Mwahahaha...yes people, I know I was incredibly mean with the cliffy at the
end of Chapter 2. And I know this took way too long to get out, but I was
faced with massive writer's block, so just be happy I've updated. In fact,
I had such bad writer's block, I didn't even wanna look at this new chapter
for a long time. But then I was talking to a certain writer I know, and
she called me a "chicken" for not facing my work, and well that didn't go
well with me so you readers can thank her for knocking some sense into me.
41 reviews! Yay! That was pretty good there, so now you guys gotta top yourselves and maybe I'll reward you somehow...hmmmmm a lil A/M action if you guys are really great.
much luv
Sephiress
This unworthy one doesn't own RK... ;;
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Chained by Sephiress
Chapter 3) Seducing the Senses
-
"Kaoru-dono, I must say you look very beautiful tonight..."
The short, redheaded man watched as the beauty on his arm flushed happily and turned her magical eyes on him. He smiled down at her, their grins mirroring each other's. The two were both excited just being around each other, feeling complete. They walked down the icy sidewalk in downtown Kyoto, enjoying the lightly falling snow around them. And then her smile dropped and turned to one of slight anger as a thought hit her.
"Kenshin! How many times have I told you to drop the -dono? It makes me sound like some old lady that you have to be over-polite around." Kenshin could only chuckle amusingly as her face scrunched even more. He leaned close and whispered a small apology, telling her it would come in time. Kaoru sighed defeated and muttered something about 'baka red-heads' while Kenshin continued to chuckle.
A chilly wind hit the bare flesh or Kaoru's legs, making her regret wearing a knee length dress in November. She wore a dress of midnight blue silk, the skirt part edged with liquid glass and small rhinestones. Over the spaghetti straps, she wore her black leather jacket in an attempt to keep out the roughness of winter, leaving the rest of her body unprotected from the weather. Kenshin on the other hand, was wearing long black slacks, pressed neatly for the occasion. His shirt was ironically the same color of Kaoru's dress, a black dinner jacket polishing off the look.
The couple continued on in conversation as they walked into the restaurant of Kenshin's choice. The Akabeko, as it was called, was a large two-story building famous for it's beef-stew and many styles of sushi. It was styled just like in the 1800's with sliding screen doors, sitting mats, and low- tables. There were many private dining rooms for couples and family parties, and even a few with a view of the river to the west. The owner was a close friend of Kenshin and had arranged for the best dining area to be reserved for this date. He wanted everything to be perfect for his Kaoru-dono.
"Do you two have a reservation?" The man at the entrance looked down with disdain at Kenshin, obviously believing the shorter man had no business at such an exclusive restaurant.
"Hai, I believe Tae-dono set it under 'Himura' when I spoke to her", Kenshin said watching with amusement as the rude man noticeably cringed at the mention of his boss's name. Kaoru nudged him, a smirk threatening to reveal itself at Kenshin's words.
The man asked them to wait while he went to get something, leaving Kenshin the opportunity he had been waiting for. Inside his dinner coat, he drew out a long silk ribbon, the color of violet.
"Kaoru-dono", her nose wrinkled at the honorific. Gently, Kenshin turned her back to him, and draped the silk material over her eyes, tying it into a knot on the back of her head.
"Kenshin, wha-"
"Hush, I wanted this to be a surprise."
Kaoru stopped struggling and blushed at the romantic gesture. After a few moments, the waiter returned and asked them to follow. She felt Kenshin's palm against the small of her back, guiding her to wherever her boyfriend was leading. After stepping into numerous objects including the feet of other guests, the pressure of Kenshin's hand stopped, letting her know they had reached their destination. His hand left her body, and the sound of a door closing reached her tuned ears. A sweep of anticipation flew through her when she couldn't hear anything else.
"Where are you Kenshin...Kenshin?"
A warm breath on her nape alerted Kaoru of the presence directly behind her, the flesh there becoming tingly. Smooth lips touch the sweet spot under Kaoru's right ear, eliciting a pleasure filled gasp from the young woman. Her petite body relaxed, becoming limp and boneless. She allowing her weight to fall back into the strong body behind her, one that she knew all too well.
