"Look she's waking up..." I opened my eyes to see eight people near me. I lifted my left hand to rub my eyes from sleeping so long and silently stared at all of them. I watched, as everyone seemed to clear out of the room but Sano. He came closer brushing his fingers over my hand and then squeezing it lightly will smiling tearfully down at me.
"I'm so glad your okay weasel... A week was too long without you..." A week? I silently questioned myself. I sat up in the bed noticing my right arm felt a bit dead and saw that my whole shoulder area was bandaged up. My eyes widened when I remembered what happened and I glanced up at Sano who began to speak.
"Aoshi's fine Misao. He has a few bruises and scars but nothing serious like you. Why'd you do it?" He had asked curiously while sitting on the bed with me.
"Part of me says I did it to repay him for saving me at the training hall and the other part says I did it out of shear desperation. I don't think I could stand him not being around. He can be a jerk but I want him here with us, with me..." I spoke softly to him. I watched as he nodded his head and got off the bed.
"Sano, do you know where he is?" I saw him nod his head and I placed my feet on the floor and stood shakily on them. I grabbed the pole for help but Sano was soon standing by my side making sure I wouldn't fall over.
"Do you think you could take me to him?" He stood staring silently at me not doing anything so I spoke again.
"Come on Sano! I would do it for you if you wanted to go see Megumi." Sano's face turned a light shade of pink and he grumbled, picked up a blanket and guided me out the door and down the hall to the elevator.
xxxxxxx
We ended up outside and I dragged the pole in the lush grass walking slowly over to the lone figure that sat kneeling on the grass far away from any other visitors and patients. I asked Sano to go back and tell everyone I'm all right and he left leaving me to be with Aoshi. His back was to me and I could see the goose bumps over his bare shoulders as he wore black jeans and a dark blue singlet. I unfolded the blanket and placed it over his shoulders. He turned to look up at me and his eyes widened and he stood up quickly looking down at me, the blanket falling to the ground. I watched as his hand slowly moved closer to my face and tucked some of my hair behind my ear as though making sure I wasn't some illusion. I placed a gentle smile on my face and he returned it. I watched with wide eyes as Aoshi stepped closer and hugged me gently to him. I sighed into his chest closing my eyes just wanting to be near him. Misao you're supposed to hate this! You shouldn't...you can't fall in love with him! Do you love him? I opened my eyes when I heard that small voice and smiled against his chest once more wrapping my left arm around his waist. Maybe...maybe I do... I spoke inside myself.
"Misao you should be resting." Aoshi's deep voice filled my ears and I nodded my head silently. He picked up the blanket placing it over my shoulders and we slowly walked back to the hospital. Aoshi was right by my side with an arm placed protectively at the small of my back guiding me along.
xxxxxxx
"Get some sleep Misao..." Aoshi's voice was softer then usual as he tucked me back into the hospital bed. I closed my eyes and placed my left hand over his right one, which was minus bandages now and softly whispered my request to him and fell into a blissful sleep.
"Please stay with me..."
xxxxxxx
"Ms Makimachi? Ms Makimachi?"
"Her name is Shinomori." I opened my eyes when I heard Aoshi's deep voice and looked to see a nurse standing at the right side of my bed. I turned to the left to see he was sitting in a chair and my hand still had a hold of his.
"Ms Shinomori, Its time for you to start walking around. The doctor said you can go home soon." I could do nothing but stare at the woman. Ms Shinomori...Misao Shinomori...
"Ms Shinomori are you alright? Shall I call Dr Takani?"
"No I heard you, just give me a minute to wake up fully please." I spoke softly to her and sat up detaching my hand from Aoshi's. My drip had been taken away as it was no longer needed. I slowly placed my feet on the floor and teetered to the side a bit but was placed back up as Aoshi was helping me. A faint blush covered my cheeks but I finally got it under control.
"Would you be able to help her Mr?"
