Under the cover of darkness, many things can be hidden.
Megumi's eyes for one, remained carefully guarded. The Morimotos had left after a fairly congenial and relaxed dinner, and left Megumi to see her Kyoto companions off alone.
She stood outside with her two guests -- or rather, two friends -- trying to find the appropriate things to say. She felt that "Thank you" would have been inadequate to contain all that she felt at the moment. Instead, she closed her eyes and hugged Obaasan tightly. Instinctively, Obaasan patted her on the back reassuringly. As Megumi opened her eyes, they were suspiciously moist.
"Come visit soon, Megumi-san," Obaasan said.
"I will," Megumi answered softly as Aoshi helped the sleepy Obaasan into the carriage.
He turned back to pay his respects to the doctor, who stood there with her hands clasped together and eyes downcast
"Megumi-san."
"Aoshi-san," she looked up and gave him a splendid smile. "I never would have thought it possible that I'd be saying this is, even a few weeks ago, but I am sorry to see you go as well." She laughed, although it sounded a bit forced, "I won't have anyone to make sure I stay out of trouble."
"Friends are not far," he answered softly. "If you need me, I will come."
It was something she had never she'd hear him say. "It is good to find that I have you and Obaasan as friends. It means very much to me." She paused awkwardly. With Obaasan, she had been able to simply hug her goodbye. But Aoshi was not the sort of man that one just 'hugged.'
Instead, she took his hand then between hers. "Please write when you are safely home. Given everything that happens each time I travel, I will worry for your journey otherwise."
He brought his other hand and rested it on top of hers for only a moment before she pulled away entirely. "Goodbye, Aoshi-san."
"Goodbye," he stepped into the carriage and sat down abruptly as it jerked into motion. As they drove away, he did not see her walk back slowly into the compound, the smile gone from her face.
With Obaasan soundly asleep, Aoshi was left with plenty of time to meditate and think ahead. Now as the undeniable leader of the remnants of the Oniwabun, and with the responsibility of the Aoiya on his hands, it paid to be thinking constantly. Okina had made it known in some of his correspondence to Obaasan that now that everyone had recovered from illness many things waited to be done.
He spent considerable time simply trying to focus his meditation. His routine had been interrupted by the events of the past few weeks. And the unpredictability of his schedule made it difficult to find any block of time in which he could meditate for long. He chided himself for his laziness. His lack of inner quiet now was likely due to all those distractions.
It was well into the ride, when the first light of morning shone into the carriage that Obaasan woke. She studied him before speaking. "Aoshi-san, forgive my curiosity, but our sudden departure made we wonder if perhaps there had been a fall-out of some sort between you and the doctor. You have had problems in the past. I wonder if perhaps she had misunderstood something you had said or done."
He thought for a moment before shaking his head. "I do not believe so."
"I see." She paused, "She had mentioned something about the Takehima's in my conversation to her but I couldn't figure it out."
He thought back briefly to their conversation where she had requested his assistance in bringing up the subject of her leaving the Takehima's. "Perhaps she was tired of having people around all the time
Obaasan paused as she weighed again Megumi's words to her the last night of their stay. "Perhaps, " she mused, "but then why did she look so miserable when we had left them behind?"
He did not answer, for he did not know the answer himself. He had forgotten that very incident until Obaasan had mentioned. Why indeed? It was something to ponder over further.
As they arrived at the Aoiya, Aoshi was satisfied to note that it had resumed its busy appearance. Most of the workers and inhabitants came out to say their hellos, but knowing that Aoshi really wasn't one for ceremony, returned back to their work. Okina lagged behind though, clearly delighted to have them back. Without Aoshi to tend to the management and administrative affairs and Obaasan to keep an eye on the extended family at the Aoiya, Okina had his hands full and was eager to turn over those responsibilities back to the both of them. He would rather harass people in fun, than in earnest.
Before Okina could get started -- as promised, Aoshi scribbled off a short note to the doctor and dispatched it to Aizu. Okina teased him mercilessly for the abruptness of the letter. "You might say something about how nice the weather is in Kyoto, how nicely I've been running things at the Aoiya, and how everyone is asking about her," Okina chuckled. "But instead you write three sentences and pay an excessive fee to have it taken quickly back to Aizu."
Aoshi shrugged. "I am not a master of pleasantries like you, Okina-san."
"Well, well!" The old man smiled mysteriously "By pleasantries, you really mean master of 'small talk,' don't you? My my, your tongue has sharpened a bit since you've been away."
