Authors Notes: Hello!

Can you believe another chapter in the same day!??!?! Me neither! Well…I hope you're intrigued to find out what happens in the next chapter.

Megami no Ushi: Did I get your name right? Oh my birthday was on the 8th of November by the way.

Glad everyone is still reading!

Ja ne…till next time…

Car Trouble?

Misao stood at the top of the stairs, her eyes never moving from Mr Shinomori's. She had all the courage to hold her head high; to not let him get to her, but once his eyes caught hers she was completely weak in front of him. She'd never been like this in front of anyone else. No one had ever affected her before. Shinomori-san…he was making her feel like this…feel like she mattered to someone. Mattered enough for him to help her fit in just that little bit more.

Misao thrust those thoughts away. No, she was fine on her own! Makimachi Misao needn't change for anyone! This was all a mask hiding her away from everyone…lying to everyone…

Misao began walking down the steps, her right hand on the banister, while her left lifted up the dress slightly and held the purse as well. She prayed to all gods that she wasn't going to fall over and she placed an even brighter smile on when she reached the bottom step safely.

"Misao-san you look wonderful!" Okon and Omasu spoke at the same time. Misao blushing as Hannya, Beshimi, Hyotokko and Shikijo agreed.

"We best be off. We don't need to be any later then we already are." Aoshi spoke and swiftly turned around heading for the limousine. Misao's smile disappeared as she watched the back of Aoshi Shinomori walk closer to the car and turn around to face her, waiting for her to get in first.

Misao took deep breaths not letting him ruin the night before it even begun. She was going to have an incredible time whether Shinomori-san liked it or not! If this was going to be the only time in her life that she'd have the opportunity to go to something like this then she was going to party! Misao placed on a smile, bid the Shinomori household employees a good evening and stepped out the door heading for the limousine. She never once looked at Aoshi and got into the limousine gracefully, she sitting right in the middle, the window to speak to Soujiro right behind her head. Aoshi sat opposite her but over the far door and sat quietly, not commenting at all on what Misao looked like. Couldn't he see the change? The difference she made in what she wore, the way she acted…just for him?

Misao watched the lights speed by through the tinted windows, but gasped in surprise at almost forgetting her promise and turned around, catching a glance of Aoshi's curious eyes looking at her, but she faced the window and knocked on it once. Soujiro hit a button the window moving down for a moment.

"Is something the matter Lady Misao?" Soujiro questioned and got a small blush out of Misao, Aoshi's eyes narrowing at that, but still he kept silent.

"Could you please stop here for a moment?" Misao spoke handing the driver a slip of paper.

"That is no problem Lady Misao, it is on the way to the party so it is no trouble at all." Soujiro replied and turned into another lane so he could turn down a different street.

"Where is it that you are taking us Miss Misao?" Aoshi questioned and folded his arms.

"You shouldn't do that, you'll only ruin your nice suit." Misao spoke softly and then placed a small smile on as she tilted her head to the side to look out the window once more.

"I never break my promises…" Misao mumbled to herself but Aoshi had heard, his eyebrows creasing in confusion and curiousness.

* * * *

Minutes passed by as Misao leaning through the small window and pointed out a set of apartment buildings. Soujiro was pulling into the parking lot when Aoshi's eyes caught something accidentally. Misao was leaning over, her dress parting at its high split and showing of her left and a bit of her right leg. She had placed on sheer stockings, making her legs sparkle and shine in the light slightly. Aoshi darted his eyes away when the car stopped and watched Misao climb out. He pressed the button that brought down the window automatically and watched Misao smooth out her dress.

"Honk the horn Soujiro-kun." Misao uttered and Soujiro did exactly that, her eyes glancing at a confused Aoshi and then they went back up to the apartment balcony.

"OI! SHIN-CHAN!" Misao yelled at the top of her lungs and reached in to honk the horn a little longer then usual. Misao looked up once more to see Genzai-sensei, his grand daughters and Sano holding up Shin on his shoulders as they peered down at her. Misao did a small turn for her audience and watched as Shin cupped his hands around his mouth to voice his opinion down to her.

