Secrets in the Sun

Misao gasped awake as though she had been thrashing about, starved of oxygen and stared around the villa she woke up in. Resting by her side was none other then Aoshi, the leather clad barman who was not clad in a single piece of clothing at all. He was sleeping on his stomach, smooth skin (besides the random scars lining his back and a couple on his legs) facing her while pale moonlight flickered in through the opened window and doorway. Instantly Misao felt a flush rush to her cheeks while the churning in her stomach began. She remembered where Aoshi's bathroom was and instantly ran for it, vomiting loudly into the toilet.

She'd just slept with a stranger. She'd just had intercourse with a man she'd met only yesterday. She had just been involved in the hottest passionate sex of her young life with an employee of the resort! Her she was, on an island in Hawaii having sex with another man while she knew (and so did he) that her fiancée was sleeping not too far from where they were Misao jerked up at the sudden hand on her bare shoulder as she found calm green eyes glancing at her.

"Are you alright?" Came the deep voice in the palely lit bathroom. Aoshi pulled Misao's tangled strands of hair away from her face, but before Misao could even answer him another bout of sickness hit her in a flash and she was facing the bowl once more.

"Please go…please leave me be…" Misao mumbled over and over again before she found herself alone in the bathroom. She sat shaking on the floor of the small villa bathroom and tears welled in her eyes. She'd just…had an affair.

XxXxXxX

Aoshi himself sat on his bed Indian style with the comforter wrapped around his lower half. He would sit here and patiently wait for Misao to emerge because there was no way she could escape without him realizing. The window in the bathroom was far too small, even for someone as petite as Misao to try and escape through. Turning to look at his watch on the night stand Aoshi read it was 4 in the morning. The sun would rise in exactly an hour and a half. Aoshi knew Misao needed time to herself to comprehend what had just occurred between them, but he also knew she needed to get back to her villa before her fiancée awoke as well. Hopefully he was a deep sleeper.

A creak of the bathroom door alerted Aoshi that Misao was coming out and he found her with his white towel wrapped around her body. He was about ready to voice something when Misao interjected.

"Please don't say a word. I just need to get my things, get dressed and get the hell out of here without you saying a thing Aoshi-san. I need to forget what happened last night."

"If that is what you want, I will not stop you." Misao glared over at him as she threw her dress on and then pulled the towel free from her body once she knew all skin was covered even if the memories of Aoshi's hands had pretty much explored every curve of her body.

"This was a mistake. It will never happen again."

"…"

"Why the hell are you so calm for?" Misao fisted her hands when Aoshi didn't voice anything. Her face reddened as she noticed Aoshi was nakedly sitting on his bed watching her frantically move about his villa.

"I don't believe in mistakes."

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Misao yelled at Aoshi as she tugged on her underwear, before throwing Aoshi his white shirt. "I'm engaged! Engaged, do you hear me? I have a fiancée for crying out loud!"

"Who doesn't need to know about this…" At that Misao stopped in her search for her missing bra and plonked herself down in the chair at the table.

"Y-You won't tell?" She stuttered in questioning Aoshi, her heart and stomach twisting because of what she had done behind Soujiro's back, but not only that for what she had just placed onto Aoshi into as well.

"Why would I? What happens on the island stays on the island…or in this case in the villa. You have no reason to fear me."

"But why, why are you so calm?" Misao waited for Aoshi to answer but when he didn't her eyes grew wide in realisation and she practically fell to the floor.

"Oh my god you've done this before. What is this, some sick profession you have at swindling females away from their respected partners or something?" Misao's eyes grew wide at the sudden rough jerk of her chin being lifted up as she stared widely into narrowed icy orbs.

"Don't ever turn me into the bad guy." Misao's breath hitched in her throat when lips drew closer to her own, Aoshi's eyes practically piercing into her now haunted soul. "You are the first to ever make me loose control like that." With that Misao brought up her shaking hands to her face (to caress her swollen lips) as Aoshi backed off and sat on his bed, elbows on his knees and hands holding his head as he stared down at his feet.

"I…I'm sorry…" Misao mumbled out, not truly sure how to go bout this since she'd never done anything like this in her life…and never thought she would as well.

"It is not your fault."

"YES IT IS!" Misao snapped as she stood to her full height and began to pace the villa. "I just slept with you with no consideration of Sou-chan's feelings and no consideration of your feelings as well. God I'm awful."

