A/N: Blahh..this fic is hard to write...*whimpers* It just ain't clicking with me like I want it to. *kicks it* CLICK, DARN YOU! *sigh* Oh well...
Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Ru Rou Ni Ken Shin. *exaggerates each syllable* HRMPH!
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Mezamete-yuku Tamashii :: Awakening Spirits
Chapter 5 :: Mixed Emotions
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All these mixed emotions we keep locked away like stolen pearls
Stolen pearls devotions we keep locked away from all the world
We twist and turn where angles burn
Like fallen soilders we will learn
That once forgotten, twice removed
Love will be the death...
The death of you
Tears of Pearls by Savage Garden
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Misao groaned. "How do you propose I build up my strength?"
Soujiro pondered. "Shishio used to make me fight against him in water demo, it is setting into autumn and soon to be winter. That would not be wise..."
Misao rolled her eyes, "Gee, really?"
"Yare, yare...I'll think of something."
Misao was afraid to find out what 'something' would be. "Right."
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Misao lazily opened one eye, scowling as the early autumn sun grinned down at her. It was dawn and she prayed she could roll over and go back to sleep. She was so tired and sore.
Her first week in training, she'd ran so much that she thought her legs would fall off. And she knew Soujiro had some new leg excercise today. He'd been hinting at it for the past two days that he had a new way to work her legs up. She just prayed that it didn't require sprinting up almost vertical walls.
It seems she just wasn't in luck when it came to sleeping in these days.
"Ohayo, Misao-san!!!"
"GO AWAY!"
"Areh, is Misao-san not feeling well? I know! You just need a fresh morning bath! I'll go fix you up a nice hot bath!"
Misao heard the door close and smiled, snuggling back inside the covers of her bed. 'Ahh, silence.'
It lasted all of five minutes.
"Gee, Misao-san! I kinda made a hole in the bathing house. It won't hold water! Haha, looks like we'll have to wait until I fix it!"
Misao released a string of curses as Soujiro jogged up the steps and popped into her room. "So we should eat a quick breakfast and start your training!"
Misao growled and threw a pillow in Soujiro's general direction. The other caught it, blinking and smiling. "Na, Misao-san's not a morning person? Oh well."
'Yes...' Misao thought. 'Leave. Good boy.'
"You leave me no choice!"
'Yeah go..huh?'
Misao's eyes sprung open as she felt Soujiro's hands grasp the sheets of the bed. He gave a strong, quick jerk and all the covers went flying off. Misao grabbed a pillow and put it over her head, ignoring the fact that her yukata was parted, revealing her legs from the knees down.
Soujiro chuckled and put his hands on his hips in a scolding manner. "Misao-san! Do get up, I don't want to force you up!"
"Go ahead and try, Mr. Sunshine." Came Misao's muffled voice.
Soujiro gave a Tenken smile and replied, "Don't say I didn't warn you."
Misao didn't seem to notice that his voice had an almost mischievous tone to it. Her mistake.
Soujiro walked over to the ancient chinese gong that sat in the room, as part of the decor. It was a miniature replica, but it would serve his purpose. He grabbed the stick and smiled wickedly before delivering a swift hit to the gong.
The loud, reverbing noise made Misao shriek and sit straight up hurling her other pillow in the direction of the sound. Soujiro smiled at her innocently and replaced the item back where he got it. "That's a girl! All up and awake for our training!"
He didn't expect her to launch herself at him like a wild animal. "YOU LITTLE JERK! THAT WAS SO UNCALLED FOR!"
Soujiro didn't have time to move out of the way, mainly because he was so surprised that Misao could jump that far from a seated position. Well, that was what he would have told us. We all know that if he moved, Misao would have crashed into the dresser head-on. So he did what he could. Attempt to catch her.
She landed on him and he encircled his arms around her and stumbled back into the tall piece of furniture. He winced slightly as one of the handles pressed into his back but did his best to keep from dropping the squirming girl. He settled for sliding down into a seated position, half guarding himself from Misao's attempts to strangle him, half keeping her from falling out of his arms, and half laughing at her array of colourful language.
"Gee, Misao-san! Why don't you fight like this in training?"
Misao huffed and folded her arms, looking off to the side. Soujiro laughed again, attempting to seat himself into a more upright position. As he did, the girl on his chest slid into his lap, back pressed against his bent knees. As Misao calmed down, Soujiro adjusted his gi, which had fell off one of his shoulders in their scuffle. He also noticed that Misao's yukata was loosely clinging to her body, threatening to reveal too much, since it was only held in place by a sash. He gulped and tried to advert his eyes from the view of the creamy smooth skin on her neck and chest.
Unfortunately, Misao had to be looking in a mirror and saw his stare and attempt to cover it up.
"HENTAI!!" She cried out, landing a whack upside Soujiro's head. He squeaked and covered his head with his arms. "I didn't mean to! It's not my fault you went homocidal on me!!"
'Some trainer...' Misao thought, watching him cower. However, she wasn't about to admit to him that she had secretly watched him correct his gi that dared to reveal skin and toned muscle after she tackled him.
She then remembered what she'd hit him for and blushed, reaching down to cover the exposed skin. "Well, I guess I should have not done that, seeing that it gave you such a heart attack.
Soujiro sweatdropped, "It was just indecent, not life-threatening."
Misao fumed. "What are you trying to say? That I'm not attractive?!"
Soujiro shrank under her even more. "That's not what I was saying..."
"So you do find me attractive?"
"What?!" Soujiro couldn't believe she was asking him if he found her attractive. What was he supposed to say? If he said no, then she'd hit him for being mean. If he said yes, then she'd hit him for being a pervert. He was in a no-win situation. Or so he thought.