"I do not know what you are talking about."
Okina sighed disgustedly. "Of course you wouldn't know or admit to knowing, would you? But I'll leave you alone for now. I rather like this mood of yours and don't want it to change. The doctor is well, I take it?"
"Yes, she is nearly completely physically recovered."
"So Obaasan mentioned in her letters. You are not so descriptive in yours," he said somewhat accusingly. "But she assured me that you kept yourself and the doctor busy."
"She needed a lot of attention. She easily bored if she didn't have something to do."
"Taking walks, picking plants, reading books, Aoshi," the old man shook his head, "It just doesn't seem very entertaining to me. Given all that we were once were, that must have driven you crazy."
"Meditation these past few years has taught me to appreciate quieter activities."
"As I suppose does the company you keep. But never mind my rambling. " the old man chuckled, "Something has definitely changed in you Aoshi -- a good thing perhaps. Maybe you'll actually be able to succeed then in this proposition I have for you."
"Proposition?"
"Oh of course," Okina winked, "It means you would have to move in larger circles I'm afraid and practice the art of delivering pleasantries. An old friend in Tokyo is convinced that the foreign markets will be lucrative. I would like the Oniwabun to enter the import-export business. I also would like the Aoiya to attract more business from the West. You are proficient enough to become better in dealing with these western foreigners and help our people adapt."
"You are much better at these sorts of things."
"Stop teasing me. I am an old man, Aoshi," Okina grinned, "I think that the Westerners would much rather like seeing someone young and strong like you. Or rather, they'd be less likely to take advantage of us if you were to handle all negotiations and contacts. And think of all the increased opportunities it means for all of us."
"Okina," Aoshi turned to him, "What if I told you that I've already negotiated with several people in Tokyo and that we have several contracts pending to distribute good throughout Japan?"
"What?!"
"I have already been to Tokyo. I had been there to look into something Obaasan wanted for the doctor and rather enjoyed the process. I met a few good persons who appear to be shrewd but honest business partners. I was convinced that there were things that the foreigners made and could offer that we did not have and would benefit from. "
Okina looked startled.
"I think it best if you take four of our people there to start. Your friend in Tokyo will certainly be able to confirm whether I have chosen wisely and these four people will manage the daily operations of the business. All I need are the volunteers to go and people to replace them here."
"Alright," Okina rubbed his chin somewhat irritated. "You always seem to be one step ahead of my pet schemes. I was rather proud of it too." He sighed, "I don't suppose you've already settled on who is to go?"
Aoshi tilted his head at the man, "As I said, you're the one much better at dealing with people."
"Yes, yes," Okina laughed, "So be it. Since you've already done the groundwork, I'll see to it that we have our four people." He left Aoshi to his meditations and happily went along his way.
'That punk!' he thought to himself as he went around the Aoiya to talk to different persons. Aoshi's business decision was hasty by his standards and while it really didn't bother him, he couldn't recall the last time Aoshi had been so well, impetuous.
'Oh well,' he thought to himself happily as he was distracted by the smells wafting in from the kitchen. It wasn't as if it was a particularly bad thing.
"Obaasan," he suddenly sidled up to a counter. "How I've missed your cooking."
"You scamp," the old woman laughed, "how is that you show up right when the dumplings are finished?"
"I'm a trained warrior," he countered as he expertly swiped a dumpling from the pot. "A very hungry one at that."
"The young master is meditating?" Obaasan asked.
"Yes," Okina answered. "And I am out to find people to go to Tokyo."
"Tokyo?" she smiled, "Oh how nice. Aoshi-san went to Tokyo less than a week ago. Said it was bustling."
With his last conversation with Aoshi still fresh in his mind, he was unable to contain his curiosity. "Ah yes, he did go to Tokyo didn't he to run an errand for you?" He leaned in, again swiping another dumpling, "Tell me -- what did you have Aoshi bring back for the doctor that could only be found in Tokyo?"
"Oh," she smiled, "A chair. From England, I think." She mused, "I think he rather enjoyed his little mission. He stayed there a few days in Tokyo before he came back to Aizu."
"A chair, huh?" Okina looked a bit confounded and then walked off muttering to himself, "All that -- it started with a chair?"
~~
A/N - This part and the next were originally all mashed together in one installment. Because of its insane length (nearly 4000 words) and that I wanted people to be pacing themselves while reading it , I decided to break this up into two subparts. The promised two parts more are still coming - a resolution if you will, and an epilogue.
