~Enjoy~

Thoughts/Conversation from Last Chap.

...

Misao POV

Chapter 11

I was walking home from the grocery store when I spotted Aoshi coming out of a jewelry shop. As I took a step toward him, I heard a woman call his name. I decided to wait in the alley nearby, wanting to find out who she was.

"Hello, Megumi-sensei."

"Oh, don't give me that! You know I only like to hear sensei at the office. It's a bit awkward to hear it on the street. It's been so long since you last came to see me."

I nodded. "It has been quite some time, hasn't it. I haven't really had any stress that needed releasing, until today that is."

"Oh? Well then I suggest you stop by as soon as possible. Maybe I can help you out."

"That sounds good. Are you free sometime today?"

"As a matter of fact, I'm just taking my lunch break, so we could do it now."

I smirked. "How much do you charge for using your free time?"

She laughed. "For you, Aoshi, it's on the house."

Apparently He's known her for quite sometime. It's obvious a beautiful woman like that would be a good stress reliever for...for...you know. I just never thought Aoshi would do such a thing! And to think, other people pay her for her...her... services. Her office is more like a hotel room I bet!

I think I'm going to be sick.

I heard their footsteps headed in my direction, but I had no place to hide, the end of the alley was a brick wall. I decided it was best to just continue on my way, hoping he wouldn't notice me.

"Misao? What are you doing here?"

Shoot. Keep it together, Misao.

"Aoshi-sama! I didn't see you there! I was just on my way home from the store. A girl needs to eat, you know."

He looked confused. "Aoshi-sama? Misao, why did you...?"

"It was an accident," I interrupted, looking at the ground. It really wasn't. I just had to find some way to distance myself from him, even just a little. He didn't seem to take well to it, but let it slide.

"Here, let me take your bags for you and I'll walk you home," he said, reaching for my groceries.

I yanked them back. "No!" I shouted, startling him and his companion. "I-I mean, it's okay. I don't want to intrude on your outing with your friend. I'll talk to you later." Without giving him time to respond, I ran from them.

...

When I made it back to my apartment, I sank down on the floor and cried. I don't know how long I sat there, but I didn't move until my phone rang. I dried my eyes and looked at the caller ID. Seeing that it was Kaoru, I composed myself as best as I could before answering. I didn't want her to know that I was depressed at the moment.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Misao! I know today is Saturday, and it's your day off, but I was hoping that you could come over and watch the boys for me. Kenshin's parents had to bail out on sitting tonight because they got snowed in at their house out in Sequim. Tonight's the annual Charity Ball, and we have to make an appearance. Please please please can you help us?"

"You know, you sure do ramble on when you're desperate, Kaoru."

"Misao!" she whined. I shook my head.

"Of course I'll help! When do you need me?"

"Can you be here in an hour?"

"Yup. No prob! See you then!"

"Thank you so much! You are a life saver!"

"Which kind? The cherry flavored gummi ones are the best, you know."

"Ha ha. Very funny. Just for that, you're the hard candy, lime flavored."

"Noooo! Those are the worst!"

"Hahaha. All right, see you in an hour."

"I'll be there!"

I hung up the phone and sighed. At least I'll have something to distract me.

...

I arrived at the estate at five. Kaoru opened the door, already dressed in her midnight blue evening gown, squeezed me tight, and kept saying "Thank you thank you thank you!" Kenshin finally stepped in, looking dashing in his tuxedo, pulling her off of me, stating, "I think Misao-dono needs some air, Koishii."

Souske was in the den, sitting at the coffee table, eating pizza, and watching 'Detective Conan'. Kenji was in the baby swing next to the couch.

"I'm not sure when we'll be home, but I'm hoping it's not going to be too late. You already know where things are and when their bed time is, so I don't need to give you the run down." Kaoru then went and bent down over Souske, hugging him and giving him a kiss on his head.

"Souske, be good and help Misao-san when she needs it, okay?" She released him and went to give Kenji a kiss. Kenshin kissed each of his boys as well.

Before they left, Kenshin added, "If they is anything you need, just give us a call. I'll have my phone on me at all times."

I waved them off. "I know the drill. I'm with your kids Monday through Friday, aren't I? What makes the week-end so different?"

They laughed. "We know. It's just reassuring for us to go through the steps."

"I understand. Now go! Have fun!"

