AN: Extra long update for all of you who sat in anticipation. Once again props to my wonderful muses, Buffybot76, DeadlyDiva08 for their wonderful help in this story.
In other news; I'm gonna get flogged. Don't hurt me! just be patient and wait for the next update::ducks and hides:
Music of the update: "Do this anymore" by Nickelback
Aoshi stood, overlooking the bay. His azure eyes were focused on the Kenshin gumi below, particularly on one small Itachi girl. Azure eyes lit up as he glanced at her angelic face. There were lines of the battle evident on her face and within her entire demeanor. However she still stood tall with her short statured figure. Her head was up her eyes focused and alert. She'd tasted battle and he feared she might long for it again. She was different. It was the way she carried herself that stood out to him when he compared the differences from her youth. But her enigma hadn't changed. As she was hugged by the Kenshin gumi he could still see her smile. She remained the same Misao he loved despite the differences . Saitou's amber eyes narrowed as he watched Aoshi, but he shrugged it off. He came to stand by the ex Okashira. They had much to discuss.
"You made your choice at the mansion." Aoshi told him, Azure eyes narrowing as he turned and faced the former Shinsengumi captain. Aoshi strode towards Saitou and Saitou retreated a few paces, making way in case things got ugly.
"Excuse me?" Saitou replied, eyebrow arching as he watched the ex Okashira like a hawk.
"Don't play coy. You heard what I said, Ookami" Aoshi replied simply, azure eyes never loosing their edge.
"I chose to go after Kanryuu and bring an end to his violence and repay a debt to fallen comrades." Saitou replied deadpan. What was he getting at?
"You choose Kanryuu. By choosing Kanryuu you forfeited Misao."
"Funny, Shinomori, I don't remember that bargain ever being struck." Saitou said with a smirk, but his hands slowly slid to his sword.
"You took away my chance at redemption, my salvation, my honor. In return I take Misao." Aoshi replied, azure eyes like jagged ice.
"I'd like to see you try" Saitou snarled, drawing his sword.
"We both know that a duel at this moment would lead to your death. You are weak, your arms and legs soon to give out, plus the wounds you received from the cave ins with Kanryuu" Aoshi said observantly.
"You're not exactly in the greatest of shape yourself Ice block" Saitou replied evenly. His hand on his sword tightened.
"You may fool others, but you cannot fool me Saitou" Aoshi said with a smirk.
"Chee" Saitou scoffed, "Would you like to try me?" His hand still rested on his sword.
"Stand down, I will not duel you here. She might see us" Aoshi told him simply.
Saitou's jaw clenched but he let go of his sword. Coward.
"She will be mine, one way or another you know" Aoshi told him after a while, lost in observing his green eyed tenshi.
"Oh really? And how, pray tell, do you plan on accomplishing that?" Saitou demanded, yellow eyes narrowed as he continued to observe the ex Okashira.
"You may have delayed the duel between me and Misao, but I am not afraid to finish it. She cannot avoid a direct duel according to the Oniwabanshuu, no matter what favor you threw in. And she is still a member as she so flittingly proclaimed at the Kamiya dojo. If you do not intervene, seeing as how you are her guardian for the moment, the duel will take place and I will defeat her and take her home. The easy path or the hard path makes no difference to me"
"You expect me to just tell her to leave? I cannot dismiss an officer so carelessly even if I wanted to. There are procedures, rules and obligations in any organization. You know that." Saitou replied.
"That is not my problem" Aoshi said simply.
"Blackmailing me again Shinomori?" Saitou said with spite, furious that the ex Okashira thought he could jerk him around so flippantly.
"The way she returns makes no difference to me" Aoshi replied evenly.
"That's a great attitude for someone who claims to love her" Saitou objected.
"You know nothing of love" Aoshi retorted.
Saitou's eyes narrowed. He would not be baited so easily.
"You seem awfully sure of yourself, Ice Block. There's a lot that could go wrong in your plan" Saitou said with a shrug.
"You play a good game Mibu, but I see through it. Your honor will not allow you to keep her. You and I both know this. Therefore she is of no use to you. And I want her." Aoshi said.
"But what if she doesn't want to return with you?" Saitou asked, eyebrow arched.
"You have no say in the matter. Neither does she. As I said you made your choice in the mansion. You will make her return, or I will fight her. One way or another Misao returns home, where she rightfully belongs. The deal has been cut. Should you interfere in this, Saitou, the Oniwabanshuu will use force and whatever means necessary to bring her back and make you pay."
"Isn't that what got you in the whole honor mess in the first place…that you were willing to do anything to achieve the end goal?" Saitou jeered.
"You mock me, but you would do well to fear me, Wolf of Mibu. Relinquish your claim on her, or else you will taste my sword."
"Bold words that you have yet to prove Shinomori" Saitou replied, hand going to his sword again.
"How well will she like you if you kill me? I wonder…" Aoshi said, walking past him.
