered Aoshi inside as he showed him where the bathroom and the bedroom were located.

"I'll get you some things later on, for now though, I think you really should get some rest." Saitou spoke in a low tone of voice; he watching as Aoshi sat on the end of the soft mattress of the bed.

"Arigatoo…Saitou…" Aoshi mumbled softly and flopped down on the bed, his legs hanging over the side. Saitou blinked a couple of times, his younger brother was asleep in mere seconds the emotions and the trauma of the situation had worn out his body. Saitou edged closer as he grabbed a blanket from the cupboard and looked down at Aoshi's sleeping form. His eyes narrowed angrily as he noticed dry blood from cuts on Aoshi's hands and wrists as though he were hurting himself for what he saw.

"Shit…" Saitou voiced aloud as he stared down at his dirty brother, his face covered in dirt and his hands were caked with dry blood. Saitou left the room, closing the door and headed for the front door, knowing he needed to get Aoshi some things, for he would be staying here for quite some time.

* * * *

(Saitou Residence - 6pm)

Saitou drove into his driveway and turned off his car, watching as the door burst open and Tokio stood there, her brown eyes reflecting worry. He had after all, been gone for quite some time now.

"Saitou, have you found Aoshi? Do you know where he is?" Tokio asked desperately, but was ushered into the house with a deadpan Saitou answering her question.

"Iie, I haven't found him Tokio. I told a few of the officers at the station to keep an eye out for Aoshi but nothing has come up as of yet. It hasn't been a full day yet and a missing person's report can not be filled out. You must realise that what Aoshi saw will not make him come out of wherever he is hiding. He'll emerge when he is ready. That is the way Aoshi is." Saitou felt Tokio sigh in defeat as she moved into the lounge room and sat down on the couch, he sitting beside her.

"I know what Aoshi is like Saitou, but now that this has happened, he'll change dramatically and Misao thinks its all her fault and its killing her."

"Misao deserves everything she gets!" Saitou snapped back almost shocked at the way he spoke to Tokio. She was starring widely up at him, her lips parting ready to defend Misao, this turning into an argument between them when it had nothing to do with them in the first place.

"But Aoshi is also at fault as well." Saitou mumbled softly as he leaned back on the couch, his arm crossing over Tokio's shoulders and silently pulling her closer to him. Tokio had been surprised at the affectionate notion, but didn't object to it at all.

"He should have known that Misao loved him and he should have told her his own feelings, whether they were confused or not. Misao had become confused, so I cannot blame her for going to Soujiro. He showed her emotions and feelings, something Aoshi was not good at and Misao fell for all of it. We all knew about the triangle those three created, Aoshi being thrust into another one just shortly after the one with Sano, Megumi and himself. What was he supposed to do? Aoshi was afraid about showing feelings he's never felt before and that is why he let it go for so long. But now what is he to do? Aoshi is hurt and lost…I can feel it…"

"I know he is. The Shinomori's are always strong on the outside, but it is different on the inside. They have so many emotions, not knowing if they should voice them aloud, less they make a mistake. If they were ever betrayed by the ones they love, it would never be forgotten and never would they trust a person so much anymore. It is the way of the Shinomori men…I know this…" Tokio mumbled out as she rested her head on Saitou's shoulder, her right hand clasping Saitou's shirt, close to his heart and then she closed her eyes tightly. Saitou looked down at Tokio, he lifting up his hand to clasp Tokio's. He was trying to silently tell her that everything would be okay…or so he hoped.

Saitou knew it was wrong to keep the information of Aoshi's whereabouts hidden, but for his brother he would do just that. Aoshi was not ready to answer any questions or receive any explanations. For now Aoshi was safe from everyone…safe from Misao and Soujiro.

However, Saitou would not let him run away from his demons…from his nightmares of Misao and Soujiro. It would only be so long that Saitou would allow Aoshi to be in this depression. He had confidence that Aoshi would get through this, but if he refused to see the 'light' once more then Saitou would force the issues upon him. He wasn't going to loose the only brother he had over something like this…even if he was a jackass at times.

* * * *

(Two weeks pass…)

Aoshi still hid away from all the people he knew in Tokyo as he gradually began to speak and eat properly once more, Saitou having forced it upon a surprised Aoshi. Aoshi had been rolling the mashed potato and meat around the plate when his eyes opened wide as Saitou placed him in a head lock and stuffed some food into his mouth telling him that if he didn't eat, he'd make himself sick.

