The Lonely Widow, Not so Lonely Anymore…
(One of Kyoto's Parks)
"Aoshi-san! Aoshi-san come play with us!" Ayame and Suzume-chan spoke loudly ushering a sitting Aoshi to get up and race around with them. He and Misao had been happily sitting in their small bit of silence watching the children run around in the park.
"Gomen ne Misao, I must leave you alone to go play." Aoshi spoke with a small smile on his lips hearing a small laugh escape Misao's own lips.
Misao watched as Aoshi took off the dark grey jumper he wore and threw it at Misao, who caught it and then he jogged over to the children ready to play whatever game they wished. Misao observed with the smile growing on her lips as Aoshi was truly just a big kid at heart. He raced around, sliding here and there not caring about the grass stains that he would have on his clothes as he tried catching the boys who were quite tricky. Everytime he caught one of the children, Misao would listen to him make these small victory noises while thrusting them up in the air and then placing them on their back in the grass tickling them.
"Aunt Misao come play with us?" Shijuksho and Beshimi spoke together trying to pull Misao up from her seated position. She didn't budge and so they left her alone to race over to Aoshi whom called them to stop pestering Misao as she'll come and play when she was good and ready. Misao sat with her legs outstretched and leaned on her arms behind her watching as Hannya raced over jumping into her lap making her grunt lightly.
"Auntie Misao isn't Uncle Aoshi the best!" The little boy praised loudly, Misao knowing Aoshi could hear him as he turned to look there way for a split second. Misao smiled silently at the young boy who giggled at what Aoshi was doing. Misao had to join in as he was truly making a fool out of himself, but the children and other parents' children came over joining in the games and laughing at Aoshi. Hannya got up racing over feeling left out and Misao watched Aoshi grab a hold of his hands and began spinning him around and around lifting him off the ground.
"Such a charming young man you have Misao-chan." Misao sat up straight remembering that voice well and turned around to see an elder woman standing behind her.
"Grandma Seta!" Misao spoke slightly shocked at seeing the elder woman. Misao was about to get up but the old woman waved her to sit back down and she too sat down next to Misao.
"I-I'm not with him Grandma Seta, we are just friends." Misao spoke softly, her cheeks giving off a small pink tinge at the implication of her and Aoshi being involved with each other. She stared at Grandma Seta's face watching her laugh loudly at her embarrassment. Misao turned to stare over at Aoshi and the children with many others jumping up and down wanting to be spun around next.
"Dear Soujiro is gone Misao-chan and there is nothing you can do to change that fact. I know you will miss him always and that's okay. No one will ever force you to forget him, nor would we want you to forget him either. Each day will get a little better but you'll always miss something about him and that is all right as well." Grandma Seta spoke while staring over at Aoshi and the children while she rubbed Misao's back in comfort.
"Its just hard Grandma Seta. Sometimes I feel like I should not be venturing out and having fun like this because I feel he would be sad, thinking that I would forget him but I will not."
"My sweet Soujiro would not be sad Misao-chan. I know he would be most pleased to see that you are happy once more. This young man is sneaking inside just like our Sou-kun did." Misao began to blush once more and mumbled out a soft reply to Soujiro's grandmother's statement.
"Grandma Seta…your embarrassing me…" The elder woman chuckled lightly once more and stood up, Misao getting up as well.
"I can feel if there is a connection between people and I know as will our Sou-kun that this young man will make you happy again, I am sure of it. Do not live in the past Misao-chan, it will only break you even more. Your future is what you must think about from now on. The question is, do you want to be sad and alone for the rest of your days or will this young man be your light to happiness?" Misao had bowed her head thinking over those words but were snapped out of her thoughts when Grandma Seta spoke again.
"It appears I'm going to meet this mystery man after all?"
"Nani?" Misao spoke snapping her head up to see Aoshi racing over with about ten children following him. He stopped, puffing lightly at trying to stay active for the energetic children.
"Oh what a handsome young man he is too…" The elder woman muttered but Aoshi heard every word placing his hand behind the back of his head mumbling a soft thanks feeling a little embarrassed.
"Obaachan!" Misao muttered through clenched teeth, her blue eyes staring into the older woman's who was laughing once more.
"Your Misao's grandmother? It's nice to meet you. I'm one of Misao's friends, Shinomori Aoshi." Aoshi spoke bowing formally to the short elder woman.
