Disclaimer: I own nothing but this here plot. The rest belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki.

AN/ I know that this is a very short chapter, but I just wanted to finish this scene. Next chapter will be in Misao's POV. I will actually not be backtracking in that chapter, but will be starting just as Misao enters the apartment building. I hope the length does not bother you, next one will be longer.


Hajime Saitou's POV

After several minutes of walking in silence -Aoshi seeming to have finally given in to the fact that the girls could indeed defend themselves- they arrived in front a rather, decent building. Especially considering the surrounding ones. Although the buildings to either side of the one they stood in front of didn't look so bad as the rest of the buildings in the vicinity.

The building itself appeared to be three stories, and was made of a dark wood. The roof was tiled, and looked in decent repair. The windows he could see had shutters, and the walkway was clean for the most part. But considering how close the windows were, the rooms themselves seemed to be small.

The buildings on either side were both a whole story higher, but made of a lighter wood and looking in worse repair. But even so these appeared to be the best buildings on the street.

"This is the inn I spoke of." Kaoru said after a moment's pause, gesturing at the building in front of them. "It is the nicest building on this street, and actually for several streets around." She concluded calmly before gesturing to the building on the right, which was of the two surrounding houses, in the best repair. "This is our apartment. We haven't ever been in this inn, except when we tried to get rooms here a few years back. So I can't tell you for sure what it's like, but it's decent." She added as an after note. He saw Misao sigh softly and shake her head before continuing to the apartment building.

"I'll put the shrimp to bed Kaoru and…ah, try and make something edible for us." Misao said over her shoulder, the mention of her cooking causing her to grimace. He saw Kaoru wince and saw a look of horror come over Aoshi's face.

"Ah, you've both actually learned how to cook then?" Aoshi said lightly, looking nervous. Hajime noted with amusement that Kaoru looked quite sheepish.

"Well, we can't let Kao cook 'cause she'll burn everything, but I can make some…simple foods without poisoning us all."Misao answered sheepishly. To his amazement Kaoru didn't look like she was insulted. When he looked to her she was twiddling her thumbs nervously. Snorting in amusement Hajime decided he had to ask.

"So who does the cooking then?" He asked with a smirk. He saw Misao look at him, her face bland.

"Yahiko." She told him simply causing him, and Sagara to burst out laughing. He saw the girl's eyes narrow in anger, and heard Kaoru give an exasperated sigh. Megumi looked bored.

"He is the only one capable of making a decent meal without burning the house down or poisoning the diners!" Misao said angrily. "And he doesn't mind it to much, but if you tease him I'll shove my fist up where the sun don't shine!" She snapped with a hiss. Hajime snorted at her comment and took another drag before blowing the smoke out in her direction.

"I'd like to see you try weasel." He said with a smirk. She hissed at him and seemed about to tackle him before Kaoru and Megumi grabbed her arms.

"Now, now Misao-chan, you are still holding Yahiko-kun…" Kaoru said in a calming voice. Misao glared at her before turning on her heel and stalking of towards the apartment building. But before she entered she turned to glare.

"I hope you choke on that awful thing!" She yelled before stomping into the building. Kaoru just sighed before turning to Aoshi.

"Goodnight Aoshi-san, Misao and I leave for work at6:30 -we prefer the early shift- in case you are going to want to escort us, which I think you are going toweather we want it or not…" Kaoru said softly, smirking slightly before turning and hugging Megumi. "Goodnight Megumi dear. Be safe on your way home, and We'll see you tomorrow." She said softly. As she walked after her sister she turned back and bowed. "Goodnight Himaru-san, Saitou-san, and Sagara-san." She said politely before turning and leaving.

That just left himself, Aoshi, Kenshin, and Sagara, and Megumi. She turned to look at them, her face blank before she walked closer to them. Hajime was about to ask her what she was doing when she grabbed Aoshi's collar and pulled him down to her level.

"Now listen here, and listen well Shinomori. Kaoru may be incapable of holding a grudge, and Misao may have decided that your apologies and her punch are enough for her to forgive you, but I do not forgive and forget so easily. You hurt them again, and so help you I will not rest until you have felt my rage in full." She hissed at Aoshi darkly, her eyes flashing coldly. She then released him and strode off without a backward glance.

"My, my Shinomori. You and the ladies just hit it right off." He said with a wide grin.

"Shut up Saitou."


AN/ Well, please read and review!