Yay! I'm inspired again! (Please don't hurt me for the delay in updating! I just didn't have anything good to write.) Am I evil? You'll probably answer 'yes' when you read the beginning. Hope you enjoy!
On a side note, if you like A/M and want to laugh your ass off, go read Pendari's stories. She's awesome and I love her bunches! (glomps Pendari)
Disclaimer: I don't own RK or its characters. And I'm pretty sure that no matter how much I beg or plead, Watsuki-san won't give them to me. (sigh)
……………………………….
Courting The Weasel
Chapter 7: Endings & Beginnings
………………………………
I opened my eyes and blinked rapidly into the darkness. Crap. No Saitou, no Aoshi-sama, no Jiya. Just me, my futon, my room and night. I absolutely hate the dreams that have bits of reality and then bits of fantasy woven together. They always seem so real. Everything in that dream had been true, up to the part where Jiya says he missed me for those six weeks. I had written that note to Saitou and I had made him dinner one last time. The rest following Jiya's comment was nonsense. I wasn't interrogated and Saitou hadn't shown up.
Great. That dream made me miss him even more. I tried to go back to sleep, but I just ended up staring at my ceiling and thinking of Saitou. It was probably a good thing. I needed to think about what I felt for Wolfie. It seemed to be a little more than a crush.
I did have crushes on other guys while 'in love' with Aoshi-sama, but I had only thought they were attractive. There wasn't this gnawing desire to be around them constantly. I wanted to be around Saitou. It makes me laugh to think about it. The one person I had purposely avoided for years was now the person I wanted to be around all the time. I could never get over that fact.
I liked his company. I liked his smell. I liked that arrogant smirk. I liked the playful glares. I liked the insulting banter between us. I flat-out liked Saitou Hajime.
Thinking on it further, I liked his embrace. I liked his warmth. I liked the feel of his arms. I liked his smoky taste. I liked his lips. I liked his kiss. I desire Saitou Hajime.
Okay, so we've covered that I like him and I desire him. But was there anything past that? Did I love him? Did I need him? Did I want to pursue a relationship with him? I probably shouldn't even dwell on it. Knowing Saitou, I could admit to him how I feel and he'll laugh and throw it in my face. But then again, he kissed me. That had to count for something, didn't it?
I noticed the light growing in my room and gave up on sleep. I crept downstairs to start breakfast for everyone and my mind wandered to Saitou once again. I wanted to see him again, but the problem was how to do so. I couldn't very well just show up. I didn't know when he would be at home and I didn't want to bother him at work. Maybe if I wrack my brain for a while something will come to me.
…………………..
Saitou's POV
……………………
Alright. Coming in at four in the morning is a bad idea, since I'm required to be here at the station until six in the evening. It's just past two and I'm at the stage where everything seems like a dream. A hazy sort of reality that occurs with lack of sleep. Granted, I had never been one to get much sleep. However, I didn't sleep at all last night. So, I had been awake since yesterday morning. And now, I can admit to being tired.
Why the lack of sleep? Itachi. The damn girl has been a constant in my thoughts for the past few weeks. I thought that once she left I could regain my sanity and forget her. But no. I go home and there's dinner waiting, just like before. And that stupid note. She just had to go and say she would miss me and didn't regret the kiss. If she was trying to make sure she would plague my thoughts, she succeeded.
Perhaps I'm getting worked up over nothing. She left just yesterday. Maybe I need to wait a while longer and with time things will get back to normal. Although, I do believe I love her. Which is ridiculous really. I have nothing to offer that slip of a girl but a jaded warrior's soul and the danger that comes with my job.
And even though I'm well aware of that, I can't help but want to be selfish. Each time I tell myself that I'll forget her in time, my stomach twists and my chest clenches. Apparently, my body doesn't want to accept what my mind is thinking.
A rap on my door cuts my musings short. "Fujita-san? We have a letter for you."
I look at the address and my breath halts. It's from the courts in Aizu. It still isn't the thought of my divorce that hurts. Tokio and I were friends and nothing more. As far as her new love goes, I truly wish her well. I no longer harbor such ill feelings over it. Maybe it's because the absence of her companionship was replaced by a young, energetic and beautiful weasel girl.
What makes my pulse pound is the fear that custody papers will be included. She said she didn't want to keep the boys from me, but that anxiety will be present until this is all settled. With shaky fingers I open the letter and ruffle through the papers. Just divorce papers. I sigh in relief as I realize that not only did she stick to her word about the boys, but she is not asking for any monetary assistance from me. I will of course continue to send money for my children's needs, but it will be done without her asking.
