Potted Romance
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Shinomori Aoshi, renowned for never being a slacker was currently slumped into his two seater lounge while watching his girlfriend, Makimachi Misao, of 2 years and fiancée of 1 year flurry around their two bedroom apartment carting this and that from room to room.
“A little help wouldn’t go astray Aoshi.” The petite Misao (aged 23) voiced as she flicked her blue-black braided hair back over her shoulder.
“We don’t leave until noon tomorrow Misao.”
“True, but there’s much to pack. I have so many gifts to take with me I don’t know how I’ll fit them into my suitcase.”
“A suitcase? Misao, we are going for 2 days.”
“So what, a girl has necessities to take with her.”
“All you need is a toothbrush & toothpaste.”
“And what if I wanted to go out?” Misao called from the bedroom as she sat on her case while zipping it up, hoping the gifts weren’t being crushed in the process.
“Who said I’d let you out of my sights. Once we’re alone Misao, you know what happens.”
“AOSHI!” Misao squeaked, her cheeks flaming as images flashed through her mind.
“Misao…” She stopped jumping on her case then, having heard the softness within Aoshi’s voice. This meant he was currently not happy about something and it was probably a good idea for her to go out and sit down with him.
“Hm, what’s the matter?” She sat on the coffee table looking over at her 6-foot tall fiancé still lounging on the couch. He was dressed in plain black slacks and a white long sleeved shirt, this being his home clothing and yet looking very handsome in them. Dressed in clothes or unclothed, Misao really did love both situations immensely. Eyeing him quietly Misao found one ankle casually crossed over the other as his legs hung over the couch. His arms were currently folded behind his head and his green orbs were currently staring up at their cream coloured ceiling.
“Do we have to go to Kyoto tomorrow?”
“You’re kidding right?”
“I’m serious. Why must I go meet your family now? It’s already been 3 years, you’ve never asked me there before so why now?” Misao sat on the carpet floor this time, resting up on her knees as she looked down at Aoshi, one of her hands making insignificant patterns into his chest while the other held up her head as her elbow dug into his abdomen, but Aoshi was unfazed by the pressure there.
“Don’t you want to be gentlemanly and ask Jiya for my hand in marriage?” Misao observed as Aoshi’s eyes finally met hers through his jet-black bangs and then moved away again.
“I suppose…” His uncertain answer made Misao smile.
“I love you Aoshi and even if they reject your marriage proposal that won’t stop me from being with you.”
“Thank you for that vote of confidence.”
“What is this, my Aoshi has a lack of confidence! What has happened to you? Are you ill? Perhaps you haven’t had your dose of tea today.” Misao gasped in fake horror.
“Very funny.” The usually quiet 26 year old replied back and leaned up on his elbows to get a better look at Misao in her tank top and boxer shorts ensemble. It was after all well past 10pm, they’d already eaten dinner and Misao had showered by herself for once. “Though I don’t like the idea of Okina stating that we are to sleep in separate rooms while we stay there.”
“Oh please, that old geezer was just joking on the phone.” Misao observed Aoshi as he narrowed his eyes and she sighed before leaning forward and up to capture his lips in a short kiss. “They’ll get to know you in two days.” Misao softly voiced against Aoshi’s lips and then drew away from him.
“You didn’t even know me in two days Misao…and you’re the biggest busybody I know.”
“Hmph, well excuse me for wanting to know about my future husband!” Misao turned her head away from Aoshi as she sat with arms crossed over her chest.
“You didn’t know I was going to be your husband in the coming years Misao, so don’t act offended.” Aoshi watched Misao blush and he raised an eyebrow waiting for her to voice a retort.
“Actually, as soon as I saw you I boasted to whomever was in sight that I’d make you mine no matter what it took. Granted I was a little drunk, but I did mean it.” Misao listened to a chuckle break from Aoshi’s lips, his hand leaving the back of his head to cup her cheek.
“Your persistence paid off in the end.” Misao smiled happily as she nodded her head and then frowned at Aoshi once more as he spoke again. “I still don’t understand why Okina would demand us to sleep in different rooms. He does know this is the 21st century correct?”
“Jiya can be a bit of an idiot, but he’s not that dumb. Besides I can twist that old man around my little finger to do whatever I want.”
“And I can do whatever I want with you.” Misao gasped as she watched all too quickly as Aoshi sat up, moved off the couch and lay on the carpet with her smaller body pressed tightly under his own.
“A-Aoshi!”
“To think I’ll be without this for two days.” Aoshi murmured as his hand glided down the side of Misao’s body and then up again to cup one plump breast.
“Don’t be so negative!” Misao squeaked slightly beneath Aoshi’s larger form as his thumb and index finger tweaked her nipple. Misao couldn’t say anymore as she moaned into Aoshi’s mouth, his tongue forcing her lips open as he delved into her warmth. She instantly grew slack under Aoshi as this time his hand went under her top to play with her bare breast. She was after all ready for bed.
“If Okina is telling the truth, about different rooms, I will steal you away sometime in those two days to have you as I please.” Misao flushed at Aoshi’s words, knowing they were completely true in every term and broke her lips away from his neck to glance up at him through half lidded eyes.
“I know he’s joking, so you won’t need to…” Misao lost all thoughts as Aoshi’s eyes broke from her, well his entire face in fact as she felt lips suckle one of her breasts. She arched into Aoshi once again, having been in this situation many times before. It would seem that whenever Misao went out somewhere, Aoshi had some sixth sense in locating her and then doing her over wherever they were. Misao had never been in so many sexual situations before and had feared there first time as it was within the confines of her best friends bathroom. Misao had thought she’d blown it with Aoshi, being slightly drunk and leaning over a mutual friend (Sagara Sanosuke) and so she went to freshen up in the shower only to watch Aoshi storm in after her and take her by surprise.