"Chee" Saitou replied, as he looked down upon the group. Tanuki girl was smothering Itachi. Tanuki girl looked plumper than she had before. The girl chattered around Misao, hugging her, tears streaming down her cheek. Saitou couldn't help but notice the glimmer in Itachi's eyes even as she rolled them at the Tanuki girl. Saitou retreated, heart clenching as Shinomori's words resounded in his head.
The easy path or the hard path makes no difference to me…
Shinomori didn't care as long as he had Misao. Aoshi would hurt her if he allowed their battle to take place, sparing her no pain simply to get to him. She would return in shame and dishonor, her spirit broken. Saitou scowled as he thought of Aoshi. He seemed to focus on one thing incessantly. The man was dangerous in his own means. Would Misao even be safe with him? Saitou lit up a cigarette and contemplated his situation. He had to play into Shinomori's hands. The bastard had forced him into a corner. He knew what had to be done, but it made his stomach turn thinking of how it would be done. Saitou needed time and space to recover. He left the cliff, applying orders as he made his way back towards the office. He would not be disturbed. Period. He couldn't face Misao. Not yet.
The sun nearly blinded her as she came out of the tunnel. Misao's eyes hurt as she came out onto the beach. They had taken off through one of the many tunnels to escape from the underground caverns of the mansion. The fire has started to spread to the lower regions. It was fortunate that they had gotten out when they did. Misao glanced back to make sure Sano was still doing alright. He'd suffered some rather serious wounds through this trip. While they were leaving through the tunnels, Aoshi had bumped into Sano who was fighting off some of the retreating lackies. Sano's futae hand had been broken and so he was having a hard time with them. Aoshi had stepped in, and defeated all of the lackies blocking their path while Misao picked off the few from Sanosuke. After they were all defeated, Aoshi had left her and Sano behind in the tunnel, clearing the way for them. Misao had helped Sano walk the rest of the way out. She glanced up at the canyon as a shimmer caught her eye. Had she seen him? She blinked. Only Aoshi stood there overlooking the valley.
Her heart sunk as she thought of Saitou.
"Nothing like a good rumble eh, Itachi?" Sano said giving her a slap on her back. Misao fell forward nearly tripping.
"Woaa, are you alrigh-" Sano said grabbing her shoulder.
And suddenly all of her pent up anger exploded. Her hand snapped, shaking off his help.
"DON'T call me Itachi" She said, eyes jade in their fury. Her kunai were in her hands before he'd even blinked and she held them to his throat. Jade met Mahogany. Then she simply turned and walked on.
"Woaa…someone's got a stick up their- " Sano's sentence stopped short when he saw Kenshin and the others "OYEEE!" Sano cried,
"Sano! Misao Dono!" Kenshin greeted, relieved. He glanced around for Saitou and Aoshi but neither were to be found. His frown disappeared as quickly as it had come as his wife passed by him. Kaoru sprinted forward, despite Kenshin's protest. She tackled into Misao, who just barely kept her footing.
"Hello Kaoru" Misao said, unable to hide the smile.
"IF YOU EVER GO OFF LIKE THAT AGAIN I SWEAR I WILL BOKKEN YOU TO THE ABYSS!" Kaoru cried shaking Misao. And then she burst into tears.
"I was so worried!" She sobbed squeezing the life out of Misao.
"cough There, there, Kaoru, see I'm alright, all in one piece" Misao said wincing.
"You're HURT!" Kaoru exclaimed backing away and examining her wounds.
"It's nothing life threatening" Misao replied with a shrug. Kaoru looked at her friend in astonishment. She was so…so level headed. It was very unlike the Misao she knew who would be thrilling her with the battle stories and Aoshi sama already. Kaoru held back the frown she felt. Her friend had changed in so many ways….She pulled herself out of that thought. They were alive. That's what mattered.
"We're taking you back to the dojo. Megumi's there and she'll see to you and Aoshi as well….hey where is Aoshi?"
"He cleared the path for us and went on ahead in the tunnels. He's probably just reporting or maybe helping clear out the rest of Kanryuu's men" Misao replied with a roll in her eyes.
"Then Kanryuu is.."Kenshin murmured.
"Dead." Misao replied with a nod. Kenshin couldn't catch her eye as she was engaged in another conversation. Misao was so…flippant…about his death. Kenshin's frown deepened.
"No happy greeting for me Jou Chan?" Sano told her, grinning.
"There's no greeting for freeloaders" Kaoru told him with a huff.
Yahiko ran up and jumped on Sano.
"AHK!" Sano cried getting glomped.
"Me and Kenshin fought off like 40 of Kanryuu's guards all by ourselves!" Yahiko exclaimed.
"The number keeps getting bigger each time he tells it" Kaoru rolled her eyes as she whispered to Misao with a wink. Misao grinned. There was pride in her voice though and in her eyes as she glanced at her rapidly growing student.
"So Yahiko CHAN Are you ready to go home yet now that you know Sano's safe?" Kaoru said with a smirk.
"Worrying about me, were you Brat?" Sano asked with a grin
"I was NOT worrying! And who are you calling brat? Anyways, I was telling busu over there, who was worrying, that you'd be fine." Yahiko said with a roll of his eyes.
