AN: Alright well, since I've never been prone to proper spelling it appears I've been spelling Aoshi's last name wrong. Thanks (you know who you are) for enlightening me! Thusly I had to remove my story and repost it; as a sad repercussion of that I lost all of my reviews. :( For those who have reviewed in the past I beg that you go back and review again, please. However, now all the kinks should be delt with. Such as the first chapter, there was no hope for that one. So in an attempt to appease my reader I've released the third installment rather quickly. So enjoy the correct spelling of Shinomori and please be generous with the reviews. But, above all else ENJOY!
Chapter 3
Misao could not believe her eyes, here she was talking to Aoshi Shinomori; talking to the man that had been driving her into the second ring of hell for weeks. Setting her papers down on the worn, square wooden table, she pulled back the hair clinging to her face; it was then she remembered she had a run in with a mischievous rain storm.
Aoshi couldn't remember the last time his heart had felt so light, here she was, asking if SHE could sit next to him. Her spirit overtook the provincial shop as soon as she opened the door; he didn't have to look up to know it was her. It was one of things he loved most about her, she was unmistakable, she was his. She'd never know what hit her, he mused to himself.
"Just get out of class?" mentioning towards the soggy papers that now littered the table and marked her path to his table along the shop's dirty floor.
"Yea." was the best she could muster, she simply looked saddened at her paper trail. Since when had she been at a loss for words? What happened to her new found confidence?! Damn it!
"Where did you come from?" Lowering his face in an attempt to commandeer her gaze from the soaked books.
"Kyoto." Short, one word. What the hell is wrong with me?! I haven't acted this way since ........ Murai.
This is an odd change of pace, someone is usually having to pump me for words, not the other way around, questioned Aoshi as he allowed himself to relax a bit and lean back in his chair worn to match the table now covered with papers carelessly strewn about.
"WHAT ABOUT YOU?!" perked Misao, rising from her chair and her bout of self-consciousness. Her inner turmoil had to cease now! The volume of such a beign question stirred Aoshi from his thoughts.
"Must be a lover's tryst." whispered one student to the waitress as he ordered a double latt‚ with extra foam.
I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Grumbled Misao as she glared at the finicky student now scrounging for change to pay for his overpriced coffee.
Releasing a smile only visible through his eyes, how is it this girl is able to bring a smile to my soul each time we meet? Aoshi was somehow able to retain a stoic face that revealed nothing, but Misao never missed an emotion; even his lack of emotion was an emotion and Misao knew it. "Many places." he answered solemnly, raising his paper to avoid her eyes for there she was naked, open for all the world to see, for all the world to judge.
This can't possibly be the man Ms. Leiko deems him to be. Easing herself down into her chair, Misao attempted to avoid the numerous stares received due to her sudden outburst. However, it was Aoshi's she wanted most and Aoshi's the only one she was denied.
"Ahem." Composure now regained she continued in the best civilized voice she could muster. "So you travel? How exciting! And now you're a student?" Her green eyes wide with anticipation of his answers; she was practically on the edge of her seat.
"Yes, I've traveled many places; mostly business. No I'm not a student, I'm a teacher, of sorts." It was then he took note of the smeared information on her papers and the titles on her books. Biology 1710, a class strictly for science majors; a difficult major. She is more than mere bubbly ambition, she's a solidified scholar.
"What classes do you teach?!" Practically crawling over the table; it wasn't the question but the man that had captured her interest so blindly. Unfortunately, in Misao's venture across the table in pursuit of knowledge she knocked over his cup of black coffee. The black liquid slid over the table, escaping onto the floor or captured within Misao's surprisingly absorbent papers. The rest fell ever so perfectly into the teacher's lap; recoiling slightly from the heat of the coffee, Aoshi slowly slid his chair away from the threatening table and its out of control liquid. Misao was so horrified at what she had done, she grabbed the towel hanging from a nearby waiter and ran to Aoshi.
