Ame
(revised)
An Aoshi and Misao Fic
By dyosa :)
Rurouni Kenshin characters are not mine. Ask Watsuke-sama, Sony and
some other companies. It's true, they're not mine.
Translations: (please correct me if I'm wrong on some of the terms ^_^)
Ame - actually, it can mean two things, which coincidentally jives with my
fic. It's "rain" and "candy"
Demo/shikashi - "but"
Atashi - "I"
Kuso - mild curse
Obaasan - grandmother, old woman
Ojisan - grandfather, old man
-niichan - big brother
arigato gozaimas - "thank you"
sugoi/yatta - "wow!" or something like that
wagashi - Japanese style sweets
Sou na - "I see"; "is that so" (something like that)
Wakari masen - "I don't understand"
****
Misao's breath misted the air as she ran as fast as she could,
her legs and arms already wet with the heavy shower of rain that suddenly
burst down without much of an initial drop. Even with the open umbrella
that she clutched so tightly with both her hands, it was useless with the
fierce gust of wind, carrying along the cold rain within its grasps.
"Kuso!! I should have known better… I should have gone hours
ago…" she muttered under her breath, her shallow gasps louder than her
whisper.
/If only not for Megami-san's delicious soba, I wouldn't have ended
up like this. / She was too busy finishing up her third bowl when the first
clap of thunder alarmed everyone with the rain's arrival. It wasn't raining
yet at her first step outside the small restaurant, but as she turned a
corner,
it was already too late to go back as the rain poured down hard.
Noticing that she'd be soaking wet and likely to get sick even
before she arrive the Aoiya, Misao made a quick shortcut to her left. Up
ahead, she noticed a building with a small empty shed fronting the
structure. The building was familiar to her, but couldn't remember when
she had been at that place. Brushing off the thought, she stopped over
and escaped the cold rain and chilly winds.
She wiped off the excess water from her legs and arms with her
hands, watching in dismay as the rain pour down even harder. Then just
as she looked to her left, she noticed a sign, "Ayaname's Confectionary.
Hmm… This sounds strangely familiar." She said out loud.
A small old lady with a silvery gray bun and a gentle chinky-eyed
face suddenly appeared behind Misao, "Hello deary… oh my! Are you all
right? You look awfully wet! Come inside, come inside." Misao didn't have
the chance to react as two persistent hands pushed her inside the small
shop, and the shoji door was shut behind them as well as the never-ending
rain.
"Uh… Anou, arigato gozaimas obaasan." Misao said sheepishly,
then she looked around her, the air having a sweet scent in it. The room
was warm and homey, and glass shelves rowed up on the sides as well as
against the wall filled with different kinds of confectioneries. Even some
that were unfamiliar were displayed in one of the shelves, probably from
foreign countries.
"Sugoi… I can't believe I haven't been here before!" Misao
suddenly felt regretful for spending all her money to the soup she just ate
a while ago.
"Oh, but you have been here. If I remember it right, you were
just a very small girl then. Oh yes, that was you. Such an energetic child.
And you were with that young handsome man." Obaasan reminisced; her
face can never turn gentler as it was.
/Huh… oh. / Misao remembered. It was the day before her fifth
birthday and she decided to follow Aoshi one day when he insisted that he
go alone to some place. She got upset when he wouldn't let her come
with him, so she followed him instead. He noticed that she was following
and knowing that he couldn't stop her anyway he took her with him.
"Where are we going, Aoshi-niichan?" Misao clutched his neck
with both her arms, looking at him with wide-eyed wonder.
"Since you're very persistent, I'd have to show you where I'll be
buying your birthday gift for tomorrow." Aoshi said.
"Yatta!! Can you buy it now so I can play with it already?"
"Iie, that's for you're birthday." Aoshi said sternly, his face
impassive but his eyes hinted amusement.
"Hmph, you're no fun, Aoshi-niichan." Misao pouted.
"It's a surprise, and I know that you love surprises, don't you?"
"Oh, ok." She exhaled resignedly.
Amused with her weariness, both of them fell into a friendly
silence as they walk down the streets of Edo. Aoshi turned to a corner and
a few blocks later found a small shop with a sign that caught Misao's
musings.
"Wai! Candies! Buy me some candies, Aoshi-niichan!" the little
girl demanded as she persistently tugged Aoshi's ponytail in delight.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to eat just some. But only a few, Misao.
Dinner time is already near, and don't tell Okon I bought you candies, ok?"
Aoshi said warily.
"Hai, it's our secret." Misao whispered loudly.
When they entered the shop, an old woman greeted them warmly,
"Konnichiwa. Oh, it's you Shinomori-san." Aoshi slightly bowed his head in
greeting.
"Konnichiwa!" Misao greeted vigorously, and struggling within
Aoshi's hold as she let herself slip down on the floor. To her enthusiasm,
she looked through the glass shelves, awed at how much candies were
displayed, and so much to choose from.
"Shinomori-san, I'm glad you're here. The package is already
waiting." An old man appeared from one of the sliding doors behind the
counter.
"Gontaro-san," Aoshi bowed, then said in a discreet manner, "I
think I'll claim it later."
"Eh?" Gontaro looked at Misao who was busy selecting some
wagashis displayed and it dawned unto him, "Sou ka. Well then," he
turned to the little girl, "you must be the birthday girl."
Misao looked up and found the old man smiling at her adoringly.
Then she popped up from her crouched position and greeted him
cheerfully, "Konnichiwa, oji-san! Misao desu."
"Nice to meet you, Misao-chan. She's one lively girl, isn't she?"
the old man chuckled.