It looks like my need for a few weeks from Itachi will be granted. All I need to do is talk to the captain about my leave and I'll be off to Aizu for awhile to settle things.
………………………
Misao's POV
………………………
Okay, it's shortly after lunch time and I still have no idea on how to approach Wolfie. And it's driving me absolutely crazy. I can't help but think about that kiss over and over. The more I think about it, the more I want to feel it again. What hurts most is he probably will never allow it again.
As I sit by the koi pond deep in thought, Aoshi-sama sits next to me. "Hello, Misao."
"Hey, Aoshi-sama."
"You seem pretty distracted today. Care to talk about it?"
I blinked over at him. Did Aoshi-sama really just offer to…talk about it? I guess my thoughts were written on my face because he started to chuckle lightly. "Well, I figured it always helped me when I had someone to listen to me. I thought maybe I could repay the favor."
I blushed slightly at the little smile he gave me. He was still undoubtedly the most beautiful man I had ever laid eyes upon. My thoughts immediately shifted to Wolfie and I smiled. He wasn't exactly what I would call 'beautiful'. He was handsome, rugged, strong, masculine, perfect.
Aoshi-sama noticed my far-off look and dazed smile. "Okay, what is it?"
Should I tell him? It may help my dilemma; but then again he may lecture me about having feelings for someone 19 years my senior. I guess I'll never know until I try. "Well, you see." I blushed and fidgeted uncomfortably, not sure how to say it. Direct is probably my best option. "I think I fell in love with Saitou."
The wide eyes and slightly gaping mouth were half-expected. Aoshi-sama normally doesn't respond like that, but this was a bit of a shock, I'm sure. After he floundered for a second he responded. "Misao, are you sure?"
"No, hence the 'I think' part. But that's only part of the problem. I know I like him. I mean he's rude and arrogant and frustrating, but he's still got this under layer of 'nice'. And I definitely find him attractive. The other part of the problem is I don't know how he feels. I don't want to tell him my feelings only to have him fling it in my face and laugh at me."
Aoshi-sama smiled and patted my hand. "You won't know until you try. Look at the two of us. It took us years to admit an attraction to each other and then after our date we realized we just didn't click. We both wasted time pining after each other when that wasn't what we really wanted."
I nodded and then mumbled, "Don't have to worry about a brotherly kiss though."
Aoshi-sama stiffened. "What?"
"He kissed me on my last night there." My face started to heat with my confession.
The tall ninja at my side blinked rapidly at me. "He did what?"
"He k-kissed me." Great. Now I'm stuttering. That's it, Misao. Make yourself look like a fool.
Aoshi-sama's expression darkened. "Did he force himself?"
"What? No! He was a perfect gentleman. It was unexpected, but it was…wonderful." I felt the silly smile creep across my face.
"Well then. Tell him how you feel."
"But, Aoshi-sama…"
"No, Misao. You love him. Trust me. The silly smile, the fact you didn't want to leave yesterday, you still want to be around him after admitting his flaws. Just one last question."
I nodded slowly. "Did his kiss make your knees weak?"
I laughed lightly, trying to ease my discomfort. Aoshi-sama may be my best friend and confidante now, but some things are still a bit awkward to discuss with him. "Well, we were sitting, but…I'm sure if I had been standing I would have collapsed."
Aoshi-sama nodded. "Then that's settled. Tell him how you feel. And don't worry about him not feeling the same way. If he kissed you, then he obviously feels something. There may be some difficulty because of the age gap and Saitou's immense stubbornness, but if you two are really meant to be together, it'll happen."
I can't believe Aoshi-sama said so many words at one time. Granted, he had opened up a lot since his return but I just think he set a new record. And relationship advice? From Mr. Icicle himself? I'm sure hell is freezing over right about now.
…………………………..
Saitou's POV
…………………………..
It's been two weeks since I've seen Weasel. I figured I would have had enough time to get over her by now, but the intensity of my feelings toward her has grown.
I've enjoyed the time with my sons. And Hiroshi, Tokio's silk merchant, seems like a good person. But I keep wishing there was a little Itachi here with me to help me through this.
The divorce itself isn't hard, but seeing my sons go home with their mother and a man who isn't me every night is difficult. I can picture them having that family dinner like we used to have and it tears me apart. I know Tokio's happier and that's great. Like I said before, I truly wish her well. And I know my job is too dangerous and demanding to keep the boys with me, but still.
Hiroshi, Tokio and I are currently sitting on a bench, watching Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi playing in the park. Tokio spoke, cutting off my thoughts. "So, Hajime, did Misao make a full recovery?"
