Author’s Notes:
	Wai wai! I JUST bought the RK DVD with episode 89: To My Angel Misao, Special Delivery from Kyoto...I can say only one thing after watching the A/M ep..
	KA...FREAKING..WAII!!!!!
	OMG! I loved EVERYTHING!!!
	The shopping trip and girls kicking ass, Sano and Yahiko trailing the girls for food, and Aoshi and Kenshin’s scenes were HYSTERICAL!
	Aoshi was so funny when he was shocked at Kenshin doing laundry.
	Oh, and WTF was with Aoshi giving Kenshin a foot rub?! I think literally I went ‘Oro?’
	Now, I have some important comments.
	A lot of people think Aoshi is smiling throughout this episode, but I think he’s just being polite and that he isn’t really ‘smiling’. He doesn’t seem to REALLY smile until the end after Misao gives him the paper ball and points out she’s an adult.
	Also, DID ANYONE get Megumi’s prayer in that episode?
	‘I wish for that idiot to get a brain.’
	She’s talking about SANO!!!!! I cracked up so much!
	And her lolita complex remark killed me.
	Everyone was really OOC kinda, but Okon was killing me with her Hiko crush. She bought him Sake! Rock on Okon!
	I thank reviewers!
	Rapponmatsu: Yahiko is NOT going to be a traffic cop! Orange traffic tickets would pollute the streets! So sorry, I have other plans for your “little Mexican warrior”. ::cackles:: Now as for papercuts ::whips out gloves:: I come prepared. After all, it was only five degrees where I live today...and I DO MEAN Farenheit!!!!
	Oh, for those wondering about the Aoshi keychain.
	My friend got it for me at our fave Asian import store in Poughkeepsie, New York called HKT Toys and Gifts.	
	They have a webpage address, www.mugentoys.com
	But I can’t guarantee it’ll be there so a couple good places to check are places like ebay or animenation or other anime stores.
	I REALLY want the Aoshi UFO doll and the Series 2 Aoshi statue!!!! God dammit! I need more Aoshi-sama STUFF!!!!
	::sips Coke::
	Ok..ONWARD! And I’m sorry for my poor editing skills in chapter one, I was workig on it from 1130pm to 1 am.

				***********

	Blue Paradise
	Chapter II: But Still......


	Aoshi hung his head as he sat in silence in the back seat of Hiko’s giant Hummer. Shiro and Kuro were accompanying the officers that had arrived moments after they raided  the warehouse, Toukan and Kamatari both handcuffed and on their way to jail.
	It was him in the back and Hiko and Misao up front.
	Makimachi Misao....
	Never did he think this would occur.
	Had it really been so long since he and she had last seen each other? What had it been? Ten years?
	The memories stretched over his mind.
	He had no family, and had been taken in as a child by Misao’s grandfather, a police captain who also ran a restaurant/inn called the Aoiya in Kyoto.
	The Captain was the okashira of the Oniwanbashuu at the time, and they were highly respected detectives serving under Commissioner Genji Kiro.
	Aoshi had been taught martial arts and swordsmanship that had been passed down the Captain’s family dating all the way back to the Tokugawa Shogunate. In had been, in fact, the Captain who had established the Oniwanbanshuu. An homage to the famed shinobi group from the Shogunate that had remained together until the end of the Meiji Era.
	When he was nine he had met the Captain’s son and his wife, and their newborn daughter...Misao.
	He remembered never seeing eyes so large and such an amazing blue-green before.
	Her mother had placed Misao into his arms, and she had smiled up at him, laughing.
	He hadn’t seen her again until five years later when both her parents and grandfather had died in a car accident.
	Okina, who had been the Captain’s best friend and colleague, took over ownership of the Aoiya and became a surrogate parent to Misao.
	“Aoshi-sama, I guess this was a bit of a shock for you. I mean, we haven’t seen each other in what? Ten years?” Misao asked, glancing to the backseat.
	Aoshi nodded.
	When Aoshi had turned eighteen, he had left Kyoto to go to the police academy in Tokyo, leaving behind a heart broken Misao.
	“Aoshi-sama, you promise to come back and see Misao-chan soon, right?” she asked, looking up at him with those large eyes.
	Aoshi had placed his hand on her head and nodded.
	“Aa....so be a good girl for Okina.” he replied.
	She had, for as long as he could remember, called him ‘Aoshi-sama’. She would follow him around and had been taught kenpo by himself and Hannya.
	“Hai, Misao-chan will be a good girl and wait for you!” she replied, smiling. It had been a week before her ninth birthday.
	He had returned after graduating from the academy, visiting Kyoto for a month before returning to Tokyo to begin work.
	Misao had been twelve, already more grown than last he saw her. 
	She had been elated to see him, and he was surprised when she demonstrated how much better at kenpo she had gotten.
	She had improved greatly in three years and had become skilled with kunai.
	And then the day came when he was to leave....
	She had been quiet all day and as he was going to leave she finally burst into tears.
	“Aoshi-sama...I was so happy to see you after so long. Now you’re leaving again. I shouldn’t be so childish about it...but...” she had blurted out.
	Aoshi kneeled down before her and hugged her.
	“Misao, don’t cry. I may not be here, but you still have Okina and the others. Besides, this isn’t the last time we’ll ever see each other.” he murmured.
	“You promise?”
				“Aa...”				


