The Lonely Widow, Not so Lonely Anymore
(Misao's bedroom)
"How could you Megumi? How could you do that to me?" Misao ranted, okay mumbled, as she had thrown a pillow over her head lying on her bed. Megumi moved further into the room and sat on the side of it.
"Misao, its time to stop grieving. No matter how much you grieve, how much time you waste away pinning over Soujiro, he'll never come back."
"I know that…" Megumi heard the muffled reply watching Misao turn on her side, the pillow falling away from her tear strained face. Megumi moved a little closer, her hand brushing Misao back comfortingly as she spoke once again.
"Misao-chan I'm sorry for lying to you. I just worry about you and about the way you seem to be handling Soujiro's death. Its been over a year now, but I don't expect you to hang onto the first man who takes an interest in you since you are now 'free' either, but I just think you should get out a bit more. I wish you would have some fun and stop worrying about what Soujiro would think. You know him better then any of us and I know that he wouldn't want to see you like this and deep down, you do as well Misao-chan."
"I know he would Megumi, but I…" Misao trailed off, turning over to face Megumi, fresh tears rolling down her cheeks now. Megumi laid down on the bed with Misao, her fingers brushing her thick bangs away from her eyes in a comforting older sister way.
"But you what Misao-chan?"
"I'm so scared…" Misao mumbled softly, her eyes closing, a smiling Soujiro flashing through her mind.
"Misao-chan, you have nothing to fear."
"You don't know that Megumi! You don't know what its like…to loose someone you love…you don't understand…" Misao watched with wide blue, but slightly puffy eyes as Megumi's narrowed in frustration.
"Do you remember when Aoshi told you about his mother's death Misao?"
"Of course I do!" Misao snapped back, but her eyes widened in realisation as to what Megumi was getting at.
"We are related remember. I may keep my name as Takani, but I am still a Shinomori through and through. I call myself that in honour of my mother. She never got to see the success I have become and so I honour her by taking her name and becoming so successful that wherever she is I feel that she would be most proud of me…at least I hope so…"
"Megumi…I'm sorry, I just wasn't thinking…" Misao mumbled sitting up and staring into Megumi's dark maroon eyes. Megumi placed on a small smile shaking her head negatively and replied back.
"I wasn't thinking of your feelings either Misao-chan and for that I apologise again. Are we still…friends?" Megumi asked tentatively. Megumi didn't have a lot of close friends. She was very popular in high school, but she rarely had true close girlfriends to share private thoughts with. Her attitude may be snobby at first, but Misao was patient and persistent. She'd located the Megumi hidden underneath the professional doctor attitude.
"Friends? Iie, we are the best of friends!" Misao stated a smile crossing her lips as she brushed away the last remaining wetness on her flushed cheeks. Megumi stood up taking Misao's hands and helping her up too.
"You go wash up and I'll go see if there is any food left over. I hope my greedy ototo-chan hasn't eaten it all…" Megumi muttered and heard a small laugh escape Misao's lips at her words.
"Aoshi's not greedy Megumi. He's actually very sweet." Megumi stared at a wide-eyed and a now blushing Misao for letting that slip. A cunning smile crossed Megumi's lips and then she laughed loudly, it carrying throughout the house, Aoshi and Sano stopping there small talk as they ate the food while sitting on the preparation bench.
"Is that really your sister?" Sano questioned Aoshi.
"For like the tenth time Sano, the answer is yes. It won't change, we are related by blood." Aoshi replied taking the cap off of a bottle and sculling the contents down.
"Quite the cunning fox…check the laugh man?" Sano replied opening a beer himself, as the both of them listened to the high pitched 'ohohohohoho'.
"Oh so Meg-chan IS the woman you spoke of earlier eh?" Aoshi replied catching his roommate off guard, he choking on the beer. There was an evident pink hue crossing Sano's cheeks, his brown eyes looking accusingly over at Aoshi who held a smug smile on his face.
"I could set you up?" Aoshi questioned almost laughing at the burning face of Sano, fighting between embarrassment, because Megumi was now standing at the entranceway and anger for Aoshi voicing that aloud.
"Set him up with what?" Megumi asked, not hearing the entire conversation, her arms crossing under her breasts waiting for an answer.
"With an electrical job at another clients place of course." Aoshi replied without batting an eyelid as he got off the bench and moved towards Megumi, practically dragging her closer to Sano.
"Megumi met Sanosuke Sagara." Aoshi spoke stepping behind his sister and nudging her towards Sano whom was still sitting on the preparation bench.
"Um, Sano is fine." He replied his hand going behind his neck, his brown eyes staring endlessly into her dark marron ones.