He saw her coming and it wasn't the thought of what she'd do that surprised him, it was the worry that filled her eyes. She wasn't scared; she was worried. She didn't care what the repercussions might be for injuring, even if slightly, Aoshi; she didn't care at all. This girl is....
"I am so sorry." each word crisp and full of remorse coupled with a shiver, brought on by her wet clothes and the shop's ceiling fans. A girl like this should never have to feel remorse; never have to feel pain, never have to know sorrow. She'll never know, I'll never tell her, she'll know nothing of Murai.
Absolute in his decision, Aoshi grasped Misao's hands now soaked with coffee. The look of surprise and hidden glee was all he'd imagined it to be. "Please don't." Taking the towel from Misao's now limp hands, he placed it on the table over running with coffee. Removing his jet black jacket, Misao could scarcely believe her eyes as Aoshi placed it around her shoulders. His musky scent soon overtook her senses, Misao felt as if she was falling into an abyss of Aoshi. His scent was suttle, infact until now she hadn't taken notice of it. It lulled her, comforted her, surrounded her in an envelope of safety.
"Misao?" By now Aoshi's voice seemed distant and faint; like a whisper tickling her ears. The stress of college, work and Aoshi washed over her like a wave in passing. Wrapped in Aoshi's coat, surrounded by warmth, Misao was helpless against the sleep pulsating throughout her weathered body.
She's asleep. Even the methodical Aoshi, seemingly always one step ahead of life, was taken by surprise. She was once so full of life and vitality, yet now she's a sleeping form much like that of a child wrapped in a mother's arms.
******
"Misao, you don't understand. I have to do this, I owe it to him." sheer determination oozing from every word and gesture given. A boy, no now he was a man and he was hell bent on proving it.
"Who?! Who do you owe this to? Where are you going?!" He meant too much for Misao to let him leave without a fight or at the very least an explanation.
Hiding his eyes behind his black hair, Misao could see him bunching his hands into fists. "I have to go to Edo!" Suddenly glaring with pride and determination; his eyes always had a way of explaining where words failed. Those eyes, Murai's amazing brown eyes; always soft, never filled with hate or anger. Even now, as unrelenting as they were, Misao saw softness.
"Why do you insist on calling it that?! Say Tokyo!" She never understood why he spoke of Tokyo as if he were in the 1700's. He was proud of his japanese heritage, there was no doubt about that; everything about him oozed japanese pride. His short black hair, deep brown eyes, youthful appearance, all japanese characteristics he displayed with honor.
"My master." With that Murai turned to leave; he couldn't take Misao's saddening gaze. Sitting to put on his shoes, he turned around once more and saw her; saw her anger.
"Why are you so eager to leave me? Am I nothing to you? Just a shadow in comparison to your `master'?!" Grabbing his wrist; Misao's whole body was pleading with him to stay even for one more night. Long enough for her to revel in his presence a little longer.
"Misao." uttered barely above a whisper but enough for Misao; she knew she had won the battle but lost the war. Taking the hand she had used to make him stay, Murai pulled her into his chest, she could indulged in his musky scent; there they embraced, there Misao cried.
"Please don't cry Misao, not because of me and not for me."
Misao looked up, eyes glistening with unspilled tears; at him looking down at her with eyes so tender and a smile so sincere, there she saw it. In his eyes she saw what she'd been looking for; she saw Murai and his love for her. Unable to hold back her tears any longer, Misao cried; not for Murai but for love, the happiness of finally knowing it and the sadness of knowing it will never come to be.
"M-Murai, I....I'm sorry" was all she was able to whimper before being cut off by his lips brushing against hers.
"Don't be. Never apologize Misao." Murai continued his dissent and overtook Misao's lips; they were his for the taking and he conquered. Her escaped moans merely pushed him further; he had never tasted lips so sweet or felt so much from one kiss. He slowly parted her lips with his tongue, as if asking permission. Misao didn't have to say anything for him to know her answer; he continued his probing kiss. Kissing her as if he had to fit years into one moment, yet his rhythmic kiss was interrupted when he realized she was kissing him back; Misao never was one to sit ideally by and let someone else have all the fun. His calloused hands lightly caressed her face; holding her to him a little longer.
