Chapter Ten
Title: Aoshi and Misao what a laugh
Author: don't you all know me by now:Cries: LOL
Rating: M (do you guys want a lime in the next chapter?)
The ride in the car was quiet. No one said a word. Misao was going over her plan in her head and a few times she would laugh like a hyena. The others were a little scared but just shrugged.
Misao took out her cellphone again and a japanese person answered "Moshi Moshi" she smiled.
"Hello grandpa. It's me Misao and I need you to take the next flight to NY as soon as possible. Don't worry about the money I'll pay once you get here"
"My pretty Misao, what's going on?"
She looked at her father who was questioning her, she ignored him "I'm sure you are aware of the family's predicament, anyways I have decided to get us out of the jam we're in. I need your culinary expertise for that old man"
He chuckled "alright my pretty. Okon and I will be arriving soon. I'll bring Yahiko too. How are the twins Misao?"
"The twins are fine and very active. They miss you a lot. They can't stop asking me to take them back"
Mr. Makimachi looked at her daughter puzzled. And then it dawned on him. His grandchildren? Two...and his father has met them?
"Alright see you soon old man". She hung up and continued driving, her father on the other hand kept looking at her.
He needed to know...all these years he had missed her and wondered how she was holding up...when he first learned about her success it had been through Kaoru who was talking to his wife. He had wished so much to have been there. He had even bought a ticket just to pop up "Misao"
She turned to him careful of her driving "don't father. I don't want to talk about them yet"
He nodded "where are we heading?"
"Back to the city" the city. Why?
Kaoru just watched the scenery it was going to be a long day.
Once in her penthouse Misao walked over to Megumi "took you guys long enough"
"Sorry meg, how are the twins?"
Megumi laughed "they are tiring misao, how can you handle those energetic kids. Anyways, they are in their room playing" Misao smiled and walked over to their room.
Her father sat down as the others looked at him "are they healthy? Are they big?"
The others smiled and kenshin stood up and headed for the kitchen as the others waited for misao. Mr. Makimachi looked around the expensive pent house and was very proud of his daughter. At such a young age she was successful. He was brought out of his mussing when he heard giggling and laughing. Then a pair of toddlers ran passed him and latched on to Kenshin's legs.
He looked down at them "hey you two"
"Uncle ken can we ride again...puweeez" he leaned down and kissed Hikari on the forehead.
Mr. Makimachi was watching the kids with wide eyes. They looked just like Misao, the dark hair their skin complexion. He seemed to be watching misao as she was younger. How she would run around his office knocking things down.
Kenshin hushed them and pointed towards their grandfather. The twins turned and looked at him with curious eyes. He seemed familiar to them. If only they could look closer. They moved a little, Alex being a little more shy than his sister. She bounced up to Mr. Makimachi who was still in his dreamland and looked at him.
She raised a tiny eyebrow and then a wide smile appeared on her pretty baby face "Grandpa" she yelled and then jumped on him. Mr. Makimachi let out a breath of air and then looked down at the child that was trying to hug him with her tiny arms.
He looked from Hikari to Misao then back to the child again. She may look like her mother, but her eyes were icy blue, while Misao's were more of a blue green. "Hi grandpa. I missed you grandpa...mommy said I would see you sometime...I love you grandpa"
His eyes misted over and tears began to fall down his cheeks. Hikari quickly wiped one away "are you okay grandpa...did me make you cry. I'm sowwy grandpa"
Misao too started crying. This was a moment she had been dreading and expecting. How would he really react?
Mr. Makimachi shook his head "it's okay...it's not your fault...it's not your fault little one" he hugged her tight and then looked at his daughter "My misao I'm so sorry" she walked over to them and knelt down "please my little misao"
"Daddy is okay" she cleared her throat "well this one here is Alexander" she pulled her shy son towards his grandfather "say hi to your grandpa sweety" he shook his head "sorry dad. He's a little shy unlike Hikari she loves people"
Makimachi nodded "hey son. I'm your grandpa" the boy smiled and walked up to him. He picked him up and sat him on his lap while hikari sat on the other side of him "Oh god Misao who did you manage? Two, two of them"
She smiled "I was blessed with good babies and good friends. I know you want to know about grandpa. Yes we were in Japan about three months ago. I told him everything eventhough he knew some things. He welcomed us and ever since then the twins have wanted to return"
he shook his head "my own father knew and I was clueless. Please forgive me for what I did"
"Dad I told you it was okay. Besides the one at fault here is Mr. Shinomori and I have plans for him"
"What is it that you are going to do to him?"
She laughed and the others looked at her. There was a glint in her eyes and it was intimidating "why I'm going to return him the favor"
Her father didn't quiet understand her..heck the others didn't either. She sighed and plopped down on a couch "he had the guts to threatened you and then go through with it while making you send me away all because I was pregnant with his son's...all because I was pregnant"
She did not want to think about him, she didn't want to remember him, but how can you forget the man you gave yourself to completely and have prove of that love in the for of a beautiful girl and a shy quiet cute boy?
"Anyways when he did that he crossed a line, but to actually take away our family business and make you work for him like a common bag boy, then he messed with the wrong makimachi. I'm going to make him pay and in the end he will be crawling on his knees for forgiveness"
Kenshin shook his head. This would only end in heartache for her and anyone else involved. It wouldn't do her good, but then again Shinomori was being a cowards and a bastard "and after your revenge is done and over with, what will you do Misao?"
She stood up and grabbed her phone again "I'll worry about that when it gets here. Right now I have a few things to settle. Dad I'm going to do some things, then I'll drive you back to your home" he nodded not really listening he was too engrossed in his grandchildren whom were playing with his glasses.
Kaoru knew the look Kenshin was giving her and she gave him a shy smile. It had been her she admitted, it had been her who opened the can of worms, but as much as misao wanted revenge so did she. They had hurt her best friend, the only one she considered a sister and they would pay dearly.
"Misao there's something else you need to know?"
"What now?"
"It's about Aoshi, he..."
Misao raised a hand "don't. I don't want to know anything about him. I will deal with him after I deal with his father"
"But misao"
she shook her head. She didn't want to know she didn't want to remember him "please kaoru. One thing at a time" the others just sat queitly.
Megumi and Sano just sighed and decided to help out in any ways the could. They were friends through and through.
Misao was happy to say the list. The stunt she pulled in the supermarket was just a little taste...today however she was going to pull something big. She had driven her father and the twins back to her old town and she introduced them to her mother and little sister. They were so thrilled with them that they insisted misao sleep over with the kids. She agreed and the next she was off to her office in Manhattan.
Two days later, which would make it this very moment...misao stood in the middle of an empty room and looked around. The big windows giving a nice view of the town. She smirked and turned to a feminine voice "so what do you think of this place miss Makimachi?"
"Well Kamatari, I'm impressed. Not only did you find me the right place, but it was more affordable than expected. Say I thought you would be a photographer for a big company or something" kamatari smiled and pushed her hair back.
"The truth is that it wasn't paying much so I had to take classes in being a realtor. But look at it this way we were able to see each other again. How's the icicle?" misao stiffened and glared at her.
"I wouldn't know" Kamatari shrieked and then gasped.
"I'm sorry Miss Makimachi" misao snorted.
"Oh shut up Kamatari...hey are you still any good with the camera?"
Kamatari blushed "of course. Why?"
"I will hire you. You see I've finally opened up my own modeling company with the help of my friend Elizabeth. She's also my partner for this business. Well I could always use a good photographer, and when I open this place up and the other ones I have planned I would like to have good pictures"
Kamatari bowed "thank you so much for the offer. I would love too"
An elderly man stood behind a counter reading a paper when a tall man entered. The old man grinned and stood up "well young master shinomori, its being a long time since you stopped around"
Aoshi looked at the old man whom he had known since he was ten "Hello Chou, I just came to see if you had any new suits"
The old man nodded "your favorites arrived yesterday. The AM line is very popular nowadays" Aoshi nodded and looked at some suits "you like these a lot don't you?"
"Ah"
"I heard the creator is bringing out a new line in two weeks" Aoshi looked at a suit the old man was holding. He studied it then his eyes set on a long trench coat, the old man looked at it as well "oh that one is also from AM. Seems the creator wants to ventured out of the formal wear"
He fingered the trench coat "do you know who it is? I mean I've bought these suits for about two years now. All I know is that it's done by AM"
The old man chuckled "you would be surprised if you learned what I know"
Aoshi set his blue-green orbs on the man again "oh?"
"Do you know the clothes done by HM and MM?" Aoshi nodded "well I was told by my supplier that it is the same person for all three lines. I don't know why he or she chose to name her lines differently, but it seems okay"
"HM, that's little girls clothes is it not?" Chou smiled while nodding to the tall man "and MM is women's clothing. Interesting"
"Interesting is that you know them" aoshi chuckled.
