Disclaimer: DISclaimer. FANfic. Think about it.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao's trip was pretty boring. There was no decent radio station, it seemed; but she didn't give up. She continued searching until she found one with which she was able to forget about her problems for a moment. This way, she spent the time listening to French Affair's "My heart gooes boom" and the like. With her spirits up, she managed to enjoy the rest of her journey.
Things were clearing a bit now, but how would Misao find this Aoshi guy?
First things first... she'll have to talk to her kempo teacher. And find a new job. And settle down in a nice apartment. And try not to meet her parents when going out. Yeah, that was simple. ... right?
Misao sighed and kept on driving.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
'Finally... back home.' Aoshi thought.
As his group of relatively close friends of the Army lived minutes away from each other, they decided to travel back to their hometown together.
When it was Aoshi's turn to get out of the car, one guy called out for him when he was about to enter his house.
"Man, remember we're celebrating tonight. Get some rest and we'll pick you up at night."
"I said I'd think about it. Nothing definite."
"I'm confirming it for you. C'mon, buddy, it won't do you any harm. See ya later." And with that, he waved and the group drove away.
Once inside, Aoshi decided to have a nice and well-deserved bath. When he got out of the bathroom, he slept for a while. After all, he had a couple of hours left before night.
After a half-hour rest, Aoshi got up and went directly to his computer. He logged on and surfed the net for a while, checking his e-mail account and such.
Soon, Aoshi found out it was high time he got ready to go out. It was nearly 9 pm. He grabbed a pair of jeans and a simple black shirt and put them on. Then, he combed a bit his hair, which was no longer wet. After that, he sat on his couch in the living room and turned the tv on.
An hour later, the doorbell rang. And there were his comrades.
"Hey, Ice-man..!"
Aoshi's salute was a brief wave of the hand and a nod. He got in the car and they left, heading downtown.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao had arrived once more to her beloved hometown. Shockingly, she found a nice and cheap apartment to stay at, not far away from the city center (not to mention far enough from her former home). It was late afternoon, so she had a quick shower, got dressed and left to find somewhere to eat and have a drink.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Aoshi and his group entered a bar and, after having some snacks, ordered a couple of drinks. They talked a lot, mostly about them, their families, past, interests, favourite sports, hobbies and such things. Aoshi listened respectfully, ocassionally agreeing with something, or nodding or shaking his head. Let's say he was definitely not the talkative type.
After some hours, the majority of the group was drunk. It was quite obvious, 'cause they talked in a funny way and said inane things. Aoshi was pretty dizzy himself, but he was still able to think straight. He would be the one driving, it seemed.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao went on foot. She walked at her own pace, enjoying the night, which was not too hot, nor too cold. She got inside a popular bar. It was full of people, but she managed to find a nice table.
Just by looking around, she noticed how drunk everybody was (or acted like) and suddenly her idea of having a drink didn't seem completely good. Anyway, she shrugged the thought off and ordered some drinks and, without knowing it, she started drinking out of pure instinct. She concluded that she needed to drink in order to forget. So, that was exactly what she did, something her head and stomach would make her remember the following morning.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
"Wow, look at that girl over there..!!" one of Aoshi's friends practically yelled, pointing directly at Misao. "She'ssh a rrreal babe, I tell youuu..!"
Aoshi glanced in her direction. Have they met before? No, that was impossible, he'd remember if so.
Not even two seconds went by, and the guy who first noticed Misao stood up and went directly to her.
"Hey, baby, what'sssh up?"
"Bugger off. I'm not in the mood." Said a semi-drunk Misao.
"C'mon, I jusht wanna talk."
The guy grabbed Misao's hand, which was over the table holding a drink.
"Let go. Now."
"What if I d---"
Suddenly, this guy's face met Misao's fist. Seeing this, Aoshi stood up immediately and went to retrieve his friend.
"Hideki, come on, that's enough. Let her be." Aoshi said, always looking directly at Misao. Hideki didn't look like he noticed he had just received a blow to the head.
"Who are you?" Misao asked once she locked her eyes with Aoshi's.
"Doesn't matter. I'm here to take back my friend. I'm sorry, he's a tad drunk."
"Well, he's being an ass."
"I know."
And with that, Aoshi took hold of Hideki and signalled the other guys to try and stand up on their own in order to go back home. For one night, it was more than enough. Especially when he was the only one sober enough to take care of five drunk asses.
When he got everybody in the car, he noticed Misao had also got out of the bar. Aoshi stared at her for some minutes. She started walking as if nothing had happened.
'Why is it that I'm feeling this weird? As if I knew the girl. I don't believe in love at first sight. But how can I explain what I feel now? Must be plain curiosity.'
Aoshi interrupted his train of thoughts, started the car and drove away.
Everyone was taken home, and Aoshi managed to arrive at home in one piece. He closed the front door behind him, and plopped down onto his bed once he got in his bedroom.
But it was not until some moments later that Aoshi was able to produce snores. He kept thinking about the dark-haired, blue-eyed girl.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao woke up to find herself awfully desiring an aspirin to make the hangover go away. She barely remembered a drunk guy talking to her, and another one trying to make him go away. Must have been a friend of his. She spent the rest of her Sunday watching tv, or surfing the net. Nothing too interesting.
She decided to apply for some part-time job the following day. Maybe at some restaurant or bar, to work as a waitress. She liked that stuff.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
On Monday...
"Hello, how may I help you?"
"Hi. I'm here because I read that you needed waitresses. I wonder if the job is already taken?"