Megumi's eyes for one, remained carefully guarded. The Morimotos had left after a fairly congenial and relaxed dinner, and left Megumi to see her Kyoto companions off alone.
She stood outside with her two guests -- or rather, two friends -- trying to find the appropriate things to say. She felt that "Thank you" would have been inadequate to contain all that she felt at the moment. Instead, she closed her eyes and hugged Obaasan tightly. Instinctively, Obaasan patted her on the back reassuringly. As Megumi opened her eyes, they were suspiciously moist.
"Come visit soon, Megumi-san," Obaasan said.
"I will," Megumi answered softly as Aoshi helped the sleepy Obaasan into the carriage.
He turned back to pay his respects to the doctor, who stood there with her hands clasped together and eyes downcast
"Megumi-san."
"Aoshi-san," she looked up and gave him a splendid smile. "I never would have thought it possible that I'd be saying this is, even a few weeks ago, but I am sorry to see you go as well." She laughed, although it sounded a bit forced, "I won't have anyone to make sure I stay out of trouble."
"Friends are not far," he answered softly. "If you need me, I will come."
It was something she had never she'd hear him say. "It is good to find that I have you and Obaasan as friends. It means very much to me." She paused awkwardly. With Obaasan, she had been able to simply hug her goodbye. But Aoshi was not the sort of man that one just 'hugged.'
Instead, she took his hand then between hers. "Please write when you are safely home. Given everything that happens each time I travel, I will worry for your journey otherwise."
He brought his other hand and rested it on top of hers for only a moment before she pulled away entirely. "Goodbye, Aoshi-san."
"Goodbye," he stepped into the carriage and sat down abruptly as it jerked into motion. As they drove away, he did not see her walk back slowly into the compound, the smile gone from her face.
With Obaasan soundly asleep, Aoshi was left with plenty of time to meditate and think ahead. Now as the undeniable leader of the remnants of the Oniwabun, and with the responsibility of the Aoiya on his hands, it paid to be thinking constantly. Okina had made it known in some of his correspondence to Obaasan that now that everyone had recovered from illness many things waited to be done.
He spent considerable time simply trying to focus his meditation. His routine had been interrupted by the events of the past few weeks. And the unpredictability of his schedule made it difficult to find any block of time in which he could meditate for long. He chided himself for his laziness. His lack of inner quiet now was likely due to all those distractions.
It was well into the ride, when the first light of morning shone into the carriage that Obaasan woke. She studied him before speaking. "Aoshi-san, forgive my curiosity, but our sudden departure made we wonder if perhaps there had been a fall-out of some sort between you and the doctor. You have had problems in the past. I wonder if perhaps she had misunderstood something you had said or done."
He thought for a moment before shaking his head. "I do not believe so."
"I see." She paused, "She had mentioned something about the Takehima's in my conversation to her but I couldn't figure it out."
He thought back briefly to their conversation where she had requested his assistance in bringing up the subject of her leaving the Takehima's. "Perhaps she was tired of having people around all the time
Obaasan paused as she weighed again Megumi's words to her the last night of their stay. "Perhaps, " she mused, "but then why did she look so miserable when we had left them behind?"
He did not answer, for he did not know the answer himself. He had forgotten that very incident until Obaasan had mentioned. Why indeed? It was something to ponder over further.
As they arrived at the Aoiya, Aoshi was satisfied to note that it had resumed its busy appearance. Most of the workers and inhabitants came out to say their hellos, but knowing that Aoshi really wasn't one for ceremony, returned back to their work. Okina lagged behind though, clearly delighted to have them back. Without Aoshi to tend to the management and administrative affairs and Obaasan to keep an eye on the extended family at the Aoiya, Okina had his hands full and was eager to turn over those responsibilities back to the both of them. He would rather harass people in fun, than in earnest.
Before Okina could get started -- as promised, Aoshi scribbled off a short note to the doctor and dispatched it to Aizu. Okina teased him mercilessly for the abruptness of the letter. "You might say something about how nice the weather is in Kyoto, how nicely I've been running things at the Aoiya, and how everyone is asking about her," Okina chuckled. "But instead you write three sentences and pay an excessive fee to have it taken quickly back to Aizu."
Aoshi shrugged. "I am not a master of pleasantries like you, Okina-san."
"Well, well!" The old man smiled mysteriously "By pleasantries, you really mean master of 'small talk,' don't you? My my, your tongue has sharpened a bit since you've been away."