"Well I should know since I have to buy them sometimes"
"Ah. The family eh?"
"Something like that" aoshi proceeded to buy his suits and then left the store.
He was soon back in his office. Being second in command in the Shinomori business was something he never thought of doing, but graduating from school he found that he had no choice but to work for his father. How he wished he could be doing something he loved.
Misao and Megumi squealed "this is great" her father walked in with paint on his face "DAD I told you to sit down. Let the painters take care of the painting"
He gave her a grin "I'm sorry it's just that this is exciting and"
Misao shook her head "and nothing mister. Sit down and play around with the colors for the napkins or something"
Megumi pat misao on the back "leave him alone Misao. He's happy"
Misao rolled her eyes "yeah, yeah...hey I have to go pick up grandpa at the airport. I'll leave you two to take care of things...where is that rooster head anyways?"
"He's getting his brother to come and help. Misao this opening is going to be huge and it will attract many high profile people"
"I know. Did kaoru sent the special invitations to the shinomoris?"
"Yes" with that Misao left and megumi shook her head oh misao the surprise you'll get. I hope that you don't flip on this.
Her grandfather was squeezing her hard and misao just smiled awkwardly "ah old man I'm dying here"
he let go and looked her up and down "nope still scrawny"
"GRANDPA"
he gave a nervous laugh "I'm joking my pretty. Oh I can't wait to see the place"
"I hope that you are able to pull this through grandpa. We are counting on you and if this place is successful then I'm opening another in NYC and then all around the world"
"Oh it will as long as you got me people to work with"
"Oh of course. Come on the opening is in a week and we have to set everything"
"The Aoi-ya...it will be my dream come true to finally have a restaurant in America"
She hugged him "you will have another one in NYC and then we will be known worldwide. But we have to beat the competition and that right now is Shinomori and his restaurant chain the AKABEKO...better known as the ice box" they laughed and soon were both waiting for their ride.
Mrs Shinomori was reading letters upon letters until she came across an invitation. It was fancy looking and appealing to her. So she opened it "oh. The grand opening of the Aoi-ya next week. Especial invites include the Mayor of New York City, California, Seattle, and the official speaker of the royal family in England" her eyes widened. She was always a woman who loved to mingle.
"Oooh yes I want to come. It says that I'm invited with my family. Well since we are the wealthiest family I see why they would invite us" she laughed and turned to walk towards her husband's study. Ooh the surprise she would get soon.
Aoshi was wondering what the hell was he doing in this opening. His mother had insisted that he go and show his face. Everyone knew he was the right hand of his father's business, but she said that just because the town knew didn't mean he couldn't be known by the entire country. He snorted that was always her phrase to get them to do her bidding.
He looked around the place and was amazed at the beautiful art work and the comfortable ambiance. He hated restaurants, but this one was calming. The lighting was perfect. For one moment he had forgotten where he was. His parents were mingling and he was standing by a wall looking as cold as ever. Some women winked at him but just the simple jewelry he adorned pushed them off.
Misao was in the kitchen with her grandfather who was going crazy preparing excellent dishes. She was nervous, but she would make them pay, she vowed to do so. She had kissed her twin goodnight and got ready in her tightfitting black dress. It made her skin glow. She had her hair up in a messy elegant bun and her make up was beautiful. Her friends were dressed in her own creations. She had the best dresses for misao and megumi and the suits for the men.
Kaoru and Kenshin were there with their parents. Shishio and Yumi were gushing over the blushing couple and Kaorus's mother just giggled "so kenshin when's the big day?"
"Oro?"
The others laughed and Kaoru nudged him "the day is June 24 Mr. Himura" he placed a hand on her shoulder
"Come on call me dad. My only son is getting married and I'm going to gain a daughter"
Yumi giggled and hugged her little boy and soon to be daughter "yes. I hope that's alright with your Kaori and Juiichi"
kaoru's parents nodded and they all resumed talking. Kaoru looked around at all the people and the media that was invited inside. She spotted Elizabeth and her friend Angela. Misao had talked about them a lot. Megumi and Sano were with them and they were laughing. Her dark blue eyes then settled on the tall icy man. She gasped and kenshin looked at his kaoru.
"What is it honey?"
She was a little pale "he actually came. Kenshin, aoshi is here" Kenshin stiffened and his eyes narrowed. If Aoshi was here, then so was...no he shook his head it didn't matter anymore. It didn't matter.