A frown suddenly crossed her face when she had a complete look
around the shop, "Ne, Aoshi-niichan, I don't find any toys or even one kunai
in this shop."
"Oh, no. We don't sell those kinds of things here." Gontaro
exclaimed.
"Demo… are you making one really big wagashi with every color
in it and it's as big as this?" she demonstrated with her arms stretching as
wide as they could, "Because tomorrow's my birthday and Aoshi-niichan
said that he's going to buy my birthday gift here. Are you making it now?
Can I see?"
"Iie, chibi. It's much special than the biggest wagashi that could
ever be made. Just be patient, and you will never regret waiting until
tomorrow." The old man winked.
"Hai," Misao grinned.
"Why don't you go choose what you like, Misao." Aoshi said, then
the old man's wife assisted the little girl as the men ushered farther from
the two.
"Now I'm not surprised why you came to me with urgency and for
something so unwarlike. And I thought the one you want me to make is for
a special lady, but the okashira's granddaughter is much more special, isn't
she?" Gontaro smiled.
/Surpasses every woman in the world…/ Aoshi mused to himself,
and simply nodded in answer.
"Don't worry then, I'll make it as special as it can be." Gontaro
patted him on the back.
"Demo, you said it's already waiting-"
"It's never too late to add some more finishing touches."
"Shikashi… I don't think I have enough money to pay you-"
"It's free of charge. Now I know how special the person you'll be
giving it to, it's worth the extra work." Then he reached for a drawer in the
cabinet they were near standing by, and reached inside where two
linen-wrapped packages lay, and opened one of the linen, "This one's
already finished, but the other I'm meaning to work on some more. Both
are as strong as swords, but light. This is the first time that someone has
asked me to make." Gontaro looked at Aoshi in curiosity.
"I'm glad I came to you, you've really done good." Aoshi admired
Gontaro's handiwork lying hidden in the drawer, shielded from Misao's
prying eyes, for the meantime.
"Of course I did! You people wouldn't come to me to make you
the best combat equipment for nothing." The old man claimed arrogantly.
"Aa, of course you're the best, Gontaro-san. Arigato gozaimas."
Aoshi folded back the linen and took it and slipped it in his yukata.
"You can claim the other one four days from now." Gontaro said
as he pushed the drawer back to its place.
"I think I'll claim it after eleven years. I don't think I can keep
something from Misao that long." Aoshi replied.
"If I'm still alive." Gontaro muttered, but chuckled nonetheless.
"Aoshi-niichan! I'm finished, and I bought you some, too." Misao
handed him the box-full of candies and wiped her sticky little mouth with
the back of her sticky little hands.
"How much did you eat, Misao?" Aoshi asked sternly.
"Just one!" when Aoshi raised a brow in doubt, she followed
guiltily in a hushed tone, "and some."
"Daijoubu, Shinomori-san. She had enough to satisfy her taste
buds. I persuaded her to take the others home." Gontaro's wife patted
Misao's head affectionately.
"See?" Misao beamed.
"Aa. Let's get going then."
Everyone in the Aoiya the next night celebrated for Misao's
birthday, the festivity never in a dull moment even in the middle of a harsh
era. But they never did it because they have to for the sake of the
okashira's granddaughter, but because they are happy for having Misao
who brings even a little light and happiness in their weary lives.
As the night grew darker and the stars brighter, the celebration
ended with everyone tired but contented. Except for one.
"Aoshi-niichan?" Misao called out as she slipped inside his room.
Aoshi was seated on the tatami mat, all the while waiting for the young
girl.
"Aoshi-niichan! You didn't give me any present during my party,
you said you have one!" Misao wailed in dismay as she ran beside Aoshi,
only to be surprised at what was laid in front of him.
Aoshi watched carefully with the change of emotion reflected on
Misao's face, "Well, aren't you going to open it?"
"Hai!" Misao squealed and hastily untied the bow wrapping the
small parcel. As she unfolded the linen, her rushed actions faltered when
she found a gold-plated cylindrical clasp with flower engravings on both
edges lying within the open box.
"Nani? What is it?" Misao asked, disappointed at not finding a
row of new shining kunais she'd been wishing for.
"Here, I'll show you." Aoshi took the clasp and reached the end
of Misao's long braid. He removed the plain looking ribbon holding her
tresses and fastened the clasp in place.
"There." Aoshi finished, but noticed the eminent disappointment
in Misao's face, "Naze? Don't you like my gift?"
"Demo… demo… it's a hairclip!" she cried out, not being able to
stop herself from showing her discontentment.
"Aa, I know. But it's much more special than a new set of kunais
or a sword."
"Demo… demo…" Misao pouted, still not satisfied.
"Misao-chan," Aoshi gathered her on his lap, "you should
remember that even though it is your duty to be the best onmitsu the
Oniwabanshuu could ever have one day, you should not forget who you
are."
"Waka-wakari masen…"
"That you are still Misao, our little girl who will soon grow up into
a young lady. Not everything revolves around being the best onmitsu or
okashira, chibi."
/You don't have to be the best onmitsu or warrior of such… I cannot
face the fact that the time would come when you will have to get
yourself hurt. Not every perfected skill can be attained without pain. And I
want to protect you from any form of pain, just so to keep you smiling…/
Aoshi thought to himself with a heavy heart. All his life, not a single light
touched his soul, until Misao came. And he swore to do anything in his
power in order to protect her. Even to give up his own life.
"Demo… I do want to be okashira someday!" Misao exclaimed
proudly.
"Aa, you will be. In time. Shikashi, for now, you'll stay as my
little Misao, ne?"