"Kenshin..."
Strong arms wrapped around her waist, drawing Kaoru firmly against Kenshin's well-toned chest. She sighed blissfully, knowing Kenshin was near her. His arms pulled back, coming to the knot at the back of her head to untie the ribbon. The cloth fell away, letting Kaoru's blue eyes flutter open and take in the sight.
The corners of Kenshin's lips turned up at her gasp.
It was a large room, probably the most spacious in the whole restaurant. All the furniture was made of deep cherry wood, including the low table in the center of the room. The silverware seemed to glitter and the fine china plates were already filled with her favorite dishes. In the center of the table, a slender glass vase was placed, holding a single white rose with a silver ribbon wrapped around the stem.
A oriental rug covered the floor, strange but beautiful designs woven into the fabric with rich colored thread. The whole room was alit with vanilla candles, probably a hundred in all scattered across the tables and floor, a sweet scent perfuming the air.
The shoujis leading to the outside were closed, but Kenshin walked over and pulled then open. The setting sun was revealed in all it's glory, the sky around it mixing into a painting of color. There was a large river beneath it, it's icy surface surrounded by many types of tress. Snowflakes filtered in, giving the whole scene and unearthly feel as the candles flickered from the sudden change in climate.
Slowly, Kaoru walked to him, her face entranced by the sight of the sun casting a glow over the river in places it wasn't frozen.
"Kami-sama..."
"Do you like it Kao-"
Kenshin was never able to finish his question, as Kaoru's face came up to his, her lips taking his in a gentle kiss. Instinctively, his arms came around her waist, pulling Kaoru's body closer while she did the same. The kiss grew steadily until neither were unable to breathe, both having to pull away to control their now heaving breath.
"Hai Kenshin, I love it." Kenshin's eyes softened at the breathless tone of her voice, the violet hue shining over with happiness. She leaned closer and whispered a quiet 'thank you' into his left ear. Kenshin squeezed her tight for a moment before leading them to the table lest their dinner cooled.
The beginning of their date had been perfect, and the night was still young.
-
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
-
For once in her life, Misao had no idea what to say. From the moment the ever-so-annoying ring of her phone had drawn her from bed, all she had wanted to do was give the person on the other side a piece of her mind. But just one word from that irresistible voice had sent chills sweeping through her flesh, leaving an unsettled feeling in the pit of her stomach.
And now she stood there dazed as the man on the other end waited for his response. Finally...
"I know you're there Makimachi, now talk, before I make you regret it."
There was no emotion in that sultry voice, only the supreme air of confidence that Misao knew only belonged to high-ego assholes. If she had been irritated before, Misao was damn near steaming now. If she needed something, it defiantly wasn't some dickhead taunting her when she should be getting beauty rest.
"Excuse me? What gives you the right to talk me like that you son-of a... You better shut up you freak before I-"
"Before you what? Attack me with a double punch to the stomach, and then raising a right jab to my face. Which is in fact, only a distraction from your right foot, which is sweeping under me so I am unbalanced and open to another attack to the stomach?"
Misao's mouth went dry.
"That's right little girl, I know everything about you, including your kenpo moves. Which by the way you have been learning from your grandfather and mentor, Okina Youkinoko, since age six."
A drop of sweat formed on Misao's left temple, leaving a moist path as it trickled down the contours of her face. Whoever this stranger was, he wasn't one to be toyed with. Kami, he was even researching her grandfather, who had spent much of his life in the shadows teaching her the ways of martial arts.
For once in her life, Misao felt fear prickling its icy claw over her back. But as Jiya had always taught her, never show the enemy your emotions.
"If you truly know all about me, then you would know I am not so much a little girl as a twenty-four year-old woman." Misao waited for the response to her saucy remark, for a moment, thinking she had stumped him when her spoke again.
