Glazed Affections

"Thank you for coming, please come again tomorrow." I voiced to the last customer as I bowed before them and then closed the door behind them. With a sigh I flipped the 'open' sign to 'closed' and then locked the door. Aoshi had been out the back for most of the afternoon, trusting me with the front of the store as I once more happily bounced around getting everyone's orders. I didn't mind being busy, but boy were these hours long. Sitting inelegantly on a milk crate I began restacking the bottles of soft drink and different flavoured milks into the fridge.

As I hummed along with a song being softly played on the radio (thanks to me begging Aoshi to turn it on so there was some background noise) I was interrupted by tapping on the glass front door.

"I'm sorry but we are closed, please come tomorrow." I voiced first and then turned to see a smiling woman with two certain girls making faces at me through the glass. I waved and got up from my seated position and unlocked the door allowing them inside.

"Sagara-san, konbanwa." I voiced to Aoshi's sister as she smiled politely at me.

"I see that dear brother of mine has you working hard. Oh, please call me Megumi as well." I nodded my head. Wow she was kind of nice after all.

"So how was your trip?" It was better to be nice to Aoshi's sister considering I was sleeping with her brother, well not that she knew of this news.

"It was nice and relaxing, but of course Sano always misses his little girls even if it's only been five minutes." Megumi voiced as she pat her daughters on the head and we listened to them giggle happily.

"Ah, Shinomori-san is out the back if you need to see him." It's best to make sure I called him 'Shinomori-san' in front of her as well. Don't need to give anything away.

"Mm, he doesn't need to look after the girls this Sunday so he has a free day to catch up on sleep. I thought I'd be my loving sister self and come tell him." I watched her walk under the counter to head for the back. "You girls behave for Misao-san alright?" The two little rascals nodded their heads and stood beside me as they handed me the flavoured milks as we stacked them into their respected shelves.

"Misao-san, come quickly!" At the urgency in Megumi's voice I sprung up from my seated place, knocking over some milk and scampered towards her as she ushered me into the back of the bakery where my eyes…met a sleeping Aoshi. With heart slowly returning to normal I turned to face Megumi as she smiled loving over at Aoshi, who was oblivious to our stares.

"He truly does work himself to death. I'm sure he thinks he has to for not helping father when we were younger. Perhaps he thinks this is a way of apologizing to his spirit." Oh no that meant their father had passed on. I stared up at Megumi and then turned my eyes back to Aoshi. He was slumped against the large double doors where he'd usually get his bulk deliveries from, slouched on another milk crate and head tilted to the side. His bakery shirt had several buttons undone while his baker hat sat on his lap.

"Isn't he sweet, just innocently sleeping like that?"

"Tell me about it. Whenever he sits down I know he's going to fall asleep." Oh crap! My eyes grew wide at that instant reply from me as I stood stiffly as Megumi turned to look down at me. Could she read between those lines? Could she tell I knew more about Aoshi's sleeping pattern then most people would?

"I see…" Came her mumbled reply and I knew it wasn't a good thing. So of course, in this dire need to explain the situation without blurting out all the truth along the way, 'Babbling' Misao was soon heard.

"Oh no, you got it wrong Megumi-san, Aoshi-san just works himself to death as I'm sure you are aware and I was merely stating that I've caught him resting once or twice while he sits down on a bed…I'm mean crate!" Argh, just swallow me whole floor, I don't need to have amused maroon eyes gazing intently at me as my cheeks reddened. I listened to her laugh lightly, which kind of grated on my nerves and instead stood by the archway between the front and back of the bakery as Megumi quietly headed for Aoshi. My eyes softened as I watched her brush his bangs away before placing a light kiss against his forehead. He stirred at the disturbance and rubbed at his sleep filled eyes.

"Megumi, what is that matter? Has something happened to Sano or the girls?"

"No, just waking you from your beauty sleep, ne Misao-san?" I desperately tried to fight the blush creeping to my cheeks and with icy eyes gazing over at me I laughed lightly, one hand behind my head and then scampered away to make sure Ayame and Suzume hadn't burned the place down…or more importantly spilt anything on the floor.

"Misao-san look!" I found all the milks in the wrong area and sighed lightly as I sat down on the milk crate. I'd be here for at least another 20 minutes.

"Misao-san did we do it wrong?" Argh, damn those pouting big brown eyes.

