A couple of months have gone by and while teaching the young children at the training hall I'd keep it open for an extra half hour and begin to teach Misao some of the art. She seemed to have a natural gift for it as much as I did because she really had good balance and her throwing skills weren't bad. Misao was very determined so she would come to the hall to watch me teach as well as train herself. It took her a few weeks to sense the presence of someone but she soon got the hang of it too. She knows basic defence but I haven't trained her up in that at all because she's more excited with using the kunai. I would constantly write to Mia using the computers at school and tell her about my studies, and the training hall, the unit, Misao and my other friends. She would always reply back in the next few days with a different story each day of what was happening to her and she couldn't wait to see me and meet Misao.

* * * *

Today was the last day of school for a week and all students were damn pleased. Kenshin and the others were going camping for the whole week and were disappointed that Misao and I weren't coming. So we promised them the next time they wanted to go camping, like a weekend, we'd go with them. Misao and I had packed a bag each the day before and now we had been on the plane for about an hour heading back to my home where Mia was. I could tell Misao was nervous as she fidgeted in the seat but her hands were slightly shaking. On impulse I placed my larger hand over her smaller one and spoke quietly to her.

"Relax, you'll be fine, besides she'll love you." Misao was a little shocked I had placed my hand over hers but she soon turned her hand over and held onto mine while smiling at me.

"I hope so" She had replied shyly and then closed her eyes to try and relax her nervous body.

* * * *

A few hours past and I shook Misao to indicate we had landed. People crowded the isles to get their luggage and proceed to exit the plane. Misao was literally shaking and so as we walked off the plane and headed for the inside area of the airport I stretched out my hand for Misao and she gratefully took it. We entered the airport and walked to the baggage claim area and that's when I saw Mia. Although she was facing the other way I knew it had to be her. She wore a long dark purple dress with splits up the sides and a knitted black jumper over the top. She had cut her hair as it now rested on her shoulders.

"Mia!" I yelled excitedly and dropped Misao's hand to hug her. She turned around and looked just as excited as I did. We hugged as though we hadn't seen each other in years.

"Oh, it's so good to see you bud!" She replied to me. She's been calling me that ever since she found me and It didn't bother me one bit. I nodded my head in agreement.

"Oh she is a cute one bud." Mia had stated looking at Misao standing behind me but a few feet away so she couldn't hear it.

"Yeah I know, but what ever you do, don't try and embarrass me like you always do." I stated irritated at Mia even though I knew she was going to anyway.

"Oh, now were is the fun in that." We both laughed and soon separated and I waved Misao to come closer. I could see she was real tense as she walked stiffly towards us.

"Misao this is Mia, Mia this is Misao" I stated to them.

"I've heard a lot about you" They had stated simultaneously. They both looked at me and we all laughed. Mia gave Misao a hug and that seemed to loosen the tension in her muscles. I collected our bags and we soon left the airport driving home in Mia's car.

"So bud what's Kyoto like?" Mia had asked me.

"Well I guess it's not to bad now. I mean when I first arrived I was a bit pissed you'd actually sent me away and to a school where I had to wear a uniform as well. Plus when it was time to go to the unit you found for me it took me an hour to find it. Where the unit is situated is pretty good because just down the road there's a nice vendor stall, a training hall and a huge park nearby, but being back here is great, th-"

"This place will always be home to you, right bud?"

"Of course Mia, because you're here!" I smile at her and we both laughed.

"Misao sweetie you're awfully quiet." Mia had addressed Misao. I looked at her sitting in the back starring out the window blankly.

"I'm just tired that's all."

"Don't worry when we get home I'll set you up in a spare room and you can freshen up and have an early night and tomorrow I want to know more about you" Mia had replied completely missing the fact that Misao was upset and that something was troubling her.

* * * *

Mia ended up showing Misao were she was staying which was a room next to mine and walked inside and closed the door. She hadn't come out for ages and Mia and I decided to eat without her and catch up on old times. It was becoming extremely late and Mia went to bed as she had work in the morning. I too went to my own room and noticed the bedside lamp on. I found Misao sitting on the bed waiting for me. Her hair was undone and she wore my black long sleeved shirt. The bear was not with her this time, as she left it in Kyoto and she hugged her knees to her chest.