"UTSUKUSHII" Misao smiled and waved at them and quickly hopped back into the car and closed the door.

"Arigatoo Soujiro-kun, you can go now." Soujiro pulled out of the parking lot and sped off heading for the five star resort of where the party would be held. Misao sighed, her eyes closing for a moment but when she opened them a pair of green-grey ones were staring silently at her.

"Ano…they are my friends and they wanted to see what I looked like." Misao reasoned in a shy voice, she twiddling her thumbs in doing so. Why did she feel like she had to explain everything to him and hope to get his approval for some reason? Was he really effecting her that much? Misao glanced up at Aoshi, through her long bangs to see he had turned to look out the window, it being drawn down as the cool breeze swept through his long bangs. Misao blushed as she stared over at him. He really was…handsome…very handsome in fact.

"Ano Shinomori-san, if someone asks me how I met you, what should I say?" Aoshi glanced over at Misao, she ringing her hands in her lap nervously.

"I mean, if someone asks me how we met or what I do, what must I say? I don't want to look stupid in front of everyone if our stories are different." Misao spoke once more and watched cool green-grey eyes hold her large blue ones.

"Miss Misao you may tell them whatever you like. It means nothing to me and if they ask me I'll tell them to ask you themselves." Misao's eyes narrowed in anger at him. How could he be so different? How could he dance with her…as though wanting to be close to her and then completely turn into such a bastard?

"I see…" Misao whispered to herself and then sighed lightly in defeat. He wasn't going to change for one night…he wasn't going to dance with her or socialise with her. Misao would have to go solo, even though she had arrived with him. Could she rat on him saying he was a bastard and a fake? Misao shook her head knowing she had no right to do that at all.

"Miss Misao?"

"Stop it!" Misao yelled, her hands balling into fits at becoming frustrated at the man who sat opposite her. Aoshi closed his lips observing Misao as she heaved for air trying to calm down her rage.

"You must say Misao dammit! I'm not a 'Miss' as of 6:45pm. I'm just your friend Aoshi!" Misao gasped in surprise her hand slapping over her mouth in surprise at his given name slipping passed her lips so easily. Not only did she have wide eyes and a faint pink tinge on her cheeks, she was staring into another pair of wide eyes, Aoshi too not being prepared for the way his name rolled off her lips so perfectly.

"G-Gomen ne…" Misao stuttered out and bowed her head in apology. Oh why did her mouth have to run away like that? She felt so embarrassed! It was like she had been practicing to say his name for ages!

"Iie…it is okay…Misao." Misao's eyes snapped open and she stared over at Aoshi, he looking out the window, his right hand resting under his chin. He had said her name. Misao stared over at him for several long seconds. Was that...a soft blush crossing his cheeks or was Misao's eyes playing tricks on her? Her heart thumbed loudly in her chest at his voice calling her name over and over again.

"Does kachan have a crush on a handsome boy?"

Misao couldn't help but blush at Shin-chan's voice rolling around in her mind. No! No she couldn't be feeling anything for the man sitting opposite her could she? They were too different! They belonged in different worlds! Misao snapped out of her thoughts as the limousine came to a stop. Her eyes grew wide as they were finally here and her stomach started to churn. The door opened Aoshi stepping out, but Misao stayed in the car, planted to the seat as though growing roots so she couldn't leave. Misao observed as Aoshi bent over, he leaning into the limousine to look at her. His hand was out, waiting for her as he spoke gently to her, a voice Misao hadn't heard from him ever.

"You'll be okay Misao, I won't let anything happen to you." Misao let out a shaky breath and her hand reached out to clasp Aoshi's, his larger and warmer hand comforting her nerves immediately. Misao stepped out of the limousine with Aoshi's help and was instantly photographed with him. Aoshi held out his arm and Misao hooked hers with his and they began walking…slowly thanks to Misao and her small steps.

"You do realise we can walk faster then this right Miss Misao?" Aoshi whispered softly to her so that no one could hear them speaking. There was too much noise anyway.

"Would you rather I walk slowly or fall flat on my ass and embarrass the shit out of you Shinomori-san? Smile at the cameraman." Misao muttered to him and they faced the camera and placed on fake smiles.