He decided to answer honestly and pray she wouldn't fillet him. "I think you're very pretty, Misao-san. And I'm sure that Shinomori-san must have noticed what a lovely lady you've matured (physically, he thought) into. You don't have the full figure such as Yumi-san had, but you have a strong, firm body that is petite and fits you perfectly. You have lovely long black hair and beautiful and rare green eyes. Shinomori-san has a rare find in you."
Misao's mouth was left hanging open. She was amazed he could say something so flattering and insightful, and look completely honest. She stuttered, "Y-you mean that?"
Soujiro nodded, wondering if she was gonna pummel him or glomp him. At least she wasn't yelling anymore.
"That's so nice...no one's ever said anything like that before.." Misao's face looked a bit flushed as she smiled down at the poor boy.
Soujiro was really surprised when she reached down and hugged him. His breath caught as she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face into his hair, chin resting on his shoulder.
Sou didn't do anything, frankly because he was too shocked to. Her aroma filled his nostrils and he relaxed, entoxicated by how lovely she smelled.
He then mentally hit himself. 'Baka! You can't have feelings for her! She's Shinomori-san's! Besides, she doesn't need to be touched by your jaded hands!'
Soujiro paused. What irony. The Tenken squabbling over mixed emotions towards a former enemy. The smiling boy who felt no emotion but amusement now worried that he might be attracted to the girl he was teaching. Oh, the irony. The Greek writers would be proud.
Soujiro contemplated on how to get Misao off of him before she aroused any other unwanted emotions in him. ...Well, maybe unwanted was the incorrect term. Try...inconvenient.
However, he didn't have to do a thing.
Misao suddenly let go of Soujiro. "...What do you *mean* 'firm body'....?" She inquired, glaring at Sou.
Soujiro whimpered.
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Shinomori Aoshi handed his hired "private investigator" his new weapon. "Will this work?"
The figure took the wrapped weapon, unwraveling the cover and inspecting it. "Why, yes! This will do nicely."
"Good. Here is the rest of what you requested."
Aoshi watched stoically as the other looked over the rest of the items, ranging from money to supplies. "You will be paid the rest once Misao is returned safely."
"So tell me, why is it so important that Weasel-girl gets back here? Isn't she old enough to be making her own choices?"
"You're not paid to ask questions."
"Not unless those questions may aid me in finding her."
Aoshi paused before answering, "To keep her safe."
The other grinned, catching on. "Is that so? Well, lemme see, who is she safer with? The smiling prodigy or the ex-Okashira who betrayed the Oniwabanshuu?"
"Neither. She will not be near me after she returns and the final arrangements concerning her are made."
"Arrangements? Whoa..wait. Are you talking about what I think you're talking about? You don't mean you...?"
Aoshi looked up. "She's not to know. Not until she's back here where she can't run away."
"I always thought you were cold, but, this? I don't agree with it. But, hey, I'm getting paid, so I don't give a rat's ass." He proceeded to gather his supplies and money. "I'll see you when I return with Weasel-girl."
Aoshi then added one last statement. "And if you take care of Seta, I'll double your pay."
The other only flashed Aoshi a grin before leaving the area. From a distance, Okina quietly shook his head, closing his eyes. 'I almost wonder if my Misao's better off with Seta. At least our spies said before they disappeared both seemed quiet content around each other. Aoshi, Aoshi, are you sure you know what you're doing...'
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Misao had ate breakfast at Soujiro's insistance and was now in the process of doing her routine exercises. She'd fall into stance and stretch, do a few swings with her sword as Soujiro watched from a distance, nihonto slung over his shoulder somewhat casually.
Upon finishing her swings, Misao turned to see Soujiro at the edge of the wide creek that flowed beside the hideout and field. She walked up to him. "I'm ready, 'sensei'." Misao drawled, mocking tone to the formality. Soujiro turned and grinned at her, despite the red mark still on his face, given after failing to answer her last question correctly. "Good. Head's up."
Misao shrieked as Soujiro appeared behind her, giving her a gentle shove into the cool, flowing water. She splashed in, and reappeared, soaked completely through. "DAMNIT, SETA SOUJIRO! I'M KICKING YOUR ASS!"
Soujiro merely laughed and waded into the water, which reached to the end of his thighs. "Hontoi? Can you kick that high in the water?"
Misao growled and prepared to launch herself at him, but found that against the water flow, she wasn't quite strong enough to get out of the water and tackle him in one leap. She found herself pressed into Sou's chest as he caught her by the elbows, chuckling as his shaggy bangs covered his eyes. "Ne, Misao. Once you're able to fully launch yourself at me in the water, we'll start working on some advanced techniques. I am glad you're a fast learner."
Misao scowled, standing up and pushing her wet bangs out of her face. She glared at Soujiro who watched, a quick of a smile upon his lips. "I hate you, you know that?"
"Hate me so much that you're letting me teach you, feed you, joke with you and live in the same house with you?" Soujiro asked, blinking. He assumed she was teasing, but what if she wasn't?
Misao shook her head, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "Mou, Soujiro. You're either very dense or very self-conscious. You're my best friend, baka. When I say I hate you, I'm really saying you're one of the few people who can drive me up the wall but still make me happy."
Soujiro rubbed the back of his head. "Haha, sou desu ne? You're my only friend, so I guess that makes you my best friend, too. And my wet friend."
Misao rolled her eyes before delivering a strong splash of water smack into Soujiro's face. He blinked for a moment, as the droplets rolled down his face, dripping from his chin and as his hair fell from poofy to almost straight. "Gee, your hair's gotten long." Misao commented, noting how the sides of his hair reached his chin and his bangs covered his eyes completely, and how the backside of his once cropped cut now hung at his shoulders.
"I'd say the same for you but you're hair's always been long."
"Ha ha. Gonna teach me something or not?"