"No, not really. Well, sit down so that we can talk in a more comfortable way."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Oh, you don't have to be so formal, sweetheart. My name's Tae. I run this place. Your face seems familiar to me, have you been here lately?"
"Oh, yes. I came on Saturday night."
"Ah, I thought so. Okay, what's your name?"
"I'm Misao. Makimachi Misao."
"And tell me, why is it that you want the job?"
"Basically, because I'm now on my own, if you know what I mean, and I need a job. I chose to apply for a part-time one because I think I'm not really cut out for the full-time ones. I guess I don't like rutine very much."
"Of course. I assume you don't have experience as a waitress, am I right?"
"Yes. In fact, this would be my first job ever. But, well, I'd like to try."
"How old are you, Misao?"
"22."
"Oh, yeah? You look younger to me."
"That's what everybody says." Misao replied with a smile.
"At the moment, we need more people working during the night shift, that is from 9 pm to 2 am, and the morning one, from 7 am to 12 pm. So you may choose."
"Does this mean I'm already in?"
"Why, of course, darling. You are pretty nice and apparently sociable. I don't think you'll be a problem at all. All you've got to do is be organized with the orders and maintain your balance whenever carrying them as well. So, what do you say, Misao?"
"Of course I agree, Ms Tae."
"Oh, no, no "Ms" for me. "Tae" is just fine."
"Yes, Tae."
"Oh, as for the paying thing, you'll get your money, which will be deposited in a bank account, plus the tips you may receive. So, which shift will you choose?"
"I think I'll start with the night one. Is it possible for me to change it after some time?"
"Yes, of course. And you can work two shifts a day as well. Just you tell me so and that'll be it."
"Wonderful. When can I start?"
"I'd like you to come today. And you've got your Sundays free. And, obviously, if you need to stay at home, you can just call in sick, there'll be no problem. Everything can be discussed."
"That's great."
"Okay. Let me get the papers you gotta sign and that's all."
"Sure."
Minutes later...
"Here." Tae handed Misao the forms she needed to fill in and sign. Misao did as she was told.
"Okay, be here ten or fifteen minutes before starting your shift so that I can explain some little things to you. You'll be wearing jeans and a white shirt to go with an apron we'll give you tonight. Is that ok with you?"
"Of course."
"Well, then. I need to get back to work. See you later, Misao."
"Bye, Tae."
Misao was so happy..! She got a nice job, with a nice boss, she would be getting good money according to what Tae said, and she could start that very night.
She really needed to set her mind in some things other than Aoshi and her parents.
After returning home from a shopping trip in which she bought a decent pair of jeans and a nice white shirt as Tae requested, she had a quick shower and devoted some of her time to eating lunch and reading the newspaper.
Some time later, she got dressed, braided her hair, grabbed her purse and car keys and drove away heading Tae's bar, the "Akabeko".
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
*riiiing*
"Hello?"
"Ice-man there?"
"Yeah, what's up, Hideki?"
"Hey, buddy..! I've been thinking... wouldn't you like to go to the Akabeko again?"
"And carry your drunk self out of the place when the night's over? No, thanks."
"C'mon, I'm not doing that again. You won't believe how much money I spent in order to buy the goddamn pills that would take away the terrible headache I had. I thought that it'd be cool to meet again, pal. You can't say you didn't have a good time. Plus, I talked with the other guys and no one is available, but I really want to go out today, I'm bored out of my mind lately."
"I'm not sure about it."
"Do you have anything to do tonight?"
"No, not really."
"Well, then, come with me!"
"*sigh* Alright."
"That's the spirit..! I'll be there at around 10, alright?"
"Okay."
"Good. Well, see you later."
"'Later."
Both hung up.
Aoshi turned on the tv and watched a football match out of pure boredom. That was when he remembered he had to go back to his old rutine and start training once again, he'd forget how to fight (not to mention he'd get fatter) if he didn't.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
"Misao..!! Over here..!"
"Hello, Tae..!"
"Nervous?"
"A bit, in fact."
"Don't worry, it'll be fine. Don't forget today's Monday. We don't get as much clients as during Saturdays and by the time next Saturday comes, you'll be already accustomed to the working pace. Come, I've got your things right here..!"
Misao rounded the counter and entered the staff room. Tae handed her the Akabeko's apron, a stack of papers glued together where Misao would be marking the orders she took, a pen and pencil, and a corkscrew. And then, Tae introduced Misao to the rest of the people of the night shift.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Aoshi and Hideki entered the Akabeko. They found a nice table and sat at it while waiting for some waitress to come. Misao happened to be around when two guys entered the bar and sat, and so she went to take their orders.
'Hey, now look at this guy...' Misao thought, referring to Aoshi. 'Hmm, he's... for lack of a better word... fucking gorgeous. Nice smile, check. Now let's go.'
"Hello, guys, may I take your order?"
Aoshi was surprised to see the very same person again. The girl who was drinking and hit his friend. Hideki also realized she was the same girl.
"You were here on Saturday night, right?"
"Yes, indeed. How do you know?"
"I was the guy bothering you. I apologize. I had been drinking a lot."
"Oh..! Now I remember..! But it's nothing, really. Let's say I wasn't in the best of moods." Misao turned to Aoshi. "And you are the guy who took him away, aren't you?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, so what will you two order?"
"I dunno, what do you say Ice-man? Pizza and beer?"
"Sure, whatever you like."
"So, a pizza and two beers."
"Okay, I'll be right back."
Minutes later...
Hideki stood up and went to the bathroom. Then Misao approached Aoshi and delivered his order.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Uhm," Aoshi said just when Misao was about to go away. "Have we met before?"
"Uh, I don't think so. Apart from the thing on Saturday, I mean."
"There's something curious about you, but I can't put my finger on it."
"Okay, so instead of imagining your 'finger' anywhere near me, why don't you just use it to eat your pizza? I'm sure we haven't met before, and that's that, whatever pick up line you choose."
"It was not intended that way. It was not a pick up line."
"Whatever you say, big guy."
Misao turned around and left.
Some hours later, when Aoshi and Hideki finished eating and drinking, they paid the bill and left.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao arrived home very tired and without further ado, she went to sleep.
The following day, she woke up at around 11.30 and decided to go to the training hall to ask her kempo instructor about Aoshi. The curiosity was killing her.
Minutes later, she arrived there. She went directly to her teacher's office hoping he was there. Before she could knock, her instructor said, "Come in, Misao." Ki-reading (1). Cool stuff.
"Hello, Mr Kanzaki."
"Hello, Misao. What happened that you didn't showed up before?"
"It's a long story, really. But as you can see, I'm back. I'll continue with my training. And I also need some answers from you." Misao said as she sat down.
"What's the matter?"
"I need you to talk to me about Aoshi."
"Aoshi? But, I don't understand, why?"
"I told you it's a long thing to explain and, honestly, I'm not sure I'm ready to tell you or anybody for that matter."
"Okay. We'll leave it at that. Whenever you feel like talking, you know I'll always listen to you."
"Thank you."
"Now, what is it that you'd like to know?"
"I know all I'm going to tell you may sound confusing. But ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies. Please."
Mr Kanzaki nodded.
"I used to train here together with Aoshi and other people, right?"
"Yes."
"What happened to him?"
"What do you mean? I was about to ask you the same thing the other day when you came to collect some things from your locker. The last bit of news I had about him was that he was going to go to War."
"Do you happen to have a photograph of him?"
"Uh, no. I don't have any, sorry. But, what for?"
"I need to see his face."
"He called me earlier today and told me he would start his training again today. He'll be here at any moment. You may see him then."
"You're not joking? I'll be seeing him?"
"If you wait for him here, yes."
"What was I to him?"
"What do you mean? You were his girlfriend. Misao, child, I don't get your point."
"I'm sorry I can't explain anything to you now, Mr Kanzaki. I need to go."
"Wouldn't you like to meet Aoshi?"
"I don't think I'm prepared yet. Do you happen to have his phone number?"
"Yes, indeed. Let me see..." Mr Kanzaki opened Aoshi's database in the computer on his desk. He wrote down the number and handed it to Misao.
"Here you are."
"Thank you."
"So, will you be coming tomorrow? For your classes?"
"Tomorrow? What do you mean?"
"Oh, right, I didn't tell you. We extended the training sessions. We decided to train every day from Monday to Friday. Is that ok with you?"
"Yeah, that's fine. Okay, so I'll be here tomorrow."
"Okay, then."
"Good bye, Mr Kanzaki. And, please don't tell Aoshi about this."
"Don't worry, I won't. See you later, Misao."
Misao left the training hall and headed straight home.
Once she arrived there, she grabbed the notebook she had found inside her locker and scanned through the pages once more. She dialed Aoshi's number. What would she say?
The telephone on the other end of the line rang and rang, but nobody answered it. 'Oh, right, how stupid I am. He's training. I'll call back later, before work.'
So, Misao had something to eat, had a shower and got ready for work, though it was really early to do so. She dialed Aoshi's number once more.
*riiiing*
"Hello?" said a male voice.
"Uhm, hello. Am I talking to Aoshi?"
"Yes. Who is it?"
"I... I am..."
"Well? Who are you?"
"... My name's Misao."
"Sorry, I don't think I know any Misao."
"I didn't think I knew any Aoshi either."
"Then I don't know why you're calling me."
"*sigh* This is weird. And what I'm going to tell you will sound weird as well. I don't remember anything about you, but everything and everyone says that I'm, in a way, connected to you."
"I don't know what you mean."
"I've got proofs. And everyone says you're my boyfriend."
"I'm sorry, but I don't have any girlfriend."
"I don't know how to make you believe in what I'm saying, Aoshi."
"We've talked for too long, you've invented things for too long. I need to go now."
"What??! I'm telling the truth, please do not hang up..!" At this, Misao stood up from the chair she was sitting on and started to pace around her apartment. In some quick move, her necklace touched her hand.
"Sorry."
"Wait! Just tell me if you have a silver necklace..!"
Aoshi stopped moving. He kinda froze, in fact. "How did you know?"
"Who gave that necklace to you?"
"I don't know. I can't remember."
"Well, that's exactly what happened to me..! You have to believe me..!"
"How do I know you're not kidding? How can you expect me to believe you when you talk about things that, in my opinion, never happened??"
"I'm sorry."
"What?"
"I'm sorry. That's all. One day I woke up without knowing what had happened to me hours before. Some of my memories were gone. That's just... that's just awful... and... I'm doing everything I can to solve this. But I can't..."
"Are you crying?"
"I'm sorry..."
"Let's meet. Let me see your face. Let me convince myself this is not an act."
"... Okay."
"Are you available right now?"
"Yes, but I have work to do later. So it's got to be quick."
"We can meet tomorrow, if you like."
"No." 'Tomorrow I'll see him at the training hall. We gotta see each other before that...' "Let's meet today."
"I'll be in the park near the lake. You know that place?"
'That was where we used to meet, according to what my diary says.' "Sure, I know. How will I recognize you?"