Finally breaking the kiss, Murai could see where Misao's tears had caused streaks along her face, still wet from fresh tears. Wiping them away with his thumb, Murai stood to leave. Grabbing his wrist again, Misao pulled him back down causing the proud japanese to fall with a thud.
"No! Not yet." Her unrelenting nature overpowered his determination. Still he tried; he turned to face the door, escaping her glare. Misao was not letting him go; not like this. Showing a forcefulness she usually kept at a minimum around Murai; she grabbed his face, demanding he look at her. "Look at me and say good-bye; don't just leave, men don't just leave!"
His smile caught Misao off guard, instantly she softened, allowing her hands to fall to her side. It was her vitality and spontaneity he'd always loved most about her. She was right; he couldn't just leave, a farewell was indeed necessary; she just means too much. Murai took Misao in a manner she had never felt before; he stole a kiss. He threw his body onto hers, causing her to fall on her back trapped between the floor and her love.
******
Misao awake startled, she was immersed in unknown surroundings. It was then she took notice of the brown leather couch she was laying on and the coat that had so efficiently lulled her to sleep; Aoshi's coat. It had been so long since she dreamed of Murai, yet never with such vivid sight and since when had she been able to smell him in her dreams?
"Evening." Murai?! A voice from behind, the leather squeaked as she turned to face the voice. Of course it couldn't be Murai, she hadn't seen Murai in years. Misao found herself facing the other subject of many sleepless nights, Aoshi.
"Where am I?" running her fingers through her hair, her groggy voice startled even her.
"My house." monotone a if it were an everyday occurrence, Aoshi set down a mug that occupied his hands on a small table beside the couch. "You passed out from exhaustion at the coffee shop. I brought you here." It was then that Misao really took notice of her surroundings. Everything was meticulous and clean; there wasn't a spec of clutter, no random dish, no evidence that anyone lived there. There was a fire place with logs but looked as if it had never been used. The walls were stark, the floors were wooden and cold to the touch. He certainly isn't one to reveal anything about himself; I always liked a challenge, she mused.
"Do you always bring helpless college girls to your house?" her raised eyebrow and sarcastic tone was unmistakable; both of which caught Aoshi's usually centered attention. Even in a house as void of life as this she fills it with laughter, he couldn't understand how this girl lives each day with such energy; doesn't she get tired?
"Only when they make a scene at a local shop first; got to make sure they are worth bringing home. Don't want to bring home some crazy." She smiled; Aoshi was actually making jokes. She hadn't heard him do this since the first time they met; he was so stoic and icy in the coffee shop. Eyeing her, he picked up the mug and placed it out of her reach, then smiled at her `hurt' expression. "Just to be on the safe side."
"Hey now, I'm the one in a strange man's house. I'm a vulnerable college girl you know." Aoshi couldn't hold back, he let out a soft laugh at her being vulnerable; she was much too strong. Misao was much more than some college girl; she was everything Aoshi wasn't.
"How the hell can you afford a place like this on a teacher's salary?!" Every direction Misao turned there was a hall that seemed to stretch into eternity. It certainly was a change from her one bedroom apartment with two doors, the front door and one for the bathroom, and barely enough room for her secondhand couch; that tiny rabbit hutch was nearly breaking her. "Let me guess you're an assassin on your days off."she joked, yet when Aoshi didn't smile in return Misao's heart sank. Not knowing what to say she sat and waited for a response, an emotion, anything. After what seemed like an eon, Misao still received nothing; she fell back into the couch in frustration. It was then she rediscovered Aoshi's coat; his smell permeated the coat but nothing else. Not the couch she slept on, not the house she sat in, nothing smelled like Aoshi; it was as if he himself didn't live there. It felt as if his house was merely a place to sleep and eat; a place to survive not live.