However, as time moved on through the months and years Misao expected Aoshi to sneak up on her and ravish her within minutes, leaving her hanging several times and yet always making her swoon and crave for his touch once they reached their home. A lot of nights had been spent in bed and yet a lot of nights being out with friends or colleagues (in Aoshi’s case) had ended up in some steamy situation where Misao would nearly puncture her bottom lip as she forced herself to not moan and groan like she usually did.
This evening was no different, but being in the confines of their own apartment meant Misao was free to scream in passion as she pleased…and Aoshi wouldn’t have it any other way.
For the next half an hour Misao was resorted to moans and pants on the carpet floor. She never did place any coherent words together and in fact rode the waves of orgasmic bliss with Aoshi’s fingers thrusting in and out of her. As Misao continued to pant and sob in eternal bliss for what Aoshi was doing to her, she knew there was more to come, much more in fact. Instead of continuing his deed on their carpet, Aoshi rose, taking Misao with him and headed for their bedroom.
Within Aoshi’s arms Misao could feel his hard on against her hip as she remained in sticky underwear and sweaty boxer shorts.
It didn’t take Aoshi long to free Misao of her garments and he smirked as her hips lifted off the mattress when his lips met her overly sensitive womanhood. Misao for her part did her usual tugging of Aoshi’s hair lost between wanting him to release her of this torture and to never stop touching her.
“Oh god…” Misao moaned aloud, sweat prickling all over her skin, not too sure if she would pass out like she had done several times before.
Aoshi had finally lifted away from Misao and smirked at his work. It was definitely time to move on and so he stripped himself of his clothing and leaned over Misao, groaning lightly as he felt her legs spread wider to accommodate him between them. Aoshi instantly felt Misao’s slickness against his throbbing manhood. With one thrust he entered Misao, observing her back arch off the bed and her short nails dig into his shoulders.
As Misao panted beneath Aoshi, eyes closed and strands of hair sticking to the sides of her flushed face, her hips grinded with Aoshi’s wanting his maddeningly slow torture to speed up so she could once again orgasm.
Their lovemaking finally ended with shudders, jerks and sighs. Misao had let out an all mighty groan of Aoshi’s name, legs lifting up to wrap around his hips while Aoshi bit into her shoulder, pleasure washing over him whenever he was this intimate with Misao. After many minutes Aoshi rolled off of Misao, both of them lying above the covers and panted lightly within the confined walls of their dark bedroom. One hand rested over Aoshi’s face, chest heaving slightly and then he felt a small pressure against his abdomen. Misao’s head lay there, she curled up like a cat as she snoozed.
After many minutes of just lying awake, basking in the after glow, Aoshi slipped away from Misao to pack his belongings into a small duffle bag and then headed for the bathroom to shower. When Aoshi returned, with a fluffy towel around his waist, Misao was still in bed only now sprawled on his side and resting on her stomach. He had to take note that her skin still glowed. As Aoshi placed on some briefs and slipped into a pair of grey slacks he listened to Misao murmur his name. Rolling into bed on her side, Aoshi observed his petite fiancé turn over to snuggle against his warmer body. She always knew when he got into bed because of his heavier weight making the springs creak and also the smell of his soap and shampoo on his semi-dry hair. Aoshi placed the covers over Misao, had a sheet over himself and watched shadows play across Misao’s face before drifting off to sleep.
XxXxXxX
Patting to his butt awoke Aoshi from his slumber, as he was currently flat on his stomach and his head dug between two pillows. Turning his head to face the left side of the bed, Aoshi cracked open an eye and found a smiling Misao looking down at him. She was dressed in running shorts, sports bra and one of his work shirts with the sleeves rolled up.
“Morning!” Misao cheerily voiced and waited for Aoshi to turn over, sit up, back and head propped up with pillows against the headboard and then placed the tray with breakfast on it over his legs. “Eat up, I made it especially for you!” Misao voiced once more before pouncing out of the bedroom. It made Aoshi’s lips quirk, knowing there was no one else who’d eat fried egg on plain toast with a cup of tea except him.
Aoshi quietly ate the food in bed, knowing Misao would be displeased if he came into the living area and ate out there. She liked the idea of making him breakfast, waking him up to look over his dishevelled form and then presenting him with his usual breakfast meal that he’d liked since he was a teenager. As he ate, Aoshi listened to Misao’s humming as she potted around the kitchen, obviously making them bento for their train ride to Kyoto.
“I’m marrying a good girl.” Aoshi muttered to himself. His lips formed a small smile in the solace of the bedroom as he placed the tray onto the floor beside the bed. It appeared no matter the weather or time of day, Misao had no problems with taking care of him like a doting housewife, which strangely enough happened to be the last thing that Misao wanted to be. Aoshi himself worked full time, Monday to Friday and sometimes on a Saturday at Tokyo Private High School while Misao was on her last year at Studying at Toudai desperately wanting her Business Degree. In the not too distant future Misao wanted to open up her own business and how ironic that she had wanted to open up a traditional Tea Ceremony Shrine ever since she was 6 years old. It appeared to Aoshi that Misao was showing him she could be independent, perhaps run a business and also be his wife. Of course it would have to work both ways, Misao not always being the one to dote all over him, but Aoshi knew this was one of the many things he loved about Misao. She was outspoken and nothing would get in her way of gaining her dreams.
“Misao…?” Aoshi called out and watched Misao enter the room. There was always a glow on her face, a light in her eyes and a smile on her lips whenever she looked upon him.
“Hmm?” Misao muttered back as she sat on the edge of the bed next to Aoshi. She melted instantly when his larger hands cupped her face, drawing her lips to his for a sweet kiss.
“Thank you…” He murmured against them and listened to Misao sigh as she draped her arms around his shoulders to hug him. Aoshi wasn’t the most expressive man (sex aside) and these moments she always treasured. The ‘thank you’ wasn’t for anything specific and in fact was for everything that had happened between them ever since they met. Aoshi was hard to read, but Misao had gotten pretty damn good at it.
XxXxXxX
Aoshi sat with Misao beside him travelling on the Bullet Train to Kyoto. The journey was uneventful, Misao supplying the food and then they remained in quiet solitude. Misao had the window seat and looked outside as the scenery went rushing by while Aoshi read.