"Its okay, I'm sure Uncle Aoshi would be very proud of you helping me stack the fridge for him."

"Really?" They piped up, always wanting to be in the good books of their favourite Uncle it seemed.

"Aa, I am proud." Came the sultry deep voice from behind us, the girls' eyes widening as they saw their Uncle before running over to latch onto his legs.

"You didn't come home last night." They yelled at him, pouting eyes and trembling lips in check. I quickly turned away, restacking the fridge so none of them would see the darkening flush on my cheeks as to why he hadn't come home.

"Gomen, I'll make it up to the both of you. I had been distracted last night, so on Sunday we'll spend the day in the park alright?"

"Actually Aoshi, Sano is taking the girls to the theme park this weekend like he promised three weeks ago. A little late, but he keeps his promises."

"Then we shall go another day. I'll close up shop early just to spend extra time with you girls alright?"

"HAI!" They happily chirped.

"So what was this distraction?" A coke bottle slipped from my hands, hit the tiled flooring and rolled away from me.

"Oops…" I voiced and thanked Suzume-chan as she raced to grab it and handed it back to me with her big cheesy smile on her face. Ah, too adorable…

"Ooooooooh…" I cringed lightly at Megumi's knowing 'oh' and fought off another blush.

"Misao-san, are you okay? Your face is all red!" Suzume-chan decided to yell at the top of her lungs. Dammit, stupid, stupid bodily functions reacting to words that always had something to do with Aoshi.

"Could we have a small chat Aoshi?" Oh god, what was she going to say? Don't fraternize with the employee? She's so tiny and not your type? The options were endless as 'Insecurity' Misao reared her ugly little head once more. As I was lost in bad thoughts not knowing how long Aoshi and Megumi were going to be, I jumped when a hand was placed on my shoulder as I turned to see Megumi smiling 'sisterly' down at me.

"Now you two behave…and no hanky panky during business hours." My eyes grew wide, I falling off the crate as she had whispered this to me. What the hell did Aoshi say to her! "See you later." I watched her practically skip out of the bakery with her daughters, my mouth hanging open and face beet red.

"Misao?"

"GAH!" I yelled in fright, heart pounding I stared up at Aoshi who was standing right behind me. How long had he been there for? This family was just full of light walkers that got pleasures in freaking poor me out!

"You really shouldn't let Megumi provoke you like that?" Argh, well excuse me for not wanting to let everyone know (including your damned sister) about our personal love affairs!

"Yeah well excuse me for being just a little freaked out at what she said to me. It's like she knew!"

"She does…"

"WHAT!" I snapped my head up, blinking several times at his out stretched hand wanting to help me up from the floor.

"She's my sister and unfortunately because of that she can guess things straight away. Think of it like a strange sixth sense she has because of her being a doctor." I pouted up at him for he was taking this a little too casually, but it's not like I could argue with him. Instead I grabbed his hand and was lifted to my feet. This was way too complicated for my usually laid back lifestyle.

"Misao, do you think…"

"I've got some shopping to do, I'll see you tomorrow." And before I knew it, my apron was off; I was out the back and grabbing my bag. I didn't even want to hear what he was trying to say to me and instead headed on my way with not even a smile or a wave from me. What happened to the genki Misao I knew, that he knew and liked? Argh, I needed to stop thinking about him and just do some shopping, eat a hearty meal and not instant ramen and get a nice long sleep in my comfortable bed. Oh, my bed, that's right, I don't have one anymore. Turning down another street I found a 'Bed-o-Rama' store and walked inside. Great I'd have to cut into my savings for all my textbooks and first semester tuition and get the cheapest thing here.

Xx Some time later… xX

I sat on my couch having just finished off fish, rice and steamed vegetables as I watched a comedy station. I really needed a good laugh as I sat in a pair of baggy sweat pants and jumper. I'd just blown off Aoshi, the one thing that had seem to become so stable in my life so I could work out what was wrong with me. Slapping my face to get a hold of myself I placed my dishes into the sink and was ready to bring out the cookie ice cream when there was a knock at my door. Glancing at the clock on the oven it read 11:59 and I knew it was now hopeless for me to get some sleep. Hell I don't even think I constructed the bed base properly in my room for me to test it out, so I guess the couch would do.

