Pretty Man

Xx The Next Morning xX

Aoshi had even surprised himself that he was up and ready at 9am. There had been a complimentary breakfast down in the restaurant until 10am and thus Aoshi took the chance to taste the cuisine of Chiba.

What Aoshi had found most amusing was the receptionist that had been working last night was again working this morning and when his eyes glanced her way she immediately blushed and began to busy herself. It was apparent she could not look at him because of Misao's little "escapade" last night.

Aoshi sat down at a table he had been shown to and stopped a young woman asking her if she could ask the chef to come on out as he required a favour.

XxXxXxX

Aoshi was just about ready to go for a short walk when he noticed the ever business clad woman walking through the glass doors of the hotel. She was - Aoshi narrowed his eyes - on her mobile phone. He headed straight for her, Misao's hand raised as she looked down at her watch. Once a tall shadow loomed over her, Misao's eyes darted up to narrowed green-grey.

"Omasu I have to go now, but I'll call you tomorrow morning when I'm back in Tokyo as right now the eyes of death are focused upon me." There was a small 'huh' on the other end but Misao gave no explanation to her words and hung up the phone.

"I promise I won't use it anymore." Aoshi's hand was silently out and Misao sighed in exasperation as she handed over the cell phone. Aoshi placed it in his cargo pants pocket and then swiftly turned around to head for the lifts.

"We should leave as soon as possible. I'm not sure what traffic is like around here and we need to begin our drive to Kujukuri-hama Beach."

"So that's where you're taking me." Misao voiced as they headed up to Room 1005.

"Aa, I read it was quite spectacular and stretches 55 kilometers. We could have taken the JR Sobu Line at Choshi Station, but I'm all for driving ourselves there in a rented car, so what do you say?"

"Sounds good to me. I've had enough train rides for awhile." They both fell silent at Misao's words. Aoshi was tempted to say something along the lines of having to head back to Tokyo on the train, but thought he'd best drop it. Hopefully this time there would be a seat for each of them.

"Well then, shall we pack and get going? Everything has been organised by yours truly." Misao eyed Aoshi sceptically at those words but shrugged her shoulders, headed into the bedroom to change. She came back out towing the small suitcase with her dressed in navy blue shorts that stopped mid thigh region and a black tank top. As Aoshi looked her over while placing on his white button down shirt over his black singlet he couldn't help but like this extremely casual looking Misao. Her small bare feet stepped into a pair of flip-flops while Aoshi retied his sneaker shoelaces.

"Ready?" Aoshi questioned and Misao nodded her head as they both headed out the door.

Xx At Reception xX

"I hope you enjoyed your stay Makimachi-san." The receptionist spoke in a friendly voice. She was checking the room on the computer monitor to see whether they had charged any alcohol or in-house movies to the room. There was of course nothing.

"Do have a wonderful stay in Chiba and I hope that we see the both of you again."

"Thank you, but that's highly doubtful for him." Misao muttered while placing the receipt into her bag. The receptionist looked quizzically at Misao and then her eyes drifted up to the mysterious man standing beside her.

"What she means is, she's only using me for sex. So the next time she's here, it'll be with another man."

"WHAT?" Misao had yelled at the top of her lungs. Her ocean blue eyes moved to wide ones belonging to the receptionist and then to several other guests or employees having stopped work or conversations to stare at them.

"Come on Misao-sama, we are wasting valuable time." Aoshi spoke once more deftly turning away from the reception area and the crimson faced Misao. He was heading for the exit when the young waitress from the restaurant was calling out his name. He stopped and turned around as she walked quickly up to him.

"You almost forgot your order Shinomori-san." She held up two plastic bags for him and Aoshi lightly smiled down at the woman making her blush.

"Thank you so much, but how did you know it was me?"

"Well, no one can forget a six foot tall handsome man walking into the restaurant they work at." The woman's eyes widened at her words and her hands flew to her mouth. She was a little taken back when Aoshi clasped her hand lightly and placed a soft kiss on it.

"Arigatou gozaimasu." With that spoken Aoshi headed for the glass doors still with numerous people glancing his way. What did he care, not like he was ever coming back here in a hurry.

