AN: Crap it happened. I’ve become totally addicted to ‘Days of Our Lives’. Oh not for the murder mystery plot du jour. I couldn’t care less that Marlena’s gone off her rocker. But for the LUMI!!! That is, Lucas/Sami dynamic. They so addictive to watch and I admit, I think Lucas is hot and have since like 1995/96 before boys were booooyss for me. What was I then? Like 12/13. Best quote from Soap Opera Digest’s opinion column. ‘I guess they’re coma muscles?’-Carolyn Hinsey. LOL. I’m not whining. Bryan R. Dattilo is a good looking actor. Anywho, I realize this is a late update, but I’ve been bogged with work as I’m in my third year of college and getting into difficult work loads. ::sighs:: And my crap-tastical job. Oh god damnit, I have to work 1-10 on V-Day, 1-7 cashiering, then in floral. ::cries:: Oh lord, let the Salem Stalker kill Belle next, she’s suuuuuuch a whiny brat. Someone slap her. More Days rambles. Anywhooooo...I got fanart up on my page. Just five pics so far. As soon as I get the time to do more, I’ll upload. I have a pic of Misao in the school fuku with Aoshi superimposed next to her done but needs to get scanned. Anyway, I’ve been WRAPPING my brain around what’s going to happen in this chapter since I KNOW KNOW KNOW what happens from 9 on. My computer chair FINALLY broke so I’m typing on my bed and it’s kinda...hurting my side muscles. Oh well, the sacrifices for my art. ::feels back:: Hrm..my undies are like four inches above my pajama pant waistbands. Better tie the strings up! ::giggles:: Stupid stress made my mind go snappity snap! Noa-chan: More. Soon. Onegai?! dacrayZblaze1: Dude, where’s more fic? Horny Aoshi-sama!!! Hikaru: Yeah, Sex and Sashimi 11, please update soon, ne? And everyone else I reviewed. ***************** Chapter VIII: So Beautiful It’s Frightening “Ugh..ooh...where be those keys...” Misao mumbled drunkenly as she fished through her desk for her car keys, obviously intoxicated. After the incident with Aoshi she had promptly returned and engaged in a drinking contest with Sanosuke. Just one shot away from winning the alcohol got the best of her as she slipped off her stool . The few officers left working looked at her cautiously until Hiko finally sauntered out of his office scowling, for at three am it was a quite a racket. “Makimachi, what the HELL is all this racket?” he boomed, ruffing his hair. “I need keys. A car won’t start without a key. It’ll RUST!!!!!!” she yelled panicked, her frame wobbling. Hiko arched an eyebrow and looked her over and then scowled more. “Drunk, and on cheap sake to boot. Dear Lord, Makimachi if you’re going to show up here so trashed at least get drunk on better sake!” “Sowwwwyy..Hiko...Hiko..Hik..HICCUP........Hiko PIKO PIKO HIKO-CHAN!! OOOOOOOHH! Nori nori Misao-chan!!!” she began singing, then paused....and crashed forward. Hiko grabbed her and shook her petite frame. “Makimachi! Wake up! Your lack of tolerance shames me.” he said, clenching his fist dramatically as he picked her up and headed for the break room. Okon glanced over to Shiro blinking. “We really should keep video cameras around.” she murmured, returning to work. “Definitely.” Shiro agreed. ************* Aoshi awoke to the shrill sound of alarm and slammed it off. He groaned, opening his eyes and rubbing them. He blinked, recalling the night before, then buried his head in his pillow, pulling the covers over his head. “Why did that have to happen. Like that....” he murmured to himself, then swept the sheets away from him and got up. It had been foolish what she had done, kissing him because of a bet. But it was blatantly idiotic what he had done. He had kissed Misao, purposely. Passionately. And he had enjoyed it, immensely. As dumb as her actions may have been, his were just unfair. He knew she had feelings for him and he still had to go and get back at her. Since when was he that juvenile? Now he had to face her. And it made him feel uneasy, strangely uncomfortable. Was it fear? Nah, couldn’t be. With that he poured himself some tea and began reading the paper. Exactly two hours later Aoshi warily walked into the station, his eyes shifting around the room. He wondered if anyone knew about last night, Misao wouldn’t have blabbed to anyone would she? “Shinomori, you may wanna go check out the break room.” Hiko said, leaning against his door way. Aoshi furrowed his brows and proceeded to the break room where he noticed a small group standing around the couch. Everyone glanced up at him when he discreetly coughed, and went