"Hai!" she beamed and hugged him to her, then she looked at
him in the eyes as she asked, "Will I still be your little Misao when I grew
up to be a young lady like you said?"
"When you're older, you won't be little anymore, and probably
you will marry…" Aoshi's eyes darkened at the thought, not wanting to
think about such things with Misao in some stranger's arms. He imagined
himself having a tough time protecting her from men he most certainly
would not trust when the time comes.
"Nani?! Iie! I won't marry then! Demo, if I should…" Misao
became thoughtful then an idea hit her, making her smile with a
mischievous glint, "Will you marry me, Aoshi-niichan?"
Aoshi's face suddenly grew startled and the emotion reflected in
his eyes could equal a man laughing, "You're full of ideas, aren't you?"
"Demo… I'm not joking, Aoshi-niichan! You don't want to marry
me?" she frowned, her tears already at the brink.
"We will see, Misao. We will see. If I'm worthy enough-"
"But you are! You'll always be! You'll marry me then if I'm old
enough, Aoshi-niichan? Because if you do, I'll be your Misao forever!"
Misao exclaimed as she held Aoshi's face between her chubby little fingers,
and her eyes earnestly looking deeply into his.
Unconsciously, a gentle smile slowly appeared on Aoshi's face.
He brushed the bangs away from Misao's eyes, not knowing what to do
with such innocent claims of the child in front of him.
"Aa, in time." He said resignedly, but was rewarded by the
sweetest smile he could ever hope for.
"Hai, I remember now." Misao smiled softly, then she turned to
the old woman and brightened, "It's been a long while, Obaasan. How's
Oji-san?"
"Oh, he's resting peacefully now. It has been three years since he
passed away."
"S-sou na. Gomen nasai…"
"Oh, it's alright, dear. I believe he's happy wherever he is. Here,
why don't you come with me and have a nice cup of tea." Ayaname lead
Misao to a hall and into one of the rooms. As the older woman opened
the door, Misao was shocked to find Aoshi seated inside facing her.
"A-Aoshi-sama?" Misao gaped at him, but the other merely
looked at her in gesture.
"He got caught in the rain as well. Such a strong weather, isn't
it? Go on, dear. Sit down and I'll get more tea," she got out the room and
said with her voice echoing throughout the hall, "It won't take me long."
Both were left in an uncomfortable silence. Misao willed herself
out from shock and walked to sit in front of Aoshi.
"Aoshi-sa-" she was cut off when he raised his hand for her to
stop, and fluidly raised from his seat and left the room. Misao let out a
deep breath, hurt with Aoshi leaving her alone in the room. Though after a
moment, she was mistaken when a warm blanket was wrapped around her
shoulders, which she instinctively took hold of. She looked up to him only
to miss his eyes, and instead, watched him return to his seat.
"Here, drink it while it's still warm." He offered his cup, which
was all that remained from the tea.
"Demo, it's yours-"
"You'll need it more than I do." He insisted and placed the cup in
front of her.
"A-Arigato." She whispered, then took the cup and felt thankful
for it's warmth.
The rapping of the rain took hold of the room as both lapsed into
silence. Aoshi relaxed himself and tried to meditate, but would always
raise his eyes to Misao, who tried to busy herself with the tea and her eyes
gazing at the rain outside the window. At the same instant, Misao lifted
her eyes to his, and both froze with their met stare.
Misao looked away hurriedly, and tried to cover up her
uneasiness, "Anou… how long have you been here, Aoshi-sama?"
"Moments before the rain poured down." He curtly replied.
"Oh…" expecting that he won't follow that one comment, she
continued, not used to leaving spaces between conversations. Especially
with him.
"It's been a long time since I came back to this place. Do you
remember the last time we came here together?"
Aoshi turned his gaze away from her and looked outside the
window, "Aa."
Misao beamed, feeling hopeful that somehow the conversation
might get them somewhere. She was about to continue when Ayaname
suddenly appeared by the doorway.
"Shinomori-san, I just remembered something my husband has
been wanting to give you before he died. Can you please come with me?"
Misao watched in curiosity as Aoshi rose from his seat and
followed the old woman, leaving Misao with her tea.
Aoshi already anticipated what was waiting for him the moment
he entered the shop. He asked Gontaro only one favor in his lifetime but
even after all these years and his death, the old man was still able to keep
his word.
Ayaname moved to one of the drawers and open it, revealing an
old linen-wrapped parcel, "Here we are. My husband put his best into this.
I could never have thought of him working even harder for something that
is beyond his expertise, but still, he worked real hard. Before he died, he
made me promise to keep this until you have come to claim it. I'm glad
you haven't forgotten."
But he did forget, only until he was reminded when he
coincidentally found refuge from the rain in the shop. Now, the memory
was slowly reliving itself in Aoshi's mind. She unfolded the parcel to
reveal a beautifully crafted hair comb, with deep engravings of sakura
petals outlined with silver and tinted with the shades of sky blue. The
workings of a skilled weapon wielder was intangible, but the hardship of a
man who poured out his heart and soul into making a non-hostile creation
was palpable. He touched it with gentle fingers, and turned it over to see
what he was expecting, though it surprised him nonetheless, as he felt the
tightening of his chest. He read the engraving behind the comb over and
over again, pained with the truthful words. He remembered.
"You were always the best, Gontaro-san." Aoshi murmured.
Misao was getting restless in her seat when Aoshi slid open the
shoji screen, making her turn.
"It's not raining that hard anymore. We should get going." Aoshi
said.
