From: Itsukisan@aol.com Hello~ I've come out of lurker mode again. I just had this sudden urge to write the fic with Misao and Aoshi's children that was building up in my head for months. So here it is, though I must warn you, when I don't know what to write, out poors the cheese... (My whole fic's like that... ^_^;) Anyway, enjoy. - Itsuki(san) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Disclaimer: All the characters belong to Nobuhiro Watsuki and not to me. Well, I made four of the characters up, so they don't really belong to Watsuki, but they really couldn't possibly exist without his creations. The Perfect Gift Shinomori Hannya sat on the wooden floor, meditating. Well, he was trying at least, but it seemed he just could not concentrate. Something was disturbing him, but he could not pinpoint exactly what it was that was bothering him so much. Did he forget to do his chores? No, that wasn’t it. He already swept the yard and cleaned the floors. Did he need to practice his kempo? Okaachan always said...wait, it was Okaachan! Something about Okaachan was bothering him. But what? Finding no answer, Hannya sighed and looked out the window, observing the brown, red, orange, and yellow leaves fall from the branches. He made a face. That would be more work for him. He didn’t like this time of year. This time of year was... Then the thought struck him. It was almost time for Okaachan’s birthday! Now he had another problem to solve. What should he get for her? A loud tapping on the door interrupted Hannya’s thoughts. “Oniichan?” a cheery, high-pitched voice piped from behind the door. “Come in,” Hannya replied, still preoccupied with his mother’s upcoming birthday. The door slid open, revealing a short six-year-old girl with unbound long, blue-black hair. “Whatcha doing, Oniichan?” Shinomori Shikijou asked her older brother. “I’m trying to figure out what to get Okaachan for her birthday.” Hannya rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I made her this,” Shikijou pulled a paper figure out from her pocket. It was intricately, yet rather messily folded, due to her short, chubby fingers. Nonetheless, one could definitely tell that the figure was a weasel. “That’s...er...great, Shikijou.” Hannya commented. “I’m sure she’ll really appreciate it. Where are Hyottoko and Beshimi?” Shikijou thought for a second, index finger in her mouth. “I think Be-chan and Hyo-chan are taking a nap.” “Oh, okay. So what should I get for Okaachan?” Hannya asked. Shikijou stared at her older brother blankly. “I dunno,” was her quick reply. Hannya sighed patiently. Maybe someone else can help me, he thought hopefully. “Where are Auntie Omasu and Auntie Okon?” “They went out shopping.” “What about Ojiichan?” “He’s...he’s somewhere here.” Shikijou shrugged, beginning to lose interest in her brother’s affairs. “I’m going to find Otousan.” “Okay, I’ll go see Ojiichan.” Hannya stood up and followed his sister out the door. ************************************* Hannya made his way back to his room, frustrated. He hadn’t a chance to talk to Okina-ojiichan because he had been busy chatting with his mother. He certainly couldn’t bring up his little dilemma in front of her. “Oniichan~” Hannya turned around to find Shikijou right behind him. “I can’t find Otousan,” she whined. “He’s not in his room or anything!” “He’s probably meditating. Did you check the temple?” “No...” Shikijou stared up at her older brother, wide-eyed. Hanna gave an exasperated sigh. Sometimes he wondered if his poor sister had been dropped on the head a couple of times. “Oniichan, I’ll race you to the temple!” “Hai...” “Oniichan! Oneechan!” The five-year-old Shinomori twins bumbled out of their room, apparently energized from their nap. “We’re going to the temple. Wanna come?” Shikijou asked excitedly. “Yeah!” Beshimi nodded vigorously. “What for?” Hyottoko, the quieter of the twins, asked thoughtfully. “To see if Otousan’s there,” Hannya replied carelessly. “Are you coming?” “Hai....” “What are you all up to?” a voice asked from behind them, causing them to jump in surprise. “Okaachan!” “Looks like we need to work on those skills. You can’t even tell when your own mother’s about...” Misao wagged her finger, and then seeing the four children staring solemnly at her, she burst out laughing. “No fair! You sneaked up on us!” Beshimi accused. “Who? Me?” Misao looked at them innocently. “Okaachan...” “Nee, Okaachan, can we go to the temple?” Hannya asked earnestly. “All four of you?” “Hai.” “Why?” Misao eyed all four of them suspiciously. “No particular reason...” Misao gave them another skeptical look and then shrugged in defeat. “Just be sure to be back before dinner. And Hannya, take care of your sister and brothers.” Hannya nodded. “Arigatou, Okaachan!” the other three cheered. “Let’s go, Oniichan!” “Oi, wait for me!” Hannya chased after his younger siblings’ retreating figures. Misao watched them wistfully. What would she do without them? ******************************************** “Ha! Beat ya!” Shikijou proclaimed victoriously after stopping at the steps of the temple. Her brothers lagged behind her, panting. She climbed up the steps and peered in and then gasped. “Shikijou?” Hannya leapt up the steps to see what was the matter. Hyottoko carefully followed. “Hey, what’s happening?” Beshimi rushed up the steps only to be caught by his brothers and have his mouth