"You're right, you are a woman...a smart woman who knows what happens to when they are bad like you, right Misao?"
God, he was toying with her! A vein was ticking in Misao's forehead, her fist clenching with the urge to pound off the smirk that she knew was on this whacko's face.
"What are you talking about? I-"
"Don't play dumb with me. You robbed a fricking company for Kami-sama's sake, you're nothing more then a thief to me. And if you were wise, then you'd shut that accursed mouth of yours off overdrive and listen."
Silence.
"Better. I wasn't sure if you used those ears on your head or not."
Misao fumed at his comments, her eyes had enough fire in them to make anyone sweatdrop and run in fear.
"Now that I have your attention, you best so as I say. I want to meet you face to face, to see the person who stole from my company and from me. I won't tell you when and I won't give you a warning, so it will be under my terms. But all I can say is watch yourself Makamachi Misao. Because you have become my new target."
As her stranger uttered his final threat in that of so seducing voice of his, Misao clicked off her phone and rested it on the table. Tired as she had been before, her eyes were wide and body alert, even as her mind was spinning. She knew there would be no hope for sleep, so Misao changed into a fresh set of clothes, needing a way to vent out this excess energy. And while Misao grabbed her things and locked up the apartment, his voice could still be heard in her mind. His last words echoing a threat of enormous stature.
"And I never miss my targets."
-
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
-
Aoshi placed the phone back down to rest on it's cradle, a feeling of satisfaction glowing over him. There was just something about that woman that made it irresistible to tease her. Maybe it was her childish demeanor and looks that was so tempting to provoke. A smirk slipped it's way onto Aoshi's refined face, long fingers rising to cup his smooth chin. Oh how it would be a joy playing with her.
RING RING!!
The sound of his cell phone reached Aoshi's ears, its distinctive ring tone awaring him of who it was before he even picked it out of his jogging pants pocket.
"Yes, Saitoh?"
Saitoh made a small grunt, annoyed at how his boss always knew it was him.
"She's leaving her apartment. Would you like me to follow her?"
"Hmmmm, no. That is all for tonight, you may go home."
Saitoh's eyebrows rose. Shinomori was giving him the rest of the night off? That just didn't happen...he had a feeling his boss had something up his sleeve. But the wolf chose not to intrude, as it would most likely get him fired. No, it would be smarter just to take the rare offer of a free night.
"Whatever." And that was all of Saitoh's reply as the detective clicked off his phone and cut the line dead. Aoshi switched off his phone, knowing that Saitoh Hajime would never ever learn the meaning of politeness and respect. He rose from his leather chair, walking through the door of his in-home office into the hallway of the Shinomori Mansion.
It was a grand estate, over 3 generations old, which now belonged to Aoshi at the passing of his parents. Majority of the rooms and hallways were decorated with carpet the color of red wine, excluding the entrance hall, which was lined with white marble. The furniture were all antiques, with the exception of the theatre and the office, which were lined with black leather. Aoshi did not fancy the older styles, but could not bring himself to take away the historic values in exchange for pricey modernism.
Aoshi entered the great room, where there was a wall lined with paintings of the Shinomori lineage. Aoshi eyes drew their way from the eldest picture of his great-grandfather, to the newest two. A captivating pair of ice blue eyes stared into his own, framed by the thick lashes of his late mother. Next to her, his father's chiseled face gazed back at him, the barest hint of a smile gracing his handsome face.
Nearing the paintings, Aoshi's fingers rose to grace the fine oil-canvas. A sweep of regret pass through him, much like it had for everyday since their passing. As a businessman, Aoshi knew not to dwell on things that could not be helped, and yet everyday, he found himself gazing back into his father's eyes, relishing in his mother's smile.
"Aoshi-sama?"
Aoshi's hand fell from the portraits, his demeanor glazing over with ice again at the presence of someone else. He turned to face the concerned expression on his butler's face.
"I just thought I saw a smudge on one of the pictures, that's all Hannya." Satisfied with his excuse, Aoshi walked briskly out of the room to the master bedroom, missing the saddened look emitting from his butler and friend. There was no time for reminiscence now, as there were still matters to attend to.
Twenty minutes later, Aoshi was driving out of his large garage, denying the service of his chauffeur Beshimi. His black Bentley shone wonderfully under the now risen moon, the clock on the dashboard approaching midnight.
Soon the sounds of passing cars was heard, as Aoshi drove through the streets of downtown Kyoto. He wasn't even sure where he was going, only following his instincts. In truth, there was a theory he had to test. He had to know if this was more then just a little fluke in his erratic lifestyle.
His eyes may have been focused on the road ahead, but all of Aoshi's senses were alerted on something else. His mind whispering nonsense words to drive him on.
And then his ice blue eyes caught something. A small building that should have been unnoticed among the cluster of strip malls and burger stands. Aoshi's attention was stuck to the large windows, his well-trained eyes glued to a figure moving swiftly across the floors. His tapered fingers moved with a will of their own, turning the wheel so Aoshi's car pulled into the near empty parking lot in front of the small shop.
Walking out of the car, Aoshi's long legs carried him to the glass door, through which he could see an empty room with a wooden floor and many mirrors. Though he could not see, there was a slightly familiar ki radiating form the room, and with the realization, the corners of Aoshi's mouth twitched up.
His large hand pushed opened the door silently as Aoshi walked in. His eyes drunk in the sight of a young woman with her back turned to him, the raven colored plait of her hair swinging back and forth as she moved. He watched fascinated as she jumped high and twisted, throwing small knives at several straw practice dummies, landing in a perfect crouch.
"Your technique is well perfected."
Her body flinched, obviously unaware of his presence before. She slowly turned, giving Aoshi a splendid look at her flushed cheeks, button nose and wide blue green eyes. A smile drew across his face, as her brain finally registered his face and the sound of his voice. Her mouth hung open for a moment before she spoke in the sweet, childish voice Aoshi had heard less then an hour ago.
"It's you..."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Ahhh yes, another evil cliffy I know, I know. That's becoming a habit for me in all my works.
Anyway... ] I'm going on vacation for a week and I wanted to get this out before I left. So when I got back I expect some really nice reviews!
Much luv
Sephiress
41 reviews! Yay! That was pretty good there, so now you guys gotta top yourselves and maybe I'll reward you somehow...hmmmmm a lil A/M action if you guys are really great.
much luv
Sephiress
This unworthy one doesn't own RK... ;;
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Chained by Sephiress
Chapter 3) Seducing the Senses
-
"Kaoru-dono, I must say you look very beautiful tonight..."
The short, redheaded man watched as the beauty on his arm flushed happily and turned her magical eyes on him. He smiled down at her, their grins mirroring each other's. The two were both excited just being around each other, feeling complete. They walked down the icy sidewalk in downtown Kyoto, enjoying the lightly falling snow around them. And then her smile dropped and turned to one of slight anger as a thought hit her.
"Kenshin! How many times have I told you to drop the -dono? It makes me sound like some old lady that you have to be over-polite around." Kenshin could only chuckle amusingly as her face scrunched even more. He leaned close and whispered a small apology, telling her it would come in time. Kaoru sighed defeated and muttered something about 'baka red-heads' while Kenshin continued to chuckle.
A chilly wind hit the bare flesh or Kaoru's legs, making her regret wearing a knee length dress in November. She wore a dress of midnight blue silk, the skirt part edged with liquid glass and small rhinestones. Over the spaghetti straps, she wore her black leather jacket in an attempt to keep out the roughness of winter, leaving the rest of her body unprotected from the weather. Kenshin on the other hand, was wearing long black slacks, pressed neatly for the occasion. His shirt was ironically the same color of Kaoru's dress, a black dinner jacket polishing off the look.