"Shinomori." Aoshi spoke back to the nurse.
"Oh, I see..." She had spoken with a small smile on her face and then she left the room.
xxxxxxx
I sat in the bath as Aoshi said it would help ease the tension out of my muscles. I was discharged from the hospital an hour ago and had arrived at the house our parents bought for us. I hadn't looked around as Aoshi guided me straight to bathroom.
I placed all my body weight on my left arm to get out of the bath. I was able to move my right arm slowly but it hurt too much to place a lot of pressure on it. I wrapped the dark grey towel around my naked body tucking the corner into the front and opened the door. I walked into the main area and picked up the small bag, which had all the dressing and bandages for my injuries in it. I stepped past the mirror and stopped to face it. I frowned deeply and sucked back the tears as I had gained a large scar front and back on my shoulder. There was slight bruising all around it. I still had various other bruises over my arms and legs of what I could see of them. I could clearly see my biggest bruise of all time as I lifted my left arm up as it stretched from my armpit coming over to the front of my left breast and going further down. Both my breasts were bruised from being groped so hard but the right one wasn't as bad as the left. I bowed my head walking away from the mirror feeling disgusted at the way I looked. I heard some shuffling going on and walked into a bedroom. I stood in the doorway as Aoshi was sitting in the middle of the bed reading a textbook and writing down some notes. My heart pounded as he was dressed in only a pair of faded blue jeans. I realised he was studying and I turned away as not to disturb him but stopped when I heard his voice.
"Do you feel better Misao?" I turned around noticing he was still writing on the paper and hadn't looked up. I took a deep breath and walked towards him. I stood facing my back to him and placed the small bag on the bed behind me. I looked over my left shoulder and found he was now silently looking at me. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat and spoke softly to him.
"A-Aoshi...can you help me?" I turned my face away from him and bowed my head. I felt utterly useless at not being able to take care of myself. I froze when I felt two hands against my hips. I bent my knees and was guided to sit on the edge of the bed. I felt the bed sink as Aoshi was obviously kneeling on his knees behind me. I let out a shuddered breath and closed my eyes as he gathered my hair and placed it over my left shoulder. I felt Aoshi place his left hand on my left shoulder and I jolted leaning away from the cold ointment that was being placed gently on my right one. I shivered slightly and goose bumps covered my bare skin.
"Can anyone create anything that isn't so damn cold?" I questioned irritably.
"Don't worry Misao, it'll warm up...a lot..." I turned my head over my left shoulder to see Aoshi's eyes narrowed slightly and he had pursed his lips as though thinking about what he was doing as well as looking quite determined. I smiled a little and soon felt his hand lift my right one up a bit to place more of the ointment around my side. I blushed a little as his fingers brushed the side of my breast but berated myself for being so silly. I got it under control and felt the heat of the ointment. It soothed my aching shoulder and hoped it would do the same for the front. FRONT! I snapped my eyes open to see Aoshi kneeling in front of me placing his hand lightly on my shoulder. I gasped and leaned away from his touch and wrapped my left arm over the top area of my breasts trying to stop him from looking at them, even though my hair was doing a pretty good job on its own.
"Misao?" I shook my head stubbornly not wanting him to see me so disgusting and closed my eyes tightly.
"Misao don't be like this. I'm only trying to help you. It would be too difficult to do this on your own so let me help. I-If you'd like I could get Sano to come over because I know you would probably feel more comfortable with him." I lifted my head to look up at Aoshi and realised he was still kneeling on the ground only looking off somewhere else as though embarrassed he had spoken this. Misao do something! He's your husband...he's supposed to look at them one day for crying out loud! Sure they aren't suppose to look like this but think about it, he's not seeing them all just the top curves...nothing more...and he wouldn't be thinking on those lines either! I sighed out loud and took my left hand away from myself and lightly caressed Aoshi's long bangs away from his eyes to get his attention. His head turned to look at me, and my lips parted in surprise at seeing a hurt look cross his eyes. I blinked to make sure I wasn't seeing things but his face was normal once again. Dammit! I yelled inside my head. I grabbed the ointment and placed it in his hand and brushed loose bits of my hair away so he could place it on my right shoulder. I blushed turning my head away from his view looking at the blank wall as the only way he could get close to place it all over my front area was kneeling in between my legs. The towel had parted and I could feel the material of his jeans brush over the inside of my bare thighs. His bare right shoulder was awfully close to my head and I couldn't resist any longer and placed my forehead against it while looking down at my leg. His soft massaging was sending me to sleep and I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.