"Arigato gozaimas, Obaasan! I'll come back again to buy some
sweets." Misao exclaimed cheerfully as she bowed to the old woman,
making the latter smile warmly. Aoshi bowed as well, showing his own
version of silent gratitude.
"Visit anytime, Misao-chan, Shinomori-san. Now get along and be
careful." Ayaname waved as she watched the two walking away under the
same umbrella.
When the two were far enough for them to hear her, she
whispered as she wiped a happy tear down her cheek, "They've grown,
Gontaro. And you were right."
Aoshi suddenly found himself in a dilemma that night. He didn't
even know if he should give Misao the postponed gift. After all, it was his
plan twelve years ago; it wouldn't hurt to fulfill it.
/But I was different then, very different…/
"Will you marry me, Aoshi-niichan?"
"We will see, Misao. We will see. If I'm worthy enough-"
"But you are! You'll always be! You'll marry me then if I'm old
enough, Aoshi-niichan? Because if you do, I'll be your Misao forever!"
The chaste exchange years ago suddenly assailed Aoshi's
thoughts.
"Would I still be worthy… for her?" he whispered to himself. He
looked at the silver comb lying untouched in front of him. He was torn
between trying to know and not at all. But something inside of him wanted
him to try, at least. And every time he catches Misao's eyes on him, the
look in those depths only makes his feelings much stronger. The look of
an innocent child was not there anymore, only the look of a woman he
denies could ever exist in such a child he knew long ago. A woman who
can look into his very soul and be oblivious of what she can stir inside
him. A woman who shows her love without shame or so much of unease.
A woman. Irrefutably, Misao is such. And with that knowledge in
mind, the dilemma merely grew more.
Deciding on the matter, he stood up resolutely, went out from his
room, and proceeded to the dining room, where everyone was having their
late night tea. As he neared the room, he could hear Misao's chatters and
laughter, making him feel unusually vulnerable. But not wanting to be a
coward to himself, he continued and opened the door, surprising everyone
inside.
"Aoshi! Why don't you join us for some tea?" Okina invited.
"Arigato, but I just need to speak with Misao."
"Nani? What about Aoshi-sama?" Misao turned from her seat.
For some odd reason, Aoshi felt frozen in place. But still, he
kept on, not wanting to make everything more awkward as it already is.
"Do you remember the gift I gave you on your fifth birthday?"
"Of course, Aoshi-sama. I'm still wearing it," Misao showed the
clasp by flipping her long braid in front of her.
"Sou." Approaching her, he handed her the parcel hidden
inside his yukata. Astonished, she merely looked at it and then at him.
"It actually comes in two sets. Only I was planning to give you the
other one on your sixteenth birthday."
With that, Misao opened the parcel, with the others already
looming around her. Everyone gasped in awe as the unfolded parcel
revealed the hair comb.
"Oh, Misao! It's beautiful!" Okon exclaimed.
"It'll be perfect on you! We'll put it on you tomorrow, along with
the kimono Okon and I bought the other day." Omasu giggled.
"Now you don't have to wear that girly braid of yours." Shiro
teased.
Okina approached Aoshi and spoke discreetly, "Gontaro told me
the favor you asked him a long time ago. I never thought that he could
have such a touch of craftsmanship…" but when Okina looked at Aoshi, the
latter's blank expression was replaced with hurt and anger, Okina asked in
concern, "Aoshi? What's wrong?"
/She's crying… I shouldn't have given it to her. If I only knew
that it would make her upset…/
"Sumimasen." Aoshi said tightly, angry with himself. Unable to
stand her tears any longer, he turned and left.
"Misao? Doushite?" Kuro asked worriedly, noticing the drops of
tears from her bowed head. Everyone suddenly fell silent, not knowing
what to do.
"Atashi… atashi…." She whispered brokenly, looking at the back
of the comb where the characters were delecately engraved.
/Aishiteru, my Misao./
She suddenly stood up, yet surprising the others, and ran to
follow Aoshi outside the hall.
"Aoshi-sama!" she cried out.
Aoshi turned, and was taken aback as he felt Misao's arms
wrapping around his waist and her tear-streaked face burying itself on his
chest.
"Atashi… atashi wa…" she hiccupped, her voice muffled on his
chest.
Misao's actions stunned him, and slowly, he let go. He let go of
things dark and let Misao's light replace them all once again. He had
almost forgotten the feeling of something so pure and unselfish embracing
his darkened soul. But Misao brought it all back for him. Now, the
emotions rousing inside him are much stronger, it's almost frightening.
But he will soon get over with such dilemma. Right now, the woman
whose arms are tightly wrapped around him he cannot ignore. Never
again.
The same gentle smile twelve years ago replaced his
inexpressive face. He wrapped his arms around her and planted a kiss
upon her head.
"My Misao."
Owari
****
notes:
The title: I chose it because somehow, their forgotten memory together
relived if not for the rain, and that certain memory somehow started in
this little candy shop owned by Ayaname.
Mainly it's about the mysterious golden clip of Misao. For me, actually, it is
mysterious coz I'm really really curious of what it is made of (and what's it
called ^_^). And thus, I relinquish my curiosity by making my own little
history of the mysterious golden clip, and even added another one ^_^
And I like strengthening the relationship of the younger Aoshi and much
chibi Misao, to show that their relationship even after ten years would
probably be unbreakable and much stronger. Once Aoshi has gone out of
his shell, that is.
Anyway, obviously another rain-inspired fic. I think I'm getting the trend
here that I start writing fics only in the rainy season. Nyak.
Welp, thank you thank you thank you for reading my fic. Comments are
always welcome ^-^
Ja, ne
dyosa :)
(revised)
An Aoshi and Misao Fic
By dyosa :)
Rurouni Kenshin characters are not mine. Ask Watsuke-sama, Sony and
some other companies. It's true, they're not mine.
Translations: (please correct me if I'm wrong on some of the terms ^_^)
Ame - actually, it can mean two things, which coincidentally jives with my
fic. It's "rain" and "candy"
Demo/shikashi - "but"
Atashi - "I"
Kuso - mild curse
Obaasan - grandmother, old woman
Ojisan - grandfather, old man
-niichan - big brother
arigato gozaimas - "thank you"
sugoi/yatta - "wow!" or something like that
wagashi - Japanese style sweets
Sou na - "I see"; "is that so" (something like that)
Wakari masen - "I don't understand"
****
Misao's breath misted the air as she ran as fast as she could,
her legs and arms already wet with the heavy shower of rain that suddenly
burst down without much of an initial drop. Even with the open umbrella
that she clutched so tightly with both her hands, it was useless with the
fierce gust of wind, carrying along the cold rain within its grasps.
"Kuso!! I should have known better… I should have gone hours
ago…" she muttered under her breath, her shallow gasps louder than her
whisper.
/If only not for Megami-san's delicious soba, I wouldn't have ended
up like this. / She was too busy finishing up her third bowl when the first
clap of thunder alarmed everyone with the rain's arrival. It wasn't raining
yet at her first step outside the small restaurant, but as she turned a
corner,
it was already too late to go back as the rain poured down hard.
Noticing that she'd be soaking wet and likely to get sick even
before she arrive the Aoiya, Misao made a quick shortcut to her left. Up
ahead, she noticed a building with a small empty shed fronting the
structure. The building was familiar to her, but couldn't remember when
she had been at that place. Brushing off the thought, she stopped over
and escaped the cold rain and chilly winds.
She wiped off the excess water from her legs and arms with her
hands, watching in dismay as the rain pour down even harder. Then just
as she looked to her left, she noticed a sign, "Ayaname's Confectionary.
Hmm… This sounds strangely familiar." She said out loud.
A small old lady with a silvery gray bun and a gentle chinky-eyed
face suddenly appeared behind Misao, "Hello deary… oh my! Are you all
right? You look awfully wet! Come inside, come inside." Misao didn't have
the chance to react as two persistent hands pushed her inside the small
shop, and the shoji door was shut behind them as well as the never-ending
rain.
"Uh… Anou, arigato gozaimas obaasan." Misao said sheepishly,
then she looked around her, the air having a sweet scent in it. The room
was warm and homey, and glass shelves rowed up on the sides as well as
against the wall filled with different kinds of confectioneries. Even some
that were unfamiliar were displayed in one of the shelves, probably from
foreign countries.
"Sugoi… I can't believe I haven't been here before!" Misao
suddenly felt regretful for spending all her money to the soup she just ate
a while ago.
"Oh, but you have been here. If I remember it right, you were
just a very small girl then. Oh yes, that was you. Such an energetic child.
And you were with that young handsome man." Obaasan reminisced; her
face can never turn gentler as it was.
/Huh… oh. / Misao remembered. It was the day before her fifth
birthday and she decided to follow Aoshi one day when he insisted that he
go alone to some place. She got upset when he wouldn't let her come
with him, so she followed him instead. He noticed that she was following
and knowing that he couldn't stop her anyway he took her with him.
"Where are we going, Aoshi-niichan?" Misao clutched his neck
with both her arms, looking at him with wide-eyed wonder.
"Since you're very persistent, I'd have to show you where I'll be
buying your birthday gift for tomorrow." Aoshi said.
"Yatta!! Can you buy it now so I can play with it already?"
"Iie, that's for you're birthday." Aoshi said sternly, his face
impassive but his eyes hinted amusement.
"Hmph, you're no fun, Aoshi-niichan." Misao pouted.
"It's a surprise, and I know that you love surprises, don't you?"
"Oh, ok." She exhaled resignedly.
Amused with her weariness, both of them fell into a friendly
silence as they walk down the streets of Edo. Aoshi turned to a corner and
a few blocks later found a small shop with a sign that caught Misao's
musings.
"Wai! Candies! Buy me some candies, Aoshi-niichan!" the little
girl demanded as she persistently tugged Aoshi's ponytail in delight.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to eat just some. But only a few, Misao.
Dinner time is already near, and don't tell Okon I bought you candies, ok?"
Aoshi said warily.
"Hai, it's our secret." Misao whispered loudly.
When they entered the shop, an old woman greeted them warmly,
"Konnichiwa. Oh, it's you Shinomori-san." Aoshi slightly bowed his head in
greeting.
"Konnichiwa!" Misao greeted vigorously, and struggling within
Aoshi's hold as she let herself slip down on the floor. To her enthusiasm,
she looked through the glass shelves, awed at how much candies were
displayed, and so much to choose from.
"Shinomori-san, I'm glad you're here. The package is already
waiting." An old man appeared from one of the sliding doors behind the
counter.
"Gontaro-san," Aoshi bowed, then said in a discreet manner, "I
think I'll claim it later."
"Eh?" Gontaro looked at Misao who was busy selecting some
wagashis displayed and it dawned unto him, "Sou ka. Well then," he
turned to the little girl, "you must be the birthday girl."
Misao looked up and found the old man smiling at her adoringly.
Then she popped up from her crouched position and greeted him
cheerfully, "Konnichiwa, oji-san! Misao desu."
"Nice to meet you, Misao-chan. She's one lively girl, isn't she?"
the old man chuckled.
