Shin’s Notes: Well, here you go SLAOML with love from me! Ah, in honour of Aoshi-sama’s birthday month I’ve been thrown a challenge from Silver Miko with the not so casual routine of…De-clothing Aoshi-sama! So for all you Aoshi and Misao lovers out there, here is my one-shot and 21 pages worth too, so please enjoy!

"Misao-chan are you going to take Aoshi-sama’s tea to him or what?"

"Huh?" Misao muttered having lost herself within her thoughts. Okon stood before her with one hand on her hip while the other was occupied with a serving tray.

"You know, tea, Aoshi-sama, your new husband or have you forgotten already?" Blushing awkwardly at Okon’s words Misao hastily took the serving tray and headed upstairs to Aoshi’s office.

They’d been wed for about a month now and the concept of being Mrs Shinomori still had not sunk into Misao’s soul yet. There had been a quiet reception (Aoshi had requested this) and of course Okina was not happy about it but agreed to it in any case since Aoshi was now the Okashira once more. At their engagement Misao had relinquished the title and placed it back to an uncertain Aoshi. It had been one of the very few vulnerable emotional stages Aoshi had been through and Misao was allowed to witness it as well. The wedding had come sooner then the two thought it would and within a blur of moments they were married. As happy as Misao was at being Mrs Aoshi Shinomori she still didn’t know if Aoshi was extremely satisfied with her being his wife now.

Sighing lightly Misao turned the corner and on quiet footsteps and dressed in a light purple kimono, she headed for Aoshi’s closed office where he’d be quietly going over invoices and/or mission reports.

She had been in the office one morning when one of their newest ninja’s dropped by to produce Aoshi with an invitation to a function not too far off in the future. Not only that she’d overheard some of the representatives of certain companies or secret organisations (whom were dining in the Aoiya at the time) question Aoshi on the whereabouts of his "wife" having automatically implied that the 28 year old was wed and had children. Misao couldn’t help but blush when Aoshi had casually told her to come over and introduced her to several elderly men as his fiance. She felt quite awkward dressed in the Aoiya uniform but smiled cheerfully in any case.

Instantly Misao’s mind turned back to when Aoshi had unromantically asked for her hand in marriage. It wasn’t all chocolate and roses and midnight strolls and proclamations of undying love like in her dreams. In fact it was ironically over a small discussion (funnily enough while talking about the Himura’s) during the late hours of the evening and over tea as well. Though it wasn’t the most romantic, Misao couldn’t have asked for anything better then that from her Aoshi, not yet in any case.

Not only that the two of them were still getting used to everything. Misao was very much trying to be a good wife to him while Aoshi himself was still probably getting used to the fact his quarters was now her quarters as well.

Their first night together had been rather awkward as Misao couldn’t sleep the entire night as she lay awake beside the love of her life as he slept soundly, the stress that Okina put him through had finally taken its toll.

And when the morning came, boy did Misao get the twenty questions from Okon and Omasu on how exactly her Aoshi was like in bed. Of course Misao had matured over the two years and remembered her ‘wife training’ of smiling politely and leaving it at that. Deep down of course she wished to break loose and pound them senseless but with piercing ice green orbs watching her every move on what she’d say, Misao thought it best to act mature instead.

"Aoshi-sama, I brought you your morning tea." Misao politely voiced as she knocked once on the closed shoji before sliding it across. She thought it best to dismiss her thoughts and concentrate least she end up with tea stains on her new kimono – a kimono Aoshi had specifically bought her that is.

"Thank you Misao." Came the monotone reply from Aoshi as he sat perched in the chair with numerous papers situated about the mahogany desk in front of him. His eyes were glued to the paper and Misao sighed lightly as she headed in closing the shoji and placed the tray on a small corner that wasn’t being used.

"Is something troubling you Misao?" Came Aoshi’s question surprising Misao as she spilled some of the tea from the pot.

"N-No, why do you ask?" She gulped lightly and smiled over at him before placing his teacup on the table.

"I’m not blind Misao, I can tell when something is on your mind, now tell me what is wrong?" He spoke sternly once more, seemingly more like her leader and not her husband as he turned to face her, all of his attention on her now.

"W-Well…its just that, um…" Misao struggled for an excuse then her real worry as she thought of nothing but him and whether he was displeased with his decision to marry her. She scanned the tabletop and finally found a liable excuse. "You have that business meeting coming up correct?"

"That’s correct."

"May I come along?"

"Its just business Misao." Feeling slightly stung by his answer Misao nonetheless placed on her ever-cheerful smile and felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she confessed a little of her feelings to him.

"I know, but, I’d like to join you - as your wife - and not an Oniwabanshuu Member." Lifting her eyes shyly to Aoshi’s, she found him staring quietly at her and her usually strong sense of passion for what she wanted faded into the background as Misao began waving her arms about. "If you think I’ll do nothing but annoy you then I won’t go. It was just a suggestion and all, but you are on missions a lot these days and I rarely see you and…um…I don’t know what I’m trying to say. Anyway I’m sorry to bother you Aoshi-sama, I’ll leave you to enjoy your tea now." With that Misao didn’t even wait for Aoshi’s answer as she left him alone in his office and thought it best to busy herself with helping Omasu and Okon with waiting tables.

Xxx Later that Evening xxX

"Misao-chan can I have a word?" Misao turned her ocean blue orbs to see the smiling face of her Jiya as he waved her over.

"Of course Jiya." Misao spoke getting up from her seated position beside Aoshi and followed the old man out of the eating quarters while noticing eyes on her back watching her leave also. It was of course none other then Aoshi himself, as he seemed to wonder what Okina wanted to discuss with his little wife in private.

Stepping onto the back porch with Okina’s back facing her, Misao furrowed her eyebrows not sure why the elderly man seemed so tense.

"Close the shoji Misao." She blinked in slight wonder as Okina calling her ‘Misao’ meant something was truly bothering him.

"Jiya, what’s up? You look so serious?" Misao tried to crack a joke, but her smile fell at the stern look on the old man’s face.

"Are you…and Aoshi alright?" Cocking her head slightly, Misao was unsure as to what Okina was talking about.

"You’ve been married for about a month or so Misao, but your smiles are becoming empty. You are usually more energetic then this and Aoshi is quieter then usual as well. Are the two of you arguing?" Okina’s ninja skills only seemed to get better with age as he read Aoshi and Misao like an open book.

"We are still trying to grasp being married Jiya, but you don’t have to worry, I am happy being Aoshi-sama’s wife."

"And what about Aoshi? Do you know how he feels?" Darting her eyes away Misao was unsure how to answer. Did it seem weird to the Oniwabanshuu that the communication between a new husband and wife was lacking? When they weren’t married Misao knew she talked regularly with Aoshi, but now things were different and she was unsure of why she couldn’t speak freely to Aoshi like she did before.