Saitou had bluntly asked him what all the cuts and bruises on his hands where from and Aoshi had mumbled a reply, Saitou grabbing him in a headlock as he demanded answers that he could actually hear. He had finally found out that in Aoshi's rage he had smashed the phone box after he called him. He had raced off afterwards, not even feeling any pain of the glass sticking into his skin or the blood seeping from the wounds. Once he made it to the beach he had stood in the water and washed his hands, absently picking out the glass, not caring about the stinging sensation of how sore his hands were. Saitou had wordlessly handed Aoshi a small first aid kit and let him leave so he could attend to the cuts so he wouldn't get an infection.

Anika and her children had returned from China also and were greeted with the news of Aoshi's disappearance by Misao who came to her warehouse to notify her. She had explained that Aoshi was coming back to tell her something and Misao had muttered that there were problems but didn't go into any detail. Anika had stared down at the blushing young woman, knowing that something definitely went wrong for Aoshi to have vanished. Anika had not pressed the issue with Misao, but unfortunately Monica did. She had been standing at her mother's office door ready to enter when she overheard the news. She had stormed in demanding answers as to where Aoshi was, Misao becoming surprised at finally meeting Monica and Aoshi was right…she was beautiful…but very angry right now.

She demanded answers but all she received from Misao was that she had hurt Aoshi. What shocked Anika even more was when her own daughter slapped Misao across the face and yelled in her face telling her she didn't deserve Aoshi's friendship and attention for hurting him like she did. Monica had run from the office then, Misao's cheek red and her head bowed in sorrow. Anika had been totally caught off guard, she not realising that her daughter had such intense feelings for Aoshi. She couldn't believe her own daughter had not told her of the growing feelings for the young man she treated like another one of her children. Anika tried stuttering out an apology to Misao, on behalf of an upset Monica, but watched with sad eyes as Misao shook her head saying she deserved it and then left the warehouse.

* * * *

Days had passed and Saitou had pretended to try and locate Aoshi's whereabouts, but came up with nothing, finally telling the others in his usual tone of voice that he wasn't seen anywhere. He almost rolled his eyes as Misao burst into tears in front of everyone saying everything was her fault as she pushed Aoshi away from her and so on. Saitou sighed and walked towards a tearful Misao muttering the others to leave so he could speak with her alone. They complied with his wishes and Saitou sat down on the verandah with Misao, she brushing the tears away and starring at his impassive face.

"Your angry with me aren't you Okami-san?" Misao mumbled lightly she not daring to glance into his eyes for any longer.

"Well I'm not happy weasel-girl." Saitou watched Misao flinch as she curled her legs to her chest and dropped her chin on her knees; much like Aoshi had done when they were in Yokohama. Saitou let out a small sigh and placed his hand on Misao's head, giving her a lob-sided grin and spoke.

"You really got yourself into some mess weasel-girl." He heard Misao groan, almost in pain at hearing him declare that to her as though the situation was some kind of joke, which it wasn't of course.

"One thing I know about this Misao, is that you cannot blame everything on yourself. The blame is split three ways."

"Saitou…" Misao whispered, her eyes staring up into his as he elaborated on what he was thinking.

"The blame is on Soujiro, Aoshi and you Misao. You have become the meat in the sandwich Misao. You have two young men wanting your attention, secretly fighting over you and yet doing it in different ways. Soujiro on one hand is open and carefree about everything. He easily steps into your heart because you too are exactly like that. You show emotions like he does and express your feelings easily these days."

"Okami-san, you know too much about everyone…" Misao couldn't help but place a small smile on as she leaned her head against Saitou's arm and closed her eyes as he continued on.

"Aoshi on the other hand, is secretive and shy. A man of few words, but when he speaks, everything he says has something to do with you, or the way he was influenced by you being beside him. You are Aoshi's world and to see you in such a state would have crushed him. Long ago Aoshi should have voiced his feelings and yet he does not. He cowers away thinking that it is best for you to be free and not with him. He has or had many wishes and one that always stuck out the most was that you were always beside him wherever he went. Everything in his body tells him to embrace you like he should, embrace you the way you wish he would and yet he does not. Every time he gathers the small bit of courage he has inside him to open up to you that little bit extra, to show you he has feelings inside him, he has seen you with Soujiro. All this has happened so fast for Aoshi that he probably doesn't know how to face you at this time. Part is his fault for not being clear about his own feelings for you and yet part is Soujiro's fault for knowing you and Aoshi were in a delicate situation and yet he pushed in anyway. A part is also your fault for not being patient like you told me you would be. Aoshi knew you wouldn't wait forever, he just didn't know that your forever had come so soon. You are confused about who you love more right Misao? Your mind says Soujiro, but your heart says Aoshi…am I correct?"