"I'd rather this night to be over and done with by now." Aoshi mumbled as they walked up the steps towards the five star resort and then followed the red carpet to the function room.

"If you hate it so much, why did you ask me to come? Hello, good evening!" Misao spoke joyously to a couple of women heading for the ladies bathroom.

"You happened to be my last resort! Good Evening Fukae-san, this is Makimachi Misao, a family friend." Aoshi spoke in a polite voice and shook the man's hand and introduced Misao at the same time.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Misao spoke and bowed lightly.

"Oh so this pretty young woman is your latest catch Aoshi-san? What ever happened to Tomoe? Why I thought you two would wed each other somewhere down the track." Misao stared up at Aoshi, he looking ready to smack the crap out of his underling but he placed on a small smile and answered as best he could.

"It's a long story Fukae-san and one not to be discussed here. Please excuse us, we must find our table." Aoshi spoke almost dragging Misao away from the man.

"You were engaged?" Misao whispered to him as they weaved in and out of the crowd, the both of them bidding people good evening.

"No! She was just my…"

"Spare time girl? The poor thing…" Misao finished for him and watched his shoulders tense.

"She was not my spare time girl you immature woman! Look you just shut up and act pretty and the sooner this is over and done with the faster you can get back to fixing cars." Aoshi spoke in slight disgust and found the both of them standing near a waiter. Aoshi proceeded to ask him which table happened to be number 12, since that was the number he and Misao would be sitting at. Misao grabbed a wine from the waiters tray and drunk it down. Aoshi looked at her quite stunned as she took another one and did exactly the same, the waiter looking at the both of them with a weird stare.

"Misao I suggest you take it easy with the wi-"

"Listen here Aoshi! You scamper off and mingle with your rich bastard friends and I'll drink myself to death, at least that way I know this evening will go a lot faster for me!" Misao cut in, not bothering about acting ladylike just yet…or ever! Aoshi watched Misao take another wine and fade into the crowd of people she wishing them good evening in her chirpy voice. Aoshi slouched slightly, he rolling his eyes and looked up at the chandeliers in defeat.

"I'll have a bottle of sake at table 12 please. No you better make it two." Aoshi muttered to the waiter and moved towards table 12, a couple of people he knew were already seated there and having a small conversation.

Aoshi sat at the chair his nametag was situated at and greeted them politely. The waiter soon came over with some sake and placed the bottles near Aoshi and a single cup.

"A toast anyone?" Aoshi gestured and watched as they raised their glasses.

"Kanpai!" A female voice spoke loudly and then walked over, Aoshi's eyes widening as he nearly spat out the sake, his eyes focusing on…

"Tomoe? What are you doing here?" Tomoe sat in Misao's seat and smiled over at Aoshi. She looked around the table remembering these people and bid them hello.

"I heard there was a party and knew you would be here so I came along." She shrugged as though it was no big deal, but to Aoshi it was a very big deal. What if Tomoe and Misao met? What if there was the wrong assumption…what if…

"Good evening everyone." A soft voice spoke and Aoshi turned around to see a smiling Misao looking at the table. Could his night be any worse?

"Aoshi I do apologise for our disagreement earlier. I'm truly sorry for what I said and hope you can forgive me." Misao spoke up and bowed lightly to a wide-eyed Aoshi.

"Excuse me, I don't think we've met you before." An elder woman spoke as she glanced around the table to see the other occupants nod their heads agreeing with her statement. Misao moved closer her hand resting on Aoshi's right shoulder as she spoke again, a smile plastered on her glowing features.

"I'm so sorry for being so rude. My name is Makimachi Misao, I'm a good friend of Aoshi's." Misao spoke but stopped instantly when she heard a small sob. Her eyes widened when she watched dark ones tear up, they looking accusingly at her as though everything were her fault and then Misao's eyes widened in surprise as she was slapped across the face and watched astonished as the woman raced from the function. Women around them gasped in horror, Misao's hand moving up to rub at her red cheek. Aoshi stood up and placed his hands on Misao's shoulders he bending down to be eye level with her.