"I’m…not sure."

"Misao-chan…please…you look depr-" Shaking her head at Okina, interrupting his little concerned speech, Misao placed on a brave smile.

"Don’t worry Jiya as time goes by we’ll get used to being together and I’m still learning all the tricks of the trade at being a wife. Also I’m sure Aoshi-sama thinks its weird as well, now having to share a lot more then usual with someone else now. And he’s probably a little apprehensive of what to talk about when we are alone without it moving into Oniwabanshuu business."

"You don’t necessarily have to talk Misao-chan." Instantly getting the drift Misao smacked Okina on the arm before turning away from him. Before entering the Aoiya, Misao turned her head over her shoulder to give the old man her last remark before closing the shoji behind her leaving the elderly man out in the cool weather.

"That is not your business Jiya."

Xxx Inside the Dining Hall xxX

"Is everything alright?" Misao blinked at Aoshi’s question, noticing the same amount of food still on his plate as he waited for her to return. Misao had to place on a gentle smile, as even in her Aoshi’s strange ways, he was sweet to her.

"Yes, it’s just Jiya being a pervert again." Misao mumbled under her breath to Aoshi as she sat beside him once more and observed his eyebrow arch in slight interest as to where the discussion had led to. However he received no answer from Misao as the two of them watched Okina head back into the dining room to sip at the tea Omasu had just made.

As Misao lost herself in thought about what Okina was so openly (to her) worried about, she could faintly hear Shiro and Kuro discuss some business matters with Aoshi over dinner. She wasn’t too interested and began to ponder on why Aoshi seemed so tense these days. It was just last week she’d caught him on edge, lost in his own thoughts as his eyes wondered off from the paperwork in front of him. She’d come to surprise him for his birthday with tea and of course numerous gifts consisting of a new set of gloves, a training outfit and a new sheath for his two kodachi. Of course the gifts weren’t all from her, but it had been Misao’s responsibility to give them to Aoshi being his wife and all…or so Okina had stated. The rest of the Aoiya occupants had decided to spend a night away from the restaurant and quarters to give the newlyweds some alone time.

That evening Aoshi had a sheer look of surprise on his face and Misao treasured it as he spoke his thanks, his voice thick with emotion. However, once Aoshi’s birthday passed his brooding ways returned and he became distant once more.

A clink of chopsticks broke Misao from her thoughts as she watched Aoshi rise from his seated position to head off to who knows where once more. Quickly standing also (even if her meal was unfinished) Misao followed him out and called for the tall man and watched him quietly turn to face her.

"Are you heading back upstairs? Shall I bring you tea?"

"Iie, I’m going to bathe." Misao chewed on her lip as she watched Aoshi depart, his footsteps not making a sound as he headed out of the Aoiya and towards the bathhouse, the ends of his white ties holding his uniform closed blew freely in the evening breeze as he headed on his way.

"Misao-chan, could you hang these out on the bamboo for me?" Okon questioned as she held up some futon blankets and Misao took them without a word. Watching Misao leave Okon turned to Omasu who was placing some blankets into a nearby cupboard.

"Omasu, do you think Okina is right in thinking something is wrong with Misao-chan and Aoshi-sama?" The brown haired woman eyed the other before they both shook there heads negatively.

"That old man is just being lecherous again as he doesn’t seem to hear a lot of action coming from Aoshi-sama’s quarters and all. Besides, Misao-chan would never be displeased with Aoshi-sama, she’s loved him her whole life after all." Omasu reiterated and then headed off with Okon following close behind. A pair of crinkled eyes observing the three women was not satisfied at all, but what could an old man like him do to get the ball rolling with such a stubborn young man and his Misao-chan?

Xxx Outside the Aoiya xxX

Misao hummed quietly as she placed up the last blanket before her eyes flickered over to the bathhouse and only now just watched Aoshi enter it. Perhaps he’d gone to relieve himself before heading inside.

Chewing on her lip in thought Misao itched to speak with Aoshi and before she knew it her feet had her standing right at the closed shoji. With large eyes Misao lifted her hand to the shoji, but instantly began a mental battle to open it or leave the man be to his own privacy. Of course the non rational side of Misao said she had every right to see Aoshi no matter what state of dress he was in, but the rational side ended up winning as Misao walked around the side of the wooden building to rest against its wall.

Almost having the urge to smack her head against the side of the building, Misao’s thoughts were interrupted once more as soft echoes came from inside, her eyes darted up to gaze at the opened small window just out of reach. Ironically as Misao stared about the place, a medium sized wooden crate stood prominently right beside her. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath Misao couldn’t help but ease herself onto the crate, hands poised at the little window as she blinked her eyes into the bathing house to find Aoshi with his back to her. He was still fully clothed and in fact was testing the temperature of the water, which had steam coming from it.

It finally became apparent to Misao that Aoshi was very much lost in thoughts of his own as usually his first rate ninja skills would have spotted someone spying on him and yet Misao remained undetected. Luckily for Misao the area was quite secluded or she would have looked quite the sight with her kimono hitched up, bare feet and some of her legs being shown off as she peered into the privacy of the man who was now beginning to undress in front of her.

First his skilful hands tugged at the white knots of his tie holding his dark purple gi closed before she watched as he folded it up and placed it on the small flat bench out of reach from being drenched with water. With her attention fully on Aoshi next came his gi as he slipped his arms out of their sleeves and then began to fold it in such a particular way that Misao had to suppress a slight giggle. It appeared her Aoshi-sama was quite the neat freak. However, her attention darted away from the gi as Misao’s wide ocean blue eyes took upon the sight of Aoshi dressed in purple pants and a plain black sleeveless undershirt.

"Oh…" Misao couldn’t help but let out a little gasp of how good he looked in just that black top which was tucked snugly into the waistband of his purple pants. With quick movements, Aoshi’s hands had pulled the top free from the waistband of his pants and then he glided it up and over his head in what to Misao felt like slow motion. Again, he placed the shirt in the right way before folding it and laid it atop of his gi. Next came the small tie that held his pants and the elastic about his hips before they dropped silently to the wooden floorboards and this time Misao had to move away from the window as she got an eyeful of her Aoshi-sama in nothing but his fundoshi. Feeling her cheeks burn at the image now imprinted in her mind, Misao took a deep breath before stepping onto her tiptoes once more and found her Aoshi with no fundoshi this time. He sat calmly and quietly on the wooden stool, the slope of his back and the curve of his buttocks very much in her line of vision now.