After I heard the door close, I sat down by Souske and watched the show.

...

Two episodes of Conan and five games of Candyland later, it was time to put the boys to bed. Kenji was already asleep when I took him to his room. After placing him in the crib and tucking him in, I went into Souske's room to read him a bedtime story.

"Misao-san, what's the matter?" he asked, interrupting my reading of 'The Mitten'.

"Nothing. Why do you ask?" I replied, startled that he sensed something.

"It's just, you seem like you're trying to be happy, but you're really not."

For a four-year-old, this kid is pretty observant. He definitely gets it from his father.

"Listen, Souske. It's a little complicated. I just need a little time to think about some things, so you don't need to be concerned, okay?"

"I bet Aoshi can make it better!"

I almost jumped at his statement. He doesn't know Aoshi is the problem. Keep it cool. You don't want to ruin his image of his uncle.

"I'm not so sure about that. I think I need to do this on my own. Do you understand?"

"I guess so. Can we finish the story?"

I smiled. "You bet."

...

An hour after the boys were asleep in their beds, Kenshin and Kaoru came home, Aoshi coming in behind them.

"Why are you guys back so soon?" I asked, ignoring Aoshi.

"There's a snowstorm headed our way. The roads are already starting to get icy, so I don't think it's a good idea for you or Aoshi to drive home," Kaoru answered, shaking snow from her coat.

"But...but...I don't have anything here! Clothes or toothbrush or hairbrush!" Trying to think of any way to get out of staying here with Aoshi.

Kaoru just brushed them off. "It's alright, Misao. You can borrow some of my things."

"I don't want to impose..."

Kaoru was getting upset. "Misao, I don't want to risk your safety! You are staying in our guest house, no buts!" Kenshin agreed with her. "I think it best as well, Misao-dono. You are like family to us, that you are."

I sighed. There no way I was going to win this fight, so I gave in. Just suck it up, Misao. At least he won't be staying the guest house with you.

"Our extra rooms here are being remodeled at the moment, so Aoshi will be staying there as well," Kaoru said.

Dang it!

But, Kaoru, isn't that weird? A man and woman sharing a guest house?"

"Well, you guys are a couple, right? I don't see a problem."

I'm not going to win this one either.

"I suppose not."

"Great! Let me just get you some clothes and then you two can get over there! Kenshin, you can check on the boys."

With that, the two of them went upstairs, leaving me in the foyer with Aoshi.

"Misao, if you're really not comfortable sharing the place with me, I'll find somewhere else to sleep tonight," Aoshi asked with a look of concern.

I didn't bother to even look at him. "It's fine. I don't want to give them any trouble."

He was staring at me, trying to get me to look at him. "Is there something wrong? Is it something I've done?"

I ignored him. Just before he was about to speak again, Kaoru showed up with a bag.

"Here you go! I know they might be a little big on you, but it'll have to do. Have a good night, you two!" She gave each of us a hug, then walked us to the door, closing and locking it behind us. The wind was blowing hard, causing the snow to feel like ice pellets. We both ran to the guest house, not wanting to be outside for long. When we got inside, Aoshi locked the door behind us and turned on the lights. I took off my coat, hanging it on one of the hooks by the door, and went straight to the bathroom to change. When I came out, Aoshi was already dressed and sitting on the couch, waiting for me.

"I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Aoshi-sama." I headed towards the bedroom, forcing myself to walk instead of run. Aoshi rose from the couch and stepped in front of me. I refused to look at him.

"Misao. What's going on? Why are you adding that honorific to my name?"

My emotions were getting the best of me, and I couldn't help but say, "What's wrong with that honorific? Or is it that you prefer sensei?"

"What do mean?"

"Oh that's right. You prefer to call other people that, right?" I said bitterly.

"Misao, what has gotten into you? Why won't you even look at me?" he pleaded.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. "I saw you outside the jewelry store, with that woman today and I heard the entire conversation! I heard how she can help you relieve your...your...your stress!" Just then, the power went out, leaving us in total darkness. Lucky for me, he couldn't see the tears streaming down my face

"Misao, you've misunderstood," he said. I heard him taking a step towards me.

"I don't see how I could have. I think you were right in choosing her."

"What do you mean?"

"It's obvious you were going to ask her to marry you. I mean, you two were standing outside a jewelry shop. You probably were picking out rings. By the way, she really is beautiful. She's perfect for you."