As Aoshi stepped outside, a beautiful metallic blue jaguar pulled up. He looked down at his watch. It was right on time.

"Shinomori-san, the car is waiting for you." The driver spoke in a professional voice as he got out of the car.

"Thank you." Aoshi contorted back while taking the keys.

"Are you freaking crazy! What in Kami-sama's name were you thinking saying something like that?" Misao yelled at Aoshi as she stormed out of the hotel, but he casually sat in the driver's seat of the Jaguar. Misao had been excited that he had rented a Jaguar like the one she had in Tokyo. She was almost surprised that he had remembered the little incident in the Tokyo slum area as well.

"Relax Misao-sama, its not like these people will ever see me again. Now please get in the car." Aoshi watched Misao fume by the of the car, but she sighed in exasperation once more, knowing that telling him off would only cause more teasing from him for now he knew his joking (although sometimes blunt words) had serious affect on her. Misao climbed into the passenger seat and sulked as Aoshi pulled away from the curb. The calm breeze blew her bangs around as she bent down shuffling through her bag to pull out a pair of sunglasses and placed them over her eyes.

"I hope the roads aren't too busy. If my assumption is correct we've missed the morning traffic and it should only take about 3 maybe 4 hours to get to Kujukuri-hama Beach. It all depends on whether you need to stop to go to the bathroom or stretch your legs or anything." Aoshi was just switching lanes as he headed for the appropriate turn off and turned his eyes to see Misao with her right elbow on the door of the car and her hand cupping her chin looking deep in thought.

"Misao-sama?"

"I'm not talking to you." Aoshi let out a small sigh. He just wanted to see Misao relax and maybe laugh a bit. Perhaps his comment just went a bit too far. Aoshi knew she was being stubborn and childish, but he let her be and flicked on the radio instead. It was going to be a long day.

Xx Close to a Service Station - somewhere on the road to Kujukuri-hama Beach xX

"Misao-sama?" Aoshi turned to observe Misao slouched into the leather seat sleeping, though in the most uncomfortable position ever. Aoshi reached his hand out and shook her shoulder slightly. "Misao-sama, do you need to stretch your legs?" Aoshi asked and heard Misao groan as she sat up in the seat and stretched.

"No, I'm fine."

"Aa..."

"God, my body is stiff!" Misao complained lightly, but her eyes nearly bugged out of her head when she felt a hand - that was not hers - touching her left breast!

"No, I'd say quite soft and plump actually."

"STOP THE CAR RIGHT NOW!" Misao screamed at the top of her lungs. Aoshi did as Misao ordered and watched her open the door, step out and slam it shut. Her blazing eyes turned to look down at him as he was still sitting in the car. Her face and lets not forget her mood was now at boiling point.

"HAVE YOU NO SHAME?" Misao yelled at him once more, numerous people at the gas station turning to stare at them both. Aoshi needed to get something to drink anyway so lucky for him Misao demanded he pull up, but now she was the one creating a scene.

"Not really." Aoshi replied in a bland voice. Misao was fuming, looking ready to kill him and yet all she did was turn away from him and cross her arms over her chest. He got out, having parked in the small carpark at the service station and headed around to the passenger side only to sit on the trunk of the car facing Misao's back.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU…YOU…"

"Misao-sama, you're creating a scene. I think you should tone down your voice a bit." Aoshi spoke while glancing his eyes at a jeep that had pulled up and watched as five women jumped out.

"TONE DOWN MY VOICE? HOW THE HELL DO YOU EXPECT ME TO DO THAT WHEN YOU JUST GROPED ME YOU PERVERT!"

"You groped me first and besides there is no need for you to be ashamed of your body Misao-sama."

"WHAT?" Misao had yelled and turned around to face Aoshi. There was a small smile on his lips and Misao balled her fist at the cocky look. She so wanted to punch that smirk right off his lips!

"You seem to hide your body behind those business suits and even now when dressed so casually you don't like the idea of flaunting your body like many women do these days."