"Yeah. Catch me. If you can, that is."
Soujiro stepped away from Misao, giving her a few feet of distance. She blinked and began to chase after him. It wasn't long before she realized that this was NOT going to be an easy task.
Sou just smiled and stepped out of the way every time Misao came close to him. All day was spent like this, without a break. By dusk, Misao was so exhausted, she could barely stand.
Soujiro walked up to her, as soaked as she was. Well, thanks to her mid-day splash attack. "You did good, Misao. Tomorrow, you may have a day to rest."
Misao looked up at him wearily, hair matted to her face. "Honto ni...?"
Soujiro nodded. "Honto. You've worked hard. And I'm not going to push you to the extreme as Shishio-san did me." Soujiro put a hand on her shoulder and realized that the temperature had dropped. "Hmm, it's getting nippy out here. Let's get inside and into something dry and warm."
"I don't feel too cold..." Misao stated.
Soujiro frowned. "You don't? Then you're getting close to hypothermic. Your body's gotten so used to the water that it doesnt' register it as cold. Come out, out already."
Misao frowned, "Just a few more minutes? I'm so tired.." She yawned, proving her arguement. She leaned against Soujiro's shoulder and sunk a bit deeper into the 'warmth' of the water.
Soujiro quickly caught her before she slipped in over her head. "Come on, Misao-san. Let's get you out." He wondered if it was the moon that had peeked out making her face so pale, or if it was the cool air mixed with the chilly water. "Out." he commanded.
Misao stirred, opening her eyes. "Hm?"
Soujiro inwardly scowled for not predicting this and squatted in the water, scooping the soaked girl in his arms. Misao made no protest at all, only shivered as the cool air graced her wet skin and clothes. Soujiro marched across the field, up to the house and kicked the door open. He carried her inside and set her down on the tatami mat in front of the fireplace. She instinctively curled up into a feeble position, shivering greatly.
Soujiro wasted no time gathering some firewood and starting a fire. Within minutes, he had a blaze going. 'She's got to get out of those wet clothes...'
Soujiro pondered this dilemma, hoping she was awake enough to change herself. "Misao," he gently called, shaking her. She opened her eyes and looked at him, pale face trembling. "Let me take you upstairs so you can change. Then you can sit here in front of the fire. If you don't get out of those wet clothes, you'll get sick."
Misao nodded, not in a mood to argue. Soujiro hastily pulled the girl into his arms and carried her up the steps, down the hall and into her room. He set her down, letting her stand on her own and pulled out a yukata, handing it to her. "I'm going to my room to change, I'll be right back, okay?"
She nodded, arms wrapped around herself as Soujiro stepped out and shut the shoji door. As soon as he was gone, Misao began tearing at her clothes, desperate to get them off of her. She pulled out the knot of her hakama and slid it off, followed by quickly discarding her gi. She then removed her wrappings and under clothes, leaving herself bare. By the time Soujiro knocked on her door, she was curled up on the floor, in a clean yukata, her remaining energy spent on dressing herself.
"Come in.." she mumbled, sitting up. She did nothing to her hair but pull it out of her face, letting the damp braid hang down her back.
Sou came in, dressed in a dark blue yukata. Misao noted she had never seen him in night clothes, being he went to bed after her and was awake before her.
He smiled apologetically at her and kneeled before her, bowing his head. "Please forgive me for my foolishness, Misao-san."
Misao watched him, puzzled as he bowed before her, hands in his trademark prayer-like gesture. "I should have realized that as soon as evening came, the temperature would drop. You're not used to such bitter environments and I was an idiot for making you stay all that time out there in the water. I am so terribly sorry...Misao."
Misao's bewildered look softened as she scooted closer to him. "Soujiro..." She took his chin and tilted it up with her fingers. "People make mistakes, its inevitable. You're teaching me to be stronger, and this event will only make me stronger. And you're there to catch me if I fall, Soujiro. So I know I have no worries. And I expect you not to be so hard on yourself. You're training me, not yourself. Quit blaming yourself for things you can't help.
The look in Soujiro's eyes was that of pain and helplessness, like an innocent child, abused and mistreated. Misao could only wonder what could make him look that way. Surely...it wasn't her?
"Tell ya what..." She began, pulling her hand away from his face. "You fix me some hot soup, and we'll say the whole thing never happened."
Soujiro's smile returned as he nodded. "I'll fix you soup, soba, tea, squid, and a western steak if that'll make you smile, Misao-san!"
Misao laughed as he stood up, nodding. Her laugh errupted into a squeal when he scooped her up into his arms and carried her downstairs, carefully setting her in front of the warm blazing fire. "Mou, Sou! I'm not some fragile vase! You don't need to treat me like a baby!"
Soujiro grinned and winked at her, before bouncing into the kitchen to fix Misao's soup. Misao giggled, hugging a pillow to her chest as she watched him work.
Her mind begin to fixate on him.
'He's so cute. Even when he thinks no one is looking, he's smiling. He's turned out to be a lot like Himura. He's polite and kind, but trying to atone for the wrongs he's done. I wonder how such a sweet boy could be a heartless killer...then again, look at Himura. That bumbling rurouni who's always doing laundry is the Hitokiri Battousai. I guess I'm like Kaoru-san with my own bumbling rurouni now...'
Misao realized what she had thought and blushed.
'Misao! It's a known fact that Kaoru-san loves Himura! You don't love Soujiro! Not like that! He's just a friend. Your best friend. The one who tells you you're pretty and does everything for you, telling you how lucky Aoshi-sama is...the one who would get up in the middle of the night and fix you a 9-course meal if you asked. Whereas Aoshi-sama never looks twice at me, thinks I'm just some annoying weak child and would turn and walk away rather than tell me that I'm pretty. Damn, Misao. Maybe you're chasing after the wrong guy...'