"Oh my haven't you grown into a fine young man Aoshi-kun. I'm sure your mother would be most proud of you if she were here today." Aoshi had to blink a couple of times silently staring down at the elder woman. Misao looked from Grandma Seta to Aoshi then down at the children whom were just as intrigued to know how the two of them knew each other, but not saying anything.
"Don't tell me you don't remember the grandmother who made the best biscuits in all of the world?" She watched as realisation flashed over Aoshi's face, a bewildered smile crossing his lips as he moved forward hugging the elder woman.
"Grandma Seta! How long has it been?" Misao eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as her deceased husband's grandmother hugged Aoshi back. What was happening to her? Was she truly jinxed in the fact that Aoshi seemed to know everyone they passed everytime they were out together?
"Too long young man. Tell me how is your father doing these days?" Misao watched, as did Grandma Seta with sadness seeping through the both of them as Aoshi bowed his head shaking it negatively.
"He is getting worse these days. We were to move back here, but the doctors advised him against it and so I came and took over the business trying to get us back up and out of debt. I don't think he's been the same ever since mother died and I know my sister will always miss her as well. She hasn't seen father for many years now, probably too scared to see his weakened form knowing there is nothing she can do for him."
"I am sorry to hear that Aoshi."
"Me too." Misao blurted out, Aoshi turning to face her for a moment. She watched astonished as his sadness disappeared when he stared at her for a moment and then spoke a small smile breaking onto his lips.
"The children and I have decided that we are forcing you to come and play with us. Isn't that right?" Aoshi spoke and they watched the children jump up and down agreeing with him. Misao felt a small blush cross her cheeks when Aoshi took her hand guiding her to walk with him further into the park where many other children waited for them.
"I'll have to call you and come see how everyone is going Grandma Seta! Ja Ne!" Aoshi called waving at the elder woman who did nothing but smile and wave back, her eyes staring silently into Misao's hoping she would read her small message of learning to let go and to live again.
* * * *
A couple of hours had passed as Misao and Aoshi lay in the lush grass of the park side by side staring up into the cloudless blue sky. They had been quiet for a number of minutes Misao enjoying the peace they shared without it feeling awkward or uncomfortable.
She stretched and then turned on her side, propping her head in her right arm to stare down at Aoshi. She placed a small smile on her lips staring down into his peaceful slumbering form. She had wondered why he had fallen quiet all of a sudden and she now only figured it out that he had fallen into a light sleep. The four boys were using him as a pillow and they too were having a small nap to the right of him after running around for so long.
As Misao stared down at Aoshi's relaxed features she couldn't help but admire his strong and lean physique. After debating silently within herself she finally agreed with her mind that Aoshi was a very beautiful looking man. Soujiro had been sweet and very cute but Misao found her heart beating rapidly when Aoshi stared in her general direction as though he only had eyes for her. She knew he would have had many girlfriends, but just being beside him now she felt almost complete and that scared her most. How could she be feeling these things when they weren't even dating, they were just friends…weren't they?
Misao snapped out of her thoughts hearing a small moan escape Aoshi's lips as he turned his head as though facing her even though his green-blue eyes were closed off to her. Misao lifted up her hand brushing his silky long bangs away from his forehead and eyes not being able to help herself anymore. They shone brightly in the afternoon sun making her slightly jealous as to how in the hell he got his hair to be that shiny to begin with! Misao squashed the thought and pulled her hand away feeling a little embarrassed for doing that without him even knowing. She felt Ayame-chan stir beside her as she too had fallen asleep but in between her and Aoshi, while Suzume-chan lay sprawled on Aoshi's chest one of his arms wrapped protectively around her small form making sure she wouldn't fall off.
Misao closed her eyes taking a deep breath and shaking her head as though fighting within herself about something. Misao's courage and determination got the better of her as she bent down placing a soft kiss on Aoshi's cheek. She could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks as she stumbled softly to her feet to walk over towards the small bridge and paddle her feet in the cool water. Unknown to Misao, Aoshi opened his eyes to stare at her retreating back and watched her lift up the ends of her trousers and place her small feet into the cool water swirling them around. After much thought on Aoshi's behalf, he finally got up, making sure not to wake the children and walked over towards Misao with Suzume-chan still sleeping against his chest.