"Misao, are you okay?" He asked softly but didn't wait for an answer and pulled her away heading for one of the drink counters. Misao had been silent the whole way as she had been pulled through the crowd of people and observed as Aoshi placed some ice into a napkin and then took her hand leading her away from the onlookers for a moment. She sat down in a chair around the corner in a dully-lit area and watched as Aoshi bent down on one knee and placed the napkin to her cheek, Misao wincing slightly at the coldness of it. Her hand instinctively reached up and was pressed over Aoshi's, his eyes darkening in colour but he slipped his hand away knowing Misao could hold it to her cheek by herself. He still kneeled on the floor looking up at Misao, his eyes not missing the parting of her dress at her left thigh either.

"I'm sorry about what happened Misao." Aoshi spoke softly, not wanting any other guests hearing their small chatter.

"Its okay, I doubt its your fault anyway…" Misao tried reasoning and glanced at Aoshi's turned head, some sort of cringing look crossing his features for a split second.

"You mean it really was your fault?" Misao questioned in disbelief.

"You remember Fukae-san talking about the woman named Tomoe right?" Aoshi voiced aloud and watched Misao nod her head and then her eyes widened coming to the realisation of why the woman slapped her.

"Gomen ne Aoshi, I seemed to have placed you in an awkward situation." Misao voiced softly, her head bowing as she lowered her hand, but gasped softly as it was picked up and placed against her cheek once more, her smaller hand being cradled by Aoshi's larger one.

"Its okay…its something I have to discuss with Tomoe at a later date, but right now you need to keep your cheek from swelling up." Misao shook her head at Aoshi and watched as he stood up helping her up as well.

"What is it?" Aoshi questioned Misao and watched as she placed a smile on her lips, it reflecting in her eyes and only at him.

"You are something else Aoshi. I need to go visit the ladies room to check on my cheek, so I'll meet you at the table. Can you get me a glass of wine, thank you!" Misao responded and began walking off before Aoshi could respond.

"You really should slow down Misao." Aoshi voiced aloud and watched as she turned to face him and replied back.

"Look who's talking Mr I have two sake bottles all to myself."

"Yes but I can handle it becau-"

"Are you challenging me to a drinking match Aoshi? You won't win I can hold alcohol quite well. Oh and do ask them when dinner will be served I'm starving!" Misao spoke once more and entered the ladies room, Aoshi doing nothing but blinking at the swinging door. Had he just become…Misao's personal servant?

* * * *

Aoshi sat at the table with the other guests, numerous employees still mingling but everyone was heading for their respected tables to eat.

"So Aoshi-dear who was that dashing young woman you brought with you this evening? She's quite something." The elder woman spoke always mothering Aoshi the way she did. She'd being doing so ever since he could remember, but he wasn't really one to tell her to piss off so he just let it go.

"Yes, she is something alright…" Aoshi muttered and took a sip of his sake. His eyes got a black dress, as did many others as Misao began walking towards his table. Aoshi's eyes roamed on the vulture looks the men were giving Misao, but her smile…that smile in her eyes was just focused on him. How could she freeze him like she did? Stuck in her gaze like a lost child. What made her so god damn special? Aoshi cleared his throat as he stood up and held the chair out for Misao.

"Thank you Aoshi." Misao spoke and took a sip of the drink, making sure to drop the strawberry into the wineglass first.

"Did you find out when dinner was being served?" Misao voiced while smiling politely at the other members on their table.

"Its right in front of you Misao." Aoshi spoke and observed as Misao glanced at the platter of morsels on the table.

"Oh, it looks delicious!" She exclaimed in a sweet tone of voice and out of the corner of her left eye she watched Aoshi take a sip of his sake once more. Misao couldn't help but lean closer, her lips brushing his ear lightly as she voiced her opinion to him.

"Lucky I'm not hungry." Misao laughed lightly, her hand going over her lips to do so as Aoshi choked on his sake, his eyes watering as he glanced them over at Misao. Yep, she was something all right? Something that was complicating his rational thoughts that's for sure!

