Chapter Sixteen

*************

My eyes sting from all the crying, I‘ve been crying all afternoon. Of course he didn‘t come back. I think as I force a rice ball down. I feel the emotions creating the lump in my throat again. I swallow the bite of rice and take another one. The tears are still coming. I don’t understand. It’s true. I don’t know why he acted the way he did. I wouldn’t mind if it was just me and him but he doesn’t talk to me. I eat the last bit of my rice ball and take a large gulp of water. It’s so unfair. I change into my yukata and sit on the futon. I know where he is and it hurts. Kami it hurts so much. It should be me. Me and only me.

Night descended some time ago and he’s still not back. I look into the darkness. The night is cold. Changing of season. I creep closer to the flow of rushing water. I strip of my yukata and jump into the river. It’s not as cold as I would have liked. I want it to numb me. I don’t want to think. ‘Never swim at night Aeka,’ he said that to me when he was first teaching me how to swim. I remember it all like it was yesterday. I get out against my will. I want to stay here where it’s too cold to feel.

I make my way back to the house slowly. My hair’s still dripping wet. I walk into the room. It’s empty. My lip quivers and I take of my yukata. I need a dry one. I put the wet one around my head and begin dry off my hair. I need to sleep it’s the only way I’ll get some rest.

The slam of the shoji startled me from my sleep. I open my eyes trying to adjust them into the dark. There is so very little light It’s hard to see. I hear him stumble in, more than I can see him. Hmm, maybe I should have left some light in the house, so he could see.

I lay back down but I keep my eyes open. It’s too dark he won’t see I’m awake. I hear him fall a moment later I feel him crawling into the futon. I think he’s doing it on purpose. Usually he’s so quiet when he comes in but tonight he’s been really loud. I open my mouth to scold him . . . .

He’s feeling around for me. Why’s he acting so odd. I feel his hand touch my leg. It continues up my thigh and around my waist. He pulls me by the waist so I’m laying next to him. I almost shriek at his manhandling. “Aeka.” He half whispers. I’m so close to him now I can smell the alcohol.  I sniff him carefully. But that’s all I smell. Just the liquor no perfume. My eyes start to water again. He didn’t . . . . he hasn’t been with anyone.

“Aeka.” It’s not a whisper anymore.

My mouth goes dry when I feel him nuzzle my neck. I feel his hot breath on my throat before he licks me. I must be dreaming again. I smell the alcohol when he pulls back. He trails kisses up my throat to my cheek. “Aeka.” His voice sounds odd in my ear. It sends a tingling sensation down my spine. He bites my earlobe and I can’t help it. “Yosho.” I breath out. I feel his breath mingle with mine for a moment before I feel his lips. Finally. His right hand moves to the tempo of his tongue. Slow at first. He’s teaching me how. His hand runs up along side my body. He starts of at the knee and makes his way up. I feel him deepen the kiss when his hand gets to my waist. He grabs me harder and I whimper into his mouth. The kiss grows hotter and I feel his hand cup my breast, he gives it a firm squeeze before he lets his hand trail back down. I moan on contact, it’s too much. I can’t breath. He lets go of me and rolls back to his side. We’re both panting, trying to catch our breath. It takes me longer to catch my breath. “Yosho?” I whisper. I feel him embrace me as he yawn. “Hmm, Aeka” he sighs. A silent moment goes by before I realize he’s fallen asleep.

What just happened? I try to think things out but I’m tired too. It’s been a stressful day. I yawn one last time before I fall into the warmth. Into slumber.

Blurry, that’s how I see. All the crying I did yesterday. I yawn. I feel the pressure of Yosho’s body over me. He must have rolled over again. I look at the streaming rays illuminating our room. I lay there and think a moment. Last night. It wasn’t a dream. I can smell the alcohol on Yosho. He really did kiss me. His head rests in the hollow of my neck. He’s sound asleep. I frown. What does this mean? Does it change anything? I want so much for us. I love him and I want him to love me in return. I debate so much with myself I end up confused.

I squirm out of his hold. It gets harder to slip away when he tightens his arm to keep me in place. He used to do that because when I was younger I would squirm a lot. He had to hold me down even in sleep.

I try again after some time has passed and this time I’m able to slip away. My eyes feel heavy. I think I’ll take a nap once he goes to work. I make my way to the kitchen to get breakfast started. I pause mid way to the kitchen. He left the door open. That’s so unlike him. I close the door and head back to the kitchen to make breakfast.

“Yosho,” I call out to him. “Yosho.”

I shake him a bit, but don’t get as much as a twitch. “Yosho.” I say a bit more loudly as I give him a small shake. At last he awakens.

His eyes open slowly and then they close again. He throws and arm over his eyes trying to shield them from the morning light. “What time?” He murmurs.

“Past breakfast. Time for lunch.” I say to him. I’m kneeling next to him waiting for him to get up.

“Where’s my gi?” he asks, voice hoarse.

I hand him a clean one. He came home exactly the same way he left. With out a top.

He smells it.

“Why are you smelling it?” I ask, “It‘s clean.”

“Didn’t I wear this yesterday?” He said. My eyes widened at the words. I was afraid he wasn’t going to remember.

“No Yosho, you came as you left.” My voice was reproachful.

He looked at me for a long moment. His head tilted to the side in thought. “Are you ready to eat?” I asked in a calm voice.

“No.” He said.

“How about some tea then?” I asked and he nodded slowly.

“Alright well, just make sure you eat before you start work then,” I said as I served his tea.

“I’m not going today.” He said to me before he began to drink the tea.

“What do you mean? Yesterday was your day off” I asked perplexed.

“My days off will fall on different days from now on.” he answered without looking up.

“Is that so you can catch me with Masuo?” I asked spitefully. I regretted asking as soon as the words left my mouth. He looked up at me then with something akin to affliction. He looked back into his cup and didn’t answer me. Though that was an answer in its self.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Yosho.”

“Yosho.”

I hear the whispers of her voice. I open my eyes but the sunlight hurts my eyes. I shield them and grimace. I can’t believe I got drunk last night.

“What time?” I ask her. My head is throbbing.

“Past breakfast. Time for lunch.” She answer me. I squint at her through the haziness that’s settled on me. She‘s kneeling next to me waiting for me to get up.

“Where’s my gi?” I ask her as I feel a small draft.

She hands me something as I rise to a sitting position. I peer at it before I smell.

“Why are you smelling it?” She asks. “It‘s clean.”

“Didn’t I wear this yesterday?” I ask her as I thrown it on.

“No Yosho, you came as you left.” She still sounds mad. Maybe hurt.

I look at her for a long moment. She drives me crazy. She really does. I don’t mean to hurt her feelings. But I can‘t help the way I act sometimes. Over the years I have developed stronger binds on my display of emotions. The only feeling that still escapes me is anger. I can only control it so far before it consumes me. Much like it did yesterday.

“Are you ready to eat?” Her voice breaks through my reverie.

“No.” I tell her. I don’t think I can keep food down. Not yet.

“How about some tea then?” She asks and I nod slowly. Anything faster would move me beyond nauseous.

“Alright well, just make sure you eat before you start work then,” She says in a thoughtful tone as she serves me.

I wonder how long she’ll stay angry after I tell her. “I’m not going today.” I brace myself for her reaction.

“What do you mean? Yesterday was your day off." She asks obviously confused. I did more than drink yesterday. I talk to Hirohito about my days off. I need to be here more often. “My days off will fall on different days from now on.” I tell her as I look at the hot liquid in my cup.

“Is that so you can catch me with Masuo?” She asks. And the words do what they were set out to do. They . . . upset me . I see regret flash across her face for a moment so I don’t say anything. I just look back down into the cup. I didn’t change my days off to catch her with . . . him . . . I did it so the bastard doesn’t get the chance to come around.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

The rest of the day is much like all the others when he stays home. He fixes thing around the house while I finish up some house work. I guess no nap for me. I won’t wash. I have a feeling if I did he’d follow me. I don’t know what to do. The way he acted yesterday. I sigh. I need a romance novel to help me out here. Though I really don’t think that he would consent to me reading me one. Plus I don’t think he’d be willing to buy me one. I’m afraid of going into town, specially after this incident. No, I’ll just have to wait and see.

Chapter Seventeen

*************

It’s March and it’s been three months since the incident. He’s twenty now. Still acts the same though. Like the kiss never happened. I have to assume he was too drunk to remember.

We eat, he goes to work and the day moves on. I have to ask if it’s his day off otherwise he won’t tell me. He went to work today. I’m almost done with the wash. I know what I said the day after but I’m going to go into town. I’ll go quickly and be back before he knows it.

“Aeka!”

My head shoots up, “Masuo?”

“Is it safe?” He asks from far.

I smile at his antics. “Yes it’s safe. He’s working.” I yell out as I wave him over.

It takes him only a moment to walk across. “You want to come inside?”

“No, I think I’ll just talk to you from out here.” He said giving me a large playful grin.

I blush. “I’m really sorry about that.”

“No problem. I should have expected he’d be jealous.” He said scratching the back of his head.

Jealous, Yosho? “That’s absurd.” I tell him. “He was just . . .” I don’t know what he was. Well other than angry. Jealousy would mean there were feelings involved. Feelings I know he doesn’t hold for me. “I told him I’m still going to stay friends with you.” I say to him as he sits on rock near me.

He smiles. “Is that wise? He looks like he could beat me into the ground.”

“I don’t think he would hit you.” I say.

“Think , huh?” He retorts.

“Well I’ll still come around if you want me too.” He said smiling again. Though not quite the same. It was a sad smile.

“Will you do me a favor?” I ask him.

He nods. “sure”

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to buy. A book. Where in town can I buy a book?” I know my face is flushing.

“Well right across the street from the general store. There's a small place. It’s very small you’d only see it if you were looking for it specifically. It‘s called Mizsuki’s.”

I nod. I know where that is.

“Is there something I can buy you?” He says breaking into my thoughts.

I smile at him he’s really sweet. “No, I’m afraid I have to buy this on my own.”

He seems disappointed.

“Maybe the next time I go to town you can go with me.” I tell him. I know I shouldn’t. If Yosho saw us together I don’t know what could happen. But I don’t want him to feel bad. So I smile at him.

He smiles back this time it lights up his face. “I have to go. But I’ll see you soon.” He says rising from the stone and walking off.

I wait till he disappears before I drag my wash back into the house. He didn’t stay long so I can still make it to town. I look at the clothes I should hang them before I go. I should. Ahh! All right. I give in and hang everything up as fast as I can. I don’t need to lock up I’ll be right back. I run. I run as fast as I can. My side hurts. I’ve been slacking off on my kempo I really should practice some more. I heave into the store. The clerk looks startled. I want to apologize but I can’t breath. I bend over. Need to breath. Must breath. I raise slowly holding my side. I give her a large smile. She’s an older women, very pretty.

“Can I help you?” She asks me. She looks very pale or maybe it’s because her hair is so dark.

“Yes, I’m looking for a book. Hmm or guide.” I’m starting to stutter and I know I’m blushing.

“What kind of book?” She says putting down the one she was reading.

I don’t know if I can say it. It seemed like such a good idea when I was at home. Now I don’t know. She’s starring at me very intently. “A . . . a romance.” I can’t finish, the stuttering has taking over.

She’s smiling, “Dear why don’t you come and have a seat.”

“I can’t stay for too long.” I say. I must have turned scarlet, it was really rude of me to say.

But she just smiles. “You have to be back before he gets home.”

My mouth opens and closes. How? How could she have know such a thing. I just nod. It wasn’t a question on her part. It was a statement.

“Dear, I read just about everything that comes in here. Maybe if you tell me a little I can help you out.” Her smile is warm and it encourages me into telling her. I tell her as much as I can without telling her too much about us.

“Well I’m in love with this guy, he‘s about five years older than me. I’ve grown up with him my whole life. The problem is he sees me like a child and I don’t know what to do to get him to see me as anything other than a sister.” I finished in somewhat of a rush. My ears are hot. This is so embarrassing.

The women smiled. “Dear, I have many books that could help you out. How ever I think this pamphlet will be enough to help you.”

FACE IT GIRLS, boys are easy to seduce. But what ya'll don't realize is that it's even easier for a younger women to seduce an older man! Trust me!

Why would a younger woman want an older man anyway?

Let me tell you why.

For one thing, older men are much more interesting than young boys. They have x-number of years ahead of you which means that they have seen, felt and done things that you can only begin to imagine.

Second, most older men (let's face it, not all men are perfect) know how to treat a woman. They want younger women in their beds soo desperately that they'll do just about anything to impress them. Which means nice restaurants and pretty little gifts.

Finally, they will make you feel (sexually) like no boy possibly can. Their experienced hands will bring you to another level (even if they don't have all that much experience, you probably won't know the difference anyway since they have definitely slept with more people than you have)

Okay, let's get started.