"What the HELL are you talking about?" Misao had calmed down slightly, but he was testing her chaotic emotions once more.

"I'm talking about you not liking your figure that's what."

"Don't be ridiculous! I'm perfectly fine with my bo-"

"Check out the boobs on her!" Aoshi spoke in a voice Misao had never heard before. Her body shook in anger, glaring eyes turning to the woman that was getting back into a jeep, breasts practically falling out of the bikini top she was wearing. Aoshi was watching all of Misao's emotions. First came the shock at hearing his voice change, then she turned to stare at the woman and it changed to anger and probably jealousy as well. Then in a mere second her shoulders slumped slightly and ocean blue eyes frowned. Out of habit Aoshi surprised Misao once again as he reached out to grab her right wrist and yanked on it making Misao stumble slightly but right into his arms.

"See, you are disappointed at your size, but you know Misao-sama they fit perfectly in my hand." The flush on Misao's wide eyed face was back ten fold and before she could voice anything soft lips brushed hers lightly as she stared up into sparkling green-grey eyes. For the life of Misao her lips parted, but that was all her brain seemed to comprehend in doing it allowed Aoshi inside and yet she didn't even have the functioning skills to return the kiss or push him away.

"Trust me Misao-sama that is too big and I was only teasing, to get my point across, but really don't be ashamed alright? In fact, all of my attention is only focused on you Misao-sama so don't think I will stray from you, because I will not." All Misao could do was dumbly nod at Aoshi's words. In fact she was near to the point of being delirious. First the grope, then she knew the truth about him knowing she was ashamed of her body and then the warmth of his embrace and the kiss was the clincher. Misao's face flushed as she pulled away from Aoshi and turned her back on him again.

"I'm going to the bathroom." Aoshi smirked lightly at Misao and watched as she ran towards the service station to get the key to the bathroom. For a minute there, Aoshi had to let out a rush of air. Truthfully he had been waiting for a punch to the face, but it never came…and that was a total surprise to him.

"Get a hold of yourself Shinomori. You've got to stop touching her." Aoshi muttered to himself as he headed into the service station to grab some drinks for the both of them.

Xx Ten minutes later xX

Aoshi eyed Misao as she opened the door of the jaguar and sunk back into the leather chair. He raised an eyebrow as she placed her bare feet on the dashboard, her shorts rising higher up her thighs. Aoshi gulped.

"We can go now. I'm ready to test my swimming skills at the beach." Misao spoke oblivious to Aoshi's prying eyes as she continued to stare into nothingness. He nodded once, started the car and pulled out of the service station. Misao was content in ignoring Aoshi for now, still trying to get her emotions under control and for once she was glad that he understood this and never spoke a single word as he continued the journey towards the beach.

Xx Kujukuri-hama Beach xX

"We are here." Aoshi voiced softly, knocking Misao from her daze. He got out of the car, stretched his arms above his head and then proceeded to bring out the plastics bags from the Hotel and the Service Station, a couple of towels and a bag.

"Pick a spot Misao-sama, this area seems too calm for surfers and beach party goers so I'm sure we won't be annoyed by others." Aoshi followed behind Misao as she easily but slowly made her way down to the beach. As soon as she hit the warm golden sand, her flip-flops were off, now clutched in one of her hands, as she jogged towards the shoreline. Aoshi guessed this was the area she wanted to stay at and thus laid everything out. He sat quietly on one of the beach towels and took off his sneakers and socks. The warm sun beat down on his inky hair and Aoshi pulled out one of the two natural spring water bottles and drunk a quarter of one. The other was of course for Misao, but in case of an emergency he had another two sitting in the car.

"The water is pretty nice so I think I'll go in."

"You're talking to me now?" Aoshi questioned, but Misao could make out the hint of humour in his usual drab voice. She poked her tongue out at him, threw her flip flops in the sand and undid her shirt and threw it on Aoshi's head as she ran back to the shoreline and into the small waves. Aoshi slowly pulled the top away from his head and leaned on his elbows as he continued to sit quietly while watching Misao play in the ocean like a child. She had her back to him; those shorts she wore clung to her now soaked body, as Misao bent over slightly to cup water in her hands and then thrust it into the air watching as the droplets sparkled thanks to the sunshine.