"Misao is something wrong?" I walked closer towards her and stood in front of her waiting for her to answer. She was extremely quiet and it was frustrating the hell out of me.

"You do that all the time."

"What?"

"When you become frustrated you occasionally rake your fingers through your hair. I've notice you do this numerous times. You must be fighting an inside battle."

"Pretty much, now are you going to tell me what's wrong?" I asked her again.

"What makes you think anything is wrong?" Now I was becoming angry.

"Oh come on Misao. Look at how you were acting towards Mia and me today and the fact you never even came out of the room to eat or even say goodnight!"

"I'm sorry Aoshi" Misao had spoken brokenly to me. I breathed in slowly and placed my hand on her knee to speak again.

"Don't touch me!" Misao had yelled frightened. My control had finally snapped and I spoke even more angrily towards her.

"Make up your damn mind Misao. One minute everything is fine between us and then you show your true emotions and the minute I try and comfort you, you become all freaked out. Will you ever trust me? I may as well not even bother anymore the way you act!" Misao broke down and cried her heart out at being yelled at. I couldn't believe I was being so harsh towards her. She has been traumatised for years on end and I just make it even worse by not being patient. I walked to the bed and sat on the floor resting my head on the mattress near Misao's head.

"Misao I'm so sorry for being such a bastard"

"I had another nightmare and you weren't there to take it away so I had to go through the beating and the rape again. I came here because I wanted you to take it away, but as soon as you asked me what was wrong I clammed up. I'm sorry." She began to cry and I soon stood up and spoke quietly to her.

"Misao, come here" She looked up at me and sat on her knees on the mattress and hugged me around the waist crying even more. I wrapped my arms around her to soothe her cries.

"Please take them away. I don't want them anymore." She whispered to me. I hugged her tighter as if reassuring her that I would. Her cries softened minutes later but I still held her.

"Can I stay Aoshi?" Her voice was weak and uncertain which broke my heart.

"Of course Misao." She soon let go and layed down on one side of the bed. I occupied the other side, leaning against the headboard but wouldn't get close to Misao unless she allowed it. I was surprised when her shaking hands wrapped around my waist and held me tight while her head was pillowed on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm loosely around her shoulder and I soon fell asleep too.

* * * *

I woke up early and left the room silently and apologised to Mia about last night about Misao and I arguing. She finally asked me what was up and I couldn't lie to her anymore so I told her everything about Misao.

"How could anyone do that? The poor thing." I nodded silently and my face became confused when she smiled up at me.

"You promised to take care of her didn't you?" I smiled at Mia, as she knew me too well.

"She needs to feel loved Mia, and I happen to know the best medicine." I replied back to her. She looked up at me and so I answered.

"She needs to have someone who can give her freedom to sort things out for herself and yet she needs someone to be there for her 24 hours a day and I can be that person. I knew what it was like to feel unloved for many years. I know she needs me too." Mia smiled up at me and soon spoke.

"So bud's finally found someone to take care of and hopefully will take care of him forever huh?"

"Well I-"

"Oh no you don't I can read you like an open book! So what are you guys going to do for your holidays?" I thought for a minute and found the only solution.

"I'll take her to my old home." Mia gasped but soon nodded her head. I hadn't even shown the place to her but she'd never feel jealous, as it didn't matter whether she saw it or not. I was her "little brother" that she wanted and that made her happy.

"I must go to work, so when will you be back so I can talk with Misao?"

"We'll only be a day at the most" She nodded and soon left.

* * * *

A couple of hours later Misao emerged fully awake and smiling. I had packed us a smaller bag with some food placed inside. I swung it over my shoulder and pointed to the door. Misao looked at me curiously but soon placed her shoes on and we walked a few blocks and soon entered the forest.

"Aoshi were are we going?"