The couple continued on in conversation as they walked into the restaurant of Kenshin's choice. The Akabeko, as it was called, was a large two-story building famous for it's beef-stew and many styles of sushi. It was styled just like in the 1800's with sliding screen doors, sitting mats, and low- tables. There were many private dining rooms for couples and family parties, and even a few with a view of the river to the west. The owner was a close friend of Kenshin and had arranged for the best dining area to be reserved for this date. He wanted everything to be perfect for his Kaoru-dono.
"Do you two have a reservation?" The man at the entrance looked down with disdain at Kenshin, obviously believing the shorter man had no business at such an exclusive restaurant.
"Hai, I believe Tae-dono set it under 'Himura' when I spoke to her", Kenshin said watching with amusement as the rude man noticeably cringed at the mention of his boss's name. Kaoru nudged him, a smirk threatening to reveal itself at Kenshin's words.
The man asked them to wait while he went to get something, leaving Kenshin the opportunity he had been waiting for. Inside his dinner coat, he drew out a long silk ribbon, the color of violet.
"Kaoru-dono", her nose wrinkled at the honorific. Gently, Kenshin turned her back to him, and draped the silk material over her eyes, tying it into a knot on the back of her head.
"Kenshin, wha-"
"Hush, I wanted this to be a surprise."
Kaoru stopped struggling and blushed at the romantic gesture. After a few moments, the waiter returned and asked them to follow. She felt Kenshin's palm against the small of her back, guiding her to wherever her boyfriend was leading. After stepping into numerous objects including the feet of other guests, the pressure of Kenshin's hand stopped, letting her know they had reached their destination. His hand left her body, and the sound of a door closing reached her tuned ears. A sweep of anticipation flew through her when she couldn't hear anything else.
"Where are you Kenshin...Kenshin?"
A warm breath on her nape alerted Kaoru of the presence directly behind her, the flesh there becoming tingly. Smooth lips touch the sweet spot under Kaoru's right ear, eliciting a pleasure filled gasp from the young woman. Her petite body relaxed, becoming limp and boneless. She allowing her weight to fall back into the strong body behind her, one that she knew all too well.
"Kenshin..."
Strong arms wrapped around her waist, drawing Kaoru firmly against Kenshin's well-toned chest. She sighed blissfully, knowing Kenshin was near her. His arms pulled back, coming to the knot at the back of her head to untie the ribbon. The cloth fell away, letting Kaoru's blue eyes flutter open and take in the sight.
The corners of Kenshin's lips turned up at her gasp.
It was a large room, probably the most spacious in the whole restaurant. All the furniture was made of deep cherry wood, including the low table in the center of the room. The silverware seemed to glitter and the fine china plates were already filled with her favorite dishes. In the center of the table, a slender glass vase was placed, holding a single white rose with a silver ribbon wrapped around the stem.
A oriental rug covered the floor, strange but beautiful designs woven into the fabric with rich colored thread. The whole room was alit with vanilla candles, probably a hundred in all scattered across the tables and floor, a sweet scent perfuming the air.
The shoujis leading to the outside were closed, but Kenshin walked over and pulled then open. The setting sun was revealed in all it's glory, the sky around it mixing into a painting of color. There was a large river beneath it, it's icy surface surrounded by many types of tress. Snowflakes filtered in, giving the whole scene and unearthly feel as the candles flickered from the sudden change in climate.
Slowly, Kaoru walked to him, her face entranced by the sight of the sun casting a glow over the river in places it wasn't frozen.
"Kami-sama..."
"Do you like it Kao-"
Kenshin was never able to finish his question, as Kaoru's face came up to his, her lips taking his in a gentle kiss. Instinctively, his arms came around her waist, pulling Kaoru's body closer while she did the same. The kiss grew steadily until neither were unable to breathe, both having to pull away to control their now heaving breath.
"Hai Kenshin, I love it." Kenshin's eyes softened at the breathless tone of her voice, the violet hue shining over with happiness. She leaned closer and whispered a quiet 'thank you' into his left ear. Kenshin squeezed her tight for a moment before leading them to the table lest their dinner cooled.
The beginning of their date had been perfect, and the night was still young.