"WHO are you calling BUSU you little BRAT!" Kaoru cried, rolling up her kimono sleeves.
"Anata!" Kenshin cried holding her back. "We should attend to Sano and Misao's wounds, that we should!"
"Oh…I guess your right Kenshin. To the Dojo!" Kaoru cried triumphantly. She linked her arm with Misao's pestering her for the details of the fighting and everything. Misao sighed. Same old Kaoru. There was no way she was going to get away from them tonight.
"Now that busu's pregnant we're gonna be dealing with mood swings every second" Yahiko muttered to Sano.
"Hai…" He said with defeat. "It'll be a long nine months." Sano said defeatedly.
"Aah" Yahiko nodded, following after Kenshin.
They arrived at the dojo where Megumi proceeded to fuss over each of them applying bandages and poultice and stitches where needed.
"Baka rooster, is this hadn't been set properly you might've lost it" Megumi chided as she finished the cast on his hand.
"But that's why we have you kitsune, to mend our wounds and nurse us poor soldiers back to health." Sanosuke flirted.
Megumi rolled her eyes. "This doesn't hurt does it tori atama?" Megumi said, pinching his fist.
"Ouch!" Sano cried. "Hidoi kitsune!"
Thus the evening past with rounds of stories and some laughter.
Saitou, after a few stitches, some poultice, and bandages from the police headquarters doctor, sat, head in his hands as he contemplated his options. He really didn't have much of a choice. He'd locked himself in his office for 3 days, avoiding all of them, filling out all of the paperwork. His excuse was that he didn't want the report to be corrupted by the others points. He would collect theirs soon enough. Truthfully, his life was in shambles. He knew what needed to be done, but had avoided it until the last second possible. His ashtray had overflowed long ago. He'd emptied it, but it had filled up again. And again. And again. He took short and frequent naps. He became rather tired of emptying the tray. It currently overflowed on the paperwork. His bloodshot eyes twitched in annoyance. His hair had long ceased to be gelled in place.
A knock to the door didn't startle him. He didn't even look up as the door opened knowing who it was before the knob turned. His jaw clenched.
"Why the hell are you here?" Saitou asked.
Aoshi stood silent as he observed the wolf.
"If you've come to gloat then get the hell out" Saitou said with a roll of his eyes.
"On the contrary Saitou, I offer my condolences"
"Spare me the pleasantries and idle chatter. I know exactly why you're here."
Shinomori frowned at Saitou, but nodded.
"Aah."
"Misao…" Saitou said, yellow eyes hardening.
"Seeing as how we're skipping the pleasantries, have you made your decision?"
There was no way she could stay with him. He would loose her. If he didn't give her up to Shinomori she would end up being defeated in the duel they'd delayed and forced to go anyways.
She could choose a champion…if you defeated Shinomori…
Saitou flinched, shaking off those thoughts. No. Battling Shinomori would give her hopes of things her couldn't offer. He had already exposed her to enough bloodshed and violence. Shinomori had been right, he'd changed her. Saitou wasn't exactly convinced the change was for the better. The fact was that he was in no condition to accept the responsibility acting as her guardian. His life was too much of an emotional wreck for him, much less to add someone else into the mix. If he even gave her a hint of his true feelings she would fight in the duel. And she would be utterly defeated. No, he would have to allow Shinomori that victory. His decision was set. He would spare her the insult to her honor. Perhaps they'd even let her return as Okashira.
It'd be in name only. It would shame her further and you know it…
Saitou snorted. She's a simple girl. It would only take the title to please her. She'll get her family, her title, and the man of her dreams. Why was there an empty pit in his stomach? Saitou brushed it off. She'll forget about me…Saitou mused. Give Shinomori a month to work her out of her depression and I'll be an after thought. They'll be on their honeymoon at that point Saitou thought, trying not to choke on the sour thoughts. What was he so doom and gloom about anyways? It's not like they would've worked out anyways right? He was almost old enough to be her father. It wasn't proper anyways.,…Worked out? Saitou scoffed. That was implying that they had anything to begin with.
"You were saying" Aoshi prompted.
"You leave for Kyoto in the morning. There are 2 tickets." Saitou replied, coming out of his stupor and going back to his paperwork.
"Nani?" Aoshi questioned, azure eyes widening.
"She returns with you" Saitou replied, folding his gloved hands and resting his chin upon them.
Aoshi blinked at him.
"You have an icy exterior, Shinomori, but I didn't think you were dense" Saitou snarled.
"I'm simply startled. You relinquish your claim on Misao so easily. Why?" Aoshi demanded
"Well I can tell you it wasn't because you told me to, Ice Block" Saitou replied sarcastically.
""There's something in it for you. There has to be, for you to concede this easily. What kind of game are you playing, Wolf?" Aoshi said, eyes narrowed.
"Something in it for ME?" Saitou exclaimed, gloved hands slamming against the desk as he rose. "You idiot! I'm letting you take her! What the hell could possibly be in it for me?"
Azure eyes studied him carefully.
"Your word as a former member of the Shinsengumi?"
Saitou glared at the ex okashira. "You're pathetic Shinomori. Go. Get the Hell out of my office. Take her and go gloat somewhere else" Saitou said with a dismissive wave.
"For what it's worth…Thank you. She'll be in good hands." Aoshi said with a small bow.
"Mmm, I'm sure…" Saitou said nonchalantly bastard…
"And I am sorry for your wife. She was a good woman… albeit deceived…"
"Shut the hell up" Saitou snapped, eyes blazing.
Aoshi sighed, shaking his head.
"You look like hell Saitou. You should sleep and take a shower before she sees you. If you're weak before her, she'll see right through you. " Aoshi replied, closing the door behind him.
"You've lied to her before. It can't possibly be that hard" Saitou said with a shrug.
Aoshi flinched, jaw clenched as he left.
Saitou sank into his chair, clutching his head, running gloved fingers through his bangs.
How was he supposed to lie to her? Despite his calloused retort, he knew that she would and could read through him. He had to be convincing. He had to get her on that train. Saitou was a bottom line man. That was the bottom line. What could he possibly say to her that would devastate her so much that she would get on the train?
He took a deep breath. He had to prepare himself for the role of his life. He had to push away the very thing he desired, and do it in such a way that she would be utterly destroyed, never to return. He had to lie to her to save her. He had to make her leave to keep her safe; away from him. He was in too fragile a state right now to deal with the complication of more messy emotions. He would only end up pushing her away anyways. And Itachi was a handful. She would be in better hands than his. Yes…his hands…Saitou's fists clenched. If it was anybody else but him, maybe Saitou wouldn't feel such hatred. But it was him that would be comforting her, his blood stained hands touching her innocence…those hands that had betrayed her to begin with, upon her.
Saitou bit back the snarl and lit a cigarette. It was ridiculous to dwell on what would happen anyways. Right now he had precious little time before the weasel would be barging her way into his office. He needed to set up a meeting with her first before she tried to come in at random. If he had time to prepare for it he might stand a chance. However, Shinomori was right. He did look like hell. He needed a few hours of sleep, a bath and a shave. And another pack of cigarettes for sure. Saitou took a deep drag, blowing out the smoke as he contemplated his situation.
He started to write the message, and ended up crumbling it. It had to be terse. Nothing that would reveal what he would say to her. He wrote it quickly albeit sloppily because of his lack of sleep and set it on his desk. It was done…Saitou's hands shook, and he forced himself on his feet to pace.
What would he say to her when she got here? He had to effectively push her away. His sharp mind processed through events sifting through the memories of the last few weeks. Nagoya, Kyoto, and Tokyo were all fresh in his mind replaying the events. And then he had it. Saitou was a bottom line man. And he had found his bottom line. It was perfect. She'd be forever crushed. He summoned an officer and went off to shower, shave, and sleep.
Misao received the summons from one of the lackie officers at noon. After pacing for the past few days, trying to get to see the wolf, and attending to her own injuries, she was impatient. How dare he not contact her until now! And what kind of terse message was that? She hadn't hoped for poetry or anything special, but maybe an Oh by the way I haven't seen you in three DAYS, I'd like to see you. But No, she got a "meet me in my office at 3". Misao fumed as she paced again.
She felt him before she saw him, but that was typical. He'd been hovering over her, insisting that she eat and helping dress her wounds and fussing over her. The first night she stayed at the dojo because all had wounds to be tended to and Megumi was staying with Kaoru and Kenshin anyways. Aoshi had showed up in the morning and after that she refused to stay at the dojo even with Kaoru's insistence. She just felt awkward right now, healing, and trying to sort out what was going on with the case and Saitou, and Aoshi being around. She didn't want them to have to deal with her anger, or the awkwardness that she and Aoshi shared whenever they were in a room together. They didn't understand…couldn't understand the situation. And she couldn't bear their stares or their questions.
Aoshi had arranged for her and himself at Tae's, more than likely using the Oniwaban funding to cover their rooms. He'd gotten her the biggest room, opting for the smaller room connected to hers to give her some space, but not as much as she wanted. Misao bit her lip, hating her situation, hating him, and yet unable to do anything about it. I'm a lich, that's what I am! she thought with a scowl.
Aoshi said nothing as he entered into her quarters. He had his supply of bandages out, and Misao ignored him as he set his things on the floor.
"Misao, It's time to change your bandages" He told her simply.
"They can wait" She snapped, standing up. She began pacing, her braid flipping behind her.
"I'm assuming he has contacted you finally" Aoshi said, contempt entering into his tone as he sat. Since when had Aoshi become so verbal…emotional?
Misao's green eyes turned jade in her glare. She said nothing but returned to pacing.
"I'll take that as a yes." Aoshi replied, getting up from his crouch, and walking towards her. She ignored him and continued pacing.
"Three days! It's been THREE days!" Misao snarled as she paced.
"Perhaps he needed time to put the case together" Aoshi said softly.
"The hell he did!" Misao snarled. And then she stopped mid pace. Aoshi was actually defending him? Something was wrong. Green eyes turned with suspicion upon the cold man sitting down.
"Why do you stare at me so Misao?" Aoshi asked her.
"Why are you defending him all of a sudden?" Misao snapped, glaring.
"Truthfully?" Aoshi asked her, azure eyes bright as they stared upon her.
"The truth is generally the best Aoshi." Misao said sarcastically turning away from those eyes. They haunted her.
"I pity him. He has lost her twice now" Aoshi replied.
Misao's eyes cracked and she returned to her pacing, trying to hide her tears.
"Misao…" Aoshi said, getting to his feet, reaching out for her.
"Don't" Misao protested, but his strong arms encircled her anyways. She tried to fight it, but was too weak…he was warm. The scent of green tea filled her nostrils causing her heart to split open further as old longings rose from her shattered dreams.
"Misao mine, I would do anything to stop your pain" Aoshi whispered brokenly
"Please don't…"Misao whimpered, trying to push him away.
"Can't you see dear one, that you were born for me?" Aoshi told her, lifting her chin as he wiped the tears from her eyes.
She shook her head fiercely, closing her eyes against those blue grey eyes, eyes that glowed from their passion. His eyes held such love and warmth for her. She couldn't bear them. The bitterness twisted through her as she fought the warm tingles running up and down her arms. No! Not again! She turned away from him, her back to his chest. She may not have been able to fight off his arms, but she didn't have to look at him. She sniffled as she wiped her tears.
"When you hurt, I hurt, Misao mine." Aoshi whispered in her ear as he pulled her closer. She jerked away from him.
"I am yours dear heart, body, mind, and soul. Can he offer you that? Is he capable of that?" Aoshi questioned, as he kissed her hair. She sniffled again, the tears coming as she closed her eyes to fight it, him, and everything else bombarding her.
"You once thought me incapable of feeling…like him….but you were the one who woke me up from that. Can't you see that you're my salvation? That you've given me new life? I'm not willing to part with that so easily…" Aoshi told her.
"I have much to make up for in my old life, but I think that with you by my side I can do that." Aoshi told her.
"I ask you simply to think on it. I will wait for you if need be Misao." Aoshi told her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. He released her and she stumbled away from him.
"Think on it. I will be back with tea and some food for us" Aoshi told her, closing the shouji door softly behind him.
Misao fell to her knees, face in her hands as she wept.
Her entire body was filled with a sense of foreboding she couldn't explain or ignore as she opened the door to the police office in Tokyo. It terrified her, made her skin crawl, as she strode down the hallway. She clenched her jaw, as she pushed herself forward to the door. She was a Makimachi. She had faced much worse in these past weeks. But who was she kidding? The fear coiled up her, nearly paralyzing her. She paused. It wasn't that she was afraid of him. It was that she didn't know why he was summoning her. A million different scenarios had played through her head tormenting her these past few days.
Misao forced herself to calm down, taking a deep breath. She would not be conquered by fear. She had come too far to be stopped by foolish emotions and worries. This gave her enough courage to move from her temporary paralysis. Misao's hands shakily touched the knob of the door. She jumped and nearly cried out as the door shocked her. The doorknob was cold, as her warm hands twisted it shakily. She swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing herself to at least appear calm and collected. She would not face him in cowardice. She refused to. Misao took a deep breath as she twisted the door knob all the way and walked in. Her eyes flickered around the office. It was very much similar to the one he had in Kyoto and this made her heart constrict painfully. She swallowed again softly, hoping it had slipped past the wolf's notice.
She guarded her green eyes as her gaze fell upon one Saitou Hajime. He sat, filling out paperwork as if it was another ordinary day in the office. His ashtray was half full, something that made Misao wonder if he wasn't dreading their talk. Usually he went through a pack a day at least. He hadn't skipped a beat as she entered his office causing her to fight the irritating twitch she felt washing over her in waves. Why the hell was he so calm and collected? She envied his demeanor as she cursed him for it. He still didn't notice as he finished another file and set it into the outbox for his lackies to retrieve. Misao summoned her courage. She wasn't about to let the silence go on any longer. She had too much invested in this…in him. Her own heart couldn't take the suspense any longer.
"You summoned me?" Misao said, tone faltering at the end of her sentence. She coughed, covering for her shaky voice.
"Indeed." Saitou said firmly, finally looking up.
His amber eyes were as cold and hard as glass, as frozen amber, revealing nothing of their former camaraderie. He looked at her as he looked at everyone else off the streets. His look alone nearly forced the tears from her. She fought them fiercely, forcing them down with harsh reproof as she waited for him to continue. He'd said only one word and already her stomach was clenched and knotted against her will. She was expending much of her effort to keep her body in check. He shuffled through some papers on his desk. The tension in the room gnawed at her temper. Why wasn't he saying something?
"Well?" Misao finally got out, anger overriding her shaken control. "Why am I here?"
"Have a seat" Saitou motioned, resting his chin on his folded, gloved, hands. A file was open before him as he glanced over it.
"I'd prefer to stand" Misao replied, eyes narrowing slightly.
"As you would have it" Saitou said callously.
