The Return Of Kanryu Takeda
Part II
by
Chibijem
Disclaimer: See Part I
Sanosuke had gone to get Megumi to treat Aoshi's arm while the others had congregated in Okina's sitting room. Aoshi sat quietly as he watched as Misao undid the ties on his haori. As she took a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe gently at the bloody wound, he thought her too quiet. He gave her a small, intimate smile when she looked into his eyes. "It's not bad, koi. Just a nick." He assured her as Megumi entered the room, Sanosuke carrying her medicine box.
"That's not the point; it could have been much, much worse." She told him and moved aside before he could reply. He knew she was upset with him but he had no time to reassure her as Megumi took Misao's place and examined the wound.
"Doesn't look too bad. It's not too deep and shouldn't need stitches." Megumi concluded as she pulled out a bottle of antiseptic. "This is going to sting a bit." She told Aoshi as she poured a bit of the liquid on a pad of cloth and applied it to the wound.
"Kuso!" Came the harsh whisper from the usually stoic man. "What is that?"
"Something new from the west. It's suppose to be a much better way for cleaning open wounds." Megumi replied taking another cloth to make a poultice to cover the gash.
Upon hearing Aoshi's almost inaudible exclamation, Misao moved to him and laid her hand tenderly on his good arm. When he turned his head up to look at her, she smiled and he knew he was forgiven, if not completely, for his taking the situation lightly.
As Megumi finished tying the bandage off, Aoshi became aware of the argument brewing between Okina and Yamagata. "What are you planning on doing about this mess you've created. This man has attacked us here in our own home!" Okina exclaimed waving his arms about. "You just come here and tell us of Takeda's escape. Do you expect us to pick up after you again!"
"Please understand, Kashiwazaki-sama. It is not our intention to press any of you into service but only to gain whatever information you may have on Takeda." Yamagata started.
"Is it?" Misao began as she moved away from Aoshi. "You come here and bring us this news. Himura and the others accompanying you and you expect me to believe you only came for information?" Aoshi could feel Misao's ki flare, knew her temper was about to come to the forefront. "How dare you? You and this government seem to have nothing better to do than to stir up trouble and expect Himura, Sanosuke and others from Tokyo, not to mention the Oniwaban, to fix things. You..." As Misao made a further move towards Yamagata, Aoshi quickly stood, moved to her and wrapped his good arm around her shoulders from behind and pulled her against him.
"Misao." A thousand meanings and warnings in that one whispered word against her ear.
Aoshi could feel her trembling against him; he wasn't sure if it was rage, worry or fear. He could feel all three coming off her in waves. He tightened his hold and slowly felt her relax against him and felt their bodies rest against each other. She nodded slightly and Aoshi released her. "Gomen nasai, Yamagata-sama. I was out of line." Misao told the man standing before her.
" Iie, Mackimachi-san. Your anger is completely understandable. In some ways you are correct." Yamagata confessed. "I'm sorry to say, for this government to succeed, and it has to, it must take advantage of any resources it can. In this case, the previous dealings and experience from both those in Tokyo and here in Kyoto, must be utilized."
Kenshin stepped forward and laid his hands on her shoulders. "Miss Misao, you know he's right. I understand you wanting to protect Aoshi, that I do, but Kanryu Takeda set this in motion and it needs to be finished. And the best chance at finishing this, is myself and the help I brought, and Aoshi." He saw the look of complete emotion that ran across her face as she turned her gaze to the only man she had ever loved. "We'll protect him and each other."
Sanosuke, who had been quietly leaning against the wall behind Megumi, came forward after running his hand across Megumi's back. "Damn right. Nothing's going to happen to any of us. We've been through worse." He told her.
Sano's bravado brought a small smile to her face, "Promise?" she softly asked both men.
"Promise," Sano replied, winking at her.
Kenshin nodded, "Aoshi will need you to be strong." Misao nodded. She walked over to Aoshi and after placing her hand on his chest over his heart, left the room.
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After the impromptu meeting had concluded, Aoshi went looking for Misao. He knew she was somewhere inside as he had ordered her not to wander alone. He finally found her in a quiet corner of the kitchen. After a nod to both Okon and Omasu, he approached her. She was cleaning vegetables and did not acknowledge him. He pulled up a stool and sat; he sighed and pulled her into his arms, her back to his front. He laid his head against hers. "Are you all right?" he asked, since he had not had time to make sure. She just nodded.
"Misao, I know you're upset about all this. I am too." At that, she turned her head to look at him out of the corner of her eye. "I am. It couldn't have come at a worse time. Just as things are settling for me...and you." He started and pressed a kiss to her temple.
"I just don't want anything else to happen to you. You've been through enough." She told him softly as she ran her fingers gently over the knife she held.
"And you," Aoshi replied, taking the knife from her and laying it on a close table. "Misao, I am Oniwaban, the Okashira. My life was set long ago, I chose it and I knew then as I do now, the dangers. Danger has been and always will be part of it even in this so-called peaceful era."
Misao turned in his arms, "I know that. I've known all my life what it means. I accept that. I just don't accept how much this may hurt you and not just physically." She looked him directly in the eye. "You've opened up so much, you've told me you love me. You finally have peace in your eyes. I don't want to lose you over this." She admitted her greatest fear--losing him.
"Oh, Misao, koi." Aoshi sighed and wrapped her in his arms, rocking her. "You'll never lose me, never." He said softly into her hair and felt her tears dampen his neck and felt his own answer.
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After dinner, Aoshi sat in his office reading reports and missives that were so much a part of being Okashira. The report in his hand forgotten, Aoshi thought about Misao and how quiet she had become since Yamagata had come. He already missed her genki attitude and smile; he needed both so badly. Damn Yamagata for coming and Kanryu for his reappearance in my life, Aoshi thought as he tossed the report on his desk. Misao was right. I do have peace in my life now, in my heart--finally. Now this! He turned his head as he heard someone approach his office and bid the person to enter. He was surprised to see one of the Oniwabanshu's most devoted and reliable sources at the threshold, not to mention one of the oldest.
"Kombanwa, Akinori." Aoshi greeted the old man as he entered.
"Kombanwa, Okashira-sama," He replied as he bowed before Aoshi and then sat.
"Akinori, how long have you known me? All my life. You need not be so formal with me." Aoshi told his visitor in a conversation that had taken place each time the two were together.
"I have heard of the troubles that have come to you." Akinori began as Omasu came in with tea followed by Okina who nodded at both men and sat as well. Aoshi just stared as Omasu handed tea to their guest and excused herself. "I have asked Nenji-san to join us. Please forgive my forwardness. I have asked around as you asked and found some strange comings and goings happening at one of the new hotels on the other side of Kyoto. There has been much trouble following this group." He finished, sipping his tea.
"Anyone we know?" This from Okina.
"They say these men sided with Shishio and disbanded at his death. They have come together in the service of another."
"Do you have a description?"
"From what you have told me, it appears to be this Takeda. He is heavily guarded and rarely leaves his rooms."
After offering Akinori a room, it being so late, Aoshi sat quietly, contemplating his next move. He sat with his hands linked across his flat stomach. Okina returned and stood just outside Aoshi's office observing him. He didn't like what he saw or rather didn't approve. "What are you thinking, Aoshi?" he asked coming before the young man who was like a son to him.
"We need to verify the man's identity. I don't dispute Akinori's information; we need to know for sure." Aoshi replied, sitting up straight.
Okina sat before Aoshi and regarded him. "I know you, boy. You want to get closer in order to finish this." When Aoshi made to answer Okina's accusation, Okina held up a hand. "You can't fool me, I know all your tricks. Hell, I taught them to you. You may be my Okashira, but I, as your elder, forbid you to go alone."
"Okina, if what Akinori has told us is true and this man is heavily protected, then a single man would be better in penetrating the web." Aoshi countered.
"And what if something goes wrong?" At the incredulous look on Aoshi's face, Okina smirked. "Okay, we both know that's not likely, but what if something were to go wrong? I don't want to be the one to explain to Misao-chan why I let you go alone."
"You won't have to." Came an angry voice from the doorway.
"Misao," Aoshi began standing to explain and abruptly sat when Misao finally stood before him. They were looking eye to eye.
"Don't 'Misao' me, Aoshi. What are you thinking? Who said not to go anywhere alone? I never thought you to be stupid!" Misao finished. Neither had noticed Okina leaving the office. Misao lowered herself into his lap. "What we told you this afternoon is true: you are no longer alone and this is no longer your fight alone. If you are set in doing this, ask Himura, Sanosuke, Shiro or even Okina to go with you. I only know what you and the others have told me about Kanryu Takeda; but I know this man is dangerous, psychotic even. I know you, anata. I know you can't wait for someone to make the first move in a situation like this So if you're set upon doing this: please for me, take someone with you." Misao implored, resigned.
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It was almost one in the morning when the trio returned to the Aoiya. Aoshi thanked Shiro for his help and the young man headed to bed. Aoshi then turned to the other. "Arigato gozaimasu, Battousai." Aoshi bowed.
"No need, Aoshi. I have an interest in this." Kenshin replied, bowing in return. He noticed the weariness in Aoshi and knowing it wasn't just physical, reached up and clasped the taller man on the shoulder. "You should rest, you were injured after all." Aoshi smiled a bit and looked at the short red-haired man through his silky bangs. Kenshin continued, "We can discuss this in the morning. Or rather later this morning." Kenshin finished and went down the hallway to his own rest.
Aoshi went down the hall, reaching out with his senses to make sure everything was as it should be. He nodded to the guard he had posted when he left for reconnaissance; he had added to the night watch, not wanting to leave anyone vulnerable. He slid the door to his rooms open and immediately felt her presence before he saw her. "I'm fine Misao." he assured her as she wrapped her arms around his trim waist and nestled her head against his chest over his heart. He, in turn, wrapped her in his arms and leaned down to press a kiss to the crown on her head, against her silky hair.
Misao pulled back after a while and took inventory of him. Not seeing any injury, she rested against him again. "I'm glad you're home safely," she whispered. He took her face in his cold hands, lowered his head and pressed a firm kiss to her soft lips.
He took notice of his room as he pulled back; Misao had been very busy. There was a fire burning in the pit, his futon had been set up awaiting him and there was even a basin of water for him to use to cleanse himself. He even took notice of tea set up on one of the low tables along with a small snack. "You take such good care of me, koi. But you shouldn't have. I could have done all this." Aoshi told her moving away and shrugging out of his dark coat and began removing his onmitsu uniform.
Misao moved to him taking his coat; she moved to put it away and when she turned back to him, froze. He always affected her thus when he was unclothed. She loved to watch the play of his supple muscles under his skin. Loved to see the scarred chest; it made him more precious to her. That he lived through all the pain, to survive, to come back to her. She watched as he stretched, trying to work out the kinks in his back. Moving to the basin, she wrung out the cloth in the very warm water and laid in across his back. She smiled as he sighed when the heat worked on his back. He bent at the waist and hung there, loosening the muscles further. Misao took the cloth, warmed it again and placed it on his back again.
"I think I may be getting too old for this." Aoshi said, straightening.
Misao turned to look at him from where she stood wringing the cloth again. She carried it to him as he sat near the fire. She smiled softly, "You? Never." She knew he was trying to lighten her mood and loved him all the more for it. He had truly lightened in personality the past several months and she enjoyed his sense of humor. He sat drinking his hot tea and nibbling the snacks as she ran the warm cloth over his back, shoulders, arms and chest. When she looked up, she saw him watching her in the fire-light; she saw the deep love she knew he had for her along with passion and desire. When he held out a hand to her, she placed her own in his and allowed him to pull her between his legs, her back against his bare chest. She hugged his arms to her when he wrapped his strong limbs around her petite body.
They sat for several minutes, watching the fire. Aoshi so enjoyed the quiet time with Misao; loved to feel her small body cuddle into him as if it were made just for that purpose. When he heard her sigh, he pulled gently at the neck of her yukata and placed his lips to her throat. "Aishteru, koiishi," he said softly into her neck, making her shiver.
Misao smiled and tilted her head to give him better access. "Aishteru, anata." She returned, reaching up behind her to run her tiny fingers through his thick, silky hair. When he deepened his caresses she turned and straddled his legs. Their lips met, arms around each other, Aoshi fell back into his futon, taking her with him.
He rolled so she was slightly under him; he began to loosen her yukata as she pulled at the waist of his pants. He spread the cloth covering Misao and began a reconnaissance of a different sort. All thoughts of Kanryu Takeda driven away by their passion.