~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: hum... this Aoshi being a player thing doesn't seem to be so popular with you nice reader people... *ponders*
Seychella: Aoshi!!! You did WHAT!!!.. How could you DO something like that!!! Think of how Misao feels!
Aoshi: ... *glare*
Misao: *wails* AOSHI-SAMA DOESN'T LOVE ME!!!!!!!
Seychella: *shakes head* I am disappointed in you tisk tisk
Misao: *continues crying*
Aoshi: *death glare while pulling out one of his kodachi"
Seychella: wait.. now Aoshi... as long as you realize your mistakes.... I'm sure Misao will forgive you... *looks uncertain*
Aoshi: *pulls out this other kodachi*
Misao: *cries even more*
Seychella: uhh Aoshi... now it not the time to get irrational... we should sit down and talk about this like.... mature adults that we are...
Misao: *cry cry cry*
Aoshi: *chases after Seychella with two very sharp looking kodachi and murder in his eyes*
Seychella: AHHH!!! AOSHI!!!! BE REASONABLE!!! WHO'S GOING TO FINISH THE STORY AND REDEEM YOU IF YOU KILL ME!!!! *cries*
*ahem* yes.. anyway.. now that I've survived through such a traumatizing ordeal *receives death glare from Aoshi again* lemme EXPLAIN!! About this whole Aoshi situation...
see.. I don't consider Aoshi's actions to be dishonorable. Back then, it's only look down upon if a girl was to engage in such activity outside the confines of wedlock... but guys do it all the time.. no one really cares and it's not an infringement on their honour or anything UNLESS they piss off the girls brother or something then they should run for their lives... but anyway.. I mean it's part of the growing up in the military experience. And Misao shouldn't have any reason to be mad at him because.. hey Aoshi is a man after all.. and it's not like he's cheating on her.. it was in the past...... SO!.
Actually if you think about it.. in all those Aoshi/Misao stories.. Aoshi is always like so experienced... knows what to do.. where do you think he learned all that! Lol by experience of course!.. I just came right out and said it.. where as others often leave that part to the reader's imagination.
One of the main reasons I put that part in was because I didn't want to make Aoshi sound like a goody goody.... he's got to have faults.. @_@ but now that he's found someone to like! He'll change his ways :) TEEHEHEhehehehehe...
Anyway, Onward with the story! ^_^
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Six
"Yahiko!" Kenshin called almost impatiently.
"I'm here I'm here! Lets go."
"The sun's already shining high and bright, if you want to train as a solider, you have to get up earlier. Are you sure you don't want to wait a few more years?"
"BAKA!" Yahiko pulled out his bokken and attempted to whack Kenshin on the head, "I'm already twelve! I'm old enough!
Kenshin easily brushed aside the swing and continued walking while lecturing with a gentle but firm attitude. "Well then Yahiko, it's time you proved your determination. I want you up every day at sunrise, I won't wait for you again understand? If you want to train as a solider, I will not be giving you any special treatments just because you're my little brother. You have to start form bottom up, and understand that you are no better than the others you train with. It is not your place to brandish your princely title around. In the army you are but a solider, the same as everyone else."
"Yes yes I know, you've told me before..." Yahiko rolled his eyes. And pulled out his bokken once more thrusting it this way and that, "I'll show you I can do just as well! Take THAT!" he yelled as he once more tried an assault on his older brother from behind.
Kenshin did not even need to look and easily avoided the attack without breaking the rhythm of his steps. "You still have a lot to learn Yahiko."
They arrived at the barracks just after midday. The Scorpions had already arrived a little while earlier and many of them were having cheerful conversations with their comrades, happy to be home once again. Yahiko walked behind his brother openly eyeing everything with interest, it was after all his first time visiting the royal barracks. Being the youngest child of the royal family, Yahiko had long admired his brothers for their valor and skill on the battle ground. Even his sister was well versed in her own preferred area of martial arts namely kenpo and the art of throwing kunai. On top of that, she was also an excellent archer, often eagerly accompanying her father and brothers on their hunting expeditions. Yahiko wanted nothing more than to be able to stand his ground and become strong like his older siblings. Finally, his father had given permission for him to start training with the rest of the soldiers and he was very determined to make everyone proud.
He stopped in his tracks as a familiar figure caught his eye, "Misao?"
==
"Welcome back, Aoshi-sama." Misao smiled a genuinely happy smile.