"I thought roosterhead seemed more appropriate." Megumi replied watching Sano's eyes narrow as he jumped off the bench top, a fisted hand in front of her face as he yelled back.
"You dare say that to me woman! Why you ought to be known as a sly fox with that damned annoying laugh of yours. No wonder I started getting a headache, it was because of you after all."
"Well take a look at yourself baka, yo-" Aoshi heard no more as he blocked out their voices and walked around in the lounge room looking at a couple of Misao's photo's near her television set and picked up a couple of her ornaments looking them over as well.
"Aoshi?" Aoshi stood frozen hearing Misao's voice call his name. She had run out of the kitchen completely upset, but now she was back. Aoshi placed down the small porcelain cat and turned around to face Misao, her cheeks where slightly pink, but you couldn't tell she had been crying, which was good on Misao's behalf.
"I didn't know you were Megumi's brother." Misao spoke not really knowing what she should say. She had been stewing on it while she 'freshened' up in her ensuite, but once she was down here and facing the STILL topless Aoshi, all thoughts were completely forgotten.
"Well, I didn't know you and her were friends either." Aoshi replied back and walked towards Misao, her hands twisting behind her back as she tilted her head to look up at him. He was standing so close to her…so very close…
"Are you all right now?" Aoshi asked in a whispered voice, his hand moving up even though his mind yelled at him not to touch her. He brushed a lock of her damp hair away from her wide blue eyes, finally noticing the pink hue in her cheeks and quickly took his fingers away, he turning away in slight embarrassment.
"Gomen ne…" Aoshi muttered, Misao's eyes starring at his broad back noticing a couple of puckered scars. She parted her lips, her right hand reaching out for him but the silence was literally shattered by something smashing in the kitchen.
"Sano, Megumi…" The both of them voiced and hurriedly made their way to the entrance to see a fuming Megumi standing over Sano who was picking up the broken pieces of a bottle of beer and rubbing his head as well.
"Meg-chan what did you do?" Aoshi spoke bending down to see if Sano was okay.
"I'll get you some ice Sano." Misao replied opening her freeze and wrapping some ice in a tea towel and handed it wordlessly to Sano who took it gratefully.
"Doesn't anyone care about me being stuck in the same room as this baka?" Megumi asked angrily as she watched her friend AND her own brother help Sano up asking him if he needed to lie down. Megumi let out a frustrated yell and stormed outside going to sit on the bench under the large sakura in Misao's garden.
"You should see how that fox woman is going. I tell ya one thing though, now I really know you and her are family Aoshi."
"Oh?" Aoshi questioned and waited for Sano to elaborate.
"You and her both have one hell of a punch."
"You mean she didn't hit you with the bottle?" Misao questioned, as she stared out the small window looking at Megumi's back, she further in the garden, not being able to hear their conversation.
"What bottle? Oh no you got it wrong. She's damn feisty but she caught me off guard like you do Aoshi and smacked me over the head for something. I ended up knocking it over myself." Sano looked from a giggling Misao to a smirking Aoshi, not knowing what was going on.
"You are such an idiot Sano, why didn't you say so in the first place." Aoshi spoke smacking him on the side of the head Sano yelling in 'pain' wanting more sympathy, but knew he wouldn't get any from these two. Aoshi turned away heading for the back door and replied once more before walking out.
"I better go see how she is." Aoshi made his way to Megumi; shadows falling over her form as she stared endlessly into the water, watching the small fish swim around.
"Meg?" Aoshi responded almost hesitant to approach, but watched his sister turn around and wave him over to sit beside her.
"Did you two actually think I'd smack that baka over the head with a bottle?" Megumi asked, her arms crossing under her breasts and starring her accusing eyes up at Aoshi, whom was starring into the pond.
"I don't know about Misao, but I'd never put it passed you."
"Mou, I'm not some violent woman Aoshi." Megumi turned away from him slightly hurt at his assumption.
"I don't know…you were never nice to Kanryuu in high school. I always remember coming to your rescue but needn't save you since you knocked him out with whatever was close by." Aoshi smirked at Megumi, her face brightening in colour as he brought up the past.
"I asked you never to bring stuff about him up ototo-chan!" Megumi had turned around her hand raised to smack her annoying younger brother. Her eyes grew wide when Aoshi caught her wrist with his hand, reading her like an open book.
"Now that is MY sister if I didn't know any better." Megumi's eyes softened as Aoshi had placed a small smile on his lips…a very rare loving smile on his lips.
"Nani? You were expecting me to hit you?" Megumi asked bewildered. Aoshi nodded his head and let go of Megumi's wrist.
