~Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Rurouni Kenshin
characters. This story was not written for sale or profit. Don't forget
to review.
A/N-Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed this story. Our site is now up and operational. This story is posted there the way I had originally planned to write it. The chopped up version is posted here on ff.net. This chapter is the same on both sites but the next chapter I post here at ff.net will be a chopped version with the complete chapter on our site.
A Reason for Love
Chapter 12: Two friends that Love
~With the dawn of a new day comes the hope of a new beginning. A fresh start.
But for Aoshi every morning had started with the same dismal feeling for so long that when he awoke to the dusky light of pre-dawn, his mind was still in a haze from what had happened the night before or more to his point of view, what he had allowed to happen. But his body felt refreshed for the first time, since he couldn't remember when.
Then the demons of guilt crept back into his mind, asking him why he should be enjoying these feelings when the others were dead or had suffered at his hand. Yes why, he thought, raising a hand up to massage his forehead.
Soujiro curled snug against him, reminded him of a picture he had once seen of a sleeping angel.
Careful not to wake him, Aoshi slipped out of bed. He reached down to pull the blanket up to cover the young man when Soujiro softly groaned, readjusting himself on the futon. Quietly dressing, he glanced back at the sleeping young man before leaving their room.
Sitting on the porch, sipping his tea, Aoshi reminisced about the times he would wake to find Naoaki snuggled tight against him. Naoaki had pursued him relentlessly until Aoshi had given in because of his stubborn persistence. Although he had been attracted to Naoaki, he had not been in love with him. But the pain of loosing him had cut a very deep scar in Aoshi's heart, and at the time it had added extra motive to his already growing obsession with being the strongest.
He reflected on the past, applying it to the present and near future. With the force of a heavy weight being dropped on him, the thought consumed him that Soujiro was more to him that just another lover. He sighed at the realization that he was very much in love with Soujiro but it was more that just love. Although he couldn't quite place what the other feelings were.
His heart began to ache at the thought that any action done by him could hurt the young man. He must protect him, but was he the right person to do that? His heart said yes, but his mind kept reminding him how he had failed to protect the ones that he had loved so many times in the past.
The though of someone crying tears because of him was something he couldn't let happen again. He now thought that it had been a mistake to come along on this trip and with his mind set, he would just disappear once the Takara was returned to its rightful owner and Soujiro was out of danger.
With everything set into place in his mind, Aoshi finished his tea as the sun crested the mountain.
~Soujiro awoke to a gentle knock on the shoji, the scent of musk still lingering in the air. He breathed deeply taking in the aroma that would forever be a part of his relationship with Aoshi.
"Breakfast," the muffled voice announced.
Groaning as he moved his body, Soujiro rolled over onto his back, every muscle in his body complaining but he didn't care as he wadded up the blanket hugging it tight to his chest. Closing his eyes, he lay there soaking in the fading warmth of Aoshi's blanket.
With a soft smile on his face, he closed his eyes, remembering every detail from the night before, his body yearning for Aoshi's touch, his voice, even his smell. He put the blanket to his nose and breathed deeply again, sighing as he let out his breath.
Smell! That wonderful smell would stay with him forever. He sniffed, but the smell wasn't coming from the blanket. It was coming from somewhere else.
Soujiro jerked, patting the futon, searching for the container that held the musk smelling liquid.
Not finding it in the futon where he was laying, he frantically searched the other one.
Relief flooded him when he found a small bottle under the edge of the futon he was sitting on. Checking to make sure the there was still liquid in the bottle, he laid back on the futon.
His stomach growled reminding him that breakfast was on the other side of the shoji. Standing up, he felt wonderful except for an ache in his lower stomach. Thinking that food would take care of the problem, he walked over to his things.
After making sure that the lid was tightly secured, he stashed the bottle in the bottom of his travel bag. Sniffing to make sure that the musk smell was not too strong. Satisfied, he stuffed his yukata inside.
Quickly getting dressed, he hurried around the room putting things in their place, feeling like he was starting the day with a new beginning.
~As the sun covered him with its golden glow, Aoshi felt the warmth that it radiated seep down into his soul. And now having made his decision, it would be easier for him to carry it to fruition.
Taking the tea service back to the kitchen, he returned to the room he shared with Soujiro to prepare for the next leg of their journey.
Opening the shoji, he noticed the food trays set out. Soujiro was sitting in front of one with a smile across the length of his face, staring straight at the wall in front of him.
