Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ That Voodoo That You Do ❯ A Sense Of Humor? ( Chapter 12 )

It was extremely late when Aoshi, Misao and Okon wandered into Tokyo. The moon was high in the sky, temporarily obscured now and then by the clouds that had formed during the day like tall smoke stacks and made all of them grateful to the fact shelter was near.

Being this close to Sanosuke's ki did something to Aoshi. The doll never left his side but the effect of Sanosuke's behaviour embedded in his presence was weakened by the doll and didn't travel well over long distances. Now Aoshi was in closer proximity of course, that was no longer the case.

"We'll find Himura and the others in the morning." Decided Misao, wandering deeper into the city centre, before attempting to stifle a yawn. She failed, setting Okon off, and both of them were shocked to see Aoshi succumb to psychological reflex action. Both women shared a confused glance. It wasn't an emotional thing he let slip, but neither had ever seen Aoshi yawn in public before. Still, it had been a long day. She reckoned he was only human after all.

"Are we gonna crash at that beef pot restaurant?" It didn't sound like the usual well-spoken Aoshi Shinomori at all, "'Cause it's a long way from here, and I dunno `bout you two but I'm exhausted. Not to mention staaaarrrving!"

You could have knocked his travelling companions over with a feather. Misao couldn't help herself, but turned around to stare at him, trying to keep her jaw from hitting the dirt. "I'm… I'm sorry… Aoshi, what did you say?"

"Maybe he's sick?" fretted Okon, "I've never heard him speak like that!"

"Like what? Hey, you girls mind talking TO me, not ABOUT me?"

It was a little too much for Misao to take. With a withering sigh, her eyes rolled back in her head, her knees gave way beneath her and she passed into the land of the fairies.

"Too many late nights for poor little Misao." Shrugged Aoshi, picking her up with ease, then realising just how light she was, "Over-worked and under-fed. Personally, I say we go back the way we came toward the dojo. It's not far, its where we have to end up and on top of it all, the accommodation's free."

That did it for Okon. She passed out too. Rediscovering the sound of his own voice as he picked the other woman up, and putting one over either shoulder, he continued talking. "So no objections then? Right. To the dojo, we go! Hehe! That sounds funny… dojo, we go… I'm good."

Imagine the surprise that was sprawled across Kaoru's face when she opened the door to find Aoshi stood there, Misao over his left shoulder, Okon over the right, and still carrying all their bags in his hands. She swayed violently, threatening to fall, when he smiled at her like a rogue and addressed her.

"Evening Missy. We're a bit lost. Any chance of some help?"

The noise woke Kenshin from slumber also. He was nursing a bit of a headache, and so was not amused. Especially when he watched the scene unfold from the shadows. Aoshi walked in, put Okon and Misao gently down on the tatami mats, and looked straight at him.

"You'd better come out of the shadows, Kenshin. I know you're there." A face that portrayed no emotion, but framed by loose red tresses made a beautiful but intimidating sight to behold. So much so, Kaoru gasped, afraid that this would end in a fight somehow. She didn't know he was there; with such stealth that Kenshin had moved.

"Aoshi." Kenshin addressed him simply, his tone as sombre as his features. "What may I ask, brings you to Tokyo? And at this hour."

"Long story." Shrugged the weary traveller. "I'll tell ya in the morning. Hey, Kenshin, any chance of a bite to eat? It's just the girls and I have been on the road all day, and didn't stop for an evening meal…" he grinned again. Kaoru sat down involuntarily, her slender legs suddenly unable to support her weight. Kenshin gave her a look, before going out to the kitchen.