	He blinked, looking out the window at the street lights that seemed to become a blur in the night.		
	She had been a child when last he saw her....and now...
	She was wearing high-cut denim shorts that revealed long legs and a lavender tank top that fit her oh-so-not-child-like curves.
	She was most certainly not a child anymore. Still....
	He blinked again.
	“Hiko, how fast are you driving?”
	“Only 90, why?” Hiko replied, glancing in the mirror.
	“You might not want to startle Misao.” Aoshi replied.
	“I’m fine, Aoshi-sama.” she murmured, closing her eyes.
	“Oh.”
				****

	“This is unacceptable.” 
	Aoshi’s hands were planted on Hiko’s desk as the two conversed privately in his office.
	Hiko narrowed his eyes and frowned.
	“I would think you’d be glad to be partnered with an old acquaintance. And anyway, Makimachi Misao shows a lot of promise. Top of her class, graduated early, rose through the ranks quickly. Not many people can make detective at such a young age. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you didn’t make detective until you were 26.”
	Aoshi scowled at Hiko’s words.
	“And besides, what’s done is done. She’s your partner, Shinomori, get used to it. Now get the hell out my office, you’re harshing my buzz.”
	“Fine.” Aoshi murmured, leaving.
	Hiko watched him leave and crossed his arms.
	“Good thing I didn’t tell him Okina requested Misao to be his partner. Damn subordinates, they need to learn to respect their superiors!” 
	He pulled out a hand mirror and glanced at himself.
	“Perfection.” he murmured.

	Misao punched into the air, following with a kick as she practiced her kendo moves in one of the small police gym rooms.

Baby guruguru to mune ni
baby sono koe ga ne
baby uzu wo maki dashite
baby hanarenai no

::Baby, going round and round in my heart::
::baby, that voice spinning::
::baby, the whirlwind starts to spin::
::baby, I can’t let go::

	She stopped, huffing, noticing the presence at the doorway.
	“Still as sneaky as always Aoshi-sama.” she stated, flashing him a smile as she continued practicing.
	“Aa.” he murmured, walking in and leaning against the wall.
	Her movements has quickened a lot, her moves executed more gracefully.
	

Kimi ga atashi kara kienai...itsu demo
Kiga tsukeba atashi kimi wo sagashiteru

::I can’t ever put you out of my head::
::If you realize it, I’m searching for you::


anata mo shumi narenai demo oh yeah
::I just can’t fall for you, but oh yeah::

itsudemo dakshimeraretai yeah!
::just keep on holding me yeah!::

	He glanced over to the radio, noting that she seemed to prefer working out to music than silence.
	“Did you want something?” she asked, dropping her arms to her sides as she grabbed her bottle of what appeared to be that Vitamin Water stuff every drank nowadays.
	He tried to think of the right words to express that he did not want a partner and not come off sounding insulting. He paused, glancing at the radio once more, then walked over to it and turned it off.
	“Misao, I’m not sure you’re aware of this or not but I have no desire for a partner, not now or in the near future. Despite making this clear, Okina had apparently requested Hiko find me one.”
	Misao blinked, and then frowned slightly.
	“I suppose I can’t blame you after...Hannya and the guys died.” she murmured, closing her eyes.
	Hannya had been staying at the Aoiya, until he along with Aoshi left for police academy.		
	It was there they had met Hyottoko, Besshimi, and Shikiju and the four became close friends.
	When she had heard of their deaths, Misao had been devastated and was more than ever determined to be the best police officer she could be.
	Before graduating high school she had announced she was going to become a cop, stunning Okina and the others. 
	Okon and Omasu had helped out Okina at the Aoiya, as did Shiro and Kuro out of respect to the late Captain and for Okina’s state.
	Many other officers had commented that the Oniwanbanshuu were more like family than a group of cops.
	She had studied hard, worked hard. For herself, and for the chance to see Aoshi again.
	Some thought it was because he was a cop that she had decided to be one, but that was only a fraction of the reason.
	She did it because her grandfather had been one, Okina was one, everyone she knew was one.
	It was the only thing she really wanted to do in life.
	Of course, to satisfy Okina, she had studied at Toudai for a semester, taking up liberal arts. 
	What an experience it had been for her the first time she ever had to draw a naked man for drawing class.
	It had taken her half an hour just to get over the initial shock.
	But she was dead-set on being a cop, and transferred to the police academy in Tokyo, and after graduating went to work in Osaka for a while.
	It was why she and Aoshi hadn’t ran into each other when he had returned to Kyoto to work at the 27th precinct four years earlier.
	“Misao.” he murmured, snapping her out of her thoughts.
	“I’m sorry, Aoshi-sama, what did you say?” she asked, wiping her forhead.
	“I said, that despite my objections the matter is final.”
	“I see...so I guess this means we can’t be like the buddy-buddy cops in the movies, huh? Oh well.....” she murmured, sitting on a bench.
	“Misao...while this a rather unusual way of meeting again, I will tell you now...I’m not the same person I was ten years ago.”
	“Neither am I. In case you forgot, I turn twenty-three next month. But I guess in your old age it slipped your memory.” she said with a smirk.
	He frowned.
	“I’m only thirty-two.” he replied flatly.
	She stood up and grabbed her gym bag.
	As she walked past him, she stopped.
	“It’s annoying being judged by your age, isn’t it?” she murmured, heading for the showers.
	Aoshi watched her go, her words sinking in.
	Hiko had said she had graduated early, meaning she probably had gone through a lot of hassles for being such a young officer. 
	It didn’t help that Misao was a short girl, probably only 5'1".
	He shook his head and walked back to his desk, at which he noticed a pair of feet resting on it, a newspaper obscuring who the person was sitting at his desk.
	But the cloud of cigarette smoke gave his identity away.
	“You know Shinomori, it was really amazing to me that you morons here in the 27th managed to finally catch Toukan Kumo.”
	“Jealous, Saitoh?” he asked, not missing how Saitoh’s golden eyes hardened.
	Known as the Mibu Wolf, Saitoh could appear easy-going but in truth he was impatient as hell. 
	‘Must be why he smokes so much.’ Aoshi thought.
	He was sure that under the blue jacket Saitoh always wore were a zillion nicotine patches.
	“Don’t flatter yourself, Shinomori. You didn’t do shit to catch Toukan. It was Commissioner Hiko. I’m sure he’s kicking back in his office right now smug as ever.” Saitoh said, closing the newspaper and setting it down.
	“Probably. What did you want?” Aoshi asked.
	“The cross-dresser Toukan was busted with was Kamatari, one of Shishio Makoto’s men. As you’re most likely aware of, Shishio is gaining power in the underground and I’ve been intent on apprehending him.”
	“I see, so now that we’ve busted Kamatari you want our cooperation in your investigation?” 
	“That’s correct.”
	Aoshi crossed his arms and gave Saitoh and icy glare.
	“You’ll have to speak with Hiko then.” he murmured.
	“Hey, Aoshi-sama! Want some tea?” 
	Aoshi tensed at Misao’s voice, noticing the smirk forming on Saitoh’s face.
	“Aoshi-sama? Gained some groupies, Ice Block?” 
	Before he could reply, Misao handed him a cup of green tea.
	“Thank you, Misao.” he said, taking a sip.
	Ahh....he needed that.
	Saitoh glanced at Misao.
	“So Shinomori, who’s the weasel girl?” 
	“Weasel?” Misao asked blankly.
	Her fists clenched as she saw red.
	“Who are you calling weasel?!” she yelled, grabbing him by the collar.
	Saitoh only looked amused and before he could get a hold of her wrist, Aoshi grabbed it, moving her away from Saitoh.
	“Calm down, Misao. And you, as I said, you need to talk to Hiko.”	
	Saitoh stood up and grabbed his newspaper.
	“Very well, I’ll leave you with your fangirl.” Saitoh murmured, heading for Hiko’s office.
	Misao growled.
	“Who the hell was that?!” she asked.
	“Saitoh Hajime.” Aoshi replied, sitting in his chair.
	“As the Mibu Wolf? Wow...what an asshole.” she commented.
	“Aa...I mean, Misao watch your mouth.” Aoshi scolded, looking at the files on his desk.
	“Oh please, Aoshi-sama, I’m not a kid anymore. So anyway, what are our assigned cases?”
	He glanced at her and sighed.
	“A series of robberies at the Shirobeko.” 
	“So what’s our first step?” she asked, leaning against his desk.
	He closed the file and stood up.
	When he said nothing she scowled.
	“Are you kidding me? ! Aoshi-sama, whether you like it or not I’m your partner.” she murmured, glaring at him.
	“And as I told you, I don’t care to have one. Do as you please.” he muttered, grabbing his tea and walking away.
	Misao gritted her teeth.
	“Arg! There is no way in HELL I’m sitting on my ass and not doing anything.” she growled to herself as she plopped down into Aoshi’s chair and began reading the Shirobeko file.
	“Misao-chan!”
	She lifted her head to see Okon and Omasu walk towards her.
	“Hey guys, what’s up?” she asked.
	“Nothing really. We heard you got transferred here and as Aoshi-san’s new partner! Wow, you really got your work cut out for you.” Omasu said, laughing.
	“Tell me about it. I forgot how Aoshi-sama tends to be 90% mute most of the time.” Misao muttered, shaking her head.
	“Hmm...after what happened last year he’s become even more seclusive. I can’t blame him, but we’re still worried about the guy.” Okon sighed.
	“But maybe Misao-chan can snap him out of it! She is one of the few people he’ll speak with and use complete sentences.” Omasu said.
	“Thanks guys, I hope. I really did miss him terribly.” she sighed.
			**********