"Have you had a nice afternoon Misao?" Aoshi spoke in a soft tone sitting beside her while cradling Suzume-chan in his left arm, watching as she moaned softly but turned to snuggle into his broad chest falling quiet once more. Aoshi turned to face Misao to see her cheeks were pink at the closeness they were sitting together and because of her 'secret' sweet kiss just for him.
"Am I making you feel uncomfortable Misao? I can leave if you want me too?" Aoshi questioned and watched as Misao shook her head negatively.
"Please stay…" Was her small mumble and Aoshi lifted his hand brushing it through her soft blue-black hair close to the side of her face, his fingers touching her warm skin. His eyes met Misao's as they lifted up to stare endlessly into his. Aoshi had to gulp down the lump in his throat at staring into her deep pools for so long. Misao had been driving him nuts…well his emotions anyway and there was no way he could pass up this opportunity again. Aoshi began leaning closer, his hand holding Misao's chin tilting her head up, but not forcing it to either. His green-blue eyes stared into Misao's, giving her a chance to pull away but hoping to the gods she wouldn't…and to his relief…she didn't.
"A-Aoshi…" Misao spoke breathlessly her blue eyes closing and her warm breath fanning over his lips, waiting patiently, but impatiently for him to kiss her. How long had she been waiting for him to do this? In some sense it felt like the first time she met him in the cemetery. The moment however, was not to go as planned, as destiny had hoped for as Suzume-chan decided to awake at that moment sitting up and smacking her head on Misao's chin. Misao jerked up in surprise; her blue eyes opening wide to realise she had kissed Aoshi's nose while he her chin. Misao pulled instantly away, her eyes blinking down at a sniffling Suzume-chan who had raised her hands to rub the top of her head.
"Hey, where is my tough Suzume-chan who doesn't cry?" Aoshi spoke softly while wiping the tears from the young girl's face and kissing the top of her head.
"Is that better?" He questioned the young girl who nodded her head and turned around to look at Misao speaking as loudly as possible even though she seemed quite concerned.
"Aunt Misao you're all RED!" Misao tried shushing the young girl who forgot about her own pain and began making a fuss over her auntie as she waved her hands around trying to 'cool' Misao's face. Other parents walked passed them, small smiles on their faces at knowing what had happened but this only made Misao turn even redder.
"She looks funny ne?" Aoshi spoke chuckling lightly and Suzume-chan turned around jumping back into his embrace and hugging him while laughing into his ear. Aoshi watched the scowl cross over Misao features as she folded her arms angrily as she was being made fun of. Misao open her eyes when she felt Aoshi turn her head to face him, his gentle touch coaxing her out of her bad mood as he mouthed an apology to her.
Aoshi stood up placing Suzume-chan on his hip and stretched out his hand silently wanting to help Misao up. She took his hand and Aoshi was about to let go but found Misao strengthening her grip around his hand by lacing her fingers with his. Her blue eyes practically bore holes into the back of his head as she stared up at him asking if this was okay with him. Aoshi placed on a smile and began walking tugging Misao with him coaxing her to walk beside him.
"Suzume-chan you want to ride on my shoulders so I can pick up your sister?" Suzume-chan answered with an enthusiastic giggle and Aoshi picked her up placing her on his shoulders, her little hands tangling into his jet-black hair ruffling it up. Misao let go of Aoshi's hand as she moved around to wake the boys telling them it was time to go home. They all grumbled lightly but where fully awake and running ahead of Misao and Aoshi in five minutes flat.
"Thank you for inviting me to spend the afternoon with all of you." Aoshi spoke staring down at Misao. She was already looking up at him not saying anything and then she finally blinked a couple of times realising he actually said something and nodded her head as an answer.
"I'm glad you came…" Misao mumbled softly after the silence grew too thick for her to handle. Aoshi bent down and pressed his lips to Misao's cheek and then stood back to his full height walking towards the bus stop where the four boys were jumping up and down on the bench seat. Out of the corner of his eye he watched Misao stare widely up at him, her hand lifting to press it to where he kissed her.
"What was that for?" Misao questioned and Aoshi turned to stare down at her for a moment and then grabbed her hand jogging towards the bus stop where the bus was pulling up or else they would miss it.