"You should eat," Aoshi said, sitting down at the other tray.
Soujiro looked up at Aoshi then blushed, lowering his eyes as the older man sat at the other tray directly in front of him. For once, he was sorry that he had placed the trays across from one another instead of side by side.
Aoshi had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep his expression emotionless and keep his body from becoming aroused. The sight of the young man blushing had stirred his carnal desires. Using all the strength he had, he lowered his eyes to look at the food in front of him, then forced himself to eat.
The rest of the meal was eaten in complete silence with neither one knowing what to say or how to say it. Soujiro just sat, picking at his food occasionally eating a bite but taking forever to chew and swallow it.
"Eat," Aoshi commanded before taking a bite himself. Chewing it, he watched as Soujiro obeyed his command.
Concentrating on what he was doing, Soujiro finished his food then sat waiting for Aoshi to signal that he was done.
Aoshi returned his empty cup to the tray then stood intending to get his things ready, but instead just walked over to his kodachi and waited, listening as Soujiro picked up the trays and left the room.
Giving the room a quick glance, he looked for the small bottle that he had used the night before. Not finding it, he sniffed trying to track the bottle by the smell. Walking over to Soujiro's travel bag, a small smile appeared on his face when he realized that the bottle was in his bag.
Picking up his kodachi, Aoshi only had to wait a few minutes more before Soujiro returned. Leaving the room together, they walked toward the front of the building, looking for Ryochi.
~Standing at the front gate, Ryochi waited for the two visitors to appear. He had made arrangements for their breakfast and was now eager to give them the information that they had come in search of. He didn't have to wait long before the shoji to the main house opened and they emerged from the building.
Facing the building, Ryochi watched as they approached then when they were standing before him, he said, "I want to apologize again for my wife's behavior," looking directly at Aoshi, he bowed low.
"Its all right. I understand the desire that rages inside for the revenge of a loved one," Aoshi quietly stated, "We are friends and will always remain so."
"Thank you, Leader," Ryochi said, looking at Aoshi. "I had a long talk with Tsuka last night. I think she can start to put the past behind her and live for us now."
"I am glad to hear that," Aoshi replied, relieved that his friend could look forward to a brighter future.
Turning to Soujiro, Ryochi extended his closed hand.
Soujiro looked at him with a puzzled look on his face.
"This is for you," Ryochi said, opening his hand to reveal the seal that Tsuka had stolen from Shishio the night the mountain had burned down.
"That's Shishio-sama's seal!" Soujiro exclaimed, staring at the seal in Ryochi's hand. "I'm sorry but." he started to say.
"Take the seal to the Monks at the Temple on this map and they will give you the Takara," Ryochi told him, handing him the map.
Soujiro took the map, giving it a quick glance, he put the map and Shishio's seal in his travel bag.
"My carriage can take you as far as the station on the outskirts of Kyoto," Ryochi offered, pointing to the carriage waiting for them.
"Thank you," Aoshi said, giving Ryochi a small bow.
"Yes, thank you and please take care of Tsuka-san," Soujiro said, bowing also. "I am very grateful for your help," he added.
Soujiro climbed into the waiting carriage eager to resume their journey.
"Aoshi?" Ryochi softly asked so that his friend would be the only one to hear.
Aoshi turned back to look at Ryochi.
"I know you too well. Don't walk away from the boy. He is the best thing for you and I know that you have deep feelings for him," Ryochi whispered, his eyes pleading with his friend and leader.
Aoshi closed his eyes, nodded before he turned, and then climbed aboard the carriage. He had fully intended to sit on the seat opposite Soujiro but decided to sit next to him so that he wouldn't be tempted to stare at him for the entire ride to Kyoto.
They started the trip with a healthy distance between them but with each bump or joust of the carriage, Soujiro would inch his way closer to Aoshi until he was sitting right beside him.
Aoshi noticed but closed his eyes, choosing to ignore what the young man was doing. Just sitting next to him was torture when he wanted to hold him.
It wasn't but a few miles more when he felt a pressure against his arm. Opening his eyes, he sighed when he saw Soujiro had fallen asleep leaning against him. He tried to continue ignoring him but the temptation was too great.
Turning his body slightly, Aoshi wedged himself into the corner, repositioning Soujiro so that he could lay the young man on his chest.
Soujiro smiled as he lay against Aoshi's chest listening to his steady heartbeat while drifting into a comforting sleep.
Aoshi sighed, wrapping his arms around Soujiro, he let himself get some much needed sleep.
~By the time the carriage arrived at the outskirts of Kyoto, both passengers were awake and feeling hungry. The sun was just beginning to set and they needed to find lodging for the night, as they would need to leave Kyoto the following morning on foot, so they wanted to get a good nights rest.
Their meal was delivered shortly after they entered the room. Sitting across from each other, the only noise in the room was when their food was moved around in the dishes.
Needing to work out his emotional turmoil Aoshi stood, reaching for his kodachi he said, "I'll be back."
Soujiro looked up in surprise, setting his bowl back on the tray. Putting one tray on top of the other, he slowly walked over to the shoji, opening it he set the trays on the floor in the hall. Standing back, he watched Aoshi walk past him.
As Aoshi walked out of the building, he followed a familiar path that took him next to a small river. Choosing a path that was not used very much, he boldly walked through the dense foliage that led into an open clearing, a place he had used many times in the past to get away from his responsibilities and practice his kata.
Once in the clearing, he stood breathing in the familiar scent from the trees that grew in the surrounding area. Starting his routine, he used as much energy as he could to try and expel the feelings that were invading his emotions. He didn't want or need to love or be loved by anyone. Love only brought him pain.
He had easily evaded Misao's attempts to lure him into a romantic love for her, but the young man he was traveling with had somehow made it past all his defenses and found his way into Aoshi's heart and no matter what Aoshi did, he could not detach himself from him.
Soujiro waited for a few moments before following after Aoshi. He suspected that Aoshi would be going out somewhere to do his kata and he wanted to watch. He enjoyed watching swordsmen practicing their sword style. Something about watching the grace and flow of the swordsmen had always fascinated him and when he had watched Aoshi at Shingetsu Village, the emotions that ran through his body had been very exhilarating. Like nothing he had ever experienced before.
Sneaking after Aoshi, he hoped to experience that same feeling once again. By the time he found Aoshi, night had descended upon them, making it easier to approach but the moon had not yet appeared, so all he could see was the swordsman's shadow. The dark clothes he wore almost blended in with the night.
Jumping into a large tree, Soujiro sat on one of the branches trying to get a better look at the object of his affection. He settled in as the moon came from behind a cloud illuminating the clearing, giving Aoshi a glow that set Soujiro's body on fire. Watching intently, he leaned forward too far, catching himself he was able to keep from falling but some leaves slowly floated to the ground.
Sitting completely still, not even breathing, he froze as Aoshi suddenly stopped, leading him to believe that the swordsman had heard him. But then Aoshi continued with renewed vigor, each move perfectly executed while gliding into the following move. His kodachi slicing imaginary enemies as the swords whisked through empty air.
When Aoshi started to slow down, Soujiro very quietly slipped out of the tree and started back to the inn. Glad that he was able to see his Aoshi, but now he had to find a way to repeat last night.
Aoshi slowed down when he heard the leaves falling from the large tree. He could see a vague outline of Soujiro as he clung to the tree branch. His energy almost depleted anyway, he finished a few more moves before slowing down and returning his kodachi to its sheath.
His body was warm from doing all the extra moves tonight for he had worked twice as hard as any other night. He would walk slow back to the inn to give his body time to cool down and give Soujiro time to get back to their room. Why was he thinking about the young man, he asked himself, with that single question, all the feelings that he had been trying to get rid of, returned.
Soujiro smiled, feeling very warm as he started walking down the path back to the inn. He was thinking how he would be sitting in their room waiting for Aoshi when he heard a tiny 'plop' as if a pebble had been dropped into the water. Another one then another. Standing still he looked out at the water and noticed the fireflies dancing around the waters edge.
Beautiful, he thought, looking at the reflections in the water.
Amazed, he watched as some of the tiny lights approached him. They were unafraid of him and coming closer as their lights began drawing faint paths in the moonlight. He marveled at the intricate way they moved, sometimes alone, sometimes two or three would join to form a pattern as they continued to float around him.
When he came to the edge of the foliage Aoshi stopped in the shadow surprised at the sight in front of him. He sucked in his breath as he watched Soujiro, standing just off the path with fireflies gently floating around him. His beauty was enticing. Aoshi swallowed slowly then took in a deep breath, his body demanding him to breathe.
He struggled with his emotions, still thinking that he was doing what needed to be done when his eye caught movement from the other side of Soujiro. He was about to leap forward and intervene when he noticed Soujiro smile and greet the man who was approaching him.
Soujiro heard the sound of someone approaching him from the town. Feeling no danger, he waited to see who it was. The fireflies deserted him one by one as a man came into his view. He was dressed in a dark colored western business suit, with a white button up shirt, his yellow hair in the top knot of a samurai with a few loose strands falling down in his face, and he walked with a slight twitch uncertain of his path.
At first Soujiro didn't recognize him but on closer scrutiny, he smiled and waited for the man to approach before saying, "Hello, Cho-san."
"Hi ya kid," Cho replied in his southern drawl. "You're looking pretty good," he said while looking Soujiro up and down.
Soujiro smiled a blush coloring his cheeks.
"And you're cute when ya blush. So what are ya doing way out here?" Cho asked, crossing his arms then putting them back down by his side.
"I'm staying at the inn just down the path and decided to get some fresh air. How are you doing?" he asked, trying to get the conversation on a different subject besides him.
"All dressed up and no where ta go. Kami-chan likes it when I dress like this," he paused when he saw the surprised look on Soujiro's face, then continued, "Hey do you think that I would dress this way for anyone else?" he growled, then he smiled. "So how do I look?" he asked, taking a step further into the moonlight so Soujiro could see him better.
"You... ah... look rather... western," Soujiro stated, hoping that was the right answer.
"Good. We'll be heading overseas soon and Kami-chan wants me to get used to these clothes. The man sure drives me nuts," Cho said, grinning, "If you know what I mean?" he winked at Soujiro knowingly.
Shaking his head yes, he answered, "I am glad that you two are together."
"Yea me too," Cho replied. "Want some company walking back?"
~Far enough away so that he couldn't hear the conversation, Aoshi watched as Soujiro smiled while talking with the stranger. He tried to reason with himself that it was ok, the young man needed someone and if he wasn't going to be there then...
But the more he watched the more his feelings would bounce between relief and the green eyed monster. His head was hurting from the thoughts that were warring with each other in his mind. His hand automatically rubbed his forehead momentarily blocking out the two men from his view.
Lowering his hand, Aoshi looked back where the two men had been. Panic gripped him when he realized that both men were magically gone.
To be continued.
Don't forget to review.
A/N-Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed this story. Our site is now up and operational. This story is posted there the way I had originally planned to write it. The chopped up version is posted here on ff.net. This chapter is the same on both sites but the next chapter I post here at ff.net will be a chopped version with the complete chapter on our site.
A Reason for Love
Chapter 12: Two friends that Love
~With the dawn of a new day comes the hope of a new beginning. A fresh start.
But for Aoshi every morning had started with the same dismal feeling for so long that when he awoke to the dusky light of pre-dawn, his mind was still in a haze from what had happened the night before or more to his point of view, what he had allowed to happen. But his body felt refreshed for the first time, since he couldn't remember when.
Then the demons of guilt crept back into his mind, asking him why he should be enjoying these feelings when the others were dead or had suffered at his hand. Yes why, he thought, raising a hand up to massage his forehead.
Soujiro curled snug against him, reminded him of a picture he had once seen of a sleeping angel.
Careful not to wake him, Aoshi slipped out of bed. He reached down to pull the blanket up to cover the young man when Soujiro softly groaned, readjusting himself on the futon. Quietly dressing, he glanced back at the sleeping young man before leaving their room.
Sitting on the porch, sipping his tea, Aoshi reminisced about the times he would wake to find Naoaki snuggled tight against him. Naoaki had pursued him relentlessly until Aoshi had given in because of his stubborn persistence. Although he had been attracted to Naoaki, he had not been in love with him. But the pain of loosing him had cut a very deep scar in Aoshi's heart, and at the time it had added extra motive to his already growing obsession with being the strongest.
He reflected on the past, applying it to the present and near future. With the force of a heavy weight being dropped on him, the thought consumed him that Soujiro was more to him that just another lover. He sighed at the realization that he was very much in love with Soujiro but it was more that just love. Although he couldn't quite place what the other feelings were.
His heart began to ache at the thought that any action done by him could hurt the young man. He must protect him, but was he the right person to do that? His heart said yes, but his mind kept reminding him how he had failed to protect the ones that he had loved so many times in the past.
The though of someone crying tears because of him was something he couldn't let happen again. He now thought that it had been a mistake to come along on this trip and with his mind set, he would just disappear once the Takara was returned to its rightful owner and Soujiro was out of danger.
With everything set into place in his mind, Aoshi finished his tea as the sun crested the mountain.
~Soujiro awoke to a gentle knock on the shoji, the scent of musk still lingering in the air. He breathed deeply taking in the aroma that would forever be a part of his relationship with Aoshi.
"Breakfast," the muffled voice announced.
Groaning as he moved his body, Soujiro rolled over onto his back, every muscle in his body complaining but he didn't care as he wadded up the blanket hugging it tight to his chest. Closing his eyes, he lay there soaking in the fading warmth of Aoshi's blanket.
With a soft smile on his face, he closed his eyes, remembering every detail from the night before, his body yearning for Aoshi's touch, his voice, even his smell. He put the blanket to his nose and breathed deeply again, sighing as he let out his breath.
Smell! That wonderful smell would stay with him forever. He sniffed, but the smell wasn't coming from the blanket. It was coming from somewhere else.
Soujiro jerked, patting the futon, searching for the container that held the musk smelling liquid.
Not finding it in the futon where he was laying, he frantically searched the other one.
Relief flooded him when he found a small bottle under the edge of the futon he was sitting on. Checking to make sure the there was still liquid in the bottle, he laid back on the futon.
His stomach growled reminding him that breakfast was on the other side of the shoji. Standing up, he felt wonderful except for an ache in his lower stomach. Thinking that food would take care of the problem, he walked over to his things.
After making sure that the lid was tightly secured, he stashed the bottle in the bottom of his travel bag. Sniffing to make sure that the musk smell was not too strong. Satisfied, he stuffed his yukata inside.
Quickly getting dressed, he hurried around the room putting things in their place, feeling like he was starting the day with a new beginning.
~As the sun covered him with its golden glow, Aoshi felt the warmth that it radiated seep down into his soul. And now having made his decision, it would be easier for him to carry it to fruition.
Taking the tea service back to the kitchen, he returned to the room he shared with Soujiro to prepare for the next leg of their journey.
Opening the shoji, he noticed the food trays set out. Soujiro was sitting in front of one with a smile across the length of his face, staring straight at the wall in front of him.
"You should eat," Aoshi said, sitting down at the other tray.
Soujiro looked up at Aoshi then blushed, lowering his eyes as the older man sat at the other tray directly in front of him. For once, he was sorry that he had placed the trays across from one another instead of side by side.
Aoshi had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep his expression emotionless and keep his body from becoming aroused. The sight of the young man blushing had stirred his carnal desires. Using all the strength he had, he lowered his eyes to look at the food in front of him, then forced himself to eat.
The rest of the meal was eaten in complete silence with neither one knowing what to say or how to say it. Soujiro just sat, picking at his food occasionally eating a bite but taking forever to chew and swallow it.
"Eat," Aoshi commanded before taking a bite himself. Chewing it, he watched as Soujiro obeyed his command.
Concentrating on what he was doing, Soujiro finished his food then sat waiting for Aoshi to signal that he was done.
Aoshi returned his empty cup to the tray then stood intending to get his things ready, but instead just walked over to his kodachi and waited, listening as Soujiro picked up the trays and left the room.
Giving the room a quick glance, he looked for the small bottle that he had used the night before. Not finding it, he sniffed trying to track the bottle by the smell. Walking over to Soujiro's travel bag, a small smile appeared on his face when he realized that the bottle was in his bag.
Picking up his kodachi, Aoshi only had to wait a few minutes more before Soujiro returned. Leaving the room together, they walked toward the front of the building, looking for Ryochi.
~Standing at the front gate, Ryochi waited for the two visitors to appear. He had made arrangements for their breakfast and was now eager to give them the information that they had come in search of. He didn't have to wait long before the shoji to the main house opened and they emerged from the building.
Facing the building, Ryochi watched as they approached then when they were standing before him, he said, "I want to apologize again for my wife's behavior," looking directly at Aoshi, he bowed low.
"Its all right. I understand the desire that rages inside for the revenge of a loved one," Aoshi quietly stated, "We are friends and will always remain so."
"Thank you, Leader," Ryochi said, looking at Aoshi. "I had a long talk with Tsuka last night. I think she can start to put the past behind her and live for us now."
"I am glad to hear that," Aoshi replied, relieved that his friend could look forward to a brighter future.
Turning to Soujiro, Ryochi extended his closed hand.
Soujiro looked at him with a puzzled look on his face.
"This is for you," Ryochi said, opening his hand to reveal the seal that Tsuka had stolen from Shishio the night the mountain had burned down.
"That's Shishio-sama's seal!" Soujiro exclaimed, staring at the seal in Ryochi's hand. "I'm sorry but." he started to say.
"Take the seal to the Monks at the Temple on this map and they will give you the Takara," Ryochi told him, handing him the map.
Soujiro took the map, giving it a quick glance, he put the map and Shishio's seal in his travel bag.
"My carriage can take you as far as the station on the outskirts of Kyoto," Ryochi offered, pointing to the carriage waiting for them.
"Thank you," Aoshi said, giving Ryochi a small bow.
"Yes, thank you and please take care of Tsuka-san," Soujiro said, bowing also. "I am very grateful for your help," he added.
Soujiro climbed into the waiting carriage eager to resume their journey.
"Aoshi?" Ryochi softly asked so that his friend would be the only one to hear.
Aoshi turned back to look at Ryochi.
"I know you too well. Don't walk away from the boy. He is the best thing for you and I know that you have deep feelings for him," Ryochi whispered, his eyes pleading with his friend and leader.
Aoshi closed his eyes, nodded before he turned, and then climbed aboard the carriage. He had fully intended to sit on the seat opposite Soujiro but decided to sit next to him so that he wouldn't be tempted to stare at him for the entire ride to Kyoto.
They started the trip with a healthy distance between them but with each bump or joust of the carriage, Soujiro would inch his way closer to Aoshi until he was sitting right beside him.
Aoshi noticed but closed his eyes, choosing to ignore what the young man was doing. Just sitting next to him was torture when he wanted to hold him.
It wasn't but a few miles more when he felt a pressure against his arm. Opening his eyes, he sighed when he saw Soujiro had fallen asleep leaning against him. He tried to continue ignoring him but the temptation was too great.
Turning his body slightly, Aoshi wedged himself into the corner, repositioning Soujiro so that he could lay the young man on his chest.
Soujiro smiled as he lay against Aoshi's chest listening to his steady heartbeat while drifting into a comforting sleep.
Aoshi sighed, wrapping his arms around Soujiro, he let himself get some much needed sleep.
~By the time the carriage arrived at the outskirts of Kyoto, both passengers were awake and feeling hungry. The sun was just beginning to set and they needed to find lodging for the night, as they would need to leave Kyoto the following morning on foot, so they wanted to get a good nights rest.
Their meal was delivered shortly after they entered the room. Sitting across from each other, the only noise in the room was when their food was moved around in the dishes.
Needing to work out his emotional turmoil Aoshi stood, reaching for his kodachi he said, "I'll be back."
Soujiro looked up in surprise, setting his bowl back on the tray. Putting one tray on top of the other, he slowly walked over to the shoji, opening it he set the trays on the floor in the hall. Standing back, he watched Aoshi walk past him.
As Aoshi walked out of the building, he followed a familiar path that took him next to a small river. Choosing a path that was not used very much, he boldly walked through the dense foliage that led into an open clearing, a place he had used many times in the past to get away from his responsibilities and practice his kata.
Once in the clearing, he stood breathing in the familiar scent from the trees that grew in the surrounding area. Starting his routine, he used as much energy as he could to try and expel the feelings that were invading his emotions. He didn't want or need to love or be loved by anyone. Love only brought him pain.
He had easily evaded Misao's attempts to lure him into a romantic love for her, but the young man he was traveling with had somehow made it past all his defenses and found his way into Aoshi's heart and no matter what Aoshi did, he could not detach himself from him.
Soujiro waited for a few moments before following after Aoshi. He suspected that Aoshi would be going out somewhere to do his kata and he wanted to watch. He enjoyed watching swordsmen practicing their sword style. Something about watching the grace and flow of the swordsmen had always fascinated him and when he had watched Aoshi at Shingetsu Village, the emotions that ran through his body had been very exhilarating. Like nothing he had ever experienced before.
Sneaking after Aoshi, he hoped to experience that same feeling once again. By the time he found Aoshi, night had descended upon them, making it easier to approach but the moon had not yet appeared, so all he could see was the swordsman's shadow. The dark clothes he wore almost blended in with the night.
Jumping into a large tree, Soujiro sat on one of the branches trying to get a better look at the object of his affection. He settled in as the moon came from behind a cloud illuminating the clearing, giving Aoshi a glow that set Soujiro's body on fire. Watching intently, he leaned forward too far, catching himself he was able to keep from falling but some leaves slowly floated to the ground.
Sitting completely still, not even breathing, he froze as Aoshi suddenly stopped, leading him to believe that the swordsman had heard him. But then Aoshi continued with renewed vigor, each move perfectly executed while gliding into the following move. His kodachi slicing imaginary enemies as the swords whisked through empty air.
When Aoshi started to slow down, Soujiro very quietly slipped out of the tree and started back to the inn. Glad that he was able to see his Aoshi, but now he had to find a way to repeat last night.
Aoshi slowed down when he heard the leaves falling from the large tree. He could see a vague outline of Soujiro as he clung to the tree branch. His energy almost depleted anyway, he finished a few more moves before slowing down and returning his kodachi to its sheath.
His body was warm from doing all the extra moves tonight for he had worked twice as hard as any other night. He would walk slow back to the inn to give his body time to cool down and give Soujiro time to get back to their room. Why was he thinking about the young man, he asked himself, with that single question, all the feelings that he had been trying to get rid of, returned.
Soujiro smiled, feeling very warm as he started walking down the path back to the inn. He was thinking how he would be sitting in their room waiting for Aoshi when he heard a tiny 'plop' as if a pebble had been dropped into the water. Another one then another. Standing still he looked out at the water and noticed the fireflies dancing around the waters edge.
Beautiful, he thought, looking at the reflections in the water.
Amazed, he watched as some of the tiny lights approached him. They were unafraid of him and coming closer as their lights began drawing faint paths in the moonlight. He marveled at the intricate way they moved, sometimes alone, sometimes two or three would join to form a pattern as they continued to float around him.
When he came to the edge of the foliage Aoshi stopped in the shadow surprised at the sight in front of him. He sucked in his breath as he watched Soujiro, standing just off the path with fireflies gently floating around him. His beauty was enticing. Aoshi swallowed slowly then took in a deep breath, his body demanding him to breathe.
He struggled with his emotions, still thinking that he was doing what needed to be done when his eye caught movement from the other side of Soujiro. He was about to leap forward and intervene when he noticed Soujiro smile and greet the man who was approaching him.
Soujiro heard the sound of someone approaching him from the town. Feeling no danger, he waited to see who it was. The fireflies deserted him one by one as a man came into his view. He was dressed in a dark colored western business suit, with a white button up shirt, his yellow hair in the top knot of a samurai with a few loose strands falling down in his face, and he walked with a slight twitch uncertain of his path.
At first Soujiro didn't recognize him but on closer scrutiny, he smiled and waited for the man to approach before saying, "Hello, Cho-san."
"Hi ya kid," Cho replied in his southern drawl. "You're looking pretty good," he said while looking Soujiro up and down.
Soujiro smiled a blush coloring his cheeks.
"And you're cute when ya blush. So what are ya doing way out here?" Cho asked, crossing his arms then putting them back down by his side.
"I'm staying at the inn just down the path and decided to get some fresh air. How are you doing?" he asked, trying to get the conversation on a different subject besides him.
"All dressed up and no where ta go. Kami-chan likes it when I dress like this," he paused when he saw the surprised look on Soujiro's face, then continued, "Hey do you think that I would dress this way for anyone else?" he growled, then he smiled. "So how do I look?" he asked, taking a step further into the moonlight so Soujiro could see him better.
"You... ah... look rather... western," Soujiro stated, hoping that was the right answer.
"Good. We'll be heading overseas soon and Kami-chan wants me to get used to these clothes. The man sure drives me nuts," Cho said, grinning, "If you know what I mean?" he winked at Soujiro knowingly.
Shaking his head yes, he answered, "I am glad that you two are together."
"Yea me too," Cho replied. "Want some company walking back?"
~Far enough away so that he couldn't hear the conversation, Aoshi watched as Soujiro smiled while talking with the stranger. He tried to reason with himself that it was ok, the young man needed someone and if he wasn't going to be there then...
But the more he watched the more his feelings would bounce between relief and the green eyed monster. His head was hurting from the thoughts that were warring with each other in his mind. His hand automatically rubbed his forehead momentarily blocking out the two men from his view.
Lowering his hand, Aoshi looked back where the two men had been. Panic gripped him when he realized that both men were magically gone.
To be continued.
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