Petals of Life: Chapter 4

Last Time-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally the two stopped their bickering, though Soujiro still had his hands "on" Misao with all the confusion in is head; turned around to find a man, Aoshi, standing up on the floor just starring at Misao with disbelieving eyes? Misao…is it really you? Alive? Was all that could be processed in the Aoshi's mind, as he saw the predicament the two were in; his eyes then turned into murderously slits at the young man next to Misao who still had his hands on her with a dazed and confused expression on his stupid face…the one he recalled from long ago in the time of darkness for him, was touching "her". Soujiro…Tenken…was the last thought in his mind as he stood to his full height

Aoshi Pov.

Aoshi's eyes were still in slits, as he stood stiff as a board. He still watching where the Tenken's hands "were". They were in a place that they shouldn't be…on his Misao.

Both Misao and Soujiro were looking at Aoshi in surprise. Soujiro was the first to speak, quickly getting his hands of Misao in the process, so she wouldn't get any madder at him… unless he would like not to ever hold his sword again. "Shinomori-san…how are you?" said the Tenken with a smile of uncertainty.

As Aoshi stood there, he saw Misao's eyes on him. Her eyes were still blue just like he remembered, the color of the ocean in them. Her eyes, which were the part of her body he had missed the most, held…no expression in them…unreadable and most of all no love. The usual eyes she had only for him that were filled with love and happiness along with determination…were gone, nothing. While Aoshi's eyes now revealed warmth, love, and most of all sadness without her in his life, though no one noticed. He only caught that glimpse of her eyes on him before she turned to "him". When she turned to the Tenken, they were filled were happiness again and…what love?

It has been five years since she has been gone…why? Was it because of me? Aoshi's thought.

"Etoo…Shinomori-san? Gomen (sorry), but Misao and I must leave we have more things to do today," said Soujiro with an uncomfortable smile on his face, probably because of the silence Aoshi was giving him. Though he didn't have any clue how uncomfortable it was for Aoshi to see Misao together with him, and poor Soujiro not even knowing that Aoshi even knew Misao.

"Yes, Sou-kun and I must get home," said Misao getting up from the table and linking her hand in Soujiro's getting the clue that Soujiro didn't want to stick around anymore, "nice to meet you…Shinomori…san," she said with a soft smile, but not the bright one she always gave him.

As Aoshi saw Misao get up from the table he sucked his breath and eyes widened in surprise…the girl…no woman that stood before him was…beautiful. Misao…was all he thought as he saw what the five years of not seeing her have done to her body. She was fuller then she was before, and she now even wore a kimono, which showed that she really wasn't a child no more, but a 23 year-old woman. Her hair was even in a different style than her usual braid, it was now in a long ponytail. She looks…beautiful…But all thoughts stopped as she grabbed Soujiro's hand. His heart twisted in pain and envy for the young man, as his eyes turned cold like ice he saw them walking to the door. What even hurt more was what she called him. Shinomori-san? Why is she being so formal? What happened to Aoshi-sama?

"Misao…" he whispered in sorrow to himself. His eyes now held loneliness.

"Hmm…?" questioned Misao turning her head over her shoulder, after hearing him call her name. As she stopped Soujiro did the same making sure that everything was all right.

"…" He couldn't say anything he was at a loss for words. He just did understand what had happened just now. Misao…she is alive? Why didn't she notice me? Am I to old that she realized in the 5 years that she doesn't want to be in any contact with me after what I did to her? I'm 33 now does she not want to be with an older man, but a younger-man like Seta? Why didn't she come back to the Aoiya? Is she still mad with me that she didn't want to return? Why is she with Seta? What happened that day? There are many questions that need to be answered…

After a few minutes Aoshi notice that he was alone. She left again this time he didn't notice nor did he say anything; she was out of his life again, just like that. Without any answers to where she has been or what she is doing. As Aoshi started to gather the items he had dropped, he heard the waitresses talking.

"Those two make such a good couple!" said one waitress with short brown hair. With those words Aoshi tensed at picking up the items.

A couple? What is their relation? Are they married? Dating? Or JUST friends? If Misao is with Tenken then do I even have a chance with her? And why did she look at him so lovingly? Wondered Aoshi, he was becoming nervous now and eyes widened a little at that new information.

"I know and they are so kind, especially Soujiro-kun. Did you know he saved Misao at the river?" said the other.

Saved? Thought Aoshi.

"Yes poor thing, lucky Soujiro took her back to his house and took care of her,"

At this Aoshi gathered his things quicker not wanting to hear anymore talk about Soujiro and Misao. All he wanted to do was meet Misao again…and find out what is wrong so he can bring her back to the Aoiya…and back to him. Then just as he was going out the door he stopped at hearing something interesting. Then he started walking again back to the Aoiya in time for dinner, with a small smirk on his face. Already knowing what his plans are going to be for tomorrow afternoon.

"I find it so cute that everyday they come hear at noon and have lunch together," said the waitress with the brown hair as Aoshi walked out.

Misao and Soujiro's House Later that Night

Soujiro Pov.

"Who was that man today at the restaurant Sou-kun?" asked Misao with curious eyes.

"Why so curious Mi-chan?" asked Soujiro smiling away at how he was going to torture Misao by keeping the information a secret to himself a little longer.

"I just wanna know!" exclaimed Misao getting a little angry now.

"Well I don't know…" Soujiro said our loud stroking his chin in a thoughtful way…all the while trying to hold his smirk from Misao.

"Sou-kun, please," said Misao with a cute pout and coming a little to close for Soujiro's liking.

"All right I will tell," gave up Soujiro throwing his hands up in the air surrendering, and making Misao reel back before she got hit. Damn that pout of hers…and getting way to close for my likings…I could see her glossy pink lip- stop it right there Soujiro don't think any further.

"Yatta!" yelled Misao with joy in her eyes at her companion being so easy to take advantage of. I knew that he couldn't resist the puppy pout!

"Ok well…remember how I talked about Shishio?" he asked, when he saw her nod her head he continued, "Well I believe he was one of Lord Shishio's men just like me, Aoshi Shinomori. Though Battosai or Himura, remember the man who I told you about, who defeated Lord Shishio. Saved him from his demise. I heard that he went back to his ninja clan, the Oniwaban Group and I think now is the leader. But I don't know," said Soujiro looking straight in Misao's eyes at her reaction.

"Oh," said Misao. Getting up from her seat and giving a quick peek to Soujiro's cheek causing both of them to blush, before heading off to the bathhouse. "Thanks Sou-kun for the update, I was just wondering! Night!"

"Night Misao!" called Soujiro turning his head toward the calendar. Then he saw the date on the calendar, and remembered something. Tomorrow is Misao's 6th year anniversary with me…thought Soujiro thinking of a surprise to give her. Hmm…I know…I will tell her…tomorrow…Thought Soujiro hoping that she will feel the same way and change their relation for the better. Now all he had to do was plan it…

Author's Notes:

Damn…I think I did bad! Sorry if you think this chapter was bad. (cry) well please review and tell me how I can fix this story or how you like it so far! Please!