"AOSHI-SAMA, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, A PERSONAL INVITATION? COME ON IN ALREADY!" Misao yelled back at him, a small squeal escaping her lips when a stronger wave knocked her over. It appeared the groping was forgotten and thus Aoshi chuckled lightly as he took off his shirt and cargo pants as his board shorts were underneath and headed casually for the water. Misao was just now sitting up on her knees and two hands took up her line of sight. She gazed up at the tall figure leaning over her to see it was a lightly smiling Aoshi, his hands out wishing to help her up. She took them and Aoshi easily pulled her to her feet. In an instant Misao let go and began splashing the ¾ dry Aoshi. Aoshi himself took the challenge and tripped Misao up sending her back into the shallow depths of the ocean.

"That's not fair!" Misao spluttered as she wiped water from her face.

"I never knew there were rules Misao-sama." She 'hmphed' at that and got to her feet once more pretending to ignore Aoshi. He was just about to call her a child when in fact it was his turn to be surprised when Misao seemed to do some sort of "battle cry" as she all but leapt into his muscular form and sent them both crashing into the waves. Aoshi lifted himself up, butt in sand and long bangs covering his eyes so he had to bring up a hand and flick them away. Misao was standing now; her braid hanging heavily over her right shoulder while her hands were on her hips.

"Yattaa! Finally got you back Aoshi-sama!" Misao spoke with a cocky grin on her face. Faster then she could react though, Aoshi had a counter attack. He quickly leaned forward, though still sitting in the sand and looped his index fingers into the belt loops on her shorts and pulled Misao forward. A gasp escaped her lips, as she stumbled forward, dropping to her knees in the sand also and right in between Aoshi's raised legs.

"Well done Misao-sama. You are the first woman to ever catch me off guard." Aoshi huskily spoke into Misao's ear as he pulled her into a light embrace. Misao had mentally wanted to slap herself for she thought Aoshi was going to kiss her, but he didn't. She had become even more surprised when her body slumped against his…she knowing it was both in relaxation and disappointment. The sun beat down on the both of them as Aoshi sat in the sand holding them up as Misao leaned comfortably into his embrace now. However, growling stomachs ruined the moment.

"I guess you're hungry." Misao laughed as she pushed herself away from Aoshi.

"Aa, but so are you." Aoshi contorted while poking Misao's flat stomach. They both stood up then and headed for where the towels were layed out. While Aoshi unpacked the food, Misao sifted through the bag to pull out the sunscreen.

"It's not much, but I think it'll do for lunch. I had the hotel restaurant chef make us up some snacks." Misao nodded as she looked down at the assorted sandwiches as well as some corn chips and several dips.

"How is it?" Aoshi spoke while opening up some corn chips and dipped one into a small salsa container.

"Good…" Misao muttered as she had bit into one of the sandwiches. She then placed a soft drink bottle between her knees and twisted the cap off with one hand.

The rest of lunch was spent in relative silence but neither Aoshi or Misao cared about that. Aoshi watched Misao from the corner of his eye as she tried the four different dips and he chuckled lightly at her as she chocked on the hot salsa. He handed her the bottle of water and she took it gratefully, chugging down large mouthfuls of cool water.

"I don't know how you can eat that one." Misao spoke, her ocean blue eyes having actually watered.

"Oh, I'm all for anything hot." Misao wasn't even game enough to respond to that and thus ended up looking into the sky to see several seagulls gliding in the wind.

"Misao-sama?" Misao jerked her blue orbs back to Aoshi's noticing he was holding up the sunscreen. "The sun is quite warm today and you cannot reach your back, so would you like me to place this on for you?" Misao was sceptically eyeing Aoshi and watched as he placed up his hands, a small smile on his lips turning her to jelly. "No funny business I promise." The only answer he got was Misao turning her back on him as she sat cross-legged on her towel.

Squeezing a generous amount of the 30+ sunscreen on his hand, closed the cap on the bottle and then placed his right hand to his left creating a nice even lather. As soon as his hands touched Misao's shoulders, she flinched.