"You are not." Misao stopped pacing at hearing those words, her eyes locking onto smoldering green orbs. "I also initiated this, knowing you have a partner as well. I could have stopped you, but I didn't. If it is anyone to blame then I…" There was no need to go any further when Aoshi was surprised to say the least when Misao had thrust herself into his arms, head resting against his chest as she kneeled on the ground before him.

"Misao…?" Aoshi remarked but only felt Misao's hands clutch at his tanned skin on his back. She silently held him for all she was worth and so Aoshi felt compelled to return the embrace with one of his own as he bent his head, placing it atop of Misao's. Misao basked in the sheer comfort and warmth that this very barman was giving off to her. He hugged her desperately, like he was clutching at oxygen and it made Misao's heart flutter with new found emotions she didn't know she had in her. With thoughts fleeting of Soujiro while she hugged this very man, Misao abruptly let go and stumbled to her feet.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go." Misao murmured and raced out of the villa, hands flying to her face as she brushed tears away. Rushing down the three steps and onto the beach, Misao made her way back to the resort but once she found the villa where Soujiro slept soundly, she couldn't possibly go inside. Soujiro was supposed to be part of her life, but when she didn't even know what she wanted in life how could she possibly attach herself to someone? Stepping away from the villa, Misao moved to the clam shoreline and fell into the wet sand, tears streaming down her face.

XxXxXxX

The sun peaked over the horizon as Misao looked over at it. She'd hardly slept a wink or more importantly she hadn't slept since she ran away from Aoshi. Not only that, but Misao continued to remain in the sand, salt water rushing about her as low waves crashed to the shore. She was drenched from her waist downwards, with the ends of her long blue-black hair matted with sand, salt water and the occasional loose seaweed. Shivering in the cold waters Misao wasn't sure if she could stand up or not but a whisper on the breeze of her name made her turn her head over her shoulder. Not too far from her stood a confused and slightly worried Soujiro.

"Misao-chan it's far too early to be in the water. What are you doing up at this hour?" He questioned her as he headed on over wearing a pair of navy blue shorts, light blue shirt and a pair of flip flops. It wasn't the usual business like Seta Soujiro and only for the fact it was far too early to impress anyone at this hour.

"I'm sorry!" Misao yelled at him, watching as he stopped in his tracks not having a clue what she was on about. Not being able to voice anything else, Misao staggered to her feet and fell into Soujiro's arms, weeping on his shoulder as her eyes were clenched tightly closed.

"Misao, what is wrong with you? Is it because we didn't go for the walk on the beach?" Soujiro was at a loss of what to do with this over emotional Misao and instead pat her lightly on the back and held her to him until she was finished. As Misao's cries lightened, she pried her eyes open but just as she did that, her blurry vision caught a certain someone dressed in leather pants and a white button down shirt and black sneakers head on past, his attention not even on them. Misao stiffened as she watched Aoshi head on past, hands thrust in his pockets without a care in the world and yet she knew he was doing this all because of her.

"You are frozen like ice Misao-chan, go shower before you become sick. That cannot happen when you have yet to go on any tours." Soujiro spoke as he walked Misao to their villa. Pulling her into the bathroom, Soujiro turned on the hot water, grabbed one of the towels from the closet and a robe as well.

"Get yourself warm and we'll go have breakfast by the pool." With that he left her be and yet Misao's mind kept bringing her images of actions from last night by the mere mention of 'pool'. She needed to try and avoid Aoshi as much as possible so no word would come out about her little one night escapade to Soujiro. She did love him, truly she did, but there were things in life right now that Misao felt were too complicated to try and explain or understand. Instead as she showered she decided to put on a cheerful face, act like nothing happened and go on tours…professional tours this time.

XxXxXxX

Exiting the bathroom Misao was dressed in a red and black sarong with a plain red tank top. Placing on her flip flops once more Misao came out with wet hair and toweled it dry or as dry as she could get it before placing it back into its customary plait. Heading outside she found Soujiro on the porch waiting for her and by now it was around 6:30 and taking his hand Misao followed Soujiro towards the resort.

"Would you like to eat inside or out Misao-chan?" Soujiro questions as they walked around the pools, Misao eyes very much away from the bars as she pointed inside. Sitting themselves by the window Misao sighed thinking she was away from Aoshi but made a slight 'ack' and coughed loudly when Aoshi walked towards their table.

"Good morning, have you decided what you will be eating for breakfast?"

"We'll have the buffet. Please charge it to our villa."

"Not a problem, please help yourselves." Aoshi calmly replied back as he headed off to serve another couple that had just walked in and sat down.

XxXxXxX

While Soujiro was getting himself something to eat Misao was adamantly watching Aoshi seeting up a table nearby. With eyes darting between the two man (one inappropriately in her life) Misao headed on over to Aoshi.

"What the hell are you doing here? Wish to guilt me even more?" She grumbled to Aoshi who did nothing but continue with what he was doing.

"I work here Misao-san. Morning I do this, afternoons and sometimes evenings I'll do the bar around the poolside. I place no guilt on you as you are doing that perfectly fine on your own." Misao gapped at Aoshi and then her eyes widened as Soujiro walked towards the both of them.

"Aoshi-san is it?" Soujiro questioned and Aoshi nodded in affirmation. "I apologise about my behaviour last night, I was quite tired." Soujiro smiled up at Aoshi, his hand out to shake Aoshi's hand and quietly the taller man took it. Turning away from Aoshi, Soujiro finally faced the slightly wide eyed Misao.

"Are you going to eat Misao-chan? The food is superb."

"Ah, sure, yeah I'm coming." Misao remarked, but before she could wonder far her oblivious fiancée piped up again.

"Ah that is right, Aoshi-san you showed Misao-chan around yesterday right?" Again there was a slight nod of the head from the usual barman. "Fantastic, Misao-chan needs some company while I'm dealing with business so I'd like it if you could show her around some more. Take her to the islands or to the markets or swimming, whatever it may be as long as she is smiling and happy and not being alone."

"If that is alright with her, then I'll do as you wish." Aoshi calmly remarked while Misao's heart was hammering in her chest at listening to Soujiro suggest such a thing.

"Of course it would be. I haven't heard Misao-chan be so carefree like that since we met, so just bring her back safe and sound and there will be no problems between us, okay?"

"Aa…" And with that supposedly settled without Misao even being apart of the discussion Aoshi headed off when the kitchen bell rang as some customers didn't want the buffet. Misao plonked herself down in the chair, eyes blinking over at Soujiro as he ate bacon and eggs on toast.

"S-Soujiro, I would like you to come with me." Misao voiced, not sure what would happen if she was once again left alone with Aoshi. She had after all initiated the first moves.

"You know that is not possible. I'm looking over the designs for 'SETA' to be placed not too far from this resort. We'd practically go into a partnership so this is very important for me Misao-chan. You already know this." With those words as a 'final' Misao stood up and headed for the buffet, ready to stuff her face as she sulked. Well not really sulked, more like worried of what the day would bring when her and Soujiro would part to leave her in Aoshi's "capable" hands. Heading back to the table with freshly squeezed pineapple juice and an omelet Misao sat down once more.

"That reminds me, I must contact your employer Aoshi-san."

"Why must you do that?" Misao questioned while taking a gulp of her pineapple juice trying to ignore the said barman who was setting up another table no too far from the one she was sitting at with Soujiro.

"He'll be spending all his time with you so I need to inform them of this change in his usual daily activities." And with that Misao spewed out her pineapple juice…and unfortunately…right onto Soujiro's face.

"He is WHAT?" Misao shrieked while grabbing the napkin to pat at Soujiro's startled face. Aoshi had almost lost his cool (at this latest news) with dropping the cutlery, but he was a little less obvious then Misao.

"I don't wish for you to be alone all the time Misao-chan, so I'm placing you under Aoshi-san's care. I'll have meetings all day long and I know how bored you get if you aren't doing something."

"Are you sure this is necessary Soujiro-san. I'm sure your fiancée can take care of herself pretty well." Aoshi remarked, having felt the unease in Misao's ki.

"I'll be seeing your employer as soon as I'm done here, so please be ready to collect Misao at out villa 206 in exactly one hour." With that stern notion in his voice all Aoshi could do was bow lightly to them and head on his way to finish what he could before thinking on where the hell he was going to take a very agitated Misao.

XxXxXxX

"Soujiro this isn't necessary. I can go on my own." Misao complained as she sat on the bed while Soujiro was in the bathroom placing on a business suit.

"Misao-chan you always love company and you seemed perfectly fine with him yesterday afternoon. What has changed since then?"

"Nothing!" Misao snapped out a little too quickly. "I just think some time to myself would be a good thing." She concluded hoping it didn't sound suspicious. The bathroom door opened to reveal Soujiro and a grey suit as he fixed up his tie.

"And I know you cannot speak the language let alone English and need guidance of the best places to go. Aoshi is an employee here, I'm sure he has been one for sometime now so he will go with you. I've given you my blessings to be around him."

"Blessing…? I don't need your blessing to be around people!" A knock at the door halted the beginning of an argument as Aoshi stood outside, hand still slightly raised.

"Is this a bad time?" He voiced calmly but had heard what Soujiro had stated.

"Of course not, Misao-chan you take your bag and go and have fun." Aoshi raised his eyebrow as he watched Soujiro kiss Misao. He was treating Misao like she was a child and instead of witnessing Misao in full complaining mood, he instead observed as she snatched her bag and stormed out of the villa, the door slamming closed shut.

"This is my number, if anything goes wrong." Soujiro handed Aoshi his business card as he locked the villa and headed off first with brief case in hand.

"So 'SETA' will be moving to Hawaii then?" Aoshi pretty much spoke to himself as Misao swung her back and stewed on her thoughts while walking next to him. "When females get angry they like to shop, care to go to the markets?" Aoshi questioned Misao as they headed towards reception.

"Sure…" Misao grumbled out as she followed Aoshi to wait for the complimentary transport into town.

XxXxXxX

In Town

"Misao you might as well forget what's happened in the last hour or so and just enjoy yourself." Aoshi remarked as he pulled Misao into a beach store.

"At least look at something instead of grumbling to yourself. I can wait and go anywhere you wish. I know how to bargain people down in the markets quite well."

"Fine, I'll enjoy myself and Sou-chan can pay for it all!" Misao fumed as she snatched some items from the rack and headed for the change rooms.

While waiting for Misao, Aoshi roamed to the men's section and flipped through some shirt racks as he eyed shirts that had pal trees or beach scenes on them or rather crude sayings.

"Oh darlin' that looks fantastic on you!" And with that creepy girl-man voice echoing through the store Aoshi completely froze, his head jerking in the direction the voice came from. His eyes grew wide at noticing a certain "man" flaunting around in a hot pink shirt and black shorts while complimenting a crept out guy at the men's change room section. Just when the sales assistant was about to turn around, Aoshi ducked for cover landing on all fours and began mentally slapping himself for not realizing that this flirt and his biggest "fangirl" worked in this store. Quickly making his way to Misao's change room Aoshi cringed when he heard,

"I'll be back in a jiffy, I have to check on the girls change rooms to see if anyone needs help." Instantly Aoshi was on his feet and he tapped on Misao's door.

"Are you dressed?"

"Well kind of…HEY!" Misao yelled as Aoshi pushed the door open and slammed it closed, mentally taking note that Misao looked pretty good in that bikini. She was beet red but his hand slapped over her mouth before she could shout at him.

"Act natural for me, I just need to hide for like two minutes in here." And with that Misao watched with eyebrows raised as Aoshi pressed his back to one wall and lifted his feet up to pressed the sole of his sneakers into the other wall so no one could see that there were in fact two people in the stall.

"Is everything alright in there Miss?" Came the giggly voice and Misao made a face at Aoshi before saying 'everything was fine'. With that said and done Aoshi listened to light bouncy footsteps head off and he sighed as he placed his feet back onto the ground.

"What the hell was that about?" Misao fumed, hands on hips and forgetting her state of dress as she eyed Aoshi for an explanation.

"You'll find out when you go to purchase that."

"Who said I'm buying this?"

"Why not? It looks good on you." And with that Misao flushed and Aoshi let out a slight cough. That wasn't what he was supposed to let slip. "I'll…wait for you outside the store." Aoshi exited the stall while Misao changed back into her outfit from this morning and then paid for the bikini. Passing through the store she stopped at a shirt rack, quickly skimmed through it, smiled evilly and went back to purchase the goods. Oh this would get him back for sure at making her blush.

"Shall we continue on?" Aoshi remarked as he placed sunglasses over his eyes, the bright sun beaming down upon them. Misao sighed lightly as she looked over his baggy black jeans clad form with a white tight singlet and a opened plain dark green shirt over the top.

"Hai…" She mumbled and stuck close to Aoshi as they made their way through the markets. Every now and then Misao couldn't help but brush up against him because of the people walking by. It was crowded after all. His musky scent would instantly attack her heightened senses and Misao groaned lightly under her breath at this slow torture of not being able to touch him because of her own stubbornness.

It was going to be a long day.

# To be continued… #

Authors Notes: Phew! Thank Kami-sama that's over and done with. Of course the next chapter will have a lot of editing in it…well unless you are at SLAOML, but yes it is now time for me to get off my butt and crank out an update to Pretty Man and Aishiteru now.