"You two lovebirds need to share your joke with the rest of us?" The elder woman spoke and the table watched as Misao blushed lightly, she waving her hand slightly as to correct their assumptions.

"Oh we aren't lovebirds Ma'am, we happen to be good friends in fact." Misao reasoned with the woman and Aoshi parted his lips ready to butt in but the woman spoke up, an odd look crossing her lips.

"I've known Aoshi-dear ever since he was born and you dear do not ring any bells in my head, so please, do not lie to me." Misao took a sip of her wine, Aoshi thinking she was going to get all shaky and nervous but watched astounded as she came up with another story off the top of her head.

"Well I used to live in Kyoto a long time ago and watched Aoshi on the news all the time. He seemed like a very interesting child and teenager when he was growing up and as I grew older so did he and somehow, by sheer luck I received his phone number and we began talking. Then it switched to emails as I went overseas for a hospitality exchange to work in many restaurants to get a feel for it all, but now I'm back and I'm in Tokyo looking after my grandfather. He is the only family I have left and I feel it is right to look after him after all he has sacrificed for myself. Oh, you don't mind if I have this sushi roll do you?" Misao spoke completely changing the topic and took it with the chopsticks and placed it on her plate and began taking small bites like Hannya told her too.

"You poor dear, suffering like that. What on earth about your parents? Were they irresponsible people?" The elder woman spoke, Misao closing her eyes as though holding in her anger for the umpteenth time that evening. Why was it that just because she had no mother and father anymore it always seemed they were irresponsible? Misao opened her eyes feeling a light squeeze on her left hand and looked down to see Aoshi's hand covering hers, as though trying to help her get a grip. Misao smiled over at him in silent thanks and then spoke once more before biting into the sushi roll once again.

"My parents were wonderful loving parents but died tragically in a car accident. It cannot be helped; it is what the gods dealt them. They loved life, loved family very much and it proves so that they wished to part this world together…and not alone."

"I do apologise if I offended you in anyway dear. Please excuse me I must go powder my nose." The elder woman spoke and got up heading for the bathroom. Misao's head was bent and she felt a squeeze on her hand, her eyes glancing at Aoshi's confused ones, he not sure if her story was true or not. Misao gave him a small wink and she watched as he smirked softly at her and let go as he placed some of the delicious morsels onto his plate.

"Excuse me young lady?" Misao turned to her right to see the man next to her smiling at her. He patted her right hand softly and then stood up bowing lightly like Aoshi had done the other day.

"Would you care to dance?" He spoke and Misao blinked a few times not sure what to say. Aoshi and Hannya stated it was rude to decline, but how could she dance with someone she didn't know?

"I'm not a good dancer so why not let us be silly together ne?" He spoke and winked at Misao and was pleased when she placed her napkin near her plate and got up out of the chair taking his hand. He led her to the dance floor and began moving around, Misao following in slight hesitation.

"You lied." Misao spoke with a laugh in her voice, as the elder man wasn't too bad.

Her assumption was wrong however, when the old geezer patted her butt and then squeezed it lightly while laughing when doing so. Misao did the only thing she knew to do…she decked the old guy, having kicked him in the balls and watched him fall to the ground, numerous guests watching her do this as well. Misao couldn't stand it anymore. She had tried and tried and everyone was just against her! Misao lifted her dress slightly and somehow raced off the dance floor, taking a tray of wineglasses with her and disappeared into the darkness of the night. Aoshi stood up having watched the scene unfold and proceeded to sift through the crowd to head straight for the elder man.

"I respect you a lot Mr Hibiki, but having seen that you are not apart of my company anymore. I'll see to it that you receive a payout, but don't you ever set foot in any of my companies ever again. You have lost all respect from the Shinomori family. Security please escort Mr Hibiki from the premise." Aoshi spoke in a professional and slightly low tone of voice. Here he was hoping Misao might have a good time, he and Hannya saying it was rude to decline a dance and to be groped in front of a lot of people would be very embarrassing and then decking the man…although Aoshi thought that was great…but still. He turned around to head for the main doors to try and find Misao, but haltered in his stride when he heard the old man voice his opinion once more, his words slurred as he was slightly tipsy.