Just then, I felt Aoshi grab me a crush me to him.

"Misao, my Misao, you really are so simple-minded sometimes."

I tried to push him away, but his grip only tightened. "Hey! Don't make fun of me! What else was I supposed to think when I see you talking with such a gorgeous woman who I could never compare to!"

"You're wrong. She can't compare to you, Misao. You're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

I wriggled and he loosened his hold a bit. I took that opportunity to smack him on the chest."Don't you try and flatter me, mister! If she's not your fiancee, who is she?"

"She's my therapist," he answered simply.

"Come again?"

"Megumi Takani is my therapist. I started seeing her after my parents died seven years ago. I only see her every now and then when I'm feeling stressed and need to vent out my frustrations. Usually it's related to my writing."

"Really?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"Really," he replied.

" I know that you haven't had any problems lately with your latest novel, so what are you stressed out about?"

He sighed and placed his head on mine, his lips brushing against my hair. "I'm a little nervous about asking a certain question to a certain girl. I'm scared that she might not give me the answer I want, no, the answer I need." He then held me just a little closer.

"Well, I don't see how a therapist can help you there. All your fears will go away once you learn her answer, no matter what she says."

"You're right," he replied, his voice rumbling through his chest. Then he whispered, "Misao, will you marry me?"

Time stopped. I couldn't breathe. Is this for real? "Wh-what?"

"Will you marry me?" he said a little louder this time. "Please, don't ask me to say it again. I don't think I'll have the courage."

"You better not be messing with me..."

"I would never do that to you, Misao. Please, just...just answer me."

"Oh, Aoshi. Of course I'll marry you!"

He held me even tighter, if that were possible. "Thank you, so much. I love you," he said quietly, his voice cracking just slightly. He pulled back and took a small jewelry box out of his pocket. He opened it and slid the ring on my finger. "I guess you won't be able to see what it looks like until tomorrow morning. I really wanted to see your face when I asked, but I couldn't help myself."

"As long as it's from you, I don't care what it looks like. It could be made of plastic and have a sticker jewel on it for all I care!"

He chuckled. "I can assure you, it is made of neither of those materials."

"By the way, 'thank you' is kind of a strange response to someone who agrees to marry you."

"Oh? Do you know a better one?"

I pulled down his head and kissed him full on the mouth. When we parted, panting for air, he said, "You're right. That is a more appropriate response. I shall give you my thanks again." and then he kissed me once more.

...

The next morning, I woke up to the smell of hot cocoa and eggs. Apparently Aoshi was cooking breakfast.

Does that mean the power is back on?

I got out of bed and walked into the living room. Aoshi was placing two plates food on the coffee table and looked up when he heard my footsteps on the wooden floor.

"Good morning, beautiful," he said, giving me a smile. I don't mean one of his 'twitch of the corner of the mouth' smiles. I mean, a full on smile! From Aoshi!

I blushed. "G-good morning. Is the power back on already?"

"I'm afraid not. I made breakfast in the fireplace. It was a little tricky, but I managed not to burn anything." I walked over and sat down next to him in front of the coffee table. He leaned down and gave me a short, sweet kiss. "You really are beautiful, you know that?" he said, gazing into my eyes. I couldn't help but blush.

"Thank you. You're not so bad to look at yourself." he smiled at that.

"Do you like it?"

"I haven't even taken a bite yet. I can't tell you if I like it."

He chuckled. "Not the food. Your ring," he said, taking my left hand and raising it up.

I gasped. I had completely forgotten about that! I looked at my hand and gazed upon my ring for the first time. It was a simple band made of white gold with a one carat emerald in the center and two small white diamonds on either side.

I had tears in my eyes. "It's beautiful, Aoshi."

"It's not too small, I hope."

I shook my head. "It's perfect," I whispered.

He raised my hand and kissed my knuckles. "Just like you."

...

A/N Sequim is a real city in Western Washington. It's near (or part of) Quileute territory and La Push, which is maybe an hour from Port Angeles? I'm not really sure. Just thought those of you who don't live in this state might like to know where it's located, even though I am terrible about describing directions. It's about an hour and forty-five minute drive from where I live, and one of my sisters lives there. It's beautiful when it snows. It has an awesome view of the Olympic Mountains.