A frown suddenly crossed her face when she had a complete look
around the shop, "Ne, Aoshi-niichan, I don't find any toys or even one kunai
in this shop."
"Oh, no. We don't sell those kinds of things here." Gontaro
exclaimed.
"Demo… are you making one really big wagashi with every color
in it and it's as big as this?" she demonstrated with her arms stretching as
wide as they could, "Because tomorrow's my birthday and Aoshi-niichan
said that he's going to buy my birthday gift here. Are you making it now?
Can I see?"
"Iie, chibi. It's much special than the biggest wagashi that could
ever be made. Just be patient, and you will never regret waiting until
tomorrow." The old man winked.
"Hai," Misao grinned.
"Why don't you go choose what you like, Misao." Aoshi said, then
the old man's wife assisted the little girl as the men ushered farther from
the two.
"Now I'm not surprised why you came to me with urgency and for
something so unwarlike. And I thought the one you want me to make is for
a special lady, but the okashira's granddaughter is much more special, isn't
she?" Gontaro smiled.
/Surpasses every woman in the world…/ Aoshi mused to himself,
and simply nodded in answer.
"Don't worry then, I'll make it as special as it can be." Gontaro
patted him on the back.
"Demo, you said it's already waiting-"
"It's never too late to add some more finishing touches."
"Shikashi… I don't think I have enough money to pay you-"
"It's free of charge. Now I know how special the person you'll be
giving it to, it's worth the extra work." Then he reached for a drawer in the
cabinet they were near standing by, and reached inside where two
linen-wrapped packages lay, and opened one of the linen, "This one's
already finished, but the other I'm meaning to work on some more. Both
are as strong as swords, but light. This is the first time that someone has
asked me to make." Gontaro looked at Aoshi in curiosity.
"I'm glad I came to you, you've really done good." Aoshi admired
Gontaro's handiwork lying hidden in the drawer, shielded from Misao's
prying eyes, for the meantime.
"Of course I did! You people wouldn't come to me to make you
the best combat equipment for nothing." The old man claimed arrogantly.
"Aa, of course you're the best, Gontaro-san. Arigato gozaimas."
Aoshi folded back the linen and took it and slipped it in his yukata.
"You can claim the other one four days from now." Gontaro said
as he pushed the drawer back to its place.
"I think I'll claim it after eleven years. I don't think I can keep
something from Misao that long." Aoshi replied.
"If I'm still alive." Gontaro muttered, but chuckled nonetheless.
"Aoshi-niichan! I'm finished, and I bought you some, too." Misao
handed him the box-full of candies and wiped her sticky little mouth with
the back of her sticky little hands.
"How much did you eat, Misao?" Aoshi asked sternly.
"Just one!" when Aoshi raised a brow in doubt, she followed
guiltily in a hushed tone, "and some."
"Daijoubu, Shinomori-san. She had enough to satisfy her taste
buds. I persuaded her to take the others home." Gontaro's wife patted
Misao's head affectionately.
"See?" Misao beamed.
"Aa. Let's get going then."
Everyone in the Aoiya the next night celebrated for Misao's
birthday, the festivity never in a dull moment even in the middle of a harsh
era. But they never did it because they have to for the sake of the
okashira's granddaughter, but because they are happy for having Misao
who brings even a little light and happiness in their weary lives.
As the night grew darker and the stars brighter, the celebration
ended with everyone tired but contented. Except for one.
"Aoshi-niichan?" Misao called out as she slipped inside his room.
Aoshi was seated on the tatami mat, all the while waiting for the young
girl.
"Aoshi-niichan! You didn't give me any present during my party,
you said you have one!" Misao wailed in dismay as she ran beside Aoshi,
only to be surprised at what was laid in front of him.
Aoshi watched carefully with the change of emotion reflected on
Misao's face, "Well, aren't you going to open it?"
"Hai!" Misao squealed and hastily untied the bow wrapping the
small parcel. As she unfolded the linen, her rushed actions faltered when
she found a gold-plated cylindrical clasp with flower engravings on both
edges lying within the open box.
"Nani? What is it?" Misao asked, disappointed at not finding a
row of new shining kunais she'd been wishing for.
"Here, I'll show you." Aoshi took the clasp and reached the end
of Misao's long braid. He removed the plain looking ribbon holding her
tresses and fastened the clasp in place.
"There." Aoshi finished, but noticed the eminent disappointment
in Misao's face, "Naze? Don't you like my gift?"
"Demo… demo… it's a hairclip!" she cried out, not being able to
stop herself from showing her discontentment.
"Aa, I know. But it's much more special than a new set of kunais
or a sword."
"Demo… demo…" Misao pouted, still not satisfied.
"Misao-chan," Aoshi gathered her on his lap, "you should
remember that even though it is your duty to be the best onmitsu the
Oniwabanshuu could ever have one day, you should not forget who you
are."
"Waka-wakari masen…"
"That you are still Misao, our little girl who will soon grow up into
a young lady. Not everything revolves around being the best onmitsu or
okashira, chibi."
/You don't have to be the best onmitsu or warrior of such… I cannot
face the fact that the time would come when you will have to get
yourself hurt. Not every perfected skill can be attained without pain. And I
want to protect you from any form of pain, just so to keep you smiling…/
Aoshi thought to himself with a heavy heart. All his life, not a single light
touched his soul, until Misao came. And he swore to do anything in his
power in order to protect her. Even to give up his own life.
"Demo… I do want to be okashira someday!" Misao exclaimed
proudly.
"Aa, you will be. In time. Shikashi, for now, you'll stay as my
little Misao, ne?"