She watched as Soujiro tasted the soup to see if it was ready.
'Then again, what if Sou wouldn't return my feelings either? He says I'm his friend. Is that all? And what do I want? I've only spent a few weeks with him, but I feel so attached to him. Are my feelings to him growing into something stronger than friendship? What if the others were right. I only had a childhood infatuation with Aoshi-sama? I don't know...so confused. Well, one thing's for sure...I'm gonna get good and strong and then I'm gonna show that ice-block of an Okashira who can kick some ass!'
Misao looked up as Soujiro brought her a bowl of soup. "Just the way Misao-san likes it." Soujiro stated, kneeling before her and handing her the bowl. She graciously accepted, smiling at Soujiro who had his own bowl. "Thank you, Sou-kun."
"You're quite welcome, Misao-san!" Soujiro chirped, before raising the bowl to his lips. Misao giggled and followed in suite, watching Soujiro every moment she got. 'What do I feel for you, Seta Soujiro? Why is it you can make me so angry but so happy at the same time? And when you touch me, I feel so light-headed. Damn you, I'll figure you out, yet.'
As Soujiro finished his soup, he looked up. "Areh..is there something bothering you, Misao-san?"
Misao blushed at caught staring at him and set her bowl down. "No, I'm sorry. I was just lost in thought and wasn't paying attention to what I was looking at.
"Ahh. You must be tired, ne?"
"Yeah, I am. But the fire feels so nice."
"Sou ka.." Soujiro chuckled as he grabbed the bowls and took them into the kitchen. Misao watched him, her eyelids getting heavy. 'No! For once I want to stay up longer than him! I want to see him fall asleep first!'
Soujiro came back and sat down beside Misao, feet tucked under him. "Ne, do you want to go to your room?"
Misao shook her head, rubbing one eye with the back of her hand.
"Well, you look sleepy enough."
"But it's cold back there. And it's warm here. There are plenty of pillows, I'll be fine."
Soujiro chuckled. "Alright. Do you need anything else?"
"Yes...stay with me please?"
Soujiro blinked, his smile once again forgotten? "Areh? Why?"
"I enjoy your company. You...you make me smile.." Misao ended her statement with a yawn, before resting her head on Soujiro's shoulder.
Soujiro smiled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair out of Misao's face. "And you make me smile. Truly smile." Soujiro closed his eyes and sighed. 'If only I deserved someone as lovely as you, Misao-san. You're the best friend anyone could ever have.'
Soujiro slipped his arm around Misao and gently laid her down on the mat, head on one of the many pillows surrounding the fire. She smiled in her sleep, adjusting her body to a more comfortable position. Misao, half asleep, patted the spot beside her. "Stay."
Soujiro obliged, laying down beside her and resting his head on a neighbouring pillow. He watched the flames dance and make Misao's face red and rosy, just as she had watched him when he laid unconscious in Kakuzo and Naoko's home. But instead of curiosity, he felt contentment. Soujiro sighed happily and let the effects of sleep take over him.
And by the warmth of the fire, they slept.
Tsuzukeru.
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When you walk away
You don't hear me say
Please, Oh baby, Don't go.
Simple and Clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight
It's hard to let it go...
You're giving me too many things
Lately you're all I need...
Hold me
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all
Nothing's like before
Lyrics taken from Simple and Clean by Utada Hikaru
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AN: Aww, now wasn't that sweet? I thought perhaps this chapter was a bit rushed, but then again, mixed emotions are common and when you're close friends you tend to be well..close! Hopefully this wasn't too short for your dislike and hopefully you enjoyed the waff. Has anyone figured out who Aoshi has hired? Or better yet, what he's planned for Misao? I'm debating on doing a contest to see who can figure it out, the prize being me writing you a Sou/Mi based fic. (haha, what a prize) May not do it though, since I don't have planned how many chapters this'll be. 'Sides knowing my luck everyone'll guess it or no one will. Anywho, thanks for keeping in tune, a note to the readers...
Rook: *Grins maliciously* I'm not naughty. Hentai-ish scenes crossed my mind but I chose waff instead. And you aren't a broken record! I enjoy your compliments as well as you taking the time to read my stories. Thank you! ^_^
Misao Seta: I can't tell you who Aoshi hired, that would spoil some of the plot. As for who Mi-chan's father is, I'm not quite sure. Someone else might be able to tell you but I'm far from being an expert on the anime. Can't be an expert on something you've not seen, ne?
Crystal: *watches big bumps appear on rurounis heads* Maybe we should have used a padded bokken. Or my trademark loaf of bread. (hey, it works. a loaf of bread in a bag marked "merita" or something can STILL hurt if you swing it hard enough, and its just...derangingly funny.) And what can I say? I love rurounis too. Here is my update for ya! Thanks for keeping in tune!
Goku-chan: I'm glad you like! Here is the next piece, thanks for taking time to read and review! *bows* Domo!
Kyouhi: I'm updating! I'm updating! I Am is probably nexted! Woo! And you know what's gonna happen you sneak! ;)
K-chan: *laughs at your emphasis on saying "Kawaii"* Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for your review, hun!
Genkiassassin: *watches flash of evilness fly away* Come back! She needs you! Oh well, Sou-chan getting drunk? No way! Wasn't the scene with him going all hentai in my Monty Python parody good enough? I mean, come on! With Misao jumping on him and..okay straying off subject. No drunknessessies..but we'll just see what's in store for our rurouni blue. Thanks for keeping in tune and reviewing!
And another thanks to all of you who have read. Now if you don't mind, I looooovvvveee feedback. C'mon! You know you wanna tell me how *great* I am. (LOL yeah, sure) *waves* I hope to hear from you! Keep in tune!