xxxxxxx
I groaned awake and bit my lip as I stretched my right arm a little too far. I turned on my left side and stared at the sight before me. Aoshi was asleep right next to me on the other side of the bed. His was leaning on his right side and unshed tears glistened my eyes as my left hand was covered with his larger hand. I glanced at my right shoulder and froze as I was wearing a dark blue short sleeved shirt. What the hell did he do? I wandered angrily. The towel was resting on a nearby chair and I realised this shirt was all I had on. I looked over at Aoshi and found his eyes staring into mine.
"I placed the shirt over you first and then took the towel off. I swear I never saw anything." He spoke softly to me. I frowned feeling guilty at thinking such a thing, as he seemed to know exactly what I was thinking about. I turned over lying on my back and closed my eyes for a brief moment. I opened my eyes slowly and they widened when I saw Aoshi leaning over me, his hands holding himself up where placed either side of my shoulders. His eyes were staring deeply into mine and his face drew closer as he bent his elbows. My lips parted slightly and I could feel his hot breath against them as he spoke softly to me.
"Do you feel any better Misao?" I could do nothing but stare into the endless depths of his blue-green eyes and I gasped, my lips parting more as he placed his softly against mine and closed his eyes. His soft lips glided over mine caressing them slowly and lovingly. This was nothing like the kiss at the wedding or any others I had received before he came along. This was one simple kiss and yet it was so intense. It was as though I could feel everything, all his emotions mixing with mine and more. He was showing me the real him and I accepted the kisses returning it with my own passion-crazed ones. I lifted my left hand placing it behind his neck wanting his mouth to be closer to mine and flicked my fingers through his soft dark hair that fell down his neck. I felt him shudder a little and I groaned louder then usual as he placed some of his upper weight against me and caressed my tongue to play with his. I snapped my eyes open as he stopped and took his mouth away just letting it hover above mine. I looked into those eyes and knew exactly why he stopped. He had heard the groan but all he heard in it was the pain of my bruised upper body having something hard pressed against it.
I watched as he sat up never taking his eyes away from me. His chest heaved more then usual at what occurred between us and we both realised we had gone over our safety boundaries and nothing would ever be the same again. I watched him become all blurry as tears filled my eyes. I knew he wanted more, I felt it and wanted the same thing and yet I couldn't, not like this. I couldn't finish what we had started. I felt ashamed that I was unable to and closed my eyes feeling one lone tear cascade down my cheek. I opened them back up when I felt his warm hand caress my cheek lovingly. He gave me a lopsided smile shaking his head making sure I knew we need not rush things. After all we still needed to know more about each other. I blushed embarrassed but he cupped my other cheek and brought his head closer to kiss my lips sweetly letting me join in and feel the moment with him. A knock on the door interrupted the moment and I heard a growl escape Aoshi's throat. I pulled back looking at him as he too had a surprised look on his face at hearing that sound coming from him. I began leaning forward... Misao what are you doing? I threw that small voice away not listening to it and placed my left arm on his thigh to hold my weight. My right hand was resting near my heart as it still beat wildly at what happened seconds ago. I darted my tongue out caressing his partly open lips while staring into those eyes. I closed mine and darted my tongue in quickly and placed my lips over his one last time and then sat back on the bed. I had given him no time to react to this, as all he did was stare wide eyed at me. I bit my lip thinking I had done something wrong but the corners of his mouth turned up into a small smile. He got off the bed when he heard the knock becoming louder and picked up a shirt and walked out of the room. I snuggled back into the bed feeling pretty giddy at what just happened and placed the blankets over me as well. I know he cares for me now but does he love me? Should I tell him how I feel? It's only been how long and yet I want to be with him for life. He wanted to...be with me...in that way too. Does that mean he loves me? I was snapped out of my thoughts and I opened my eyes as a hand was placed on my forehead. I came face to face with my parents. I scowled silently and turned my face away from them.