To many, one would have thought of them as possibly friends or relatives until they took note of Misao’s wedding ring finger and the simple fact her right arm was on Aoshi’s thigh with one of his covering it.
XxXxXxX
Misao and Aoshi made their way to the Aoiya – Misao’s old home and a flourishing restaurant business her grandfather had kept in the family since the 19th century. The two of them had entered the property only Aoshi was pulled from the restaurant business area, which looked closed to him and found the both of them standing on a porch looking at a closed shoji. The Aoiya was very traditional besides the renovation Misao had told him about with regards to plumbing, electricity and of course the kitchen area.
“Hello, I’m here!” Misao yelled out as she slid open the shoji to look into the foyer and hallway area of the two-story residence behind the restaurant. Her left hand was still clutched inside Aoshi’s, he not wanting her to leave his side. It appeared there was shyness within her man and she absolutely loved it to pieces. This was an adorable side to Aoshi, which was never touched upon very often.
Aoshi did nothing but watch Misao as her eyes watered once he found 5 people standing in the foyer and looking silently over at them.
“Everybody this is…”
“Good afternoon, I am Shinomori Aoshi.” Aoshi had interrupted Misao, bowing politely like the gentleman he could be before lifting himself up to his normal height and still found 5 pairs of eyes looking right at him.
“Ah, Misao-chaaaaaaan!” One of the brunette’s had excitedly yelled, snapping out of her daze and rushed over to hug Misao before passing her off to the other brunette and then the two younger men in the foyer. Aoshi knew that the old man was Okina, but it seemed he would not move from his place in the foyer.
“JIYA TADAIMA!” Misao yelled, hand dropping from Aoshi’s as she ran over and barrelled into the old man like a young girl. Aoshi observed him smile as his arms wrapped around the ever-energetic Misao and instantly he knew this elderly man was very protective of her even if they were only grandfather and granddaughter by paper and not blood.
“Aoshi this is my family!” Misao chirped back as she finally let go of Okina and then pointed to each and every one of them. As she did this Aoshi gave a small silent nod of his head acknowledging each one of them.
“Kuro, please show Shinomori-san to his sleeping quarters and Omasu you will do the same for Misao-chan.” The Aoiya residents fell quiet at this news.
“Jiya, you can’t be serious!” Misao annoyingly voiced before catching the scrunched eyes and tight lips of her grandfather.
“Since you are residing in the Aoiya you will therefore respect my wishes.” And with that the old man wondered off, Shiro rushing after him knowing he was going to sit down in the private eating area and wanted to be served tea.
As Aoshi and Misao went upstairs, he remained quiet while Misao chatted up a storm with Omasu and Okon. Once they reached the top they were broken apart, Aoshi’s eyes lingering on Misao and catching her gaze instantly as he was walking off after Kuro. She caught herself from shuddering knowing that look instantly. Aoshi was unhappy about being away from her, which meant he was going to get even…and not with her grandfather.
XxXxXxX
Once the two of them had settled into their respected rooms, they headed downstairs with Kuro, Omasu and Okon towards the eating room where they would join Okina and Shiro. Omasu slid the door across and the usual occupants within the Aoiya took their respected seats. Two were left…and they weren’t positioned next to one another…or even across from each other. Aoshi hid his frown. He was motioned to sit at the opposite head of the low table from Okina while Misao sat beside her grandfather and placed the gifts from Tokyo onto the table. A cup of tea was handed to Aoshi and he quietly thanked Okon for it. Perhaps this would calm him down some.
“So Shinomori-san, where are you originally from?” Omasu decided to open the conversation to Aoshi as ten minutes had flown by and he’d done nothing but sip quietly at his tea.
“There is no need to be formal with me, it’s Aoshi…and I’m originally from Kyoto.”
“Do you have family here?”
“No, my parents have long since passed away and when that happened I was sent to live with my father’s parents, uncle and his fiancé in Tokyo.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Omasu and Okon simultaneously replied back.
“There is no need, I grew up in a happy environment.”
“But you seem so…quiet…reserved even.”
“Okon, that’s enough!” Misao snapped back, stopping her lively conversation with Okina. Aoshi’s eyes roamed to Okon who had placed her hands over her mouth. “Aoshi will voice something when he sees fit. It has nothing to do with his childhood upbringing. His grandparents, uncle and aunt are extremely loving people.”
“I meant no disrespect.”
“It is quite alright. Misao tends to defend my quietness often because others don’t understand the personality I have like she does.”
“What personality is that, may I ask Aoshi-san?” Green eyes lifted to reach Okina’s to find him sitting up prominently with a wide-eyed Misao beside him. It appeared she had been taken aback by her grandfather’s behaviour.
“My upbringing wasn’t strict, but I knew I had rules to coincide with. Generally I was a quiet child, reserved as Okon-san stated and I still am unless I am around those that I truly know. I speak when I feel I have something to say and I’m always listening to everything being spoken. If you have any doubts about me, please ask any questions you wish, I will not lie to Misao’s family. I do however believe fully that I am a man to be trusted with Misao and I will provide for the both of us and any children she wishes to have with me in the future.”
“A-Aoshi…” Misao murmured, a happy glow in her eyes and a flush on her cheeks. He’d never been truly outspoken, but it appeared that Aoshi was determined to let Okina secretly know that he did love her with all his heart.
“How romantic…” Omasu muttered and Aoshi went back to sipping his tea.
“Shall we take a walk Aoshi-san?”
“I’d be honoured.” Aoshi curtly replied as he and Okina stood up and left the eating area. Before Okina closed the shoji, his eyes looked back at his family and he made a request.
“Don’t you think it’s about time to open for the dinner rush?” Aoshi and Okina headed down the hallway as a flurry of noise erupted within the Aoiya.
Xx Outside – In Okina’s Garden xX
“Every generation, flowers have been planted in this very garden. This bloom here, I planted when I was but Misao’s age. To think it will remain the last flower to bloom at the Aoiya.”