#1- Where do I meet older men?

It's easy. They're everywhere, they are eyeballing you all the time, and you don't even notice them!

Some common places would be bars(those which cater to a more mature clientele), restaurants and in most downtown or business sectors of any city, and obviously, your work(if you deal with the public)

#2-How do you approach the older man?

Simply make seductive eye contact and smile. If they are interested, trust me, they won't be shy to approach you. If you're brave enough, you can make the first move(I wouldn't really recommend this approach)

#3-Okay, he approached me, what do I do next?

Now is the time that you must show him that you are truly interested, and that you are not shy to let him know what it is that you want. Older men want a younger women to be decisive. Don't tell him EXACTLY what you want(I want x,y,z). Make pleasant conversation, then take him up on his offer to go for dinner. Make sure you Follow UP! If you accept any offer, bail-out then try at a later date, you're chances of this working out are slimming.

#4-Okay, what is it that I really want from this older guy?

Forget about having a serious, honest relationship with an older man, especially if you are more than 10 years younger.(this may happen, but in the rare instant, or perhaps when you have learned how to master this art of seduction)Face it, these guys only want sex...more than once, if you are sexy, confident, experienced or just plain cunniving.

#5-What if I want more?

Alright, now you're getting into the big league. An older man will offer you more of his time, his money, himself if you can somehow impress him. If you are like most women and don't have an A+ body, then you're going to have to use your brains. Find out what he's into and learn about it. Share with him some of your ambitions and interests. If he senses that you are bright and have something worth saying, he'll probably stick around for a while.

You must remember that when dealing with an older man:

1-Always keep CONTROL of your emotions. Don't become possessive, jealous or clingy. Remember that he's not yours for life. He's just a temporary thrill, so enjoy the moment.

2- Don't let him know why you're really around(for the sex, the money...)Let him feel that you enjoy his company.

3-Make him feel special. If it gets to his head, put him in his place. Don't ever make him feel like he's doing you a favor, because as a younger woman, you are actually doing HIM the favor.

4-Remember that he will lie to you to get what he wants. Don't be surprised if eventually you find out things that you don't want to know, like he is married, he's got kids, he's not as wealthy as he says...

Warning: Don't EVER go anywhere alone with any man(especially not the first night) unless you build trust between the both of you.

An older man can make a younger women feel like a million yen. He will fill your life with adventure, experience and passion.

Caution: OLDER MEN ARE ADDICTIVE!!

I looked at the pamphlet with a mortified expression. “Um, I don’t think this is for me.” I say as I give it back. “I love him. I think I need a different approach.” I finish quietly.

The older women nodded, “Alright then can I suggest this.” She said handing me a really thing book. It couldn’t have been more than five pages.

Interesting. I think as I skim to the second to last page.

My mouth had gone dry while reading. This was like us. Well except we had yet to reach his admission of lustful feelings. “I’ll take this one.” I tell her as I get up from my seat. She gives me a large smile. I pay her and I leave. I run all the way home. I’m glad I hung the clothes before I left. Yosho I sigh as I head home. Please let me find the answers to win your heart.

Chapter Eighteen

*************

I have done nothing but read these last couple of days. I’ve read that small book over and over again so much so that I’ve managed to almost memorize it. I think I’m ready. I haven’t wanted to try this on one of his days off because I don’t know what kind of reaction I will get which is why I didn’t do this yesterday. Today he’s going to work so I will try today.

I take a deep breath. I should be asleep but I can’t. I woke up from an unfit slumber. Knowing that I’m going to try and do this hasn‘t allowed me to get any rest. Maybe I should just have a bit more patience. I won't turn sixteen for a year and three months so maybe I can just wait. Yes I think maybe I’ll just wait. I groan. I’m such a wimp. Things aren’t so bad right now. Not like they were last year. I don’t like to think about that though it still upsets me.

“Aeka.” His voice startles me.

“Yes Yosho.” I answer him a bit nervously.

“Why aren’t you asleep?” His voice is still threaded with sleep. My constant moving around must have made it hard for him to sleep. I’m nervous though.

“I couldn’t sleep.” I whisper back. He’d probably think I had a nightmare or something either way he won’t ask me. That would mean he’d ‘talk’ to me.

I’ve grown quite a bit since I declared my feelings for him and so I don’t know if he will comfort me in the same way as he once did. I tuck my face closer to his shoulder and wrap my arm around his chest. It was a bold move on my part and I feel him tense on contact. I know I should move and usually I would move but today I can’t. I can’t let go.

So we stay still for sometime. The sun has come out and he’s made no move to leave just as I’ve made no move to release him. “I have a job today,” he says to me. My head perks up and I look down on him. His eyes are closed he looks really beautiful. “Are you going to leave after lunch again.” I whisper.

His eyes open and I know why they did. I had sounded wistful. I give him a weak smile. “Will you continue my kempo training.” I say.

In response he raises an eye brow. I can’t tell what he’s thinking but I know he will agree. “All right.” he says and I can’t help but be drawn to his lips when the word forms. He’s looking at me intently. My eyes drift from his mouth back to his eyes. He frowns for a bit before he pushes himself up and me to the side as he gets up. “Can we start today?” I ask from my spot on the bed. “Sure,” he says over his shoulder as he leaves with his clothes. Things would be so much easier if we had a normal relationship.

What is normal though?

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

I’m glad we went to sleep early yesterday or I’d pissed about being woken up so early today. I feel her moving around. Taking deep sighs. For my part I stay still. She seems to take comfort in my presence and because of that I won’t leave. Not yet at least.

Her constant sighing gets to me. And so I call out to her. “Aeka.”

“Yes Yosho.” She responds timidly.

“Why aren’t you asleep?” I ask her stifling a yawn.

“I couldn’t sleep.” She whispers back. I have never asked her what her nightmares are about and I won’t start today. I have an odd feeling about things today. With a sense of foreboding. I feel her creep closer to me until she rests on my arm and throws her arm over my chest. She’s tucked her body close to mine and for a moment I freeze. I don’t like her physical proximity. I know it has a calming effect at night when I need to sleep. And her presence has a way of settling my demons. But that’s when she’s asleep. When she’s awake it’s different. Lately she’s been stirring things. Things I don’t want stirred. Those new ’feelings’ have also drudged up guilt. I stay still lost in thought for a moment.

“I have a job today,” I say to her with my eyes still closed.

I feel her body tense for a moment. She lifts her head up so she can look down on me. But all this stay in the background because what’s drawn my attention is the fact that as she rises to lift she’s brushed her chest against my side.

“Are you going to leave after lunch again.” She says in such a heartbreaking voice my eyes open to the sound.

“Will you continue my kempo training.” She asks in an attempt to cover her tone. Could she still love me? I wonder. I don’t want her to. But it saddens me when I think that she might not. No, not saddens that’s the wrong word. It makes me angry. But it’s a different type of anger.

I raise my eye brow in response to the comment. She wants to continue as things were before. Before that day. If she wants to pretend she didn’t say it I’m alright with it. “All right.” I tell her. But I rethink my last silent thought as she gazes at me. Her eyes are drawn to my mouth. And it gives me this sinking feeling. Like I will drown. Her eyes lift from my lips and meet my eyes. I frown at the look in her eyes until I realize what it is I see there. Her gaze is longing. She still wants . . . but no. I can’t do this. I rise and with the movement I deposit her back on her side of the bed.

“Can we start today?” She asks me. I don’t want to turn. I don’t want to see the haunting feeling lingering in her eyes so I answer her over my shoulder. “Sure,” I tell her as I leave with my clothes.

The sinking feeling didn’t go away during my meditating, breakfast or during her kempo lesson. If anything it got stronger during her kempo lesson.

“Yosho lunch!” I hear her voice. I turn away from the river and head back in. It’s odd. Maybe this job has me on edge.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

I watched him eat in silence. He’s been quiet the whole day. The only way he could have been more distant was if he wasn’t there at all. I ate my meal while stealing glances at him. I wonder if he knows how beautiful he is? I can’t help but stare at the midnight black hair held up in the high ponytail. The way the shagged edges give him a sort of menacing look. The bangs too long for his face fall over his brow, obscuring his gorgeous eye. A color I’ve never seen in any of natures flowers. A deep purple like only a berry could posses. Looking at him only makes things worse for me. He knows how I feel but refused to acknowledge those feelings. If only I was older. I know I’ll grow into my looks. I’ll be beautiful when I get older. My mother had been very beautiful. She once told me the only way to describe my father was striking. He‘d been beautiful. At the time I didn‘t understand how a man could be beautiful but looking at Yosho now I understand.

I watch him suddenly look up. He’d startled me but I smile at him in return. He didn’t frown or scowl or anything else for that matter. He just gazed at me. I feel my smile slowly slide off my face as I gaze back. I can hear the pumping of my heart.

“I have to go.” He says getting to his feet. I take a quick look at his plate to see if he’s finished eating. It seems he had while I’ve been busy staring at him.

What else is there to do? I nod. “Please be careful.” I say as he leaves with out turning back and I wonder for the millionth time exactly what does he do?

Chapter Nineteen

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

The Shogunate.

Why?

I stand in the middle of the street two towns away from my home drenched in sweat and blood. Some of it mine but mostly belonging to others. Many have said the war is just talk while others say it’s still years from happening. Why are the Shogunate here? They’re supposed to be stomping down some rebellion in Nagasaki.

I don’t have anymore time to reflect. I draw my sword up in reflex. It clashes with the other mans. He stumbles back.

They’d come out of nowhere. My job had been so simple. I had stepped out of the shadows and killed Hajime Yatate. I’d been on my way out of the alley when I heard an explosion several streets ahead. I took to the roof tops and recognized the uniform of the Shogunate forces. They were swarming the town.

I raise my sword and watch the man attack. All of them had similar styles of fighting. The first one had taken me by surprise. It’s the reason I’m bleeding. My eyes narrow on the others stance. He’s preparing. The man’s blade penetrates my leg but with the same movement I strike the man on the back of the head bringing my shoulder down forcefully. The man falls to the ground and I strike the blade through his heart. I’m bleeding more. I need to leave before more of them come. I ripe my scarf and used it to stop the bleeding on my leg. There was nothing I could do for my ribs right now. I glance around before I take off in the opposite direction.

Dawn has caught up with me and I’m still not home. I hold the left side of my ribs, the gash hadn‘t been that big but all the moving around in the second fight caused it to open more. Up ahead I can see the town. My pace has decreased considerably. I stumbled into the Saké house.

“Hirohito.” I call called out. I only had to once.

Hirohito stumbled out from behind the bar. “Seki what happened?”

Over time Hirohito had become a person I could trust. Not a lot mind you but just enough. I can’t reveal much of myself.

“I need to get home.” Vision going blurry. Aeka will be really worried. But mainly angry.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

I’ve been up all night sick to my stomach with worry. He didn’t come home. He’d always come home even when he was really angry. Always. But not last night. My wet was almost dry now. I want to be wide awake when he gets home so I bathed in ice cold water. I’d screamed when I’d felt it but it had done the trick. I’m wide awake. I look down at my cold tea. Where is he?

I’d put on a deep green kimono it almost looked black. Maybe I should for look for him? I wrap a light pink scarf around my neck while I decide. What if he comes home while I’m out? Stupid tears. I feel them start again. There is nothing I can do but wait.

I place the cup down and walk to the front door again.

The sight that greets me almost makes me double over. “Yosho.” I scream at the top of my lungs. He was being carried by one other man. The tears running down my face barely registered.

“I need to put him inside.”

I nod and run back into the house. I throw the futon down and set the blankets to the side. I stand to the side as the man places Yosho down. Immediately I kneel to his side. “Yosho,” I sobbed. “Can you hear me? It’s me Aeka. Yosho?”

“I’m afraid he can’t hear you. The doctor gave him something to sleep.”

I look up at the man who had brought him home. I stand on shaky legs and bow low to this man in front of me. “I thank you for returning him to me.” I rasp.

I raise my tear stained face to the man. He gives me a sad smile. “It’ll be alight. He just needs to rest.”

My lip quivers. Suddenly my strength takes leave of me and I sink to the floor. I can see the man move forward in some attempt to help me but stops short when he sees me weep onto Yosho’s chest.

“He'll be all right. The doctor said so.” He says trying to reassure me. My eyes glisten with tears. If I keep weeping like this I’ll wake him from his much needed rest. I pull back, trembling and cover him with the blanket. I tuck the corners in so he’s bundled up. I move some hair out of his eyes and it prompts a sad smile to my lips. I lean in a place a chaste kiss on his lips. I sit back on the heel of my feet gazing at him for a moment when I notice his lips moving in sleep. It seemed like a sigh.