"Cold…" She muttered out and all thoughts except the feeling of larger hands roaming over the bare skin on her shoulders and back had left her mind completely. Aoshi finished and leaned back on his elbows once more, one ankle crossed over the other.

"What about you?"

"I don't get burnt, so I'm fine." Misao let out a small 'oh' and then sifted through the bag Aoshi brought to bring out her other novel. She'd finished the "mushie romance novel" Aoshi had caught her reading on the train but this one was quite different indeed. She opened it to the 'prologue' section and silently held it out to Aoshi.

"Read it aloud for me?"

"Why?" Aoshi responded to Misao's question with one of his own.

"Because the book is journal entries of a warrior back in the Meiji Era. It's the era of when th-"

"I know about the era Misao-sama."

"Then read it to me, please? I can't imitate a man's voice and I think this book might even interest you." Just looking at those large blue pools as Misao rested on her stomach, hands cupping her chin as she stared over at him - all her attention on him - Aoshi sighed and began to read aloud.

Xx Two hours later xX

Misao had drifted off to sleep an hour ago, the lazy afternoon sun and the calm gentle breeze had placed her into a light afternoon nap. Actually Aoshi had been surprised, as he had been half way through the prologue when he felt a small amount of weight press against his abdomen. The book was lowered and Aoshi found Misao leaning against him, her breathing calm but she was not asleep as her eyes were trained on his face even though most of it had been covered by a book. In fact Misao had been entranced by Aoshi's deep voice as he subconsciously placed in anger and pain into what the warrior had been writing and feeling in the prologue.

XxXxXxX

"I will not fail them…" Aoshi spoke aloud, continuing on with the story even though Misao was in dreamland. He flipped the page over realising it was the beginning off a new chapter and thought it best to stop there. He placed down the book at his side and found Misao resting on her right side still facing him. Sometime during the course of his reading Misao had grabbed his white shirt and placed it over herself just in case the 30+ sunscreen didn't work on her creamy white skin. Aoshi lifted his hand, the words "don't touch her" rushing through his mind, but instead he went against them and brushed his fingers down Misao's cheek.

"Misao-sama, we should be going. You want to head back to Tokyo right?" There was a little affirmative moan from Misao as she curled herself into a ball and pressed her face deeper into Aoshi's lean abdomen.

"Come on Misao-sama, you're a workaholic remember? Leisure time is over for now, you have work tomorrow, so get up." Aoshi spoke lifting himself from his lying down position and watched Misao grumble at the intrusive movement. She turned over, head now resting on his upper thigh.

"Misao-sama, don't make me wake you up another way." That got her moving. Misao blushed at the husky words floating into her ear and snapped her eyes open and bolted upright. She quickly stretched her relaxed body and started packing up with a light chuckling Aoshi doing the same.

Xx On the road back to Chiba xX

"We should be able to make the 10 or 11pm train back to Tokyo." Aoshi estimated as he overtook a van. As Aoshi's eyes remained on the road, the sun was setting past the horizon turning the sky a brilliant orange-red.

"Aoshi-sama?" Misao spoke softly, her words stuck in her throat as the sunset reflected over his facial features and shone in his damp strands of hair. Misao's left hand went out, outstretched fingers moving up as they softly caressed the right side of Aoshi's forehead pulling away some of his long bangs. Aoshi immediately turned his intense green-grey eyes towards Misao's sparkling blue orbs and they widened slightly when he felt Misao's soft lips caress his cheek before her harmonious voice fluttered into his ear.

"Arigatou for a relaxing afternoon." Misao settled back into her seat, a small smile on her lips as she continued to watch the sky change.

"You're welcome, Misao-sama." Their eyes met for a brief moment, small smiles on each of their faces before oth turned away. Misao looked up at the beginning of the star filled sky and Aoshi went back to watching the road. In the end, Aoshi was glad it had turned out to be a nice day after all.