"Here, thanks." Outstretching her hand to hand him the coat that brought Murai to her, she rose and scanned the area for the door. Taking the coat in silence, Aoshi stood to meet her; his gaze seemed lost. "Sorry to be a disturbance." Misao couldn't hide the hurt in her voice; she didn't know what she had done but she knew she had blown what is probably her only chance with Aoshi Shinomori.
"Please don't go." His stare was now focused completely on her; his eyes piercing her soul. He had never looked at her this way, Misao could feel her insides bubble over. She froze, his eyes commanded her attention and she obliged. "You're everything but a disturbance to me." Since when had he been so open with his feelings?!
Misao could barely believe what he was saying; is he implying he has feelings for me?! I don't understand; first he's just some guy, then he's ice, but now, now its as if he's being Aoshi. Misao never broke away from his stare, she refused to blink for fear it would all disappear and she would wake up on the couch in her tiny apartment.
"Aoshi, I don't understand why you are the way you are. I don't understand why you hold people at such a distance or why you insist on hiding your emotions behind a wall." His eyes widened with each word; how was she able to see through him so easily? His barrier had done nothing to deter her; his tactics to keep people at bay merely drew her in.
"However," his thoughts instantly stopped and he held his breath. "I don't need to know. I just need to be here, with you." Misao lowered her head in a vain attempt to hide the blush now overtaking her fair skin. Exhaling all at once, a weight had been lifted; she wasn't going to press the issue. However, Aoshi knew that now she deserved to know, she deserved to know why.
"Misao." Aoshi could scarcely believe his luck; here was this amazing girl that exuded life and energy. She was all he could never be, all he longed to be; and she was in his house telling him she didn't need explanations; just his presence. Words failed; all he could do was look at her. His initial shock had now shifted to soft admiration; Aoshi's wall had begun to fall.
"Aoshi, I" she was couldn't finish; there was no need. Water was pooling in her eyes, threatening to spill over. Why am I being so emotional? There is just something about him, I feel like I've broken through his barrier, like I'm seeing the real Aoshi. Misao couldn't comprehend why she was so glad, but the fact remained that it didn't matter; she was free, he had taken away all her woes. His presence was comforting, like she'd met him before. It didn't matter that she barely knew the guy; Aoshi was no longer a mystery, he was hers.
"Please stay." the sincerity in his voice was nothing compared to the pleading in his eyes. Misao couldn't leave if she had wanted; there was no denying those eyes. Aoshi couldn't believe his boldness; he never asked people to stay, he preferred solitude to company. However, he felt that if he let her walk out of his door she'd never come back; she'd disappear and he'd wake up alone.
"Ok Aoshi, I'll stay with you." Her smile lit up the dim room; Aoshi's heart was flying. She was going to stay; she didn't care about his past; she wants to be here. His soft eyes now bore holes into Misao; her face was burning; however her attempts to hide it merely placed a smile on the stoic face.
"Umm....could you point me to the bathroom?" her embarrassment at the question made Aoshi desire her even more. When he pointed towards a hall to her left, she nodded and started to make her way down the endless hall. She heard the squeak of leather as Aoshi sat down, he was watching her walk and she knew it.
After walking past several doors she came upon one cracked open. Where the hell are the lights, she grumbled. Fumbling along the wall, Misao felt for a light switch. Success; after her eyes adjusted to the blinding light she realized the bathroom was just as meticulous as the rest of the house; cold tile floors, marble counter, oversized mirror and wood cabinets beneath the sink. Looking into the mirror she saw that her hair was a mess; from the rain and sleep there was no hope for her braid. Unraveling her hair, Misao let her black locks fall to her the small of her back. Of course there wasn't a brush just laying around, that would be convenient; pulling open a drawer she found a brush placed next to a comb. Picking up the brush she saw something underneath that appeared to be a picture. Not willing to pass up the chance of possibly seeing a member of his family, Misao carefully pulled the picture out of drawer.