"I hate this…this feeling inside me that Aoshi will not come back. I want to explain everything to him as to what he saw. I want to tell him that it was nothing, but I know Aoshi is Aoshi and once he sticks to a decision he will not budge from it. Shinomori's are quite stubborn and yet they have reasons to be that way. I blew it Saitou…Aoshi is not coming back, I can feel it." Saitou sighed quietly, almost inaudibly as he wrapped his arm over a shaking Misao. She wasn't crying just shaking at the horror of never being able to see Aoshi. To think she couldn't apologise to him for anything was definitely weighing her down into the pits of her own hell.

"Misao, wherever Aoshi is, I know he'll be okay. It may take time and for you time will be the hardest thing for you to handle. Aoshi is strong, but time is what he needs so he can repair his heart." Saitou stopped when he felt Misao flinch at that, her shaky hand moving up to wipe the tears that were slowly falling down her cheeks.

"Weasel-girl, there is nothing you can do that will make Aoshi come back faster. It is up to him to face his nightmares of seeing you and Soujiro together…and in his bedroom. It is up to him to overcome this depression and sadness he is going through right now. All you can do is pray that Aoshi will come back and see you. I know he is out there somewhere and I know he'll overcome this, I can feel it. He is a stubborn Shinomori after all." Saitou spoke and nudged Misao earning a small giggle from the young woman. He watched as Misao stood up and he spoke once more, looking out into the yard, the sun beginning to set as another day drew to a close.

"Weasel-girl, I'll be quite busy over the next couple of days and Tokio might want some company, so if you feel like it, you are most welcome to stay at the house with her." Misao stared a little shocked down at Saitou, but he did not take his eyes away from the changing sky. Misao placed on a small smile, and bent down behind Saitou her arms moving around his shoulders to hug him briefly.

"Thank you for worrying about me Saitou." Misao whispered into his ear and placed a light kiss on his cheek. Misao got up needing to ask if it was all right with Tokio if she could have her company. She was in need of her best girlfriend to help her get through this. Misao was too afraid to face Kaoru, not knowing what she would say to all of this. Aoshi and Kaoru where very close and Misao knew she would be most disappointed in her. She couldn't bear to see the look of disappointment on Kaoru's face being reflected at her.

* * * *

(11am the next morning - Saitou's Sanctuary)

Saitou stood at the back door watching Aoshi go through some sort of kata. It had been such a long time that he had lost touch of what Aoshi practiced these days, but hey, he was the one with the guns anyway.

He watched Aoshi glide around the small yard, the light rain drenching his form, he obviously having been outside for a few hours. What Saitou didn't get was why Aoshi had asked him to purchase some straw, planks of wood and some string. Saitou silently eyed the straw doll Aoshi had built, he saying he needed it for practice and yet he had not used it in the two weeks he had been hiding here.

As the minutes went on, Aoshi began slowing down and that's when Saitou's eyebrows lifted up as he watched two gleaming blade slice the head of the straw doll off, it falling to the ground and rolling away from Aoshi's stance.

"Practicing for when you meet Soujiro I see." Saitou responded as he moved onto the creaking verandah, watching as Aoshi abruptly turned around a little surprise crossing his face. He had been deep in thought, like usual and had not noticed Saitou was around. Water dripped from his drenched form, droplets rolling down his face as he starred over at Saitou.

"I thought you said you were going out of town?" Aoshi questioned as he bent down and grabbing the sheath and placed the kodachi's back in them. He stood up brushing his long wet bangs from his eyes and watched a smirk cross Saitou's lips as he spoke.

"Of course I went out of town, I got back a few hours ago. You'll never guess whom I ran into while I was away though…" Aoshi narrowed his eyes as Saitou stepped away from the doorway and a dark figure moved through.

The man walked down the steps and stood in the rain a few meters away from Aoshi. Aoshi had to blink a couple of times as he stared over at the man. He had dark eyes and dark hair that was placed in a low ponytail as it draped down his back to rest just below his shoulder blades. The vertical scar on the left side of his face ran from half way down on his forehead, cutting through his eyebrow and stopped just before reaching his bottom lip. He held an impassive look, neither frowning nor smiling. He wore clothing that covered his entire body besides his face; yes he even wore gloves on his hands. His clothing was blue in colour, but he wore a large black trenchcoat.

"Hannya?" Aoshi muttered softly in astonishment as the man nodded his head once in agreement.

"It has been awhile my friend." Hannya spoke, a small curve crossing his lips as he moved towards a bewildered Aoshi.

"Saitou brought me here to help you my friend." Hannya spoke again and the two men stood in front of each other for several moments but then they finally hugged.

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *