Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin or 'Come Away With Me' by Norah Jones!!
Author's Notes: *sighs* I finally finished this chapter!! Sorry, it took so long, but I ran into various problems. This is just a waffy chapter that has no point, and the plot will start moving again next chapter. I hope you really like it. I read some of the first chapters in this fic, and I was deeply disgusted at how under-developed it was. *shrugs* Oh, well. I'm just glad I got so many people still reading it even though!! So please, read, review, and enjoy!!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Come Away With Me
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Come away with me in the night
Come away with me
And I will write you a song
The sun rose slowly almost as if it was full of reluctance. After the fight, Misao collapsed on the spot, and had to be taken to her room to rest. The fight had left everyone else restless and full of questions as they sat down to breakfast. There was tension in the air while everyone poked at their food, giving each other curious looks. Not surprisingly, it was Kaoru who broke the silence,
"That was interesting, ne?" her voice was quiet, but everyone could hear the worry in her tone.
"What was IT really?" Megumi intoned curiously. The only answer anyone could give her was silence.
"How did our little Misao-chan become so powerful?" Omasu sighed, remembering the days when Misao was still a child.
"She's not a little girl anymore." Kaoru stated, casting a quick look towards Aoshi. Aoshi saw this and frowned. He knew that Misao was no longer a child, he had embraced that fact a long time ago.
"So Yoriko's a traitor?" Sano queried.
"Isn't that obvious, tori-atama?" snapped Megumi. Before an argument could ensue, Okon veered the conversation back to the topic at hand.
"This is all to confusing." Jiya tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Yoriko is actually named Yoshiyo, that woman Kamikaze or Tenshi or whatever her named is, that ninja clan." remarked Sano as he chewed on a fishbone, "Not to mention that funky uniform itachi-chan was wearing."
"Thanks for the major points of the previous night." Megumi said sarcastically.
"Not a problem, kitsune."
"Back to the topic at hand," Kaoru sighed tiredly, "what's going on?"
Again her question was met with silence. Aoshi wondered what was going on with Misao. It was like he didn't even know her anymore. Although he did give her his full support in whatever it was she was actually doing, Aoshi did ponder what was going on in her private life. Her closeness to that other woman spurned a feeling of jealousy in him. That woman, Tenshi as Misao called her, knew her better than Aoshi did, and he didn't like the feeling it gave him. Not at all.
"I wish we knew, Kaoru-dono." Kenshin answered her question with an air of weariness.
Kaoru cast her gaze towards the table quickly when she heard the honorific back on her name. Just yesterday her heart's desire had shown her at least a sliver of intimacy, but now it was back to the same 'just friends' familiaraity.
Kenshin caught the hurt in Kaoru's eyes, and immediately loathed himself for causing it. He wanted to be her knight in shining armor, but like Aoshi, he'd only stain her soul. Besides, she would find someone better than him. Some man who could make her happier than he could ever dream of.
But Aoshi, on the other hand, was filled with mixed emotions. He loved Misao with all his heart, but was he in love with her? Was that the emotion that made him dizzy whenever he was around her? In her time away, she certainly did mature. Maybe Misao realized that Aoshi wasn't the man she's been chasing all these years. Maybe she finally came to her senses and knew that she didn't want a man with his hands stained with blood, his soul tainted with darkness as her husband.
These thoughts ran though his head, burrowing deeper with its turmoil. As the others continue to chatter about the situation, Aoshi stayed silent, his mask in place. He had to speak to her, as soon as possible. These feelings needed to be sorted out quickly.
Come away with me on a bus
Come away where they can't tempt us
With their lies
Thrashing around in her futon, sparkling tears slid from tightly shut eyes. Misao slept fitfully, exhausted from her fight. The blanket swathed itself around her like a snake while she panted desprately for breath. Images of her and Tenshi fighing to win, Yoshiyo talking to Tenshi, Tenshi being taken away, Misao all alone plagued by her dreams. Not only that, but nightmares of her going up against the powerful force everyone's been talking about, and failing horribly.
Breaking away from her hellish dreams, Misao sat up and gasped for air. Sweat beaded across her forehead, and she wiped them with the back of her hand. What would she do now? There were to many loose ends to all of this. Who was Akarino-sama, and how was he connected to Tenshi? She knew that Tenshi used to a ninja name Kamikaze, but Misao didn't know the story in depth. Only that Setsuya had betrayed her in some way. Then Yoshiyo being connected to her was also confusing. It was like Misao, who was once in the beautiful sea of clarity, was now placed in a foggy shroud of incomplete information.
One thing she did know, though, was that this powerful force had something to do with the Twin Dragons clan. To defeat the force, she had to somehow defeat the ninja clan. But was she strong enough to do it?
Misao looked at the window and realized she had been out all day. It was already night time, and by now, everyone would be eating dinner. Her stomach grumbled a bit, but she didn't want to face them right now. They bombard her with various questions, and not even the temptation of food was worth that.
Her heart constricted as a devasting lonliness swirled around her soul. No matter how surrounded she was by friends and family, Misao felt so weak and helpless without Tenshi's calming aura near her. She knew it made her sound like a coward or some damsel in distress, but deep down, she was afraid that she wouldn't come out of the upcoming battle victorious.
'You'll do what I expect from you when the time comes.' the gentle voice of Tenshi echoed through her mind. The battle she had fought early that morning seemed like it occured ages ago.
"You don't know that, Tenshi." Misao replied to herself sorrowfully. As if to answer her, her dragon pendent glowed and emitted a great warmth that rushed through her weary bones. It brought little relief to her stressed mind, and with a sigh she waited for everyone to fall asleep.
I want to walk with you
On a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high
So won't you try to come
Standing just right outside the Aoiya, Aoshi watched the stars twinkle with luster. Misao had not come out of her room all day, and although it didn't show in his exterior, inside he was deeply worried and concerned. Okon and Omasu checked up on her frequently throughout the day to see if she needed any help, but the petite woman just slept. A slight frown marred his usual frosty look, and he was lucky that there was no one there to see him.
Silently, Misao crept downstairs to get a breath of fresh air. She thought that even for a few minutes she could escape her demons that had haunted throughout the day if she cleared her mind. Even meditating sounded appealing to her at the moment, ironic as it is. Of course, she did not expect to find Shinomori Aoshi standing on the outside also, as if waiting for her.
Her steps faltered at the sight of him in comparison to her heart rapidly quickening its rate. He didn't give any sign of acknowledging her, but Misao knew that he knew that she was there. He always did. Unintentionally, her petite, fingers touched her lips as she remembered the night he kissed her. Aoshi told her that they would figure out where they stood in each other's lives after she did what she had to do, but it felt like a lifetime before Misao accomplished her goal. Besides, even she was mystified to what Tenshi expected of her when 'the time came'.
As Misao moved closer to him, Aoshi felt as if a large burden had been lifted from his hands. Most of his worries dissipate from knowing that she was alright, but some still lingered.
"It's a beautiful evening, ne, Aoshi-sama?" her voice was soft as she spoke to him like the fight earlier had not even occured.
"Aa." was his answer.
It was funny that after all they've been through, they were speaking to each as if Misao had never left for a year and came back a completely stronger person. Both weasel and icicle stood in silence for a few comfortable moments before Misao slid to her knees and sighed.
Frigid azure eyes looked down towards her, examining her every move. Pulling her knees to her chest, Misao gazed wistfully at the stars.
"I never asked for all this." whispered she. Aoshi's heart twinged devastatingly for her. Smoothly, he sat next to her and decided to listen to her while she let her problems out of her system.
"I know." he answered.
"I just wanted to be stronger for-," Misao broke off, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. Raising his eyebrow, Aoshi turned his head to give her a questioning look.
"I just wanted to become stronger for you." she uttered almost noiselessly, and that mere statement touched places in his heart and soul that he thought had vanished from his coldness.
Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I'll never stop loving you
Misao avoided his unfathomable indigo stare, mortified that she had actually said that out loud. She felt her cheeks burn, and for a moment she was angry that she was letting this bother her when she had more significant problems on her hands.
But to her profound amazement, she felt a familiar pair of warm and strong arms envelope her. She let out a gasp of surprise, but then soon snuggled into his embrace. Aoshi took away her worries and pain even if it was just for a few moments.
"Misao, you didn't have to become stronger for me." she heard his chest thunder under her ear as he spoke.
"But wasn't I just a silly girl?" Misao echoed his words. Shame crosses his face for a second, but then left so that it may grasp his heart instead.
"Gomen nasai," Aoshi apologized, "I didn't mean it."
"Then why did you say it?"
He released her from his hold and turned away, "I wanted to keep you safe."
"From what?" Misao retorted, still wounded by his words, "From people who will constantly challenge us?"
There was a pause when Aoshi didn't answer, but he regretfully he replied,
"From me."
Several emotions registered in Misao. Tenderness at how he was trying to keep her from harm's way, shock from his statement, anger from how he ignorantly pushed her away to keep her 'protected'. Finally, she settled on a yielding fondness for her Aoshi-sama.
"Baka." she shook her head, and wrapped her slender arms around his shoulders from behind. Aoshi jumped a bit at her show of affection, but eased into it.
"You didn't have to protect me from you."
"I don't want you to have a killer as a husband."
An amused eyebrow quirked at this and she responded,
"Now who was speaking of marriage here?"
When he didn't answer, Misao knew that she had embarrased him. Placing a kiss on his cheek, she told him,
"I don't care about what you did in your past, Aoshi-sama, all that matters is the present."
Again, he did not reply to her, but instead pulled her into his lap and simply hugged her. Aoshi truly did not know what he would do without her. Misao was his sunshine, his world. She continued to astound him in so many ways, and he was thankful that Kami had sent her to him.
And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me
They sat together like that until they lost track of time, both completely content with being in each other's presence. Misao felt serene and like she was floating on Cloud Nine. Even though Aoshi didn't say her three favorite words to her, it felt almost as good. At least now she knew she getting there.
Then like a ton of bricks, her problems came rushing back to her. Panic lodged itself in her throat and her fear returned with a vengeance. She let out a quiet groan, frustrated that she did not know how to defeat the Twin Dragon clan and if she was even powerful enough to do it.
Hearing her moan, Aoshi gently asked,
"Is something the matter?"
"I don't think I'm ready." Misao promptly said.
"Ready?" a quizzical look sparkled in his eyes, "Ready for what?"
"Ready to defeat the Twin Dragons clan." she murmured, "I don't even think I'm strong enough."
"Misao," Aoshi sternly said, "how can you not think you're strong enough? I watched you battle ninjas when you were badly outnumbered."
"I- I know."
"I'm surprised you weren't even killed."
"But I had Tenshi with me!" protested Misao.
"But was she fighting by your side everytime you needed help?" Aoshi countered, "Or told you what move to make next?"
She shook her head.
"Exactly. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, and the only way to make yourself even more powerful is to believe in yourself."
Reluctantly, Misao took in his words and believed them. At least they had some kind of sense in them, and hearing Aoshi say that she was strong made it even more tangible than it was before.
"Besides..." he softly added. Misao turned her head to look him in the eye, curious at what he was going to say next.
"You're not going to fight the ninja clan alone." replied Aoshi, "You'll have Himura and the others."
Her heart sunk a bit when he only mentioned Himura.
"And you'll also have me by your side." his lips slightly upturned into a small smile, and Misao knew that she could never love anyone more than she loved him.
So instead of voicing her gratefulness to him, Misao decided to show him by giving him a sweet and loving kiss. A kiss that Aoshi seemed not to mind at all.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's Notes: There ya have it, people! Your said promised waffy chapter full of A/M love. Sorry, that there's no K/K or S/M. Will try to add that in later! Well, we've been through this enough. You've read the chapter, and if you want another one, you know what to do!!
~*~*~
Rachel: Don't worry, I won't stop writing this fic until I'm finished! More about Setsuya and Tenshi in the next chapter!
AinaYZababe: Aww, I'm glad you're excited!! I love it when people are enthusiastic about my fic!
Zauber-witch: Your review is so wicked! I'm so happy you love my fic! Thanks for your song suggestions too!
Deathblade: My thoughts exactly. Die Yoriko! ^^;;;;; *blushes* I'm flattered by your review too! Thanks!
Purplechan: More chapters on the way! While you wait for the next one, why not check out my other fics, ne? ^_~ (Man, I'm just advertising my stories...)
Valese: You'll see more of what's too come soon, hopefully. I'm trying to balance out all my fics, and I hope this will keep ya happy!
Cat H: *nods* Thanks for the advice! Here's the new chapter that you're *eagerly* awaiting!
Foxxie-Kitty: I would never delete this story! Over my dead body! It's alright that you past this up before. I've done it to other amazing fics too, so you're not alone!
Sohma Kai: Never will I delete this! *shakes head* Secrets In the Dark is here to stay!
TigeressSpirit: Thanks for adding me to your fave list! I'm just blushing with pride that you think this is the A/M fic out there!
Chris: Hell yeah! Misao DOES kick ass!
Spell: I'll take Chibi Draco for this update! *winks* Then I'll pick up Chibi Kane when I update POYW. *sighs and shakes head* Bribery...
Kitten Kisses: I'm in glee that you love my fic! I'm such a big fan of your stories! Thanks for your lovely review!!
CardMistress Sakura: ANFY! *squeals* Thanks so much for writing Shadow for me! You kick ass!!
Faith: I love your name! *winks* I've always wanted to be named Faith...maybe because I watch too much Buffy..
Kitsuri: I'll make Yoriko pay...Don't worry!
Shadowfox: Come to think of it, I never actually thought about her being as powerful as Kenshin & Aoshi. Let's just say she's almost as strong as them in brawn, but not as much in speed. Do you get what I'm saying?
Miya-chan: It'll get better later.
Redrosepincess678: I DO need to answer so many questions, but good things happen in time, right?
Kay-san: I'm still in shock that you like my fic! Your so talented and you actually waste time to read sessha's work! *bows down*
Pirogoeth: Really, don't bow! I'm not all that worthy. Actually, Yoshiyo is no where near pure evil....wait until you meet a certain character later in the fic!
Yukimi: I wish things were that easy! *bops Yoshiyo on the head too* Ooh...that was fun!!
Hanna-chan: Kaoru will get her moment soon enough. Patience is a virtue!
Argentum Draco: I'll try to keep your request in mind. ^^
Kmye-chan: I'm sorry that this was too complicated for you with all the names and such. ^^;;;;
Plumsy321: Yay! Another Tenshi fan!! *does a dance*
Tesuka-chan: Not a problem! I think you're one of the greatest RK authors on this site, and I'm very pleased to know that you like my fic too!!
*hugs and kisses to all my readers and reviewers*
Author's Notes: *sighs* I finally finished this chapter!! Sorry, it took so long, but I ran into various problems. This is just a waffy chapter that has no point, and the plot will start moving again next chapter. I hope you really like it. I read some of the first chapters in this fic, and I was deeply disgusted at how under-developed it was. *shrugs* Oh, well. I'm just glad I got so many people still reading it even though!! So please, read, review, and enjoy!!!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Come Away With Me
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Come away with me in the night
Come away with me
And I will write you a song
The sun rose slowly almost as if it was full of reluctance. After the fight, Misao collapsed on the spot, and had to be taken to her room to rest. The fight had left everyone else restless and full of questions as they sat down to breakfast. There was tension in the air while everyone poked at their food, giving each other curious looks. Not surprisingly, it was Kaoru who broke the silence,
"That was interesting, ne?" her voice was quiet, but everyone could hear the worry in her tone.
"What was IT really?" Megumi intoned curiously. The only answer anyone could give her was silence.
"How did our little Misao-chan become so powerful?" Omasu sighed, remembering the days when Misao was still a child.
"She's not a little girl anymore." Kaoru stated, casting a quick look towards Aoshi. Aoshi saw this and frowned. He knew that Misao was no longer a child, he had embraced that fact a long time ago.
"So Yoriko's a traitor?" Sano queried.
"Isn't that obvious, tori-atama?" snapped Megumi. Before an argument could ensue, Okon veered the conversation back to the topic at hand.
"This is all to confusing." Jiya tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Yoriko is actually named Yoshiyo, that woman Kamikaze or Tenshi or whatever her named is, that ninja clan." remarked Sano as he chewed on a fishbone, "Not to mention that funky uniform itachi-chan was wearing."
"Thanks for the major points of the previous night." Megumi said sarcastically.
"Not a problem, kitsune."
"Back to the topic at hand," Kaoru sighed tiredly, "what's going on?"
Again her question was met with silence. Aoshi wondered what was going on with Misao. It was like he didn't even know her anymore. Although he did give her his full support in whatever it was she was actually doing, Aoshi did ponder what was going on in her private life. Her closeness to that other woman spurned a feeling of jealousy in him. That woman, Tenshi as Misao called her, knew her better than Aoshi did, and he didn't like the feeling it gave him. Not at all.
"I wish we knew, Kaoru-dono." Kenshin answered her question with an air of weariness.
Kaoru cast her gaze towards the table quickly when she heard the honorific back on her name. Just yesterday her heart's desire had shown her at least a sliver of intimacy, but now it was back to the same 'just friends' familiaraity.
Kenshin caught the hurt in Kaoru's eyes, and immediately loathed himself for causing it. He wanted to be her knight in shining armor, but like Aoshi, he'd only stain her soul. Besides, she would find someone better than him. Some man who could make her happier than he could ever dream of.
But Aoshi, on the other hand, was filled with mixed emotions. He loved Misao with all his heart, but was he in love with her? Was that the emotion that made him dizzy whenever he was around her? In her time away, she certainly did mature. Maybe Misao realized that Aoshi wasn't the man she's been chasing all these years. Maybe she finally came to her senses and knew that she didn't want a man with his hands stained with blood, his soul tainted with darkness as her husband.
These thoughts ran though his head, burrowing deeper with its turmoil. As the others continue to chatter about the situation, Aoshi stayed silent, his mask in place. He had to speak to her, as soon as possible. These feelings needed to be sorted out quickly.
Come away with me on a bus
Come away where they can't tempt us
With their lies
Thrashing around in her futon, sparkling tears slid from tightly shut eyes. Misao slept fitfully, exhausted from her fight. The blanket swathed itself around her like a snake while she panted desprately for breath. Images of her and Tenshi fighing to win, Yoshiyo talking to Tenshi, Tenshi being taken away, Misao all alone plagued by her dreams. Not only that, but nightmares of her going up against the powerful force everyone's been talking about, and failing horribly.
Breaking away from her hellish dreams, Misao sat up and gasped for air. Sweat beaded across her forehead, and she wiped them with the back of her hand. What would she do now? There were to many loose ends to all of this. Who was Akarino-sama, and how was he connected to Tenshi? She knew that Tenshi used to a ninja name Kamikaze, but Misao didn't know the story in depth. Only that Setsuya had betrayed her in some way. Then Yoshiyo being connected to her was also confusing. It was like Misao, who was once in the beautiful sea of clarity, was now placed in a foggy shroud of incomplete information.
One thing she did know, though, was that this powerful force had something to do with the Twin Dragons clan. To defeat the force, she had to somehow defeat the ninja clan. But was she strong enough to do it?
Misao looked at the window and realized she had been out all day. It was already night time, and by now, everyone would be eating dinner. Her stomach grumbled a bit, but she didn't want to face them right now. They bombard her with various questions, and not even the temptation of food was worth that.
Her heart constricted as a devasting lonliness swirled around her soul. No matter how surrounded she was by friends and family, Misao felt so weak and helpless without Tenshi's calming aura near her. She knew it made her sound like a coward or some damsel in distress, but deep down, she was afraid that she wouldn't come out of the upcoming battle victorious.
'You'll do what I expect from you when the time comes.' the gentle voice of Tenshi echoed through her mind. The battle she had fought early that morning seemed like it occured ages ago.
"You don't know that, Tenshi." Misao replied to herself sorrowfully. As if to answer her, her dragon pendent glowed and emitted a great warmth that rushed through her weary bones. It brought little relief to her stressed mind, and with a sigh she waited for everyone to fall asleep.
I want to walk with you
On a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high
So won't you try to come
Standing just right outside the Aoiya, Aoshi watched the stars twinkle with luster. Misao had not come out of her room all day, and although it didn't show in his exterior, inside he was deeply worried and concerned. Okon and Omasu checked up on her frequently throughout the day to see if she needed any help, but the petite woman just slept. A slight frown marred his usual frosty look, and he was lucky that there was no one there to see him.
Silently, Misao crept downstairs to get a breath of fresh air. She thought that even for a few minutes she could escape her demons that had haunted throughout the day if she cleared her mind. Even meditating sounded appealing to her at the moment, ironic as it is. Of course, she did not expect to find Shinomori Aoshi standing on the outside also, as if waiting for her.
Her steps faltered at the sight of him in comparison to her heart rapidly quickening its rate. He didn't give any sign of acknowledging her, but Misao knew that he knew that she was there. He always did. Unintentionally, her petite, fingers touched her lips as she remembered the night he kissed her. Aoshi told her that they would figure out where they stood in each other's lives after she did what she had to do, but it felt like a lifetime before Misao accomplished her goal. Besides, even she was mystified to what Tenshi expected of her when 'the time came'.
As Misao moved closer to him, Aoshi felt as if a large burden had been lifted from his hands. Most of his worries dissipate from knowing that she was alright, but some still lingered.
"It's a beautiful evening, ne, Aoshi-sama?" her voice was soft as she spoke to him like the fight earlier had not even occured.
"Aa." was his answer.
It was funny that after all they've been through, they were speaking to each as if Misao had never left for a year and came back a completely stronger person. Both weasel and icicle stood in silence for a few comfortable moments before Misao slid to her knees and sighed.
Frigid azure eyes looked down towards her, examining her every move. Pulling her knees to her chest, Misao gazed wistfully at the stars.
"I never asked for all this." whispered she. Aoshi's heart twinged devastatingly for her. Smoothly, he sat next to her and decided to listen to her while she let her problems out of her system.
"I know." he answered.
"I just wanted to be stronger for-," Misao broke off, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. Raising his eyebrow, Aoshi turned his head to give her a questioning look.
"I just wanted to become stronger for you." she uttered almost noiselessly, and that mere statement touched places in his heart and soul that he thought had vanished from his coldness.
Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I'll never stop loving you
Misao avoided his unfathomable indigo stare, mortified that she had actually said that out loud. She felt her cheeks burn, and for a moment she was angry that she was letting this bother her when she had more significant problems on her hands.
But to her profound amazement, she felt a familiar pair of warm and strong arms envelope her. She let out a gasp of surprise, but then soon snuggled into his embrace. Aoshi took away her worries and pain even if it was just for a few moments.
"Misao, you didn't have to become stronger for me." she heard his chest thunder under her ear as he spoke.
"But wasn't I just a silly girl?" Misao echoed his words. Shame crosses his face for a second, but then left so that it may grasp his heart instead.
"Gomen nasai," Aoshi apologized, "I didn't mean it."
"Then why did you say it?"
He released her from his hold and turned away, "I wanted to keep you safe."
"From what?" Misao retorted, still wounded by his words, "From people who will constantly challenge us?"
There was a pause when Aoshi didn't answer, but he regretfully he replied,
"From me."
Several emotions registered in Misao. Tenderness at how he was trying to keep her from harm's way, shock from his statement, anger from how he ignorantly pushed her away to keep her 'protected'. Finally, she settled on a yielding fondness for her Aoshi-sama.
"Baka." she shook her head, and wrapped her slender arms around his shoulders from behind. Aoshi jumped a bit at her show of affection, but eased into it.
"You didn't have to protect me from you."
"I don't want you to have a killer as a husband."
An amused eyebrow quirked at this and she responded,
"Now who was speaking of marriage here?"
When he didn't answer, Misao knew that she had embarrased him. Placing a kiss on his cheek, she told him,
"I don't care about what you did in your past, Aoshi-sama, all that matters is the present."
Again, he did not reply to her, but instead pulled her into his lap and simply hugged her. Aoshi truly did not know what he would do without her. Misao was his sunshine, his world. She continued to astound him in so many ways, and he was thankful that Kami had sent her to him.
And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me
They sat together like that until they lost track of time, both completely content with being in each other's presence. Misao felt serene and like she was floating on Cloud Nine. Even though Aoshi didn't say her three favorite words to her, it felt almost as good. At least now she knew she getting there.
Then like a ton of bricks, her problems came rushing back to her. Panic lodged itself in her throat and her fear returned with a vengeance. She let out a quiet groan, frustrated that she did not know how to defeat the Twin Dragon clan and if she was even powerful enough to do it.
Hearing her moan, Aoshi gently asked,
"Is something the matter?"
"I don't think I'm ready." Misao promptly said.
"Ready?" a quizzical look sparkled in his eyes, "Ready for what?"
"Ready to defeat the Twin Dragons clan." she murmured, "I don't even think I'm strong enough."
"Misao," Aoshi sternly said, "how can you not think you're strong enough? I watched you battle ninjas when you were badly outnumbered."
"I- I know."
"I'm surprised you weren't even killed."
"But I had Tenshi with me!" protested Misao.
"But was she fighting by your side everytime you needed help?" Aoshi countered, "Or told you what move to make next?"
She shook her head.
"Exactly. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, and the only way to make yourself even more powerful is to believe in yourself."
Reluctantly, Misao took in his words and believed them. At least they had some kind of sense in them, and hearing Aoshi say that she was strong made it even more tangible than it was before.
"Besides..." he softly added. Misao turned her head to look him in the eye, curious at what he was going to say next.
"You're not going to fight the ninja clan alone." replied Aoshi, "You'll have Himura and the others."
Her heart sunk a bit when he only mentioned Himura.
"And you'll also have me by your side." his lips slightly upturned into a small smile, and Misao knew that she could never love anyone more than she loved him.
So instead of voicing her gratefulness to him, Misao decided to show him by giving him a sweet and loving kiss. A kiss that Aoshi seemed not to mind at all.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's Notes: There ya have it, people! Your said promised waffy chapter full of A/M love. Sorry, that there's no K/K or S/M. Will try to add that in later! Well, we've been through this enough. You've read the chapter, and if you want another one, you know what to do!!
~*~*~
Rachel: Don't worry, I won't stop writing this fic until I'm finished! More about Setsuya and Tenshi in the next chapter!
AinaYZababe: Aww, I'm glad you're excited!! I love it when people are enthusiastic about my fic!
Zauber-witch: Your review is so wicked! I'm so happy you love my fic! Thanks for your song suggestions too!
Deathblade: My thoughts exactly. Die Yoriko! ^^;;;;; *blushes* I'm flattered by your review too! Thanks!
Purplechan: More chapters on the way! While you wait for the next one, why not check out my other fics, ne? ^_~ (Man, I'm just advertising my stories...)
Valese: You'll see more of what's too come soon, hopefully. I'm trying to balance out all my fics, and I hope this will keep ya happy!
Cat H: *nods* Thanks for the advice! Here's the new chapter that you're *eagerly* awaiting!
Foxxie-Kitty: I would never delete this story! Over my dead body! It's alright that you past this up before. I've done it to other amazing fics too, so you're not alone!
Sohma Kai: Never will I delete this! *shakes head* Secrets In the Dark is here to stay!
TigeressSpirit: Thanks for adding me to your fave list! I'm just blushing with pride that you think this is the A/M fic out there!
Chris: Hell yeah! Misao DOES kick ass!
Spell: I'll take Chibi Draco for this update! *winks* Then I'll pick up Chibi Kane when I update POYW. *sighs and shakes head* Bribery...
Kitten Kisses: I'm in glee that you love my fic! I'm such a big fan of your stories! Thanks for your lovely review!!
CardMistress Sakura: ANFY! *squeals* Thanks so much for writing Shadow for me! You kick ass!!
Faith: I love your name! *winks* I've always wanted to be named Faith...maybe because I watch too much Buffy..
Kitsuri: I'll make Yoriko pay...Don't worry!
Shadowfox: Come to think of it, I never actually thought about her being as powerful as Kenshin & Aoshi. Let's just say she's almost as strong as them in brawn, but not as much in speed. Do you get what I'm saying?
Miya-chan: It'll get better later.
Redrosepincess678: I DO need to answer so many questions, but good things happen in time, right?
Kay-san: I'm still in shock that you like my fic! Your so talented and you actually waste time to read sessha's work! *bows down*
Pirogoeth: Really, don't bow! I'm not all that worthy. Actually, Yoshiyo is no where near pure evil....wait until you meet a certain character later in the fic!
Yukimi: I wish things were that easy! *bops Yoshiyo on the head too* Ooh...that was fun!!
Hanna-chan: Kaoru will get her moment soon enough. Patience is a virtue!
Argentum Draco: I'll try to keep your request in mind. ^^
Kmye-chan: I'm sorry that this was too complicated for you with all the names and such. ^^;;;;
Plumsy321: Yay! Another Tenshi fan!! *does a dance*
Tesuka-chan: Not a problem! I think you're one of the greatest RK authors on this site, and I'm very pleased to know that you like my fic too!!
*hugs and kisses to all my readers and reviewers*
