The Night Life: Round 6
Aoshi tucked Misao closer as he made his way to the door. Seeing Enishi after so many years made him wary; it took him back to a time he wanted to forget. A time of great loss, a time that changed him forever. Looking down at her, he couldn't believe he had finally found her after so long.
The last time he had seen Misao had been after losing his comrades in arms, after he had turned into what he was now. He was taken back in time, remembering the deaths of Hanya, Shikijo, Beshimi and Hyotoko; he had turned into an avenging angel after that night at Kanryu's, wanting only revenge and what he thought was justice from the Battosai. He remembered seeing Misao after the confrontation with Okina when he had tried to turn her away from what he had become. She had never lost her faith in him and when he had come home to her and the rest of the family, she welcomed him with open arms and tears.
"Aoshi?" Misao asked, bringing him back to the present. He looked down at her, noticing nothing had changed about her in the over 100 years that had passed.
"I'm fine. I thought you'd like to get away from the noise and people." he answered, wondering if Misao could remember him from her previous life, if the memories could be revived. He watched as a smile transformed her face and made her eyes sparkle like he remembered.
As they stepped out into the darkness, Aoshi's senses came to full alert as he tried to ascertain if danger surrounded them. He was being extra cautious since encountering Enishi. Then there was Misao to consider--he wasn't about to lose her again. Once had been more than enough; he had not been able to save her 100 years ago, had been too late to stop the disease from ravaging her and leaving him to mourn her passing. He looked down at her, smiling as he remembered the difference in their heights and how it used to vex her.
Hearing her sigh, he too sighed as they both enjoyed the quiet as compared to inside the club. "Where would you like to go?" he asked taking her hand in his as they started walking.
Misao, thrilled to be alone with her perfect man, thought for a minute. "Anywhere, as long as it's with you." She loved the feel of his hand holding hers. For some strange reason, she felt safe and protected being with him; she didn't feel the usual wariness she usually had with men she had known for so short a time. Walking with him felt right and
comfortable, as if they had known each other for years instead of minutes.
She lost track of time as they continued walking, Aoshi still holding her hand and guiding her through the crowds. Suddenly Aoshi stopped and pushed her behind him; she peeked around his tall form, vexed with being so short and saw a man with silver hair and tinted glasses standing in their way. She thought she saw him at the club and wondered if he was following them and if so why? She could feel the change in Aoshi, he became tenser and she thought she could feel his aura change.
"Aoshi?"
"Stay behind me and do exactly as I say, Misao." He could feel her nod against his back as her hands clutched his trench coat. "What do you want, Enishi?" Aoshi asked coldly.
"Tsk tsk, tsk. My, my, my Aoshi. Is that any way to greet an old friend?" Enishi coyly replied.
"Old friend?! We were never that." Aoshi tucked a hand inside his coat, feeling the hilt of one of his kodachis' conform to his palm. He would never allow Enishi near Misao.
"Always so protective of her. I see that hasn't changed in all these years. "Enishi laughed softly. "Does she even know, Aoshi? Does she know what you are and your connection?"
"Shut up!" Aoshi said in the coldest voice Misao had ever heard. She wondered what the strange man was talking about, what connection? She felt Aoshi tense and begin to move to physically confront the other man.
"Now, now. I'm just saying hello." Enishi told Aoshi as he walked passed them and into the crowd, "We'll see each other again soon." Was the promise whispered.
Misao moved to stand before Aoshi, "Are you alright?" Concern etching her features.
Aoshi lifted a hand to cup her cheek, "So like you to ask of me first." he said softly, smiling. "Are you alright?" he countered.
"I'm fine. Couldn't get to me, seeing as I had a wall standing in front of me." she answered, trying to lighten the mood. "Aoshi, what was he talking about--our connection?" she asked perplexed.
Xxxxxx Misao Mei Mei – Your Turn xxxxxX