She just had to bring up Itachi didn't she? As if I wasn't thinking about her enough. "Yes, she's fine."
"And you seem well. Have you been eating and sleeping properly?"
I almost chuckled at her. "Damn weasel practically force fed me sometimes."
I caught Tokio's pleased smile out of the corner of my eye. "What are you smiling about?"
Tokio's smile only grew. "I knew you had feelings for her. I saw it when we were at that restaurant last year. You couldn't stop looking at her. And then when she was staying with us, you enjoyed her company."
"Don't read too much into it, woman. At that restaurant I just couldn't believe she was the same annoying Itachi I had met. And after I heard about you meeting someone else… well if the positions were reversed wouldn't you seek someone else's company?"
If her smirk was any indication, she didn't believe me one bit. I have to say I don't believe me either. The excuses don't make much sense. One glance at that restaurant would have satisfied my normal curiosity. And I was more of a solitary person. I don't normally seek out anyone's company.
Luckily, the boys came running up to save me from Tokio's questioning. "Otousan!"
"Otousan!"
I was tackled by Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi. "Hey boys, your Otousan's getting old. You can't tackle me like that."
They laughed and the sound washed over me. So carefree and innocent. If only I could keep them like that, but the world doesn't work that way. Tsutomu brushed his unruly bangs from his eyes. "Otousan, will you bring Misao-san with you next time?"
Tsuyoshi jumped up and down in his spot. "Yeah, yeah! Or maybe we could visit you and Misao-san could come over?"
I heard Tokio giggle next to me. "It seems she has quite the fan club."
Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi smiled widely. Tsuyoshi's golden eyes glowed in delight. "She's lots of fun! She makes up great stories!"
Tsutomu smiled in agreement and I couldn't help my chuckle. "We'll see, boys. I'm not making any promises."
They pouted slightly, but nodded. "Now, I didn't say 'no'. I just said 'we'll see'."
They brightened up and bounced off to play again.
………………………………...
The courts had taken their sweet time in getting everything settled and I had already been out of Kyoto for a month. As I stepped off the train from Aizu I found myself wandering toward the Aoiya. Perhaps a little visit with Itachi would be nice. I still missed her terribly. Maybe it was time to admit that to her as well as myself.
………………………………...
Misao's POV
………………………………...
I had been trying to get in touch with Saitou for a month. I visited the station a few times, but they would only say he was out of town for an 'indefinite amount of time'. I was starting to get the feeling I was getting the brush off. However, I could never catch him at home either. And I didn't see him patrolling. Maybe he really was out of town.
I brushed down the front of my kimono with a sigh. I had immersed myself in Aoiya duties to keep my mind off of Saitou, not that it helped much. Once the restaurant was closed my mind had plenty of time to linger on him.
I looked at my kimono again and sighed. Being the Aoiya's hostess, I didn't have to wear the serving kimono, but I did have to wear a kimono of some sort. It was fine by me, surprisingly. I still didn't find them comfortable, but the thought of how Saitou had looked at me when I had worn one last (at that restaurant) made me want to be wearing one when I saw him again. The kimono I was wearing was slightly heavy due to the fall chill in the air. The deep blue silk was a beautiful shade and the amber under kimono reminded me of Saitou's eyes. It really was a lovely outfit. I was worried the messy bun my hair was in detracted from the outfit, but Jiya assured me it actually complimented it nicely. Not that Jiya was a fashion expert, but he is a guy. So, I'll believe him on this.
I saw a hand move to part the fabric over the door and went to greet the new customer. "Welcome to the Aoiya! Please…follow…me." My words faded into whispers as I looked at Saitou.
"Saitou?"
He smirked and I wanted nothing more than to fling myself at him. I remembered the feel of his lips against mine and my gaze traveled to his mouth. Oh, that mouth is just begging to be kissed. Holy hell! Where did that come from? BAD MISAO! My thoughts surprise even me sometimes.
I turned quickly to hide my blush and gestured for him to follow. "This way please."
I led him to a corner booth and felt my eyes burn slightly. God, I missed him. Well, no time like the present to start being honest, right? I gave him a small smile. "I missed you, Wolfie."
He continued to just smirk and I realized he hadn't said anything yet. I needed to hear his voice. Leaning close to him I whispered, "I know you aren't one to express your feelings verbally, but I need to hear your voice, Saitou. Did you miss me?"
The question served two purposes. One, I can hear his voice. Two, I'll at least have some sort of idea about his feelings for me.
He leaned so his lips were next to my ear. "Aa, I did miss you." He pulled back and swept his lips over mine teasingly and then sat back down.