“That will never happen.”
“You sound so sure of yourself Aoshi-san.”
“That’s because I am. Misao would never allow anything so precious to die while she lives. Though there is no blood relation between you, you are Misao’s most important person.” Aoshi could have sworn there was a smile on Okina’s face as they walked through his garden. The pebbles crunched underneath their shoes as red, purple, yellow, white and pink flowers shone brightly against the garden lights. The two of them finally stopped and Okina took a small rest on a stone bench overlooking the fishpond and fountain.
“Okina-san, I wish to marry your granddaughter.”
“You certainly don’t beat around the bush.”
“I don’t believe I should. You have seen the ring on her finger, Misao has accepted my proposal but she wants your approval of me…and more importantly…I want your approval of me to marry your granddaughter as well.”
“Prove to me over the next two days that you are worthy of my granddaughter and I’ll decide on the night before you leave to head back to Tokyo.” Though Aoshi wasn’t too sure of how he was suppose to prove himself (since confessing loudly wasn’t his forte) he did nothing but nod his head in agreement. Aoshi bowed before Okina and took his leave as he headed back to the Aoiya letting the elderly man reminisce.
Xx Aoiya – Restaurant xX
Aoshi entered the restaurant through the kitchen and found Shiro and Kuro cooking up a storm. Through the opened window area Aoshi could see not only Omasu and Okon bustling about, but Misao too was dressed in kimono attire and waiting on customers. There were several that knew her, complimented her and then ordered their drinks and food. As Aoshi quietly stood there, he knew the Aoiya was a very popular place indeed. This was afterall a family orientated business and catered for everyone’s needs as well as being very open and friendly, this fact as Misao giggled up a storm with several females over her engagement ring as she showed it off to them.
As Aoshi’s eyes looked through the window at Misao, Omasu who slipped inside the kitchen area via the shoji tapped him on the shoulder to break him from his stare.
“Misao-chan said she left a gift upstairs for you.” That was all that was spoken and Aoshi left as quietly as he entered and headed upstairs.
Once inside the room he found a wrapped package sitting on the single bed made up for him in the relatively spacious quarters. Opening it up Aoshi found traditional wear inside and finally knew why Misao had taken his measurements months ago. It was black and purple in colouring and looked very much like it could be worn in the 18th or 19th Century. With very little effort Aoshi was dressed in hakama, short yukata style top (which parted open to show a portion of his chest) and a haori overlay. He slipped into small white socks and then into a pair of flip-flops much like samurai wore back in the day.
Making his way downstairs, his hands folded into the opposite sleeves of the yukata and haori Aoshi slid the door across with his foot and closed it just the same.
“Oh my…Aoshi-san!” Omasu spoke with surprise in her voice as she had come back inside with an order to give to Shiro and Kuro and found him looking very refined in his attire. “Um, would you mind doing us a favour?”
“You would like me to help correct?”
“I’m sorry, it seems rude of us to ask, but we are extremely busy and…”
“There is no need to explain yourself. I have had previous experience like this within my grandparents restaurant so I know what to do.”
“Thank you so much!” Omasu bowed to him before hurrying out of the kitchen.
“You’ll be needing these.” Kuro came up to Aoshi with a black apron that he could tie around his waist with a pocket in the front containing an ordering book, pen and a slip of paper with specials on it.
Aoshi headed out, noticing a group of women were waiting to be seated at the door and casually walked towards them. As he did so, Aoshi could feel the eyes of many women in the restaurant stop their conversations to take a peek at him, having never seen him here before. Once he stood at the main foyer of the restaurant entrance Aoshi bowed politely and then greeted the Aoiya’s customers.
“Good evening ladies, a table for 6?”
“Y-Yes…” A pretty redhead (dyed of course) voiced back while her friends gawked and blushed at him. Placing out his hand Aoshi allowed the women to head for a table in the corner first and then pulled out their chairs for them.
“I’ll be back for your drink order in one moment.” Aoshi voiced as he decided to head for another table, noticing a family of three who hadn’t ordered any drinks yet and lightly “bumped” into Misao.
“You look very nice Aoshi.”
“Thank you for the gift. At least I know why you measured me now.” Misao let off a small laugh before squeezing his hand and then she headed off to get her customers drinks.
XxXxXxX
As time slipped by no one had noticed Okina pop back inside until his laughter bellowed through the restaurant as he tried picking up the group of girls Aoshi had seated 2 hours ago. Misao’s eyebrows scrunched together as her adoptive grandfather had not changed at all.
“Ji~ya, step away from the customers…” Misao lightly fumed and pulled the old man away from the cackling young women (whom were slightly tipsy) and pushed him out of the restaurant.
“You’ll scare everyone away if you keep doing that. Haven’t you learnt anything?”
“Mou, Misao-chan you are no fun anymore. What has that man done to you?” If one could see it, a vein would be throbbing at Misao’s head.
“He taught me to have some discipline when necessary and besides Jiya, you are old enough to be there grandfather’s!” She pushed the elder into the kitchen, to make him leave without anymore customer incidents. As the arguing duo stood in the kitchen, they both eyed Aoshi who happened to be tasting one of Shiro’s new desserts.
“Perhaps cinnamon is what is missing.” They listened to him voice and Shiro and Kuro turned to each other before happily nodding their heads.
“He seems to know what he’s talking about.” Okina voiced thoughtfully as he watched Aoshi work with Shiro and Kuro telling them a few things about herbs and what went best with what types of foods…in case they already didn’t know.
“Well Aoshi’s grandparents do own a very popular restaurant in Tokyo. Not only did he excel in Mathematics and English and teaches both those subjects at one of the prestigious private high school’s, he also studied horticulture.”
“I see…”
“Jiya, what are you up to? What did you and Aoshi talk about in the garden?”
“If I don’t tell you, would you go crawling to Aoshi-san.” Okina had only been playing, but was surprised when Misao huffed and then glanced back over at Aoshi.