**Ignore the grammar, I do**
Phoe-chan
Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Ru Rou Ni Ken Shin. *exaggerates each syllable* HRMPH!
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Mezamete-yuku Tamashii :: Awakening Spirits
Chapter 5 :: Mixed Emotions
----------
All these mixed emotions we keep locked away like stolen pearls
Stolen pearls devotions we keep locked away from all the world
We twist and turn where angles burn
Like fallen soilders we will learn
That once forgotten, twice removed
Love will be the death...
The death of you
Tears of Pearls by Savage Garden
----------
Misao groaned. "How do you propose I build up my strength?"
Soujiro pondered. "Shishio used to make me fight against him in water demo, it is setting into autumn and soon to be winter. That would not be wise..."
Misao rolled her eyes, "Gee, really?"
"Yare, yare...I'll think of something."
Misao was afraid to find out what 'something' would be. "Right."
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Misao lazily opened one eye, scowling as the early autumn sun grinned down at her. It was dawn and she prayed she could roll over and go back to sleep. She was so tired and sore.
Her first week in training, she'd ran so much that she thought her legs would fall off. And she knew Soujiro had some new leg excercise today. He'd been hinting at it for the past two days that he had a new way to work her legs up. She just prayed that it didn't require sprinting up almost vertical walls.
It seems she just wasn't in luck when it came to sleeping in these days.
"Ohayo, Misao-san!!!"
"GO AWAY!"
"Areh, is Misao-san not feeling well? I know! You just need a fresh morning bath! I'll go fix you up a nice hot bath!"
Misao heard the door close and smiled, snuggling back inside the covers of her bed. 'Ahh, silence.'
It lasted all of five minutes.
"Gee, Misao-san! I kinda made a hole in the bathing house. It won't hold water! Haha, looks like we'll have to wait until I fix it!"
Misao released a string of curses as Soujiro jogged up the steps and popped into her room. "So we should eat a quick breakfast and start your training!"
Misao growled and threw a pillow in Soujiro's general direction. The other caught it, blinking and smiling. "Na, Misao-san's not a morning person? Oh well."
'Yes...' Misao thought. 'Leave. Good boy.'
"You leave me no choice!"
'Yeah go..huh?'
Misao's eyes sprung open as she felt Soujiro's hands grasp the sheets of the bed. He gave a strong, quick jerk and all the covers went flying off. Misao grabbed a pillow and put it over her head, ignoring the fact that her yukata was parted, revealing her legs from the knees down.
Soujiro chuckled and put his hands on his hips in a scolding manner. "Misao-san! Do get up, I don't want to force you up!"
"Go ahead and try, Mr. Sunshine." Came Misao's muffled voice.
Soujiro gave a Tenken smile and replied, "Don't say I didn't warn you."
Misao didn't seem to notice that his voice had an almost mischievous tone to it. Her mistake.
Soujiro walked over to the ancient chinese gong that sat in the room, as part of the decor. It was a miniature replica, but it would serve his purpose. He grabbed the stick and smiled wickedly before delivering a swift hit to the gong.
The loud, reverbing noise made Misao shriek and sit straight up hurling her other pillow in the direction of the sound. Soujiro smiled at her innocently and replaced the item back where he got it. "That's a girl! All up and awake for our training!"
He didn't expect her to launch herself at him like a wild animal. "YOU LITTLE JERK! THAT WAS SO UNCALLED FOR!"
Soujiro didn't have time to move out of the way, mainly because he was so surprised that Misao could jump that far from a seated position. Well, that was what he would have told us. We all know that if he moved, Misao would have crashed into the dresser head-on. So he did what he could. Attempt to catch her.
She landed on him and he encircled his arms around her and stumbled back into the tall piece of furniture. He winced slightly as one of the handles pressed into his back but did his best to keep from dropping the squirming girl. He settled for sliding down into a seated position, half guarding himself from Misao's attempts to strangle him, half keeping her from falling out of his arms, and half laughing at her array of colourful language.
"Gee, Misao-san! Why don't you fight like this in training?"
Misao huffed and folded her arms, looking off to the side. Soujiro laughed again, attempting to seat himself into a more upright position. As he did, the girl on his chest slid into his lap, back pressed against his bent knees. As Misao calmed down, Soujiro adjusted his gi, which had fell off one of his shoulders in their scuffle. He also noticed that Misao's yukata was loosely clinging to her body, threatening to reveal too much, since it was only held in place by a sash. He gulped and tried to advert his eyes from the view of the creamy smooth skin on her neck and chest.
Unfortunately, Misao had to be looking in a mirror and saw his stare and attempt to cover it up.
"HENTAI!!" She cried out, landing a whack upside Soujiro's head. He squeaked and covered his head with his arms. "I didn't mean to! It's not my fault you went homocidal on me!!"
'Some trainer...' Misao thought, watching him cower. However, she wasn't about to admit to him that she had secretly watched him correct his gi that dared to reveal skin and toned muscle after she tackled him.
She then remembered what she'd hit him for and blushed, reaching down to cover the exposed skin. "Well, I guess I should have not done that, seeing that it gave you such a heart attack.
Soujiro sweatdropped, "It was just indecent, not life-threatening."
Misao fumed. "What are you trying to say? That I'm not attractive?!"
Soujiro shrank under her even more. "That's not what I was saying..."
"So you do find me attractive?"
"What?!" Soujiro couldn't believe she was asking him if he found her attractive. What was he supposed to say? If he said no, then she'd hit him for being mean. If he said yes, then she'd hit him for being a pervert. He was in a no-win situation. Or so he thought.