"Aa.." Aoshi answered with a nod as he accepted the cup of tea that Misao offered him. To say that he was relieved was an understatement. Although he never showed it outwardly, inside, he felt as if he had seen the sunrise for the first time. He cursed himself as he realized just how much his emotions were dictated by this woman before him. In that moment he made his decision. Watching the sparkle in her deep yet wonderfully expressionistic eyes, her joyful exterior and the playful innocence, inwardly Aoshi had no choice but to admit defeat. He was in love. And suddenly he felt extremely afraid. How many times has he stared death in the eye, how many times has he risked his life during battles, but never has he been this terrified. At that moment he wanted nothing more than to be out of her sight! How weak he had become to be drawn in by a woman when he had so jealously shielded his emotions from the world. He had always assumed that had he allowed himself to love, it would only lead to misunderstandings, to heartache, why put himself through that kind of torture? But the thought of being away from her was equally as frightening. To deny himself the pleasure of her company when she willingly sought him out, only a fool would turn her away. She seemed completely oblivious, but Aoshi was well aware of the multitude of stares and comments that she elicits from the other solider.
He handed her back the tea cup as his second in command approached him. "Aoshi-sama, the commander of the Dragon squadron would like a word with you."
Slightly annoyed, he excused himself from Misao's company and headed towards Kenshin's office. He hoped in earnest that she would tarry her departure a while so that he could spend a few more moments in her company.
"Hanya, am I correct?" she questioned the other man after Aoshi walked away.
"Hai."
"So you're Aoshi-sama's second in command, you must have had a long journey as well."
"Hai" Hanya answered keeping his head respectfully bowed.
Misao frowned. So it wasn't JUST Aoshi who liked one word answers, apparently his second was just as monosyllabic as he was. "I can tell you've spent way to much time with Aoshi-sama, even you're answers are like his. Why so formal? You can at least look at me while we talk cant you? I'm not THAT intimidating I hope." Misao teased.
"Forgive me if my answers and my manners are of inconvenience to you my lady. It is not my place to converse with the princess as her equal."
Misao was taken aback. ::he knew:: "Hanya," she addressed him urgently, lowering her voice. "Look at me."
He hesitantly complied seemingly unsettled.
"How did you know."
"Last fall, I was sent to the palace to deliver an urgent message to prince Soujiro and prince Sanosuke, I... I saw you there, dressed in blue velvet, you wore a circlet of gold woven into your hair, there was no mistaking your identity." His voice shook as he relayed this story as if fearful of Misao's wrath.
"Have you told Aoshi about this?"
"No, of course not..."
Misao let out a sigh of relief, "good then!, Nothing to worry about." She smiled warmly. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to ask you to keep the secret for me a while longer. And don't be so formal all the time, people will ask questions ne?"
Hanya seem to have visibly relaxed at Misao's cheerful manner, "of course my lady. But may I be so bold as to ask... why do you need to hide your identity from Aoshi-sama? I know you are... interested... in him, so why not reveal your identity and openly pursue his attention?"
"You and I both know he's not that sort of man," Misao sighed once again. "If I were to tell him my identity, most likely he would turn away without a second though, he's not swayed by wealth or influence, you of all people should know this." As Hanya nodded she continued, "I love him. I really do. And I want him to love me for me, for who I am inside, not for my title, not to gain power, those things are a part of me yes, but they do not reflect who I really am. This way at least I can spend time with him without the endless restrictions that society places on us."
"I understand. I will keep your secret well." He gave her a slight bow and excused himself just as Aoshi reappeared.
"Aoshi-sama! You're back! But unfortunately I have to go." Misao announced with a slight frown. "But, you must be hungry from the journey, so I baked you a cake, hope you like it." She handed him the small package and smiled mischievously.
Aoshi took the package and found him self speechless. He didn't know what to say to her. Of course due to his usual icy demeanor, Misao didn't think twice about his reaction. He could only nod and watch as she turned to leave promising to visit again in the near future.
==
"Kenshin! I want to go too!"
"Yahiko... We're going to a tavern, why would you want to go there?"
"I'm 12 years old already! I'm just as much a man! I want to see! Common please! You won't even notice I'm there"
Kenshin sighed, he didn't want to hurt his little brother's pride, but in fact he himself didn't even want to go. However his men had insisted he make an appearance. He might as well let Yahiko tag along, go early, leave early. "Alright Yahiko just this once..." he was immediately greeted with cheers and whoops from his younger brother, as Kenshin let out another sigh. It was going to be a long night.