	Creak creak...
	Aoshi tried to ignore it, but the creaking noise was grating his nerves. He glanced up to Misao, who was seated at the desk across from him chewing on a pen and jotting notes of some kind.
	“Misao, could you stop that.” he asked finally.
	Misao paused from rocking back and forth in her creaky chair and glared at him.
	“It helps me think.” she replied, setting her chair down.
	She took the pen out of her mouth and grabbed the cup of tea she had gotten from a street vendor, hoping it had finally cooled down.	
	She took a sip, then spat it immediately back into the cup, slamming it down.
	“What the hell?! This is coffee not tea! I’m going to kill that guy!!!” she yelled, shifting back in her chair with a loud creak.
	“What’s the problem?” Aoshi asked, sighing.
	It was hard to think with Misao fidgeting around.
	“The damn vendor gave me coffee when I asked for tea.” she replied, crossing her arms.
	“So?”
	“I can’t drink coffee. It kills my stomach.” she explained, slamming her chair back down to its proper position.
	“I see....Misao, have you ever thought of getting another chair?” he asked suddenly.
	“Nope, this is my lucky think chair!”
	“It’s broken.”
	“No it’s not, it’s just....loose. Is there any tea left in the break room?” she asked, standing up.
	“Aa.”
	“Okay then, be right back.” she grinned.
	Aoshi watched her go, and glanced at her desk.
	‘What is she writing down?’ he wondered.
	Curious, he stood and walked around his desk to hers and seated himself in her chair.
	CREAK SNAP!
	Everyone glanced up from their work to see Aoshi flat on his ass amidst the broken remnants of Misao’s lucky chair.
	Aoshi looked around to his left and right, groaning.
	“W...W...WHAT THE HELL! Aoshi-sama you broke my chair!!!!!!” Misao yelled, running over to his side.
	“I...It was an accident.” he replied, feeling his cheeks warming.
	He was utterly embarrassed.
	Everyone who knew better snickered under their breaths, and others who didn’t full out laughed.
	Until he gave them all his deadly ice glare.
	Everyone went back to their work as Misao knelt and picked up pieces of her chair.
	“Misao...I’m..”
	“You’re buying me a new chair.” she said, standing up suddenly.
	“Excuse me?”
	“A new chair. You’re buying me one.”
	“But...that chair was already broken.” Aoshi said, feeling his face redden.
	He was not used to a) making a spectacle of himself or b)being yelled at by anyone but Hiko and Saitoh. 
	It was not...pleasant.
	Misao glanced at her watch, eyes widening.
	“Ah, I’m late. We’ll finish this later!” she said, grabbing her coat and running off.
	Aoshi arched an eyebrow, wondering where she was going.
				*************

	Deciding to start working on the Shirobeko case, Aoshi walked down the street towards the restaurant.
	He wondered if Misao was more pissed about his lack of cooperation as a partner than her chair.
	Didn’t anyone understand why he didn’t want a partner?
	Walking into the establishment, he was greeted by the hostess.
	“Hello sir!”
	“Hello. May I speak with Sae-san please?” he asked.
	“Sure, let me just see you to a table.”the hostess replied with a smile leading him to a table.
	He sat and sighed.
	He might as well have some tea while he was here.
	“Good evening, may I take your order?” 
	That voice.
	He looked up to see none other than Misao, her braid pinned into a bun and she was wearing..a waitress outfit?
	“Misao...what are you doing?” 
	“Working.” she replied.
	He didn’t miss her meaning.
	She was undercover.
	“I see, and how is it going?” he asked, wondering what her progress was on the case.
	“Just fine. You?”
	“I’m waiting to talk with Sae-san.” he said.
	“Oh good. Maybe we can compare notes later on.” she said, pulling out a pad and paper.
	He shot her a look.
	“Misao...”
			“Don’t start with that partner speech. Okay, one green tea.”
	“I didn’t give you my order.”
	She gave him a look. “Aoshi-sama, what else could you possibly be ordering?”
	He didn’t reply.
	“I thought so.” she said, walking towards the kitchen. 
	Aoshi sighed.
	He was NOT happy that she had gone undercover, but, she was a detective too and it was her job.
	Maybe they SHOULD compare notes so he could keep her out of trouble.
	In the kitchen, Misao made up a cup of tea.
	Luckily for her, she had known Sae for years which made it easy for her to go undercover as a waitress.
	Only Sae knew Misao’s real identity, for Misao had suspicions that it might be an inside job. 
	“Damn Misao! You are so lucky! That guy you’re waiting on is hot!” one of the waitresses, Akane, exclaimed.
	Misao chuckled.
	“Yeah he is. I think I’m in love.” Misao replied.
	She looked down into the tea cup, her smile faltering.
	It wasn’t a lie. She WAS in love with him. Even after a ten year absence, her heart still pounded and her stomach fluttered with butterflies when she saw him.
	But right now, he was frustrating the hell out of her.
	As if she hadn’t gone through enough trying to get people to take her seriously, now the one person who’s opinion mattered seemed to think the same.
	Gripping the tea cup, she headed back to Aoshi’s table where he was talking to Sae.
	Misao set the cup down before him.
	“Thank you.” he murmured.
	“You’re welcome.” she replied.
	“As I was saying Shinomori-san, we’ve been robbed five times in the past month and no evidence can point to a suspect.”
	“I see. Are there any employees that you might suspect?” he asked.
	Sae sighed, folding her hands on the table.
	“I don’t think so. I don’t want to believe one of my employees would steal from me but...your partner seems to think otherwise.” Sae said carefully.
	Aoshi glanced at Misao.
	Misao had done a good job keeping her cover.
	Who knows who could be listening to them.
	“Shinomori-san, I apologize but I have to get back to work.”
	“Aa, I suppose I’ll consult my partner for the rest of the details. Thank you for your time.” Aoshi said, then sipped his tea as Sae excused herself.
	And looked at it.
	Misao always did make excellent tea.
	“So then, will there be anything else?” Misao asked.
	“No.” he murmured, finishing his cup quickly. “May I borrow your pen?”
	“Sure.” Misao said, handing her pen to him.
	He didn’t miss the bite marks on it.
	He scribbled something down on a piece of paper and handed it to her with his bill.
	He stood up and made his way out.
	Misao looked at the piece of paper.
	‘21 Tonde Street, apartment 510...midnight.’
	Crumbling the paper and shoving it in her pocket, she smiled.
	Watching from as dark corner, a figure frowned watching Aoshi leaving.
				****		

	Hearing the knock on his door, Aoshi opened it to see Misao standing there in the waitress uniform carrying a duffel bag.
	“Come in.” he murmured.
	“Thanks, what a warm greeting.” Misao said sarcastically as she walked in and shut the door behind her.
	She took in the modest apartment.
	Blue walls, black furniture...immaculately neat.
	‘Oh yeah, definitely what I expected.’ Misao thought as she gazed at Aoshi.
	He was dressed in dark purple sweat pants and a purple tee-shirt, which did little to hide his perfectly muscled biceps.
	‘Woah down girl. Wipe off that drool...but really it’s criminal how good-looking he is!’ 
	“Before we get down to business, I want to change out of this stupid outfit so could ya point me to a bedroom?” she asked.
	He nodded and led her to his bedroom, opening the door.
	“Thanks, Aoshi-sama.” she said.
	He looked away then spoke.
	“Why are you still calling me that?” he asked.
	“What? Aoshi-sama? I don’t know. It just felt right as a kid. I guess old habits die hard.”
	“Aa..”
	“Does it really bother you so much? Oh well.” she said flippantly, slamming the door shut between them.
	Aoshi blinked.
	Never did he expect Misao to be so...sarcastic towards him.
	It was an odd experience and he wasn’t sure what to make of this adult Misao.
	The door opened again she shut it behind her.
	Now she wore jeans and blue tee shirt that had the words ‘Cops Do it By Book’ across the chest.
	He glanced at the shirt, raising an eyebrow.
	Misao’s cheeks reddened slightly as she walked past him and plopped down onto the leather sofa.
	He followed, seating himself next to her, but keeping a slight distance between the two.
	Misao noticed this and frowned.
	‘Dammit, here were are all alone and he’s acting like I’m a total stranger! Aoshi-sama, come on!’ she thought, hanging her head.
	“Something wrong?” Aoshi asked.
	“No nothing at all. Anyway, shall we get to work?”
	“Aa.” Aoshi murmured, grabbing the Shirobeko case file off the coffee table.
	“Five incidents, all similar patterns. The total amount stolen is 350,000 yen.” 
	“Yeah. I checked out all the employees. Uesugi Eiri, book keeper. Shindou Shuuichi, host. Sanada Yukimura, waiter. Miku Akane, Meichi Yume, and Seno Arisu, waitresses. Judging from the scene of the crime I think it’s an inside job. There was little to no forced entry, and what evidence there was of one seemed..I dunno..fake.”
	“Possibly.”
	“Secondly, each time the safe was checked, it appeared to be broken into. I took a closer look. There was no damage to the internal lock. No scratches that would indicating forced entry.”	
	Aoshi looked at her, eyes widening slightly.
	Misao knew that this meant he was surprised.
	“What?” she asked, blinking.
	“Nothing, just...no one else seemed to report that in the original case file.”	
	 Misao grinned.
	“I suppose that was a compliment so thanks. Anyway, I’ve eliminated Eiri-san and Shuuichi-san as suspects. They’ve been in Okinawa scouting out locations for the Shirobeko to branch out.”
	“So that leaves Sanada, Miku, Meichi, and Seno.” Aoshi said.
	“Yeah, but..I don’t think Sanada is a suspect.”
	“Why?”
	“He...has feelings for Sae-san.”
	“So?”
	Misao scowled at Aoshi’s apparent densenes.
	“Maybe it’s me but...I couldn’t do that to someone I loved.” she said, suddenly finding the carpeting fascinating.
	Aoshi glanced at her, then remembered something.
	::Aoshi-sama! I love you!::
	After re-assuring her they’d see each other again before he returned to Tokyo to begin work, she’d said that.
	He knew he shouldn’t take it so seriously, but somehow...the words stuck there in the back of his head.
	“Maybe, but you never know what chaos can inhabit someone’s mind. Although I’m not happy about you going undercover...it has helped this case a great deal.”
	She scooted closer to him and leaned over to peer at the case file.
	Aoshi stiffened at how close she was, pressing into his side....
	“Is something wrong, Aoshi-sama, you’re tense.” she asked, her eyes glancing up to his.
	“Nothing’s wrong.” he lied.
	She was so close...so warm.
	“There’s a pattern.” he said suddenly.
	“Huh?”
	“A pattern.” he repeated. 
	“Is there?” she asked, grabbing her notepad.
	“The robberies occur on Mondays and Wednesdays.”
	“That’s when the money is going to be brought to the bank.” Misao murmured.
	“You’re right, Misao. This is an inside job. I want you to keep up your cover and be careful.”
	“I know, Aoshi-sama. You know this isn’t my first case. I may still be a rookie detective but I’m still a good cop.” she murmured, clenching her fists.
	Aoshi looked at her small frame, then grabbed a piece of paper and began folding it. 
	“Here.” 
	He placed the folded paper crane in her hand.
	“I remember you used to make these for me when I was a kid.”
	“Aa.”
	“Aoshi-sama, I’m not a child anymore.” she scowled.
	“I know.” he blurted out.
	He hadn’t intended to say that.
	“Well, I think that’s all the work we’re getting done tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow at work.” she muttered, grabbing her things and standing up.
	Aoshi was going to stand to what? Stop her?
	He stayed seated.
	“Goodnight, Misao.”
	“Goodnight, Aoshi-sama.” she murmured, walking to the door.
	She stopped for a second.
	“I know you don’t want a partner or me for one at that, but still..I’m really happy to see you again.” 
	‘And I promise no matter what, I’m going to make you smile again.’
				**************

	End of Chapter 2
	
	Oh man...this was the LONGEST chapter I’ve written in ages. ::yawns:: Seriously, I’ve been working on it for two days.
	I wanted to make this chapter mostly about the beginning of Aoshi and Misao’s partnership, and Misao’s frustration at his lack of caring.
	I explained Misao graduated from academy earlier, meaning she became an officer at around age 20. She had a hard time being taken seriously as a cop. 
	She still does, like in the series how no one seems to take her seriously as okashira.
	I hope I’m not writing them OOC. ::sweats::
	I know Misao kinda seems sarcastic towards Aoshi. Heheh..I’m trying to write her as I think she’d be at age 23. She’s little more..mature in her feelings. Although I do love how devoted she is to Aoshi-sama in the series and manga, I think as she gets older she’d probably be less..spastic about it. I don’t know. I’m tired and I have to go to work in twenty minutes. ::cries:: Hate....job....so....much....
	Ah, well. I think Misao/Aoshi are in the ackward stage right now. Of course they are in an awkward situation. 
	Poor Misao-chan, she really just wants Aoshi to accept her! Keep it up, Misao-chan! Don’t give up, Misao-chan!
	Anway...the song she’s listening to is ‘Fall’ by Fire Bomber (Kaijura Chie) off of the Macross 7 Fire Bomber: Second Fire! CD.
	The chair thing is based on the chair my ass is parked in right now. It’s on its last legs, I swear. ::BAD PUN ALERT:: :D
	The coffee thing is also based on me. My stomach can’t handle 80% of coffee. 
	Um, yes...
	Basically this chapter was more into Misao’s head.
	Next chapter’s going to delve into Aoshi’s psyche and deal more with his reasons for not wanting a partner.
	And the Shirobeko case file is resolved.
	WAI!
	Off to work!