My face flamed and my heart stopped. After a month, his voice, his lips. It was almost too much. I managed a smile and turned to get his tea and soba when his hand closed around mine. I felt his thumb stroke a slow circle over the back of my hand and I turned to look at him. He gave me a sexy wink and a real smile and let go of my hand. I would have bolted to the kitchen if the kimono would have allowed it.
I leaned heavily against the wall of the kitchen while I waited for his order to be prepared. One of our new servers, Yoko, came up to look at me. "Misao-san? Are you alright?"
I tried to give her a smile, but once I started smiling I found I couldn't stop. "Actually, you know that man I spoke of that I was trying to find?"
She nodded and I continued. "Well, he's back in town. He's in the corner booth." I gestured to which corner and Yoko grinned wickedly.
"I'm going to see what this mystery man of yours looks like. I'm very curious."
I giggled at her. "Go right ahead."
I watched from a crack in the door as she moved to Saitou's table and I listened to her voice. "Have you been helped, sir?"
"Hai. Thank you."
I watched her bow and check her other tables before coming back into the kitchen. "Misao-san, he's hot! A bit severe looking, but hot!"
I laughed at her response. "Yes, I suppose he is." I gave her a mock frown. "Now don't you try anything with him. That one's mine!"
She laughed right back at me. "Oh, Misao-san. You don't have to worry about me! After all, you and I have become good friends. I won't try to steal your man."
I giggled and moved to take his order out to him. I set it down and smiled at him. "Can I get you anything else?" I felt much more composed now.
"Actually, some company would be nice." I wanted to sit down and stay with him so badly. But, we were already a server short.
"I would love to, but we're short-handed today."
He nodded in understanding and spoke again. "If possible, I would like to speak to Shinomori and Okina once I'm done."
I frowned. "Is this about a mission? You know we don't do that anymore."
Saitou shook his head. "No, it's not a mission. But it is important."
I relaxed and nodded. "I'll let them know. You know where the office is so you can go on back once you're finished."
He gave me another smile and I blushed as I headed back to tell Jiya and Aoshi-sama. They were surprised, but settled down to wait for him without too many questions.
……………………….
Saitou's POV
……………………….
Gods, does it feel good to see Itachi again! I knew I missed her, but seeing her again just makes me realize how much I missed her. That kimono is absolutely breath-taking on her and the hairstyle makes her look older and more mature.
I was mesmerized by her as she led me to my booth and couldn't stop any of my reactions to her. It was almost like I couldn't get enough of her. And since she admitted to missing me, then maybe what I desire isn't impossible. That's why I need to talk to Shinomori and Okina. Yes, I'm a 38 year old divorced man, but Misao is young and innocent and I want to do things properly for her sake.
As I finished my meal, I steeled my nerves and headed for the office. They would either agree to what I ask or try to kill me. Why do I feel like some lovesick teenaged fool?
………………………………..
Misao's POV
………………………………...
I waited for what seemed like hours. It wasn't, but it seems that way when you wait. I desperately wanted to know what they were talking about, but I busied myself in the restaurant and hoped they would tell me later. Jiya burst into the kitchen looking particularly excited, yet wary at the same time. An odd look, indeed. "My pretty Misao, I am giving you the rest of the day off."
Huh? What the heck is he talking about? First of all, Jiya NEVER gives me the day off due to his belief that my 'pretty face' draws in customers. Second, Jiya doesn't like to give days off, period. Slave driver that he is. Third, we're already short-handed. "Jiya? Why?"
"Well, Saitou-san would like to speak with you about some things and so I've decided to let you go for today."
"We're already short-handed. What about the customers?"
Jiya waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense! Your old Jiya can still seat people and Aoshi has agreed to wait tables."
Well, now I was torn between going and wanting to stay. Seeing Aoshi-sama wait tables is a rarity. But, these days Saitou won out over Aoshi-sama. So, I was on my way to my room to freshen up a bit, only to be greeted by Saitou sitting on the porch. "Are you ready to go, Itachi?"
I suppose I look alright. "Sure."
He put his hand on the small of my back to lead me out of the gate and I felt butterflies at his touch. We walked in companionable silence for a while until my curiosity won out. "So Saitou, where are we going?"
"My house. I wanted to discuss some things with you but they are better discussed in private. Also, since I just got back from out of town I need to drop off my luggage."
I noticed his travel bags for the first time and just nodded. "Were you out of town on police business?"
Saitou's mouth twisted into a smirk. "Actually my trip out of town was one of the things I need to discuss with you."
I just nodded again and we walked the rest of the way in silence. When someone says they need to 'discuss' something with you, my experience is that it isn't good. However, I'm also an optimistic person, so I'm hoping for the best.