Aoshi, sitting on the couch, merely stared down the hall Misao had disappeared down. His mind was racing; what was he doing? What had she done to him? Who was this girl? Suddenly, he saw her figure returning from the darkness. She was bouncing or even smiling; she was walking slow as if in a zombie like state; she was holding something in her hand. As she entered the light. Aoshi could see her eyes were wide, as if she'd seen a ghost.
"M-Murai."
Chapter 3
Misao could not believe her eyes, here she was talking to Aoshi Shinomori; talking to the man that had been driving her into the second ring of hell for weeks. Setting her papers down on the worn, square wooden table, she pulled back the hair clinging to her face; it was then she remembered she had a run in with a mischievous rain storm.
Aoshi couldn't remember the last time his heart had felt so light, here she was, asking if SHE could sit next to him. Her spirit overtook the provincial shop as soon as she opened the door; he didn't have to look up to know it was her. It was one of things he loved most about her, she was unmistakable, she was his. She'd never know what hit her, he mused to himself.
"Just get out of class?" mentioning towards the soggy papers that now littered the table and marked her path to his table along the shop's dirty floor.
"Yea." was the best she could muster, she simply looked saddened at her paper trail. Since when had she been at a loss for words? What happened to her new found confidence?! Damn it!
"Where did you come from?" Lowering his face in an attempt to commandeer her gaze from the soaked books.
"Kyoto." Short, one word. What the hell is wrong with me?! I haven't acted this way since ........ Murai.
This is an odd change of pace, someone is usually having to pump me for words, not the other way around, questioned Aoshi as he allowed himself to relax a bit and lean back in his chair worn to match the table now covered with papers carelessly strewn about.
"WHAT ABOUT YOU?!" perked Misao, rising from her chair and her bout of self-consciousness. Her inner turmoil had to cease now! The volume of such a beign question stirred Aoshi from his thoughts.
"Must be a lover's tryst." whispered one student to the waitress as he ordered a double latt‚ with extra foam.
I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Grumbled Misao as she glared at the finicky student now scrounging for change to pay for his overpriced coffee.
Releasing a smile only visible through his eyes, how is it this girl is able to bring a smile to my soul each time we meet? Aoshi was somehow able to retain a stoic face that revealed nothing, but Misao never missed an emotion; even his lack of emotion was an emotion and Misao knew it. "Many places." he answered solemnly, raising his paper to avoid her eyes for there she was naked, open for all the world to see, for all the world to judge.
This can't possibly be the man Ms. Leiko deems him to be. Easing herself down into her chair, Misao attempted to avoid the numerous stares received due to her sudden outburst. However, it was Aoshi's she wanted most and Aoshi's the only one she was denied.
"Ahem." Composure now regained she continued in the best civilized voice she could muster. "So you travel? How exciting! And now you're a student?" Her green eyes wide with anticipation of his answers; she was practically on the edge of her seat.
"Yes, I've traveled many places; mostly business. No I'm not a student, I'm a teacher, of sorts." It was then he took note of the smeared information on her papers and the titles on her books. Biology 1710, a class strictly for science majors; a difficult major. She is more than mere bubbly ambition, she's a solidified scholar.
"What classes do you teach?!" Practically crawling over the table; it wasn't the question but the man that had captured her interest so blindly. Unfortunately, in Misao's venture across the table in pursuit of knowledge she knocked over his cup of black coffee. The black liquid slid over the table, escaping onto the floor or captured within Misao's surprisingly absorbent papers. The rest fell ever so perfectly into the teacher's lap; recoiling slightly from the heat of the coffee, Aoshi slowly slid his chair away from the threatening table and its out of control liquid. Misao was so horrified at what she had done, she grabbed the towel hanging from a nearby waiter and ran to Aoshi.
He saw her coming and it wasn't the thought of what she'd do that surprised him, it was the worry that filled her eyes. She wasn't scared; she was worried. She didn't care what the repercussions might be for injuring, even if slightly, Aoshi; she didn't care at all. This girl is....