Misao waited patiently after the pause. She wouldn't loose her cool. He needed to tell her why she was summoned and she wasn't going to yield. His eyes never met hers, but she knew he knew she was staring at him, eyes boring into him as she waited. Finally, he spoke.
"You are here to discuss the Kanryuu incident" Saitou replied simply, albeit coldly.
Misao released the breath she didn't realize she was holding. "If that's all you summoned me here for, can I give you my report later? Kaoru wants me to help her with the baby room. How long will we be staying in Tokyo?" Misao asked, tenseness leaving her body, green eyes bright with a smile.
Beautiful… Saitou crushed the stray thought with contempt. He would not break. He had to finish this here and now.
"We?" Saitou said, eyebrow arching. "Don't sound so thrilled."
"What?" Misao asked puzzled by his tone and his words. Her fear clawed it's way easily through her control, her ki rising shakily.
Saitou opened a desk drawer and pulled out a clipboard. He pushed it towards the front of his desk haphazardly and returned to his paperwork, not breaking for an instant his calm demeanor. After a few seconds, Misao realized it was for her and walked forward, feeling her legs shake and fighting desperately trying to get a hold of her self. She picked it up, eyes devouring the words. The clipboard nearly fell from her hands.
"What the hell is this?" Misao asked voice deadpan as she glared at him. She shook with rage.
"I wasn't aware that you couldn't read Itachi" Saitou replied flippantly.
"Damn it Saitou, You know what I MEAN! Answer Me!" Misao snarled, throwing the clipboard to the ground.
"Temper,Temper, Itachi. I would answer you if I knew what you were talking about" Saitou replied, licking his finger as he flipped through another paper in his file.
"Why the hell am I getting resignation papers!" She snarled, slamming her palms on his desk as she leaned over it to glare at him. Blue Green Jade met Hardened Amber with a gaze that would've leveled Japan, had it the power.
"Don't you know? You cannot possibly be that stupid, Itachi" Saitou told her, trademark smirk sweeping across his features. She cringed at the blow, but hid it well with a sneer, blending it with her anger. Now he was intentionally causing her pain.
"Why?" Misao exclaimed.
"You knowingly put the mission in jeopardy by flouncing off in the woods." Saitou told her, Amber eyes boring into hers like fire torching wood.
"You deliberately disobeyed a direct order from me. You willingly cost us the element of surprise." Saitou told her, cold tone ripping her heart to pieces with his anger.
"You needlessly put hundreds of officer's lives in danger as they stormed the gate. Your emotions, as I warned you before, led you and others straight into disaster. In addition to that, we had to pursue you to save your life, which you also put in danger. I hope your little boondoggle was worth it, Misao." Saitou said, twisting the knife further.
Misao couldn't feel the tears streaming down her face. She had goose bumps scattered across her body. She felt cold, numb as her world crashed around her. Her walls collapsed in on her, and she felt her knees start to buckle. And from the deep recesses of her mind she heard herself say "No". Her walls returned and resurged around her bleeding heart, giving her eyes a jagged glint as she forced the tears to dry. She would not give this man the satisfaction. Not again. She was finished.
"Excuse me?" Saitou snapped, amber eyes glaring at her. And then her ki hardened, and changed, and he knew that this was no longer the girl he'd teased and mocked from the Shishio fight. That through this past month she'd grown years in days as she looked upon him.
"No." Misao replied her dark tone shocking her to the very core.
"You're lying, and I see through it, Hajime. You really are pathetic if you think this is enough to push me away. If you choose to run away from this, then that's your own cross to bear, but don't you Dare put this on Me!" Misao hissed, eyes deep pools of dark blue as the glared vehemently at Saitou.
Saitou began to chuckle as he looked at her, amber eyes filled with malevolent mirth. His chuckles spilled over into full on laughter. Misao stood there as he mocked her, his shrill laughter undermining her tower of confidence as it filled the room.
"Who do you think you are? " Saitou demanded, rising to his feet, his ki rising dangerously at his fury.
"I mean honestly, did you think I would make a special exemption just for you? And for what? Because of your pathetic feelings? I told you at the beginning of this, that you needed to obey every order and you knew the consequences before you agreed to this. You choose to run off to Kanryuu's , ignoring the orders you received. I am not your grandfather, Misao. I cannot overlook such carelessness with your own life, and the lives of others. You made a choice and now, like the child you've proven yourself to be, you're trying to find someone to blame over the consequences of your own actions. But I will not, and cannot be so lenient." Saitou snarled.
"How DARE you!" Misao cried, fury exploding as her hand struck his cheek.
Saitou rolled with the slap, surprised by the strength of her hit. Her ki soared, anger coursing through her trembling form, rage apparent as it marred her lovely features with its repulsiveness. His face tingled from her hand throbbing as if her hand was still there. She had worn her arm guards. It would most assuredly bruise, but it wasn't the slap to his face that stung…it was the blow to his soul. Saitou stood up on his feet and looked down on her, towering over her. Amber eyes gleamed molten in their fury nearly melting her in the heat of his gaze.
