Chapter Seven
Misao looked around and wrinkled her nose. She didn't usually pay attention to decor, but this was pitiful. Bleak, blank walls greeted her roving eyes and she paced. She wasn't sure what she was doing here, but this was good punishment for what she had done. It was her fault after all.
If she hadn't been so nosy she would be in school right now, probably drooling over her history book and mumbling in her slumber.
But no, she had to go and see what Soujirou was doing sneaking out in the middle of the night! Why was he anyway? He never said, and after the first attempt to stop her he seemed to just give up on that.
Which wasn't to say that he let her out of his sight for ten minutes at a time since they arrived. She didn't blame him. The people here were… creepy to say the least. Scary? Psychotic? They all were, but especially that Usui guy. He seemed like the type who would murder then chop up and eat little kids calling it a delicacy. She shivered at that thought.
"Are you okay Misao?"
She crinkled her nose and turned around with a big, bright smile.
"Of course I am Sou! Why not? Just a bit cold I guess."
Although the smile didn't falter his eyes were different. He shrugged and tossed something down on the bed behind her.
"I am sorry. Here, let me find you a jacket." She sat down and watched as he dove head first into the closet. There was a short bout of scuffling before he emerged with a slightly large, worn jacket that was the color of cat puke.
He looked it over and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, "Not a good fashion statement right? Sorry, but I guess I can ask Miss Yumi later…"
"No, no. It's fine!" Misao said jumping up to snatch the jacket and don it. She really didn't want to see what that woman had in the way of clothing. Especially jackets. Misao really didn't want to be parading around in attire like that.
"Are you hungry?" Soujirou asked, but he didn't seem all there. Over the last month or so the two of them had gotten close and Misao didn't claim to know all his moods, but this one seemed really odd. She didn't know why he would associate with such rough characters.
Shishio in particular scared her. It wasn't how he looked, rather it was some evil aura that seemed to cloak and cling to his burnt form. That and those sharp, crimson eyes that seemed to see right through you. He was dangerous, even Misao could tell that, and she wasn't adept as seeing such things. Not like Aoshi…
No, that wasn't a place she wanted to go. She had convinced herself the best thing to do was put him out of her mind. He was out of sight after all. How hard could it be? Very so far, but she was getting better at it.
"Yeah, what do you have for food around here anyway? I didn't see a kitchen or anything." Misao said cheerfully and her stomach rumbled in happy agreement.
He shook his head in a boyish manner and grinned, "I hope you like fast food. That's all you'll get here unless you fancy cooking cans out in the courtyard."
"Fast food it is then. Chik-Fil-A?" Misao really wasn't much for places like Burger King or Mc Donalds. Red meat didn't agree with her metabolism very well, and it reacted badly. The proteins in it made her depressed and moody. A depressed, moody Misao was something no one wanted to be around. Especially since her aim seemed to improve a great deal as did the strength in her arms.
"Or Wendys. You could have a baked potato." He agreed.
"Chicken sounds good right? I mean, if you'd rather have a burger that's okay. Just keep that stuff away from me."
"Chicken is good." He agreed, putting on his own coat. It was a chilly, overcast day out.
The two of them were going down some hall or other, Misao wasn't really sure since she hadn't gotten her bearings yet. This place was a maze. She didn't see how Soujirou could even manage it. She felt like a rat looking through the maze for that coveted piece of cheese hidden at the end. Unlike the rat, she had more on her mind that food, and she didn't like the feeling that she was being watched.
It wasn't until she turned the corner and walked into someone that she jumped however.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't pay…" Her eyes widened uncertainly and she took a small step back.
Aoshi didn't seem to be perturbed to see her, and he ignored her half-baked apology. She stared up into a pair of blue eyes that could make ice jealous and shivered. She had never been on the receiving end of such a glare before.
His frown deepened as those eyes looked over at Soujirou.
Misao felt an irrational worm of guilt stir in her heart. Guilt that she was with someone else, and that she was enjoying his company more than she ever had Aoshi's. It was a strange and unattractive feeling, but she didn't know what to do with it.
"You were supposed to keep her safe." For all the emotion in his voice she might have thought him a robot. After the first, curt glance he hadn't even bothered to look at her again.
Soujirou's smile didn't waver, but he shifted into a more defendable position. This was wrong, so wrong. They were going to fight! Over her. Misao didn't know whether to knock them over the head or to cry.
"She is safe. Aren't you Misao?"
Oh no, don't you bring me into this!
She knew he was only making sure that she understood they were speaking of her, but didn't think of her as property. A noble gesture, and one she would have certainly appreciated at another time, but right now she wanted to shrink back.
Is that what Sou was all the time? A baby-sitter? Guilt's comrade-in-arms Doubt began to help tear at her insides.
"Yes." She squeaked then jutted her jaw. This was a modern day and age, and she wasn't going to let two guys push her around! Even if they were the most dear to her. She wasn't a pet, and most certainly not a piece of property to fight over. "I can take care of myself thank you very much. As you can see I'm perfectly fine, or I was until a moment ago!"
She wasn't sure why, but it was easier to rail at Aoshi, yet harder too. He was obviously the aggressor in the silent contest of wills that they thought she couldn't sense. Well, news flash, a dead goat could sense the silent challenge hanging in the air!
"So you think." Aoshi remarked with seemingly casual cruelty. So he had understood her underlying accusation.
"I…" She started to retort hotly, but Soujirou put a hand on her arm. The guilt bit harder. She was about to yell at the man she'd adored since childhood. So he was being an ass, but she was being a child. How could anyone take her seriously like this?
"Mister Shinomori, I think that you should look to your own affairs." There was a dangerous, insistent tone beneath the polite words. Polite words that even Misao recognized to be another form of the flipping the bird.
For an instant Misao wondered if there would be a loud clap from all the electrical tension. Aoshi's suddenly relaxed slightly, but his hard gaze turned even more flinty.
"I think you are confused as to what you have jurisdiction over." The tall man said softly, "And if I am not mistaken, as Misao's legal guardian, I have an obligation to look out for her best interests. Whatever they may be. You, Mister Seta, are eighteen, correct? It would be unseemly if things were happening between the two of you."
Misao's whole face burned at what he was implying. That was malicious! Sou had always been a perfect gentleman and he would never… ooo! She didn't think Aoshi would actually do something like that, but looking at his cold stance she wasn't quite so sure now.
Soujirou's smile cracked and his eyes narrowed at the implications, "It would be, if something like that ever happened."
"If is a very malleable word." Aoshi's eyebrow lifted.
"Stop it! Just stop! You two can bait each other with cleverly constructed words all day just to cover threats and implications, but I'm not stupid. I understand every word you two say!"
"Misao, I didn't say-."
"Misao."
"No, don't 'Misao' me. If you knew all the crap I've been through…" Misao cut herself off in horror. She did not just almost admit that out loud! Stifling the sob that was rising in her throat and fighting back the tears that pressured she continued unwilling to let herself go in front of them. Anger was a good distraction. She could bawl like a baby later when there was a locked door and some running water. "You really can't claim to have control over me when you walked out like that! You just up and left without even a good-bye. At least Soujirou stuck around and supported me when I needed it." That last sentence was spat out with such venom that the two males seemed to flinch back.
Having said her piece she flew back unerringly towards the sanctuary of Sou's bathroom, thankful that it was private. She completely missed the looks the two gave behind her back before Aoshi turned away and Soujirou followed her.
A/N: No html this time. Not if FF is going to screw it up and give me crap! *sigh* And now I remember why I don't like having so many fics going on at the same time. I'll have to scramble to finish BSR, but never fear this won't be neglected! Mostly because it's more fun and much easier to write ^__^; You think I'd manage my time better but nooooooo. When you're comparing yourself to Aoshi (and Hoji) that's bad. When you're comparing your best online bud to Shishio that's worse -__-'. When you spent four hours looking at doujinshi pics of a pairing you don't care for... And you know what? Yutaro and Noah (from Yugioh) could be long lost twins -___-' I make it sound like I have a lot of time on my hands.