"I am so sorry." each word crisp and full of remorse coupled with a shiver, brought on by her wet clothes and the shop's ceiling fans. A girl like this should never have to feel remorse; never have to feel pain, never have to know sorrow. She'll never know, I'll never tell her, she'll know nothing of Murai.
Absolute in his decision, Aoshi grasped Misao's hands now soaked with coffee. The look of surprise and hidden glee was all he'd imagined it to be. "Please don't." Taking the towel from Misao's now limp hands, he placed it on the table over running with coffee. Removing his jet black jacket, Misao could scarcely believe her eyes as Aoshi placed it around her shoulders. His musky scent soon overtook her senses, Misao felt as if she was falling into an abyss of Aoshi. His scent was suttle, infact until now she hadn't taken notice of it. It lulled her, comforted her, surrounded her in an envelope of safety.
"Misao?" By now Aoshi's voice seemed distant and faint; like a whisper tickling her ears. The stress of college, work and Aoshi washed over her like a wave in passing. Wrapped in Aoshi's coat, surrounded by warmth, Misao was helpless against the sleep pulsating throughout her weathered body.
She's asleep. Even the methodical Aoshi, seemingly always one step ahead of life, was taken by surprise. She was once so full of life and vitality, yet now she's a sleeping form much like that of a child wrapped in a mother's arms.
******
"Misao, you don't understand. I have to do this, I owe it to him." sheer determination oozing from every word and gesture given. A boy, no now he was a man and he was hell bent on proving it.
"Who?! Who do you owe this to? Where are you going?!" He meant too much for Misao to let him leave without a fight or at the very least an explanation.
Hiding his eyes behind his black hair, Misao could see him bunching his hands into fists. "I have to go to Edo!" Suddenly glaring with pride and determination; his eyes always had a way of explaining where words failed. Those eyes, Murai's amazing brown eyes; always soft, never filled with hate or anger. Even now, as unrelenting as they were, Misao saw softness.
"Why do you insist on calling it that?! Say Tokyo!" She never understood why he spoke of Tokyo as if he were in the 1700's. He was proud of his japanese heritage, there was no doubt about that; everything about him oozed japanese pride. His short black hair, deep brown eyes, youthful appearance, all japanese characteristics he displayed with honor.
"My master." With that Murai turned to leave; he couldn't take Misao's saddening gaze. Sitting to put on his shoes, he turned around once more and saw her; saw her anger.
"Why are you so eager to leave me? Am I nothing to you? Just a shadow in comparison to your `master'?!" Grabbing his wrist; Misao's whole body was pleading with him to stay even for one more night. Long enough for her to revel in his presence a little longer.
"Misao." uttered barely above a whisper but enough for Misao; she knew she had won the battle but lost the war. Taking the hand she had used to make him stay, Murai pulled her into his chest, she could indulged in his musky scent; there they embraced, there Misao cried.
"Please don't cry Misao, not because of me and not for me."
Misao looked up, eyes glistening with unspilled tears; at him looking down at her with eyes so tender and a smile so sincere, there she saw it. In his eyes she saw what she'd been looking for; she saw Murai and his love for her. Unable to hold back her tears any longer, Misao cried; not for Murai but for love, the happiness of finally knowing it and the sadness of knowing it will never come to be.
"M-Murai, I....I'm sorry" was all she was able to whimper before being cut off by his lips brushing against hers.
"Don't be. Never apologize Misao." Murai continued his dissent and overtook Misao's lips; they were his for the taking and he conquered. Her escaped moans merely pushed him further; he had never tasted lips so sweet or felt so much from one kiss. He slowly parted her lips with his tongue, as if asking permission. Misao didn't have to say anything for him to know her answer; he continued his probing kiss. Kissing her as if he had to fit years into one moment, yet his rhythmic kiss was interrupted when he realized she was kissing him back; Misao never was one to sit ideally by and let someone else have all the fun. His calloused hands lightly caressed her face; holding her to him a little longer.
Finally breaking the kiss, Murai could see where Misao's tears had caused streaks along her face, still wet from fresh tears. Wiping them away with his thumb, Murai stood to leave. Grabbing his wrist again, Misao pulled him back down causing the proud japanese to fall with a thud.