Aoshi smiled at his old friends. Kaoru had talked a lot with Aoshi and she had known a lot of his secrets and fears. She made a move to go over and noticed that kenshin didn't move. Oh so kenshin didn't want to talk to Aoshi because of...that ...no I don't care...this is Misao's night.
She didn't care if he came or not she walked over to Aoshi and smiled "nice to see you"
"I see you got invited. I thought that only a selected few were going to come"
She shrugged "I know the owners and they are close friends"
"Ah. Do I know them?"
"I'm sure you do"
There was many squeals and gasps. Kaoru knew what that was. Misao had snuck out through the back as planned and then had her driver pick her up with her father inside and told the driver to go around. When they were in front of the restaurant they stopped and he got off to open the door for her.
The media was going crazy trying to figure out who had arrived. Many important people were already inside. She smiled at her father "go on dad go out. See how it feels to be in the spot light because that's where you will be for a long time"
He chuckled and kissed her cheek. The door opened and he stepped out, the flashes already blinding him.
A reporter just shrugged "well it's a gentleman whom I have no idea is" the misao stepped out and he took her hand "oh my god, it's Misao Makimachi the designer who is renowned around the world. Oh this even is getting a lot more interesting"
Her father walked a few feet with misao by her hand "this feels like I'm walking you down the isle"
"Some day daddy. It will come true"
"Miss Makimachi, Miss Makimachi a few words please?"
She stopped "yes?"
"First I must say that you look stunning"
"Thank you. This is one of my old creations"
"Beautiful. Well we all know that this new restaurant which is very beautiful is packed with important people. You being prove of that, tell me are you friends with the owner?"
She giggled "well I'm not his friend, I'm more of his daughter actually" the people gasped and went wild. She gestured to her father beside her "this is Mr. Makimachi and this is the Aoi-ya which I bought for my father. Him and my grandfather run and own the place. This was my gift to them for racing me so well"
There were collective awws "and I'm sorry but we must hurry in. I have to introduce him to the important people inside. He's a shy man. Daddy say hi"
"Hello. Sorry for being so shy"
The reporter smiled "no problem sir. And good luck in your business"
"Thank you. And for being so nice all of you are invited to the after party. No one will be charged" the hoorayed and clapped.
Soon they left the media "was that alright misao?"
She smiled up at her father "daddy. This is your place now. You have a big heart and I will always love that. You did fine" she took in a deep breath "now the moment of truth"
Aoshi and the others had been wondering what the commotion was about. His parents were trying to see from left to right. Kaoru was with Kenshin and the others and they only waited for the shock to set into the faces of the Shinomoris.
Misao and her father stepped inside and were immediately assaulted with hugs and congratulations. Her friends of high places were supportive and she missed them all.
Elizabeth and Philip stepped to them "well misao this is the night" she hugged her "go get them"
Philip kissed misao's hand "the appetizers are amazing can't wait for the real course"
she giggled and he blushed "oh don't worry I'll make sure you get the best plate"
"Thank you my lady"
Angela was asked to be the Matron and she walked over to a nice area where the microphone was set.
Aoshi caught sight of a beauty in a black dress. Something seemed familiar though but he couldn't place it. He moved forward as if he was being pulled and then the beauty was pulled away from his grasps by a tall man. He scowled. Why was he acting this way?.
Angela introduced the restaurant and the history behind its name. People listened intently and then the real shocker came "Well it has been nice talking about the history of the Aoi-ya in Japan and to have it here in the states, this couldn't have been possible with out our host and owner Mr. Makimachi"
Many claps sounded and two pairs of eyes widened. Mr Shinomori almost dropped his wine and Mrs. Shinomori just held on to her chest. That fool was the owner.
Mr. Makimachi walked over to angela and graciously thanked the people. Second shocker came "this is great, but there is one person I would thank the most. She's amazing and taught me that fighting is sometimes more important than letting people step all over you. I had lost my business to a cruel man, but she came back into my life, into the life of our family and brought with her a light of hope. Must of you know her for her wonderful designs and her recent modeling company MM, please put your hands together for my Daughter Misao Makimachi"
Again claps. Aoshi was shocked and his lips parted. Misao, his misao was...she was back? She was...he looked up at the makeshift stage...she was the beauty. The person next to him snorted displeased with it and he ignored that snort. His eyes were on the pretty girl...no woman that he loved still loves.
She had grown it was evident in her curves that were hugged by the dress. And she looked so matured. Oh how he missed her. She was talking and her voice was a deep sound and oh god was it sexy.
She looked around the audience and her eyes locked onto those familiar eyes she had loved so much. She almost stopped talking but she composed herself and smirked. He was a shinomori and she would deal with him in the same manner...no more would they hurt her or her family.
Aoshi moved. He had to talk to her, he had to see her. The people clapped again as misao finished her speech. Her father and herself were surrounded by people again. Mr Shinomori was not a man to be made a fool off.
He too moved towards them, all the while looking at the young woman up and down. She surely had grown and he liked what he was seeing. His son was stopped by several people he knew and he sighed. Good he didn't need the boy getting in the way.
He managed to get into the circle that was around the Makimachis "so Makimachi I see why you quit the job as a bag boy"
Mr Makimachi looked at his enemy "well I had a better offer"
Shinomori looked at misao up and down with a glint in his eyes "I see. Miss Makimachi seems like you are getting up in the ladder"
She narrowed her eyes at him. She felt naked for some reason and moved a little bit closer to her father "well yes, hard work is compensated some how. I work hard for what I want and I get it. I don't go around taking things from others"
Shinomori snorted "right. Well it seems that we are going to be rivals"
"Seems that way, excuse me gentleman I have things to take care off"
"So do I. It was a pleasure talking with all of you" the people smiled and the Makimachi's left the circle.
She walked over to her friends and they were talking about how successful it was and how they loved it. Aoshi was finally able to get to her and they moved away. He took in her appearance. Wishing with all his might that she was wrapped up in his sheets again.
"Misao"
She looked at him sweetly with a gentle smile on her face, while on the inside she wanted to kick his ass and then kiss him like crazy "Shinomori" oh but how cold it came out.
He winced and then looked down at the woman who had grown a few inches "you look great"
"Thanks. You look the same" wow bitch all the way.
Kaoru knew this would end badly and not just because of their obvious tension but because of the witch that was walking towards them. She ran as fast as she could to Philip and whispered something in his ear. If it worked then misao would not be raging mad in the public and the other party would get the message that misao was not a pathetic woman pinning over him.
"How have you been?"
"I've been here and there"
"I see. Congratulations I just learned that you are the famous MM and also the HM and AM designer" she shrugged.
"Yes it appears as though" fire in her eyes. Burn aoshi burn.
He looked at her with such intensity that she was thought she might lose her courage "is there something you need Mr. Shinomori?" both were unaware of the people approaching them.
He shook his head "it's been too long Misao. I just wish we could talk and..." a hand was draped over his shoulder and he looked at it.
"Aoshi baby I've been looking for you" Misao let her eyes widened just a fraction and she felt the last piece of her heart shatter. Deep down she had hoped that they could return to each other. She glared at the woman.
The woman returned the glare and misao thought she knew her from somewhere "well, well, well. If it isn't Misao Makimachi. I see you've done quiet well for yourself. I even have some of your designs"
Misao was clueless but something seem familiar. If the woman had shorter hair and she wore a cheerleader outfit then she would look like...
Philip came up to them and put a hand around Misao's waist "hey Honey we need you to say hi to some people" Aoshi stiffened and his lady noticed. His eyes were colder than usual and he set them on the man that dared and touch what was his...his...
Misao was still thinking about the woman "oh...Philip I'll be there in just a sec..." she then remember where she had seen this woman. "Tomoe Horagashi" she whispered through clenched teeth.
The said woman smiled "well more like Tomoe Shinomori, but it's nice you remember"
Misao couldn't believe it. She smiled non the less and then turned to Philip "baby I think I need a drink why don't we go and have one" he smiled and took her hand "It was nice talking with you Mr. Shinomori and nice seeing you as well Miss Shinomori"
But how she wanted to die...how she wanted to go home and drown in her world. How she was suddenly inspired to draw. No longer would she dream of her and aoshi. No more Aoshi and Misao. Just her and her twins...just her and her miracles...aoshi and misao...what a laugh.
A/N oooh what do you think now? i wrote this in two hours because i was so bored and was suddenly inspired.i don't know if this is as good as the others or better, but somehow i like it more. I did say more aoshi and misao interaction and i sort did that, but maybe you all will hate me for making them interact that way. Kaoru is a good friend ne? but Philip might have done that not out of friendship but something else. um maybe there might be a role for him after all...i was thinking of having Sujiro back in the Fic...you let me know if you want Philip as the love interest or Sujiro...or maybe both...HEHE...LOL...Thank you all for your reviews...i will have a special chapter with the names of all the people who have stuck around for this fic and i will thank you there with little notes...Thank you...oh god i'm almost reaching a 100 reviews ...you people rock