Saitou made his way to his room to drop off his luggage and came back out to the living area. I was sitting on one end of his western style couch and he sat next to me. "So Weasel, I asked your guardians if you told them anything about my personal life."
I smiled softly at him. "I told you I could be trusted."
Saitou smirked back at me. "You did. But I had to be sure. I'm glad to find out that you did keep quiet about how I am at home." Saitou took a deep breath as if steeling himself for something. "I also talked to them about something a bit more personal."
I waited patiently for him to continue. "Now, before you say anything, let me say everything I need to say." At my nod, he continued. "I asked them about being allowed to…court you."
I blushed and saw a slightly pink tint on his cheeks. The Wolf of Mibu blushing? PRICELESS! He looked like a teenager asking a girl out for the first time. It was endearing and if I hadn't been so smitten with him already, that would have been the clincher. I remained silent, waiting for him to finish.
"Now it's entirely up to you. I don't want you to feel like you're being pressured. If you do accept, I want it to be because you want this. Not because you want to please your Okina or Shinomori. They approve of this. They are a little concerned about the age gap, but said if we could deal with it then they could too."
He took another breath. So cute. Well, that was different. I hadn't called him 'cute' before. I mentally slapped myself. FOCUS MAKIMACHI! "The reason I was in Aizu for a month was to finalize my divorce. I'm officially divorced from Tokio now."
I blinked at him. "Saitou? How do you feel about me?"
He started to chuckle. I loved that sound. "I just mentioned 'courting' you. What do you think?"
"Saitou, don't tease! I still can't guess what you're thinking!"
He sighed and stood up to glance out one of his windows. "I don't know. Look, Itachi. This whole courtship means it's a temporary thing right now. You have undeniably grated on my nerves in the past, so this is a trial basis. Don't expect anything past this. If it works out, great we'll go from there. If not, then it ends here."
I stood up and made my way over to him, a slight scowl on my face. "Who says romance is dead?"
He quirked an eyebrow at me. "Don't expect romance or any foolish declarations of love. That's not my thing."
I guess he's right. I shouldn't expect him to be something he isn't. Although a little romance wouldn't hurt! What kind of courtship is this going to be? "A wolf and weasel are a weird combination, don't you think?"
He smiled at me. "We are. But, you can't tell me you didn't enjoy the time we spent together."
I leaned against the wall, a teasing smirk on my face. "Oh, I don't know. After all, it has been a while."
In the blink of an eye, Saitou was standing in front of me. He grabbed both my hands and laced his fingers with mine, then brought our joined hands up to each side of my head. He leaned down so we were just centimeters apart. "Then I'll have to remind you."
Saitou pressed his body against mine as his lips covered my own. As the kiss deepened it was a good thing Saitou was pressed so tightly to me since my weak knees would have never supported me. I managed to free my hands to wrap around Saitou's neck and up into his hair. This time as my tongue met his, he let out a low groan instead of backing away. It was amazing and mind-blowing and blissful all in one. We finally broke apart to breath and I managed to lift my gaze to Saitou's eyes.
I ran one hand down to his face and lightly brushed my thumb over a perfect eyebrow. "You have such beautiful eyes, Wolfie."
He kissed me again and then pulled back just enough to speak against my lips. "Does this mean you accept me courting you?"
"Whole-heartedly."
He finally pulled away and leaned down just to whisper in my ear. "We need to stop. I don't want to be a mistake to you."
What a silly thing to say! I wouldn't regret it. Although I am glad he had some common sense left since I was ready to just let him do as he wished. I toyed with the idea of telling him but decided that would just be cruel and asking for trouble. So, I settled for the safest response in my opinion. "I don't think I would ever consider you a mistake, Wolfie."
He pressed another soft kiss to my lips and smiled at me. "Just you wait, Itachi."
I gave him a smile before turning so I could look out his window. I leaned back against him and felt his arms wrap around my waist. It was such a magnificent and protected feeling. I felt safe, desired, loved, wanted. It was wonderful. Settling my arms down over his I decided I didn't care if he wasn't one for verbal declarations of his feelings. The touches were much more fulfilling.
………………………………...
A/N: GACK! Did I really just put that much mush in a fic containing Saitou? What the hell? Although it was much mushier in the first draft. I had to comb through it a few times to 'Saitou-esque' it up a bit.
Okay, and yes she was dreaming at the end of the last chapter. Why? Well, I didn't intend for it to be a dream when I wrote it. But then I decided I wasn't ready for that part yet, so I back peddled a bit.
Anyway, review please! Hugs & Kisses!