back to their business. It was then that Aoshi gaped at the scene before him. Misao passed out on the couch with ‘Do Not Cross’ police tape strewn around it. He wasn’t sure whether to frown or smirk at the sight she made. Brushing the tape aside he sat next to her and brushed her bangs out of her eyes. “Misao. Wake up.” he murmured gently, as she stirred, rubbing her eyes. “Oh god...no brakes...no brakes!!!” she groaned, then blinked, then slammed her eyes shut at the light. “Hung over?” he asked. “Sadly...” she murmured, flopping over onto her stomach then sat up slowly blinking. “Um..Aoshi-sama...what happened last night? The last thing I remember was sitting at the bar then....blur.” Aoshi opened his mouth, but no words came out. She couldn’t remember?! He didn’t like to lie to her, or to anyone really, but maybe it was best to leave matters unsaid. “Not much. You just drank a lot. I gather Sagara and Takani dropped you off here and you winded up here on the couch.” She noticed the yellow police tape and groaned again. “Hiko must’ve put me here, the tape is just his sick sense of humor.” “I suppose. Misao, you shouldn’t drink so much.” Aoshi sighed, his mind flashing back to the sake laden kiss. He was lucky he didn’t get drunk with his low tolerance. “Well...arg...I better get up and find some aspirin cause I swear, it feels like I got knives jabbing around inside my head.” she mumbled as she got up and fished through the cabinets for a bottle of aspirin. Aoshi watched her, feeling more guilty second by second but he couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth. “I’ll be doing paperwork. Take your time.” he said and walked out of the room. She watched him leave as she swallowed some aspirin and water. Brushing the water off her lips, her fingers paused as she frowned. “Aoshi-sama no baka.” she muttered, “It’s like a shoujo romance, I swear! Ugh...great. Now I keep picturing Aoshi-sama as Tamahome singing.” ************************************* Sauntering into the 27th precinct, a tall woman in tight black velvet sauntered in, her long auburn hair piled atop her head in a ponytail. She received many stares as she finally stopped before Aoshi’s desk. “Detective Shinomori?” she said, her voice practically purring. He glanced up from his paperwork for the briefest second to look at the woman now half seated on his desk, then returned to his work. “May I help you?” he asked flatly. “I have a matter that requires investigating. I’ve heard you’re the best detective in this city, so naturally I decided to come to you.” “And that would be?” he asked, shuffling his paper work and stuffing it into a file. “Aoshi-sama, do you have any eye drops?” Misao asked as she haphhazardly sat down at her desk. “Yea.” he replied, opening his desk drawer and tossing her a bottle. She caught it and then noticed the woman. “Um, who’s this?” Misao asked, eyeing the woman up and down, mentally scowling at the woman’s trampy appearance. ‘Who the HELL is this lady and why is she practically draped over Aoshi-sama’s desk!’ “Forgive me, I haven’t introduced myself! My name is Madagaria. You must be Makimachi Misao?” she murmured, glancing over Misao’s disheveled appearance. “Yes. Aoshi-sama’s PARTNER.” she said. Madagaria arched an eyebrow and shot a speculative look to Aoshi. “Aoshi..Sama? I see how it is now. Well, as I was saying, I have a matter that needs investigation. I’ve recently purchased the old Yuukage Mansion and I believe someone is trying to sabotage my plans to turn it into a night club. It’s been a general notion that the site is haunted, but I don’t believe it for a moment. I want this matter investigated and since you’re the best Shinomori-san, who better to ask?” Aoshi leaned back in his chair and adjusted his reading glasses. “File a complaint and we’ll process it and then my partner and I will decide on the next coarse of action.” he stated calmly. Madagaria scowled. “Oh right, and I WANT to go through more red tape. Well, if I must. Here’s my business number, please get back to me.” she murmured, handing him her card. Misao gritted her teeth and silently snapped the pencil in her hand. ‘BACK OFF YOU TRAMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’ her mind screamed. As Madagaria stood up to leave, she glanced over at Misao again and smirked. “As for you Makimachi-san, I’ll be sure to give you my personal number. Ciao!” she said winking at Misao and strutting off. Misao’s face went blank. “...E..Eh?” she muttered. “I believe you were just