"My home" I stated quietly. Misao didn't reply at all so we kept walking for a few more hours. I couldn't believe I still knew the way. No one knew the place was out here. It was our family's sanctuary from everyone. I began to walk faster and soon pushed through some bushes and there was the house just like I had left it 13 years ago. Weeds grew tremendously high; hiding all of the toys that used to sit out in the yard. The door was still left open from when I ran away. I dropped the back and walked stiffly closer. Misao had not followed me and I was silently grateful. I walked to "the" room where my parents died and found nothing but bones. The room was full of dust and yet nothing had been stolen because nobody found this place. I even bet nobody knew anyone had died. I soon fell to my knees and began to shake. All of my emotions were coming out at once and I couldn't stop them. I don't think I even wanted too. It was about time I came face to face with what had happened all those years ago. I felt a slight pressure on my shoulders and tensed up speaking brokenly to Misao.

"I don't want you to see me like this."

"Too late" And with that Misao sat in front of me and wrapped me up in her embrace. I soon broke down, all my walls protecting the emotions I have kept hidden for so long came crashing down, and I wept into Misao's embrace while hugging her as if she was my only lifeline.

"Everything's going to be fine Aoshi. Mia is here to take care of you and so am I if you let me." She had remembered the words I had spoken to her months ago about looking after her. I smiled and tried to get a hold of myself and soon did. I let go of Misao and soon sat back looking into her beautiful eyes, which showed love and concern for me. I took off my necklace and placed it in Misao's palm.

"Will you take care of these for me?"

"Shouldn't you give this to Mia?" I looked at her confused and I knew she was going to answer before I could ask my question.

"You love her so you should let someone who is special in your heart take care of them." Now I understood what Misao was talking about. Everytime I talked about Mia it sounded as though I loved her more then the sister she is to me. I know it would take Misao ages to show her true feelings for me but she need not worry because I already knew she loved me. I silently shook when I realised I loved her back.

"Misao, Mia is very special to me but so are you." I try to convince her and she is about to speak but I cut her off.

"I love her differently the way I love you. I even love Kaoru and the others differently from the way I love you and Mia."

"What?" Her small voice gave me the strength to open up more and tell her hat I was feeling.

"Misao I love Mia as a sister. I would never think of her as anyone other then that. She took me into her home and raised me. She had sacrificed her teenage years to love me and give me the attention I needed. She became my family, my sister. When I met Kaoru and the others I was so happy to have found people who hadn't treated me like a freak or an outsider. You guys are the only friends I have ever had besides Mia. I am like Kenshin when he feels obliged to protect his friends. As for you Misao I love you. I don't want you to freak out thinking I'm going to try moves on you when clearly that's not what you are ready for. I just want you to know that there are many types of loves I feel, but the one with you is the strongest of all." I had stopped talking and Misao sat in front of me silently taking in everything I had said.

"Oh thank goodness" I raised my head and saw Misao smiling at me. My eyes widened when she wrapped her arms around my neck and spoke quietly into my ear.

"I feel the same way about you Aoshi." I hugged Misao tighter to me and she relaxed in my embrace and we stayed that way in front of my parents. I knew they were smiling down on me as I have found happiness in another as they have found happiness in me.

* * * *

Misao and I had returned to Mia's and even though we had confessed our true feelings to each other, I had no clue at what to do next. I knew deep inside me that this love for Misao was real and I knew that if I ever hurt her in any way I wouldn't be able to cope or live with myself. I couldn't help but think that if I tried to kiss her or hug her lovingly she would get back her nightmares and think I am one of the bastards who attacked her. I was having an inner battle with myself.

"Aoshi what's wrong with you?"

"What?" I had snapped out of my mental battle by Misao who was standing in front of me in the back garden.

"You are fighting with yourself again. You're raking your fingers through your hair again." I soon realised she was right and dropped my hand limply to my side and spoke to Misao while getting up and going back into the house.

"Nothing's wrong Misao, come inside its going to rain soon." I got up and entered the house.

* * * *

"Hey bud, where's Misao?" Mia had asked me. I too wondered where she was as it was raining heavily outside and the fact that I hadn't seen her for a few hours.

"Maybe she's in the spare room."

"I'll go get her as tea is nearly ready." Mia had stated and walked down the hall. I silently followed making sure she didn't know I was. I was worried about Misao and knew I was a bit harsh to her in the garden. Mia had entered the room and closed the door behind her. I walked silently and could hear their voices clearly.