I turn around to see the older man starring at me intently. I smile at him. “Can I offer you some tea?”

The man nodded in acceptance and follows me out of the room. He sat at the table while I moved about getting things ready. I come back soon enough and placed a bit to eat for him along with the tea. He smiles at me gratefully before he eats.

I bite my lip. I want to ask. I wait till he’s taken the last bite before I speak. “What happened to him?”

The man looked at me and then gave a deep sigh. “He asked me not to tell you.”

“What?” I screech.

The man looked to the hallway that led to Yosho. I understand. “What?” I hiss.

“I’m really sorry. But he said all you needed to know was he was fine.” He scratched his head not knowing what else to say.

“Bastard.” I say and I can see the man’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Always with his stupid secrets while I wait at home. Worrying.” I finish as the damn tears escape their confines. I blink back the tears. “Wait till he wakes up.” I threaten.

I watch him smile.

“How does he know you?” I ask and with that his smile disappears. My eyes narrow at that. “I happened to be at the clinic when he stumbled in. Was very insistent on coming home. Being the person I am I thought I would help him out.”

“Really?” I say in response. Knowing Yosho I’m very surprised he’d told anyone where we lived. If their was something he seemed to value it was his privacy.

The man seemed very uneasy. “Uhmm I have to get home to my girlfriend. I hope you don’t mind but I can’t stay.” He finished.

I look up at the lying man. I nod and bow again. “Thank you for bringing him home.” I say to him.

He stood at the door a little hesitant. “Umm, can I just ask. What is he to you?”

My head tilts to the side just a bit. I give him a teary smile before I answer. “He’s my whole world.”

The man smiled and left. I stood there a short moment before closing the door. I head to our room, to his side. I watch his injured form for a moment before it overwhelms me. I continue to cry over him even as day turns to night again.

Chapter Twenty

I open my eyes to see a patch of black hair laying on my chest. I give a deep sigh. So Hirohito had been able to bring me home. Good.

I try to move her to the side. It wasn’t good for her to sleep like she was. I find I have barely enough strength to rise. I grit my teeth in agony as I align her along side my body. I take deep breaths calming the pain. My ribs still ache. The darkness that filled the room could only mean night had descended. I yawn while my hand brings her closer to me. I feel sleep ebbing it’s way back into my consciousness until I fall into the darkness again and this time it‘s not so cold.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she screeched as I rose from bed. Well tried.

“You are too weak.” She started. Her grip felt strong. But I think it’s only because I’m still recuperating.

“I am not weak.” I snapped back.

“Yes you are and YOU’RE not going anywhere.” She said pulling me back to the futon. I winced as I hit my side. She kept her hands on my chest attempting to keep me down.

“Aeka.” I said exasperated. “No.” She said in a wavering voice and I stopped struggling. I hate it when she cries. It’s why I leave. I can’t stand her tears specially when I know I’m the cause.

“I need to get to work.” I tell her calmly. “I have responsibilities.”

“What about me? Aren’t you always accusing me of being your responsibility.” She huffed. And she had me there. I have.

But her reasoning no matter how sound, could not be. I can’t let her win. I need to get out of the house. She acts like I’ve lost an arm or something. Avoiding the subject had been hard enough. And she’d been extremely angry. She actually slapped me before she started crying.

I gave a deep sigh. “Aeka” Maybe I could be reasonable.

“No.” She huffed.

It’s true I do have a short temper and I try to curve it around her but she really seems to break it out sometimes.

“Look, You can’t tell me what to do.” I say to her.

“Oh but you can tell me, right.” She answers indignantly.

“I’m going to go.” I say pushing her off and rise from bed. I snatch my clothes and leave. I hear her sobs even out in the hall. They grow fainter as I leave the house. I’m glad I ate the lunch she gave me before the argument started. I change in the forest and head off into town.

I stand in the river beating his gi onto the rock he liked to sit on. “Bastard,” I growl.

“He giving you trouble again.”

My head shoots up. I give him a scowl for disturbing the beating of Yosho’s gi.

“What’s got you so worked up Aeka?”

I look at Masuo for a moment. Before the scowl drops from my face. “Yosho.”

“What happened?” He asked coming closer.

“He came home injured.” I say as a fresh batch of tears make their way down my cheeks.

“He got into fight?” Masuo asked incredulously.

“It couldn’t have been a fight. I know how well he can fight. It had to have been a battle of some sort. I didn’t think his budo could be defeated. And I truly believe it wasn’t.” I finish more for myself than for him.

“Budo?” He repeated after me. “So he’s a warrior of some sort?”

I look up at Masuo. “He practices The Kashima Shinryu. It is said that the Kashima-Shinryu began during the Age of the Gods, with a mission as champion for the Imperial court. ...After Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto had pursued and chastised all the baneful deities, he was enshrined at Kashima, in the province of Hitachi, becoming a martial deity worshipped throughout the ages.  This art goes back many generations. Many centuries and as far as I know it’s invincible.” I tell him as I wipe my eyes.

“Wow.” Masuo said. “Oh, Aeka.” He said hugging me. I was shaking again.

“I don’t understand why he’s going into battle.” I say brokenly.

Masuo just shook his head. “It’s alright Aeka. It’s al right.”

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Shut up.” I said

“Come on Seki you never said you had a women at home. No wonder you never want to got to the whore house. She’s very pretty.”

I spun around so fast Hirohito almost fell back. “Aeka is an off limits topic.” I said through grounded teeth.

Hirohito just stood there though with a huge grin on his face. “She really loves you. She was so hysterical when I brought you home.”

“That’s it.” I reached for my sword but it wasn’t there. I need to start carrying it on me.

Hirohito noticed the move and smiled again. “All right already. I’ll leave it alone. For now.” He said walking away.

I only had to listen to it all fucking day. Asshole.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

My eyes open slowly when I feel Yosho laying down. I wait till he’s settled before I turn one. “Finally,” I say.

He groans. “Aeka go to sleep.”

“Not till I check that wound now come on.” I say taking a seating position next to him.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He said in a really stressed voice.

“Come on Yosho we can sit here and argue for a most of the night or you can just let me check you so I can be at ease.” I said folding my arms over my chest.

He looked at me disbelieving. That’s a first.

“No.” He said.

“Yosho,” I warned.

His eyebrow quirked up in response.

Yeah, that’s when I tried to open his yukata.

“Aeka,” He snapped at me as he grabbed my wrists and pushed me back to my side forcefully.

He hovered over me for a minute.

“I want to see.” I whispered. He closed his eyes and shook his head but didn’t let me go. “Yosho.” I breathed.

He let me go and laid back down. “Tomorrow Aeka. I need to sleep.”

I didn’t realize my mouth had gone dry. He actually hovered. Maybe next time . . .

Chapter Twenty-One

*************

Borrowed Mishi Kawaii's warning because I strongly agree with her point of view.  (Mishi if you're reading this ::wave:: I say Hi.)

NC-17 Warning:   

Caution-> Hentai/Ecchi/Lemon/Perverted chapter up ahead, so don't read if you are under eighteen,

but if you do, well that's your own problem. Also don't read this if you're against sexual

reading material, because you won't like it, although sex *is* a natural part of life and you

wouldn't be here if your parents didn't have sex, but hey, that's just my view! All characters

belong to their creator and a lot of big companies.

Read on, if you really want to...

Aeka where’s the baby?” I look towards Yosho’s direction but he’s not there. Instead there’s a man. An older version of him. He seems amused. I frown. What did he say?

“What?”

“The baby, where is she?” He asked me with a smile.

I gasp. He’d smiled. But at my gasp he’s strode over with a worried gaze. “Are you alright?” He asks me as he eases me down to a sitting position.

I am very confused. I went to sleep waiting for him to come home. Now he’s home but this isn’t the Yosho I know. He feels my forehead and caress my cheek. I stare at him in disbelief. The smile that graces his lips is to die for. I open my mouth to say something. He smiles again and happiness shows through his eyes. Yosho I wan to know. Please what’s made you so happy.

“Why are you so happy?” I ask in a whisper.

He smiles differently this time. “Because you love me.” He say before he kisses me.

I woke with a start. That dream again. This dream has been plaguing me for years. I sigh. I don’t need to turn to see he’s gone again. It’s been a whole month since my birthday. I’m almost there. Soon I can marry. I really hope that’s what he was waiting for. I need to get up and make breakfast. With a long yawn I get up.

The day is uneventful. But most of them are. Yosho has left for work and I find myself all alone. I don’t know why I bother to dress. Though I must say I do love this new kimono. Birthday present from Yosho. I think it’s my favorite because it’s the color of his eyes. Still there is nothing to do but flip though one of the new books he’s brought me home.

I’ve read that line eight times already. Maybe I should go practice my kempo exercises.

“Aeka!”

“Aeka!”

Maybe not. “Hi,” I yell out.

“Is it safe?” He calls out.

“Yes Masuo it’s safe. Come on over.” I say to him as he crosses the yard.

“I thought we might go to town. They have this new desert you just have to try.” Masuo finished really excited.

“Even at eighteen you still act eight.” I said.

“If you don’t wan to go fine.” He said crossing his arms.

“Masuo don’t be mad.” I say and he turns his back on me.

That makes me break into a fit of giggles.

“Can you even pretend to be sorry?” He says.

“I am.” I say with a grin on my face.

“Come on lets go.” He says pulling on my hand.

“All right just let me put the book back in the house first.” With that done we begin our walk down the road in friendly silence.

“So . . .” he begins as we make it into the outskirts of town.

“So what?” I say.

“How’s your kempo coming along?” He asks.

“Oh, great. Yosho’s been teaching me new moves. It’s so cool. The way he performs them. He’s just incredible. I’m over the basics now I’m learning specific skills. Stuff he thinks I should know. You know because I’m smaller and all.”

He shakes his head and turns away from me. “Here we go.” He says as we step into a small bakery. The old man at the shop greets us while Masuo buys our pastries. “Here,” he says handing me some gooey kind of bread, like a milky kind of cake.

“What’s it called?” I ask him.

“It’s called leche.” He says.

I scrunch up my nose. “That’s an odd name.”

“Yeah but isn’t it good?” He says.

“Mm huh.” I say as I finish my bread.

“You want to walk around town for a while?” He asks me as I start to lick my fingers.

“Can’t. Might run into Yosho . . .” I say as some one bumps into me. “What’s that about?” I say. As we watch the man who bumped into me run ahead. Bumping into other people down the street.

“Don’t know. You want to go see though?” He asks smiling down at me.

“I don’t know.” I say as we walk in the opposite direction we’d been heading.

We stop when  someone up ahead jumping in front of the man. I squint trying to get a better look.

“Can you see?” I ask him.

“Yeah. Some guy jumped in front of him. The guy who bumped into you tried to swing at the other guy but the other guy knocked him out. Hmm, police got him.” He says turning back to me.

“Who?” I ask as we turn back to our original direction. I always miss the good stuff.

“The one who almost knocked you over,” He says.

“Umf"

I turn to look at Masuo on the floor.  “Are you ok?” I say smiling down at him. I don’t want to laugh out loud.

“Aeka!”

I have to squeeze my eyes shut. This isn’t happening. I open them to see Masuo is standing again. He’s not looking at me. No. I don’t want to turn. I notice people have stopped walking.

“Listen it’s my fault . . . . .” Masuo began.

“Of course it is.” The tone is so icy I feel like it’s going to freeze my veins.

“Yosho.” I say as I look into his eyes. He looks really angry.

“She wouldn’t have to sneak off if you . . .” Masuo said.

“Shut up!” Yosho said through gritted teeth. “Aeka come here.”

I think this is what shock must feel like. Because I can’t get my hands to stop trembling. And my hearts beating so fast I think it will jump out. I walk towards him. “Yosho.” I say grabbing his right hand. It’s cold. Ice cold.

He looks down at me with narrowed eyes. I can’t help but tremble. He brings his face really close to mind until he’s breathing on me. “How long?” He hisses at me.

“I . . . I told you I wasn’t . . . going to stop being his friend.” I stutter.

In response he lets out a scary laugh. “You think he wants to be your friend. Why do you think he comes when I’m not home?” He asks me with a raised eye brow.

I open my mouth. No he’s got it all wrong. I shake my head.

“I told you to stay away.” Yosho’s voice was threatening.

“Fuck you! I can be friends with her.” Masuo said glaring at Yosho.

“Yosho please.” I said to him pulling on his hand.

“Fuck me?” Yosho echoed.

Kami-sama please give me strength. “Yosho!” I call to him but he doesn’t stop.

“So you wanna fight then. Come on” Masuo said putting up his fists. What is he doing?

“Yosho please.” I scream.

“So you think you can take me on?” Yosho says getting closer to Mauso.