"Let's use our necklaces. Let it be visible."
"Okay. When?"
"In fifteen minutes?"
"Sure."
"Good bye."
"Bye."
Both hung up.
Misao rushed to the bathroom to make herself presentable, rubbing off her tears. She then grabbed a bag and placed inside it her notebook and her mother's diary. She left.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Aoshi got in his car and drove towards the park. This was crazy.
When he got there, he searched for a woman sporting a silver necklace. The place wasn't as crowded as usual, so it would be easier for them to meet. ... If the phonecall was for real. But he didn't really think it was a joke. He just wanted to make sure.
He spotted the Akabeko waitress getting out of her car, locking the doors and then walking around the park as if looking for someone. Then he saw it. The necklace.
Misao started looking for a guy with a silver necklace. What if he didn't come?
Someone approached her and, as she looked his way, she realized it was the guy she had served at the Akabeko. She wondered if he would be actually coming to say hey.
Aoshi stood just in front of her. "Hello." He said.
"Hi. Uh, sorry, I'm looking for someone now. I guess I'll see you later." Misao turned to go but Aoshi stopped her by catching hold of her arm.
"What---" Misao started, but soon stopped herself as Aoshi raised his necklace to her eye level. "Can't be... Are you Aoshi?"
"You must be Misao." He said and let go of her arm.
For a moment they stood there, as if really trying to figure out if they were related in any way.
"Let's sit for a while." Aoshi suggested.
Both sat down and, again, stayed silent. That was until Misao spoke up.
"I'm sorry I called you, but I really need answers. I don't know if you'll have those, but that's everything I can do now."
"How can you be so sure about me being your boyfriend?"
"You train with Mr Kanzaki, right?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
"You used to train with me as well. We were partners. We first met there. I found my notebook in my locker. I used to write some things about you." Misao said as she blushed.
"We trained together? You wrote about me?"
"You can ask Mr Kanzaki. He'll tell you about me. You participated in the Army, am I wrong?"
"No, you aren't. How do you know?"
"Do these drawings mean anything to you?" Misao handed the two drawings she found in her notebook.
Aoshi scanned the two pieces of paper. It was him the guy that was standing with the sword. He read the "Misao, August 16" part. Then he saw the other drawing, the one with a super-deformed Misao. He also read the message: "To the perky kunoichi wannabe. With much love, Aoshi." He recognized his handwriting.
"I... remember this drawing. I did it." He said, referring to the last one, sounding as if he was really surprised at what he was saying.
"You sure?"
"Yeah. That's my handwriting too. There's no doubt about it."
"Then you'll recognize this..." Misao said as she handed the little "Meet me at our usual spot in the park, at around five in the afternoon" message.
"I don't remember writing it, but that's my handwriting as well."
"Then, we really used to date. That's what my notes say."
Aoshi made eye-contact with her as she gave him her notebook. He began reading it, blushing when reading some parts. Then...
"This," he said, pointing at her last message "happened a day before I went off to War."
"And the same day I got my memory erased. I suppose yours has been taken away too."
"What's this memory erasing thing?"
"Read my mother's journal. It'll explain things a bit."
Moments later, Aoshi handed back Misao's belongings, the drawings, the notebook, the diary, everything.
"I..." Misao started. "I don't know what to say. I can't pretend not to know a thing about you once I found you. But I can't pretend to be your girlfriend either. And you might think in the same way."
"Yes. This is weird."
Misao glanced at her watch.
"Aoshi, I need to go to work. But please don't go away."
"What do you mean?"
"I've been wanting to meet you and talk to you since I first read your name among my stuff. In order to solve this thing, we need to work together. As a group. I won't force you into anything, but I need your help." With that she stood up. Aoshi followed.
"We'll find the answers." Once Aoshi finished saying this, he unexpectedly hugged Misao close to him. Misao froze.
Aoshi whispered in her ear something that, to Misao, it sounded much like "I will remember you, sooner or later. I won't give up on you."
Misao surrounded him with her arms for a moment and then they broke apart.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Misao said.
"Of course."
Then, each other went their respective ways.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
A/N: I think that'll be chapter 4, poeple..! Whew, longest chapter ever written for this fic..! Dialogue-intensive chapter, I know. However, I'm pretty satisfied myself.
(1) Ki is something like the energy every person and/or object has inside. When I write about ki-reading, it refers to the ability to notice other people's prescence without looking. Something like "sensing", I guess.
Now, PLEASE people, review..! I got only two reviews for the previous chap. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful. It's actually more than what I expected in the first place. But if I don't get reviews, then I won't know who's reading this. I write just for the fun of it, but I need to know if this is really worth it. So, please, leave a review if you got a moment. [At least write a simple "I read it/I liked it"?] Thank-you. ^_^
As for updates, I guess I'll do that on Fridays, but I still don't know how long it will take me to write next chap. I was inspired in this one, so I wrote it in a day. However, it took more than a week for me to sit down and type. Wish me luck for the following..!
One last note: I guess I'll be including some evil cliffhangers here. I'm dying to, since I love endind a chapter in that way (though I hate them when I'm the one reading..!). Anyway, I wouldn't like to dodge so many proyectiles, so I'll think about it =p
Now the review responses:
Girl-who-sings-the-blues - Here's the fourth chapter, girl! Thank you for your constant support, my faithful reader!! ^_^ What do you think of this chap? You know I'm always looking forward to reading your opinion..! =)
purpo kitee katx - *blush blush* Thank you so much for your support..! I'll keep writing if people keep reviewing..! *hint hint* ^_^ Thanks again!
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao's trip was pretty boring. There was no decent radio station, it seemed; but she didn't give up. She continued searching until she found one with which she was able to forget about her problems for a moment. This way, she spent the time listening to French Affair's "My heart gooes boom" and the like. With her spirits up, she managed to enjoy the rest of her journey.
Things were clearing a bit now, but how would Misao find this Aoshi guy?
First things first... she'll have to talk to her kempo teacher. And find a new job. And settle down in a nice apartment. And try not to meet her parents when going out. Yeah, that was simple. ... right?
Misao sighed and kept on driving.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
'Finally... back home.' Aoshi thought.
As his group of relatively close friends of the Army lived minutes away from each other, they decided to travel back to their hometown together.
When it was Aoshi's turn to get out of the car, one guy called out for him when he was about to enter his house.
"Man, remember we're celebrating tonight. Get some rest and we'll pick you up at night."
"I said I'd think about it. Nothing definite."
"I'm confirming it for you. C'mon, buddy, it won't do you any harm. See ya later." And with that, he waved and the group drove away.
Once inside, Aoshi decided to have a nice and well-deserved bath. When he got out of the bathroom, he slept for a while. After all, he had a couple of hours left before night.
After a half-hour rest, Aoshi got up and went directly to his computer. He logged on and surfed the net for a while, checking his e-mail account and such.
Soon, Aoshi found out it was high time he got ready to go out. It was nearly 9 pm. He grabbed a pair of jeans and a simple black shirt and put them on. Then, he combed a bit his hair, which was no longer wet. After that, he sat on his couch in the living room and turned the tv on.
An hour later, the doorbell rang. And there were his comrades.
"Hey, Ice-man..!"
Aoshi's salute was a brief wave of the hand and a nod. He got in the car and they left, heading downtown.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao had arrived once more to her beloved hometown. Shockingly, she found a nice and cheap apartment to stay at, not far away from the city center (not to mention far enough from her former home). It was late afternoon, so she had a quick shower, got dressed and left to find somewhere to eat and have a drink.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Aoshi and his group entered a bar and, after having some snacks, ordered a couple of drinks. They talked a lot, mostly about them, their families, past, interests, favourite sports, hobbies and such things. Aoshi listened respectfully, ocassionally agreeing with something, or nodding or shaking his head. Let's say he was definitely not the talkative type.
After some hours, the majority of the group was drunk. It was quite obvious, 'cause they talked in a funny way and said inane things. Aoshi was pretty dizzy himself, but he was still able to think straight. He would be the one driving, it seemed.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao went on foot. She walked at her own pace, enjoying the night, which was not too hot, nor too cold. She got inside a popular bar. It was full of people, but she managed to find a nice table.
Just by looking around, she noticed how drunk everybody was (or acted like) and suddenly her idea of having a drink didn't seem completely good. Anyway, she shrugged the thought off and ordered some drinks and, without knowing it, she started drinking out of pure instinct. She concluded that she needed to drink in order to forget. So, that was exactly what she did, something her head and stomach would make her remember the following morning.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
"Wow, look at that girl over there..!!" one of Aoshi's friends practically yelled, pointing directly at Misao. "She'ssh a rrreal babe, I tell youuu..!"
Aoshi glanced in her direction. Have they met before? No, that was impossible, he'd remember if so.
Not even two seconds went by, and the guy who first noticed Misao stood up and went directly to her.
"Hey, baby, what'sssh up?"
"Bugger off. I'm not in the mood." Said a semi-drunk Misao.
"C'mon, I jusht wanna talk."
The guy grabbed Misao's hand, which was over the table holding a drink.
"Let go. Now."
"What if I d---"
Suddenly, this guy's face met Misao's fist. Seeing this, Aoshi stood up immediately and went to retrieve his friend.
"Hideki, come on, that's enough. Let her be." Aoshi said, always looking directly at Misao. Hideki didn't look like he noticed he had just received a blow to the head.
"Who are you?" Misao asked once she locked her eyes with Aoshi's.
"Doesn't matter. I'm here to take back my friend. I'm sorry, he's a tad drunk."
"Well, he's being an ass."
"I know."
And with that, Aoshi took hold of Hideki and signalled the other guys to try and stand up on their own in order to go back home. For one night, it was more than enough. Especially when he was the only one sober enough to take care of five drunk asses.
When he got everybody in the car, he noticed Misao had also got out of the bar. Aoshi stared at her for some minutes. She started walking as if nothing had happened.
'Why is it that I'm feeling this weird? As if I knew the girl. I don't believe in love at first sight. But how can I explain what I feel now? Must be plain curiosity.'
Aoshi interrupted his train of thoughts, started the car and drove away.
Everyone was taken home, and Aoshi managed to arrive at home in one piece. He closed the front door behind him, and plopped down onto his bed once he got in his bedroom.
But it was not until some moments later that Aoshi was able to produce snores. He kept thinking about the dark-haired, blue-eyed girl.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao woke up to find herself awfully desiring an aspirin to make the hangover go away. She barely remembered a drunk guy talking to her, and another one trying to make him go away. Must have been a friend of his. She spent the rest of her Sunday watching tv, or surfing the net. Nothing too interesting.
She decided to apply for some part-time job the following day. Maybe at some restaurant or bar, to work as a waitress. She liked that stuff.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
On Monday...
"Hello, how may I help you?"
"Hi. I'm here because I read that you needed waitresses. I wonder if the job is already taken?"
"No, not really. Well, sit down so that we can talk in a more comfortable way."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Oh, you don't have to be so formal, sweetheart. My name's Tae. I run this place. Your face seems familiar to me, have you been here lately?"
"Oh, yes. I came on Saturday night."
"Ah, I thought so. Okay, what's your name?"
"I'm Misao. Makimachi Misao."
"And tell me, why is it that you want the job?"
"Basically, because I'm now on my own, if you know what I mean, and I need a job. I chose to apply for a part-time one because I think I'm not really cut out for the full-time ones. I guess I don't like rutine very much."
"Of course. I assume you don't have experience as a waitress, am I right?"
"Yes. In fact, this would be my first job ever. But, well, I'd like to try."
"How old are you, Misao?"
"22."
"Oh, yeah? You look younger to me."
"That's what everybody says." Misao replied with a smile.
"At the moment, we need more people working during the night shift, that is from 9 pm to 2 am, and the morning one, from 7 am to 12 pm. So you may choose."
"Does this mean I'm already in?"
"Why, of course, darling. You are pretty nice and apparently sociable. I don't think you'll be a problem at all. All you've got to do is be organized with the orders and maintain your balance whenever carrying them as well. So, what do you say, Misao?"
"Of course I agree, Ms Tae."
"Oh, no, no "Ms" for me. "Tae" is just fine."
"Yes, Tae."
"Oh, as for the paying thing, you'll get your money, which will be deposited in a bank account, plus the tips you may receive. So, which shift will you choose?"
"I think I'll start with the night one. Is it possible for me to change it after some time?"
"Yes, of course. And you can work two shifts a day as well. Just you tell me so and that'll be it."
"Wonderful. When can I start?"
"I'd like you to come today. And you've got your Sundays free. And, obviously, if you need to stay at home, you can just call in sick, there'll be no problem. Everything can be discussed."
"That's great."
"Okay. Let me get the papers you gotta sign and that's all."
"Sure."
Minutes later...
"Here." Tae handed Misao the forms she needed to fill in and sign. Misao did as she was told.
"Okay, be here ten or fifteen minutes before starting your shift so that I can explain some little things to you. You'll be wearing jeans and a white shirt to go with an apron we'll give you tonight. Is that ok with you?"
"Of course."
"Well, then. I need to get back to work. See you later, Misao."
"Bye, Tae."
Misao was so happy..! She got a nice job, with a nice boss, she would be getting good money according to what Tae said, and she could start that very night.
She really needed to set her mind in some things other than Aoshi and her parents.
After returning home from a shopping trip in which she bought a decent pair of jeans and a nice white shirt as Tae requested, she had a quick shower and devoted some of her time to eating lunch and reading the newspaper.
Some time later, she got dressed, braided her hair, grabbed her purse and car keys and drove away heading Tae's bar, the "Akabeko".
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
*riiiing*
"Hello?"
"Ice-man there?"
"Yeah, what's up, Hideki?"
"Hey, buddy..! I've been thinking... wouldn't you like to go to the Akabeko again?"
"And carry your drunk self out of the place when the night's over? No, thanks."
"C'mon, I'm not doing that again. You won't believe how much money I spent in order to buy the goddamn pills that would take away the terrible headache I had. I thought that it'd be cool to meet again, pal. You can't say you didn't have a good time. Plus, I talked with the other guys and no one is available, but I really want to go out today, I'm bored out of my mind lately."
"I'm not sure about it."
"Do you have anything to do tonight?"
"No, not really."
"Well, then, come with me!"
"*sigh* Alright."
"That's the spirit..! I'll be there at around 10, alright?"
"Okay."
"Good. Well, see you later."
"'Later."
Both hung up.
Aoshi turned on the tv and watched a football match out of pure boredom. That was when he remembered he had to go back to his old rutine and start training once again, he'd forget how to fight (not to mention he'd get fatter) if he didn't.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
"Misao..!! Over here..!"
"Hello, Tae..!"
"Nervous?"
"A bit, in fact."
"Don't worry, it'll be fine. Don't forget today's Monday. We don't get as much clients as during Saturdays and by the time next Saturday comes, you'll be already accustomed to the working pace. Come, I've got your things right here..!"
Misao rounded the counter and entered the staff room. Tae handed her the Akabeko's apron, a stack of papers glued together where Misao would be marking the orders she took, a pen and pencil, and a corkscrew. And then, Tae introduced Misao to the rest of the people of the night shift.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Aoshi and Hideki entered the Akabeko. They found a nice table and sat at it while waiting for some waitress to come. Misao happened to be around when two guys entered the bar and sat, and so she went to take their orders.
'Hey, now look at this guy...' Misao thought, referring to Aoshi. 'Hmm, he's... for lack of a better word... fucking gorgeous. Nice smile, check. Now let's go.'
"Hello, guys, may I take your order?"
Aoshi was surprised to see the very same person again. The girl who was drinking and hit his friend. Hideki also realized she was the same girl.
"You were here on Saturday night, right?"
"Yes, indeed. How do you know?"
"I was the guy bothering you. I apologize. I had been drinking a lot."
"Oh..! Now I remember..! But it's nothing, really. Let's say I wasn't in the best of moods." Misao turned to Aoshi. "And you are the guy who took him away, aren't you?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, so what will you two order?"
"I dunno, what do you say Ice-man? Pizza and beer?"
"Sure, whatever you like."
"So, a pizza and two beers."
"Okay, I'll be right back."
Minutes later...
Hideki stood up and went to the bathroom. Then Misao approached Aoshi and delivered his order.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Uhm," Aoshi said just when Misao was about to go away. "Have we met before?"
"Uh, I don't think so. Apart from the thing on Saturday, I mean."
"There's something curious about you, but I can't put my finger on it."
"Okay, so instead of imagining your 'finger' anywhere near me, why don't you just use it to eat your pizza? I'm sure we haven't met before, and that's that, whatever pick up line you choose."
"It was not intended that way. It was not a pick up line."
"Whatever you say, big guy."
Misao turned around and left.
Some hours later, when Aoshi and Hideki finished eating and drinking, they paid the bill and left.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Misao arrived home very tired and without further ado, she went to sleep.
The following day, she woke up at around 11.30 and decided to go to the training hall to ask her kempo instructor about Aoshi. The curiosity was killing her.
Minutes later, she arrived there. She went directly to her teacher's office hoping he was there. Before she could knock, her instructor said, "Come in, Misao." Ki-reading (1). Cool stuff.
"Hello, Mr Kanzaki."
"Hello, Misao. What happened that you didn't showed up before?"
"It's a long story, really. But as you can see, I'm back. I'll continue with my training. And I also need some answers from you." Misao said as she sat down.
"What's the matter?"
"I need you to talk to me about Aoshi."
"Aoshi? But, I don't understand, why?"
"I told you it's a long thing to explain and, honestly, I'm not sure I'm ready to tell you or anybody for that matter."
"Okay. We'll leave it at that. Whenever you feel like talking, you know I'll always listen to you."
"Thank you."
"Now, what is it that you'd like to know?"
"I know all I'm going to tell you may sound confusing. But ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies. Please."
Mr Kanzaki nodded.
"I used to train here together with Aoshi and other people, right?"
"Yes."
"What happened to him?"
"What do you mean? I was about to ask you the same thing the other day when you came to collect some things from your locker. The last bit of news I had about him was that he was going to go to War."
"Do you happen to have a photograph of him?"
"Uh, no. I don't have any, sorry. But, what for?"
"I need to see his face."
"He called me earlier today and told me he would start his training again today. He'll be here at any moment. You may see him then."
"You're not joking? I'll be seeing him?"
"If you wait for him here, yes."
"What was I to him?"
"What do you mean? You were his girlfriend. Misao, child, I don't get your point."
"I'm sorry I can't explain anything to you now, Mr Kanzaki. I need to go."
"Wouldn't you like to meet Aoshi?"
"I don't think I'm prepared yet. Do you happen to have his phone number?"
"Yes, indeed. Let me see..." Mr Kanzaki opened Aoshi's database in the computer on his desk. He wrote down the number and handed it to Misao.
"Here you are."
"Thank you."
"So, will you be coming tomorrow? For your classes?"
"Tomorrow? What do you mean?"
"Oh, right, I didn't tell you. We extended the training sessions. We decided to train every day from Monday to Friday. Is that ok with you?"
"Yeah, that's fine. Okay, so I'll be here tomorrow."
"Okay, then."
"Good bye, Mr Kanzaki. And, please don't tell Aoshi about this."
"Don't worry, I won't. See you later, Misao."
Misao left the training hall and headed straight home.
Once she arrived there, she grabbed the notebook she had found inside her locker and scanned through the pages once more. She dialed Aoshi's number. What would she say?
The telephone on the other end of the line rang and rang, but nobody answered it. 'Oh, right, how stupid I am. He's training. I'll call back later, before work.'
So, Misao had something to eat, had a shower and got ready for work, though it was really early to do so. She dialed Aoshi's number once more.
*riiiing*
"Hello?" said a male voice.
"Uhm, hello. Am I talking to Aoshi?"
"Yes. Who is it?"
"I... I am..."
"Well? Who are you?"
"... My name's Misao."
"Sorry, I don't think I know any Misao."
"I didn't think I knew any Aoshi either."
"Then I don't know why you're calling me."
"*sigh* This is weird. And what I'm going to tell you will sound weird as well. I don't remember anything about you, but everything and everyone says that I'm, in a way, connected to you."
"I don't know what you mean."
"I've got proofs. And everyone says you're my boyfriend."
"I'm sorry, but I don't have any girlfriend."
"I don't know how to make you believe in what I'm saying, Aoshi."
"We've talked for too long, you've invented things for too long. I need to go now."
"What??! I'm telling the truth, please do not hang up..!" At this, Misao stood up from the chair she was sitting on and started to pace around her apartment. In some quick move, her necklace touched her hand.
"Sorry."
"Wait! Just tell me if you have a silver necklace..!"
Aoshi stopped moving. He kinda froze, in fact. "How did you know?"
"Who gave that necklace to you?"
"I don't know. I can't remember."
"Well, that's exactly what happened to me..! You have to believe me..!"
"How do I know you're not kidding? How can you expect me to believe you when you talk about things that, in my opinion, never happened??"
"I'm sorry."
"What?"
"I'm sorry. That's all. One day I woke up without knowing what had happened to me hours before. Some of my memories were gone. That's just... that's just awful... and... I'm doing everything I can to solve this. But I can't..."
"Are you crying?"
"I'm sorry..."
"Let's meet. Let me see your face. Let me convince myself this is not an act."
"... Okay."
"Are you available right now?"
"Yes, but I have work to do later. So it's got to be quick."
"We can meet tomorrow, if you like."
"No." 'Tomorrow I'll see him at the training hall. We gotta see each other before that...' "Let's meet today."
"I'll be in the park near the lake. You know that place?"
'That was where we used to meet, according to what my diary says.' "Sure, I know. How will I recognize you?"
"Let's use our necklaces. Let it be visible."
"Okay. When?"
"In fifteen minutes?"
"Sure."
"Good bye."
"Bye."
Both hung up.
Misao rushed to the bathroom to make herself presentable, rubbing off her tears. She then grabbed a bag and placed inside it her notebook and her mother's diary. She left.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
Aoshi got in his car and drove towards the park. This was crazy.
When he got there, he searched for a woman sporting a silver necklace. The place wasn't as crowded as usual, so it would be easier for them to meet. ... If the phonecall was for real. But he didn't really think it was a joke. He just wanted to make sure.
He spotted the Akabeko waitress getting out of her car, locking the doors and then walking around the park as if looking for someone. Then he saw it. The necklace.
Misao started looking for a guy with a silver necklace. What if he didn't come?
Someone approached her and, as she looked his way, she realized it was the guy she had served at the Akabeko. She wondered if he would be actually coming to say hey.
Aoshi stood just in front of her. "Hello." He said.
"Hi. Uh, sorry, I'm looking for someone now. I guess I'll see you later." Misao turned to go but Aoshi stopped her by catching hold of her arm.
"What---" Misao started, but soon stopped herself as Aoshi raised his necklace to her eye level. "Can't be... Are you Aoshi?"
"You must be Misao." He said and let go of her arm.
For a moment they stood there, as if really trying to figure out if they were related in any way.
"Let's sit for a while." Aoshi suggested.
Both sat down and, again, stayed silent. That was until Misao spoke up.
"I'm sorry I called you, but I really need answers. I don't know if you'll have those, but that's everything I can do now."
"How can you be so sure about me being your boyfriend?"
"You train with Mr Kanzaki, right?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
"You used to train with me as well. We were partners. We first met there. I found my notebook in my locker. I used to write some things about you." Misao said as she blushed.
"We trained together? You wrote about me?"
"You can ask Mr Kanzaki. He'll tell you about me. You participated in the Army, am I wrong?"
"No, you aren't. How do you know?"
"Do these drawings mean anything to you?" Misao handed the two drawings she found in her notebook.
Aoshi scanned the two pieces of paper. It was him the guy that was standing with the sword. He read the "Misao, August 16" part. Then he saw the other drawing, the one with a super-deformed Misao. He also read the message: "To the perky kunoichi wannabe. With much love, Aoshi." He recognized his handwriting.
"I... remember this drawing. I did it." He said, referring to the last one, sounding as if he was really surprised at what he was saying.
"You sure?"
"Yeah. That's my handwriting too. There's no doubt about it."
"Then you'll recognize this..." Misao said as she handed the little "Meet me at our usual spot in the park, at around five in the afternoon" message.
"I don't remember writing it, but that's my handwriting as well."
"Then, we really used to date. That's what my notes say."
Aoshi made eye-contact with her as she gave him her notebook. He began reading it, blushing when reading some parts. Then...
"This," he said, pointing at her last message "happened a day before I went off to War."
"And the same day I got my memory erased. I suppose yours has been taken away too."
"What's this memory erasing thing?"
"Read my mother's journal. It'll explain things a bit."
Moments later, Aoshi handed back Misao's belongings, the drawings, the notebook, the diary, everything.
"I..." Misao started. "I don't know what to say. I can't pretend not to know a thing about you once I found you. But I can't pretend to be your girlfriend either. And you might think in the same way."
"Yes. This is weird."
Misao glanced at her watch.
"Aoshi, I need to go to work. But please don't go away."
"What do you mean?"
"I've been wanting to meet you and talk to you since I first read your name among my stuff. In order to solve this thing, we need to work together. As a group. I won't force you into anything, but I need your help." With that she stood up. Aoshi followed.
"We'll find the answers." Once Aoshi finished saying this, he unexpectedly hugged Misao close to him. Misao froze.
Aoshi whispered in her ear something that, to Misao, it sounded much like "I will remember you, sooner or later. I won't give up on you."
Misao surrounded him with her arms for a moment and then they broke apart.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Misao said.
"Of course."
Then, each other went their respective ways.
-..-..-..-..-..-..-
A/N: I think that'll be chapter 4, poeple..! Whew, longest chapter ever written for this fic..! Dialogue-intensive chapter, I know. However, I'm pretty satisfied myself.
(1) Ki is something like the energy every person and/or object has inside. When I write about ki-reading, it refers to the ability to notice other people's prescence without looking. Something like "sensing", I guess.
Now, PLEASE people, review..! I got only two reviews for the previous chap. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful. It's actually more than what I expected in the first place. But if I don't get reviews, then I won't know who's reading this. I write just for the fun of it, but I need to know if this is really worth it. So, please, leave a review if you got a moment. [At least write a simple "I read it/I liked it"?] Thank-you. ^_^
As for updates, I guess I'll do that on Fridays, but I still don't know how long it will take me to write next chap. I was inspired in this one, so I wrote it in a day. However, it took more than a week for me to sit down and type. Wish me luck for the following..!
One last note: I guess I'll be including some evil cliffhangers here. I'm dying to, since I love endind a chapter in that way (though I hate them when I'm the one reading..!). Anyway, I wouldn't like to dodge so many proyectiles, so I'll think about it =p
Now the review responses:
Girl-who-sings-the-blues - Here's the fourth chapter, girl! Thank you for your constant support, my faithful reader!! ^_^ What do you think of this chap? You know I'm always looking forward to reading your opinion..! =)
purpo kitee katx - *blush blush* Thank you so much for your support..! I'll keep writing if people keep reviewing..! *hint hint* ^_^ Thanks again!