"No! Not yet." Her unrelenting nature overpowered his determination. Still he tried; he turned to face the door, escaping her glare. Misao was not letting him go; not like this. Showing a forcefulness she usually kept at a minimum around Murai; she grabbed his face, demanding he look at her. "Look at me and say good-bye; don't just leave, men don't just leave!"
His smile caught Misao off guard, instantly she softened, allowing her hands to fall to her side. It was her vitality and spontaneity he'd always loved most about her. She was right; he couldn't just leave, a farewell was indeed necessary; she just means too much. Murai took Misao in a manner she had never felt before; he stole a kiss. He threw his body onto hers, causing her to fall on her back trapped between the floor and her love.
******
Misao awake startled, she was immersed in unknown surroundings. It was then she took notice of the brown leather couch she was laying on and the coat that had so efficiently lulled her to sleep; Aoshi's coat. It had been so long since she dreamed of Murai, yet never with such vivid sight and since when had she been able to smell him in her dreams?
"Evening." Murai?! A voice from behind, the leather squeaked as she turned to face the voice. Of course it couldn't be Murai, she hadn't seen Murai in years. Misao found herself facing the other subject of many sleepless nights, Aoshi.
"Where am I?" running her fingers through her hair, her groggy voice startled even her.
"My house." monotone a if it were an everyday occurrence, Aoshi set down a mug that occupied his hands on a small table beside the couch. "You passed out from exhaustion at the coffee shop. I brought you here." It was then that Misao really took notice of her surroundings. Everything was meticulous and clean; there wasn't a spec of clutter, no random dish, no evidence that anyone lived there. There was a fire place with logs but looked as if it had never been used. The walls were stark, the floors were wooden and cold to the touch. He certainly isn't one to reveal anything about himself; I always liked a challenge, she mused.
"Do you always bring helpless college girls to your house?" her raised eyebrow and sarcastic tone was unmistakable; both of which caught Aoshi's usually centered attention. Even in a house as void of life as this she fills it with laughter, he couldn't understand how this girl lives each day with such energy; doesn't she get tired?
"Only when they make a scene at a local shop first; got to make sure they are worth bringing home. Don't want to bring home some crazy." She smiled; Aoshi was actually making jokes. She hadn't heard him do this since the first time they met; he was so stoic and icy in the coffee shop. Eyeing her, he picked up the mug and placed it out of her reach, then smiled at her `hurt' expression. "Just to be on the safe side."
"Hey now, I'm the one in a strange man's house. I'm a vulnerable college girl you know." Aoshi couldn't hold back, he let out a soft laugh at her being vulnerable; she was much too strong. Misao was much more than some college girl; she was everything Aoshi wasn't.
"How the hell can you afford a place like this on a teacher's salary?!" Every direction Misao turned there was a hall that seemed to stretch into eternity. It certainly was a change from her one bedroom apartment with two doors, the front door and one for the bathroom, and barely enough room for her secondhand couch; that tiny rabbit hutch was nearly breaking her. "Let me guess you're an assassin on your days off."she joked, yet when Aoshi didn't smile in return Misao's heart sank. Not knowing what to say she sat and waited for a response, an emotion, anything. After what seemed like an eon, Misao still received nothing; she fell back into the couch in frustration. It was then she rediscovered Aoshi's coat; his smell permeated the coat but nothing else. Not the couch she slept on, not the house she sat in, nothing smelled like Aoshi; it was as if he himself didn't live there. It felt as if his house was merely a place to sleep and eat; a place to survive not live.
"Here, thanks." Outstretching her hand to hand him the coat that brought Murai to her, she rose and scanned the area for the door. Taking the coat in silence, Aoshi stood to meet her; his gaze seemed lost. "Sorry to be a disturbance." Misao couldn't hide the hurt in her voice; she didn't know what she had done but she knew she had blown what is probably her only chance with Aoshi Shinomori.