Masuo swings for Yosho’s face while Yosho hits him in the stomach. Mauso goes down on his knees and Yosho knocks him right across the jaw.

“Yosho!” I scream running over to Masuo. Man is his mom going to kill him for fighting.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“We’re going home” I tell her before she gets to him.

I can’t believe this shit. I thought this was over.

“Stop struggling.” I bark at her.

“I have to see if he’s alright.” She screams at me.

“That’s what you’re worried about?” I scream down at her.

“Yosho stop it.” She says trying to get out of my hold.

I grip her hands tighter.

“You’re hurting me.” She says.

“Good.” I tell her.

She kicks me and I turn to look at her sharply. “Don’t test me Aeka.”

“Then let me go you bastard. You’re not the boss of ME.” She screeches.

“Let her go.” So that fucker thinks he can go at it again.

I turn around. “I suggest you stay out of this before I really fuck you up.” I state with narrowed eyes.

“Yosho let’s go home.” She says clutching my arm.

“Do you care?” I ask her.

Her eyes are brimming with unshed tears. “Please don’t hit him anymore. He’s no match for you.” She pleads.

That’s not what I asked though. I pull her hands off my arm so I can face this sorry piece of shit again. “Come on.” I say.

“Masuo please stop it. He might kill you. Stop it!” She’s screaming hysterically and I turn to see her screaming wildly.

“Yosho!!”

I don’t stumble back. I took the hit to the jaw. I’ve been hit there many times. It stings but nothing more. I hit him right in the face and I'm satisfied when I see blood gushing from his nose. It makes me smile.

I hear Aeka sob and she runs away. I know where she’s going.

“Aeka!” Masuo calls after her. “Aeka!”

He looks at me with hatred in his eyes. Good. Now we’re even because I’ve hated him since I first laid eyes on him.

“What’s you fucking problem.” He shouts at me.

“You are.” I snarl. It’s obvious he’s been in fights but never with a person of my skill. I’ve practiced how defeat my opponent all my life. Every morning since I learned to walk.

“I’m not going to stop being her friend,” he says as he lunges at me.

I throw an upper cut and he stumbles back. “Yes you will.” I feel his teeth cut into my hand when I land a punch right across his mouth. “No one is allowed near her.” I say he tackles me and I kick him off.

“She’s not you property!” He says landing a punch on my chin.

“But she is MINE!” I say as I knock him right on the ear.

“You’re fucked up!” He says coming at me again.

I’ve had enough. He rushes at me and this time I elbow him across the face. He stumbles and falls to one leg. I fist my hand and knock him hard across the mouth this time. He’s thrown back and lays there.

My breathing is labored. I spit on him and wipe my mouth. “Stay away or next time I will kill you.” I bark at him before I head home. It’s time she understood the dangers of crossing me.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

I’ve run home and straight to the river. I jump in. At this moment I wish for nothing more than to drown. I don’t understand what happened. No, I know what it is. He’s angry I disobeyed. That’s what this is about. The amount of control he exerts over me. I do as he says and when he says or else, right?

Hell no. I should have stood up to him back there. Instead of running away. It’s time he learned I’m my own person and I don’t need his controlling attitude. Now I wish I had kissed Masuo. Then I’d have something to throw in his face. I need to get out of here. I’m done. This is where I draw the line. Embarrassing me in front of all those people. Now if I ever go to town they’ll be talking about me.

I didn’t realize getting out of the river would take me long. But the fabric gets heavier once it’s wet.

I make my way home. I’m glad I left the lights on. I take my wet kimono and leave it in the basket in the kitchen. I’ll change into my favorite old pink kimono and wait for him right here. Time he learned I’m sick and tired of this B.S.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Aeka!” I scream as I head for our room.

“What,” she snaps back

“Where the fuck have you been? I came here already and you weren’t here.”

“Obviously out there if I wasn’t here.” She said putting down her comb and looking up at me with an angry expression.

“What the hell were you doing with him again? After I specifically told you I didn‘t want you to see him again.”

“He’s my friend you ASSHOLE and I told you I will see him when ever I please.” She screamed as she got up.

“No!” I screamed down into her face. “You’re such a fucking idiot. All he wants is to FUCK YOU! Kami why can’t you see that.” I yell again. She slaps me and I want to slap her too.

“You can’t tell me what to do. Or who to be with. You’re NOT my father!”

“You enjoy seeing me angry Aeka. I swear to Kami you do.” I growl at her. “Why do you always do, what I forbid you do to.”

“Because you are no one to tell what to do you prick.” She screamed.

“I swear Aeka if you were a man I’d kill you for half the things you say to me.”

“I am surprised I’m not.” She shouts.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean.” I yell at her.

“If you don’t know then I am sure the hell not going to tell you.”

“Don’t start with that bullshit Aeka.” I growl. “You fucking tell me what you mean right NOW!”

“NO! You don’t own me.” She hisses at me.

“But that’s were you are wrong.” I tell her. “Because you are mine.”

“Your fucking crazy! I don’t . . . . .”

I cut her off by kissing her. She resists but only for a moment. I deepened the kiss while bringing her closer to me. I grip her by the waist hard so she will slam into me. She can feel me. I know she can because she moans into the kiss. We break apart to get some air. Her arms hold me close so that I can see into her eyes. “Yosho I want.” She breaths into my face.

“I know what you want.” I say as I kiss her again. I ease her on to the futon and lay her back. It’s easier for me to ravish her laying down because I’m so tall. She bites my bottom lip and I groan. I kiss the smoothness of her neck and lick her lobe. She whimpers when I bite into. I pull back a bit to look into her eyes. And the look I see there is my undoing.

“I want you so much,” She breaths. Her eyes full of desire.

I nod and begin to undo her obi. “Why did you change clothes?” I ask her as I finish untying the obi.

“It was wet.” She replied as she blinked at me slowly.

The blood rushed to my ears. I swallowed hard trying to keep some semblance of control. “We‘re you wet?” I ask her tossing the obi to the side.

“Yes” She responds before I devour her mouth. I continue the kiss while I open the kimono. I can feel her warmth. I draw back so I can get her out of the kimono.

Her body trembles slightly as I look at her. Her breasts are full. Almost engorged. I rip of my gi before I settle over her breasts. I lick the nipple and feel her gasp. I feel myself grow harder at the sound. I open my mouth to take the little pebble into my mouth and suck it.

It‘s hard to think. But all I know is this is what I want maybe what I‘ve always wanted since her confession.

I switch breasts and she yanks on my hair hard. I don’t want to leave them but I look up at her flushed face. Her breathing’s shallow. She pulls me by the hair and kisses me. I feel her pull me down on to her. I rest over her body and I know she can feel me. I’ve settled right over her warmth.

I pull back to see her face but she’s insistent. “I wan to feel you.” She says before she captures my lips. Her legs wrap around me and I groan. At the contact. I can almost feel her. I ground my hips into her and she gasps. I pull back to look into her face. Her eyes are wide and as I do it again. She bites her lip and closes her eyes.

“Do you like that?” I ask her.

“Yes.” She says as I do it a little harder. “Kami” She exclaims. “Please Yosho.” I stop grounding my hips and just rest over her.

“Tell me what you want?” I ask her as I kiss down her face, then down her neck. I bite her earlobe and she shudders. I lick her cheek as my hand travel down. “Tell me?” I say as I let a digit slide in. I clench my jaw in agony. She‘s very ready.

“Yo . . sho. I want . . .” She can’t finish her thought and I understand.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“You sure you’re ready?” He asks as he slips his finger away.

I nod. “Yes” I need to be put out of my misery.

“It will hurt at first.” He says as he gets up. My eyes are have lidded I only see when he rests his elbows on the either side of my head. His skins is so warm. He tilts my face upwards and hides his face in the hollow of my neck. He kisses my neck an whispers. “I’m sorry.”

My eyes shut tightly in reflex. The pain is like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I take large gulps of air.

“Aeka are you alright?” I can’t open my eyes but his voice sounds strained.

I feel him start to pull out but my hands fists themselves in his hair. “No, You‘re worth it.” I gasp.

He holds off on any moments. I open my eyes to see his face is bowed down, turned to the side. He seems to be in pain too. I take a deep breath and pull his face towards me. He opens them and I smile at him. “You ready?” He asks.

I nod. I feel his head descend back to the hollow of my neck as he starts to move. I bite my lip as the pain resurfaces, I’m so glad he’s turned away.

“It’ll get better.” He whispers into my ear. I try to concentrate on the feeling more than the pain. I feel him slide in and out. In and out. With each movement he seems to lessen the pain just a bit. Soon the rhythm changes. His pace picks up and my legs wrap around him.

“Aeka,” he groans. I gasp in delight as I feel him slide in deeper.

“Yosho” I gasp as his speed picks up again. My eyes open to see I sheen of sweat covering his brow. My body seems to have picked up his rhythm. I flex my legs trying to grasp him tighter and I succeed. My inner muscles grasp him making my walls that much narrower.

“Aeka,” He growls and I’m delighted by the sound.

My mouth opens waiting for my kiss. He hovers over me for half a heart beat before crushing me. My eyes close in ecstasy. The world falls away as Yosho calls out my name.

He slumps over me and I like it. The way we feel. The way we fit. My body feels tingly. But despite the elated feeling I can’t seem to stay awake. “I want to stay awake.”

“You don’t have to,” he whispers as he flips us over.

“I like how you feel.” I manage to say. I think I will enjoy sleeping on his chest. I feel him kiss the top of my head but I can’t manage to look up. “I wuvUosho” He has to know. “I sleepy.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

*************

I looked the letter over. I’d read it several times. In all the years it had been the first time he’d ever written a note to me. First thing first. I need a bath.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Look I agreed to take this job as a side job” I said a little testily.

“My boss is willing to pay you three times your normal rate.”

“No.” I tell him again for the twentieth time.

“Three times. And we’ll pay your expenses to Nagasaki.”

“Why is this fucking job so important? Just get one of your other people to do it.” He’s never been insistent on me taking on a job but then I’ve never refused one before.

“He wants you.”

“Well I said NO! And if you ask me again I‘m gonna kick your ass.” People aren’t happy till they piss me off.

“Don’t forget what you are Seki-san.”

“And by that you mean?” The tone in my voice has dropped to a chilling tone.

“Your an hitokiri. Your job is to . .”

“That’s enough. I only take on jobs that are convenient for me. I don’t belong to your group nor am I a supporter. Do you understand?” I state.

“Seki-san I don’t believe it’s you who understands. You will do this job for us. We’ll seek assurance if we have to. It’s that important.” He finished before walking away.

‘What’s so important about Amakusa?’ I look down at the scrap of paper with his info and the money left behind. If I let this go too far they will never leave me alone. I can’t risk her safety over my stupidity.

“Hirohito I’m going to go.”

“Why Seki? What happened?”

“I’ll tell you later.” I need to get home.

They couldn’t know about Aeka. No ones’ ever followed me home. But it’s not something I can be completely sure off. How could they know what I value if they haven‘t though? I’m not going to leave her alone for three weeks. If assurance is what those bastards seek then I know what they’ll try and do. They’ll try and take her from me.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Aeka!”

“Aeka!”

“Masuo! You can’t be here. I’m sorry but I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.”

“I came to see if you were alright. He didn’t hit you did he?”

“No Masuo. He’d never hurt me. Please. I don’t want there to be another fight between you both.”

“You mean you don’t want him to kick my ass.”

“Masuo don’t take it like that. Please. You need to go.”

“I had hoped thing would have turned out differently Aeka.”

“What do you mean?” I don’t understand. He wanted to win the fight?

“I need to go.” He says with a sullen face.

I’m sorry I say as I watched him leave.

I finish washing the dishes and head back inside. I think I will fish today. I get the gear and head out the door.

Umf.

“Where are you going?”

His voice startled me. I flash him a large smile and I can almost see one on his face. Almost.

“I was going to go fishing but now that you’re here you can do it for me. I was hoping for an early dinner and then a nap.” I say putting the rod in his hand.

“This is why you’re awake when I get home?” He says as we head out.

It’s true but I’m not going to admit it out loud. Wait. “Why are you home so early? Is something wrong? Are you feeling ill?” I say in a panic. We continue heading down to the river and still I get no response. “Yosho.” I say as I watch him take a seat on that damn rock.

“There is something I need to ask you Aeka?” He sounds very serious. I feel like my stomach has fallen out. Is he going to ask me what I think he’s going to ask me. I watch as he tosses the line in before he speaks again.

“Have you ever felt like you were being watched while there was no one around?”

“No Why? That sounds creepy.” I say with a shudder.

“Have you ever seen anyone around?” He says while looking out into the river.

I shake my head but he can’t see that. “No, well aside from Masuo.”