Wistful-Eyes: Yes, short. I couldn't write Hiko as well as I supposed. It is weird *laughing evilly*. Hiko makes a good controlling b/f, but he makes an even better whiny brother-in-law!
eriesalia: Yes, I'm pathetically transparent, but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve ^^ This is really my "fun" and "as is" fic where I don't pour on the charm or the effort. Someone suggested to me that Kamatari and Misao would have cute kids... -__-' why does that scare me? Hiko DOES make it look sexy, but he's still insufferable! *grins*
MissBehavin: I know! But it ties in and it's really an old plot twist that just didn't make it into Res. Teach and learn are totally different. And since no one can "beat some sense into him" he's kind of set for life in a skew mindset. Saitoh is Saitoh. I like that reason! So you got that little quip? Umm, you can try O.o;; And you know what I'd REALLY love to do? Back when he has a long ponytail, I'd love to YANK it. *drools at that thought**shakes out of it* I like guys with long hair :) Oh yes -__- I insulted the Tenken God of Smiles and have suffered the wrath of his "mother". There is no such thing as too much Majesty-insulting! And I found this picture and thought you might get a kick [or want to give out a kick] out of this: sakabatouzanbatou. com/ jeniferdono /gallery /doujinshi /hiko01. jpg I hope I put the spaces in well enough.
Fyyrrose:
E: Oh give it a rest. If you can call me wench I can call people freaks.
D: she means it ^^ *playing with slingblade*
E:And I'm NOT braindead. If I were then I wouldn't be able to write this or read the bijillion fanfics that I do, ne? Kite on the other hand... well, she's got her head in the clouds. That doesn't mean she's braindead. Just occupied ^^; Besides, she practically lives in Yokohama now. It has something to do with eating real food and stuff that doesn't have rice, tofu, or seafood in it.
Kite: -__- You killed Misao? But I didn't get to apologize yet! And you're going to pay back every red cent for that tea I bought Aoshi. I *gives mild smile* haven't been checking up like I should. Currently I'm trying to teach Chou english ^__^' Besides, I'm banned from Saitoh's office, Hiko's mountain, and that shrine place that Aoshi visits... Hey, don't do anything to Sano. Where would I stay if I come to visit Tokyo? He's the only one who will tolerate my educational, yet annoying, lectures.
Shadow: What she means to say is: She's teaching Chou english and he's teaching her self defense. She's actually fairly decent with the bo staff, but give her a blade and she's screwed.
Kite: -__- Live steel and I do not get along very well.
D: More for me ^__^ Can you get me some stuff? I want some butterfly swords...
Kite: But those are Chinese!
D: So? And I want a ningata and some nunchucks and a katana and one of those long bows!
Kite: -__-' You know that the longbows are taller than both of us, don't you? I doubt you could string one let alone draw one.
Cyetoh: She doesn't want to use it. She just wants to own it.
D: ^____________________________^
E: Would you guys pipe down? Yes, an apology, what a novel concept. You're just lucky I found it amusing to do so. As for sucking up, call me a Keener then SSM's alter-ego. And you know you can't resist playing muse! "Princ-" is proof of that ^__~ And your suggested voice is hard to write in :) *humming We're in the Jailhouse Now*. And you want it in BSR too? Picky, picky. Your boy has a fan over there I guess... Besides you guys I mean.
Yup, you better be careful. My vocab. recall and comprehendsion is notariously fickle. I'm good at playing stupid, especially when I'm being lazy! And I take no responsiblity for your tramatized family! I was only going after T. Can I help it if Hiko/Saitoh is scary? Oh, and I finished Wish last night. My wallet was incredibly happy ^___^ The ending was sweeeeeeet. And I swear that Touki is Kikisha. The expression and the attitude!