-
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
-
For once in her life, Misao had no idea what to say. From the moment the ever-so-annoying ring of her phone had drawn her from bed, all she had wanted to do was give the person on the other side a piece of her mind. But just one word from that irresistible voice had sent chills sweeping through her flesh, leaving an unsettled feeling in the pit of her stomach.
And now she stood there dazed as the man on the other end waited for his response. Finally...
"I know you're there Makimachi, now talk, before I make you regret it."
There was no emotion in that sultry voice, only the supreme air of confidence that Misao knew only belonged to high-ego assholes. If she had been irritated before, Misao was damn near steaming now. If she needed something, it defiantly wasn't some dickhead taunting her when she should be getting beauty rest.
"Excuse me? What gives you the right to talk me like that you son-of a... You better shut up you freak before I-"
"Before you what? Attack me with a double punch to the stomach, and then raising a right jab to my face. Which is in fact, only a distraction from your right foot, which is sweeping under me so I am unbalanced and open to another attack to the stomach?"
Misao's mouth went dry.
"That's right little girl, I know everything about you, including your kenpo moves. Which by the way you have been learning from your grandfather and mentor, Okina Youkinoko, since age six."
A drop of sweat formed on Misao's left temple, leaving a moist path as it trickled down the contours of her face. Whoever this stranger was, he wasn't one to be toyed with. Kami, he was even researching her grandfather, who had spent much of his life in the shadows teaching her the ways of martial arts.
For once in her life, Misao felt fear prickling its icy claw over her back. But as Jiya had always taught her, never show the enemy your emotions.
"If you truly know all about me, then you would know I am not so much a little girl as a twenty-four year-old woman." Misao waited for the response to her saucy remark, for a moment, thinking she had stumped him when her spoke again.
"You're right, you are a woman...a smart woman who knows what happens to when they are bad like you, right Misao?"
God, he was toying with her! A vein was ticking in Misao's forehead, her fist clenching with the urge to pound off the smirk that she knew was on this whacko's face.
"What are you talking about? I-"
"Don't play dumb with me. You robbed a fricking company for Kami-sama's sake, you're nothing more then a thief to me. And if you were wise, then you'd shut that accursed mouth of yours off overdrive and listen."
Silence.
"Better. I wasn't sure if you used those ears on your head or not."
Misao fumed at his comments, her eyes had enough fire in them to make anyone sweatdrop and run in fear.
"Now that I have your attention, you best so as I say. I want to meet you face to face, to see the person who stole from my company and from me. I won't tell you when and I won't give you a warning, so it will be under my terms. But all I can say is watch yourself Makamachi Misao. Because you have become my new target."
As her stranger uttered his final threat in that of so seducing voice of his, Misao clicked off her phone and rested it on the table. Tired as she had been before, her eyes were wide and body alert, even as her mind was spinning. She knew there would be no hope for sleep, so Misao changed into a fresh set of clothes, needing a way to vent out this excess energy. And while Misao grabbed her things and locked up the apartment, his voice could still be heard in her mind. His last words echoing a threat of enormous stature.
"And I never miss my targets."
-
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
-
Aoshi placed the phone back down to rest on it's cradle, a feeling of satisfaction glowing over him. There was just something about that woman that made it irresistible to tease her. Maybe it was her childish demeanor and looks that was so tempting to provoke. A smirk slipped it's way onto Aoshi's refined face, long fingers rising to cup his smooth chin. Oh how it would be a joy playing with her.
RING RING!!
The sound of his cell phone reached Aoshi's ears, its distinctive ring tone awaring him of who it was before he even picked it out of his jogging pants pocket.
"Yes, Saitoh?"
Saitoh made a small grunt, annoyed at how his boss always knew it was him.
"She's leaving her apartment. Would you like me to follow her?"
"Hmmmm, no. That is all for tonight, you may go home."
Saitoh's eyebrows rose. Shinomori was giving him the rest of the night off? That just didn't happen...he had a feeling his boss had something up his sleeve. But the wolf chose not to intrude, as it would most likely get him fired. No, it would be smarter just to take the rare offer of a free night.