"We are so glad you're alright sweetie." My mother had spoken. I said nothing as though they weren't even here.
"Misao face me this minute. I am your father!" I didn't open my eyes and spoke in an emotionless voice still with my back to them.
"You forget Mr Makimachi. We are not on speaking terms. Now please leave." I heard a collected gasp, which was my mother but heard Aoshi mumbling something to them and they left. Silence spread throughout the house but was interrupted by Aoshi.
"Misao that wasn't nice at all." I got up facing him my face full of anger at what he said.
"How the hell would you know huh? To think that they would only care about me because I nearly died makes me sick. You don't know how I feel because you're not me! You haven't lived my life!" I curled up on the bed facing away from him.
"Misao I-"
"LEAVE ME ALONE! I DON'T WANT YOU AROUND! I NEVER WANT YOU AROUND WHEN-" I stopped my yelling when I heard the closing of a door. I bolted up realising what I had just said. He left without me even finishing. I ran into the bathroom placing on some underwear and the loose pants that had been discarded on the ground. I ran out the door to see his figure fading in the distance. I opened my mouth to yell for him to come back, but nothing came out. I ran fast trying to gain some distance on him and reached a certain area leaning heavily against a pole. I saw his figure getting on the bus and it drove off down the street. He had gone.
Thunder crackled in the dark sky and rain fell hard and beat down on my skin. I gritted my teeth and began running again. I couldn't let it end like this. It was all me...my entire fault! I ran harder only thinking of one place he could be. My feet stung as they hit the hard concrete sidewalk and even some loose rocks but I kept going.
xxxxxxx
I finally made it to the training hall and reefed the door open stumbling inside dripping wet. My body ached at being pulled to the limits like this and my chest heaved at never running so desperately hard. I bent over trying to gain my breath back and placed my left hand on my right shoulder wishing the pain would fade. I stood straight back up and saw Aoshi standing in the middle of the room with his kodachi's in hand. I stumbled towards him my eyes becoming all fuzzy and tripped over on my own feet. I watched the kodachi's hit the wooden floor and two arms wrap around my waist. I was pressed against his sweaty chest and I never wanted to be let go. I had begun to cry. Misao STOP! The pain was too much, my feet hurt; dammit my whole body was killing me. My knees buckled and I wanted to fall to the floor but was held up by Aoshi.
"Let me go..." I spoke softly into his chest. Without a second thought he did just that and I fell to my knees grunting a little as it stung. I was still crying but I muffled out what I needed to say, what I wanted him to hear.
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..." He was now kneeling in front of me and lifted my chin so he could see my tearful eyes.
"Misao wh-" I couldn't help it I just launched myself forward placing my left arm around him and pressed my lips to his urgently. He was in complete and utter shock and did nothing while I passionately kissed him, probably bruising his lips. My tears fell silently as I pulled away as he never reacted the way I hoped. This time I opted for words and I bent my head trying to get them out while I sobbed as well.