hit on, Misao.” Aoshi said flatly, removing his glasses. “Me? But she...she’s.....I thought...oh nevermind.” Misao groaned, massaging her aching temples. “I see. And do you think we should accept this case? We’re almost done with the burglar case. All we need are testimonies.” Misao frowned, and rested her head against her desk. “Ugh, I can NOT process work right now. It’s your call. “ Aoshi arched an eyebrow at her. “Then I think we should accept. That mansion seems rather interesting anyway.” Misao’s head shot up, and she groaned wishing she hadn’t reacted so fast. “My goodness, an interest? There’s a first.” she murmured. “That remark seemed quite...bitter.” he replied. Misao narrowed her eyes at him as she got up and walked over to him. Putting her hands on her hips she leaned her face towards his. “I wonder why, Aoshi-sama. I wonder why....” she trailed off then headed back to her desk. “Misao..” “Can’t talk now. Got lots of paperwork to do.” “Misao.” “Zip it.” “Mi..” “Enough.” she murmured, holding her hand out to silence him. Aoshi grumbled and went back to his paperwork. So she DID remember after all. What the hell? If she was testing him she was wearing his patience thin. He never thought he’d seen the day when she’d tell him to shut up rather than talk. He definitely liked genki Misao over pissed off Misao. **************** After being ignored by Misao for the better part of the day, Aoshi tapped his fingers against his steering as he waited for her outside her apartment. Although it had irritated him at first, he couldn’t blame her for her attitude. He had crossed the line. Kissing her, then practically denying it. She came walking out of her apartment complex now wearing black pants and a velvet-looking button up shirt. She got into the car and crossed her arms, looking out the window. “Misao, I realize you are ignoring me, but can you ignore me during personal hours. We have work to do.” He said, hoping it would break the ice. It was apparently the WRONG thing to say. “I am NOT a child, Aoshi-sama! I suppose you realize that now though! Why didn’t you mention what really happened to me when you thought I forgot?” she demanded. “Why did you deny remembering?” he countered. “I wanted to see how you’d react. I apologized for my actions, I wondered if you’d do the same.” “You want me to say sorry?” he asked blankly. “Maybe.” “But I thought....” “What? That I’d be on my knees grateful you kissed me? The only reason you even did was because you were pissed off at me. I didn’t want to be kissed for those reasons. Not for that.” she murmured, her eyes clouding at the last part. Aoshi felt like banging his head against his steering wheel at that moment. “Misao...was that your first kiss?” he asked softly. She shot him an annoyed look. “No. My first kiss was when I was twelve, or have you forgotten?” Aoshi blinked. He had almost forgotten. Before he left he had gently kissed Misao goodbye. “No. You’re right.” “And anyways, there was this one guy in the academy who kissed me after our first and last date. Wasn’t really good though. Anyway, I never had time for dating.” “And now?” he asked absent-mindedly. “Why? You asking me out?” she said, with an agitated sigh. “No, I..” “Then drop it. Ghost Central’s up ahead.” she murmured, pointing to the large gray mansion in the distance. “So it is.” “You sound like Himura.” Aoshi scowled. “Never say those words again.” ****************************** Within the dark and empty foyer of the Yuukage Mansion, a draft of wind blew rustling the sheets covering the furniture. For the briefest of moments, a violet flicker of light appeared, only to fade as Misao opened the front door. “Take my coat Jeeves? Damn this place in huge.” she murmured as they walked into the foyer. Aoshi looked around. It was dark, dusty, and cold. Oddly comfortable in a way. “Misao, it’s best to keep your voice down.” he said, studying the room. “Oh right, quiet is in, shouting is a big no no.” she muttered, rolling her eyes. Aoshi sighed, ignoring Misao’s sarcasm as he looked for a light switch. He found one to his left and turned the switch. Nothing. “I guess when God said ‘let there be light’ this place ignored him.” Misao mumbled, as she looked through her bag. “Luckily like a good ninja, I came prepared.” Holding out her hand triumphantly she held a small blue flashlight. Aoshi blinked. ‘Flashlight...didn’t think of that.’ he thought to himself. Misao made her way through the rooms, with Aoshi silently following her. He seemed perfectly content to let her be the dominant one for a change. She got a feeling it was to appease her annoyance with him. ‘Oh hoho, it’ll take a lot more than you letting me be in charge for a change to get me happy!’ her mind growled. It hadn’t just been the kiss. Or his reasons. It was the aftermath. When he left, driving off, she wasn’t just confused, or pissed...she was frustrated. VERY frustrated. ‘How can such a seemingly emotionless guy kiss so damn well and just LEAVE!!!’ “Misao?” Aoshi’s voice broke through her thoughts. “What?” she asked tartly, spinning to face him. She noticed he was glancing around the room, particularly at the paintings. “This place. Do you happen to know any of its history?” Aoshi asked. Misao blinked. “No, when I called City Hall they said the records had been shipped to Tokyo since the last of the Yuukage family had moved there back in 1934. Why do you ask?” “I think it might be of help to learn as much of this place as we could.” he replied. “Well, I think I’ve got an idea then.” she murmured, then pulled out her cell phone. “Yo, Rooster, it’s Misao...no..NO WE DID NOT YOU FREAKIN PERV! Shut up...anywho, I need a little favor. Go to city hall over there and find out EVERYTHING you can about a place called the Yuukage Mansion. ....I’m sure you’ll charm the desk clerk or what not. We’ll talk about that later. Okay, oh and Sano? Be quick about it.” Hanging up her phone, she sighed. “I owe Sano big now. He was supposed to be spending some...ahem...quality time with Megumi-san today.” she explained as she looked at the paintings on the wall. They were old, probably a century or two. Members of the Yuukage clan. Her study of them stopped on one particular painting. A young woman who looked to be Misao’s age with long black hair and large green eyes caught her attention. The girl was wearing a lavender kimono and smiling softly. She looked down at the characters written in the corner. “Yuukage Izumi.” she murmured. For a brief second the painting’s eyes seemed to glow an eerie green, causing Misao to step back and blink. “What’s wrong, Misao?” Aoshi asked, appearing at her side. “Nothing. I just got something in my eye.” she murmured. Before she could move her hand to rub her eyes, Aoshi’s fingers traced her chin and tilted her face upwards as he moved his face closer to hers. “A..Aoshi-sama..” she whispered breathlessly. His features looked studious. “It must have been an eyelash.” he murmured, then backed away. “Ehhh?” “Your eye.” Misao sweat dropped at her foolishness. “Oh right! I guess it was an eyelash!” she said, laughing nervously, while inwardly grimacing. ‘Damnit!!! I should of kissed him!!!’ ********************** Four hours later...... Being alone with Aoshi in a big, dark mansion was beginning to have its up side. At least that was what Misao began to think as it seemed Aoshi was rather intent on not leaving her side. She rationalized it was because he probably thought she’d be afraid or find herself in danger. Whatever got him through the night, she decided. Far be it from her not to play along?! “Oh Aoshi-sama, this is a little creepy.” she murmured, clutching at his arm. She was being melodramatic, but one thing she could rely on... “It’ll be okay Misao.” he murmured, resting his hand on hers. Inside she smirked. ‘Like putty in Misao-sama’s hands! Ohohohohohohohohohohohohohoho!!!!!’ Her mischievous thoughts were interrupted by a ringing. “Oh! Hello? Sano my boy!” she grinned, answering her phone. Aoshi glanced at her while she paced the room talking. ‘Scared. Right. And I’m the Queen of England.’ His mind suddenly produced an image of Kamatari sipping tea and waving the British flag. ‘Now that’s creepy.’ he thought. “Okay, so back in the Meiji, the Yuukage clan was alive and kicking. They were one of the most prominent families in Kyoto. The head of the family was an ex-Shinsengumi. They had two sons and daughter, Izumi. When the Christians came over, Yuukage liked them so much he decided to convert his family, but Izumi refused. There was some scandal that she had fallen in love with a lowly monk named Shin. Then there was a bizarre fire and all of the Yuukage were killed except for the youngest son, Kagami. What’s even more odd is that the bodies of Izumi and Shin were originally reported to have been found, but then the bodies vanished.” Aoshi let the information sink in. “So maybe there is some merit to this place being haunted. Restless spirits can be quite noisy.” “So you think this place may actually be haunted?” “The