Misao placed the last pin in her chignon as she sat in a dressing room more ornate than anything Kamatari could have imagined. A soft knock on the door disrupted her train of thought. Opening the door, she smiled as an obscenely large bouquet filled her doorway.
"I wonder who could have such pretty flowers. It couldn't be my boyfriend because he's not that thoughtful."
From behind the bouquet, Aoshi arched one eyebrow. "Would you care to say that again?"
Misao giggled as she took the flowers from Aosho and placed them in a vase that Kaoru insisted she bring. Once Misao finished arranging the last bloom, Aoshi placed a gentle kiss on her temple.
"I am so proud of you."
Before Misao can respond, there is another knock on the door. Slowly it opens and Shishio Makoto entered. Smiling wryly, he asked if anyone knew where his newest prima ballerina was. Profuse expressions of thanks spilled from Misao's lips. Shishio held up a hand, informing Misao that he gave no one chances. She earned the right to be the principal in Yumi's dance company.
Much to Aoshi's chagrin, Misao jumped up and gave Shishio the biggest hug she could manage. Looking down at the diminutive woman, Shishio barely suppressed his laughter. He turned toward Aoshi, and while still holding Misao in one arm, told the stoic young man that he planned to steal Misao away after the performance.
For the second time that evening, Aoshi arched a single brow. "If you were to steal her, I'd be forced to steal her back since she is the woman I intend to spend the rest of my life with."
Shock colored Misao's features at hearing Aoshi's simply stated profession. He never expressed emotion, especially not in front of others. Shock turned to tears as Aoshi pulled a velvet covered box from his jacket pocket. Upon noticing the intimate scene in front of him, Shishio quietly excused himself.
Aoshi heard his name softly uttered by Misao as he opened the box. With his eyes fixed on hers, Aoshi murmured two simple words -- "Will you?"
For the first time, silence was Misao's answer as she took the ring from the box and placed it on her finger.
THE END