"Of course, it's the way we always acted when we were young don't you remember? Only this time I can predict your moves before you even decide to act upon them." He watched his older sister purse her lips, probably a million thoughts running through that doctor brain of hers but all she did was laugh…loudly of course.
"Come on, let's go back inside and eat whatever you and the roosterhead left over." Megumi spoke smiling over at her brother.
"You like him don't you?" Aoshi questioned without batting an eyelid. He watched Megumi's lips part, they moving but nothing came out. She swatted his arm becoming flustered at his question and stood up ready to walk away.
"He's a good guy Meg, and I know you can feel it." She turned to face Aoshi, the pink hue evident on the strong doctor's cheeks.
"I can, but this time, I wish to do things my way and no one else's. If he is worth it, he'll wait for me…and I don't need or want my younger brother setting me up either." Aoshi nodded his head in understanding. His sister's high school years were not pretty at all. Megumi stepped onto the stone path heading back to Misao's house.
"Meg? You know I love you right?" Aoshi called out stopping Megumi in her tracks as she stared wide-eyed into the small window watching Sano and Misao laugh at whatever they were talking about. She turned to face a now standing Aoshi, his green-grey eyes, much like both their parents, staring intently at her, his words being the truth. She had rarely heard them, but when he spoke it, it froze her in place, her entire being engulfed in warmth at what those three words meant to her, especially coming from him.
"W-Why do you say that?" Megumi muttered quietly, those words running around in her mind and forever implanting themselves into her heart. Aoshi stepped closer, his hand lifting up to cup his sister's cheek, her eyes closing at his comforting aura.
"Because I worry about you Meg-chan and I know I do not say it as often as I should. I worry you do not go and see mother like you used too, why is that?" Aoshi spoke quietly, his eyes softening when Megumi's opened, fresh tears glistening in her eyes.
"I know you have not been to see her for some time and mother would be displeased. Although she is dead, I can feel her presence there and it comforts me just like it would you. She misses you very much Meg and I want you to go see her."
"I-I can't…" Megumi's voice wavered when she felt Aoshi step closer, his arms wrapping around her form and hugging her close.
"You don't need to be afraid Megumi, she is very proud of her little Megumi. Her baby girl has grown into such a beautiful woman, if only she can find and keep a man for more then several minutes."
"What?" Megumi whispered into Aoshi's neck, her hands clutching the back of his clothes, her eyes closing tightly as she willed her tears away.
"She came to me in a dream, forcing me to take you to see her, but I know you can do so by yourself." Aoshi felt Megumi pull away, his arms dropping to his sides, he slightly cringing as Megumi ruffled his hair while placing a kiss on his forehead. He could remember all the times she had done this when they were kids, whether it be because he hurt himself or because Megumi felt like showing him she loved him in her own special way.
"Come on, Misao and roosterhead are waiting for us." Megumi noticed Aoshi's eyes waver slightly, he slouching at hearing Misao's name. A smirk crossed her lips and she placed her hands on her hips, confidently voicing her opinion about Aoshi feelings for her friend.
"Why Aoshi, do I sense you have some attraction for my dear friend Misao-chan?"
"Aa…" Aoshi spoke watching Megumi's eyes widen in surprise as he told the truth.
"Not even denying it to me ototo-chan?"
"Why bother, I could never lie to my neesan could I?" Aoshi retorted back placing a small smile on his lips, the same one Megumi held on her own right now.
"Be patient Aoshi, Misao will come around." Megumi turned around walking off, counting to three as she waited for Aoshi to ask his question.
"Are you serious Megumi? Does Misao… I mean, you aren't getting back at me are you?" Aoshi questioned, his eyes demanding answers from his sister as she turned to face him once more.
"I do believe you can help Misao love again Aoshi. She has had such tragedy in her young life and I want to see her happy once more. Although I should not say this, but Misao-chan is happy when she is with you ototo-chan…"
"Arigatoo…" Aoshi whispered as he turned around and sat back down on the bench looking into the pond.
"Are you not coming in?" Megumi asked watching Aoshi shake his head negatively. She sighed defeated and headed back inside catching Misao's laughs at what ever Sano had said to her.
"Where is Aoshi?" Misao questioned trying to control her giggles. She watched Megumi point outside and silently observed as Misao took two beers and headed out muttering something about he must be lonely. Megumi couldn't catch all of it, but she silently fumed as she was left in the same room as that baka roosterhead yet again!
* * * *
(In the garden)
Aoshi jerked from the coldness placed against his neck and swiftly turned around to see a smiling Misao looking down at him.
"You must have been deep in thought not to notice my shadow Aoshi." She replied instantly and sat beside him on the bench.
"Sorry, I was thinking about a couple of things." Aoshi responded smiling his thanks as Misao handed him one of the cold beers.