“Unfortunately since it was only a conversation between yourself and Aoshi, he would never tell me the details unless you gave him approval to do so.” Misao glanced back at Okina and noticed the smirk on his face. “And I gather you won’t allow that right?”
“Exactly… Now back to work with you Misao-chan.”
“Mou, I came here for a break, not to work!” Misao fumed, but was pushed back into the restaurant and straight to a table with young gentleman waving her over. Okina had noticed this and felt compelled to let Aoshi know.
“Aoshi-san, those customers have taken a liking to Misao-chan.” Green orbs followed Okina’s line of sight and Aoshi took in a young man, who looked like he’d had enough to drink getting fresh with Misao.
“I trust her and Misao can look after herself.”
“You would not interfere?”
“Of course not, Misao would smack me if I did. She is not helpless. I know you know she used to do martial arts in high school, therefore I see no need to interfere.” With that Aoshi picked up his tray filled with desserts and headed back into the restaurant.
XxXxXxX
“I’m tired…” Misao grumbled out as she just finished sweeping the floor of the now closed Aoiya. She slumped against the mop she had been using and felt a hand against her back, looking up into the concerned eyes of Aoshi.
“You should get some rest Misao, I can finish up for you.” Misao smiled happily at Aoshi, kissed him softly on the lips and headed off and upstairs to her bedroom. When they had closed up, Okon had rushed around saying she had to be somewhere and that is when Misao had found out they Okon no longer lived at the Aoiya. She lived up in the mountains with her potter lover. Misao instantly knew whom it was, the famous Hiko Seijiro who would never confess to having someone at his side and yet Okon didn’t seem to mind that. She rushed off into the night with some leftovers and a bottle of sake. No one knew how she got up the mountain, but she reassured them all that she wouldn’t be walking alone, which obviously meant Hiko would be waiting for her…somewhere.
As Aoshi placed the mop against the side of the shoji he went outside and poured tipped the bucket filled with dirty water onto some rocks. Stepping back inside, closing and locking the shoji Aoshi was greeted once again by Okina, whom he thought had already retired for the evening like Misao, Omasu, Shiro and Kuro.
“You will respect my wishes won’t you Aoshi-san?”
“Of course.” Aoshi instantly replied and bowed before Okina and then placed the mop and bucket into a storage cupboard for future use.
Moving up the stairs on stealthy feet, Aoshi watched a fresh Omasu enter the same room Misao had been allocated and listen to their not so quiet whispers and giggles. He did not want to know what they were talking about and instead headed off to his room, which already had a night-light shining from under the door. Perhaps they thought he would instantly forget where he was sleeping? Aoshi removed himself of the traditional wear, which he had no idea how Misao paid for it since she rarely worked – wishing to concentrate harder on her final studies – and stepped into a pair of black slacks and grey long sleeved shirt. Lying down on the single bed Aoshi turned his head to the left, fully showing a frown on his lips now as Misao wasn’t beside him.
The night drew on, with Aoshi having one of the most restless sleeps he would ever have. All he could think about was his “cat-like” Misao not beside him and curled into his larger and warmer body.
Xx The Next Day xX
Having just come from the outside bathroom, which had been renovated with good plumbing, Aoshi slid the shoji shut refreshed for the day even if he didn’t feel it.
He had become so used to Misao sleeping at his side that she would wake him up either with a caress to his face, a ruffle of his hair or like before, patting his rear end. It was the typical Misao way and it affected Aoshi more so then he realised as he jolted awake from a crashing sound happening downstairs. He’d not gone to investigate and instead headed to the bathhouse, washed up and dressed in a formal suit consisting of black pants, black long sleeved shirt and a satin blue tie.
Once he stepped into the restaurant side of things, which wouldn’t be open for lunch for at least another hour or two, Aoshi watched everyone stop what they were doing (which was setting up the Aoiya) and turn to gaze at him.
“Aoshi, is everything okay?” Misao was the first to voice, she wearing a pair of jeans, a tank top and was pottering around with fluffy blue slippers.
“Yes… I hope that everyone could excuse my absence as I wish to pay my respects to my parents.”
“Would you like me to come?” Misao chewed on her lip, Aoshi not voicing much about his parents to her, except that they died when he was a child. She hadn’t pried, even though Misao’s really wanted to know about it. It seemed a genuinely difficult topic for Aoshi to discuss and therefore she left it alone.
“No, it’s quite alright. You stay and continue to catch up with your family.” Aoshi softly remarked, his hand cupping Misao cheek for a fleeting moment before he dropped it to his side and headed out the shoji, placing on his shoes and lacing them up. Misao watched him walk to the stonewall fence, pass through the wooden gate and turn right to walk down the footpath.
“Misao-chan we can take care of this, he needs you with him.”
“I know…” Misao muttered and raced upstairs to throw off her clothing and slip into a lavender skirt and a white button down shirt, which fell at her hips. She yanked at the tie holding her hair in place and then rushed downstairs once more, flying passed Okina and out the door with a pair of slip on white shoes on her feet.
“Where is Misao-chan going?”
“Aoshi-san has gone to pay his respects to his parents, but never voiced for Misao to go with him, knowing she hasn’t seen us for three years so told her to stay here with us.” Shiro piped up from the shoji at the kitchen.
“I told her that Aoshi needed her even if he didn’t voice it and so she ran off after him.” Omasu decided to comment as well and they all went back to work while Okina stared out the door watching Misao move away from his line of sight.
XxXxXxX
“Aoshi, wait up!” Misao yelled in a not so lady like manner and watched her gorgeous looking fiance stop and turn around to look back at her. A gust of win blew through the street, bellowing his tie over his shoulder and ruffling up his damp bangs.
“I want to come with you.” Misao openly confessed to him and placed his tie back into its rightful position before smoothing out his shirt and fixing up the collar a little. She couldn’t help but touch him. When Misao gazed up at Aoshi, she found a rare softness within his eyes (which was usually reserved for more intimate moments) and took his out stretched hand and quietly walked beside him as he headed for a busier Kyoto street to hail a taxi.
Xx The Cemetery xX
Misao stood behind Aoshi as he offered food, wine and incense to the large head stone. He finished up his preys and stood back up on his feet, taking Misao’s hand and walking off.
“Is it hard…to come visit them?”
“It was when I was younger, when I’d travel back here with my grandparents once a year. My grandmother would always break down and cry and I felt so guilty that I couldn’t do anything to stop their car accident from occurring.”
“Aoshi…”
“That is the past though.” Aoshi looked down at Misao, noticing her eyes had dewed over. She was, after all, very emotional and just before tears broke from her eyes, he cupped her face and pressed his lips to hers. Softly breaking away Aoshi confessed once more. “They would have loved you.”
“R-Really?”
“Mm, my mother always wanted a daughter. I remember her making me promise to marry a girl who would light up my entire world.”
“And what was your response to that?”
“A typical 6 year olds. Girls (my mother excluded though) were full of cooties and I wasn’t going near any of them. In the end she got me to consent to that promise by buying me a tub of cookie ice cream.” Misao burst into fits of laughter at that.
“Kawaii! I wish I could have seen you at six years old. I bet you were super cute!”
“The next time we are at my grandparents, you can ask them about the several photo albums they keep stashed around the house.”
“You will allow me to look at them?”
“Would I be able to stop you from looking at them?” Aoshi listened to Misao giggle once more before he gave into a slight desire and leaned down to hug Misao close. He couldn’t help it. It would be just this one time…so in the open for anyone to see…even though no one was about as they were still standing in front of the cemetery gates.
“Eh, Aoshi, what’s wrong?”
“I’m just glad I got to keep my promise to her.” Misao made a small ‘mm’ sound, her lips breaking into a giant smile as Aoshi confessed to her being the girl to ‘light up his entire world’. She felt a little down when he broke their embrace but he clasped her hand and they walked a block or two and finally were able to hail another taxi to head back to the Aoiya.
XxXxXxX
The hustle and bustle of the Aoiya was as busy as ever. Aoshi remained in the kitchen this time, preparing dishes with Shiro and Kuro like the evening before and felt more comfortable here then in the open like Okon, Omasu and Misao. He was happy to be in the background and even cooked some of the dishes himself.
“Mou, Aoshi, you never said you could cook.”
“Well if someone would let me into the kitchen every now and then, perhaps I’d let you taste my dishes.” Misao stuck her tongue playfully out at Aoshi and Shiro and Kuro laughed in the background. The three of them watched Misao leave before Aoshi found two pairs of brown eyes staring up at him.
“To be honest Aoshi-san, we never would have though Misao-chan would marry someone like yourself.” Kuro piped up, hoping this didn’t offend Aoshi in any way.
“Its just that…you and Misao-chan are so different.” Shiro decided to elaborate on the matter.
“That is true. I’m thankful that someone like Misao would want to remain at my side. There are days I don’t believe I deserve her, but in the end I’m happy she wishes to only be with me.” Shiro and Kuro’s eyes grew wide as they stepped back slightly when Aoshi bowed before them once more. “Thank you for taking care of her throughout the years.” Aoshi could have sworn awkward blushes rose to Shiro and Kuro’s cheeks but they turned away from him, made random gestures and quickly pulled the fish out of the fryer before it burnt.
Meanwhile, someone was spying from the hallway of the residence as they watched the three men get back to work, not a single word of Misao spoken between them anymore.
XxXxXxX
Aoshi was lying on the bed covers of the single bed in his private room and staring up at the ceiling. Misao had shooed him away from the restaurant telling him she owed him for cleaning up last night’s mess. So now he lay awake, dressed in a summer yukata (since it was quite a warm night) and with thoughts only of Misao. Okina was truly testing his patience and Aoshi groaned as he sat up, hand ruffling through his hair to mess it up.
Sliding the shoji across Aoshi found the Aoiya devoid of all sound, except some chirping echoes of crickets and the fountain within Okina’s garden. The window down the other end of the hallway was cracked open and the sounds drifted inside. Aoshi glanced down at his watch to read the glow in the dark hands to notice it was two in the morning.
With much experience at sneaking out of his grandparents home, Aoshi slid the shoji closed without a sound and headed downstairs and out into the garden without a creak leaving any of the floorboards. His plan was to pick up some pebbles and lightly toss them at Misao’s window, since she was staying in the end room. He hoped Omasu wasn’t in there tonight, but the plan faded from his mind when he found his blue-black haired beauty sitting on the stone bench near the fountain and gazing up into the starry sky.
“Cannot sleep?” Aoshi voiced in a hushed whisper. Misao’s sparkling orbs turned to look up at him, her lips breaking into a pleasant smile.
“Nope…and you?”
“The same…” Aoshi replied back and sat on the bench next to Misao.
You look pretty good in a yukata too. I should whisk you away to more festivals, everyone will be so jealous of me having such a sexy fiance. ” Misao spoke as an after thought as she hugged Aoshi’s arm to her body and placed her head against his shoulder.
“And then you’d become jealous at all the women ogling me.” Misao let off a small squeal when Aoshi picked her up and placed her on the lush grass in front of them, lying her on her back and her own yukata parted open to reveal the lower half of her thighs, shins and ankles.
“A-Aoshi, what are you doing? You know what Jiya said!”
“I do, but he cannot stop me from lying with you. Its 2 in the morning Misao, can I not have my time with you without everyone staring at us now?”
“Well…”
“If you don’t consent to it, I will make you pay.” Aoshi lay on his stomach beside Misao, leaning up on his arms as he gazed down at Misao with the moonlight shining on them.
“Oh fine, do as you please.” Misao flushed at the wicked grin that crossed Aoshi’s lips and wasn’t sure if she would regret what she voiced or secretly craved what was coming to her.
“Mine…” Aoshi murmured lightly before prying Misao’s lips open with his own. Tonight would be much faster then he usually liked and only for the fact he was quite the possessive man when it came to Misao and therefore couldn’t even have a two day stint without being able to touch her in some way intimately. Aoshi’s left hand made short work of Misao’s yukata tie as he threaded his hand through the bulging gap and splayed it across the flat expanse of Misao’s stomach. Her breath hitched in her throat as Aoshi’s cooler hand moved up to rub her breasts affectionately.
Breaking the contact of their lips Aoshi’s hand had rose around to Misao’s collarbone to pry the plain white yukata she wore away from her milky coloured skin. She was already heaving, this Aoshi liking very much and so he set to work suckling at her neck, lapping at a particular nervy spot and then roaming down to spend an awful amount of time tweaking and leaking her glorious mounds of flesh.
“Mmmmm…” She had become putty in Aoshi’s hands (or mouth) once more. He moved on, heading south to seek out his journey parting the material as he went. He noticed within the moonlight, Misao was wearing a pair of red cotton underwear. Her right leg was raised while her left twisted out to the side to allow Aoshi all the access he wanted.
However, just when Misao thought fingers were going to press softly at her throbbing womanhood, Aoshi pulled away from her and stood up to actually move away.
“Eh, Aoshi, what…?”
“Shh…” Came his quiet hushed reply as Misao leaned up on her elbows, they digging into the lush green grass as she narrowed her eyes to watch Aoshi move about in Okina’s flower garden searching for something. Minutes ticked by and the throbbing was subsiding. Misao wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing, but when Aoshi came back into view, her heart thumbed heavily within her chest. The top half of his yukata was resting against his waist, as Aoshi stood bare-chested before her, his hands behind his back.
“I don’t suppose Okina would mind me giving you this would he?” Aoshi kneeled before Misao and presented her with a red rose bud that hadn’t fully bloomed like the rest of the flowers in the garden. “Lie down…” Aoshi whispered to Misao and observed as she did so, eyes closing as she placed her full trust into him.
Aoshi swirled the thorny rose bud against Misao’s fluttering stomach before drawing it up her body, between her breasts, over her neck and then resting it against her lips before allowing Misao to smell its sweet scent. He leaned over her sluggish form once more and kissed her forehead, eyelids, nose, cheek and then lips as the rose was discarded for now. Misao’s arms had lifted up to move around Aoshi’s neck but he was too fast as he went back to working up to her first orgasm again.
Instead of taking his time, torturing Misao in his usual slow sensual way to have her begging for release, Aoshi swiftly, effortlessly slipped two fingers within Misao’s wet folds and felt her hips rise off the grass.
“Oh god…” Misao moaned out, her teeth sinking into her lower lip so as not to squeal out her excitement and wake up the light sleepers in the Aoiya.
Aoshi felt himself twitch at the slickness of Misao and tweaked her sensitive nub relishing in the fact Misao jerked and gasped at the sudden pressure, one hand clutching his wrist which was attached to the fingers doing the work while she held the other at his right shoulder, her short nails once again digging into his tanned skin. He could feel Misao’s sex throbbing and listened to a guttural moan break from Misao’s lips as her salty essence coated his fingers and a part of his hand.
“Aaaaaahhhhh…” Misao’s hips lowered to the grass again, only now she felt a sudden rush of warm summery air hit her heated sensitive flesh as she found her underwear in Aoshi’s right hand. With much effort on Misao’s behalf she finally sat up and furiously untied Aoshi’s yukata, gazing down at the bulge in his briefs. Her hand instantly went to caress him and she listened to a soft groan escape Aoshi’s lips while he slumped his forehead onto her bare shoulder. By now her yukata was on the ground below her, acting as a “picnic blanket” even though this was definitely not your average picnic.
While Aoshi was slightly distracted, since Misao’s hand was now within his briefs, his eyes roamed to hers as he found Misao above him, her own hand guiding his member within her welcoming folds. Aoshi clutched at her hips, head back as he stared up at the stars above him. Aoshi had never really been a sex-crazed maniac, but he now knew he was sex-crazed because of Misao. She did everything in her power to please him as much as he did her and tonight was no exception as she slowly lowered herself onto his fully protruding length.
“Nnn…” Aoshi grunted before slamming his lips to Misao’s as her hips moved up and down, his slick manhood pulsating with desire for this woman to move faster, much faster in fact. Quickly grabbing her hips, Aoshi decided to set a new speed while his tongue waged war against Misao’s.
Their bodies pounded against each other, the rhythmic tempo being lost as the need for release became more urgent. The gliding motions became jerky and slick and sweaty bodies shuddered as climaxes were finally at there peak. The usual groans and moans of delight were muffled into the mouth of their lover before Aoshi tilted onto his side to lay himself and Misao (still joined together) on her smaller yukata.
“Oooooooh…” Misao murmured as she snuggled into Aoshi’s warmth, her skin shining thanks to the sheen of sweat over it. Aoshi’s left arm was Misao’s pillow while his right made small circles into her slick back. One of Misao’s legs was over Aoshi’s hip, while the other remained straight. A slight throbbing still could be felt throughout the aftermath and Aoshi kissed Misao’s pinkish cheek and then placed half of his yukata over her naked form.
XxXxXxX
The two lovers happily dozed for the remainder of the evening until the chirping of birds startled Aoshi from his slumber. His was still lying on Misao’s yukata, but she had moved away from him and now had her back to him, spooning into his warmer form and yet her plump breasts being shown off to the entire world, not that anyone was up at sunrise.
Aoshi let off a heavy sigh and sat up, his neck cracking as he did so. He also had a dead left arm and once he moved away he couldn’t help but stare openly down at Misao’s naked form since the yukata had followed him since most had been covering his form.
“Mm, Aoshi, what time is it?”
“Its sunrise…” And with a flash Aoshi found Misao up and bouncing around the garden, her eyes moving instantly to his yukata and ripping it away from his bare body as she threw it over her own form.
“Oh my god, we’ve got to get back inside right now!” Misao harshly whispered to Aoshi, dragging the naked man to his feet. Misao picked up her own yukata, found it covered in dew and grass stains and promptly threw it into some bushes.