They entered the local tavern after having a quick dinner with the other soldiers. It was a common occurrence for the men from the royal army to frequent these locations. Usually the first thingy they did after returning home was to gather and have a few drinks. As Kenshin predicted, Yahiko was soon sitting at the table sipping a small mug of mead and looking bored as ever. It wasn't long before he excused himself from the grown up soldiers and decided to venture about by himself. Kenshin noticed but allowed him to leave. He himself desperately wanted to leave also, but courtesy required him to stay a while longer.
Yahiko exited the tavern and walked around the building. The moon was nearing it's first quarter, not providing very much light for him to navigate with. He was regretting asking Kenshin to tag along as the conversations had been disappointingly boring. Mostly centered around women, boasting about their experiences and such, Yahiko had absolutely no interest in the topics what so ever. He was too busy thinking and not watching the road when a large stone sent him tumbling towards the ground.
"Iitai..." He mumered while holding his scraped elbow, and trying unsuccessfully to examine the damage.
"Ahh.. ano.. daijoubu desuka?" A young girl with short hair ran up to him.
"Ahh.. aa..." was all the reply Yahiko could come up with having been caught off guard.
The girl ripped a strip of fabric off of her worn apron and wrapped the wound for him. "There. It wasn't all that bad ne? My name is Tsubame. It's nice to meet you...."
"Ahh my name is Yahiko." He replied with a blush. He rarely met anyone his own age other than the rich children of the aristocratic families, and they were certainly different form the girl before him.
"Well it's nice to meet you Yahiko-chan" she smiled.
Yahiko shook himself out of the momentary trance as he heard her address him as -chan. "Oi.. Chan jianai!. Don't call me that."
"Oh.. gomen.. I didn't mean to offend you..." she apologized. "Ahh I better get back to the restaurant, they'll be wondering where I am, take care, Yahiko-chan." With that she ran off to the next building leaving a rather dazed Yahiko behind.
Tsubame... he thought the name over, engraving it into his mind. Maybe coming here wasn't such a bad idea after all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well there you have it another chapter... Leave a review! Tell me what you think!. ^_^
A/N: hum... this Aoshi being a player thing doesn't seem to be so popular with you nice reader people... *ponders*
Seychella: Aoshi!!! You did WHAT!!!.. How could you DO something like that!!! Think of how Misao feels!
Aoshi: ... *glare*
Misao: *wails* AOSHI-SAMA DOESN'T LOVE ME!!!!!!!
Seychella: *shakes head* I am disappointed in you tisk tisk
Misao: *continues crying*
Aoshi: *death glare while pulling out one of his kodachi"
Seychella: wait.. now Aoshi... as long as you realize your mistakes.... I'm sure Misao will forgive you... *looks uncertain*
Aoshi: *pulls out this other kodachi*
Misao: *cries even more*
Seychella: uhh Aoshi... now it not the time to get irrational... we should sit down and talk about this like.... mature adults that we are...
Misao: *cry cry cry*
Aoshi: *chases after Seychella with two very sharp looking kodachi and murder in his eyes*
Seychella: AHHH!!! AOSHI!!!! BE REASONABLE!!! WHO'S GOING TO FINISH THE STORY AND REDEEM YOU IF YOU KILL ME!!!! *cries*
*ahem* yes.. anyway.. now that I've survived through such a traumatizing ordeal *receives death glare from Aoshi again* lemme EXPLAIN!! About this whole Aoshi situation...
see.. I don't consider Aoshi's actions to be dishonorable. Back then, it's only look down upon if a girl was to engage in such activity outside the confines of wedlock... but guys do it all the time.. no one really cares and it's not an infringement on their honour or anything UNLESS they piss off the girls brother or something then they should run for their lives... but anyway.. I mean it's part of the growing up in the military experience. And Misao shouldn't have any reason to be mad at him because.. hey Aoshi is a man after all.. and it's not like he's cheating on her.. it was in the past...... SO!.
Actually if you think about it.. in all those Aoshi/Misao stories.. Aoshi is always like so experienced... knows what to do.. where do you think he learned all that! Lol by experience of course!.. I just came right out and said it.. where as others often leave that part to the reader's imagination.
One of the main reasons I put that part in was because I didn't want to make Aoshi sound like a goody goody.... he's got to have faults.. @_@ but now that he's found someone to like! He'll change his ways :) TEEHEHEhehehehehe...