covered by his sister. “Sh!” Shikijou looked at him sternly and went back to paying full attention to the affairs going on inside the temple. Aoshi sat on the floor, facing a tall, slender dark-haired woman. They were silent for what seemed like an eternity to unwanted observers. Aoshi sipped his tea. “Thank you for coming. Where are the others?” The woman flipped her long, black hair back. “Ken-san and the others are busy running errands and taking care of the kids. I came by myself.” “And nobody saw you come here?” he asked cautiously. “I was careful not to be spotted. I think I should be going now. I only came to tell you that we arrived. We’ll be seeing you tomorrow.” “Until tomorrow, then.” The woman excused herself and left the temple, not noticing the four children who had skillfully hidden themselves against the wall. They sagged with relief when the woman was out of sight. “Whew...that was close.” “Hyottoko, Beshimi, Shikijou, Hannya...” They tensed. “He knows we’re here?” Shikijou asked, panicking. “But we were so quiet.” “Of course he knows we’re here. It’s Otousan we’re talking about here...” Hannya whispered. Hyottoko had already taken off his sandals and entered the temple. “Hai, Otousan?” “Tell your brothers and sister to get in here.” Aoshi ordered, his quiet authority taking over. Hannya, Shikijou, and Beshimi followed Hyottoko’s example wordlessly. “I want to talk to you.” “About what?” Hannya asked innocently. His younger siblings followed suit and gave him big innocent stares. “About what you just saw here. I don’t want any of you telling anybody about this, especially your mother. Do you understand?” Aoshi’s deep blue eyes pierced each of his children’s large eyes, sending chills down their spines as to what might happen if they disobeyed. “Hai...” they all answered quickly, still scared from their father’s cold gaze. Aoshi closed his eyes and took a deep breath, going back into his meditation. His children left the temple slowly and quietly and walked on to the path home. “So who was that lady?” Hyottoko asked quietly, still dazed by the turn of events. “And what was she doing with Otousan?” Beshimi stuck his tongue out in disgust. “You think Otousan and that lady were...” Shikijou trailed off, thinking that it would confirm the possibility if she said it. “They could be,” Hannya stated, not wanting to believe it. “No way, they can’t be!” Beshimi protested, completely in denial of the whole mess. “Why else would Otousan be so secretive about it?” Hyottoko argued. “Whoever she was, she was awfully pretty,” Shikijou sighed wistfully. “I didn’t think that she was Otousan’s type, though,” Hyottoko commented thoughtfully. “I thought Okaachan was Otousan’s type,” Beshimi piped in. “Okaachan! We can’t let Okaachan know!” Hannya exclaimed. “Of course we can’t. Remember what Otousan said?” Shikijou reminded him. “But she should have the right to know...” Hyottoko asserted. “But it’s her birthday tomorrow. We can’t spoil her birthday,” Hannya declared. “How could Otousan see another woman on Okaachan’s birthday?” Beshimi asked dramatically. “He’s so cruel...” Shikijou murmured. The others nodded in agreement, and they made their way back to the Aoiya, deep into their discussion. *********************************************** “Are you okay?” Misao asked in motherly concern when she saw the children approaching, each with a glum face. “Did you eat something you shouldn’t have while you were out playing?” “No, Okaachan,” Hannya answered gloomily. “Are you sick?” She felt each of their foreheads. “Well, none of you have a fever, so that can’t be it.” She stood there, making notes on every little detail of each of their appearances, trying to find something that would help identify the reason for their distress. “We’re fine, Okaachan,” Hannya stated dismally, not convincing his mother at all. “Won’t you tell me what’s the matter? Okaachan’ll fix it for you, if I can.” Misao gave them a reassuring smile, but seeing that they did not respond, she dismissed them. She worriedly watched them trudge away silently. Something was very wrong. Maybe Aoshi-sama could get through to them when he came home. The Shinomori children wordlessly chewed on their dinner, under the stern gaze of their father and the worried scrutinization of their mother. Dinner seemed to last an eternity. “Gochisousama...” each of them called out, but they were not dismissed from the table. “Misao...” Aoshi said softly. “Yes, Aoshi-sama?” “I want to talk to them. Alone.” he said coolly. “I see. Well, then I’ll be seeing you all later.” Misao excused herself and left the room. “Let’s go outside,” Aoshi suggested, although it was more of a command than a suggestion. They followed him gravely outside as if they were walking to their execution. “You’re really worrying your mother by your behavior...” Aoshi began. “Who was that lady you were talking to?” Beshimi interrupted, not being able to take the suspense any longer. “She’s an old friend.” “Friend?” Hannya asked, suspicious of the word Aoshi had chosen. “So she’s just a friend, Otousan?” Shikijou looked straight up at him with her large blue eyes. “You swear?” Aoshi’s lips curved ever so slightly. Sometimes they could act so much like their mother. They ought to know that he would never betray Misao or them. “Hai, Shikijou. I swear.” Shikijou giggled. “If you say so Otousan, I believe