"I do not know what you are talking about."
Okina sighed disgustedly. "Of course you wouldn't know or admit to knowing, would you? But I'll leave you alone for now. I rather like this mood of yours and don't want it to change. The doctor is well, I take it?"
"Yes, she is nearly completely physically recovered."
"So Obaasan mentioned in her letters. You are not so descriptive in yours," he said somewhat accusingly. "But she assured me that you kept yourself and the doctor busy."
"She needed a lot of attention. She easily bored if she didn't have something to do."
"Taking walks, picking plants, reading books, Aoshi," the old man shook his head, "It just doesn't seem very entertaining to me. Given all that we were once were, that must have driven you crazy."
"Meditation these past few years has taught me to appreciate quieter activities."
"As I suppose does the company you keep. But never mind my rambling. " the old man chuckled, "Something has definitely changed in you Aoshi -- a good thing perhaps. Maybe you'll actually be able to succeed then in this proposition I have for you."
"Proposition?"
"Oh of course," Okina winked, "It means you would have to move in larger circles I'm afraid and practice the art of delivering pleasantries. An old friend in Tokyo is convinced that the foreign markets will be lucrative. I would like the Oniwabun to enter the import-export business. I also would like the Aoiya to attract more business from the West. You are proficient enough to become better in dealing with these western foreigners and help our people adapt."
"You are much better at these sorts of things."
"Stop teasing me. I am an old man, Aoshi," Okina grinned, "I think that the Westerners would much rather like seeing someone young and strong like you. Or rather, they'd be less likely to take advantage of us if you were to handle all negotiations and contacts. And think of all the increased opportunities it means for all of us."
"Okina," Aoshi turned to him, "What if I told you that I've already negotiated with several people in Tokyo and that we have several contracts pending to distribute good throughout Japan?"
"What?!"
"I have already been to Tokyo. I had been there to look into something Obaasan wanted for the doctor and rather enjoyed the process. I met a few good persons who appear to be shrewd but honest business partners. I was convinced that there were things that the foreigners made and could offer that we did not have and would benefit from. "
Okina looked startled.
"I think it best if you take four of our people there to start. Your friend in Tokyo will certainly be able to confirm whether I have chosen wisely and these four people will manage the daily operations of the business. All I need are the volunteers to go and people to replace them here."
"Alright," Okina rubbed his chin somewhat irritated. "You always seem to be one step ahead of my pet schemes. I was rather proud of it too." He sighed, "I don't suppose you've already settled on who is to go?"
Aoshi tilted his head at the man, "As I said, you're the one much better at dealing with people."
"Yes, yes," Okina laughed, "So be it. Since you've already done the groundwork, I'll see to it that we have our four people." He left Aoshi to his meditations and happily went along his way.
'That punk!' he thought to himself as he went around the Aoiya to talk to different persons. Aoshi's business decision was hasty by his standards and while it really didn't bother him, he couldn't recall the last time Aoshi had been so well, impetuous.
'Oh well,' he thought to himself happily as he was distracted by the smells wafting in from the kitchen. It wasn't as if it was a particularly bad thing.
"Obaasan," he suddenly sidled up to a counter. "How I've missed your cooking."
"You scamp," the old woman laughed, "how is that you show up right when the dumplings are finished?"
"I'm a trained warrior," he countered as he expertly swiped a dumpling from the pot. "A very hungry one at that."
"The young master is meditating?" Obaasan asked.
"Yes," Okina answered. "And I am out to find people to go to Tokyo."
"Tokyo?" she smiled, "Oh how nice. Aoshi-san went to Tokyo less than a week ago. Said it was bustling."
With his last conversation with Aoshi still fresh in his mind, he was unable to contain his curiosity. "Ah yes, he did go to Tokyo didn't he to run an errand for you?" He leaned in, again swiping another dumpling, "Tell me -- what did you have Aoshi bring back for the doctor that could only be found in Tokyo?"
"Oh," she smiled, "A chair. From England, I think." She mused, "I think he rather enjoyed his little mission. He stayed there a few days in Tokyo before he came back to Aizu."
"A chair, huh?" Okina looked a bit confounded and then walked off muttering to himself, "All that -- it started with a chair?"
~~
A/N - This part and the next were originally all mashed together in one installment. Because of its insane length (nearly 4000 words) and that I wanted people to be pacing themselves while reading it , I decided to break this up into two subparts. The promised two parts more are still coming - a resolution if you will, and an epilogue.