"She had such a tight bottom…and no panties either…" For once in Aoshi's life his control snapped and he turned around and decked the man as well, this time in the face, blood splurging from his nose. Aoshi had broken it.

"You get the hell out of my sight before I break something else you drunk old fool!" Aoshi cursed the man loudly, the function room turning dead silent. He turned around to see his underlings looking astonished at him and he voiced his opinion once more, watching them move out of his way and clear a path for him.

"What the hell is wrong with you people?" Aoshi stormed out of the function room with great determination to go and find Misao. He moved out of the five star resort and walked down the stairs to see Soujiro resting near the hood of the limousine.

"Master Shinomori, is it time to leave already?" Soujiro spoke a smile crossing his lips as he placed away his novel and put his hat back on.

"Iie, I'm looking for Misao. Has she come this way?" Aoshi spoke; not even realising he called Misao by her first name in front of his employee.

"Master Shinomori she's seems to be up there." Soujiro spoke as he pointed to a balcony, Misao leaning over the railing with a glass of wine in her hand. Soujiro watched as his boss raced off, occasionally looking up at Misao, to try and estimate what floor she would be on and headed for the lifts. Aoshi noticed the 6th floor was labelled guest lounge and clicked the bottom hoping the balcony was connected to the guest lounge.

The elevator dinged and Aoshi stepped out. He nodded at a cleaner who was vacuuming the carpet in the guest lounge and proceeded to the sliding door of the balcony.

"Misao? It is Aoshi." He spoke making sure she knew who it was and thought it best to address her and himself with their given names. Aoshi noticed the waiters tray near her feet, they now bare she having taken off the high heel shoes. There were nine empty glasses and Misao seemed to be holding the tenth one in shaky fingers.

"How did you get all the drinks up here without spilling a drop?" Aoshi questioned and watched Misao lean over the railing after drinking half of the contents in the tenth wineglass.

"Its what I do Shinomori-san. I'm a waitress. I'm a waitress, a mechanic, a student at the university and a…what does it matter…you don't care, people like me don't matter." Misao slurred lightly the glass slipping from her hands but it could never fall to the pavement six storeys below as Aoshi caught it in time, his hand wrapping around Misao's waist as well.

"Your wrong Misao, I'm sure you matter to many people." Aoshi glanced down at Misao to see her eyes were closed. Yep, she was drunk indeed.

Aoshi placed the glass on the railing and shifted Misao around, he picking her up easily and placing her against his chest. He heard her sigh and her face tilted into his neck and she breathed deeply, as though smelling him lightly.

"You smell nice…" Misao mumbled, her lips brushing Aoshi's neck in doing so. Oh kami-sama his heart raced in his chest at that feeling. Aoshi shook his head and began walking off heading for the lifts to take Misao back to the mansion.

"I told you not to drink too much Miss Misao." Aoshi spoke softly and headed out the doors, watching Soujiro's eyes widen in surprise at seeing his master holding the young woman so dearly to him, but when he saw her red cheeks he knew something had happened. Soujiro opened the door and Aoshi placed Misao inside and then got in as well, watching as she lay down, her head resting in his lap. Aoshi had frozen in position not sure what to do, but finally he placed his hand on Misao's shoulder watching the trembling stop as though his touch was comforting her. She had begun to mumble in her sleep and Aoshi bent down his ear placed near Misao's lips to listen to her soft whisper.

"I haven't drunk this much…not since the last time I…I slept with that bastard…that son of a bitch!" Aoshi's eyes widened when a sob escaped Misao's throat afterwards. She was dreaming of the past? Aoshi lifted Misao up and cradled her smaller form to his, he whispering softly into her ear as he embraced her lovingly.

"I won't let you get hurt Misao, I promise you won't get hurt." Aoshi listened to her sigh lightly, a small smile touching her lips as she cuddled closer to him. How could this one woman provoke him into protecting her from any harm? Aoshi sighed not knowing any answers, but he knew one thing was for sure. Just who was Makimachi Misao and what lay under her tough exterior walls?

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *