- Chapter 6: Author's Note: -
I am so sorry for the lack of updates; I've been battling writer's block for a while and have not felt the urge to write. Also, I have been battling inner demons that give me no energy to write. However, I am back now, and I don't know how long this chapter will be, but I plan to write a decent-sized one for you guys who've followed my book.
As I've said, I do not own any original characters or plotlines of this perfect series written by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Therefore, I am merely adding a different plotline to create a chance for Aoshi and Misao to get together sooner and Himura/Kaoru and Sanosuke/Megumi. I might even throw in some Yahiko/Tsubame and Saito/Tokio. :D
- End of Chapter 6 Author's Note: -
- Chapter 6: Interrum Chapter-
Misao's POV:
Grumbling to herself about the others butting in on her designs for Aoshi to help her bathe, she promises herself that she'll surely lure him next time!
She gets out of the bath quickly, glad to be fully clean for the first time in a few days. The doctor she had seen had been nice enough to clean her hair and most of her body while avoiding her intimate spots. She hadn't felt truly clean until after Okon and Omasu helped her to bathe. Misao could barely stand after her bath, for it exhausted her already weakened body.
Misao told the girls she was fine and implored them to leave her to herself in the bathroom after they dressed her. She felt smothered somewhat by all the attention they were giving her and worrying they were doing.
Also, she did not want to admit that she couldn't walk. Her leg and back felt like they were on fire, and the flames spread exhaustion from the parts where her skin had flayed open just last night. But she had some pride left and wanted to walk to her room alone once her strength returned.
Minutes felt like hours before she was able to get to her feet. Misao must have stood too quickly, for the world spun her into stumbling towards the door to catch herself. Misai righted herself by grasping the door casing in her left hand and the open shoji in her right.
Groaning as the world continued to spin, Misao stayed very still in the open doorway of the Aoiya bathhouse.
Suddenly, large hands grip Misao's shoulders and gently pull her into a hard but incredibly warm chest. Instinctively, she knew who held her was her Aoshi-sama. She knew this by the scents of rain, green tea, and incense emanating from him. Warmth filled her, and she was content to rest in his arms, despite not wanting help to her room.
Misao knew she was too injured to do things independently; however, she still wanted to be self-sufficient. Yet, he was finally showing Misao that he loved her, so she couldn't help but submit to his loving and strong arms that were ready to support her for once.
Misao sighed happily at the warmth radiating from his arms, and she melted as he slowly, so as not to throw her into another spin-cycle, pulled her up into his arms, bridal style. "Better?" His gentle voice deeply but softly washed over her.
She gave the briefest and slightest nod as if the world would spin once more if she moved too fast or spoke. Misao also took a page from his book of one-word answers and grunted quickly, "Hm."
He made sure none of his steps were jarring to her brain and equilibrium, and she couldn't help but lean in closer to his neck and take in his soothing and pure male scent.
God, his scent alone was enough to lull her to sleep! However, Misao fought the pull of sleep as she wanted to be productive and handle the paperwork that came with her position as the leader of the Oniwaban group of ninjas.
Another sigh of happiness escaped her, thinking of how quickly her Aoshi-sama changed since her injury. Before she had traveled to Tokyo for a quick visit to the Kenshin-gumi, he was silent and never around her. Aoshi may have been progressing slowly by giving her heated looks when he thought she wasn't looking; however, his eyes still had that shutter that would quickly close off his inner thoughts to her once he noticed her gaze locked on his. She now knew he was smothered by guilt then, so that is why he had never before made a move on her.
Misao surely knows she shouldn't be grateful for being injured as she was, but through her ordeal, the caring nature of Aoshi came out, as well as his feelings.
So, Misao thanked heaven that her Aoshi-sama came back to her. I do not mean to imply that the two never had interactions; they undoubtedly had many exchanges!
However, he was never as bold with touching her as he had been since the attack. Before, Aoshi would look at her intently; now, she knew what those looks meant. He's wanted her for a while, and finally, they were together as a couple. After that kiss, we BETTER be together, Misao thought.
Now, she noticed he had brought her to his room again. Misao finally thought to ask him why. His reply was a command, "I'll move your things in later today once you've rested; this is your room now."
Misao's jaw dropped, and if she had been thinking clearer, she would have found her next question moronic: "But, where will you sleep? And, I like my…."
Misao stopped mid-sentence at a sudden thought of what he could mean, and she blurted out a question before he could reply, "Are you insinuating we'll be sharing a room? Are you planning on accepting responsibility for my reputation if word gets out?"
He looked at her as if unsure of her reaction to his declaration before clarifying, "What would you say if I wanted marriage?"
Aoshi may have seemed confident to anybody passing by who didn't know him as well as she; however, his eyes told her he was worried about her response. She melted into his arms after hearing his intentions for their future together, "I'd say it was about damn time Aoshi-anata… about damn time, and before you change your mind, we're marrying. We'll have the ceremony as soon as I can get Kenshin and the others here in Kyoto. Better yet, call the priest, we'll marry right now, and the others can be here for the celebrations!"
Before she could call Okina, he kissed her while laughing softly. Misao's heart flooded with warmth at finally hearing her Aoshi-sama's laugh for the first time in twelve years. His laugh was a sign that he was in the final stages of healing, and Misao couldn't be happier. Oh, that's right, I'm getting married! Misao thought excitedly. Nothing could top the happiness from the promise of becoming Misao Shinomori!
Then when they parted from their kiss, Misao, who was still recovering from the headiness she received from his kisses, couldn't speak. So instead, it was he who spoke up first while looking at Misao endearingly, "Patience Misao-mine, the ceremony will be here before you know it, and you know you will feel better if you have your friends here; for an occasion such as our marriage."
-End of Chapter 6: Interrum Chapter: -
Sorry for the short chapter, everyone! I promise I'm working on the next chapter; better yet, it's almost halfway to completion!
IamCharlotte88 and CupofTeaforAliceandHatter, you have posted such lovely things and are the ones to whom I dedicate the rest of this book.
- End of Chapter 6 Author's Note: -