fire wasn’t an accident. I have a feeling it was intentional.” “Hmm..Sano also mentioned that there was speculation that the head of the family had gone mad and started the fire out of shame over his daughter.” “I figured.” “Hmm, well if that’s the case then...” she trailed off as she walked back out to the living room. “Misao?” Aoshi asked as he followed her. “HEY GHOSTS! SPIRITS WHATEVER! YOU THERE?! Why don’t we skip the whole imminent haunting crap and cut to the chase? Come out come out wherever you areeeeeeeeee!!” she yelled. Aoshi silently groaned at her antics. Until a strong gust of wind blew through the room and into the hall way. Misao’s eyes widened and she gasped. “I didn’t...really think anything would happen.” “Come on.” Aoshi said, leading her by her elbow towards where the wind blew. Misao couldn’t help but shiver as the air turned colder. It was like she could FEEL an energy in the air. They stopped in front of a large door as a wind blew again, sounding like a voice. Aoshi turned the knob. And frowned. “It’s locked.” Misao shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Amateur.” Reaching into her hair she pulled out a pin and began to work on the lock and a few seconds later the knob turned. Aoshi arched an eyebrow. “You can pick locks?” “Of course. I’m just a modern-day onmitsu kunoichi, wouldn’t you say Okashira?” she teased. Aoshi gave her a deadpan stare. She could joke all she wanted, but Aoshi knew Misao was more than happy to return the Okashira title back to him. He truly was the only one who could put up with the mass insanity of the members of the Oniwabanshuu. Opening the door, they walked inside the room. It was an average sized room, and from the furniture it was obviously a bedroom. What was not average was that the room was in perfect condition, no dust nor wear. Misao looked around, exhaling loudly. “Scared for real now?” Aoshi asked. Misao’s mouth gaped. “You KNEW I was pretending?” “Of course.” “And you went along with it.” “Yes.” “Why?” He didn’t respond, but simply smirked. “Wrong time to tap into that rare sense of humor, Aoshi-sama.” Misao growled. And then she felt it. Lurching forward as shivers wracked her small frame she gasped. Aoshi ran to her side worried as he grabbed her before she fell forward. “Misao! Are you all right?” He felt her arms slip around his waist as she buried her head into his chest. “So warm...so strong. Tell me, do you like me?” she murmured, her voice taking on a strange tone. Before he could respond her arms moved to wrap around his neck as she pressed her lips to his. He stiffened his her embrace immediately and pulled away to stare into her face. Green eyes peered angrily back at him. “Who are you?” he asked, his features darkening. Misao smiled. “Does it matter? This body wants you. I can hear this girl’s thoughts. She yearns for you....” Aoshi’s eyes narrowed. “Yuukage Izumi.” Izumi in Misao’s body laughed. “Very smart. You’ll do quite nicely.” And then Misao’s frame shook again and she blinked. And when she opened her eyes, a pair of confused sea foam blue eyes were gazing at him. “What the hell just happened?!” she asked. “You were possessed.” Her eyes widened. “I guess I shouldn’t have provoked the ghosts.” “Probably not.” he murmured, but inwardly was very relieved that Misao was okay. “I’m charging that stupid tramp for this. She needs an exorcist not cops.” Misao grumbled crossing her arms. “I agree. This is not our field of work.” he said. “Well then let’s get out of here before something possesses me again. By the way, what possessed me and what did they do?” “It was Izumi. She didn’t do much.” Misao shot him a speculative look. “Clamming up faster than chowder! There was some kissing wasn’t there!” she exclaimed, her eyes flashing. Aoshi was taken aback. He wasn’t aware of just how observant Misao was, and sorely underestimated her powers of deduction. “It was nothing. She kissed me for a moment, but I pushed her away.” Misao’s teeth gritted. “Freaking ghost. She’s lucky she’s already dead!” “Are you jealous?” he asked seriously. “Of a ghost? Hardly.” “You seemed jealous of Madagaria as well.” “Yes well....I hardly think you’re her type.” “No she seems to fancy you.” Misao glared at him. “Never mention that again.” she grumbled as she walked to the door to leave. And stopped. “What the?” she looked at the knob. “What’s wrong?” “It won’t open.” she said, pulling her hair pin back out and worked on the lock. Five minutes later she gave up when the pin snapped. “Well