Standard disclaimer applies.
Chapter 2: On the way to Mt. Ueno…
Misao walked beside her Aoshi-sama, with the newfound grace she acquired after being forced into wearing a kimono. Misao in a kimono? That would be a sight to see; yet it was true.
For three years now, Misao has been accustomed wearing a pink kimono with matching red hakama. It was an outfit required for a Kyoto women's college she has been attending. It took her two years to wipe away the scowl on her face whenever she walked the streets of Kyoto in her uniform outfit. But, there was an upside to it. More and more, people had been treating her as an adult, rather than the Misao-chan they were so familiar with. There was only one person who still treated her like a child – her Aoshi-sama.
In a way, Misao liked it. She knew that Aoshi was always being the overly protective big brother to her. He was already her guardian by the age of thirteen.
Misao's admiration to her Aoshi-sama was usually misinterpreted by many as a young girl's infatuation, or a child's first love. She does love Aoshi, but it was the kind of love shared by siblings, between an older brother and his imouto.
"Misao, are you certain you do not require to change clothing before we meet the Himuras?"
"Hai, Aoshi-sama. I want to show people here in Tokyo that I am from the prestigious college in Kyoto," she giggled, pride showing in her face.
Aoshi arched a brow. "Aa. So you do not plan to transfer here in Tokyo anymore?"
"Of course not, Aoshi-sama. If this business you and Okina planned turns out a success, I would like us to move here in Tokyo. Jiya also said he wanted a change of space and surroundings. I know he plans to live here, too."
Aoshi only nodded. Misao continued chattering, amusing a quiet Aoshi with stories she gathered from the college. Together, they continued their trek to Mt. Ueno for a reunion picnic with the Himuras. Misao had been so excited, even though she had seen the Himuras just two months ago.
"I can't wait to see chibi Kenshin. Aahh… that kid is so cute. He looked just like Himura, don't you think so Aoshi-sama? Plus, he loves calling you his Aoshi-niichan. Hmm… Did I ever call you that, Aoshi-sama, when I was a kid?"
"No, Misao. The first time I saw you – or rather you saw me, you called out to me by referring to me as you refer to me now."
Misao laughed. "Well, I knew you before I even met you, ne? How did that happen?"
"I believe your grandfather talked about me and you based his description of me when you saw me. You have always been an intelligent girl, Misao."
Misao poked Aoshi on his arm. "Aww, Aoshi-sama, you flatter me."
"I'm only telling the truth to the Okashira." This earned a fit of laughter from Misao. She always found it funny when Aoshi referred to her as the 'okashira'. For Misao, after all these years and her self-declaration, Aoshi-sama was still the Oniwabanshuu Okashira. Aoshi, on the other hand, ignored Misao's unstoppable laughter and kept walking.
"Kaoru-san told me that Megumi-san would also be there. How long since we've last seen her?"
Aoshi for a moment stiffened. There were still matters to be straightened out with the doctor; matters that should have been discussed a long time ago. Aoshi had to admit that the failure to recover fully from a nightmarish past was due to the lack of forgiveness from Takani Megumi. He had been too proud to apologize for what she had suffered from the hands of the Oniwabanshuu.
Although, a part of Aoshi knew that Takani did not entirely feel despise him and his comrades during her forced stay with Takeda Kanryuu. In a way, the Oniwabanshuu had protected her from Takeda's malice. True that the Oniwabanshuu was employed to protect Takeda from harm due to his many illegal actions; still they were able to prevent the immoral businessman from making a corrupt move on the young lady doctor.
Nevertheless, Takani Megumi deserved that much of a mere sorry from the former okashira, her once cold and unemotional captor.
Aoshi immediately contemplated a plan in his mind. He could not proceed through the day or a situation wherein he was not at all prepared. A mere apology seemed simple enough. But for Shinomori Aoshi asking Takani Megumi for forgiveness required perfect timing and mood wherein the two of them would be alone. There was no use engaging everyone else, especially Misao, to see Aoshi beg someone for forgiveness. It was a man's pride as well as an intimate gesture to ask sorry to a woman in private.
Uncharacteristically, a bead of sweat dripped from Aoshi's forehead as he thought of the right words to say. 'I am sorry' seemed altogether insincere. 'I apologize' seemed rather overdramatic. Would 'forgive me' do? That phrase would go perfectly if the person begged on his knees. No, definitely not. He was not sorry enough to drop to his knees, wasn't he? Well- this seemed harder than I thought. I'll think of something when the time comes. Then, that would not be being prepared at all.
"Aoshi-sama? Maybe you should take off your coat. You are kind-of sweating unusually," Misao eyed him strangely.
Thanks for reading. Reviews are welcome and will be highly appreciated.
A/N: as i have stated b4, regarding Misao's uniform and schooling, i read it in another fanfic wherein the author had done a marvelous job of researching. unfortunately, i have no idea what fic it was or who the author may be. if somehow i am able to find the site, or the fic, i would provide the link.
acknowledgement to whoever this author was: i did not intend to copy idea or the concept of your story. thus, i give all thecredit to "you". rather, i would like to thank him/her for the idea.