"Misao sweetie why are you crying?" My heart clenched in my chest. I was the one who made her cry. I placed my hand on my heart as it beat wildly as I waited for her answer.

"I don't think Aoshi likes me…" I sank to my knees in front of the closed door when I heard that. Misao was unable to finish as she sobbed brokenly.

"What makes you think that Misao?"

"We went to his house, the one in the forest, his parents are still there too, only bones though. He wanted me to wear his necklace but I said he should give it to you because he loves you. He said there are many different loves to feel and the one he has with you is different to his friends and mine. I don't understand." IDIOT! I screamed at myself. I should have explained more.

"Yes he does love me Mi-. Stop Misao and listen!" I was taken back by Mia as she got frustrated with whatever Misao was doing in there. A few seconds later she began to talk again.

"He loves me dearly because I took care of him. I became his life as he had not been cared for or loved by anyone for a long time. He didn't talk to me about his family or what happened to them for years and that didn't matter to me. I just wanted him to be happy. He is right though Misao, there are different loves. His love for me is a gentle caring one, as a brother loves a sister. We are family together and that will be with us until we part in death but then we shall reunite in heaven to be a family once more. I could never tell you what his loves for his friends are like because he would feel different as he has never had friends before. What he has with you Misao is so unique. I remember when he was 12 he had said when he got older and found someone, who made him feel alive, he would protect them with his life. He'd love them unconditionally and the relationship would only grow stronger with time so that he could be with her for eternity. You make him feel alive Misao." I could feel a light blush creep up on my cheeks. I couldn't believe Mia had said that. This was becoming embarrassing but I dare not interfere. I wanted to know what Misao would say.

"Don't you understand Misao that he wants you to feel his love and he wants to take care of you."

"But he doesn't do anything…" Mia had laughed softly. Boy, I was never going to hear the end of that one.

"Misao have you ever wandered what he is going through in his mind? I know he wants to hug you and kiss you passionately but he feels as though you might think of him as one of the men who attacked you. He is having an emotional battle with himself as he wouldn't have a clue of how far to go because he fears that if he hurts you in any way he'll die. You really need to talk to him about what you are feeling Misao."

"Thank you Mia." I scrambled to my feet and made a hasty retreat to the back yard and sat on the porch watching the rain. The conversation kept going through my mind over and over again and so I stood in the rain, face turned upwards, to try and wash it all away. Minutes later I could no longer feel the rain falling on my face and I opened my eyes to see a light blue umbrella above me. I looked down to see Misao smiling up at me.

"You shouldn't be out in the rain Aoshi, you might get sick."

"I've just been thinking that's all. Mi-" I was cut off by Misao placing a finger on my lips to stop me from talking. Misao came closer and wrapped one arm around my waist and placed her head on my chest and looked out into the rain. I too placed an arm around her shoulders but she immediately tensed up and so I dropped my arm away.

"No don't! I'm okay, I just need to get used to it that's all." I nodded my head when she looked up to say this and so I gently placed my hand back around her. I took a hold of the umbrella and dropped it on the ground. Misao squealed when the cool rain hit her bare skin. I soon wrapped my other arm around her and bent my upper body over her to shield her from the rain. Her head lifted up so she could stare up at me. Even though her eyes held uncertainty, that beautiful smile was still on her face. I knew I wanted to kiss her but I wasn't sure if I was allowed to yet. Misao was still getting used to me hugging her and so I couldn't do it. I soon stopped the embrace, which saddened Misao as her eyes frowned in disappointment. I picked up the discarded umbrella and brought it above her. She was still frowning sadly so I placed one of my hands on her wet cheek. Her eyes grew wide in fear and her mouth parted but nothing came out. I dropped my hand away and bowed my head defeated. It was back to the drawing board again. I dropped the umbrella and spoke softly to Misao.

"I'm going for a walk." I walked past her and could hear her voice calling me back but I didn't listen and walked out the back gate and down the ally in the pouring rain. I kept walking aimlessly thinking about Misao. I am in a battle that I'll never win, as Misao will never let go. Does she even trust me at all? I wasn't sure if I was crying but I turned my face to the heavens for the rain to wash my face anyway.