good news or bad?” she asked. “We’re stuck.” “Yes, but at least I have my phone.” she said with a forced smile as she took out her phone. Which promptly flew out of her hand and onto the floor and into pieces. “Oh! Oh you dirty little.......” she grumbled. She knelt on the floor to pick up the pieces of her now deceased cell phone. “My poor phone, even through all my abuse you still worked.” “Forget about it.” Misao gasped slightly feeling his arms wrap around her. “Aoshi-sama?” He nuzzled her neck with his lips. “I want to be with you...” he murmured into her ear. Misao closed her eyes, feeling them water. “Rin pyou tou sha kai jin retsu sai zen...Akuryou taisan!!!” She yelled, slamming a parchment onto his forehead. Aoshi scowled, and pushed her away, clawing at the parchment. Flashing violet eyes glared at her as a shadow moved out of Aoshi and formed into a man. Aoshi’s eyes closed as he slumped forward. “Aoshi-sama!” Misao cried out alarmed. “An anti-evil curse? You never mentioned she was a miko, Izumi.” A blur of violet appeared and morphed into the form of a woman. “She is not one, Shin.” her ghostly voice murmured. “Living Dead Girl’s right. I’m not a miko, but I did learn some things here and there in Osaka.” Misao said, her eyes narrowing. “Oh, she’s feisty. I like her.” Izumi murmured. “Agreed. Although this guy’s got a whirlpool of issues.” “Oh?” Izumi asked. “Yes. Emotional repression.” “No wonder he didn’t respond.” Misao watched the two entities and could only do one thing. Sweat drop. “U..um....why exactly are you two haunting this place?” she asked, slowly creeping over to Aoshi, who was slowly coming to. Izumi and Shin glanced at Misao. “Because that harlot disturbed our rest.” “Ah, Madagaria.” Misao murmured. “This is where we met, where we loved, where we were murdered. That woman bares icons of Christianity, icons of something my father tried to force upon me. It was why he could not accept my love for Shin, a lowly Buddhist monk in his eyes.” “Um, I really don’t think Madagaria is a paragon of Christian values. She probably thought they looked gothic or something.” “Gothic?” Shin questioned. “Misao..” Aoshi murmured weakly, opening his eyes. “It’s okay, Aoshi-sama. We appear to be in the company of semi-friendly ghosts.” He looked up and saw the two spirits. “I see.” “So you two are haunting the place and causing trouble for Madagaria? While I myself don’t like the woman either, she does own this property now. And besides, you two must have had an uneasy rest to be awoken by her.” Misao commented. The two ghosts exchanged glances. “We are bound to this house. We could not move on to the next incarnation for we died such bitter deaths.” Shin explained. “No matter the circumstances, you still died together. Can you not be happy in death together?” Aoshi murmured, standing up. “Aoshi-sama...” Misao murmured. He was reminiscing of them. Hyottoko, Beshimi, Shikijou, and Hannya. “The circumstances of your death were a tragedy, this is true, but at least you are together. For myself, I cannot join those four in death and yet I spent a long time wandering as if I was dead. I live, with their memories in my heart. It would be worse for you had only one of you died.” he said, his voice wavering slightly. “That’s right. It was cruel and unfair for you to die, but can you not let of this place and move on? You’re both angry. You cannot let go of the anger. You’re together now! Most people in life can’t be with their loved ones. So please, let go.” Misao murmured, unable to stop the tears that fell from her face. The two spirits looked at Aoshi and Misao, surprised expressions. “I never...thought of that.” Izumi murmured, glancing at Shin. “I couldn’t forget it, the image of you dying, Izumi. It filled my heart with so much bitterness.” “Shin. They’re right. We’ve been clinging onto the past for so long. All I wanted, in life was to be with you and when we are all I can think is bitter thoughts.” Izumi murmured, then glanced at Misao with a small smile. “Misao-san, Aoshi-san, thank you.” she murmured. “Uh...you’re welcome.” Misao murmured. “Yes, oh and Misao-san, don’t give up. It’s not one-sided.” Shin murmured. Misao blinked, then understood. “Thank you.” she murmured. Izumi and Shin looked at each other, green meeting violet as Shin gently took hold of Izumi’s pale hand. “Let’s go, Izumi.” “Yes, my love.” she murmured. A soft glow filled the room and then faded, leaving only Aoshi and Misao present. Misao blinked and took a deep breath. “Oh my God!! Ghosts. Real ghosts...” she said, pacing. Aoshi closed his eyes. She had been putting on a brave front, hiding how scared she really was. As tough as she was, he remembered in her youth that she always did scare easily at the prospect of ghosts. He used to read to her until she finally fell back to sleep. “Let’s go, Misao.” Aoshi murmured, taking her hand. She looked down at their hands and nodded. “Okay.” *********************** “It wasn’t a hoax?! Oh my!!!!” Madagaria exclaimed, her jade eyes wide. They stood outside the gates of the mansion. Misao fought the urge to roll her eyes. “Yes, but they’ve moved on. Not to be cliched but, this house is clear.” Misao said, then began to nibble on her thumbnail. “I see. Well then, I suppose it’s a job well done, Makimachi-san, Shinomori-san.” Madagaria murmured, then took Misao’s hand, pulling it away from her mouth. “Ah, Makimachi-san, don’t ruin such pretty nails.” Madagaria murmured, stroking Misao’s hand. Misao tensed and snatched her hand away. “Riiight.” she murmured. Madagaria pouted slightly, then turned to walk away. Halfway to her car she turned. “Oh, Makimachi-san, you’re friends with Sagara Sanosuke right?” “Uh yeahhh...” Madagaria smiled. “Hmm, tell him Sayo says hello. Good night, detectives.” Misao blinked and looked at Aoshi. “I think we should stick to our assigned cased from now on.” she muttered. He looked down at her and nodded. “I agree.” “Aoshi-sama?” she asked, gazing up into his ice blue eyes. “What is it?” he asked. She was gazing at him so intensely he almost shivered. “You wanted to die, that time with the others?” He wouldn’t lie in his answer. Not to her. “Yes.” he murmured softly. She looked away, breaking her eye contact and he could see she was growing tense. “I’m glad you’ve changed your mind.” she murmured, then walked towards his car. ‘Because if you had died, who knows what I would have done. Did you even think about that?’ she thought. ************************************** Hiko sat at the bar gazing affectionately at his beloved. “I love you, don’t you know that? At the end of the day all I can think of is you. No matter what happened I will never abandon you.” Reaching out he gently grabbed the sake bottle before him and poured himself a dish. “Ah, Hiko-sama!” Turning at the sound of his name he saw Okon approach. “Okon-san, come join me for some sake.” Hiko said, gesturing to the stool next to him. With a smile she accepted. “Ah, a personal invitation for sake from the Sake Master of Japan. I’m so honored.” she teased. He flashed her a grin and poured her a dish. “Tell me Okon-san, how is that Tamasaburo case coming along?” Okon frowned slightly. “Hiko-sama, work is the last thing on my mind right now!” she laughed. Inside her stomach was full of butterflies. From the moment she began working at the 27th precinct, she had developed a crush on Hiko, a crush that turned into love. No one understood what a beautiful and smart woman like her saw in the arrogant lush, but Okon saw in him things other couldn’t see. Despite the semi-surly attitude he did care people. She saw how he had attended to a drunken Misao and had smiled. Yes he drank, but he never seemed to get drunk. In a nutshell, she was nuts for the man. “Ok, fair enough. Tell me, do you still help out at the Aoiya?” Okon blinked surprised. “How did you know that?” “I see you there when I pass by. How is the old lech by the way?” “Okina? Still perverted and sneaky. If he could just stop scaring most of our customers we’d have more success.” Okon sighed, flipping a stray brunette lock of hair over her shoulder. “Hmm, maybe I’ll stop in one day when you’re working.” he said, smirking. Okon grinned. “I’d be happy to wait on you! The best sake we have on the house.” Hiko’s smirk widened. “How kind, Okon-san. I’ll take you up on that.” he murmured, then took a sip of sake, savoring the taste. “Oh, Misao-chan! Aoshi-san!” Okon yelled, waving to them. Hiko grinned. Entertainment with his sake. Aoshi and Misao walked over the two and Misao glanced from Hiko to Okon. “Oh? What’s going on here?” Misao asked. Okon’s cheeks reddened as she waved her hands in denial. “Nothing! I just happened to be here at the same time as Hiko-sama.” Okon blurted out, then squealed in surprised when she felt herself pulled onto his lap. “Now now, dear, no need to lie. If you two must know we were sharing some sake. You’re familiar with that, aren’t you Shinomori?” he asked, smirking. Aoshi blinked. Misao’s jaw dropped. “How..how did you?” “You