Misao felt her tongue dart over her dry lips as she openly gazed upon Aoshi. Even though she was surprised at seeing the scars marring his perfectly tanned skin, Misao felt in her heart that they were there for a reason. Memories both good and bad at winning and losing fights were testament to how much experience her Aoshi had gone through to be where he was today. She’d forever treasure them like she did the man she was currently spying on. Watching intently as he filled up his wooden bucket, Misao’s eyes gazed about Aoshi’s body as water rippled down his physique. He poured water over himself another two times, making sure every part of his body was drenched before flicking a hand throw his long bangs to brush them from his eyes.

"Oh…Kakko ii…" Misao murmured quietly under her breath, captured in the moment of Aoshi beginning his bathing ritual. Who would have thought that such a normal process during the evening could send her spiralling into more passion and want for this very man.

Aoshi held a cloth within his left hand and began to lather it up with a bar of soap. Bending over, Misao bit her lip in desperation, trying not to groan as Aoshi started at his feet as he began cleaning himself. He started there before moving up his left leg and then onto his right. The cloth disappeared for a moment…for obvious cleaning reasons elsewhere before reappearing as Aoshi’s right hand swiftly moved it over his abdomen and hips regions. Watching Aoshi re-lather it, Misao observed him sit up properly, the angle he was at still not allowing her any vision of his ‘package’ as he cleaned his chest and then glided the cloth down each arm, left before right is what he seemed to like best.

Misao’s breath caught in her throat for the umpteenth time as Aoshi had tilted his head back, the cloth gliding perfectly over his collarbones and neck. The sight of Aoshi’s body covered in a waxy soapy lather made Misao weak at the knees. Her eyes were in fact still glued onto Aoshi’s closed orbs, as he had tilted his head back giving off quite an alluring pose.

"Damn…" Misao grumbled as Aoshi broke from his own trance as his eyes lifted open, the frontal section of his body having been cleaned as he awkwardly went about cleaning his back in several weird strokes. It wasn’t long before Misao’s eyes widened once more, her cheeks flaming red as her Aoshi rose from the stall, a clear view of his firm backside coming into view. A bucket of cold water in his right hand was poured evenly over his body, the lather creeping slowly down his legs to fall between the cracks in the floorboards.

A shake of the head from Aoshi made his hair stick up in all directions while a few remaining bubbles wouldn’t dare leave his succulent skin. Turning on his side Aoshi stepped into the tub and at that point Misao choked on her breath and promptly fell from her position, the crate making a loud clatter against the side of the bathhouse. With quick scurrying footsteps Misao raced to the stone fence and dived over it, remaining behind it as she listened quietly to the bathhouse shoji being opened as obviously Aoshi had come out to see what that noise was.

"Oh Aoshi-sama?" That was Okon calling out to him. "Have you seen Misao-chan anywhere?" She questioned the man who looked like he’d been disturbed from his bathing, since the robe around him wasn’t tied properly.

"Perhaps she is upstairs." Came the deep reply from Aoshi while Misao began to crawl on all fours away from the bathhouse and backyard area on stealthy hands and feet with a bright red face and a pounding heart. She’d finally seen Aoshi naked…and not just that she’d just now seen everything that a man had. Finally deciding that she’d crawled in the dirt and dead leaves long enough, Misao crouched behind a bush before poking her head around the side of it to make sure the coast was clear. Swiftly darting inside the shoji on the side of the Aoiya, Misao found the hallways void of everyone and sighed happily as she headed for the stairs to quickly change. However, luck didn’t seem to be on Misao’s side this evening as Omasu was coming out of Okina’s ground floor office.

"Good heavens Misao-chan, what happened to you?" She spoke in surprise at the dirty kimono and the fact dead leaves were twisted in Misao’s blue-black hair.

"Ah, well, I kind of went for a walk and…and fell over a rock. Silly me!" She tried laughing it off but the embarrassed flush on her face only seemed to darken when her eyes caught a pair of ice green ones watching her from the side shoji that led towards the bathhouse.

"Well you best bathe quickly and allow me to take that kimono before it’s ruined permanently. Aoshi-sama only bought that for you just a few weeks ago Misao. Kimono’s are not cheap you know." Being reprimanded was never a good thing and Misao hated it even more when Omasu placed on this motherly act and was doing so in front of her husband as well. It was so humiliating to her.

"Omasu, its just a little bit of dirt, do not panic so much." Aoshi replied in his usual calm voice as he headed further into the Aoiya. He had sensed Misao’s uncomfortable aura immediately and the fact she was being told off like a small child when she was now a married woman didn’t seem to settle well with her either.

"Perhaps you should bathe Misao as Omasu suggested." Aoshi spoke his eyes only on Misao as she quietly nodded her head, her hands fisted tight in the material of the kimono. By now Omasu had left, leaving Aoshi to deal with his silly little wife and went back to helping Okon in the restaurant once more.

"Misao, look at me?" Came the request of Aoshi, but her eyes still remained glued to his bare feet, the image of Aoshi bathing flashing through her memory at the most inappropriate time. At the sudden warmth against the side of her face and close to her chin Misao gasped lightly as her head was lifted up.

"I apologise…" Aoshi remarked as he broke his fingers from Misao’s flushed skin. Even though her eyes were always wide and bright, her unexpected gasp was taken wrongly as Aoshi broke the skin on skin contact with her. That was not what she wanted at all. She wanted his touch. Oh how she did.

"You should bathe, the water is quite warm." Aoshi murmured before departing as he headed upstairs dressed plainly in a beige robe. His day clothing was tucked under one of his arms. Misao watched his damp bangs swish against his forehead as he headed on his way not voicing anything more to her.

And so Misao did as Aoshi requested, heading off to the bathhouse as she quietly scrubbed herself clean. Once she was finished and now dressed in a white robe of her own, she handed the dirtied kimono and her undergarments to the waiting Omasu.

"Oyasumi nasai…" Misao murmured quietly, excusing herself from Okon, Omasu and Okina’s quiet stares as she headed upstairs. She was plagued with two factors. One being she’d just witnessed Aoshi-sama naked without his knowledge and two she’d received her very first touch from Aoshi and it now burned her skin as she began to crave it more and more at each fleeting moment his skin wasn’t against hers.

Diving into the double futon that was laid out on the wooden floorboards, Misao pulled the blankets over her head and remained that way for the rest of the evening…or until she heard the sliding of the shoji as Aoshi decided to rest as well. She didn’t know how late it was and how long she’d been blinking openly into the darkness under the blanket, but she didn’t care either. Right now she dare not look over at Aoshi, quilt for spying on him rushing into her stomach and yet pleasure filling her senses at seeing him naked. She was just…so confused right now that she scrunched herself into an even tighter ball when Aoshi pulled the blankets away to hop into the futon as well.