Anyway, Onward with the story! ^_^
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Six
"Yahiko!" Kenshin called almost impatiently.
"I'm here I'm here! Lets go."
"The sun's already shining high and bright, if you want to train as a solider, you have to get up earlier. Are you sure you don't want to wait a few more years?"
"BAKA!" Yahiko pulled out his bokken and attempted to whack Kenshin on the head, "I'm already twelve! I'm old enough!
Kenshin easily brushed aside the swing and continued walking while lecturing with a gentle but firm attitude. "Well then Yahiko, it's time you proved your determination. I want you up every day at sunrise, I won't wait for you again understand? If you want to train as a solider, I will not be giving you any special treatments just because you're my little brother. You have to start form bottom up, and understand that you are no better than the others you train with. It is not your place to brandish your princely title around. In the army you are but a solider, the same as everyone else."
"Yes yes I know, you've told me before..." Yahiko rolled his eyes. And pulled out his bokken once more thrusting it this way and that, "I'll show you I can do just as well! Take THAT!" he yelled as he once more tried an assault on his older brother from behind.
Kenshin did not even need to look and easily avoided the attack without breaking the rhythm of his steps. "You still have a lot to learn Yahiko."
They arrived at the barracks just after midday. The Scorpions had already arrived a little while earlier and many of them were having cheerful conversations with their comrades, happy to be home once again. Yahiko walked behind his brother openly eyeing everything with interest, it was after all his first time visiting the royal barracks. Being the youngest child of the royal family, Yahiko had long admired his brothers for their valor and skill on the battle ground. Even his sister was well versed in her own preferred area of martial arts namely kenpo and the art of throwing kunai. On top of that, she was also an excellent archer, often eagerly accompanying her father and brothers on their hunting expeditions. Yahiko wanted nothing more than to be able to stand his ground and become strong like his older siblings. Finally, his father had given permission for him to start training with the rest of the soldiers and he was very determined to make everyone proud.
He stopped in his tracks as a familiar figure caught his eye, "Misao?"
==
"Welcome back, Aoshi-sama." Misao smiled a genuinely happy smile.
"Aa.." Aoshi answered with a nod as he accepted the cup of tea that Misao offered him. To say that he was relieved was an understatement. Although he never showed it outwardly, inside, he felt as if he had seen the sunrise for the first time. He cursed himself as he realized just how much his emotions were dictated by this woman before him. In that moment he made his decision. Watching the sparkle in her deep yet wonderfully expressionistic eyes, her joyful exterior and the playful innocence, inwardly Aoshi had no choice but to admit defeat. He was in love. And suddenly he felt extremely afraid. How many times has he stared death in the eye, how many times has he risked his life during battles, but never has he been this terrified. At that moment he wanted nothing more than to be out of her sight! How weak he had become to be drawn in by a woman when he had so jealously shielded his emotions from the world. He had always assumed that had he allowed himself to love, it would only lead to misunderstandings, to heartache, why put himself through that kind of torture? But the thought of being away from her was equally as frightening. To deny himself the pleasure of her company when she willingly sought him out, only a fool would turn her away. She seemed completely oblivious, but Aoshi was well aware of the multitude of stares and comments that she elicits from the other solider.
He handed her back the tea cup as his second in command approached him. "Aoshi-sama, the commander of the Dragon squadron would like a word with you."
Slightly annoyed, he excused himself from Misao's company and headed towards Kenshin's office. He hoped in earnest that she would tarry her departure a while so that he could spend a few more moments in her company.
"Hanya, am I correct?" she questioned the other man after Aoshi walked away.
"Hai."
"So you're Aoshi-sama's second in command, you must have had a long journey as well."
"Hai" Hanya answered keeping his head respectfully bowed.
Misao frowned. So it wasn't JUST Aoshi who liked one word answers, apparently his second was just as monosyllabic as he was. "I can tell you've spent way to much time with Aoshi-sama, even you're answers are like his. Why so formal? You can at least look at me while we talk cant you? I'm not THAT intimidating I hope." Misao teased.
"Forgive me if my answers and my manners are of inconvenience to you my lady. It is not my place to converse with the princess as her equal."
Misao was taken aback. ::he knew:: "Hanya," she addressed him urgently, lowering her voice. "Look at me."
He hesitantly complied seemingly unsettled.
"How did you know."
"Last fall, I was sent to the palace to deliver an urgent message to prince Soujiro and prince Sanosuke, I... I saw you there, dressed in blue velvet, you wore a circlet of gold woven into your hair, there was no mistaking your identity." His voice shook as he relayed this story as if fearful of Misao's wrath.
"Have you told Aoshi about this?"
"No, of course not..."
Misao let out a sigh of relief, "good then!, Nothing to worry about." She smiled warmly. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to ask you to keep the secret for me a while longer. And don't be so formal all the time, people will ask questions ne?"
Hanya seem to have visibly relaxed at Misao's cheerful manner, "of course my lady. But may I be so bold as to ask... why do you need to hide your identity from Aoshi-sama? I know you are... interested... in him, so why not reveal your identity and openly pursue his attention?"
"You and I both know he's not that sort of man," Misao sighed once again. "If I were to tell him my identity, most likely he would turn away without a second though, he's not swayed by wealth or influence, you of all people should know this." As Hanya nodded she continued, "I love him. I really do. And I want him to love me for me, for who I am inside, not for my title, not to gain power, those things are a part of me yes, but they do not reflect who I really am. This way at least I can spend time with him without the endless restrictions that society places on us."
"I understand. I will keep your secret well." He gave her a slight bow and excused himself just as Aoshi reappeared.
"Aoshi-sama! You're back! But unfortunately I have to go." Misao announced with a slight frown. "But, you must be hungry from the journey, so I baked you a cake, hope you like it." She handed him the small package and smiled mischievously.
Aoshi took the package and found him self speechless. He didn't know what to say to her. Of course due to his usual icy demeanor, Misao didn't think twice about his reaction. He could only nod and watch as she turned to leave promising to visit again in the near future.
==
"Kenshin! I want to go too!"
"Yahiko... We're going to a tavern, why would you want to go there?"
"I'm 12 years old already! I'm just as much a man! I want to see! Common please! You won't even notice I'm there"
Kenshin sighed, he didn't want to hurt his little brother's pride, but in fact he himself didn't even want to go. However his men had insisted he make an appearance. He might as well let Yahiko tag along, go early, leave early. "Alright Yahiko just this once..." he was immediately greeted with cheers and whoops from his younger brother, as Kenshin let out another sigh. It was going to be a long night.
They entered the local tavern after having a quick dinner with the other soldiers. It was a common occurrence for the men from the royal army to frequent these locations. Usually the first thingy they did after returning home was to gather and have a few drinks. As Kenshin predicted, Yahiko was soon sitting at the table sipping a small mug of mead and looking bored as ever. It wasn't long before he excused himself from the grown up soldiers and decided to venture about by himself. Kenshin noticed but allowed him to leave. He himself desperately wanted to leave also, but courtesy required him to stay a while longer.
Yahiko exited the tavern and walked around the building. The moon was nearing it's first quarter, not providing very much light for him to navigate with. He was regretting asking Kenshin to tag along as the conversations had been disappointingly boring. Mostly centered around women, boasting about their experiences and such, Yahiko had absolutely no interest in the topics what so ever. He was too busy thinking and not watching the road when a large stone sent him tumbling towards the ground.
"Iitai..." He mumered while holding his scraped elbow, and trying unsuccessfully to examine the damage.
"Ahh.. ano.. daijoubu desuka?" A young girl with short hair ran up to him.
"Ahh.. aa..." was all the reply Yahiko could come up with having been caught off guard.
The girl ripped a strip of fabric off of her worn apron and wrapped the wound for him. "There. It wasn't all that bad ne? My name is Tsubame. It's nice to meet you...."
"Ahh my name is Yahiko." He replied with a blush. He rarely met anyone his own age other than the rich children of the aristocratic families, and they were certainly different form the girl before him.
"Well it's nice to meet you Yahiko-chan" she smiled.
Yahiko shook himself out of the momentary trance as he heard her address him as -chan. "Oi.. Chan jianai!. Don't call me that."
"Oh.. gomen.. I didn't mean to offend you..." she apologized. "Ahh I better get back to the restaurant, they'll be wondering where I am, take care, Yahiko-chan." With that she ran off to the next building leaving a rather dazed Yahiko behind.
Tsubame... he thought the name over, engraving it into his mind. Maybe coming here wasn't such a bad idea after all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well there you have it another chapter... Leave a review! Tell me what you think!. ^_^