“Misao…?” Aoshi wasn’t too sure what was going on, but he knew it couldn’t be good when she was acting this way. When she rambled it meant something was going to happen and Aoshi instantly knew he wasn’t going to like it since he was the one that was left naked.
Footsteps could be heard from the ground floor hallway and Aoshi and Misao both stared at the closed shoji.
“Its Jiya…” Misao voiced before her eyes grew wide. She was frantically thinking and with a last minute action just as the shoji slid open, she pushed Aoshi over some bushes and hoped he hadn’t hurt anything vital. “Ah, good morning Jiya.”
“Misao-chan, what are you doing up this early?”
“Just out for a morning stroll.”
“That yukata looks awfully big on you.”
“Ah, well, it was cooler this morning so I threw it on. It must me Kuro’s or something.” Misao fake laughed, nervous sweat breaking out over her skin. “Well Aoshi and I leave at 11 so I best get packing. Later Jiya!” And with that Misao took off with a strange look coming from her grandfather and a glare from the hiding Aoshi.
The garden fell quiet, but Aoshi wasn’t certain Okina had left yet and remained crouched in his position for longer. He was certain he was letting off an unpleasant aura and would certainly get back at the cowering Misao leaving him high and dry and without a stitch of clothing on. This instantly brought forth the image of black and red material still lying on the grass…and probably was right in front of Okina’s vision as well.
“You can come out from there Aoshi-san.” The image was laughable as Okina watched Aoshi’s head poke up from behind flowering bushes with leaves caught within his black strands of hair. “Misao-chan has never been the best morning person and I can see straight through any lie she voices.” Aoshi’s eyes drifted away from Okina’s as he scanned the ground around him. He couldn’t very well stand up and show all to Misao’s grandfather. That would be too awkward even for Aoshi. Instead his eyes came upon cyclamen in a green plastic pot. Lucky for Aoshi they were flowered, quite leafy and punched together. He picked them up, positioned them over his groin area and with a deep breath he finally stood up and waited for Okina’s disapproval of him.
“I see…” Okina voiced before turning away and heading back inside. Aoshi wasn’t sure how to take that, but didn’t stick around to find out and instead walked inside, after noticing his briefs and Misao’s red underwear weren’t lying on the grass.
Just when Aoshi thought he would get away with not being seen he listened to two gasps, followed by the crashing sounds of cups and plates falling onto the wooden floorboards and looked over his shoulder to see a blushing Omasu and Okon looking right at his bare backside.
“Good morning…” Aoshi muttered before walking upstairs, the plant still in place until the shoji of his sleeping quarters was closed and he leaned against it, heart thumping and perhaps even a little heat rushing to his cheeks. He’s always been admired by women, but it was different and a little embarrassing when his future fiancée’s family where staring right at his backside!
XxXxXxX
After calming down Aoshi returned downstairs and into the eating area and found everyone there already, including Misao. This time however, Aoshi was fully clothed and decided to not look at the flushes on Okon and Omasu’s cheeks. Helping himself to tea and some miso soup, Misao broke into a conversation with Okina as though nothing had ever happened. Little did she know her grandfather had caught him in the buff.
XxXxXxX
Aoshi waited for Misao with Okina standing beside him as she hugged the others goodbye. Their taxi had arrived but Misao hadn’t finished her goodbyes and the driver waited like Aoshi had politely asked him to.
“You broke my rules.” Okina calmly voiced to Aoshi as Misao was trying to not cry in front of Shiro and Kuro when she hugged them.
“This is true.”
“Do you have anything to say in your defence?”
“That I’ll never regret it for one. And two, Misao is the one I love and with that becomes a possessiveness that I cannot part from her even for two days. I apologise for disrespecting your wishes.”
“No, I was actually hoping you would.” Aoshi looked over at Okina, noticing the smile on his lips as he turned his eyes to Misao.
“I could never accept someone who could actually steer clear of Misao for the two days they were here.” Aoshi let off a light chuckle, glancing up at the sky as he did so. “Please take good care of her.”
“Thank you…” Aoshi replied and bowed to Okina, but was completely surprised when the elderly man pulled him into a hug. Aoshi’s eyes instantly met Misao’s as she gasped happily and squealed in excitement. This was obviously indication enough that Okina had given the approval for them to wed.
“Wait, I’ve yet to give you my gift.” Okina voiced and rushed to the porch before producing a flowerpot to Aoshi and Misao.
“Um, thanks Jiya.” Misao scratched at her head while taking the potted cyclamen from his hands. Her eyes roamed up to Aoshi who coughed lightly, his head slightly turned away and then looking over at Omasu and Okon who let off a flurry of giggling.
“To begin your own flower garden so it can continuously bloom with you and any future children you might have.” Aoshi hastily pushed Misao into the cab, she dumping the flowepot into his lap as she wound down the window and yelled.
“Love you guys, see you next time!” Once her family was out of sight Misao sat back down in the seat with Aoshi and looked at him as he was staring down at the cyclamen.
“You do realise one thing don’t you Misao.” Aoshi finally lifted his eyes from the flowers as his eyes gazed intensely into Misao’s.
“Wh-What’s that?”
“You are in big trouble when we get home.” A flush rose to her cheeks before she caught a small smile on Aoshi’s lips as he gazed down at the cyclamen once more.
“Are you sure there isn’t anything special about those flowers?” Misao questioned with her eyebrows scrunched slightly. She felt Aoshi take her hand and glance out the window as he muttered back, completely missing the warmth rising to his cheeks.
“If only you knew Misao, if only you knew.
Xx The End xX
Authors Notes: Phew! Thank goodness that’s over and one with. Yippee! Well that was my return to lemon work. Ah, feels good. Anywho this is my very late contribution to the May Challenge at the SLML, so yeah, hope it was enjoyed.
Also I keep spelling fiance and fiancée wrong in many places, so I apologise. I couldn’t be bothered going back through the story to change it all, gomen nasai. ^_^;