With her eyes screwed tightly shut, Misao held her breath when she felt warmth moving closer to her as the pressure of Aoshi leaning over her and looking down at her darkened petite form made her freeze instantly. A lump hitched into her throat when she felt the caress of cool lips pressing tenderly against her right cheek.

"Oyasumi Misao…" Came the whisper to break the silence in the sleeping quarters before Aoshi moved away and fell into a light slumber of his own. Misao’s heart however beat heavily in her rib cage as her Aoshi-sama had kissed her sweetly on the cheek - a gesture meant for husbands and wives as they bid their loved one good night. It was now apparent as Misao pretended to shift in her sleep to face Aoshi’s slack facial features; she was not going to be sleeping any time soon. And so her thoughts once more returned to Aoshi, his de-clothing technique and the way he looked when bathing.

"I want you Aoshi-sama, do you know that?" Misao whispered into the dead quiet of the night, not even a movement from Aoshi as she confessed those words to him.

As Misao gazed upon Aoshi, the moonlight flickering into the room to cast its eerie glow over his masculine features, Misao began to wonder whether actions would speak louder then words if she was too shy to openly confess them to his scrutinising gaze and still closed off heart.

"Tomorrow Aoshi-sama…tomorrow everything will be different, I promise you." Misao murmured to the man sleeping soundly beside her before she placed her head on the buck wheat filled pillow beside Aoshi’s and felt her eyes droop closed as she joined her beloved in the land of dreams…or wherever he travelled to in sleep.

Xxx The Next Morning xxX

When Aoshi awoke the next morning he found the sleeping quarters void of Misao’s presence. Usually he was the one to rise first, gaze upon her slumbering features, her hair tangled every which way from her plait and yet here he was, the sun just peaking over the horizon and no Misao in sight. Feeling the small indent in the futon beside him, Aoshi found it cold to the touch meaning she hadn’t been there for quite sometime. He wasn’t sure what made her rise so early since she wasn’t really the morning person on cool wintry days and instead gazed at his clothing situated by the futon, neatly folded and ready for him to wear. A note atop it caught his attention.

It had read, Misao’s neat handwriting never once being misplaced by Aoshi’s attention. Though he instantly missed seeing her sleeping face beside him, Aoshi knew it was time for him to rise, change and head to the dojo for some much needed training before eating a light breakfast and then knuckling down into some much needed paperwork. Taking back the title of Okashira brought Aoshi quite a few problems, or more importantly all the work Misao had lacked in doing. Rising from the bed and placing it away for the day Aoshi dressed in his purple onmitsu outfit and tied the white ties in two individual knots before the remaining length dropped down to his knees. With new black gloves over his hands Aoshi collected the two kodachi and was on his way, nodding silently to Omasu who was in her own sleeping robe and heading downstairs to the bathing house.

While Aoshi headed for the training house he couldn’t help but ponder over where Misao had gone, what she was doing and whether she was alright by herself. Of course she could take care of herself, she doing that perfectly fine when she was 16 and wandering around half of Japan looking for him and his fallen comrades, but now…now it felt different because he was married to her. He wanted to make sure she was alright every minute she was away from him. Was that being over protective or what?

"Susumu?" Aoshi remarked to the ninja dressed in blue and black who was currently throwing kunai at a wooden training board.

"Yes Okashira?" He spoke in a mild yet slightly deep voice. Aoshi had gained a few recruits over the last couple of months and Susumu in particular had proved himself worthy at being quite a ninja in the investigation department.

"Gather two or three of your best men and search for my wife." It was still odd addressing Misao as his wife, but he dare not speak her first name so casually to subordinates that did not grow up or take care of Misao when she were a child. "Make sure you stay away from her so she will not detect you though. Once she is found send word back to me of how she is fairing."

"Yes Okashira, at once." Came the obeying reply before the black haired ninja disappeared within a blink of an eye. With that done Aoshi went about his kata.

Xxx Hours Pass By xxX

As Aoshi remained locked within the office upstairs, Misao had been true to her words of not coming back until later as he had not seen her throughout the day. It was mid afternoon, a lot of paperwork had been done, but still there was this sense of unease clenching at Aoshi’s supposedly frozen heart. It appeared to him his day did not feel complete if he had not been interrupted with Misao’s sparkling eyes, her chatting ways or her lavender scent. It just didn’t seem like a normal day if she wasn’t by his side, talking about this and that and serving the both of them tea.

A knock at his shoji broke Aoshi from his thoughts.

"Enter…" Came his curt reply and the shoji slid open to reveal one of the other ninja’s obviously with news about Misao’s whereabouts.

"Okashira, Mrs Shinomori is currently in the markets buying several items. First we followed her to the temple where she prayed for good health and happiness before entering several shops to search out random supplies either for the Aoiya or for herself. She appears to be fine. No harm has come to her while she’s been away."

"Thank you for the news. That will be all." The ninja bowed to Aoshi before leaving the office, the shoji shutting silently behind him as Aoshi sat back in the chair and looked out into the cloudy sky. It looked like rain and he hoped Misao would get back before it poured down and she got caught in it, knowing she probably didn’t take an umbrella with her when she left this morning.

With his calligraphy pen in hand Aoshi’s thoughts suddenly turned to the invitation he’d received for a function not too far from now and his mind recollected what Misao had asked him. She didn’t want to come as just an Oniwabanshuu but as his wife, his…partner. Not too long ago the wrong news had gotten around to many of these functions that Aoshi was in fact a bachelor and so prospective organisations brought along their daughters to introduce him to and yet all Aoshi wanted to do was get down to business. Perhaps bringing Misao as his wife, because that is what she was, would stop the useless chitchat’s and get down to proper business. It was settled then, Aoshi would approve of Misao attending the function with him. With that thought locked in mind Aoshi went back to work.

Xxx Night time – Downstairs in the Aoiya xxX

Aoshi headed downstairs, Omasu having called him down for dinner and walked into the dining hall only to find the place was still missing Misao’s presence.

"Aoshi-sama where is Misao-chan?" Okon voiced as she placed down the dish containing three steaming fish.

"She went out for the day. She left me a note this morning."

"You don’t suppose she found herself a young lover ne?" Omasu joked which got several household members laughing, but Aoshi did nothing but look blankly at them and voiced his own opinion on the matter.

"Misao would never disrespect herself in such a way. Nor would she do that to me or the Oniwabanshuu."

"Err, Aoshi-sama I was just joking…" Omasu murmured, the others silently taken aback by Aoshi’s stern words.

"And besides, she is old enough and smart enough to call us for help if needs be."

"True Aoshi, but why is it that you sent some of our ninja’s out to look for her?" Okina sagely voiced as he placed some fish into his mouth; his crinkled eyes not once moving from Aoshi’s narrowed look.