His head turns.  His eyes narrow towards me. So now I look towards the river.

“When did you meet him?”

I can hear the hate in his voice. I’m afraid to look at him. “That day. Over a year ago.” I don’t want to elaborate.

I can feel him starring at me and I can’t help but look up at him. “What’s this about?” I ask.

He looks away from me. “I have another job.” He paused. “It will take me about three weeks to complete.”

He paused again at my gasp but didn’t turn towards me. “You will come with me.”

He turns now but I don’t know what to say. I feel my mouth open. But no sound is coming out. He’s never invited me to come along. Although he’s never been gone for more than a day. Is this because of yesterday? I don’t want to bring it up. It might upset the balance he seems to have found. “Where are we going?”

“Osaka.” He stated bringing in the first fish and placing it in the basket.

Osaka I repeated. “Is that far?” I asked as he tossed the line back out into the water.

“Somewhat.”

“When are we going to leave?” I asked with suddenly feeling animated. I gazed at his profile. He didn’t seem so happy. Just the contrary he seemed almost upset. Like with most thing concerning him. Almost.

“We’ll leave tomorrow.” He said looking up to where I stood.

I nodded. “I’ll go get things ready for dinner.” I say as I leave. I’ll wait till we’re either on the road or in Osaka before I start asking questions. Otherwise he’ll bring me back. And after almost ten years here I can surely say I miss the outside.

Chapter Twenty-Three

***************

“My feet hurt. Can’t we rest for the night already?” The sun had set a while I go. I didn’t think we were going to travel like we did last time. Which is from sunlight to nightfall.

“Yosh . .” I say crashing into him. I rub my nose as he starts to walk again. We’ve been walking for a whole day and I feel just about ready to pass out. I really should have kept up with my kempo. I don’t need to eat, just sleep. “Yosho.”

“Alright Aeka.” I’m not sure what he means by that. He didn’t say it in a snappy tone. Nor a happy one.

Oh, no. I’ve lost sight of him. “Yosho?” I say in a loud whisper. “Where . . . .?”

I feel a hand cover my mouth. I start struggling until I hear his voice close to my ear. “You haven’t been practicing.”

I pout and I know he can feel it more than see it. He leads me into the thick walls of the forest where I will finally get to rest. It’s somewhat hard to see in this darkness but I know he sought it for it corpulence. I hear him laying out the futon he bought just for this trip. I’m falling asleep standing up. “Yosho.” I yawn. I just want to sleep. I feel him lead me to the bed. Hmm.

“Yosho let’s sleep, we’ll eat tomorrow.” I say pulling him down with me.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

We’ve only been walking for a day and already I can see she’s going to slow me down. Still this is better than leaving her at home where she’d be defenseless.

“My feet hurt. Can‘t we rest for the night?”

Kami-sama, no more whining. I stop at her last comment.

“Yosh.” She says bumping into me.

I continue to walk into the thickness of the forest.

“Yosho.”

“Alright Aeka.” I tell her a bit annoyed. I heard her the first time.

I walk around the tiny clearing. I think around here would be good.

“Yosho.” I hear her some feet behind me. “Where . . ?”

She doesn’t know where I am. She can’t feel my ki. I cover her mouth and she starts struggling. I bend down just enough so my mouth is close to her ear. “You haven’t been practicing.” I whisper and I can feel her shudder just a bit. I grab her by the arm and bring her closer to where I am. I let her go and start setting up for the night. I know she’s sleepy. I tend to forget she’s used to naps. I don’t like it that she has to walk for so much but there’s nothing I can do about it. I’m done setting up.

“Yosho.” I hear her yawn.

I grab her by the arm and ease her done on the futon. I’m glad it’s autumn. Still nights are a bit cold.

“Yosho let’s sleep we‘ll eat tomorrow.” She sounds so sleepy. I let her pull me down on to the futon with her. She’s cold. I hold her close to me and soon she stops shivering. I haven’t had time to process this change between us. To be honest. I haven’t wanted to think about it. It was a mistake. A slip of judgment on my part. I let it get to me. She’s always had a way of getting to me.

The first time I met her she was but a little brat. Barely able to run. On our first meeting she jumped on to me. She’d been so excited about getting a new sibling. I however didn’t want one and didn’t need one. I don’t think I’ve ever hugged her. Strange. That’s how she’d made me feel when I first met her.

Through out the years we’ve spent together there have been many instances where I’ve felt the same sentiment. But nothing like the other night. I’ve been harboring ‘different’ feelings for her for a while. But I would never have acted on them. I know my place. I would have let her be. But seeing her with someone else. It . . . provoked . . . me.

I need to sleep. It’s along way to Osaka and at the pace we’re going I doubt we’ll catch up to Masayuki. Maybe I can just let her stay in a different town while I go after Masayuki. Before he has a chance to report back. Perhaps. I can’t help but yawn. I get sleepy when ever I’m near her sleeping form. She’s always warm. Maybe I’m always cold. I don’t know. My eye lids feel too heavy to keep awake.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Yosho not yet.” I say as he starts to pull me up. My eyes haven’t even focused yet. I squint and I can barely see the sun rising from where I stand.

“Come.” He says.

I get up and stand to the side as he packs everything up again. I think I could sleep in place. Hmm. Sleep.

“Aeka.”

My eyes open to see him standing in front of me. “Time to go?” I ask.

He nods.

“Alright.” I say grabbing his hand as he walks out of the forest. I keep my eyes closed as we walk out of the forest and back to the main road. Though the sun has come up I still feel cold.

Finally my eyes can open. “Yosho what about breakfast?” I say as I speed up my pace just a bit. so that I walk beside him.

“We’re just a bit from the next town. You can eat there.” He says to me while he keeps his eyes on the road.

“We can eat there.” I say squeezing his hand.

He looks at me for a moment and I can’t decipher what he’s thinking. After a moment he turns his eyes back to the road. Hmm. I draw a little closer to him and we continue to walk.

Chapter Twenty-Four

*************

“Can we spend the night here? I need a bath.” I plead. I’m sitting next to him as we have our breakfast.

“No.” He says to me.

A loud shrieking noise takes my attention away from his mouth.

I smile at the sight in front of me. ‘It will me nice when we have children.’ I think.

Yosho start sputtering and I quickly get up to slap his back a bit. “Are you alright?”

He takes a large drink of my tea before he nods. He’s all red in the face. He’s never choked on his food.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” I ask one last time. He nods and turns back to his food I follow in suit as we finish our meal. Once in a while I glance up to see the happy couple several feet away.

I watch him pay for our meal and we leave the small restaurant. I glance at the small family one last time before we head off again.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

Tsu is not as small as I thought it. be. Though we made it to Mie I didn’t quite think we‘d make it to Tsu.

“Yosho.” She whispers as she lays down.

I turn my head to look at a clean Aeka. She’s happy we’re staying at an Inn. I wasn’t going to but . . . . It doesn’t matter. I turn around and walk straight to the bath house. A quick bath and then sleep. That’s all I need.

“Yosho.” She yawns at me. She’s tired from all the walking.

“Go to sleep.” I say as I pull her close to me. I tuck her under my chin and close my eyes. I don’t want to think. Just sleep. Her breathing slows down and soon I know she’s asleep. My arms circle around her waist before I drift off.

My eyes open some time later. My internal clock. It’s time to go. I can just barely make things out in the dark. I wish I didn’t have to wake her but I can’t leave her here. She’d be too far. Maybe in the outskirts of Nara.

I dress first and gather our things. I look at her once more and this time I have to wake her up. “Aeka.” I say as I kneel down next to her. Her eyes open slowly and she smiles at me. Her hand reaches out and tries to pull me down by the neck. I tense not quiet sure how to act. I look at her and she seems to have gotten back sleep.

“Aeka. You need to get up.” I say moving her slightly.

“Yosho?” She yawned.

“Yes Aeka. Time to get up.” I say drawing back so there’s no more physical contact. I watch her sit up and rub the sleep out of her eyes. It stirs something in me.

“We need to go.” I say again. “I’ll wait for you outside.”

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Yosho.” I say catching up. He seems a little moody today. I hope he’s not mad that I overslept.

There’s no point in trying to talk to him right now he’s not going to talk to me. I give a deep sigh and slow my pace down so I can walk behind him. I gaze at the scenery around me. It’s all very pretty.

I look at the shadows created by the sun. I did this one. Watch the shadows I mean. I look at Yosho’s shadow and then I look at mine. I reach out and I see the shadow of my hand reach out. I place it high and it looks like I’m patting his head. I giggle at that.

“Aeka.”

I stop my giggling. “Yes Yosho.”

I come to a halt because he’s stopped. I look up and watch his face intently. “We need to walk faster.” He says.

That’s why he stopped. “Alright.” I say and we continue to walk again. I guess I walk too slow. And he doesn’t like me walking behind him. I liked it better when I was little I think only because then he could carry me. “So Yosho why Osaka?”

I see a slight frown before it disappears. But I know better than to wait. So I continue. “What are we going to do there?”

“I have a job . . . .”

“There. Yes I know that. But what are you going to do?” I ask as we walk along. “You’ve never told me what you do.”

There is along moment of silence.

“Yosho?” I begin.

“Just drop it.” He says speeding up.

“But why? Why won’t you tell me?” I say almost running along his side.

“Yosho.” I drag out his name in a long whine.

“Aeka.” He snaps. “There are some things you can’t understand. So just DROP it.”

I bite my lip in agitation. I’d stop talking to him but that’s a punishment on me more than it is on him. Still. He can’t evade this topic forever. “I won’t.” I say to his back. Still I know he heard me.

He’s walking a great distance in front of me. He’s impossible. If it wasn’t because I want to go, I’d run off.

Chapter Twenty-Five

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

One week and six days. Finally Osaka. I didn’t think I’d make it.

Aeka is happy eating. I think she’s just happy to be out of the house.

“Yosho How long are we going to stay here.” She asks with a large smile.

“A while.” I tell her while I continue to glance around. I had hoped to get here before he did. But it seems like that won’t be possible. I have to know. Just how much he’s told his boss about me. About where I live.

We finish our meal and head off into he direction of the Inn. Her eyes are going to bulge out any moment know. She’s clutching my arm. I don’t think she’s even aware she’s doing it.

“So many pretty things Yosho.” She breaths.

I turn just as she does. “Will you buy me some stuff while we’re here?” She asks so sweetly.

I nod and the smile she flashes me turns brighter. I look away from her. I need to keep my eyes on the road. I catch sight of a short haired man up ahead. Masayuki. I pull Aeka and myself into a corner. I keep her tucked into me while he walks into a particular shop. We stay that way until I see him emerge again. The feeling to run after him is great but I can’t jut leave her here in the middle of no where. I will have to wait.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

I’ve kept quiet the rest of the afternoon. The way he hid us today has given me a lot to think about. I can no longer assume this side job of his is merely a job. I fear it might be something dangerous. I am very confused by it all. If there was going to be danger present why would he bring me? All his life he’s done everything possible to keep me safe. He’s gone as far as to isolate me from others for almost ten years. I can only assume that he didn’t expect to find whomever he saw today. At least not here.

This inn is nice and cozy. Much larger than the last one we stayed at. Much like my own home though I have to stay indoors for the rest of the day. Well night since the afternoon has passed. The walk here was extremely difficult. I should try and enjoy myself. Kami knows how long it will be before he ever takes me out again.

The sun rises from a different direction in this place and I’m glad. I like waking up without it in my face. I turn my head to the side. He’s not here of course. He most likely got home late and woke up early. So I suppose I will be having breakfast by myself. I pull out nice kimono. Another present from this latest birthday. At first I had waited for him to say it but he never did. He never has. He’s never said Happy Birthday Aeka. I look at the kimono. I don’t know why I’d think of that now of all times. The fabric is so nice it must have cost him a very pretty yen.

Bath first then, food. Then I can go exploring. He never said to not leave the room. So I can assume it’s alright.

Wow.

I can’t find another word to describe this place. It’s amazing. Not being too familiar with the amount of money I had I was reluctant to spend it but stuff is so cheap here. All I do is pretend to frown at the first price and the owners or workers what ever they are. Start knocking off the price. Soap, perfume, make up. I didn’t realize women wore make up. This has been a very educational day. I asked and old woman what kind of stuff most girls my age buy and she told me what her granddaughter always buys. Nice old lady. I’m glad I’m not shy. Lets see. We’re going to be here a while so there’s no point in getting everything at once. Still I’ll just get a kimono and head back to the Inn.