"You're pushing me AWAY! And you're using your BADGE to do it!" Misao cried, sobs breaking through her tone as she trembled in fury fist clenched as she stood.
"I'm not going to even justify that with a response. My point is proven. You are hereby discharged from your service to the Meiji police." Saitou spat.
"NO!" Misao exclaimed "I refuse to be discharged" Misao said vehemently. Saitou hid his grin, he had been surprised by her cold exterior, but now he had her pinned to a fault. She was his for the breaking.
"Your pay will be shipped to Kyoto." Saitou said, sitting back down as he let his cool demeanor wash over his features. He didn't care…He didn't care…now if he could keep his mantra going just a little longer, she would forever hate him.
"You are fortunate enough that the bureau felt you needed compensation your efforts. They have kindly paid for your ticket back to Kyoto. You leave in the morning with one Shinomori Aoshi. You are dismissed." Saitou said
"I Refuse! I will fight this. I'm not going to let you throw us away this easily" Misao snarled.
"You have no authority here. And the police bureau wouldn't even accept you as a volunteer after I hand in this paperwork. And you don't have a choice in this matter" Saitou told her.
She stood there, jaw clenched as she held her ground. He couldn't help but admire her determination. She truly believed that they stood a chance even after he'd fleshed out everything with her. He knew no matter what he would do after this, no amount of sake or women would drown out her image as she stood in front of him, from his mind.
"This is ridiculous Misao. I didn't think you were this pathetic. Anything you and I had is through. Get out of my office or I will use force" Saitou told her.
"I don't believe you and I refuse to leave until you tell me the truth!" Misao snarled holding her ground still.
Saitou's eyes narrowed. Fury exploded through his veins pounding in his head. She would leave now. He slammed his palms on his desk and rose, Ki nearly scorching her in his fury. It took him two strides to reach her. He latched onto her arm, yanking her harshly forward.
"No! Ow! You're hurting me! We are not through YET!" Misao cried, tears in her eyes from the grip he had on her arm. She tried to free her arm. His grip was like iron. She cried out in pain as his hold tightened on her. She braced her legs, digging her toes into the tatami mats trying to pull back, fighting his hold as she kicked and flailed against him.
"There is nothing more to discuss and you're being childish as usual about it. You reap what you sow Itachi" Saitou told her catching the back of her knees with his own. She cried out in pain as she hit the floor. He dragged her forward, until once again she was on her feet pulling against him.
"Stop pushing me away!" Misao sobbed, at the end of her emotional rope, pleading for him to look at her.
"Officers" Saitou said, opening the door with one hand and hauling her towards it.
"Saitou! SAITOU! You can't do this! Saitou!" Misao cried, as the two officers took hold of her arms and hauled her away.
"Saitou!" Misao cried as she struggled against their hold. They dragged her down the hall way. Saitou turned his back on her heading back towards his paperwork as he heard her cries. He ignored them motioning for a secretary to get the door
No…Misao snapped. He was walking away, just like her parents, just like Aoshi sama, just like her family….. Head bowed, Misao's ki exploded. Her foot smashed into the officer's face as she used their arms as leverage for her keichiro kick. His face bled as he cried out, releasing her arm. With a solid punch she could hear the other officer's nose break, blood bleeding freely from the wound, landing on her face in sprinkles as she sprinted to the door. The door closed as she threw herself against it. Her fists pounded on the door, sobs escaping her as she cried out to him.
One of the guards must have recovered because she felt his hands connect with her skull. She gasped, wind knocked out of her, crumpled and fell brokenly to the floor
"Saitou…" She pleaded, tears nearly choking her. The door never opened.
Their rough hands grabbed hold of her. Misao's body went limp in their grip, having used everything she'd had to fight their hold. Tears dripped down her face as she stared numbly at the door. He was pushing her away. He was trying to spare her and himself the pain. Damn him! Damn him! She couldn't stop her body from shaking, the sobs wracking her lungs. They carried her down the hallway, pushing her forward. She gave way, collapsing to her knees on the floor. They pulled her up harshly, putting her arms over their necks as they carried her. It didn't matter, she couldn't feel anything they did to her anyways. They practically threw her out of the bureau and she hit the ground hard, sliding against the dirt and grit.
She lay there for a few moments, trying to catch her breath, tears stopped from her shock. She slowly, shakily rose to her feet, head bowed as her fists clenched. And then she screamed. The sound caused everyone to stop in the streets of Tokyo, and stare at her in pity and disgust. When she had no air left, she stopped…and looked around at the people. Shamed more than she'd ever been in her entire life, she did the only thing she could do. She ran, legs giving way as her adrenaline carried her, sprinting through the people who stared. She bumped into Sanosuke, but didn't stop as she made her way to the exit. She continued running until she couldn't breathe and collapsed on the ground in the forest, curling into the tree's roots, rocking herself as she cried.