Trudging down the hallway at the persistent knocking I grumbled an 'okay I'm coming already' as I unlocked the door and unhooked the security chain. Perhaps Kaoru had a fight with Himura? Maybe Jiya was unsuspectingly coming to visit? It'd just be like that old geezer to show up unannounced.

"Yeah, what is it?" I pulled the door open, eyes widening as I found dark green eyes (slightly narrowed by the way) looking down at me.

"A-Aoshi wha-" With eyes wide I never did get my question out as he took one step into my apartment before his lips had hungrily molded over mine, both hands holding the back of my head as he plunged his tongue into my warm depths. My breath hitched at this onslaught as we stood in my hallway, which was the only light on besides my kitchen one and with the door open too. Thankfully (before I could faint) Aoshi pulled away, his broad chest heaving for air just like mine was as he stared down at me, his hands still cupping my upturned head.

"Do you really think I'd let you leave me like that?" Leave him, what was he on about now? "At least tell me what is troubling you Misao. Let me help." He murmured before his tongue flickered over my swollen pink and parted lips. Oh god I was falling under his spell already.

"No, stop!" I pushed him away at that, watching as he quietly stared down at me with that oh so delicious disheveled look. I waved him quickly inside my home, knowing I couldn't turn him away when he'd come to see me and shut the door. As he sat on my battered couch I paced the floor beside it.

"Aoshi, I like you, I really do, but there has to be a limit of what goes on, you know? We can't just work and then bang each other senseless thinking that this relationship will work period on sex. We need to communicate more, to go out on dates to find out about each others lives and not what position we like doing it in."

"I know this."

"Eh? You do?" I stopped pacing then, watching as he caught my wrist within his hand, pulling me to my couch and ironically into his lap. He was so comfy; I could just fall asleep against him. NO! Must not sleep! This is a deep and meaningful conversation we must have together.

"I work hard to earn a living and keep the company afloat. I know you know this Misao and although you work with me, making it slightly easier I still lead a hectic business life and so I become tired quite a lot."

"Then slow down Aoshi! Your loyal customers will understand if you shut the bakery at least one day a week or even close a little earlier so you can have time to yourself, to your friends and family and also to us. Well if you want there to be an 'us' that is."

"Do not pout Misao, I prefer your smiles." I felt my heart thump happily at his words as I ducked my head away to press a kiss against the side of his neck.

"What is wrong with pouting?" I mumbled there, loving the feel of his skin against my lips.

"It wins me over." An even bigger smile formed over my lips at that and because of the tightening around my waist as well. "I do like you Misao, but with me comes certain…things."

"Things…?" Why did this sound bad?

"Aa… I work long hours because that is who I am." You mean you want to atone for ignoring your father's wishes when you were younger. "I have a very nosy sister, a brother-in-law who despite his low intelligence has a big heart and two very bratty nieces. My emotions, feelings and intimacy levels are at a low and business is business and pleasure is whenever it can happen." Granted I agree with the emotions and feelings side, but intimacy at a low? Kami-sama if that was low I was in for one hell of a ride! Though, he really needs to work on the romance, but what the hell…

"I'll take it all." I voiced softly, slumping into his bigger physique as I felt Aoshi's lips caress my forehead. I didn't know where this was going, didn't know if I could be happy with just seeing him flippantly through the weeks or even months to come when I began University in the fall, but for now this is where I really wanted to be.

"Right then, to bed it is."

"Eh? Wait!" I spoke while trying to fight to get out of his strong grip as he carried me bridal style to my bedroom. The light was flicked on an Aoshi stood prone at my doorway, looking over my untidy room and at the bed I had purchased.

"A…single?" I listened to him mutter as he placed me back on my feet.

"Well, it's all I could afford." I huffed at his side. "I'm not made of money and had to break into my tuition savings." I griped once more.

"Hmm, this will not work." Work? What was he- AH! I gasped in surprise when lips all but raped my own. When I said Aoshi had fast hands at baking, his hands were very fast at stripping too. My sweatshirt was already lying at my bare feet; my chest tight against Aoshi's clothed one as I felt my nipples harden. Hey I was at home, I was being a slob and was in my most comfy attire without a bra, so what.

There was no way this addiction I had of Aoshi would lessen over the coming days or weeks. I thrust my arms around his neck and felt Aoshi shift against me. My legs hit the side of the bed, Aoshi tumbling over me as we sank into my new mattress, the springs churned and groaned and a cracking was soon heard. Quick thinking from Aoshi lifted me up as the headboard slammed against the mattress and the bed posts splinted under pressure as we were once more sitting on the floor, I only half naked this time.