I don’t think I’ll get the hang of this. I don’t quite understand why I need it. The women who sold me the make up taught me how to put it on. I had laughed at my own reflection. I look like a completely different person. I blot my lips and the color settles. It’s so red. Deep crimson like blood. It’s the same color as the dress. He might still be tired from our journey so I’ll wait till tomorrow night to dress up. I hope my plan will work and we’ll have diner at the red dragon. The old lady said it had the best food in town.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

I’ve been out all night and there’s still no sign of him. I gathered enough info to know that he might belong to a larger group than I thought. In which case killing him won’t cut the binds I have with them. But I can’t know that until we’ve talked.

I hope Aeka hasn’t noticed I didn’t come home. I don’t want to argue just sleep. This food should pacify her. She must be starving. Finally I see the Inn.

I open the door and she jumps back quiet suddenly. Sleep leaves me in that instance. I look around the room while she smiles guiltily.

“What were you doing?” I ask her.

She sniffs the air and takes the food I was carrying. “I thought you might have forgot about me,” she says with a smile as she settles on the futon.

I close the door and settle down next to her. She hands me my plate and we eat in silence. I finish eating and a yawn escapes me. I look of worry crosses her features. I really hope she doesn’t start fussing.

“Yosho, why don’t we take a nap?” She says to me with a hopeful expression.

I nod.

She takes my bowl and moves it to the side along with her. She pushes me back slowly. I think my confusion must be apparent because she looms over me for a moment like she has something to say. But all I hear is “sleep.” I close my eyes and feel her wrap herself around me completely. The feeling of warmth lulls me to sleep.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

Night has set and I feel Yosho getting up, he’s leaving. “Don’t go,” I say pushing him down back down with my weight. 

He stops for a moment. “I need to go.” But he doesn’t really sound like he wants to leave. I raise my head and look at him for a moment. I lean in closer. “Stay.” I breath. He seems like he might. I wait with my hands on his chest waiting for him to lay back down.

“I can’t,” he says as he rolls me off to the side. I feel the cool air the moment we break off contact. I’ve never seen him hesitate when it came to his job before. “Will you be back soon?” I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. The way I sound. Even to me it sounds odd.

He turns and looks at me. But it’s hard to say what he’s thinking. He stares down on me for a long moment. Before he just turns around and leaves.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Two days in a row. How can he keep eluding me? I don’t understand. I want to finish this and get back. Back to what my home? No.

My job? Hell no.

Then what. Aeka? Hmm.

She’d tried to keep in tonight and she’d almost succeeded. Her words rang in my ears. “Will you be back soon?” She had sounded so . . . . . needy. At that moment I had wanted to stay. To quench that need in her eyes. NO. NO. NO. That’s not what I should be thinking. What is wrong with me? I thought I had more control over myself then that. I’m not supposed to feel anything for her. Her safety is my responsibility. That’s why I’m here. To make sure she won’t get used as a pawn.

I have to lean on the alley wall. I need to stop thinking. I just hope I don’t have to spend hours here waiting for . . . . . .Masayuki. I run off to the same herbal shop I saw him walk into the other day. It’s late at night there is no one here. Still I creep in quietly. There is no one here. My eyes narrow. This could only mean there’s a secret passage way in here. I don’t know.

I blend into the shadows and wait.

I see him walk out and I tail him from far. I watch him. He’s heading for Osaka castled. I need to intercept.

I throw the rock I’ve been carrying far off to the right. Several feet in front of him. He runs off to the left and I head the same way. I run into the alley. He’s cornered.

“Seki-san?” He’s shocked.

“Masayuki.” I state. “Are you surprised to see me after your threat?”

“Seki-san you need to understand. We need him dead to ensure the survival of the clan. He alone could ruin the work of generations.” Masayuki finished rather convincingly.

“To you, the survival of the clan is what’s most important. But not to me. And when you go so far as to threaten to seek assurance. You ought to see where this is going.” I saying drawing closer.

“Seki-san?”

“Come now Masayuki I think you are the one that doesn’t remember what I am.” I say pulling out my swords. “How do you what's important to me?”

“Seki-san, you don’t want to do this. My s boss will be most displeased. He will kill you.”

“How would he know it was me? I mean you have others working for you. So why would he think it’s me?” I’m at a standstill, there are too many things to understand. So very little time.

“Seki”

“Enough with the bullshit.” I hiss. I can’t scream. I can’t draw attention to us. “Tell me. How do you know what I value?”

“Seki-san, as a top swords man. You ought to know that you need to keep a handle on your weapon. Exercise control. You are, our weapon. Therefore we had to learn early on what drove you. What would keep you in control. Stop you from ever working against us.”

I step back a bit. I’ve been such an idiot. All I ever wanted to do was provide for Aeka. And keep her safe. Her beauty might eventually lead to her downfall. Just like her mother. I now know why. Why I’ve kept her hidden. “Tell me how you know?” They've known for a while.

“I’m afraid not.” He mutters shaking his head.

I lash out in anger and I cut him across the wrists. They’d gone up at my cry, signaling my strike.

“You will tell me Masayuki.” Detaching myself from the situation is the best way to go about this. I can’t let anger get to me. I need this information. “Tell me.” I command. “You are alone. No protection. There is only one choice. Tell me.”

“I cannot I am bound by my word. Seki-san. I would die first.”

I shake my head. I expected him to tell me everything without having to draw my sword. I didn’t expect this. “You are bound by your word Masayuki and I am bound to mine. I do have a cause. A cause I believe in. One I would steal, pillage and kill for.” I can’t convey enough how much I need those answers.

“The girl is your cause but does she know what you are?”

My sword moves of it’s own accord and I remove the last three digits from his left hand.

He looks at me with glossy eyes.

I don’t blink. “Tell me what you know?”

He shakes his head at me. I will have to do this. My own stupidity has put me here and now I have to fix this. For her safety. I have to end this. I walk towards him. His eyes open wide as I hit him over the head.

I gag him and secure his hand in a makeshift bandage. There should be no blood trail. I know a place in the forest where people are afraid to go. Afraid it’s haunted.

I stand back as he opens his eyes. We haven’t been here that long. It’s still dark out. Still a while before the sun rises.

“Seki . . ” He’s slurring.

“Just tell me.” I say from some feet away.

“I . . . I had someone follow you home once. After the third job. You proved to be most skillful and so we knew we had to keep you for ourselves. This person. They waited outside your home all night And when you left to go to work they approached your home. We didn’t want to cause harm. We just needed to know what you valued.”

I have never feared my own death. I however have always feared for Aeka’s. “Aside from your scout, who else knows this?”

“I cannot tell you that.”

I struck out with the sword and he howled in pain. Now all his finger were gone from his left hand.

I clench my jaw. “Who else knows?”

“Just the scout and myself. No one else.”

“I see. Who is your scout?” I ask.

He looks at me with a large smirk. “Oh I think you already know.”

And I know but I want to hear it. “Tell me?” I bark.

Masayuki recoils from the command and I slash upward from ankle to knee. “It’s Tsugo.” He hisses out in pain.

There it is. It’s confirmed but there is still that nagging question left behind. “Masuo yadomi?” I ask. I don’t bother to hide the hate for the name.

“We needed to see. Exactly what kind of relationship you held with her.” He said though clenched teeth.

“Who hired him?” I already new who.

“Seki-san please understand. The clan, it’s survival. If you would just kill Amakusa.” Even know all he cares for is his clan. He’s very devoted I must say as much.

I shake my head at him.

“You will regret this. If you kill me, you are killing her.”

My eyes narrow dangerously. Why did I ever think I could let him go. “So that’s the deal. If Someone kills you, they. Tsugo kills all the hitokiri’s valued ones.” I look at him. With no pity. If someone else had killed him I would have come home to find Aeka dead in our house. That’s an image I never want to see. I’ll remove my eyes first.

He would have showed no mercy and so I will no longer show mine. I run the blade through his heart quickly. He’s not dead but he will bleed to death. “She will die in the most horrible way.” He cackled. “I will have my vengeance. We’ll see if she enjoys being touched by others as much as by you.”

That was it. That’s the last I heard because I cut his head off so fast. I didn’t realize I’d done it. The anger bubbled in me. If I had known. I wouldn’t have been merciful at all. An hitokiri shows no mercy. I do forget what I am. She makes me forget what I am. But no more. Her life rests in how well I do my job and I will not see her slaughtered. Never.

The sun has come up. I need to clean myself up before I can go back to the Inn. I can longer afford to leave her alone.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

Chapter Twenty-Seven

**************

To wake in a cocoon of warmth is the best. I can already tell today will be a good day. I don’t open my eyes I don’t have to. I recognize the familiar warmth. I’m being held tighter than usual. My head rests over his shoulder. With him spooned behind me like this I can hear his heartbeat.

Lunch time.

What a time to get up. I smooth down my hair with my hand as he hands me lunch. “You look tired Yosho. What time did you come in last night?” I ask as I take a drink from my soup. Hmm, good.

“Late.” He says

“All right, well can we go out then so you can buy me some stuff before we go home.” I look at him as I take a bite of the meat. Salty.

He looks like he’s not sure. “Yosho, Are you sure you’re alright. If you’re tired then we can stay here and rest. We’ll take another nap and then we’ll have dinner. I think maybe we better do that.”

His eyes narrow in mild annoyance for a moment but then he nods. I smile at him and we continue our meal.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I don’t know how I’ve been able to sneak away from him all I know is that I have. My hair is set. I look so different. But I knew I would. This is what I have been practicing, the new hair styles, the make-up and the clothes. I make my way out of the Inn. The afternoon breeze ruffles the hem of my kimono a bit. I walk to the restaurant slowly. I don’t need to rush. I don’t know how long he’ll be.

The red dragon.

It’s odd being in here. I’ve made my reservation for two. It’s different inside then it is from the outside. The inside is lively and warm. The outside looked a bit shabby and cold. Maybe it was the buildings that surrounded the restaurant. They give it a haunting look. I place my order and eat with out him. The more I think about it the more the sure I become of him getting upset. So best to eat now before I get upset too.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

I would never raise my hand against Aeka but sometimes I wish I could. Of all the stupid shit.

I know she’s not aware of the danger she’s in but since when is she allowed late at night. Or once the sun is down. She lives to piss me off.

I arrive at the restaurant and take a moment to calm down. I don’t want to make a scene. I don’t want to draw attention to myself. Don’t make a scene. And with a deep breath I address the hostess. “Have you see a petite girl. About this high. Long midnight black hair. Large eyes.”

She looks at me quizzically. “Yosho-san?”

I nod. “Yes your lady friend is inside waiting for you.”

Deep breaths. I can’t help the rise she gets out of me though. As soon as we’re out of the restaurant I’m gonna yell. I have to yell. She frustrates me. We draw near the back of the restaurant. Suddenly she stops and slides open a door for me. She smiles but I don’t return the gesture.  I walk in and the door closes behind me with a snap. 

Aeka.

I look at her and I feel my stomach tighten into a knot. She smiles at m with ruby lips. Her face has powder, still it doesn’t cover the blush on her cheeks as I gaze at her.

I take a step back. This was a trap. Her smile is replaced by frown.

“Don’t.” she says and it’s a command not a plea. “Stay,” she gestures to a seat in front of her.

I don’t want to but it seems at the moment she has more control over my body than I do. Her smile returns and I feel that same feeling of possession over her. She’s provoking me again. It’s in a different manner but she’s still doing it. I can’t. I can’t let her control me.

“Why don’t you have some desert Yosho. I asked it be specially made for you.” I take my eyes away from her lips and look down at a small plate. It looks like some sort of bread. I look at her again and she smiles encouraging. “It’s not poisoned. Look I’ll eat mine first.” She places a bit into her mouth. I watch as it goes into her mouth, her tongue slips out of her ruby lips. She savors the bite before she slowly chews.

I lick my lips, my mouth is suddenly dry. I look at the bread for a moment. I must have spaced off because she’s moved. She’s too close again. She picks up my bread and places it in my mouth so I can have a bite. I take a slow bite. I understand I’m supposed to like the bread. And it’s good. It’s sweet. Her small hand brings the bread closer to me again for another bite. I bite it while I look at her. She’s watching me intently. Does she want to know if I like it as much as she does? My eyes betray me as they widened when she eats the rest of my bread. The way she laps at her fingers. I shake my head and stand up. She’s doing all of this on purpose. She’s trying to break me.

“Let’s go Aeka.” I command her.

She frowns. “I don’t understand.” She start but I don’t let her finish.

“That’s obvious.” I say as I throw some money down and pick her up by the arm. She’s quiet as I drag her out of the restaurant. I’m guessing she also wants to avoid a scene. The night seems to have grown colder.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

I wait till we are far enough from the restaurant before I try to wrench my arm away. “What is you problem?” I ask while trying to jerk my arm away.