"Please don't go." His stare was now focused completely on her; his eyes piercing her soul. He had never looked at her this way, Misao could feel her insides bubble over. She froze, his eyes commanded her attention and she obliged. "You're everything but a disturbance to me." Since when had he been so open with his feelings?!
Misao could barely believe what he was saying; is he implying he has feelings for me?! I don't understand; first he's just some guy, then he's ice, but now, now its as if he's being Aoshi. Misao never broke away from his stare, she refused to blink for fear it would all disappear and she would wake up on the couch in her tiny apartment.
"Aoshi, I don't understand why you are the way you are. I don't understand why you hold people at such a distance or why you insist on hiding your emotions behind a wall." His eyes widened with each word; how was she able to see through him so easily? His barrier had done nothing to deter her; his tactics to keep people at bay merely drew her in.
"However," his thoughts instantly stopped and he held his breath. "I don't need to know. I just need to be here, with you." Misao lowered her head in a vain attempt to hide the blush now overtaking her fair skin. Exhaling all at once, a weight had been lifted; she wasn't going to press the issue. However, Aoshi knew that now she deserved to know, she deserved to know why.
"Misao." Aoshi could scarcely believe his luck; here was this amazing girl that exuded life and energy. She was all he could never be, all he longed to be; and she was in his house telling him she didn't need explanations; just his presence. Words failed; all he could do was look at her. His initial shock had now shifted to soft admiration; Aoshi's wall had begun to fall.
"Aoshi, I" she was couldn't finish; there was no need. Water was pooling in her eyes, threatening to spill over. Why am I being so emotional? There is just something about him, I feel like I've broken through his barrier, like I'm seeing the real Aoshi. Misao couldn't comprehend why she was so glad, but the fact remained that it didn't matter; she was free, he had taken away all her woes. His presence was comforting, like she'd met him before. It didn't matter that she barely knew the guy; Aoshi was no longer a mystery, he was hers.
"Please stay." the sincerity in his voice was nothing compared to the pleading in his eyes. Misao couldn't leave if she had wanted; there was no denying those eyes. Aoshi couldn't believe his boldness; he never asked people to stay, he preferred solitude to company. However, he felt that if he let her walk out of his door she'd never come back; she'd disappear and he'd wake up alone.
"Ok Aoshi, I'll stay with you." Her smile lit up the dim room; Aoshi's heart was flying. She was going to stay; she didn't care about his past; she wants to be here. His soft eyes now bore holes into Misao; her face was burning; however her attempts to hide it merely placed a smile on the stoic face.
"Umm....could you point me to the bathroom?" her embarrassment at the question made Aoshi desire her even more. When he pointed towards a hall to her left, she nodded and started to make her way down the endless hall. She heard the squeak of leather as Aoshi sat down, he was watching her walk and she knew it.
After walking past several doors she came upon one cracked open. Where the hell are the lights, she grumbled. Fumbling along the wall, Misao felt for a light switch. Success; after her eyes adjusted to the blinding light she realized the bathroom was just as meticulous as the rest of the house; cold tile floors, marble counter, oversized mirror and wood cabinets beneath the sink. Looking into the mirror she saw that her hair was a mess; from the rain and sleep there was no hope for her braid. Unraveling her hair, Misao let her black locks fall to her the small of her back. Of course there wasn't a brush just laying around, that would be convenient; pulling open a drawer she found a brush placed next to a comb. Picking up the brush she saw something underneath that appeared to be a picture. Not willing to pass up the chance of possibly seeing a member of his family, Misao carefully pulled the picture out of drawer.
Aoshi, sitting on the couch, merely stared down the hall Misao had disappeared down. His mind was racing; what was he doing? What had she done to him? Who was this girl? Suddenly, he saw her figure returning from the darkness. She was bouncing or even smiling; she was walking slow as if in a zombie like state; she was holding something in her hand. As she entered the light. Aoshi could see her eyes were wide, as if she'd seen a ghost.
"M-Murai."