"To make sure everything was alright of course. You would not like anything bad to happen to her as much as I."

"Yes, but she can take care of herself perfectly fine, just like you said."

"I know this, but so can I and yet that didn’t stop her from sending out back up comrades to make sure I was alright when on one of the missions just near Edo with Shiro." Aoshi stubbornly voiced, wanting to stop this discussion, but it appeared Okina wasn’t reading between the lines.

"She was being a worrying wife Aoshi."

"And I’m being a worrying husband." At that snappy reply the dining hall fell silent, no more words spoken and only for the fact all was surprised at Aoshi’s emotional outburst even if his voice was absent of emotion. Just the words alone captured everyone off guard. This would be the first time anyone had ever heard Aoshi refer to himself as a husband.

"Shiro, Kuro, the meal is absolutely delicious as usual!" Okon broke in, laughing lightly trying to drop the slight tension that was now forming around Aoshi as he ate and brooded quietly. At the slight touch on his shoulder, ice green eyes darted up to soft brown ones.

"She’ll be back soon." Nodding his head at Omasu, Aoshi went back to conversing quietly (even though it was one-word answers) to the others.

XxXxXxX

Dinner moved swiftly, leaving Okina and the others in the dining hall sharing sake and tea as they closed the restaurant for the evening as the storm was coming closer to Kyoto. Rising from his seated position Aoshi bid them good evening and headed down the hallway and towards the bathhouse. It was best to bathe now before the downpour began and so Aoshi made his way using the stone path and slid the shoji open and then closed it silently behind him.

"I was wondering when you’d get here." Turning swiftly at that voice Aoshi found Misao in a deep green kimono and black obi.

"Misao what are you doing in the bathhouse?" Aoshi heard himself question her with slight confusion in his voice. "And furthermore where have you been all day?" His scrutinising look did not make Misao dart her eyes away as she stood looking up at the tall man in front of her before silently taking hold of his left hand.

"Misao…?" Aoshi was becoming slightly worried at the way she chewed quietly on her lip. It meant she was currently thinking, but also worrying about something too.

"I went shopping today to try and clear my head of thoughts about us…and well I couldn’t so I thought I best let them out in the open instead of bottling them up."

"Aa…" Aoshi affirmatively replied and watched Misao’s lips quirk slightly. There was slight hesitation in his voice because he didn’t know what Misao’s thoughts where of them. Did she wish to not be married to him anymore? Was she ready to confess it had all been some huge mistake? Aoshi wasn’t really a negative person, but small insecurities about Misao began to claw at his heart.

"You came to bathe Aoshi-sama, let me help you ne?" Furrowing his eyebrows at her question, Aoshi felt his legs move slightly as Misao pulled him further into the bathing house. "We can discuss some other matters later, but right now you like to bathe, so I thought I could help you…as your wife." Aoshi watched a slight flush grace Misao’s cheeks before she smiled brightly up at him. She looked so adorable to him…so innocently adorable for that matter.

"Misao it’s not ne-"

"Aoshi-sama I know what to do. Pleeeeeeeeeeease?" She clutched cutely at the front of his onmitsu outfit, her large eyes becoming dewy as she pleaded up at her husband. "I can handle it, honestly I can." She tried reassuring him to make him agree. The silence in the room grew thick before Aoshi pried Misao’s fisted hands from his clothing. At first she thought it was rejection and Misao bit her lip willing tears away when a whisper broke into the dark clouds forming within her heart.

"You are sure?"

"YES!" She yelled happily before blushing brightly at her over enthusiasm of the idea at bathing Aoshi. "Ah, I am your wife Aoshi-sama and a wife helps her husband any way she can." With the slight nod of his head, Aoshi having been stumped for words decided to remain quiet and watch as Misao guided him to turn his back to her as she hummed happily while tugging lightly at his white ties. Turning his head over his shoulder he found Misao folding the ties and placing them on the bench. How ironic it was that she did it exactly how he did.

"Lift your arms slightly Aoshi-sama." Misao requested and watched as Aoshi did as she asked. Prying his left arm out from the sleeve first and then his right from the gi she took it away and with tongue slightly sticking out the corner of her mouth, Misao recalled the way Aoshi folded it and did the same.

"Have you watched me fold my clothes before Mi-" A single finger was pressed lightly to Aoshi’s lips, Misao cutting him off from asking his question with a slight shushing noise and went back to her new task at hand. With slightly shaky fingers Misao pried Aoshi’s undershirt from the waistband of his pants as she raised it higher, she getting on tiptoes trying to pull it over her tall husbands head. Misao grumbled lightly, Aoshi smirking even though he was slightly tense at the sudden change in her and bent down for her. Lifting back up to his natural height Aoshi eyed Misao as she folded his black shirt and placed it on top of his gi. It seemed so weird that she knew all this, but then he berated himself because Misao was his wife now and should have paid attention to how he liked things done. Observing Misao turning to face him, there was a slight flush on her face as she stepped closer, her right hand fingers tugging lightly on the strong of his pants. When it came undone Aoshi felt the material slide down his legs to pool at his feet, but his eyes did not break from Misao’s.

"Misao…" Came the unexpected murmur of her name from the deep recesses of his throat and instantly she couldn’t help but dive into Aoshi’s chest, her clothed silky material rubbing against Aoshi’s hard abdomen and legs. A slight groan broke from Aoshi soon after contact was made and he stared wide eyed down at Misao.

"I wanted you…to hold me…for so long." Came the quiet whisper against his warm scarred chest and with that Aoshi placed his arms around Misao, holding her quietly to him while revelling in the moment. Misao, his Misao was finally in his arms. He had not scared her after all. And not only that, she felt good too! With a small inaudible sigh escaping his lips Aoshi placed his head on top of Misao’s and didn’t know how long they remained that way until he felt Misao shift against him and pull away. Of course he was non-to-pleased with the matter, but felt extremely vulnerable all of a sudden when ocean blue orbs lowered to look upon him in his fundoshi.

"Step out of your pants Aoshi-sama." Misao commented and Aoshi did exactly that, watching Misao bend down to pick them up and fold them as well. With her back turned Aoshi finally took in Misao’s full appearance and had only just now realised all of Misao’s hair was clipped up on top of her head making her look older then she was. He also finally noticed the jewelled hair piece he bought her on their wedding day as well - blue and green stones were wedged into silver flowered blossoms.

"Your hair is different." He remarked to her, watching Misao eye him over her shoulder before she placed down the trousers and turned to face him fully, one hand raising to play with a loose strand of hair.

"Is it not good?"

"It’s good." Cheeks reddening happily at Aoshi’s instant words Misao placed her hands on her hips, not an ounce of nervousness breaking into her bloodstream even though Aoshi stood in front of her in his fundoshi and looked oh so glomp-able.