Sano stared at her, heart hurting for her as she sobbed and ran. Brown eyes narrowed. He knew exactly who'd done this to her and he intended to give him what for. Sano strung the sake over his back so that his hands were free. He rolled up his sleeves and marched through the door. Lackies gave him odd glances as he marched past them. Two were off to the side being treated and blood was splattered on the floor and the walls. Sano ignored this heading straight for the door he knew the bastard would be behind. An officer attempted to stop him. Sano single handedly decked him into the nearest desk, taking a hold of the door knob and throwing it open.
Saitou could hear the ruckus outside his office after Itachi had left, but he ignored it pouring himself into his paperwork. He could think about the ramifications of his actions later. For now, work needed to be done, and he intended to put all of his effort into that. Of course, what he would do in the night when he was forced to return to an empty house was unsure. He finished another paper, realizing to his dismay that the stack was decreasing with his working fervor. He picked up another and started on the next report. That was until his door was thrown open. He set his pen down, amber eyes narrowed intent to kill whatever lackie dared disobey his orders to be left alone after his meeting with Itachi. His first glance up revealed the Ahou. By the gods, Saitou didn't need this right now. Saitou ground his teeth in frustration, glaring at him as he set his pen down.
'What the hell do you think you're doing here Ahou?" Saitou asked, one hand on his arm rest and the other on his sword.
"Just who do you think you are?" Sano fumed smashing his fist on Saitou's desk. Even with the cast on his hand, the desk cracked. Saitou was on his feet now.
"Tell me!" Sano demanded, blood dripping down from his cast hand.
"I could arrest you here and now for destroying government property Ahou. You are on very shaky ground. Get the Fuck out of my office or your blood will be upon my hands" Saitou said, standing. His voice was deadpan, his eyes molten in their intensity.
Both turned as the door swung shut behind them of it's own accord, but returned to glare at each other malevolently.
"I'm not leaving anywhere until you tell me." Sano replied, moving into a defensive position.
Saitou rolled his eyes, clenching his jaw, cursing the gods that he had to deal with this idiot right now.
"Look." Saitou said with strained patience. "This is taking a lot of time, so why don't you just tell me what the hell you're talking about so you can go away"
What did you do to Misao?" Sano snarled.
"Who?" Saitou replied with a smirk.
"Bastard! What did you do to her!" Sano growled, grabbing the collar of his uniform and getting into his face. Saitou's eyes narrowed.
"Release me. Now" Saitou ordered glaring at him vehemently as his ki rose alarmingly.
"Not until you tell me what you did-" Sano felt the punch connect with his jaw before he saw it and he tumbled backwards. He hit the floor with a crash and received a swift kick in the face and in the gut before he coherently knew what happened. He felt the sword at his throat draw some blood.
"If you ever presume to threaten me again, I will not hesitate to kill you" Saitou replied deadpan.
"Are you really that cold?" Sano snapped, spitting out some blood. Saitou removed his sword, sheathing it. Sano cringed, rubbing his jaw.
"Can't you see that for whatever warped reasoning and twisted logic that she loves you!" He exclaimed, anger burning in his eyes as he rose to his feet.
"She is no longer any of my concern. Now get the hell out of my office, before I arrest you, Ahou" Saitou replied simply. He almost hoped the Ahou stayed. Saitou had been looking for an excuse to beat the holy hell out of him.
Sano watched as the wolf sat back down and continued his paperwork.
"Chee" Sano scoffed, wiping the blood that ran down his lip. "You're truly pathetic, Saitou."
Saitou looked up at Sanosuke and laughed.
"As if you, lap dog of one ex-manslayer and part of the pathetic, lying Seikihoutai who were no more than pawns for the ishin, could judge my worth."
Sanosuke's eyes narrowed and he spit on Saitou's desk. "You're one to talk about being the lap dog of the government. Someday you're going to wake up and realize how many people wish for your death. And when you do, and realize that no one loves you, I hope you fall on your sword. " Sanosuke said untying the sake jug from his back and slamming it on the table and walking to the door.
"Take your cheap liquor with you" Saitou said from penning one of the Kanryuu files.
"Keep it. You'll need it more than I will" Sano replied, slamming the door shut.
Saitou held his head in his hands as he contemplated the worth of his existence. Damn him…Damn them….Damn her….He winced, remembering those haunting Blue green eyes as he destroyed any amount of hope within her she had left for them. He shook his head, but he could not clear those eyes from his mind. He glanced at the sake bottle. He reached over to it and unplugged the cork stopper. He sniffed it delicately, and then took a swig. He could still see those eyes. He forced another swallow or three. Gods make those eyes go away…He threw his ash tray into the wall, breaking it. His urge to kill rose, but it was replaced with a deep recession and loathing. He hated himself now, and the shock from that feeling startled him. Even in the revolution he had never truly hated himself. He'd believed in what he'd done. It had been the right thing to do. But hadn't this as well? If it was why was he feeling so hollow? Loathe was probably the better word he was searching for at the moment. Perhaps he would be his next victim after all Saitou mused darkly as he took another swallow. He had to make those green eyes go away.
(AN: Yes the sake is spurring on these thoughts of suicide because he has no one else to kill…that and every reason he had to live is pretty much obliterated. Don't kill me. The update is coming… ')