"Whatever." And that was all of Saitoh's reply as the detective clicked off his phone and cut the line dead. Aoshi switched off his phone, knowing that Saitoh Hajime would never ever learn the meaning of politeness and respect. He rose from his leather chair, walking through the door of his in-home office into the hallway of the Shinomori Mansion.
It was a grand estate, over 3 generations old, which now belonged to Aoshi at the passing of his parents. Majority of the rooms and hallways were decorated with carpet the color of red wine, excluding the entrance hall, which was lined with white marble. The furniture were all antiques, with the exception of the theatre and the office, which were lined with black leather. Aoshi did not fancy the older styles, but could not bring himself to take away the historic values in exchange for pricey modernism.
Aoshi entered the great room, where there was a wall lined with paintings of the Shinomori lineage. Aoshi eyes drew their way from the eldest picture of his great-grandfather, to the newest two. A captivating pair of ice blue eyes stared into his own, framed by the thick lashes of his late mother. Next to her, his father's chiseled face gazed back at him, the barest hint of a smile gracing his handsome face.
Nearing the paintings, Aoshi's fingers rose to grace the fine oil-canvas. A sweep of regret pass through him, much like it had for everyday since their passing. As a businessman, Aoshi knew not to dwell on things that could not be helped, and yet everyday, he found himself gazing back into his father's eyes, relishing in his mother's smile.
"Aoshi-sama?"
Aoshi's hand fell from the portraits, his demeanor glazing over with ice again at the presence of someone else. He turned to face the concerned expression on his butler's face.
"I just thought I saw a smudge on one of the pictures, that's all Hannya." Satisfied with his excuse, Aoshi walked briskly out of the room to the master bedroom, missing the saddened look emitting from his butler and friend. There was no time for reminiscence now, as there were still matters to attend to.
Twenty minutes later, Aoshi was driving out of his large garage, denying the service of his chauffeur Beshimi. His black Bentley shone wonderfully under the now risen moon, the clock on the dashboard approaching midnight.
Soon the sounds of passing cars was heard, as Aoshi drove through the streets of downtown Kyoto. He wasn't even sure where he was going, only following his instincts. In truth, there was a theory he had to test. He had to know if this was more then just a little fluke in his erratic lifestyle.
His eyes may have been focused on the road ahead, but all of Aoshi's senses were alerted on something else. His mind whispering nonsense words to drive him on.
And then his ice blue eyes caught something. A small building that should have been unnoticed among the cluster of strip malls and burger stands. Aoshi's attention was stuck to the large windows, his well-trained eyes glued to a figure moving swiftly across the floors. His tapered fingers moved with a will of their own, turning the wheel so Aoshi's car pulled into the near empty parking lot in front of the small shop.
Walking out of the car, Aoshi's long legs carried him to the glass door, through which he could see an empty room with a wooden floor and many mirrors. Though he could not see, there was a slightly familiar ki radiating form the room, and with the realization, the corners of Aoshi's mouth twitched up.
His large hand pushed opened the door silently as Aoshi walked in. His eyes drunk in the sight of a young woman with her back turned to him, the raven colored plait of her hair swinging back and forth as she moved. He watched fascinated as she jumped high and twisted, throwing small knives at several straw practice dummies, landing in a perfect crouch.
"Your technique is well perfected."
Her body flinched, obviously unaware of his presence before. She slowly turned, giving Aoshi a splendid look at her flushed cheeks, button nose and wide blue green eyes. A smile drew across his face, as her brain finally registered his face and the sound of his voice. Her mouth hung open for a moment before she spoke in the sweet, childish voice Aoshi had heard less then an hour ago.
"It's you..."
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Ahhh yes, another evil cliffy I know, I know. That's becoming a habit for me in all my works.
Anyway... ] I'm going on vacation for a week and I wanted to get this out before I left. So when I got back I expect some really nice reviews!
Much luv
Sephiress