He decided to answer honestly and pray she wouldn't fillet him. "I think you're very pretty, Misao-san. And I'm sure that Shinomori-san must have noticed what a lovely lady you've matured (physically, he thought) into. You don't have the full figure such as Yumi-san had, but you have a strong, firm body that is petite and fits you perfectly. You have lovely long black hair and beautiful and rare green eyes. Shinomori-san has a rare find in you."
Misao's mouth was left hanging open. She was amazed he could say something so flattering and insightful, and look completely honest. She stuttered, "Y-you mean that?"
Soujiro nodded, wondering if she was gonna pummel him or glomp him. At least she wasn't yelling anymore.
"That's so nice...no one's ever said anything like that before.." Misao's face looked a bit flushed as she smiled down at the poor boy.
Soujiro was really surprised when she reached down and hugged him. His breath caught as she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face into his hair, chin resting on his shoulder.
Sou didn't do anything, frankly because he was too shocked to. Her aroma filled his nostrils and he relaxed, entoxicated by how lovely she smelled.
He then mentally hit himself. 'Baka! You can't have feelings for her! She's Shinomori-san's! Besides, she doesn't need to be touched by your jaded hands!'
Soujiro paused. What irony. The Tenken squabbling over mixed emotions towards a former enemy. The smiling boy who felt no emotion but amusement now worried that he might be attracted to the girl he was teaching. Oh, the irony. The Greek writers would be proud.
Soujiro contemplated on how to get Misao off of him before she aroused any other unwanted emotions in him. ...Well, maybe unwanted was the incorrect term. Try...inconvenient.
However, he didn't have to do a thing.
Misao suddenly let go of Soujiro. "...What do you *mean* 'firm body'....?" She inquired, glaring at Sou.
Soujiro whimpered.
----------
Shinomori Aoshi handed his hired "private investigator" his new weapon. "Will this work?"
The figure took the wrapped weapon, unwraveling the cover and inspecting it. "Why, yes! This will do nicely."
"Good. Here is the rest of what you requested."
Aoshi watched stoically as the other looked over the rest of the items, ranging from money to supplies. "You will be paid the rest once Misao is returned safely."
"So tell me, why is it so important that Weasel-girl gets back here? Isn't she old enough to be making her own choices?"
"You're not paid to ask questions."
"Not unless those questions may aid me in finding her."
Aoshi paused before answering, "To keep her safe."
The other grinned, catching on. "Is that so? Well, lemme see, who is she safer with? The smiling prodigy or the ex-Okashira who betrayed the Oniwabanshuu?"
"Neither. She will not be near me after she returns and the final arrangements concerning her are made."
"Arrangements? Whoa..wait. Are you talking about what I think you're talking about? You don't mean you...?"
Aoshi looked up. "She's not to know. Not until she's back here where she can't run away."
"I always thought you were cold, but, this? I don't agree with it. But, hey, I'm getting paid, so I don't give a rat's ass." He proceeded to gather his supplies and money. "I'll see you when I return with Weasel-girl."
Aoshi then added one last statement. "And if you take care of Seta, I'll double your pay."
The other only flashed Aoshi a grin before leaving the area. From a distance, Okina quietly shook his head, closing his eyes. 'I almost wonder if my Misao's better off with Seta. At least our spies said before they disappeared both seemed quiet content around each other. Aoshi, Aoshi, are you sure you know what you're doing...'
----------
Misao had ate breakfast at Soujiro's insistance and was now in the process of doing her routine exercises. She'd fall into stance and stretch, do a few swings with her sword as Soujiro watched from a distance, nihonto slung over his shoulder somewhat casually.
Upon finishing her swings, Misao turned to see Soujiro at the edge of the wide creek that flowed beside the hideout and field. She walked up to him. "I'm ready, 'sensei'." Misao drawled, mocking tone to the formality. Soujiro turned and grinned at her, despite the red mark still on his face, given after failing to answer her last question correctly. "Good. Head's up."
Misao shrieked as Soujiro appeared behind her, giving her a gentle shove into the cool, flowing water. She splashed in, and reappeared, soaked completely through. "DAMNIT, SETA SOUJIRO! I'M KICKING YOUR ASS!"
Soujiro merely laughed and waded into the water, which reached to the end of his thighs. "Hontoi? Can you kick that high in the water?"
Misao growled and prepared to launch herself at him, but found that against the water flow, she wasn't quite strong enough to get out of the water and tackle him in one leap. She found herself pressed into Sou's chest as he caught her by the elbows, chuckling as his shaggy bangs covered his eyes. "Ne, Misao. Once you're able to fully launch yourself at me in the water, we'll start working on some advanced techniques. I am glad you're a fast learner."
Misao scowled, standing up and pushing her wet bangs out of her face. She glared at Soujiro who watched, a quick of a smile upon his lips. "I hate you, you know that?"
"Hate me so much that you're letting me teach you, feed you, joke with you and live in the same house with you?" Soujiro asked, blinking. He assumed she was teasing, but what if she wasn't?
Misao shook her head, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "Mou, Soujiro. You're either very dense or very self-conscious. You're my best friend, baka. When I say I hate you, I'm really saying you're one of the few people who can drive me up the wall but still make me happy."
Soujiro rubbed the back of his head. "Haha, sou desu ne? You're my only friend, so I guess that makes you my best friend, too. And my wet friend."
Misao rolled her eyes before delivering a strong splash of water smack into Soujiro's face. He blinked for a moment, as the droplets rolled down his face, dripping from his chin and as his hair fell from poofy to almost straight. "Gee, your hair's gotten long." Misao commented, noting how the sides of his hair reached his chin and his bangs covered his eyes completely, and how the backside of his once cropped cut now hung at his shoulders.
"I'd say the same for you but you're hair's always been long."
"Ha ha. Gonna teach me something or not?"
"Yeah. Catch me. If you can, that is."
