Konnichiwa, minna! Here's the next chapter! I know I haven't updated in a while because I had exams. I was under a lot of stress and my parents wouldn't let me hav anything to do with anything that wasn't school/study- related. But here I am again... Oh and I have some awesome news!!!!! InuShemeeko, one of my AMAZING reviewers, has asked me to beta one of her stories!!! I feel soooo special!!! No one's ever asked me to beta their story before!!! Thank you sooo much, you made my day!!!!!!! Because of this, I DEDICATE THIS CHAPTER TO INUSHEMEEKO!!!!! Enjoy! Btw, I still hate QuickEdit... DIE QUICKEDIT!!!
---The Temple---
A candle flickered as a body shivered and pulled her knees close to her body. It was nighttime, and Misao had locked herself in the temple. Well, not really locked, but anyone who tried to approach her received a deadly glare and vicious snarl. She sneezed and sniffed. "I'm not moving," she whispered to herself.
---The Aoiya---
Omasu stood up. "That's it!" she cried, "I don't care if Misao wants to act like a two-year-old, or if Aoshi-sama should be left alone! Misao's going to freeze in there! The only person who can get her back here is Aoshi-sama, so I'm going to go talk to him now."
Okon sighed, "Omasu," she reasoned, "If Aoshi-sama was worried, he'd have gone already. He's a trained ninja and probably knows everything right now. If he thinks she can take care of herself, then we shouldn't worry." She grabbed her sister's arm.
Omasu shook her off, "Then I'll go drag Misao back here!"
"That's not a good idea," cautioned Okon, "Last time I checked on her, she had her kunai out. I think she should be left alone. She fifteen; she can take of herself. Besides, do you really think you could drag her here? Misao's very stubborn."
Her sister sighed. "You're right. I'll go talk to Aoshi-sama instead."
Kuro suddenly burst in, "Misao's shivering like crazy, and she looks like she's caught a cold! Her toes are blue! I'm talking to Aoshi-sama now! She'll catch pneumonia!"
Omasu struggled harder against her sister's hold. "Let me go! Misao- chan's sick!"
Kuro walked past her toward the stairs. "I heard her say she wasn't going to move. We all know she's waiting for him. She'll stay the night there and wait until he comes for his morning meditation. He's the only one who can bring her back." And with that, he ascended the stairs.
---Aoshi's Room---
Aoshi didn't turn around as he felt Kuro's presence behind him. "Aoshi- sama, Misao's waiting for you. You have to go bring her back. She's half- frozen in there!" Aoshi didn't say anything. Kuro began to get annoyed, "Aoshi-sama, don't you care about her at all?" He felt a spasm of dread, fearing his answer.
Suddenly, Omasu burst in, hest heaving and breathing hard. "Aoshi-sama!" she managed to say between gasps, "Misao-chan's gone! She left this note." The young woman handed her ex-Okashira the note. It read:
Dear Aoiya,
I've run away. Please don't follow me.
I'm going to go find someone else to
heal my broken heart. I'll be back when I
find someone.
Goodbye,
Misao-chan
Aoshi's eyes went hard. Omasu beckoned Kuro out of the room and they left him alone. She ran away. And it's my fault. 'I'm gonna find someone else to heal my broken heart.' I broke her heart. I have to find her. He stood up, grabbed his trenchcoat and double kodachi, and slipped out. The only one who noticed his disappearance was Okina. He smiled.
---Misao---
Misao shivered and slowly, labourously, dragged herself across the frozen ground and down the road. Her toes and lips were blue and her face was pale. Her legs were aching from her not-yet-healed wounds, and her back was struggling to stay straight. Suddenly, she gasped and fell forward on her knees. Pain coursed through her veins, washing away her adrenaline, and exhaustion flooded her body. She gasped again, her breath coming in painful heaves.