"This is hardly the time for casual chitchat Aoshi-sama. You are delaying your bathing time." Misao remarked as she stepped closer and then moved to the side of him as she slowly tugged at the material of his fundoshi as it began to loosen. Within seconds Aoshi stood calmly before her in all his nakedness.

"S-Sit down…" Misao had to fight a swoon as Aoshi sat on the wooden stool and noticed the way his arms were positioned blocked her view from his groin area. However, Misao was thankful for that or else she’d be staring at it the entire time and not helping him bathe. With quiet movements Misao filled the bucket with cold water and stood behind Aoshi as she slowly poured it over his slouched head and shoulders. Carefully she watched Aoshi shudder at the coolness before he got used to it after the second dose of water on him and then there was not even a blink in his eyes when she poured the third bucket over him. Misao felt a small smile grace her lips as her Aoshi lifted his head, hand raising to brush strands away but couldn’t when a smaller hand did this from behind him. Snapping his eyes open Aoshi tilted his head back to see a serene look on Misao’s face as she attended to his needs. It made her look, so much more beautiful then he first thought.

"A-Are you ready Aoshi-sama?"

"Aoshi…" Came the mumbled reply as deep green eyes locked onto Misao’s wide gaze. She couldn’t speak for the lump in her throat would not allow her and so instead Misao nodded her head acknowledging the fact Aoshi didn’t want to be known as ‘sama’ at this point in time.

"Aa…" Came his next short reply and kneeling in front of Aoshi Misao lathered the cloth he personally used with his type of musk and rain scented soap and began on his left foot. Slowly, oh so teasingly it felt to Aoshi, Misao’s small hands glided this piece of material up his left leg, he having to shift slightly (opening his legs a little more) to allow Misao this most ‘treasured’ access. Of course agonisingly not reaching anything too sensitive (Misao being extra careful while her face was burning red) she shifted back down to his right foot and mimicked what she had done for the left leg.

When Misao recalled what the next part of Aoshi’s bathing entitled her to do she wasn’t sure whether she could do it and whether Aoshi would allow her to do it. Staring widely and silently up at Aoshi, Misao was mesmerized by the slight parting of Aoshi’s lips as his eyes had grown darker while gazing down at her. And was it just her imagination or was there a slight flush gracing the stoic man’s cheeks? Chewing on her lip Misao openly gazed down at Aoshi’s groin, finally taking note it wasn’t as slack as it had been before.

"Oh…" Misao gasped quietly knowing exactly what was happening to Aoshi and then her eyes immediately went to his once more, but not only that her breath caught in her throat when Aoshi’s left hand gripped her right wrist (since that hand was holding the cloth) and slowly edged it between his legs.

"Is this…okay?" Came the strained voice of Aoshi, he starting to berate himself and trying desperately to gain back what little control he had left ever since Misao started cleaning him. The stripping, though quite pleasant to have Misao do it, Aoshi wasn’t too fused about having stripped plenty of times in front of women (and no they weren’t ones he bedded either as it was just on missions). However the stroking of Misao’s petite soft hands against his skin was driving him over the edge and when she suddenly stopped, his eyes darting open (not even realising he’d closed them to begin with) to find Misao staring widely between his legs.

"H-Hai…" Misao gasped out when her cloth covered hand came in contact with warm and yet slightly hard and very sensitive flesh. Misao knew instantly her cheeks were burning, it having felt like all the blood in her body had raced instantly to her cheeks while her heart stopped entirely when she observed Aoshi bow his head and groan slightly, his hand clenching a little harder against hers adding more pressure. It became apparent to Misao that Aoshi was enjoying this more then his usual bathing ritual. With quick strokes and implanting the sounds Aoshi made into her heart and soul, Misao pried her hand away and rinsed the cloth before re-lathering it once more.

"I’m…" Aoshi tried to begin, not sure what had come over him all of a sudden. Of course he could not continue because Misao made that shushing noise again as she leaned forward once more, her hand gliding over his abdomen and hips, making him jerk slightly in his seated position.

"You apologise for things not necessary Aoshi." Misao remarked a little too casually, but was proud of herself for not fainting in front of her half soapy husband. Not only that, Misao truly did love the way his name rolled off her tongue without the usual honorific. Next was Aoshi’s chest, Misao moving up on her knees, not caring that her kimono was damp with excess water. Lifting Aoshi’s left arm with one hand, she couldn’t help but marvel at the strength and smoothness of his muscles before gliding the cloth down his left arm and then repeating the same gesture to his right.

"Tilt your head back." Aoshi had a glimpse of confusion on his face before complying once more and with Misao now standing to her full height he gazed up into her softly glowing face in the soft kerosene light as she concentrated on cleaning his collarbones and neck. Of course while gazing up at her openly; Misao was too involved in her new "cleaning duties" that she didn’t catch the hungry flash cross through his eyes. With the sensual flicking of Misao’s right hand fingers at the back of his neck, Aoshi’s eyes drooped closed before snapping them back open when the small ministration at the back of his neck stopped.

"Lean forward, this will be easy." Misao quietly voiced into Aoshi’s ear as she scrubbed his back clean. Staring down at his soapy clad body Misao couldn’t help but place one hand on his firm shoulder while picking up the full water bucket in the other.

"You smell…good." Misao confessed before pouring the water over Aoshi’s head, thick silky strands falling into his eyes before Misao surprisingly watched Aoshi stand up to allow the bubbles to fall from his tanned skin. She suppressed a giggle at the shaking of Aoshi’s head, strands spiking in all directions before watching him step into the warm waters of the bath and position himself with his back to the far wall and his eyes now glued onto her. That almost nonexistent flush still graced his cheeks whether from the steam rising from the waters or the display of affection and caresses he’d just gone through with Misao.

"Misao…" With hands clenched into the material of her kimono, a notion that Misao was now unsure of what to do in this situation, she guided her eyes up to lock with intense green ones. "Will you join me?" Aoshi had never seen Misao look so happy before, well besides their wedding day, but the sparkle in her eyes, the face splitting smile could not be broken as she nodded her head in acceptance of his invitation.

Though now the concept of undressing and bathing in front of Aoshi had never come into Misao’s mind before, she grew nervous at what he’d think of her figure. She wasn’t the bustiest woman Aoshi had come across before, but Misao was proud that in the two years that Aoshi had been back she had grown considerably. Taking a deep calming breath to settle her pounding heart and the butterflies in her stomach Misao faced her back to Aoshi and fluently untied the obi from around her mid section. She’d gotten better over the weeks of doing up her obi with a lot of patience (which Misao knew she didn’t have a lot of) and practice. Folding the material and placing it near Aoshi’s own clothing, Misao glided the heavy material from her shoulders and then folded it up also, the slip she wore underneath covering her from chest to just below her pert bottom was a beige colouring. A shift in the water behind her found Aoshi with his arms casually folded over his chest as he openly gazed at Misao like she had done to him. Of course he looked calm and collected on the surface, but a raging inferno was beginning to set itself against his loins.

