So, as I said last time, I'm going to try to get Misao back into to character as soon as I can! I found a way to do it, but it might not become noticeable until next chappy, kay? I'm also going to take the time to say that I do not own any of the characters in this fanfition, but I think that goes with out saying. I'm not saying this again so listen...erm...read. I do not own any characters in this fanfition. They belong to Watsuki so back off you blood thirsty lawyers!!! That said, I would like all of you to enjoy this chappy!
Chapter four
Misao's eye lids fluttered open. She had a slight headache and a sharp pain in her arm, but, all things considered, she felt a hell of a lot better.
She sat up and looked around. Aoshi was lying against the wall under the window. Misao hot up and removed the blanket from her futon.
As gently as she could, she wrapped it around his shoulders. Aoshi's soft breathing seemed to echo throughout the room. Misao reached up and brushed some of his bangs to the side.
Instantly, Aoshi awoke. He grabbed her by the hair, pushed her head back, and placed the tip of his kadaicha at her throat. She let out a small scream and placed her hands on the kodachi.
His eyes widened, as though he had just seen her. He pushed her away and dropped his kodachi.
"Goman Nasai..." Misao said, clutching her throat. "I never should have – I was —"
"It wasn't your fault." Aoshi said, placing his weapon back in the double sheathe he carried. "I'm a light sleeper, and always have been, ever since I could remember." He looked at her.
Misao's breathing was shallow and uneven. Her wound had reopened and her aquatic eyes were filled with fear.
"What's going on?" An old man with a white beard and a peculiar pink bow tied on the end, ran into the room.
Aoshi walked over to Misao and helped her up. "It's nothing, Okina."
"You touched him while he was asleep, didn't you?" Okina said, a smile forming on his lips.
"Yeah..." Misao laughed nervously.
"Don't worry, we've all been stupid enough to do that. Are you okay?" His eyes darted to her bleeding arm.
"I'm fine." She tried to stem the flow. "Really. Don't worry about me."
Aoshi walked to the door. "I'll get some bandages."
"You don't have to..." Misao stepped forward.
"Hello? Anyone home?"
"Be right there!" Okina turned back to Misao. "Would you like to accompany me?"
Misao looked toward the doorway. Aoshi had already left. "Sure. Why not?" She smiled and fallowed the old man down the hallway, and into the courtyard.
Kamiya Kaoru and Himura Kenshin were standing next to Omasu and another woman she did not know.
"Hello Misao. I'm Kamiya Kaoru. We haven't really met yet."
"Pleased to meet you!" Misao gave a small bow, to be polite. "I don't think I've seen you here in Kyoto before. Are you from around here?"
"We are just visiting, that we are." Kenshin smiled.
"Well, after lunch, how 'bout I take you sight seeing?" Misao said returning the smile.
Kenshin shook his head. "I have been to Kyoto on many occasions so –"
"That'd be great! I'd love to! Let's get ready Kenshin." Kaoru's face shone with joy.
He shrugged his shoulders in defeat. "All right, Kaoru-donno."
"Hooray!"
"All right! I'll see you guys after lunch then." Misao said happily.
"Misao-san, are you ready?" Aoshi had returned.
She imeadetly straightened up and calmed down. "Yes, Aoshi-sama." She silently fallowed him back into the house.
"Why are you doing this?" He asked her.
Misao looked at him in surprise. "I don't understand..."
Aohsi opened the door to her room. "Why do you put on this act for me?"
She sat next to the desk. "I – I –I have no idea what you're talking about." She stammered as she removed her bandages.
"I saw how happy you were out when you were with Botto—Himura and his 'Woman'. Why do you hide who you really are from me?"
Misao sat in silence as he wrapped clean bandages around her arm. "I was always taught to treat those of the Oniwabanshuu with respect, but since you are the Okishira, I--"
"Stop it."
"What?"
"I want you to be yourself around everyone. Even me. Acting like someone you're not must not be enjoyable." He made sure the bandages were tight.
"Arigato, for letting me stay here. I'm sorry for imposing on you so much."
"It doesn't matter." He stood up and waited for her to fallow suit.
"Um...Aoshi-sama...would you...maybe we could...would come me to show Kaoru-san around Kyoto?"
Aoshi said nothing. He looked out of the window at Kaoru, who was fighting with Sanosuke about being a freeloader. "...Sure...That sounds nice..."
"Yes!" Misao jumped to her feet and grabbed his arm. "Come on. Let's get some lunch." She smiled and pulled him into the dining room.
When they entered the room they saw that Yahiko and Sano were fighting again, which, apparently, was a normal for them. Kaoru was also shouting at Sano for god only knows what, while Kenshin tried, hopelessly I might add, to calm everyone down.
"Sanosuke you freeloader! You'd think you'd at least show Omasu and Okon some respect!" Kaoru shouted, throwing her chopsticks at him.
He ducked and shouted back. "Hey, what's the big idea!? All I said was that their food was a hell of a lot better than the shit you feed us!"
"That's why you're a freeloader, ahou. You couldn't even afford Ugly's awful cooking, which is nothing but a waste of tofu." Yahiko said taking a bite of the rice balls Omasu had made.
Sano and Kaoru flushed a deep shade of crimson and slammed Yahiko into the table. "What was that shortie?!"
Kenshin pulled them away from Yahiko and attempted, once again, to calm them down. "Now, now. Such violence is not necessary, that it is not. Let us calm down and have a peaceful lunch."
"How can anyone have a peaceful lunch with that ugly girl around?" Yahiko said, angrily.
Sano laughed. "Yeah she has a worse temper than that idiotic wolf of mibu, Saitou."
Kaoru lost it. She threw anything that she could get her hands on. Plates, bowls, food...tables... Sano and Yahiko ran for their lives while Kenshin ducked, dodged, and jumped over everything she threw, trying to get close enough to stop her from hurting anyone, or anything, else.
Omasu screamed as her beautiful dishes flew across the room. Misao ran over and skillfully caught them all before they shattered against the wall and/or floor.
"Here you go, Omasu." She handed them back to her.
"But it looks like all the foods gone. I'm terribly sorry about this, Aoshi-sama.
Misao smiled. "I'll go make some more."
"Oh, but-"
"Don't worry. Just sit down and relax. I got it."
"Well if you're sure..."
"It's the least I could do after everyone's help."
Aoshi and the others watched as Misao entered the kitchen, humming happily.
"She seems a lot happier than when I saw you two last." Kenshin said smiling.
"Yes, she does..."
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So, right. You know the drill. If you saw any mistakes please tell me, I'd really appreciate it. Sorry for taking so long to update, but I had a lot to do since schools starting up again soon. Here's my shout out to my reviewers (and if I forgot anyone, I'm sorry!):
Cyjj: did I get that right? I hope so. Glad you like my story!
LinearMakimachi: Yay! My second reviewer. Hope to hear from you soon. Keep writing in your stories.
erica6060: I'm sorry you feel that way, but glad you like it!
Spirit Demon: I'm so happy you reviewed! I love your witting. Here's my updateion.
So, I've thanked my reviewers...Said my disclaimer (which will not be said again!)...And I've updated my story. Yet I feel as if I'm forgetting something. Oh yeah. Please review! It's rude to read and not review so beware! I'll try to update soon!