Soujiro stepped away from Misao, giving her a few feet of distance. She blinked and began to chase after him. It wasn't long before she realized that this was NOT going to be an easy task.
Sou just smiled and stepped out of the way every time Misao came close to him. All day was spent like this, without a break. By dusk, Misao was so exhausted, she could barely stand.
Soujiro walked up to her, as soaked as she was. Well, thanks to her mid-day splash attack. "You did good, Misao. Tomorrow, you may have a day to rest."
Misao looked up at him wearily, hair matted to her face. "Honto ni...?"
Soujiro nodded. "Honto. You've worked hard. And I'm not going to push you to the extreme as Shishio-san did me." Soujiro put a hand on her shoulder and realized that the temperature had dropped. "Hmm, it's getting nippy out here. Let's get inside and into something dry and warm."
"I don't feel too cold..." Misao stated.
Soujiro frowned. "You don't? Then you're getting close to hypothermic. Your body's gotten so used to the water that it doesnt' register it as cold. Come out, out already."
Misao frowned, "Just a few more minutes? I'm so tired.." She yawned, proving her arguement. She leaned against Soujiro's shoulder and sunk a bit deeper into the 'warmth' of the water.
Soujiro quickly caught her before she slipped in over her head. "Come on, Misao-san. Let's get you out." He wondered if it was the moon that had peeked out making her face so pale, or if it was the cool air mixed with the chilly water. "Out." he commanded.
Misao stirred, opening her eyes. "Hm?"
Soujiro inwardly scowled for not predicting this and squatted in the water, scooping the soaked girl in his arms. Misao made no protest at all, only shivered as the cool air graced her wet skin and clothes. Soujiro marched across the field, up to the house and kicked the door open. He carried her inside and set her down on the tatami mat in front of the fireplace. She instinctively curled up into a feeble position, shivering greatly.
Soujiro wasted no time gathering some firewood and starting a fire. Within minutes, he had a blaze going. 'She's got to get out of those wet clothes...'
Soujiro pondered this dilemma, hoping she was awake enough to change herself. "Misao," he gently called, shaking her. She opened her eyes and looked at him, pale face trembling. "Let me take you upstairs so you can change. Then you can sit here in front of the fire. If you don't get out of those wet clothes, you'll get sick."
Misao nodded, not in a mood to argue. Soujiro hastily pulled the girl into his arms and carried her up the steps, down the hall and into her room. He set her down, letting her stand on her own and pulled out a yukata, handing it to her. "I'm going to my room to change, I'll be right back, okay?"
She nodded, arms wrapped around herself as Soujiro stepped out and shut the shoji door. As soon as he was gone, Misao began tearing at her clothes, desperate to get them off of her. She pulled out the knot of her hakama and slid it off, followed by quickly discarding her gi. She then removed her wrappings and under clothes, leaving herself bare. By the time Soujiro knocked on her door, she was curled up on the floor, in a clean yukata, her remaining energy spent on dressing herself.
"Come in.." she mumbled, sitting up. She did nothing to her hair but pull it out of her face, letting the damp braid hang down her back.
Sou came in, dressed in a dark blue yukata. Misao noted she had never seen him in night clothes, being he went to bed after her and was awake before her.
He smiled apologetically at her and kneeled before her, bowing his head. "Please forgive me for my foolishness, Misao-san."
Misao watched him, puzzled as he bowed before her, hands in his trademark prayer-like gesture. "I should have realized that as soon as evening came, the temperature would drop. You're not used to such bitter environments and I was an idiot for making you stay all that time out there in the water. I am so terribly sorry...Misao."
Misao's bewildered look softened as she scooted closer to him. "Soujiro..." She took his chin and tilted it up with her fingers. "People make mistakes, its inevitable. You're teaching me to be stronger, and this event will only make me stronger. And you're there to catch me if I fall, Soujiro. So I know I have no worries. And I expect you not to be so hard on yourself. You're training me, not yourself. Quit blaming yourself for things you can't help.
The look in Soujiro's eyes was that of pain and helplessness, like an innocent child, abused and mistreated. Misao could only wonder what could make him look that way. Surely...it wasn't her?
"Tell ya what..." She began, pulling her hand away from his face. "You fix me some hot soup, and we'll say the whole thing never happened."
Soujiro's smile returned as he nodded. "I'll fix you soup, soba, tea, squid, and a western steak if that'll make you smile, Misao-san!"
Misao laughed as he stood up, nodding. Her laugh errupted into a squeal when he scooped her up into his arms and carried her downstairs, carefully setting her in front of the warm blazing fire. "Mou, Sou! I'm not some fragile vase! You don't need to treat me like a baby!"
Soujiro grinned and winked at her, before bouncing into the kitchen to fix Misao's soup. Misao giggled, hugging a pillow to her chest as she watched him work.
Her mind begin to fixate on him.
'He's so cute. Even when he thinks no one is looking, he's smiling. He's turned out to be a lot like Himura. He's polite and kind, but trying to atone for the wrongs he's done. I wonder how such a sweet boy could be a heartless killer...then again, look at Himura. That bumbling rurouni who's always doing laundry is the Hitokiri Battousai. I guess I'm like Kaoru-san with my own bumbling rurouni now...'
Misao realized what she had thought and blushed.
'Misao! It's a known fact that Kaoru-san loves Himura! You don't love Soujiro! Not like that! He's just a friend. Your best friend. The one who tells you you're pretty and does everything for you, telling you how lucky Aoshi-sama is...the one who would get up in the middle of the night and fix you a 9-course meal if you asked. Whereas Aoshi-sama never looks twice at me, thinks I'm just some annoying weak child and would turn and walk away rather than tell me that I'm pretty. Damn, Misao. Maybe you're chasing after the wrong guy...'
She watched as Soujiro tasted the soup to see if it was ready.
'Then again, what if Sou wouldn't return my feelings either? He says I'm his friend. Is that all? And what do I want? I've only spent a few weeks with him, but I feel so attached to him. Are my feelings to him growing into something stronger than friendship? What if the others were right. I only had a childhood infatuation with Aoshi-sama? I don't know...so confused. Well, one thing's for sure...I'm gonna get good and strong and then I'm gonna show that ice-block of an Okashira who can kick some ass!'
Misao looked up as Soujiro brought her a bowl of soup. "Just the way Misao-san likes it." Soujiro stated, kneeling before her and handing her the bowl. She graciously accepted, smiling at Soujiro who had his own bowl. "Thank you, Sou-kun."
"You're quite welcome, Misao-san!" Soujiro chirped, before raising the bowl to his lips. Misao giggled and followed in suite, watching Soujiro every moment she got. 'What do I feel for you, Seta Soujiro? Why is it you can make me so angry but so happy at the same time? And when you touch me, I feel so light-headed. Damn you, I'll figure you out, yet.'
As Soujiro finished his soup, he looked up. "Areh..is there something bothering you, Misao-san?"
Misao blushed at caught staring at him and set her bowl down. "No, I'm sorry. I was just lost in thought and wasn't paying attention to what I was looking at.
"Ahh. You must be tired, ne?"
"Yeah, I am. But the fire feels so nice."
"Sou ka.." Soujiro chuckled as he grabbed the bowls and took them into the kitchen. Misao watched him, her eyelids getting heavy. 'No! For once I want to stay up longer than him! I want to see him fall asleep first!'
Soujiro came back and sat down beside Misao, feet tucked under him. "Ne, do you want to go to your room?"
Misao shook her head, rubbing one eye with the back of her hand.
"Well, you look sleepy enough."
"But it's cold back there. And it's warm here. There are plenty of pillows, I'll be fine."
Soujiro chuckled. "Alright. Do you need anything else?"
"Yes...stay with me please?"
Soujiro blinked, his smile once again forgotten? "Areh? Why?"
"I enjoy your company. You...you make me smile.." Misao ended her statement with a yawn, before resting her head on Soujiro's shoulder.
Soujiro smiled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair out of Misao's face. "And you make me smile. Truly smile." Soujiro closed his eyes and sighed. 'If only I deserved someone as lovely as you, Misao-san. You're the best friend anyone could ever have.'
Soujiro slipped his arm around Misao and gently laid her down on the mat, head on one of the many pillows surrounding the fire. She smiled in her sleep, adjusting her body to a more comfortable position. Misao, half asleep, patted the spot beside her. "Stay."
Soujiro obliged, laying down beside her and resting his head on a neighbouring pillow. He watched the flames dance and make Misao's face red and rosy, just as she had watched him when he laid unconscious in Kakuzo and Naoko's home. But instead of curiosity, he felt contentment. Soujiro sighed happily and let the effects of sleep take over him.
And by the warmth of the fire, they slept.
Tsuzukeru.
----------
When you walk away
You don't hear me say
Please, Oh baby, Don't go.
Simple and Clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight
It's hard to let it go...
You're giving me too many things
Lately you're all I need...
Hold me
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all
Nothing's like before
Lyrics taken from Simple and Clean by Utada Hikaru
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AN: Aww, now wasn't that sweet? I thought perhaps this chapter was a bit rushed, but then again, mixed emotions are common and when you're close friends you tend to be well..close! Hopefully this wasn't too short for your dislike and hopefully you enjoyed the waff. Has anyone figured out who Aoshi has hired? Or better yet, what he's planned for Misao? I'm debating on doing a contest to see who can figure it out, the prize being me writing you a Sou/Mi based fic. (haha, what a prize) May not do it though, since I don't have planned how many chapters this'll be. 'Sides knowing my luck everyone'll guess it or no one will. Anywho, thanks for keeping in tune, a note to the readers...
Rook: *Grins maliciously* I'm not naughty. Hentai-ish scenes crossed my mind but I chose waff instead. And you aren't a broken record! I enjoy your compliments as well as you taking the time to read my stories. Thank you! ^_^
Misao Seta: I can't tell you who Aoshi hired, that would spoil some of the plot. As for who Mi-chan's father is, I'm not quite sure. Someone else might be able to tell you but I'm far from being an expert on the anime. Can't be an expert on something you've not seen, ne?
Crystal: *watches big bumps appear on rurounis heads* Maybe we should have used a padded bokken. Or my trademark loaf of bread. (hey, it works. a loaf of bread in a bag marked "merita" or something can STILL hurt if you swing it hard enough, and its just...derangingly funny.) And what can I say? I love rurounis too. Here is my update for ya! Thanks for keeping in tune!
Goku-chan: I'm glad you like! Here is the next piece, thanks for taking time to read and review! *bows* Domo!
Kyouhi: I'm updating! I'm updating! I Am is probably nexted! Woo! And you know what's gonna happen you sneak! ;)
K-chan: *laughs at your emphasis on saying "Kawaii"* Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for your review, hun!
Genkiassassin: *watches flash of evilness fly away* Come back! She needs you! Oh well, Sou-chan getting drunk? No way! Wasn't the scene with him going all hentai in my Monty Python parody good enough? I mean, come on! With Misao jumping on him and..okay straying off subject. No drunknessessies..but we'll just see what's in store for our rurouni blue. Thanks for keeping in tune and reviewing!
And another thanks to all of you who have read. Now if you don't mind, I looooovvvveee feedback. C'mon! You know you wanna tell me how *great* I am. (LOL yeah, sure) *waves* I hope to hear from you! Keep in tune!
**Ignore the grammar, I do**
Phoe-chan