Misao looked around and wrinkled her nose. She didn't usually pay attention to decor, but this was pitiful. Bleak, blank walls greeted her roving eyes and she paced. She wasn't sure what she was doing here, but this was good punishment for what she had done. It was her fault after all.
If she hadn't been so nosy she would be in school right now, probably drooling over her history book and mumbling in her slumber.
But no, she had to go and see what Soujirou was doing sneaking out in the middle of the night! Why was he anyway? He never said, and after the first attempt to stop her he seemed to just give up on that.
Which wasn't to say that he let her out of his sight for ten minutes at a time since they arrived. She didn't blame him. The people here were… creepy to say the least. Scary? Psychotic? They all were, but especially that Usui guy. He seemed like the type who would murder then chop up and eat little kids calling it a delicacy. She shivered at that thought.
"Are you okay Misao?"
She crinkled her nose and turned around with a big, bright smile.
"Of course I am Sou! Why not? Just a bit cold I guess."
Although the smile didn't falter his eyes were different. He shrugged and tossed something down on the bed behind her.
"I am sorry. Here, let me find you a jacket." She sat down and watched as he dove head first into the closet. There was a short bout of scuffling before he emerged with a slightly large, worn jacket that was the color of cat puke.
He looked it over and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, "Not a good fashion statement right? Sorry, but I guess I can ask Miss Yumi later…"
"No, no. It's fine!" Misao said jumping up to snatch the jacket and don it. She really didn't want to see what that woman had in the way of clothing. Especially jackets. Misao really didn't want to be parading around in attire like that.
"Are you hungry?" Soujirou asked, but he didn't seem all there. Over the last month or so the two of them had gotten close and Misao didn't claim to know all his moods, but this one seemed really odd. She didn't know why he would associate with such rough characters.
Shishio in particular scared her. It wasn't how he looked, rather it was some evil aura that seemed to cloak and cling to his burnt form. That and those sharp, crimson eyes that seemed to see right through you. He was dangerous, even Misao could tell that, and she wasn't adept as seeing such things. Not like Aoshi…
No, that wasn't a place she wanted to go. She had convinced herself the best thing to do was put him out of her mind. He was out of sight after all. How hard could it be? Very so far, but she was getting better at it.
"Yeah, what do you have for food around here anyway? I didn't see a kitchen or anything." Misao said cheerfully and her stomach rumbled in happy agreement.
He shook his head in a boyish manner and grinned, "I hope you like fast food. That's all you'll get here unless you fancy cooking cans out in the courtyard."
"Fast food it is then. Chik-Fil-A?" Misao really wasn't much for places like Burger King or Mc Donalds. Red meat didn't agree with her metabolism very well, and it reacted badly. The proteins in it made her depressed and moody. A depressed, moody Misao was something no one wanted to be around. Especially since her aim seemed to improve a great deal as did the strength in her arms.
"Or Wendys. You could have a baked potato." He agreed.
"Chicken sounds good right? I mean, if you'd rather have a burger that's okay. Just keep that stuff away from me."
"Chicken is good." He agreed, putting on his own coat. It was a chilly, overcast day out.
The two of them were going down some hall or other, Misao wasn't really sure since she hadn't gotten her bearings yet. This place was a maze. She didn't see how Soujirou could even manage it. She felt like a rat looking through the maze for that coveted piece of cheese hidden at the end. Unlike the rat, she had more on her mind that food, and she didn't like the feeling that she was being watched.
It wasn't until she turned the corner and walked into someone that she jumped however.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't pay…" Her eyes widened uncertainly and she took a small step back.
Aoshi didn't seem to be perturbed to see her, and he ignored her half-baked apology. She stared up into a pair of blue eyes that could make ice jealous and shivered. She had never been on the receiving end of such a glare before.
His frown deepened as those eyes looked over at Soujirou.
Misao felt an irrational worm of guilt stir in her heart. Guilt that she was with someone else, and that she was enjoying his company more than she ever had Aoshi's. It was a strange and unattractive feeling, but she didn't know what to do with it.