---Aoshi---
She's wounded. She couldn't have gone far...Misao... He ran through the streets, ignoring everything around him. Suddenly, a figure appeared ahead of him, silhouetted in the dying sun. It was on its knees in the middle of the road. As he drew closer, he could make out a long braid, bandages all across its back, and a thin female-like form. Misao... He ran up to her and knelt down beside her. She looked terrible. Slowly, her frightened eyes turned to meet his. Such fear...Is she afraid of me? Without warning, though, she fell forward in his lap, sobbing weakly. "Misao..." He gathered her into his arms and stood up. She leaned against his chest, her legs unsteady.
"Why did you...come for me?" she asked quietly.
Either way, she'll be hurt. Better me than anyone else. "Because I love you..."
She turned teary eyes up to him, anger making them flash, "Don't lie to me, Aoshi-sama, I can't take it anymore."
"It's true."
"From everything you've done to me, how do I know you're not lying?"
He pulled her closer, burying his face in her hair. "I don't care if you don't believe me. But I'm never going to let you go again." He bent over and captured her lips with his. All his pain, loneliness, and longing flooded into Misao, and her eyes widened. She could feel what he felt. He feels...what I do...! She realized. Finally, they broke apart, gasping. Misao collapsed into his arms. He picked her up bridal style and began to walk home.
Aoshi-sama...I...love you," she whispered, barely audibly.
He smiled. "I know." He kissed her forehead tenderly.
---Aoiya---
Aoshi flung open the front door and ran in, dashing up to his room. He lay her gently on his futon and piled her with blankets. Omasu appeared at the door and started to enter, but Aoshi growled warningly and she retreated. It was dark now. He walked over to Misao's shivering form, shed his trenchcoat, and lay down next to her, encircling her body with his arms. He pulled her close and tried to convince himself he was only providing body heat.
---The Next Morning---
Misao awoke to find herself alone in Aoshi's room. The night's events came rushing back to her. She sat up and looked around. Aoshi opened the door, startling her. He set down the tray he was holding and sat down next to her. She gratefully accepted the hot miso soup. After finishing, she poured the tea, two cups, one for her and one for Aoshi. He gently took the cup from her and began to sip quietly. Misao waited for him to say something, hoping he would, but knowing he wouldn't. Startling her, Aoshi spoke up, "How are you feeling?"
Her disappointment showed. "Fine. I'm feeling a lot better. Thank you for taking care of me last night. I'm sorry if I was any trouble."
"It doesn't matter," he said quietly, "As long as you're safe."
Misao's eyes shined. "Aoshi-sama..."
Aoshi stood up. "Close your eyes." Bursting with curiosity, she obeyed and waited expectantly. Aoshi walked over to the other side of his futon and retrieved a blue necklace from underneath it. He walked back in front of Misao and sat down. "You may open your eyes." Misao opened them slowly and blinked. She saw the necklace in his hand and her eyes widened. She looked from the necklace to his face and back to the necklace. Aoshi smiled slightly. He extended his arm. "Misao, I bought this for you. This is the necklace you've been wanting, correct?" She nodded silently, a smile splitting her face. She accepted it with trembling fingers. Aoshi-sama bought me a present! He actually bought me a present! And it's the necklace I've wanted for ages! The necklace was blue. It was made up of blue, oval-shaped beads made to resemble blue opals. It gleamed gently in the sun filtering through the window and through the shoji. Her smile softened and widened as she fingered it lovingly. "Misao..." She looked up at the sound of her name. "I bought you this necklace for a reason." A feeling of horror and fear surged through her. It's a goodbye present. Aoshi-sama's leaving! Or maybe he's going to make me leave! Oh no! Her face began to reveal the panic that welled up inside her. Aoshi was startled and quickly continued his explanation. But a voice spoke in the back of his mind. She's panicking because she's knows what you're going to ask her. She horrified at the prospect. Who are you kidding? There's no way she would ever say 'yes', and besides even if she did, you would only taint her. You'll ruin her, her life, and her purity. You'll destroy her. He hestitated, but after a moments of careful thought, decided to ignore the voice. Shut up! I don't care. It's now or never. I'm going to follow my heart this time. That's what I should've done from the beginning. "Misao, I..." She looked into his eyes fearfully. Her terror reflected back at him. Tears began to well up in her eyes slowly. What the...? "Misao...?" She brushed a stray tear away and nodded to show she was listening. "Misao, I know I haven't been very kind lately..." But if was obvious from her expression that she didn't care. "But that doesn't mean I don't like you. You are a skilled ninja, you have a big heart, and you have grown into a beautiful young woman." She glowed under his praise. "And now that you're older, I can ask you what I have wanted to ask you for a while. I am not a very good man, and I've done many things that cannot ever be forgiven. I did not tell you this sooner because I feared I would taint you. But I have decided that I cannot hide any longer, and if I do, I will hurt you even more. Misao, I love you. Will you marry me?" Her eyes widened and tears welled in her eyes. Words failed her. Thoughts failed her. Almost as a reflex, she burst into silent tears. He looked startled for a moment, but relaxed as she lifted her gleaming orbs to meet his.
"Aoshi-sama..." She nodded and her face broke into a grin, reflecting, for the first time, Aoshi's. He pulled her into his arms and lowered his lips to hers, sealing his promise. Finally, they broke apart. Aoshi clasped the necklace around Misao's neck and together, they descended to the bottom floor. Everyone turned and looked at them curiously, for although the couple didn't show it, they could sense something had happened. The atmosphere was lighter, and Misao looked like the happiest girl in the world. Okina smiled.
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Ok guys, almost done!! I changed my mind, it might be a 26 chapter story, but I might merge the epilogue and the 25th chapter to make an epilogue directly after the 24th chapter rather than later in time...not sure yet...
---Personal Reviews---
TaintedInuShemeeko – Of course, you're birthday has every right to be recognized. and thank you sooooo much for asking me to be your beta! I may be making too big a deal out of this, but I'm just so happy! Hehe, in case you didn't notice, I dedicated this chap to you!!!
WhiteRabbit5 – Why thank you!! Hehe, I tried to make it sweet That's a shame, because I've always loved them. But I'm glad you like them here!!
RaspK FOG – Hai, hai, I agree, what would they do?? Scary thought... It's only because I love my Yahiko-chan soo much that I let him be. Otherwise the "grown-ups" would have tormented him endlessly lol!
Sano: What do you mean by "grown-ups"?
Me: I say that because you only look like an adult.
Deadly Diva – Merci, merci!! I'm glad you liked it, and here's the next one
Cold-Heritage – I know! They are sooo kawaii!! Thank you!! I know, I'll miss it too! But I can't keep writing it forever... I'm writing an Inuyasha fic next, so if you're interested, you can check that out! Hehe, if you're lucky, you might have 4 chapters to drool over!!! And it was my pleasure! I love writing fanfiction (even if my parents don't) and I'm glad you like it!
Senko Tenrou – Yay! Glad I'm brightening your day hehe! Yea, I liked the last, but I'm much happier with this one. I'm actually very proud of this one! And yes, I had TONS of fun writing this!!!
MrsInuyasha69 – Thank you! Glad you think it's cute!!
Lady Himura – Merci, merci!! Or should I say Gracias, gracias, or Gratia, gratia (latin)! I hate latin soooo much, thank goodness school's over! Writing this chapter has made me feel better about the yearbook thing... Which is a good thing! You're welcome for the shout!! Ttyl
Thank you to all my amazing reviewers!!!!!!!!!!!! Because I'm in a good mood, and I love you all, I'll give you some cookies! Theyre chocolate chip!! -hands out cookies- Ok, see you on my next update. Just so you know I think I'll take a bit more time on this one, because it's KK and I want it to be perfect, so I'll be taking my time writing it!!
--- Your beloved Val-chan