Xx Keisei Railway Station - Tokyo xX

Aoshi and Misao were in a carriage heading back to the Hiko Royal Suites. The ride back to Tokyo was fast and uneventful. Aoshi had softly read Misao the chapter of the book she had missed while there were hardly any passengers on the train. Aoshi too had found it most surprising that while resting, Misao had leaned lightly against him. It appeared that the relaxing afternoon she had participated in had worn her out. He smiled down at Misao and placed a light kiss in her salt scented hair then slouched slightly so he could lean his own head against hers.

Xx Hiko Royal Suites - Penthouse xX

"Aoshi-sama?" Misao spoke in the darkness of the bedroom.

"Hai?" Aoshi mumbled on his side of the bed as Misao told him to sleep in there for the couch wasn't exactly the most comfortable place to sleep. Aoshi had stated he had slept on much worse, but didn't object to sleeping in the bed. Right now the lights were out, the curtains in the room were drawn open and he was facing away from Misao.

"Have you been to a Noh Performance before?"

"No, why do you ask?" Aoshi responded and turned onto his back.

"In Nagano some of the best actors are performing a Noh Dance and I haven't been to one in years. I'd really like it if you could accompany me to it."

"Do you have business there?" Aoshi questioned, his eyes reflecting the moonlight streaming through the window when he finally turned on his left side to face Misao.

"No… In fact, I just wanted to see if you'd like to come to it with me." Misao softly replied. Aoshi had figured it all out, Misao was shy in asking him such a question, but he was unfazed.

"I'd love to go."

"You have to dress up." Misao contorted and heard a tired laugh escape Aoshi's lips.

"I know…"

"And you can't wear your leather either."

"Now that isn't fair at all. However, I've got an outfit for just this type of occasion and I'll wear it on one condition."

"And what is that?"

"You must wear a dress." There was a soft laugh from Misao as she rolled onto her stomach.

"I'll get one tomorrow then."

"Good." And the room fell silent as the two occupants drifted off to sleep.

Xx The next day - around 4pm xX

"Aoshi-sama, have you seen a small black bag anywhere?" Misao called from the bedroom to the closed bathroom door.

"NO!" Aoshi raised his voice, becoming frustrated as he tried to do the tie for the second time that afternoon.

"Are you alright in there?" Misao came out of the bedroom wearing a Chinese style dress. It was silk in material and completely black with small cherry blossoms in bright red around the hem of the dress. It had the high collar and the small sleeves but it suited Misao's slim physique and actually showed off her curves. There were also two splits up the sides of the dress and in fact went all the way up to just above her knees. She wore black strap shoes and light make up graced her face. Her usual stylist in Tokyo had specifically done her hair and once she told Yumi what she was going to wear, her hair was placed up and was miraculously held together by two black chopsticks. Her bangs framed her face and several smaller strips of hair not being able to hold themselves into the style had been curled.

"Yeah I'm fine." Came the grumble from behind the bathroom door and Misao shook her head as she went on the search for her carry bag. It was the same material as the dress, but for the life of her she couldn't remember where she had placed it. Misao darted her eyes to a fallen shopping bag on the far side of the coffee table.

"AH HA!" Misao triumphantly yelled as she bent down to elegantly pick up the bag.

"I'm guessing you found your bag?" Misao turned around and promptly had to catch herself from falling over. There, for her blue eyes to gaze upon was Aoshi wearing a suit! She started at his nicely polished shoes (the ones he wore from the business meeting) and then trailed up his legs as they were covered by expensive pressed black trousers. A belt with a silver buckle held them to his waist and a crisp white shirt was loosely tucked into the waistband. Her eyes trailed up further to see a plain black tie done up and covering the top button of the collared shirt. Over that was a nicely pressed black dinner jacket. She also found it surprising that he wore white gloves with the outfit, but it suited him perfectly! She watched as he disappeared for a moment as he headed into the bedroom and then came back out seconds later with a beige coloured trench coat. It surprised her that it wasn't black but when his green-grey eyes caught her blue ones, she knew the entire outfit was meant for him.

"Misao-sama, you look very beautiful." Aoshi voiced honestly, though that was only half of what he really wanted to do and say to her. Misao flushed lightly at his words and looked down at her silver watch.