* * * *

Hours passed by and I was now back in the yard and the rain had turned to light drizzle. I walked into the house to find Mia sitting in one of the lounge chairs reading a book.

"Hey Mia" I stated plainly towards her and took of my shoes and socks at the back door and grabbed a towel from the laundry, which was close by, and was about to leave to go to my room when Mia spoke.

"All you can say is 'Hey Mia'. Do you have any idea how worried I have been Aoshi?" I sighed and soon spoke.

"Okay what's wrong? Everytime you call me 'Aoshi' it means what ever has happened is my fault." Mia had gotten up and stood in front of me.

"I saw what happened in the yard Aoshi and it was going great until you pulled that little stunt."

"What stunt? Is placing my hand on her cheek really that fast Mia? I thought she could trust me but obviously she can't. You don't know what it is like to try and win a loosing battle. I wish deeply that Misao would one day not have her nightmares and that I could touch her without her freaking out and thinking I'm going to attack her like those guys. Do you know what it is like to give out all the love you have to that one special person you hold the most in your heart and then be rejected? No you don't! So don't lecture me on how I should be feeling because quite frankly I'm sick of everything!" I was so angry that I was yelling this at the top of my lungs to her and when I had enough, I brushed past and walked to my room. I opened the door and slammed it closed and threw my wet clothes in a pile and placed the towel around my waist while the rest of my body was still wet from the rain.

"Aoshi?" I completely froze as in those intense moments I had with Mia, I completely forgot about my training and I didn't even sense that Misao was in the room. I had even stripped off in front of her and I knew she saw me from the dull light coming from the lamp. I slowly turned around to find Misao sitting cross-legged on the bed, hair cascading freely around her and wearing her summer pyjamas.

"Misao what are you doing in here?" I asked embarrassed but I still kept my composure. Misao said nothing but kept staring at my nakedness. She soon became embarrassed and blushed while turning her gaze away from me.

"I thought you knew I was in here…" She had stated weakly to me. I turned to the cupboard and placed a shirt over my exposed chest.

"Ah no…I was to busy fuming about the discussion Mia and I had in the lounge room." I found the rest of my clothing and dressed with the towel still on. Once I finished I threw the towel on the floor with my wet clothes.

"I heard…" My head snapped up when she had said this and I didn't know what I was going to say.

"Oh…" I sat on the ground leaning my back against the cupboard and waited for Misao to speak.

"I'm sorry Aoshi. I didn't know I made you feel that way."

"Stop Misao, stop apologizing. Look you need to figure your feelings out and me being around is making it worse. So I'm going back to Kyoto later tonight, I sorted it out earlier with the airline, and I'm going to work at the training hall for the rest of the holidays. Mia would love to have you here, so stay." I got up off the floor and began throwing all my gear into the bag.

"What if I don't want you to go." Misao had spoken weakly to me. I was becoming frustrated at her but spoke gently as not to hurt her feelings.

"Misao you need the rest of the holidays to yourself. Talk with Mia, go out, relax, do whatever, just figure out what you want."

"What I want?" She asked confused at me.

"Yeah, do you want to be the real Misao or go back to the cold Misao. Do you want to have a life, do you want to let go of your nightmares, and do you want your friends to love and care for you again. But most of all do you want me?" I began speaking positively but when I had asked her to think about me I was close to the breaking point.

"I've…I've got to go. Bye Misao." I picked up my bag and walked out the door. I was closing in on the front door when Mia spoke.

"Aoshi, I'm sorry about before. I didn't realise you were hurting so much."

"Mia its okay, I'm fine really."

"NO YOU'RE NOT!" Mia had yelled at me. I was a little surprised but walked back and hugged her.

"It was great to see you Mia, even though we fought most of the time."

"Please stay bud, you guys can sort this out." Mia had said this while hugging me. I shook my head at what she had said and explained why.

"Misao needs to figure out what she wants by herself. Me being here is difficult and I can't help her, not this time. I'll see you around Mia." And with that I walked out the door and went to find a cab to take me to the airport.

* * * *