“Aeka don’t. Not now.” He says with out looking at me. He pulls me a bit harder and I almost fall. His hold loosens for a moment and I run off. I know it’s stupid on my part because running away is only going to make him angrier. But I need to get away. He has a way of making things my fault and I hate it. He gets angry for no reason. That’s what I don’t understand. He’d been fine at the restaurant and then in a split second he’s turned on me. That’s the only way I can explain it.

“Aeka!” He barks into my face as he slams me into the wall. I look around trying to find a place to escape to but I can’t. I’m so stupid I’ve run into an alley with out a way out. I’m surprised I haven’t started crying yet.

I look at him with an angry expression. I’m tired of his manhandling me. “Let me go.” I hiss.

His eyes narrow.

“Let me go.” I say pushing him off.

“Why do you do this?” He yells. But I don’t know what he means. “Why do you piss me off?” His face is so close to me. I feel me him raise me off the ground a bit.

I don’t know how to answer. I just want to get way. “GET AWAY.” I holler back in to his face before he kisses me. His knee slips between my legs and my kimono is pushed up roughly.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Yosho,” she breaths.

I ease her down from where I held her against the alley wall. I can’t look at her. I’m ashamed, but not because of what I just did. But because I enjoyed it too much to regret it.

She’s too receptive and I’m afraid it doesn’t do much for my control. I’m not looking at her but I still hold her. I can’t keep denying what I feel when I keep falling into the same trap. There’s no way she’d believe I don’t want her.

If she wasn’t with child before I’m sure she will be now. I need to get her to the temple. They will care for her there till I settle things with Tsugo

“I need to fix my kimono.” She says to me, interrupting my thoughts. I let her go so she can fix it. She does a quick job of it. She gives me a strange smile before she grabs my hand. “Lets go.” She says in a husky voice. I take note of it and nod. The tension and the anger I had felt are gone. I know I’m in for a big argument when I try to leave her behind. But still I’m not sure if I should tell her what’s going on. I sigh as I lead her away from town.

“Yosho where are we going? The Inn is that way.” She says pointing it out. “AUGH!!” She screams in fright as she’s thrown to the floor. I realize only too late. The man jumped from some wall down between us.

I break my gaze away from Aeka as the man’s swords slips by my face, cutting me on the top of my right brow. My hand goes up to the wound. It’s a very small slash. This is not something I need.

“How much?” He asks Aeka.

Aeka looks confused but I know what he means. He must have seen us. I spare Aeka another glance. Maybe it’s the way she’s dressed tonight. Even without the ruby lips she looks enticing.

“Get away from her.” I say as I appear between him and her. I can’t stand the way he’s looking at her.

“Look, make it easy on yourself. Take my money and move on will ya kid.”

“Yosho,” I hear her whimper. I will avoid fighting if necessary. I don’t want her to hate me. Or fear me.

The man peers at me curiously before he pulls out another sword. My eyes narrow. The stance is very familiar. He holds his blades down like knifes before he swings out. My sword moves up to block. This is my style. That’s why it’s familiar. He knows the Kashima Shinryu.

I’ve never had to fight against my own style. But I know my moves and his are slightly different. He must be of the new school. I pull out another sword and try a three-cornered and four-cornered movement.

He counterattacks in the same movement.

I try and older move. The Eight Divine Coordinates and the five vectors of Kashima-Shinryu. It’s supposed to hit all vital points and disarm your opponent.

He feel my blade quake with the force of the Kyoku henjite ho to naru ( when a diagonal slash becomes perpendicular). I’ve never had to block.

My Ei henjite en to naru ( when a wedge becomes a spiral) is able to get through his defense. My blade slides into his shoulder and he withdraws enough to be out of reach.

He smiles and his Ei henjite kyoku to naru (a wedge becomes a diagonal) cuts through my own shoulder.

“Yosho!!” She screams. I know she’s crying. I can heart it.

My Ei henjite choku to naru (a wedge becomes direct) goes through his ribs and I try and slash upward.

His Ei choku kyoku choku (when a wedge is direct; then with the flick of the wrist a diagonal slash becomes direct) cuts into me right under the ribs. My blade stopped his sword from going the whole way in.

I have one move that’s not in the book. Something I combined. Perfected. I leap up and with the momentum I come down with both blades. The Ei henjite en to naru (when a wedge becomes a spiral) combined with the Ei choku kyoku choku. Both swords performing the same move in opposite ways. They cut across his chest starting from his neck down to his hip bone in a crossed fashion.

The spay of blood is minimal. My breathing is labored. But that’s not important. I tried so hard to keep it from her. She knows now. She knows what I am.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Yosho!” I scream running over to him. “Yosho. Yosho please.” I beg trying to pull him in the direction of the Inn. “You’re hurt Yosho. Please.” I beg. This is all my fault. If we had just stayed at the Inn. We’d be safe. Asleep in our bed.

“No, we need to get to the temple north of here.” He says walking away while I try to hold him in place.

“Yosho.” I cry out, my arms are covered in his blood. I can’t walk like this. I can’t stand to see him in pain. I grab hold of his hand with both of mine as we walk north. There is nothing to do but cry. He keeps his eyes on the road. I cry harder but he doesn’t look down.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“I’m afraid we can only let wed couples stay.” The monk says to me.

They’ve done a good job in bandaging me up. Despite it, I would have trouble taking on another swordsman. Aside from that I can’t leave Aeka at the moment. The shock has sent her near hysterics. I need to stay with her a while. “Is there no other way?” I ask.

He shakes his head, no.

“Alright.” I say giving in. There is no other way. I have sealed her fate with this decision.

I wait only a moment before they bring her in. She looks frightened. Her eyes are puffy. They widened when she sees me.

She runs and I hold her as she starts to cry again. She's warm. “Yosho I was so scared. They wouldn‘t tell me how you were doing.” Her voice is hoarse. She’s been screaming all night.

I push her back just a bit. “Come.” I say leading her to the temple.

This isn’t what I imagined for her. Aeka and I bow as the priest finishes the ceremony.

“Congratulations,” he says as he leaves the room.

I rise and help her up. She’s happy. Despite all that’s happened she happy.

As soon as we step out of the room we are guided to another. The bed is already made. The room smells like burnt sandalwood.

I lay down and hold her close. Tonight can remain peaceful. I won’t spoil her day any further. I will tell her tomorrow.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Where are you going?” His voice is deep, masculine. I sigh.

“I wanted to get us breakfast.” I say trying to get up again.

“I can go get it.” He says getting up.

“No, you need to stay and rest.” I say as I push him back down. He’s pale. He’s lost a lot of blood. He frowns and I kiss his chin. I see the muscles around his mouth twitch. “I’ll be back. Just stay.” I say.

I see him close his eyes before I leave the room.

-

“hey,” I say as I kneel next to him.

“hey,” I say shaking him a bit. He doesn‘t stir. “Alright, we’ll sleep then.” I say as I get under the covers with him. The winter air is creeping in as the autumn season dies off.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Stop fussing.” I tell her in a harsh tone. It was harsher then intended.

She’s not deterred though. “I will not. I am your wife and you do as I say.”

I can’t help it. My eye brow raises at that. “That’s not how things work.” I tell her. I can’t keep the amusement out of my voice.

“You will because you love me.” She says without thought. She continues fixing the strap on my shoulder. Like what she said was of no importance.

I have bound her to me and that I do regret. I never gave her a chance to be . . . . what? With someone else. Who am I trying to kid. Really? Because I contradict myself. I had hoped that she might have met someone else but only because it didn’t happen. If she had . . . . there is no way I would have let anyone else near her. What I meant to say is I regret she knows who I am. What I am. She might leave me despite her promise.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Stop brooding,” I say as I slap his shoulder.

His attention comes up to me and a ghost of smile appears on his face. I trace the lines of his lips and his eyes draw me in. They hold me captive.

“We can’t here.” He says.

It takes a moment for things to click. My finger stops over the curve on the side of his mouth. And a smile spreads over my lips. “I wasn’t even thinking that.” I tell him. I see the shadow of blush creep onto his face. I kiss the side of his mouth. And lay back over him, my face resting on his bare chest. One blanket isn’t enough to keep him warm. But my body heat should keep him comfortable.

-

-

I looked at the letter over once more. He’s such an idiot. I think as I wipe my eyes with the sleeve of my yukata. But I will listen to him. I will wait.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

A month has passed, that’s all it’s been but it’s felt like years to me. The nightmares are never ending. They keep me from getting anymore than one to two hours sleep. If a month has worn me down this much I don’t know if I can go much longer. Being without her is hard just as I always knew it would be. I came to suspected Tsugo only too late. Other than drinking I can’t imagine what else he does. You'd think I would have found either him or that other asshole.

Tokyo what a complete waste of time. I need to find other hitokiris. Ones who haven’t been affected. We can set a trap. I just need to find some. Or at least one.

“Give me a drink.” I signal to the bartender as I take my seat in the back. This is going to become a habit as well but it’s the only thing that helps me sleep.

“Anyone sitting here?”

I look up to see some lanky looking guy. Maybe middle twenties. “I wish to be alone.” I tell him non too friendly.

“Oh,” he said sitting down. “Are you in the business also?”

My eyes narrow in suspicion. “What business?”

He looks around. “You know, the swords.”

I give him a blank look. Maybe he’ll leave.

“I’m heading south, well more like east. There are forces gathering in Kukuoku. They’re going to try and defend Nagasaki from the Shogunate.” He said conversationally.

“Did you ever think I might be a Shogun?” I asked him with a bit of disdain. I mean how stupid can someone be. He’s going to get himself killed.

“Oh, well you weren’t wearing the uniform and you didn’t seem cocky so I didn’t think you were one. I’m going there to fight because they killed my parents when I was young. I liked to see them fall, You know.” He said hailing the bartender for a drink. “There are a lot of skilled men going there. Mostly those with grudges against the Shogunate.”

Hmm, if I went I would have a chance to meet more hitokiris. Not like this one, but real ones. One’s skilled enough to have once been hired by them.

“I’ll go with you.” I told him drowning another cup. I hate that it takes eight cups before I get sleepy.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

Four months and no word. How long does he think I’m going to just sit here and wait. I mean really. Once winter starts we won’t be able to leave. It snows too much in these parts. We’re too close to the mountains. Yosho, where are you?

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Seki, hurry!”

To be ambushed while they think we’re asleep is the worst anyone can do. We know tactics and it’s the experienced controlling the rebellion. Did they really think we’d be stupid enough to be asleep. No gut and not brains. They’ve underestimated us.

“Seki!”

I rush out of the house. That kid keeps getting himself into bad situations. “Move.” I yell as I leap down into the fight. I use the Kyoku henjite ho to naru (when a diagonal slash becomes perpendicular) because it’s something they don’t see coming. My technique is one of the strongest here but I don’t know if it’s the strongest.

There are only two casualties on our side tonight. While the Shogunate suffered twenty-three. Maki took out seven, Hiko took out six and I took out five. We usually take out the most.

“Thanks for rescuing me again.” Miyojin says while he scratches his head. He’s not that skilled but his will to defeat the enemy is great. He wants revenge for what happened to his family. I sigh this is hopeless. I shouldn’t have gotten involved. Now I have to stay till either these idiots win or the Shogunate kill most of them. We creep deeper into the woods heading for the alternate house.

I’m glad I don’t share a room with Miyojin, he talks too much. Maki and Hiko only talk to each other to compare kills.

“Hey Seki I got seven” Hiko says.

“You got six Hiko, I was watching.” Maki said.

“Are you calling me a liar?” Hiko said rising to his feet. It’s always the same between them. They’re battling styles are very different but both just as effective.

“I call you that everyday, now come and have a drink.” Maki said pulling out the jug.

Hiko made a disgusted face but went to sit next to him just the same. “Seki are you coming.” Hiko said after the first swig.

I need to drink to sleep and so I join them like always. “Why do you keep saving that kid?” Maki asked pulling his pony tail higher.

“If he’s stupid enough to fight then he’s stupid enough to die That’s what my teacher used to say.” Hiko said as he adjusted his mantle over his shoulders. How he fights in that I will never understand. Just something about fighting in style. At least that’s what he said.

We all share similar features. We’re all tall with a broad built. It’s only the hair and the eyes that set us apart. Hmm, I’ve been hanging around Miyojin too much.

-

“Seki!”

I wake with a start. I look up at Miyojin and pull back the blade from his throat. I’ve become paranoid, this is getting to me. I need to kill them before they find her. My year here’s almost over.

“You were having a nightmare.” He said.

“Where is everyone?” I ask after I clear my throat.  

"They're out."  He says casually.

“What, all of them.” I ask him sitting up.

“No just Hiko and Maki.” He said a little slow.

“Damn it! Get to your post and alert everyone else.

“Seki, what’s happening?”

“Do as I say, GO!” I yell getting up and heading for the back door.

“Where are you going, Seki?”

“I’m heading them off the back.” I yelled as I leap of the step.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

Chapter Thirty

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Tsugo!” Finally after more than a year.

“Seki?” He said as he raised his sword in a defensive move.

“I followed your trail.” I said getting ready to strike him down. It was his fault I had to leave Aeka. It was his fault I became what I am. That night at the bar, he could have stopped the thief.

“What are you doing here?” He said taking his stance.

“I’m here to end this.” I looked at the man. He no longer seemed old. This man, he was an assassin. He and I, we were, we are, the same. Regret had left me sometime ago. My only purpose in life is to protect Aeka, at all costs.

He took the stance of the Shogunate. This fight I know will be different. He hasn’t survived this long because he was lucky. He’s survived because he’s good.

The Gatotsu, a technique used by the Shogunate. The Kyoto branch being the strongest, their use of the gatotsu was almost unbeatable. Tsugo positioned his sword in both hands up near the right shoulder, parallel to the ground. The technique was mostly used for thrust attacks, stabbing, or downward slashing.

I took a different stance. I will fight with my style but I will start off with Maki’s technique.

The Kaiten kenbu I started from the left. I attacked before he could release the gatotsu. I spin like I‘m supposed to and I cut him three times while spinning.

“Seki, I‘m surprised. You’ve picked up some new techniques.” He said. “Well how about I show you my technique, now.” And with that He released the gatotsu cutting in through the ribs.

I counterattacked with the Shin Ken (no kamae) a defensive stance, it allowed me a quick response to the Tsugo’s next gatotsu. One of Hiko’s favorite.

Tsugo attacked the ground with his sword before he jumped, this allows him to get higher then he attacked in the air.

“That’s the Chou Ten Tou Sei. It’s very old and can usually only be found in the most obscure parts of China. Did you like it?” He said.

So far I had taken all the blows while he’s only been scratched. All right, I will fight with what I know best. I took a defensive stance and then I used the Ei choku kyoku choku (when a wedge is direct and then turn into a diagonal with the flick of the wrist it becomes direct) I pulled out the second sword and crossed them over his neck.

It severed his neck.

“That was my version of the Goho Juugi.” I said. Maki used it often. I spit out the blood in my mouth.

All I need is the other and it will be finished.

I don’t understand why I keep ending up in Kyoto. Four times now. That’s how many time I have been here. I need to head back. No one ever said he left Nagoya. I pretty sure that’s were I’ll find him. I have succeed in eliminating all of Masuyaki‘s contacts. All I have left it that one punk.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“I want to thank all of you for your help but I’m afraid I need to go home.” I said.

“We promised him we’d keep you here where it would be safe.” Okawara said.

“I know but I can’t stay here anymore I need to know what happened to him.” I said. “I will go straight home.”

“Then we’ll escort you.” He said. “We don’t usually leave the temple but we promised. We’ll keep our word.”

I bowed low in gratitude and left to collect my things.

The winter air blew hard in the surroundings of the forest. The kimono I’d come in with was more than oppressive. It was much to small now that I’d filled out in a couple of places. I wrapped myself in the wool cloak trying to keep some of the heat with in. Kunio and Okawara walked alongside me. Quiet as they always were.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

Kami, just the sight of the bastard made my blood boil.

“What the hell do you want?” He asked me.

“You worked for Masayuki.” It wasn’t a question. His name had been confirmed.

“Is she dead?” He’d turned a ghostly shade of white.

“You knew of the deal?” I asked with ice in my veins.

“If she had picked me, she would have been alright. You know I went to see her the day after the fight. She asked me to leave. Told me to just go. Just like that, even after I’d been her friend for more than a year. She just dismissed me. I went back for her a week later trying to spare her but it seemed you’d already taken her.” Masuo’s every word was filled with venom and sarcasm.

“You would have spared her to keep her for yourself.” I growled.

“Of course I’m not blind she was beautiful. Nice little piece of a . . “

No more of that.

My sword slit his throat. I didn’t stand around to watch him fall. It was finished. There was no one who could trace me to Masayuki. The Shogunate were strong but aslong as I stayed in Nagoya everything would be fine.

Even without my help Amakusa fell in Nagasaki. The rest of the resistance dispersed. The struggle is over at least for the moment. This struggle I think will eventually lead to war though. Perhaps not now or even in ten years but eventually. Amakusa’s last words were reincarnation and Bakumatsu. Odd.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“You guys don’t have to stay I can take care of this.” I said coming out of the bedroom.

“We would like to stay and help you clean up.” Kunio was the oldest, he was thirty-two.

They were worried plus I couldn’t send them back out into the cold. "Alright, I’ll go catch some fish for dinner. Can you guys mind . . . “

“Yes, don’t worry go.” Okawara said.

“Alright“. I said as I grabbed the fishing gear and headed back out. It’s so cold. The river should be full of fish.

My hands are freezing. Just one more fish and I’ll go. “Come on fish. Fishy, fishy. Here fishy, fishy.”

“AAha.” That’s the last one. Time to head back to the house. I hope the air doesn’t make me sick.

“I have the fish.” Wow, I thought. “You guys are quick or was I gone that long?” The house seemed spotless.

“No we are fast. We’ll get the wood now that you are back.”

I nodded as I looked around. Spotless.

Auchoo, no, I don’t want to get sick. Auchoo, Auchoo. Why can’t I stop sneezing.

“You know they say that when you sneeze it’s because someone’s thinking about you.” 

I smiled at Kunio. He was a romantic at heart.

“Well I’ll just assume it’s Yosho.” I said drawing near the fire Kunio was preparing. “It feels a little strange being here. But I’m happy I’m home.”

“You’ll stay the night won’t you. There’s no point in heading back out tonight. Now that it’s late.”

“You are very kind. We will accept you generosity and stay. We, however must return as soon as possible before Tomioka burns the temple down.” I laughed at Kumio’s joke and headed back into the bedroom.

It’d be a while before dinner.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

I can’t walk anymore. Three days no sleep and two days walking straight. I don’t like sleeping out doors during this season. Not to mention the water in the river. It felt like cold fire.

I’m yawing. I need sleep, but I’ll get some when I’ve picked her up from Osaka. I just need to change my clothes now that I’m clean. What am I gonna say to her. Hello wife. Well you see koishii I was detained. I was almost killed. No, no excuse was going to be enough to satisfy her and there is no way I’m going to tell her the truth.

If she could just hold off on the screaming for a week then I could get some rest. I’ll be better able to deal with her then. hmm, the thought. I have tried not to think about her this year and a half. It wouldn’t have been fair. I couldn’t have done what I did. The things I did to ensure her safety. All because of that . . . No. I have to let this go. If I don’t it will consume me. I can let guilt win out. I did what I did because I had to. What’s done is done. And I’ll let it lay in the past.

My pace increases when I see the house. Hmm, I’ll have to fix this door after I get back. The house seems strange. Almost like I’m home from work.

The bedroom is still the way we left it. I know what I feel but I don’t know if I’m quite ready to admit it.

I’ll have to buy some new clothes, these are too tight which means Aeka’s probably outgrown all she has here as well.

I should eat. Maybe in . . .

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Yosho?” I say but he seems frozen. “Are you ok?” I say coming closer. “Kami you look awful.” I can feel my eyes tearing up. “What have you done to yourself, Yosho? Tell me.”

“I . .” He opened and closed his mouth. “I missed you.”

I felt my heart would melt at the admission.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Kami, Yosho I’ve missed you too.” I glad there’s no screaming. I can’t help but encircle her in my arms.

That’s when I felt something on her back.

“Oh, I almost for got.” She flashed me a big smile before she turned around. “Seki Yume meet Seki Yosho.”

I had to swallow the deep lump in my throat. “How?” I choked out.

She gave a hearty laugh. “I think you remember how.” She turned suddenly. “You’ve never smiled just because you were happy before. Did you know that?”

Her eyes caught me off guard for a moment and I got that same sinking feeling. Like I could drown. The baby gurgled and it broke the spell. “Why Yume?” I asked unstrapping the baby from her back.

“Because she’s my dream come true. She looks like you. Look at her eyes.”

I peered down into the little face. This was mine. Something Aeka and I had created together. “How old is she?”

“She’s five months. Born the thirteen of July. I think it was around four in the morning.” Aeka was all smile.

“Come on have a seat I’ll make you breakfast.” She said leaving me with the baby.

The baby was so small. She was going to have nice hair. It was already so soft. I didn’t expect this. The way we’d . . . those two times. I didn’t think. Well maybe the second time. The hold she had on me then had been very strong. And I have a feeling it will only get stronger.

“Here you go. You eat while I feed the baby.” She said taking Yume out of his arms. I didn’t want to let go. But they were here with me. Where I can protect them. “Can’t you feed her out here?”  I asked her. Her face flushed crimson.

“Yosho do you know how women feed babies?” She asked, amusement laced into her words.

“Don’t they eat like normal people?” I said slowly, I have a feeling that wasn't the right answer.

“No sweety they don’t. One has to breastfeed babies.” She spoke to me calmly while the muscles around her mouth twitched. She was trying not to laugh.

Is it her or am I getting slow. “Oh,” then it dawned on me.

“Do you still want me to do it out here?” She asked repositioning the baby in her arms.

I nodded.

“Alight. You eat while I feed the baby then.” She said as she started to undo her obi.

I put the food into my mouth slowly. I decided it, it was best not to look.  I've been away from her for too long and I didn’t need to get excited. She was feeding out child.

The suckling noise made me look up. My breathing grew slightly shallow. Her breast had gotten bigger. A lot bigger. I felt the familiar tightening of my loins. I ripped my gaze away and focused on the white of the rise.  I hadn’t mediated for almost a year. Still that was not reason enough to loose my control.

I was still starring at the rice when she poked my hand. She smiled at me. “Come on. I don’t think you’re going to eat much more. Let’s all go and take a nice nap.” She said beginning to rise.

I helped her get up and we made our way to the bedroom. I placed the futon on the floor and gathered thick blankets for them.

“Hold the baby while I change.” She said as she handed me the baby.  I turned while she changed.  I wanted to be able to sleep tonight. So it was best not to look.

“Alright,” she said as she sat on the futon. I kneeled on the futon and handed her the baby, I placed a thick blanket behind me kind of like a large pillow, something I could rest against. She took her place at my side while she rested the baby on my chest. The baby much like it’s mother enjoyed. Placed her cheek on my chest close to my heart. “I love you.” I said. The words had come out so suddenly. I felt like I'd been he running, my heart was beating so fast.

“Oh, Yosho.” She said before she started to cry. I felt like I’d been stabbed in the heart. I'd left her alone for a year and a half. What did I expect. The fact that she was here showed she cared enough to keep our family together. I couldn’t hold it against her. She was . . .

“Kami Yosho, I have waited all my life to hear you say that.” She said as she scrambled to a seating position. I don’t understand. It must have shown because she hugged me. “I love you so much Yosho.” She whispered into my ear. Then she cried again. “I didn’t think you were ever going to say it.” She hugged me tighter and nuzzled me. I’d been confused but now her close proximity was messing with me again. She pulled back enough to look into my eyes. Her eyes drifted to my lips and I knew what she wanted. She drew closer on my side and bent down to kiss me. She kissed me softly, pulling on my lip as she drew away. She untied my hair and ran her finger through it. She rested on the pillow now, while I rested on her chest and the baby rested on mine. “Go to sleep.” She said kissing my forehead. Finally, I thought as I drifted off . Finally at peace.

: : : : : : : : : : : : :

“Aeka where’s the baby?” I look towards Yosho’s direction. I flash him a big smile. He seems amused.

“What?” I say to him.

“The baby, where is she?” He asked me with a smile.

“I put her down for a nap just now.” I said to him as I put down my hair brush.

His eyes seemed to darken while a smirk played on his lips.

It made me gasp in anticipation.

He smiles at my gasp, he strode over with an amused gaze. “Are you alright?” He asked me as he kneeled down next to me.

It had been a while since we’d been together. I must admit I’m feeling confused, overwhelmed. He feels my forehead and caresses my cheek. I stare at him expectantly.

His smile changes to something a little more enticing. The smile that graces his lips is to die for. It makes me forget my words. I open my mouth to say something but it‘s useless.

His eyes finally look happy, so i can‘t help but ask. “Why are you so happy?” I ask in a whisper.

He smiles differently this time. “Because you love me.” He say before he kisses me.

When we break apart I sigh. “Oh, is that all.”

He kisses me again and this time when we break apart It takes me a moment to remember what I had been on the verge of saying.

“How Could I Not Fall in Love With You.” I murmur as I push him onto his back and kiss him fervently.

There you  go, last installment is done. Did you guys notice the repeating dream came true.  And you guys know that "Yume" means dream.

Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to review. I’ll see you all in the next FF.

Owari

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