you.” Hyottoko yawned. “I’m tired. Can we go to bed now, Otousan?” Aoshi nodded and wordlessly picked Hyottoko and Beshimi up in one arm and held Shikijou in the other. He waited silently for Hannya to follow him. “Can I stay out here a little longer? I just want a little time to think,” Hannya pleaded. “Don’t stay out too late.” Aoshi turned his back to him and proceeded home, balancing all three children in his arms. Hannya stared out at in the distance. It was a great relief knowing that his father had not betrayed his mother. He believed his father when he denied any inappropriate relationship with that woman. Yet something was still bothering him. He had not found a present for his mother’s birthday, until now. The patch of chrysanthemums stood out in the grass, pure white against the evening sky. He hurried to the flowers and gathered them up in his arms. They indeed made a truly lovely sight. ********************************************************* The sunlight crept into Misao and Aoshi’s bedroom through the window. Aoshi gazed lovingly at the woman who still slept soundly in his arms. He was indeed a lucky man to have such a wonderful wife. Sensing the beginning of the bustling about at the Aoiya, Aoshi tried to gently prod her awake. She only responded with a moan and buried her face deeper in his chest. “Misao...” He detached himself from her and then kissed her deeply. “Aoshi-sama...” Misao’s eyelids fluttered open. Aoshi put a finger to her lips. “They’re coming.” Misao’s eyes widened. “Who?” She made sure she had her kunai ready... Then the door slid open. “Surprise! Otanjoubi omedetou, Misao-chan!” The crowd shouted, throwing confetti. “Himura! Kaoru-san! Yahiko! What are you doing here?” Misao asked, pleasantly surprised. “We were invited here in honor of your birthday.” Kenshin smiled. “Omedetou de gozaru yo.” “Jiiya, this is great! Arigatou!” Misao exclaimed in pure delight. “Actually, this was all Aoshi’s idea,” Okina admitted. “Aoshi-sama!” She threw her arms around his neck, throwing him back on the futon. “I love you so much,” she whispered fiercely in his ear. His only response was to hug her tighter. When at long last the couple let go, a beet red Misao thanked everyone again. “Here, Okaachan,” Hannya handed his mother a rather large bouquet of white chrysanthemums. “Happy Birthday.” “Oh, Hannya, they’re lovely.” Misao admired the pure white chrysanthemums and inhaled their fresh scent. “I made this for you, Okaachan!” Shikijou announced, presenting her with the origami creation. “Arigatou, Shikijou...” Misao took the paper from her daughter’s hand... Yahiko peered at the shape of the paper creature. “It’s a weasel! Ahahaha...even your own daughter thinks you’re a weasel girl.” Yahiko’s remark was rewarded with a smack on the head. “Yahiko, it’s Misao-chan’s birthday for heaven’s sake,” Kaoru reprimanded, even though she had to look up to scold the already grown young man. “Misao, here’s a little something from me and Sano.” Megumi handed Misao a square box. “Open it.” Misao opened the box and pulled out the contents. She gaped at the splendid kimono before her. The array of blue, white, and gold dazzled her. “This is...beautiful. Megumi-san, you really shouldn’t have.” “I thought it would be rather becoming on you when I saw that. And you might want to save that for special occasions.” Megumi advised and winked, her trademark foxiness showing, causing Misao to blush profusely. “Auntie Megumi has good taste,” Shikijou commented, sitting next to her mother and admiring the gorgeous kimono. Although Shikijou and her brothers were suspicious of Megumi when she and the rest of the Kenshin-gumi had arrived at the Aoiya early that morning, they had warmed up to her during the preparations for the celebration, seeing that she posed no threat towards their mother’s happiness. “That’s why she married Sano,” Yahiko sniggered. “I wouldn’t talk, Yahiko-CHAN...” Sanosuke’s fishbone almost broke at the intensity of his words. Fortunately, for Yahiko, he was interrupted by Misao’s sniffling. “Okaachan, what’s wrong?” Hannya asked in concern. He moved to stand behind her and give her a hug around her slender neck. “Nothing...it’s just that...I’m so happy...and...and...” Tears streamed down from Misao’s deep blue eyes. “Arigatou...minna.” She hugged Hannya and Shikijou close to her. “Oi, Okaachan, what about us?” Beshimi pouted, referring to his twin as well as himself. Misao laughed and included Hyottoko and Beshimi in her hug and buried her tear-stained face in her children’s hair. She was truly surrounded by all her loved ones. This was indeed the perfect gift. ----------------------------------------------------------- Dude, I know this ending is sooo corny, and so is the title for that matter. That’s what happens when I totally run out of ideas. Anyway, I meant for all of Aoshi and Misao’s children to have more developed personalities, but it just didn’t seem to come out. Ah yes, and I did sketch what they look like. Here's the URL, in case you're interested: http://members.aol.com/fujimak/shinomor.jpg (From left to right: Hyottoko, Beshimi, Shikijou, Hannya) So is anyone too OOC? Comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. ^_^ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Looking to expand your world? http://www.onelist.com ONElist has over 145,000 email communities from which to chose!