"About your best friend?" Misao replied instantly, almost smacking herself in remembering that his best friend was her dead husband and also for meddling in his private business. Aoshi stared silently down at Misao, she fidgeting slightly as she spoke once more.
"I heard you speaking of him in the kitchen, saying he had died. I am sorry to hear that Aoshi." Misao bit her lip in nervousness, but relaxed as Aoshi turned his head to stare back into the pond not telling her to mind her own business.
"How much else did you end up hearing Misao?" Aoshi questioned quietly beside her, his hand going up to ruffle his hair in slight embarrassment, as she didn't reply to him. In other words, she'd heard everything he had voiced to Sano…he expressing his opinions about her so called lover and his own opinions on how lovely she was.
"If you think I will feel uncomfortable in your presence Aoshi you can relax because…well the thing is…I actually enjoy your company very much." Aoshi glanced his eyes down at a blushing Misao, her wide blue eyes starring into the pond not truly believing she had voiced that to him.
"Thank you Misao, but nonetheless I do apologise for voicing my opinion about your partner when I do not even know him. That is not right of me. I too enjoy your company very much and am grateful that you do not feel uncomfortable with my being here…or when I kissed you in the park…" Aoshi trailed off, a faint flush crossing his own cheeks. He could feel it and cursed himself for becoming weak when he was around Misao.
"Its okay…everything is okay…" Misao mumbled as she leaned back, her neck connecting with Aoshi outstretched arm, he not daring to move it and she not daring to flinch away. In fact, both secretly enjoyed the contact, both pretending nothing was out of the ordinary. And so that sat silently watching the fish swim in the pond.
* * * *
(Inside the house)
"Shall we rescue the lovebirds and tell them to come eat?" Sano spoke placing some more food into his mouth as he sat on the preparation bench once more, looking out at Aoshi and Misao.
"No, I think they both wish to have this private moment together." Megumi replied taking the container out of Sano's hands, actually using the same fork and placed some meat into her own mouth as she too was sitting on the bench top and looking outside.
"How can it be private when we are watching them kitsune?" Sano implored dryly, he turning his laughing brown eyes over to Megumi's scowling maroon ones.
"Shut up and watch roosterhead." Megumi snatched the food container from his hands again and ate some more of the takeaway food.
"Watch what? They aren't even doing anything, but I guess it is about time Aoshi did something. He's had Misao on his mind ever since he met her…perhaps I shouldn't have voiced that aloud huh?" Sano spoke listening to Megumi laugh, her hand coming over her mouth, her eyes closed and her cheeks turning light pink. Sano placed on a lob-sided smirk as he watched to fox woman laugh. She really was beautiful and so mysterious as well…yep they were definitely family all right.
"Roosterhead, do you wish to take a walk with me tomorrow?" Megumi voiced aloud, not believing she had so willingly offered this man to be in her presence.
"Sure, here's my card so you can ring me and tell me where you want to meet." Sano replied thinking no more of the moment and pulled the top off of a beer and drank some of the contents.
"What no snickering about me asking you to go walking with me as though its some sort of date even though it isn't?"
"I know it isn't. It's a mere walk kitsune, besides I'd at least take you some place classier like a shopping mall or something." Sano replied nudging her side telling her he was joking. Megumi shock her head staring up at him, his puppy dog brown eyes focused on the couple resting peacefully outside. Could she…like this man? He was younger then her and seemed slightly immature and dumb at times, but there was something that was beneath this gruff man, a true him…a soft Sanosuke Sagara…she could feel it…
"My name's Megumi Takani Shinomori, it is nice to meet you." Sano turned to look at a smiling Megumi, her hand out waiting to shake his.
"Sanosuke Sagara fox woman and its nice to see you finally realising we are becoming friends." His hand gripping hers and he shook it, noting the softness and creamy colour of it.
"I never sai-"
"I can read between the lines kitsune, its one of my many talents." Sano interrupted what she was going to voice. He slurped up some noddles and turned his head back to look out the window yet again. Megumi muttered a reply, Sano not being able to hear it, but handed her the noodles wordlessly, she taking them as they continued to eat while looking into the backyard and over at their friends.
Who are you and what are you doing in this house?" A deep voice shattered the silence, Megumi shrieking in fright and she and Sano turned to face a man standing at the kitchen entranceway, a cigarette hanging at the corner of his mouth.
* * * *
To be continued…
* * * *
Authors Notes: Well, its about time I got to finishing this chapter. 3/4 had been done a week ago but only finished it tonight 9pm on Sunday. Well I hope you enjoyed…and till next time…
Don't forget to review if you've bothered to read these small notes.
*Falls down dead*