"You were supposed to keep her safe." For all the emotion in his voice she might have thought him a robot. After the first, curt glance he hadn't even bothered to look at her again.
Soujirou's smile didn't waver, but he shifted into a more defendable position. This was wrong, so wrong. They were going to fight! Over her. Misao didn't know whether to knock them over the head or to cry.
"She is safe. Aren't you Misao?"
Oh no, don't you bring me into this!
She knew he was only making sure that she understood they were speaking of her, but didn't think of her as property. A noble gesture, and one she would have certainly appreciated at another time, but right now she wanted to shrink back.
Is that what Sou was all the time? A baby-sitter? Guilt's comrade-in-arms Doubt began to help tear at her insides.
"Yes." She squeaked then jutted her jaw. This was a modern day and age, and she wasn't going to let two guys push her around! Even if they were the most dear to her. She wasn't a pet, and most certainly not a piece of property to fight over. "I can take care of myself thank you very much. As you can see I'm perfectly fine, or I was until a moment ago!"
She wasn't sure why, but it was easier to rail at Aoshi, yet harder too. He was obviously the aggressor in the silent contest of wills that they thought she couldn't sense. Well, news flash, a dead goat could sense the silent challenge hanging in the air!
"So you think." Aoshi remarked with seemingly casual cruelty. So he had understood her underlying accusation.
"I…" She started to retort hotly, but Soujirou put a hand on her arm. The guilt bit harder. She was about to yell at the man she'd adored since childhood. So he was being an ass, but she was being a child. How could anyone take her seriously like this?
"Mister Shinomori, I think that you should look to your own affairs." There was a dangerous, insistent tone beneath the polite words. Polite words that even Misao recognized to be another form of the flipping the bird.
For an instant Misao wondered if there would be a loud clap from all the electrical tension. Aoshi's suddenly relaxed slightly, but his hard gaze turned even more flinty.
"I think you are confused as to what you have jurisdiction over." The tall man said softly, "And if I am not mistaken, as Misao's legal guardian, I have an obligation to look out for her best interests. Whatever they may be. You, Mister Seta, are eighteen, correct? It would be unseemly if things were happening between the two of you."
Misao's whole face burned at what he was implying. That was malicious! Sou had always been a perfect gentleman and he would never… ooo! She didn't think Aoshi would actually do something like that, but looking at his cold stance she wasn't quite so sure now.
Soujirou's smile cracked and his eyes narrowed at the implications, "It would be, if something like that ever happened."
"If is a very malleable word." Aoshi's eyebrow lifted.
"Stop it! Just stop! You two can bait each other with cleverly constructed words all day just to cover threats and implications, but I'm not stupid. I understand every word you two say!"
"Misao, I didn't say-."
"Misao."
"No, don't 'Misao' me. If you knew all the crap I've been through…" Misao cut herself off in horror. She did not just almost admit that out loud! Stifling the sob that was rising in her throat and fighting back the tears that pressured she continued unwilling to let herself go in front of them. Anger was a good distraction. She could bawl like a baby later when there was a locked door and some running water. "You really can't claim to have control over me when you walked out like that! You just up and left without even a good-bye. At least Soujirou stuck around and supported me when I needed it." That last sentence was spat out with such venom that the two males seemed to flinch back.
Having said her piece she flew back unerringly towards the sanctuary of Sou's bathroom, thankful that it was private. She completely missed the looks the two gave behind her back before Aoshi turned away and Soujirou followed her.
A/N: No html this time. Not if FF is going to screw it up and give me crap! *sigh* And now I remember why I don't like having so many fics going on at the same time. I'll have to scramble to finish BSR, but never fear this won't be neglected! Mostly because it's more fun and much easier to write ^__^; You think I'd manage my time better but nooooooo. When you're comparing yourself to Aoshi (and Hoji) that's bad. When you're comparing your best online bud to Shishio that's worse -__-'. When you spent four hours looking at doujinshi pics of a pairing you don't care for... And you know what? Yutaro and Noah (from Yugioh) could be long lost twins -___-' I make it sound like I have a lot of time on my hands.
Wistful-Eyes: Yes, short. I couldn't write Hiko as well as I supposed. It is weird *laughing evilly*. Hiko makes a good controlling b/f, but he makes an even better whiny brother-in-law!
eriesalia: Yes, I'm pathetically transparent, but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve ^^ This is really my "fun" and "as is" fic where I don't pour on the charm or the effort. Someone suggested to me that Kamatari and Misao would have cute kids... -__-' why does that scare me? Hiko DOES make it look sexy, but he's still insufferable! *grins*
MissBehavin: I know! But it ties in and it's really an old plot twist that just didn't make it into Res. Teach and learn are totally different. And since no one can "beat some sense into him" he's kind of set for life in a skew mindset. Saitoh is Saitoh. I like that reason! So you got that little quip? Umm, you can try O.o;; And you know what I'd REALLY love to do? Back when he has a long ponytail, I'd love to YANK it. *drools at that thought**shakes out of it* I like guys with long hair :) Oh yes -__- I insulted the Tenken God of Smiles and have suffered the wrath of his "mother". There is no such thing as too much Majesty-insulting! And I found this picture and thought you might get a kick [or want to give out a kick] out of this: sakabatouzanbatou. com/ jeniferdono /gallery /doujinshi /hiko01. jpg I hope I put the spaces in well enough.
Fyyrrose:
E: Oh give it a rest. If you can call me wench I can call people freaks.
D: she means it ^^ *playing with slingblade*
E:And I'm NOT braindead. If I were then I wouldn't be able to write this or read the bijillion fanfics that I do, ne? Kite on the other hand... well, she's got her head in the clouds. That doesn't mean she's braindead. Just occupied ^^; Besides, she practically lives in Yokohama now. It has something to do with eating real food and stuff that doesn't have rice, tofu, or seafood in it.
Kite: -__- You killed Misao? But I didn't get to apologize yet! And you're going to pay back every red cent for that tea I bought Aoshi. I *gives mild smile* haven't been checking up like I should. Currently I'm trying to teach Chou english ^__^' Besides, I'm banned from Saitoh's office, Hiko's mountain, and that shrine place that Aoshi visits... Hey, don't do anything to Sano. Where would I stay if I come to visit Tokyo? He's the only one who will tolerate my educational, yet annoying, lectures.
Shadow: What she means to say is: She's teaching Chou english and he's teaching her self defense. She's actually fairly decent with the bo staff, but give her a blade and she's screwed.
Kite: -__- Live steel and I do not get along very well.
D: More for me ^__^ Can you get me some stuff? I want some butterfly swords...
Kite: But those are Chinese!
D: So? And I want a ningata and some nunchucks and a katana and one of those long bows!
Kite: -__-' You know that the longbows are taller than both of us, don't you? I doubt you could string one let alone draw one.
Cyetoh: She doesn't want to use it. She just wants to own it.
D: ^____________________________^
E: Would you guys pipe down? Yes, an apology, what a novel concept. You're just lucky I found it amusing to do so. As for sucking up, call me a Keener then SSM's alter-ego. And you know you can't resist playing muse! "Princ-" is proof of that ^__~ And your suggested voice is hard to write in :) *humming We're in the Jailhouse Now*. And you want it in BSR too? Picky, picky. Your boy has a fan over there I guess... Besides you guys I mean.
Yup, you better be careful. My vocab. recall and comprehendsion is notariously fickle. I'm good at playing stupid, especially when I'm being lazy! And I take no responsiblity for your tramatized family! I was only going after T. Can I help it if Hiko/Saitoh is scary? Oh, and I finished Wish last night. My wallet was incredibly happy ^___^ The ending was sweeeeeeet. And I swear that Touki is Kikisha. The expression and the attitude!