"Hai!" she beamed and hugged him to her, then she looked at
him in the eyes as she asked, "Will I still be your little Misao when I grew
up to be a young lady like you said?"
"When you're older, you won't be little anymore, and probably
you will marry…" Aoshi's eyes darkened at the thought, not wanting to
think about such things with Misao in some stranger's arms. He imagined
himself having a tough time protecting her from men he most certainly
would not trust when the time comes.
"Nani?! Iie! I won't marry then! Demo, if I should…" Misao
became thoughtful then an idea hit her, making her smile with a
mischievous glint, "Will you marry me, Aoshi-niichan?"
Aoshi's face suddenly grew startled and the emotion reflected in
his eyes could equal a man laughing, "You're full of ideas, aren't you?"
"Demo… I'm not joking, Aoshi-niichan! You don't want to marry
me?" she frowned, her tears already at the brink.
"We will see, Misao. We will see. If I'm worthy enough-"
"But you are! You'll always be! You'll marry me then if I'm old
enough, Aoshi-niichan? Because if you do, I'll be your Misao forever!"
Misao exclaimed as she held Aoshi's face between her chubby little fingers,
and her eyes earnestly looking deeply into his.
Unconsciously, a gentle smile slowly appeared on Aoshi's face.
He brushed the bangs away from Misao's eyes, not knowing what to do
with such innocent claims of the child in front of him.
"Aa, in time." He said resignedly, but was rewarded by the
sweetest smile he could ever hope for.
"Hai, I remember now." Misao smiled softly, then she turned to
the old woman and brightened, "It's been a long while, Obaasan. How's
Oji-san?"
"Oh, he's resting peacefully now. It has been three years since he
passed away."
"S-sou na. Gomen nasai…"
"Oh, it's alright, dear. I believe he's happy wherever he is. Here,
why don't you come with me and have a nice cup of tea." Ayaname lead
Misao to a hall and into one of the rooms. As the older woman opened
the door, Misao was shocked to find Aoshi seated inside facing her.
"A-Aoshi-sama?" Misao gaped at him, but the other merely
looked at her in gesture.
"He got caught in the rain as well. Such a strong weather, isn't
it? Go on, dear. Sit down and I'll get more tea," she got out the room and
said with her voice echoing throughout the hall, "It won't take me long."
Both were left in an uncomfortable silence. Misao willed herself
out from shock and walked to sit in front of Aoshi.
"Aoshi-sa-" she was cut off when he raised his hand for her to
stop, and fluidly raised from his seat and left the room. Misao let out a
deep breath, hurt with Aoshi leaving her alone in the room. Though after a
moment, she was mistaken when a warm blanket was wrapped around her
shoulders, which she instinctively took hold of. She looked up to him only
to miss his eyes, and instead, watched him return to his seat.
"Here, drink it while it's still warm." He offered his cup, which
was all that remained from the tea.
"Demo, it's yours-"
"You'll need it more than I do." He insisted and placed the cup in
front of her.
"A-Arigato." She whispered, then took the cup and felt thankful
for it's warmth.
The rapping of the rain took hold of the room as both lapsed into
silence. Aoshi relaxed himself and tried to meditate, but would always
raise his eyes to Misao, who tried to busy herself with the tea and her eyes
gazing at the rain outside the window. At the same instant, Misao lifted
her eyes to his, and both froze with their met stare.
Misao looked away hurriedly, and tried to cover up her
uneasiness, "Anou… how long have you been here, Aoshi-sama?"
"Moments before the rain poured down." He curtly replied.
"Oh…" expecting that he won't follow that one comment, she
continued, not used to leaving spaces between conversations. Especially
with him.
"It's been a long time since I came back to this place. Do you
remember the last time we came here together?"
Aoshi turned his gaze away from her and looked outside the
window, "Aa."
Misao beamed, feeling hopeful that somehow the conversation
might get them somewhere. She was about to continue when Ayaname
suddenly appeared by the doorway.
"Shinomori-san, I just remembered something my husband has
been wanting to give you before he died. Can you please come with me?"
Misao watched in curiosity as Aoshi rose from his seat and
followed the old woman, leaving Misao with her tea.
Aoshi already anticipated what was waiting for him the moment
he entered the shop. He asked Gontaro only one favor in his lifetime but
even after all these years and his death, the old man was still able to keep
his word.
Ayaname moved to one of the drawers and open it, revealing an
old linen-wrapped parcel, "Here we are. My husband put his best into this.
I could never have thought of him working even harder for something that
is beyond his expertise, but still, he worked real hard. Before he died, he
made me promise to keep this until you have come to claim it. I'm glad
you haven't forgotten."
But he did forget, only until he was reminded when he
coincidentally found refuge from the rain in the shop. Now, the memory
was slowly reliving itself in Aoshi's mind. She unfolded the parcel to
reveal a beautifully crafted hair comb, with deep engravings of sakura
petals outlined with silver and tinted with the shades of sky blue. The
workings of a skilled weapon wielder was intangible, but the hardship of a
man who poured out his heart and soul into making a non-hostile creation
was palpable. He touched it with gentle fingers, and turned it over to see
what he was expecting, though it surprised him nonetheless, as he felt the
tightening of his chest. He read the engraving behind the comb over and
over again, pained with the truthful words. He remembered.
"You were always the best, Gontaro-san." Aoshi murmured.
Misao was getting restless in her seat when Aoshi slid open the
shoji screen, making her turn.
"It's not raining that hard anymore. We should get going." Aoshi
said.
"Arigato gozaimas, Obaasan! I'll come back again to buy some
sweets." Misao exclaimed cheerfully as she bowed to the old woman,
making the latter smile warmly. Aoshi bowed as well, showing his own
version of silent gratitude.
"Visit anytime, Misao-chan, Shinomori-san. Now get along and be
careful." Ayaname waved as she watched the two walking away under the
same umbrella.
When the two were far enough for them to hear her, she
whispered as she wiped a happy tear down her cheek, "They've grown,
Gontaro. And you were right."
Aoshi suddenly found himself in a dilemma that night. He didn't
even know if he should give Misao the postponed gift. After all, it was his
plan twelve years ago; it wouldn't hurt to fulfill it.
/But I was different then, very different…/
"Will you marry me, Aoshi-niichan?"
"We will see, Misao. We will see. If I'm worthy enough-"
"But you are! You'll always be! You'll marry me then if I'm old
enough, Aoshi-niichan? Because if you do, I'll be your Misao forever!"
The chaste exchange years ago suddenly assailed Aoshi's
thoughts.
"Would I still be worthy… for her?" he whispered to himself. He
looked at the silver comb lying untouched in front of him. He was torn
between trying to know and not at all. But something inside of him wanted
him to try, at least. And every time he catches Misao's eyes on him, the
look in those depths only makes his feelings much stronger. The look of
an innocent child was not there anymore, only the look of a woman he
denies could ever exist in such a child he knew long ago. A woman who
can look into his very soul and be oblivious of what she can stir inside
him. A woman who shows her love without shame or so much of unease.
A woman. Irrefutably, Misao is such. And with that knowledge in
mind, the dilemma merely grew more.
Deciding on the matter, he stood up resolutely, went out from his
room, and proceeded to the dining room, where everyone was having their
late night tea. As he neared the room, he could hear Misao's chatters and
laughter, making him feel unusually vulnerable. But not wanting to be a
coward to himself, he continued and opened the door, surprising everyone
inside.
"Aoshi! Why don't you join us for some tea?" Okina invited.
"Arigato, but I just need to speak with Misao."
"Nani? What about Aoshi-sama?" Misao turned from her seat.
For some odd reason, Aoshi felt frozen in place. But still, he
kept on, not wanting to make everything more awkward as it already is.
"Do you remember the gift I gave you on your fifth birthday?"
"Of course, Aoshi-sama. I'm still wearing it," Misao showed the
clasp by flipping her long braid in front of her.
"Sou." Approaching her, he handed her the parcel hidden
inside his yukata. Astonished, she merely looked at it and then at him.
"It actually comes in two sets. Only I was planning to give you the
other one on your sixteenth birthday."
With that, Misao opened the parcel, with the others already
looming around her. Everyone gasped in awe as the unfolded parcel
revealed the hair comb.
"Oh, Misao! It's beautiful!" Okon exclaimed.
"It'll be perfect on you! We'll put it on you tomorrow, along with
the kimono Okon and I bought the other day." Omasu giggled.
"Now you don't have to wear that girly braid of yours." Shiro
teased.
Okina approached Aoshi and spoke discreetly, "Gontaro told me
the favor you asked him a long time ago. I never thought that he could
have such a touch of craftsmanship…" but when Okina looked at Aoshi, the
latter's blank expression was replaced with hurt and anger, Okina asked in
concern, "Aoshi? What's wrong?"
/She's crying… I shouldn't have given it to her. If I only knew
that it would make her upset…/
"Sumimasen." Aoshi said tightly, angry with himself. Unable to
stand her tears any longer, he turned and left.
"Misao? Doushite?" Kuro asked worriedly, noticing the drops of
tears from her bowed head. Everyone suddenly fell silent, not knowing
what to do.
"Atashi… atashi…." She whispered brokenly, looking at the back
of the comb where the characters were delecately engraved.
/Aishiteru, my Misao./
She suddenly stood up, yet surprising the others, and ran to
follow Aoshi outside the hall.
"Aoshi-sama!" she cried out.
Aoshi turned, and was taken aback as he felt Misao's arms
wrapping around his waist and her tear-streaked face burying itself on his
chest.
"Atashi… atashi wa…" she hiccupped, her voice muffled on his
chest.
Misao's actions stunned him, and slowly, he let go. He let go of
things dark and let Misao's light replace them all once again. He had
almost forgotten the feeling of something so pure and unselfish embracing
his darkened soul. But Misao brought it all back for him. Now, the
emotions rousing inside him are much stronger, it's almost frightening.
But he will soon get over with such dilemma. Right now, the woman
whose arms are tightly wrapped around him he cannot ignore. Never
again.
The same gentle smile twelve years ago replaced his
inexpressive face. He wrapped his arms around her and planted a kiss
upon her head.
"My Misao."
Owari
****
notes:
The title: I chose it because somehow, their forgotten memory together
relived if not for the rain, and that certain memory somehow started in
this little candy shop owned by Ayaname.
Mainly it's about the mysterious golden clip of Misao. For me, actually, it is
mysterious coz I'm really really curious of what it is made of (and what's it
called ^_^). And thus, I relinquish my curiosity by making my own little
history of the mysterious golden clip, and even added another one ^_^
And I like strengthening the relationship of the younger Aoshi and much
chibi Misao, to show that their relationship even after ten years would
probably be unbreakable and much stronger. Once Aoshi has gone out of
his shell, that is.
Anyway, obviously another rain-inspired fic. I think I'm getting the trend
here that I start writing fics only in the rainy season. Nyak.
Welp, thank you thank you thank you for reading my fic. Comments are
always welcome ^-^
Ja, ne
dyosa :)