"We should be heading downstairs. I'm certain Yahiko-san is waiting for us."

"Aa…" Aoshi responded as he picked up the card keys, handed them to Misao while he held the door open to her like a true gentleman.

Xx Downstairs in the Lobby xX

Aoshi and Misao walked arm in arm as employees and other guests stopped all conversations to gaze their smiling faces at the both of them. Yahiko was at the limo with the back door open for the both of them and Aoshi placed his arm out allowing Misao to climb in first.

"I think this time I'll sit in the back Yahiko-san." Aoshi spoke to the driver and watched him laugh lightly and nod his head in understanding.

Xx Thirty minutes later xX

"Woah…" Aoshi muttered to himself when he stepped out of the limo.

"What is it?" Misao questioned and followed Aoshi's eyes to the private jet.

"We are going in that?"

"Of course Aoshi-sama. We can't exactly walk to Nagano now can we?" Misao reasoned with a bit of sarcasm in her voice.

"I've never been on a plane before." Misao's lips formed a small 'o' and then she stepped in front of Aoshi taking both of his hands into her own.

"Come on Aoshi-sama, it'll be fun. It'll be you and me, well besides the pilot and the crew of course. If this helps, there is free food and alcohol on board."

"Alright, you sold me." Misao laughed lightly and continued to hold one of his hands as she walked towards the stairs. Misao got in allowing the hostess to take her shawl and purse and then sat comfortably in one of the plush seats and did up her seatbelt. Aoshi had to bend his head slightly so as not to knock it and gave his trench coat to the hostess. He made his way over to where Misao calmly sat and placed on his seatbelt as well. Aoshi had been looking around the private jet until the plane went into full take off mode as it picked up speed. When the front wheel lifted into the air and then the back ones, Aoshi's hand immediately grabbed the first thing it reached and that was Misao's left thigh. His eyes quickly looked down at his hand and let out a soft 'sorry' and pulled it away.

"It's alright Aoshi-sama, here give me your hand." Aoshi gave his hand to Misao and relaxed when she wrapped both her hands over his and then placed it back into her lap.

"Good afternoon Makimachi-san. We have clear skies all the way to Nagano so we should be there in roughly an hour and a half. Please enjoy the flight." The pilot spoke over the intercom and Aoshi watched as the hostess came over, his hand slipping from Misao's when she offered the both of them some light refreshments.

Xx A Noh Theatre - Nagano xX

"Why are we so high up, I thought you and heights didn't mix?" Aoshi questioned as he excused himself from having to walk by another couple that was situated up in this box like them.

"We don't, but this is the best place to get the view of the entire performance and if you want close ups, use these." Misao produced some small binoculars but Aoshi refused knowing his eyesight was 20/20. He looked around as the lights went out and then the performance began.

A young woman came onto the stage wearing a Ko-omote mask as she danced around the stage until a man in a Warai-jo mask interrupted her genki movements. Conversation had broken out between the young woman and the elderly man. The woman dropped to her knees, hands up in the air and most of the stage went black as faded lights moved over another man wearing a Chujo mask. It was like the woman was having a small flashback of some sort. Instrumental music took over indicating time was passing and for the chance to change to the next scene. By this time a man, the same man that wore the Chujo mask had now come out wearing a Heita mask and was holding two weapons and moved swiftly across the stage indicating a battle. A powerful enemy headed towards the man in the Heita mask and a furious battle broke out between the two actors. By now Aoshi was leaning slightly forward in his chair, eyes fixated on the precise movements of the two men. It took merely ten minutes of the dance and then the fight was over, the man in the Heita mask dropping to the ground. There was a gasp to Aoshi's right and he turned his eyes to Misao and observed as she bit her plum coloured bottom lip while her hands fisted in her lap. She was really affected by the performance.

Aoshi returned his eyes back to the performance when there was a loud battle cry and the man that used to have the Heita mask on was now in an Ayakashi mask. It was now apparent that the once handsome kind man was now a vindictive warrior, one full of pure hatred and murder. Again a battle raged on, instrumental music coming on as to pass the years by and while the Ayakashi masked man moved about the stage bright lights flashed on the woman with the Ko-omote mask. She had called out to the lost warrior many times and finally he fell to his knees. She moved towards him at a quick pace and her graceful arms slipped around his "injured" form and she hugged him close pretending to cry tears of joy. The stage went black, but instantly the bright lights came back on as the warrior's face was now donned back in the Chujo mask looking up at his "saviour" which was the woman he had left years ago. Just in the background an old man was laughing in joy.

Once more the stage went black, but this time it stayed that way. The show was over and Aoshi watched as Misao stood up like the rest of the audience and clapped enthusiastically. Aoshi too stood up and did the same. His green-grey eyes flickered to Misao's teary blue orbs and he lifted his index finger to brush away a stray tear. She gave off a small smile in embarrassment, but then produced a 1000-watt smile.

"I really enjoyed that, did you Aoshi-sama?" Aoshi nodded his head and followed Misao out of the Noh Theatre. "Though why he had to leave in the first place is beyond my comprehension though."

"Because Misao-sama there wouldn't be a performance otherwise." Aoshi reasoned and felt a light smack on his arm.

"I know that, but he hurt her and yet in the end she forgave him even when he became a murdering warrior."

"She loves him with her entire being." The reason was simple and true. At least that's what Aoshi had discovered from the show. Misao turned to look up at him but he stepped forward, his hand on the small of her back as he pushed her lightly towards the limo to take them back to the private jet and then back to Tokyo.

"But…"

"Don't argue with me Misao-sama, because I will win this discussion. It may have been my first time to a Noh Dance, but that story actually spoke to me, it was uncanny." Misao pouted up at Aoshi, watching as he placed on a small smile while brushing his fingers lightly down her cheek.

"Fine, she loves him, but he better love her too!" Aoshi chuckled lightly at Misao's grumbling words.

"That is for the audience to decide as it was left open after all, but in truth, I believe he does." Aoshi responded quietly while hopping out of the car.

"Me too…" Misao smiled up at him and took his offered hand as they headed for the private jet.

Xx Back at the Hiko Royal Suites xX

"Misao-sama, thank you for an enjoyable evening." Aoshi softly voiced as he opened the door to the penthouse.

"Your welcome." Misao replied while stepping into the main living area. Aoshi placed his trench coat on one of the hangers near the door and observed Misao as she placed her purse onto her work desk.

"That's one of the best performances I've been to." Misao voiced while turning on her mobile phone to see if anyone had called her.

"Misao-sama, there is one thing I'd like to ask of you since I've finally seen you in a dress." Aoshi spoke as he stepped closer towards the entertainment system

"Oh?" Misao turned to stare over at Aoshi, her cell phone forgotten. She watched as he turned on the stereo system and searched the radio channels for music. The DJ was talking at the moment, commenting on a song called "My Confession" that was just about to come on, but Misao's eyes were drawn to Aoshi. He stood in the lighting of the lounge room, his suit still immaculate and not even a crease was on it. His jacket was done up and the tie still covered the top button of his shirt. Misao watched with slightly wider eyes as Aoshi bowed to her, one hand behind his back while the other lifted up from his right side as he stood to his normal height once more, a smile on his lips.

"Will you dance with me?"

Xx To be continued xX

Author's Notes: Aoshi and Misao went to a Noh Performance and these are the mask definitions that I mentioned in the chapter and my half arsed attempt at a little Noh Dance Performance story:

Ko-omote - The word "Ko" represents cuteness, youth and beauty. "Omote" means face. The mask reflects a very young woman. It is one of the well-known female masks.

Warai-jo - Face of a common old man. Warai means a smile or a chuckle. The Warai-jo is used for a lighter, happier old man.

Heita - Face of a brave warrior. With thick eyebrows and sunburnt skin depicts time spent on the battlefield.

Chujo - Face of a handsome man. The non-bottom teeth expresses kindness, beauty, and elegance.

Ayakashi - The Ayakashi mask expresses god or ghost possessed of mysterious powers. It is also used for a vindictive warrior.