Authors Notes:

tesuka! - About the punk remark, not to worry I was just making sure that everyone knew Misao wasn't a true 'punk' in all sense of the word. *hehehe* I made Aoshi call her that though… I mean she's cool with her clothes and bike, but that's about it. She actually has a lot of responsibility that Aoshi has no idea about…but he'll find out…just like all of you will as well.

Selene - *hehehe* Yep I can see Misao in a cocktail dress as well…looking all uncomfortable in a throng of rich people, feeling quite out of place and wandering where the hell Aoshi disappeared too. What a minute? Am I giving something away already?

Kyme-chan - I was watching Kamatari in the series, about loving Shishio and what not and just can't help but place him as being gay because I think its cute and funny how he calls Aoshi 'darling' as well. And it isn't going to stop, so Aoshi hasn't bothered to beat the crap out of him…so yeah… Oh and about the whole 'Pretty Woman' thing as well…well it could sort of be like that I guess…but Misao ain't giving our dear Aoshi sexual favours…or will she? *hehehe*

Sai - oh yes, beautiful cars indeed. Shall Misao take Aoshi for a spin in a couple of them? Just to show him how fast they can really go? What do ya think? Anyone can answer of course! ^_^

DarkFairy - Arigatoo for saying that! I'm glad you guys like my stories or else I would have quit ages ago…

Anime_no_Miko - Aoshi can't buy you a car first…he has to buy me one first! *hehehe* Not to worry though…there always dreams eh? Arigatoo for saying my stories are good too, its wonderful to hear.

DiaBLo - I think Aoshi might impress Misao in some way… ^_~ but Noa is not telling yet…it'll ruin it of course! And 'poor stupid Aoshi' is cute…and he makes Misao laugh at whatever he does and stuff so…they are a perfect match ne?

Prudence-chan - No Misao won't sing it to get it through his thick head…she's going to flat out tell him…but later on.

Shuro - I'm a miracle? *blushes* Noa's not a miracle, she just loves writing Aoshi and Misao stories cause she thinks that everyone needs to know how great they are! ^_^

To everyone - Guess what Minna? It's my birthday next week! On the 8th of November I'll be 21! *squeals* Anywho I just felt like telling everyone…and this weekend I'm working on my Website for sure!

Now that's over…on with the story!

Car Trouble?

Aoshi sat on the stool listening to the noises Misao was making under his limousine. She was humming softly, almost out of habit and yet clanking tools here and there and also waiting for him to speak. He was still confused as to why he was in here with her.

Aoshi had reports to fill out, business meetings to plan and to meet with another company manager that was actually happy to sell to the Shinomori branch in Tokyo. He also had a business cocktail party to attend to in a few days time and was beginning to be hassled by close employees who were going to be there as to whether or not he would be going solo or actually bringing someone along with him. Aoshi had been deciding to skip the cocktail party all together, but when he realised most of the managers or should he say former managers that had agreed to sell to him were going to be there, he thought better of it. Now the only problem was trying to find a companion, even if it were for one night, that could stand still, stay quiet and look pretty for a number of hours amongst a couple hundred rich people. Where could he find someone like that?

"You do realise I should be working right now." Aoshi stated, as he folded his arms over his chest, still sitting up straight on the stool, his posture never slouching, he being brought up never to slouch.

"So? You look like you need a rest anyway…and what better way then to tell me about yourself and to learn more about these beautiful cars you own." Aoshi had rolled his eyes hearing this but sighed in supposed defeat and opened his mouth to talk in his usual quiet, but confident voice.

"Well, I was born in Tokyo in 1976 and have never lived anywhere else. I…"

"Please, your not seriously putting me through this type of ordeal about your life are you Mr Shinomori?" Misao spoke while moving from underneath the car and stood up while continuing on, but never taking her eyes off of the engine as she checked wires, connections and so on.

"Your full name is Aoshi Shinomori, born in Tokyo Private Hospital. You happened to be the only son…and only child of the late Shinomori's. You began walking at an early age, talking at an early age and learning at an early age as well. You went to the most exquisite private school only to be caught in some sort of fight with other schoolboys because you were trying to protect a young girl by the name of Yume who was being tormented by them. Your father taught you martial arts in your back training hall and when you were younger you had many servants watching over you as you walked or rode to primary school. I'd think those would have to be Hyotokko, Shikijo and Beshimi. Hannya was younger back then and usually picked you up as you got older. You were splashed all over the newspapers when you got your license and when you helped that girl Yume. She so happened to turn out to be your first crush…or your first girlfriend, probably both actually. Reporters had snapped pictures of you everywhere you went, as though you were some Hollywood star even though you were just an average young teenager with a father who ran most of Tokyo…or was it most Japan…I can't remember. That didn't seem to click in your mind because to you, he was just your father. You were also splashed all over the pages when you and Yume stayed in an exclusive five star resort and didn't leave till the next morning. Then she left…and you seemed to disappear or go into hiding because for weeks you hadn't been in the public eye. Then there were all the photos and like 10 to 20 pages of your family's history and a tribute to your mother and father when they died 10 years ago. You had been photographed at the funeral…your face expression showed nothing and you weren't crying at all…I know I would have…" Aoshi's eyebrows had been raised when Misao drawled on about his life, it being splurged in the papers like entertainment to others. Aoshi watched as Misao had stopped working on the engine in the limousine as she leaned against the side of the car, facing him and placed a small smile on her lips speaking once more.