With lips parted Aoshi observed Misao drop the slip to the floor showing off her creamy pert butt to his gaze before she picked it up, placed it on her nicely folded kimono and then went about unbinding her breasts, still with her back facing him to Aoshi’s silent agony.

"You are not being fair." Aoshi deeply voiced into the stillness of the bathing house which earned him a giggle from Misao, she not breaking her teasing ways as she sat up straight on the stool and quickly washed herself clean. Raising the water bucket Misao poured it over her body allowing the soap (which was Aoshi’s) to drift silkily down her body. Finally gaining the courage to stand up Misao did just that before carefully pulling the pins from her hair and allowed the thick satin mass to fall like a waterfall down her damp back; several of her shorter strands fell over her shoulders as she did this. With eyes closed Misao turned slowly around to face green eyes, but with no laughter (even if she’d never heard Aoshi laugh before) or negative words coming from his mouth, she finally pried her tight eyelids open. Even though she stood with hands clasped protectively over her lower region and loose strands blocking her nipples from view, she couldn’t hide the curve of her hips, the slenderness of her waist and the plumpness of her breasts.

"I-Is it that bad?" Misao meekly voiced, not sure how to take Aoshi’s silent behaviour as she stood exposed before him. She eyed his right hand lifting up to wave her silently over and on unsteady feet Misao padded her way to the edge of the bath. She was instantly caught off guard when Aoshi rose up on his knees, one hand moving quickly to the back of her neck to bring her lips straight to his. With the sudden caress of Aoshi’s lips against her own Misao lost her balance and fell ungracefully into the steamy water, banging her right shin on the side as she did so. With a groan of pain and pleasure, Aoshi’s first ever onslaught against her lips would not stop until their lungs burst for air. Pulling quickly away, hand still tangled in Misao’s damp and now tangled strands of hair, passion glazed blue met fiery green.

"A-Aoshi…" Misao groaned at the loss of contact but also at the evident fact that her body craved the man who was currently caressing the side of her face, his green pools darkening as Misao drowned within their hidden depths.

"You have no idea how many times I wanted to do that." Aoshi confessed, knowing his control had snapped as soon as Misao turned to face him, the look of nervousness washing over her face as though she thought he would not look upon her naked like he did her clothed was evident enough that he needed to reassure her.

"Not nearly as much as I…" Aoshi was surprised at Misao’s heated words as she grazed her lips against his cheek before initiating the next lot of kisses. It appeared his little wife was intent on wanting to be within his arms, their flushed skin moulding together as each of them gripped the other with passionate want and need.

"Are you sure?" Aoshi questioned (having torn his greedy lips from Misao’s relenting mouth) while his fingers glided down Misao’s supple skin on her back. She was the colour of creamy milk, but was turning a soft pink because of the warmness of the water, but Aoshi liked it too.

"More then ever…" Misao replied instantly, fingers dancing in Aoshi’s silky strands as she went to kiss him once more but couldn’t at the intruding tug against the nape of her neck.

"Lean back for me." Aoshi commanded and Misao did as he asked, eyes widening largely while her mouth parted open in short pants of air when lips grazed lightly over the upper part of her breasts, before one hot mouth engulfed the nipple of her left breast. Clenching one hand into Aoshi’s hair, the other dug fingernail marks into his left shoulder.

Misao was currently sitting on Aoshi’s lower thighs while her back was leaning into the edge of the bath. She couldn’t help but clench her thighs tightly closed against the slow intruding hand, never having felt anything like this before.

"Shh…relax my dear wife…" Snapping her eyes open Misao jerked her eyes in the direction of Aoshi, wanting to know if she had heard him correctly but gasped loudly, cheeks flaming as it was a distraction when something long and slender entered her never touched opening. Heat pooled at her centre while Misao looked down at Aoshi’s hand between her parted thighs.

"Oh god…" Misao groaned, her chin tilted to her chest as she breathed heavily while heatedly observing what Aoshi did to her. It felt quit exciting to witness this as well as feel it and so Misao kept her eyes glued on her lower body beneath the water as Aoshi began to work another finger inside of her.

"Mmmmmmmmm…" Misao groaned not sure as to why she had the sudden urge to grind her hips against those two experienced fingers, but she did so and caused another jolt of passion to creep through her electrifyingly. At the sudden pressure of her head being lifted up Misao came across Aoshi with a gentle smile on his face (one she had never witnessed before) and accepted his gentle kisses while he mumbled against her swollen mouth.

"Do not keep looking down. I wished to see you openly experience your first orgasm." Misao knew what Aoshi spoke of and so with flushed cheeks, lips half heartedly kissing him back (as she was moaning and panting to heavily to respond) Aoshi was able to witness Misao groan in ecstasy. With water swishing around them, thanks to Misao’s grinding, she had arched her back and tilted her head up to gaze cloudy eyes at the roofing of the bathhouse when a throbbing inside her increased and heat surged to and out of her womanhood.

"Oh god…I’m…I’m…AH! AOSHI!" Misao groaned loudly and happily before slumping forward, her sweaty forehead coming in contact with Aoshi’s shoulder as Misao breathed heavily against the man calmly rubbing her lower back and the curve of her right buttock cheek as well.

Misao had never thought that the evening would turn out this good, but at the sudden shift of Aoshi…and the way he lifted her slightly obviously meant it was not over yet. With curiosity eating at her Misao was about ready to ask what he was doing when something bigger began to enter her.

"Ah, Aoshi…what…?" Misao gasped trying to move away from the intrusion, but was haltered as it stopped suddenly not pressing into her any further. With large blue orbs innocently gazing into his green ones, Aoshi’s expression softened once more as this would be Misao’s first time ever feeling anything like this inside her and knew she would be scared as hell. He kissed Misao’s lips softly before he gathered his thoughts to explain a few things as this was his duty as a husband to his virgin wife.

"Look down Misao…" Aoshi softly voiced, feeling strained since his hardened self wanted to enter Misao’s warmth but couldn’t because he had not gotten her full permission to do so and the fact she was clueless to this part of their love making. Ocean orbs gazed down between their bodies to see Aoshi’s groin (most of it still visible to her eyes) very close if not slightly inside her womanhood.

"This will bind us even closer in marriage. I was getting you ready earlier, stretching your insides to accommodate me so we can continue on with this sensual ritual. It will feel strange and uncomfortable at first, but I hope the water will soften the slight hurt I’m going to cause you."