mumbled quite loudly when I put you in the break room the other night.” “What are you guys talking about?” Okon asked, confused. She still wasn’t sure what Hiko was up to but hey, she was in his arms so who was she to complain? “Oh nothing, my dear. Now see Shinomori, this is what we call being affectionate. You should try it sometime. It might get you somewhere.” Hiko said, his eyes darting to Misao for a moment. Misao wasn’t sure whether to punch him or escape. She did neither as Aoshi took her hand and led her out of the bar. It was cloudy, and soon enough it began to rain. Misao shivered as the rain fell over them. They looked at each other for what seemed like forever, but really was only a few seconds. “Aoshi-sama, I’m sorry. This whole mess is my fault. If hadn’t gotten into that dumb bet with Sano.” “Misao.” he interrupted, silencing her. “I should of never kissed you like that.” “Then why did you?” she asked, her voice faltering. He looked at her, his eyes looking so startling vulnerable as the raindrops fell from his wet bangs, rolling off his lean face. “I don’t know, Misao. I don’t want to lead you on...” “Well that’s not much of a problem because honestly, Aoshi-sama, I have no idea anymore how you feel about me. I know..I know you care but I don’t know what else you feel for me. It’s so damn frustrating! Sometimes I just want to ask you, but I hold back because I’m so afraid you’ll reject me. You seem so emotionless, so cold. I know that you weren’t always that way. I’ve had enough.” she said, her fists clenching. And then she did something he wasn’t expecting. She kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing herself close to him. Before he had a chance to respond she broke it off. “I love you Aoshi-sama, but I can’t do this anymore.” she murmured. “Misao, what....” “I’m taking the week off, starting tonight. Hiko owes me the time. Look at it this way, you won’t have a partner for a while. Isn’t it what you wanted?” She looked like she was going to cry, but he knew she wouldn’t. Not in front of him. Even now she still acted brave. She turned and walked away. “Misao...” he called out. “Good night, Aoshi-sama.” she murmured, still walking and soon Aoshi was left alone in the rain. ********************************* End of Chapter 8 ::hides behind a fortress:: Don’t hurt me!! I’m sorry this was so late! I was all set to have this up a day or two ago but then I had to unexpectedly scan the compy for a virus. ::sighs:: Now BEFORE someone gets the wrong idea and flames, I have NOTHING against Christianity, I mean gee, I’m Roman Catholic after all. I’m not hating on Christianity or anything like that!! Being that Madagaria/Sayo appeared here, I had to throw the Christian thing in. Izumi and Shin don’t hate Christianity, Izumi’s father tried to force it upon her. It’s more bitterness towards her father. If you didn’t make the assumption, Izumi was Buddhist. As for the Gothic thing, yeah, I mean come on. Go into ANY Hot Topic. You will be guaranteed to find some gothic looking crosses. I actually think some of them are very pretty, but that’s my artistic nature talking. Speaking of Madagaria/Sayo. TOTALLY OOC and that’s fine cuz she’s NOT my favorite RK character! She and Sano really wouldn’t have worked out as a couple in the long run. He’s destined for the Fox Lady. And besides, Sayo wasn’t even in the manga anyway. I think. I mean come on, picture her hitting on Misao and try to not laugh. LOL Izumi and Shin are small tributes to Noa-chan, she’ll understand. The prayer Misao chants is the one Hino Rei/Sailor Mars chants. “Rin pyou tou sha kai jin retsu sai zen...Akuryou taisan!" I don't know what rin through zen means cuz it's chant words, but Akuryou Taisan basically means 'Evil Spirits Begone!' Oh and for Misao’s ranting, I KNOW EXACTLY where she is coming from and when you really love someone and they’re just so damn dense about it and unresponsive, it can get to a point where a small comment can set a girl off. I’m sure she was holding that in. Oh but fear not, dear readers, the angst won’t be permanent!!! Let’s see.....oh, I added a Links page to my webpage. OH! HYSTERICAL LINK! www.realultimatepower.net Oh to be a ninja fanboy. Oh and for those who forget, my page addy is www.geocities.com/midnightsiren182 Okay, Duet chapter 2 will be out...whenever I sit down and start it. I have mental notes for the outline of the chapter, I just gotta find time. Be patient. School+Work+Occasional Social Life=BUSY Ok..I think that’s it! LATER!