"Trust me Mr Shinomori, the usual details you were just about to tell me, all of Japan knows about them. I mean your father would have to be one of the richest men in all of Japan and so when he had a son, your life became entertainment for people all over the country, just to see you grow up and become who you are today. You can't help it, because no matter what, you are a Shinomori and the Shinomori family has always been in the media. You may be older then me, by about 4 years in fact, but that doesn't mean I don't know about you. Hell when I was growing up I saw you on television with your parents as they took you along to openings of businesses your father bought. I watched as you smiled and laughed at being entertained by performers and I was so jealous and envious of you. These days though, I feel sorry for you because no matter where you are in Japan you'll always be a part of entertainment for others…at your best…and even at your worst."

"I never pay that much attention to the media Miss Misao so I do not care what reporters say about me." Aoshi replied and narrowed his eyes when Misao's frowned softly at him, as though taking pity on him.

"I can't believe you don't at least feel a bit angered by all of this. I mean, they place you in polls like the highest ranking of most gorgeous bachelors or Japans richest child and other stupid polls. Don't you at least care what they say about you? What rumours float around about your family…about Hannya and the others that work for you? Don't you read anything about what they say? It disturbs me and I don't even know you at all! How can you just pass time by and watch as people start to degrade you and your family name? Don't you care about what people say or how people think of you?" Misao questioned the tall man, even though he still sat upon the stool unmoving.

"Miss Misao I think you are getting a little carried away…" Aoshi replied while flicking some non existent dust from his shirt sleeve, almost in disinterest at listening to Misao's concerns. She's concerned…about him…and his employees? Aoshi brushed those thoughts away and stared into angry blue orbs.

"Am I? Have you asked whether Hannya, Beshimi, Hyotokko, Soujiro, Shikijo and the two women that work here like having rumors being reported in newspapers about them? Do they wonder down the street by themselves? Do they leave the mansion grounds at all?" Aoshi had parted his lips ready to reply, but nothing came out. He had no answer to give.

"I wouldn't think that your male employees are scared to leave the grounds, but they still wouldn't go buy themselves. They aren't as young as they used to be and I doubt your female employees leave either. You want to know what random papers say about you and your family and your 'band of followers' as they are sometimes known as then pick up a paper one-day and read. I would think that your employees are hurting inside for you not doing anything about this."

"Are you suggesting I do nothing for my employees? Are you suggesting I am a good for nothing for not knowing about such things? They have a wonderful home, more then what some people could ever say. They do not pay any rent, for their services is enough to me and yet they still get wages as well. They are well fed and well looked after by the Shinomori family. They've lived on this very property for as long as I can remember Miss Misao. You dare question me on such matters. I do not answer to the likes of you."

"No you don't answer to me because I am not like you at all, but you answer to them. You can't treat them like they aren't people because I know no one could be that harsh, even if they are rich like you. You cannot survive without them so how can you be so different from your father? How can you justify being human when you don't even treat your employees like one? Where's your happy memories with them? Where's the laughter? Where is the connection you have with them gone? I watched with millions of others as they played with you, laughed with you and became your family. Where did all of that go? These generous people gave up their lives to be with you…to guide you in becoming a grown man. These people became you uncles, your aunts, your companions and your friends for life…and yet you still don't acknowledge or respect them for that. DO you even know what family or friends means?"

"How dare you judge me like this Miss Misao. Why if there was any other mechanical company in town that had the time I would have had you fired the day you got here! You with your punk attitude and your motorcycle! You thinking that nothing will ever hurt you or darken your life well guess what 'Miss I don't seem to have a problem with anything' I do hope you have a hard and treacherous life, then maybe you'll understand what it is like to feel pain." Aoshi got off the stool and walked towards the door. This woman had some nerve saying those things to him yet again!

"That's right, turn your back and run like you always seem to do!" Misao had yelled and watched as he silently walked out of the garage, the door closing behind him. Misao bent over the car, her foot kicking the tyre as she cursed yet again for being so bitchy. She knew she had some good points and things had started off really well, but as soon as she got hold of an idea, her mouth would not stop flapping until everything was out in the open.

"Wait a go Misao…good fucking job in getting on his good side. Shit!" Misao cursed softly to herself, almost getting ready to bang her head against the engine.

"Is something troubling you Miss Misao?" Misao had gasped in surprise and turned to face the now opened door as Hannya stood there.

"Don't you people know how to speak. You scared me half to death." Misao spoke annoyingly and watched the elder man walk towards her. He eyed her silently, waiting for her to answer his previous question.

"Hannya, was he always so uptight and gloomy all the time. I mean trying to get something out of him isn't really that hard, but when its about his family…about bits and pieces of him growing up that you don't see in the media that is difficult as hell. I didn't know it would be like this…" Misao mumbled while glancing back at the car engine. She moved towards it and took out the car battery and placed it on the concrete floor.

"Master Shinomori is a very private man Miss Misao. It may not seem so as he is always in the media but these days it is nothing of his private life, just business. Of course there are always nosy reporters around, but we find ways to get rid of them one way or another. If you wish to know more about Master Shinomori he is the only one that can tell you. Anyway, I was just passing by and wandered if you needed anything to drink or perhaps something to eat?" Misao smiled at the polite man in front of her and shook her head negatively.

"No, I'm actually not hungry, but thanks for asking. I better get back to work as I promised Mr Shinomori the limousine would be fixed today." Misao watched Hannya bow lightly and then he left, leaving her to the quiet singing of a woman coming from the radio.

* * * *

Aoshi had stormed upstairs, worried glances coming from Okon and Omasu as they watched him do say. They cringed lightly when they heard the door slam shut and busied themselves as not to go up to see what was wrong. Days like this, it was not wise to approach him. They had done so when he was younger, but back then he actually told them things. Years had flown by and the Aoshi Shinomori they once knew was not there anymore.

* * * *

(In Aoshi's study)

He had been pacing the floor for several minutes, trying to calm down his raging blood. He wasn't one for yelling or for making a huge big commotion but this woman was changing him dramatically. Everything she said seemed to have an impact on him more then he admitted to himself…and Aoshi hated that with a passion. To think he'd be so caught off guard, so utterly speechless to this mechanic woman was absurd…but it was all true.

Aoshi finally stopped pacing and sat on his office desk, he flipping his laptop around so he could check his email account to see whether any of his employees from his different firms had emailed him yet.

Two messages had popped into the inbox and Aoshi recognised the names immediately. One happened to be a Kamiya Kaoru, she being his therapist for about 10 years now. Her emails were always the same. Where are you, how come you haven't visited and so on… The other was from one of the board members running this cocktail party. Aoshi opened it; slightly cringing when he noticed the party had been moved a day forward. So in this case he had two days to find someone remotely interesting to take to the party. That ought to shut up all the rumours he had heard about him being gay. Yes, that was one rumour he had noticed going around his office. He put a stop to it immediately but still…how the hell can they justify that? All they had to do was ask. Was that really too difficult for people these days? Did they not see him and Yume together? Aoshi shook off those thoughts and wondered who the hell would he take with him. He couldn't ask Tomoe, Enishi wouldn't be too pleased about that and they'd called it quits anyway. He hadn't heard or seen Yume in years and didn't know where she was. Kaoru was married so that was out of the question. He wouldn't ask Okon or Omasu, they being older then him.

Aoshi had been drumming his fingers on his desk when his eyes widened at his last resort. Could the gods really be demanding he take her! Aoshi stood up and moved to his window when he heard the motorcycle being revved by its rider. Aoshi eyed Misao as she spoke to Soujiro he smiling and laughing like he usually did and then waved her goodbye as she rode away. Aoshi looked down at his watch noting the time as she had left early. Who said she could leave early? He certainly didn't!

Aoshi was downstairs in a flash and demanded Soujiro tell him were Misao was going. He had said she needed to buy a battery for the car and Aoshi shut his mouth and wandered back upstairs. Okay, so he was being a little bit stupid, but she should be telling him such things and not his employees! The scene of what occurred many minutes ago between he and Misao flashed through his mind and Aoshi sighed while strolling back upstairs. How the hell was he going to convince Miss Misao to come to the cocktail party with him?

* * * *

Aoshi had been standing at the garage door for about 10 minutes he presumed. Misao had already been back for about 20 minutes now. He stood at the doorway, Misao too busy refitting the battery into the engine and connecting all the wires together to actually notice him. A pen hung out of the corner of her mouth as she hummed yet another song Aoshi had never heard of before.

"Rice cakes." Aoshi had heard himself utter aloud, Misao turning to face him for several seconds only to turn back to the engine, the pen being tucked into her front pocket on her work overalls as she replied back.

"What about them?"

"No matter what time of day or what season we happen to be in, rice cakes are something I love to eat all year round." Aoshi watched with guarded features, like he usually did as Misao lifted her head; turning to face him with a bright smile on her grease smudged face.

"Why is that?" Misao asked softly, she holding her breath as the supposed uptight Aoshi Shinomori walked towards her and sat down on the stool never taking his green-grey eyes away from her blue pools.

"My mother used to make them on special occasions, but as a small child I pestered her to make me them everyday…and so she did. Okon makes them these days and they are still just as good as my mothers…as though she's never really left me at all. She uses her recipe you see?" Misao felt her heart swell at hearing this and couldn't help but reply.

"I bet that's something the media doesn't know about." Misao observed as Aoshi crossed his arms over his chest glaring over at her, as though she were going to tell them or something.

"So, you still want to know about subsystems?" Misao asked and watched as Aoshi silently nodded his head affirmatively. Misao placed a smile on her lips once more and was quite shocked when she received a small shy one back from him. Oh yes…he wasn't what he seemed to be at all…

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *