Aoshi & Kamatari

written by: delusionallady

Disclaimer: Nobuhiro Watsuki owns Rurouni Kenshin.

A/N: Yes, I'm actually going forward with this story. Hey, this has yaoi so you guys should know better. Anyway, thank you again to all those who reviewed. It meant so much to me. :D

Chapter 4

"What happened to you?" Aoshi asked. Kamatari lifted his eyes from the ground and gave a small smile. "I've decided to stop crossdressing..It gets old after a while.."

That was the only answer he got from Kamatari. Aoshi didn't push the issue since he himself hated being forced to share. What Kamatari did was his and his decision alone. There was no need to explain himself to anyone.

Aoshi decided that the best course of action was to return to his paperwork. The superintendent had already gone through their office and he had nothing more to worry about. Slowly, he sat down and started tackling the pile of papers that waited for him.

As the day progressed, Aoshi realized that it was slightly more difficult for him to concentrate on his work. He kept stealing glances at Kamatari. Not that his partner wasn't working. In fact, it seemed like the young man was indeed working on his own stack of paperwork. There was just something 'off' about him today.

Somehow, Kamatari became another person. A person he didn't know. It wasn't the change of clothing that altered his perspective.. It was Kamatari's eyes.. They didn't shine as much as before.

4 P.M. came and Aoshi got up to make himself coffee. He had decided not to bother Kamatari since the latter was so engrossed with his work. As a matter of fact, he even made a cup for the other.

"Here you go." Aoshi said softly as he laid the coffee on the table. Kamatari looked up, surprise evident in his face. "It will help keep you awake." He added before settling down on his own chair.

Aoshi sipped his own coffee while staring blankly at the wall.

"Arigato.." A small voice said.

Aoshi nodded his head and continued staring at the wall before he turned his attention to the younger man. Kamatari was still focused on his paperwork. It was highly unnatural to see him like this. In the months that he had been with Kamatari, he ought to know.

Dropping his cup on the table, Aoshi stood up and approached the other table. He felt the young man stiffen in front of him.

"Kamatari, something is bothering you. Tell me what it is."

Kamatari smiled, trying to wave the subject away. When the failed, he used a tone he had never used before. It was cold and in a way, it reminded Aoshi of himself.

"I'm fine. I'll deal with my problems myself."

"So you do have a problem. Tell me and maybe I can help."

Kamatari narrowed his eyes.

"Wasn't it you who said that people should just mind their own business and that people have the right to keep things to themselves?"

Aoshi frowned. He did remember saying something like that.

"I did say something like that but remember that people interfere and ask questions because they care!"

At this, Kamatari dropped his pen. He wasn't expecting to hear those words from Aoshi. Not Aoshi. And was he right to conclude that Aoshi cared?

His face crumbled and he felt strong arms wrap around him. Kamatari sighed and felt his tears escape his eyes. He felt weak and pathetic. But that okay, right? It was okay because Aoshi was here right now.

After a while, Kamatari managed to stop his sobs. He wiped his face delicately with Aoshi's hanky.

"Are you going to let me help you now?" Aoshi asked in a gentle voice. Kamatari tilted his head and smiled. "You already did."

The day soon came to an end. Everyone sighed in relief for the superintendent had already gone home. They had survived another year of inspection.

"So, I guess I'll be going now." Kamatari said as he picked up his things. Aoshi nodded. He wasn't ready to go home yet. Not when he still had things to clear up.

Once Kamatari was gone, Aoshi called for the young officer in his office a while ago.

"... and he stayed in the stock room for a while.. I think that Kama-chan heard what you told me a while ago.."

"Is that all? Good. Thank you for the information." Aoshi said and dismissed the young man.

So he had been right in his suspicions. Kamatari did overhear his words. Sighing, Aoshi leaned back and closed his eyes. He had to make it up to his partner somehow. Other than that, he had a few things troubling his mind. They were still connected to Kamatari.

"Kamatari Honjo..." Aoshi whispered. There was no denying that Kamatari was attractive as a man crossdressing and pretending to be a lady.. However, having seen the crossdresser in a man's uniform.. It filled Aoshi's head with images he could not explain.

As a man wearing a man's clothes, Kamatari was beautiful..

TBC...