"Returning your sweet moment from earlier…" As Misao jogged beside Aoshi, hearing Suzume-chan's giggles and Ayame's as well she couldn't help but clasp his hand tighter and laugh herself. Aoshi was truly making things a lot easier for her these days and she couldn't help but feel wonderful just by being around him.
* * * *
Aoshi and Misao along with the children stood out the front of her home bidding farewell to him as he couldn't stay with them any longer. All of the children had asked him if he really had to go and Aoshi nodded his head knowing that Misao too was asking him that silent question just by looking up at him.
"I'll see all of you very soon okay?" He watched as they pouted up at him and then they finally gave up nodding their tiny heads in unison. Misao shuffled them into the yard and stood at the gate wanting to speak with Aoshi alone.
"Call me about the tiles and when to start working on your kitchen. I'm free all this week according to Yahiko so any time will be fine." Aoshi spoke watching Misao nod up at him. He smiled silently down at her and turned around ready to walk off but Misao spoke up stopping him from leaving.
"How about tomorrow morning, about 10'o'clock?" Aoshi smiled down at the young woman and replied back.
"I'll see you then Misao." She moved into her yard and closed the gate just about ready to head for the front door where the children waited for her but was quickly turned around and she stared up into darker green-blue eyes. Misao's lips parted wanting to know what was the matter but her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Aoshi's closed ones as he pressed his lips to hers in an urgent kiss. It hadn't lasted all that long but it made Misao blush and her heart race in her chest and thump loudly in her ears. Aoshi had pulled abruptly away quite shocked at himself for doing such a thing and muttered an apology before turning around and swiftly walking away, his own cheeks darkening in colour.
Misao blinked in surprise and shock at feeling his lips upon hers like that. She began to wander how long he had wanted to do that to her. Misao turned around to face six smiling children and her cheeks darkened in colour as she lifted up her fingers feeling the tingling sensation of her lips from the contact she had shared with Aoshi.
"Auntie Misao your all red!" The children yelled simultaneously while giggling loudly at her.
"Oh get inside the lot of you…" Misao spoke with a bit of authority in her voice shooing them inside feeling she had been spied on and surprised enough for one day.
* * * *
(Sagara's Apartment…)
Sano was just sitting down on the couch flipping through the channels while waiting for the pizza delivery boy to arrive when he heard loud running footsteps heading towards the door and watched as Aoshi burst into the main room slamming the door closed loudly behind him. Aoshi leaned against the door trying to catch his breath.
"What did ya do? Rob a bank or somethin'? Sano asked looking at the way Aoshi hunched over as though he had been running for a long time which in Aoshi's case he had been. Aoshi shrugged off his roommate and headed for his room silently closing the door and flopping down on his bed stomach first. Several minutes passed and he heard his door open as Sano walked in but he stood at the doorway not moving in further.
"You feeling okay man?" Sano spoke not liking the way his mate was acting. It was very strange for him to shut himself in his room like this. He was usually so outgoing and not caring about anything, but something was definitely up.
"I've got to get up early tomorrow for work that's all." Aoshi replied as he stared at the metal headboard of his queen size bed.
"If you say so… Look I'll leave some pizza in the fridge, just in case ya get hungry later on…" Sano spoke before turning off the light and closing the door leaving Aoshi to be alone. He turned over looking up at his ceiling and then over to his window where the sun was setting and proceeded to pick up one of his pillows and throwing it over his head.
"BAKA!" Aoshi had yelled into the pillow, but it was muffled so Sano probably didn't hear him say anything. He sat up throwing the pillow away from him and stared into the darkness of the room. Sometimes he really wished he still had his childhood best friend here. He was really smart, easy to speak with and nothing seemed to bother him at all. Aoshi moved off the bed and sat on the ground sifting through a shoebox grabbing out different photos of him and his childhood mates when he used to live in Kyoto years ago. Sometimes he truly did miss the good old days when they all used to muck around and get into all sorts of trouble.
Aoshi picked up another photo and stared at a younger smiling version of himself, who held biscuits in one hand while being hugged by a younger Grandma Seta. Aoshi flipped it over once more looking at the number on the back and then grabbed his mobile deciding to ring it. It was time to find out just how far his smart childhood friend had gone in the world.
* * * *
To be continued…
* * * *