"I'm sorry…I n-never wanted you…to see me like this. I wanted…I wanted to be perfect…not ugly or hideous…just me. I didn't want you to be around when…when I was like this or when I cry… I-" I was cut off when I felt Aoshi move closer and I was cradled against his chest. His body was so nice and warm and I was cold. I began to shiver a little and was picked up and taken into the bathroom. Aoshi turned on one of the showers making sure it was nice and warm and sat down with me still in his arms. My body was loosing its shivers and was relaxing into the warmth it was receiving. I moved away from Aoshi's embrace to look at him. He was sitting cross-legged and leaning against the shower wall while I was sitting on my knees in front of him. I froze in my position as Aoshi moved closer towards me and wrapped his arms lightly around me and guided me to stand up with him. I was turned around so my back was facing him and I felt his hands undo the buttons in the front and slide the shirt off my shoulders and down my arms. Misao you can't let him do this! You aren't ready yet! The small voice inside of me screamed and yet I couldn't do anything except watch surprised as the shirt fell to the ground. Instinctively I placed my arms over my breasts gritting my teeth a little as my right shoulder stung. I felt Aoshi's chest against my back and realised he hadn't turned me around or looked at my breasts. My eyes opened when I felt him take my wrists and place my arms back at my sides. I felt one of his hands on my left shoulder while the other was at the small of my back. He straightened my posture so the warm water would cascade over my front body. I felt the vibrations of his chest against my back as he spoke softly to me.
"This will help your tired aching muscles relax." He was right too. I eased my shoulders a little and tilted my head back a bit so more of the water could caress my skin. It was as though my muscles never ached in the beginning. I felt Aoshi's hands caress my back trying to help me relax more but I gasped when he massaged a particular swore spot. His hands stopped completely and jerked away.
"I'm sorry Misao…I'm sorry I wasn't good enough to protect you this time…" My ears burned at hearing him say this and I turned around to face him to see his head was slightly bowed and his eyes closed. My eyes teared up at this and I soon wrapped my left arm around his waist. I felt an intense buzz go through me as my bare skin came in contact with his but now wasn't the time to think like that. He too had frozen at the feeling but placed his hands on my hips moving them slowly around to hug me lightly.
"Don't say that… I could have easily left you by yourself but something inside of me snapped and I couldn't let you get hurt no matter what." I moved my head up to look into those slightly widened eyes as his words were being spoken back to him. A small smile etched his lips and he pressed them lightly to mine. I was disappointed when he stopped but he hugged me a little closer making sure I was cocooned in his embrace and I didn't mind one bit. I watched as he pressed me backwards so he could turn the taps off and he walked out grabbing a towel all the while respecting my unspoken wishes for him to not look at me. I couldn't help but feel self-conscious still and I turned away from him hoping he would understand. I felt a large towel being draped over my shoulders and was left alone in the bathroom.
xxxxxxx
I walked back out into the main room dressed in a man's training uniform. It was a little baggy but fit me quite well otherwise. It was soft and really warm. I could still hear the rain hitting the roof and I stood frozen in place as Aoshi had his back to me and was only now dragging a pair of loose dark grey pants over his muscled thighs and tight butt. I walked silently over knowing he knew I was already in the room and yet he didn't care about what I just saw. My heart raced yet again as he looked so good and yet I could do nothing. We weren't ready yet; well at least I wasn't ready for it yet. My eyes widened when he turned around placing his shirt over his head and I got the chance to see his muscled chest as well! I gulped nervously, a blush crossing my cheeks and I bent my head trying to hid it while speaking quietly to him.
"I should thank the person for letting me wear their training uniform."
"Well you just did. It's a real old one anyway…" I looked up at that to see Aoshi staring at me. I placed a smile on my face at knowing I was wearing his old clothes from when he was younger and I loved it.
"Ah, shall we go get something to eat Misao?" I nodded my head silently and watched as he placed his shoes on when we got to the door. I looked down at my feet noticing I never had any shoes to begin with.
"How about we stop at your parents place so you can get some of your things?" I looked up at him and smiled nodding my head. He opened the door and placed his hand on the small of my back, protectively again and led me out into the street.
Xxx to be continued xxX