"You are going to hurt me?" Misao voiced softly as she shifted against Aoshi, watching as he tensed beneath her and unfortunately for him another groan of pleasure escaped his lips, eyes closing softly as he did so.

"Not…intentionally. The…sting of pain will die down, even more so if we partake in this together frequently, but only if you wish to Misao. I will not force you to make love with me."

"You want to make love with me?"

"That is what I had intended. You are my wife and I do lo-" Stopping him from going further Misao pressed her lips hungrily to Aoshi’s. She knew what he was going to say (and was over joyed at it too) and of course Aoshi being Aoshi it was done in the most unromantic way again. Of course this was far better then not hearing those words at all, but she’d rather hear his confession in the confines of their sleeping quarters where no one ventured but them. Here in the bathhouse seemed too public, even though Misao was only contradicting herself as she was about to partake in love making with her Aoshi-sama. However, Misao wouldn’t dream of ruining this moment since she’d been waiting for it for a long time and so while she kissed Aoshi senseless her hands glided over his taunt skin memorising the feel of him beneath her.

Aoshi’s hands gripped Misao’s hips, pushing her slowly down upon his hardened manhood, but stopped instantly at the hitch in her throat. He waited for a moment, eyes fully open as he gazed up at Misao’s flushed features and waiting agonisingly for her to nod her head to continue with his entry. It became a slow painful entrance for Aoshi who was fighting off plunging into her hot centre in quick fluid movements as he was strained enough as it was. Who would have thought that Misao would be the one to test his endurance and resistance to the brink of insanity?

"You are…so beautiful…" Aoshi murmured heatedly to Misao which she smiled happily at him and began to lower herself a bit further onto him. A shriek broke from her lips when Aoshi finally broke through her barrier and tears welled at the corner of her eyes, but Aoshi remained as still as he could and kissed them lightly away.

"We will continue when you are…nnng Misao!" Aoshi gasped out as she had lifted herself away from him, his hips automatically rising to meet her downward thrust. With eyes closed and teeth sinking into her lower lip, almost piercing it at the pained thrusts, Misao wanted Aoshi’s warmth all around her and so she continued on feeling the beginning of pleasure swelling within her and so she instinctively reached blindly for it not once stopping their grinding. Aoshi’s eyes lowered heatedly as he took in Misao’s lightly pouncing breasts and leaned forward grasping one nipple between his teeth. His right hand helped guide Misao’s hips against his quick thrusts while his left played happily with her other supple mound. Misao groaned excitedly at this new onslaught of feelings and gasped when the position was changed, Aoshi making her lean back against the edge of the bath, one of his hands griping the side, keeping himself above her (sitting up on his knees) while the other directed her legs to wrap around his waist.

"Oh Kami-sama!" Misao groaned aloud, feeling Aoshi’s long thrusts even more as her legs were spread wider to compensate his hips slamming into hers. After Aoshi positioned Misao’s legs properly, she clasped one ankle over the other for more support while Aoshi placed his free hand against her back so she wouldn’t receive any bruising from the bath like she now had on her shin. With long fluid strokes Aoshi glided in and out of Misao’s responsive body, his blood boiling at her mewling noises. His eyes grew wide with surprise as Misao began to play with the strands of her hair, flickering them over her sensitive chest as she was unsure of what to do with her free hands. Her lips had parted at her small notions and her eyes clenched blissfully closed at the feelings coming together as one around her.

"I think I’m…I’m…Mmph!" Misao slapped her over her mouth, quieting her scream not wishing to alarm any of the other Oniwabanshuu to interrupt her private time with Aoshi and allowed him to grind happily into her throbbing centre. Her heart hammered in her ears, her breath hitching to a shriek as she was placed into a quick third orgasm when greedy fingers went to flick an extra sensitive nub. At her last release Misao moaned contently when she felt warmth spread within her, she opening heavy eyelids to catch Aoshi groaning out her name in a very sexy way that Misao flushed brightly at.

"Wow…" Misao couldn’t help but pant as she was picked up by a now tired Aoshi and was placed against his chest as he leaned into the edge of the bath behind him. Steam still rose from the bath, ripples now calming as the water was considerably lower, a lot having been splashed over the edge, but neither had cared and still didn’t for that matter.

The bathhouse remained quiet as the new lovers basked in the afterglow of their love making and allowed their heartbeats to slow down to their regular pace. After a short amount of silence, Misao finally spoke.

"I have something to confess Aoshi." He smirked against the top of her head, glad the ‘sama’ was fully dropped. "I was spying on you the other night. That is how I knew the way you folded your clothes and bathed. Are you mad at me for doing it?" Aoshi couldn’t help but allow Misao to think he was angry for a moment in his silence, but placed his hand against her head, kissing her forehead lightly before continuing on.

"I have a confession of my own Misao. I knew you were there the whole time."

"You…did?" She gasped out surprised.

"I’m the Okashira little one, so of course I know when someone is blatantly watching my every move. Even if I am thinking about you, my skills do not lessen at all." Misao grew surprised at the rumple in his chest, Aoshi having lightly chuckled. "As soon as you stood outside the shoji I knew something was going to change between us. I waited to see what you would do and when I felt you move to the side and onto the crate I decided…to place on a little show."

"So you don’t wash yourself like that?"

"Of course I do, but never that slow and careful. I thought you might have picked up on what I was doing when I titled my head back just to get at my neck. Who does that when bathing Misao?" Flushing at his questions Misao remained against Aoshi’s chest, the soft throbbing of his manhood still within her folds as she started to get used to his largeness. It still felt awkward, but it was a nice awkward now as Aoshi wrapped his arms loosely about her. The bathhouse fell quiet, Misao’s not needing to embarrass herself anymore then she had and so she closed her eyes and hummed lightly at the soft caress against her lower back. She was deliriously happy since Aoshi not only thought about her often, but he loved her too.

"Misao…?" Was that huskiness in Aoshi’s voice? "When do I get to de-clothe and bathe you?" Snapping her eyes open as her heart began to pound at Aoshi’s question, Misao suppressed giggles of glee and instead softly replied calmly back with,

"How about tomorrow then?"

"Aa, it’s a date." Aoshi remarked and the two remained joined as one, each basking in the fact they’d grown closer then each could have ever hoped for.

To think it all came about over de-clothing oneself and a very slow sensual bathing ritual as well.

As Aoshi leaned his head back against the wall, bliss was the only word necessary right at this very moment.

He had his wife within his arms and could now do whatever he wanted with her and wherever he wanted for as long as he wanted. Smiling fully (even though silently apologising to Misao because she couldn’t witness it) Aoshi didn’t need anything else. For now anyway…

# The End #