"I don't think I screwed it into place properly." I mumbled against Aoshi's chest and felt his hearty deep laughter break through the room and echo off the walls. "Shut up Aoshi-sama, it's not funny okay!" I yelled at him even if I was still cuddled to his chest.

"I wonder…" I heard him murmur into my hair.

"You wonder what?" The humour in his voice was pissing me off. He'd just wrecked my second bed! And it wasn't even a day old and we hadn't even done anything in it…yet.

"What it would sound like if you actually moaned that aloud."

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeh?" I cried aloud, pulling away from him to see the heated gaze affixed to my half naked form. Before his lips could seal over mine I slapped my hand over his mouth. Come on Misao, don't surrender to him. Be strong girl! "You owe me a new bed Aoshi-sama." Dammit there was that 'sama' again! My eyes were narrowed as I didn't break from his stare, but it wasn't long before they widened however when I felt a stroking of his warm tongue against my palm.

I gasped as instead of thinking Aoshi would relent to my supposed 'annoyed' look, he instead scooped me up into his arms once more and headed for the door.

"Where the hell are you taking me? Put me down right now!"

"You wanted a bed, so I'm taking you to mine."

"WHAT?" I yelled for the umpteenth time. With much squirming on my behalf and failing to be freed from Aoshi's arms I found us at his car as he continued to hold me, now embarrassingly thrown over his shoulder while he unlocked the passenger side.

"Will you put me down? I need rest and…"

"You can't go back to your apartment." He frustratingly interrupted me.

"Oh, and why is that?" I made an 'argh' noise as I was positioned into the seat and strapped in like a child. I met icy eyes with non-too-pleased blue orbs.

"Your apartment key happens to be down my pants." Instantly my face turned red and so with that image sticking in my mind, Aoshi got in and drove us to his place. I was determined not to look at him once.

Xx Aoshi's Apartment Building xX

I fumed once more as I was carried towards his apartment and was unable to be freed until Aoshi was inside, his door closed and locked.

"Why did you treat me like a child?" I sourly voiced to him as I stood and blushed furiously at this point as I was finally took note I was only in my sweatpants. Thank Christ it was midnight and no one was around anywhere. "And why didn't you give me a top?" I screeched aloud also.

"Firstly Misao, please lower your voice, I have neighbours. Secondly, I treated you like a child because you were acting like one. And thirdly, I happen to like seeing you naked."

"Why you…I…we…I ought to…" Jumbled words were coming out…or not coming out at this particular moment as I covered my chest from viewpoint and turned away from Aoshi, snubbing him (for all of two seconds) as his arms captured me once more in his embrace.

"Let me just tell you it appears I'm addicted to you Misao, ever since you energetically entered the bakery that day. I don't know where this will lead, but if you will accept I shall close the bakery every Sunday so we can go out if you like." Wait, was he…submitting himself to me? I turned within Aoshi's hold and gazed up at him. His words were true and genuine as he stared unashamed down at me. My fuming earlier had been depleted by a mere hug and some non promising words. I really was pathetic when it came to him.

"You still owe me a new bed." I grumbled out, hoping that he would know that he hadn't won me over just yet.

"Well I know you think this might be fast, but there is a sturdy bed here that could use an extra occupant." Oh my god, was he seriously asking me to…to stay with him…here? "Besides, when you get to busy doing your studies and are unable to work with me, I can still see you here every now and then…and if you think I'm working too much you can spank me back into relaxing a little bit."

"Hehe, I do like the sound of that very much."

"Which part?" Mischief was in those green orbs of his as I became lost within them once more. It was no good, I was done for as soon as I laid claim on him when I walked in the door of his bakery.

"The spanking…"

"Just the spanking?"

"Mm the rest sounds pretty good too." I murmured as I lifted myself up on my tiptoes to get at his lightly smirking lips. I quickly pulled away and enjoyed the groan from his lips at the loss of contact. Hehehe, he really was a sex crazed maniac when it came to me. "Just one question Aoshi…"

"Mm…?" He murmured while his hands went south on me.

"That bed is sturdy right?"

"Really sturdy…" He muttered before capturing my lips.

Oh gooooooooooooooooood…

Xx To be continued… xX

Authors Notes: Well, err…one chapter to go. YAY!