* * * *
Morning came rather quickly and I dressed in a hurry and took to the rooftops silently looking for Misao. I spotted her walking down the street by herself. I was thankful that she hadn't mastered the feel of someone else's presence watching her yet.
She had been walking for about 15 minutes when we made it to a small graveyard site. I hopped the fence and hid behind some rather large statues. I soon heard Misao's voice begin to talk to no one.
"Its been another year already mother…" Mother! It had to be the day of when Misao's mother had died. I soon hear Misao talk again.
"Mother, I met this boy at school awhile ago. In detention funnily enough…" This was a conversation between Misao and her mother and so I left her to her privacy and walked back home.
* * * *
A week had passed and I had not seen Misao since that night we shared a passionate kiss together. I knew it was wrong of me to stay at the graveyard so I left. One day she would open up and tell me about her mother. It was raining again and I just continued to sit on the log in a loose pair of pants. The back of my hair clung to my neck and my bangs hung over my eyes like dark curtains.
My mother was extremely weak these days and the nurse had insisted she go to the hospital. Mum refused of course but I soon made her go. I was waiting for her to return but the doctor had called and said she'd be in there a few days. I had not returned to school since then and my training slipped, as I hadn't been back to the dojo either. I had even closed myself off to Kenshin who is one of my best friends. I had said it was my mother and he had placed his hand on my shoulder and shook his head as if that was all he needed to know.
I stood up and began walking back to the house with my hands thrust into my pockets. That's when I noticed Misao standing under the verandah roof wearing a nice summer dress that fit her perfectly. It was dark blue with small yellow flowers all over it. She had changed since we first met. She still had her cold attitude but that was hardly ever shown anymore. Her hands were folded in front of her, as she talked to me in a quiet tone.
"Why didn't you tell me she was getting worse?" I turned my face away from her and closed my eyes as I still stood in the pouring rain. I couldn't come up with an answer because I didn't have one to give. This was my problem and not hers. I knew this was harsh because Misao loved my mother dearly. I soon stiffened moments later as Misao's body came in contact with mine. She had wrapped her small arms around my waist and placed her head against my chest trying to comfort me. I pulled away from her and immediately regretted the words that soon followed as I saw what they had done to her.
"I don't need your comfort. Just leave me alone." I looked down into her eyes as they now filled with unshed tears. Her lip quivered and she soon let out a rugged sob as she turned her back on me and ran away heartbroken. I couldn't see her retreating form anymore and sank to the muddy ground miserably.
I sat on the ground for a number of minutes but soon rose and entered the house. The place was a complete mess. I let everything slip and I even let Misao slip away as well. I began looking around for something dry to wear. I decided I'd go visit my mother knowing she'd cheer me up as I wanted to forget about what just happened moments ago.
* * * *
I arrived at the hospital and was taken to the room my mother was staying in. Once she saw me she smiled a weak smile which soon turned into a frown as she began to scold me.
"Misao just left a few minutes ago. How could you have hurt her like that? She came here and wept brokenly into my arms saying you didn't want her. She even made a gift for us but wanted to give it to you first. She left it here for me to give to you because she was too afraid you'd yell at her again. Do you have any idea how hard it was for her to open up to someone and a boy nonetheless? I'm ashamed to call you my son!" I had bowed my head and took in everything my mother had said. She was right though, I had hurt Misao and badly too. My voice quivered with remorse as I just stuffed up the best relationship I have ever had.
"I'm sorry mum." That is all I can say as I have sunk to the floor shamefully.
"Aoshi, you can still fix things. I know this has hurt her considerably but if you just explain what you feel then maybe it could help mend what's been broken." I silently nod at what my mother has said and rise silently and walk to the door.
"Before you go, please come and have a look at what Misao made for us." I turned back to where my mother is lying down and she picks up a small box. She had not opened it yet and I sat on the bed next to her as she opens it up and turns the frame over. We both gasp at the picture. Misao had snapped a photo of me smiling at school and placed it in the middle, while there was a photo of her and my mother on either side of me. They were beautiful. The photo of my mother and Misao was unbelievable. They really did look like mother and daughter. Both of them were dressed in kimonos and sitting in the long grass at the park with flowers in their hair and all around them. Both were smiling at the camera. I was still gazing at the photo when my mother began to talk.
"She said she wanted a photo for a surprise, I didn't know it was this. This is so beautiful." I looked at my mother and noticed she had started crying. I wrapped my arms around her and began to talk to her quietly.
"I'll go and find her right now mum. I know you love her and I'll make things better again. I promise." I rose and opened the door and stopped when my mother called out to me.
"I know you love her too Aoshi." I knew I blushed in embarrassment as I tried to come up with something to say.
"Well I-" But I got no further as my mum waved me off.
"Don't try and make excuses Aoshi because I can tell you love her dearly. It's in your entire being. Plus I know she returns those feelings immensely. Now off you go." I nodded silently and ran down the hall to the elevator.
* * * *
I arrived at Misao's house breathless and knocked loudly on the door. I was greeted by Misao's father who shock his head to indicate she was not home. I turned and ran to the only place I could think of at this moment. I arrived at the graveyard entrance and walked in to were I had seen Misao a week ago. I smiled in relief when I saw her form sitting next to her mother's grave. This soon turned to a frown when I noticed Misao had her eyes closed tightly and she was hugging herself to try and stop her shaking while crying brokenly to the dead.
* * * *
"Misao…" I was standing behind her and called her name out quietly to get her attention. Her eyes snapped open, her body half turning around when she heard my voice and she looked up at me with red eyes.
"I'm sorry. You must hate me so much." Her small voice crushed my heart as she was apologising to me when it had been my fault. She placed her face into her hands and wept some more. I fell to the ground and lifted her into my lap and then wrapped her up in my embrace. I had hurt her so badly that I didn't know where to start. I began rocking her to try and stop her crying. I was just buying time so I could figure out what I wanted to say to her at this moment. Her crying soon turned to soft sniffles as she relaxed in my embrace. I soon began to talk about how I was feeling about everything.
"Please forgive me Misao. I never meant to hurt you like that. I know that we have a strange and yet strong friendship and I don't wish to destroy it by making you feel unwanted. It's just that I've never had anyone to be concerned over me before. The thing is before I met you I was calm and collected and I didn't need to show any emotions. Then I met you and everything changed. Its just that I have dealt with my mother's sickness for so long now it still hurts that I can't help take her pain away. I know I may act cold towards you but that's just because I'm trying to figure out how to display my emotions. In many ways we are so alike and yet I wander why you show concern for a lower class person like myself. You can have everything you ever want and I fear that when you finally realise this you'll leave me behind. When you came today and showed me that you were concerned for me I just tensed up and freaked out. I am so ashamed for hurting you." I held her closer to me as if she was going to disappear and when I opened my eyes I realised she was gazing into mine with sadness at some of the things I had mentioned. Her cheeks soon reddened and she cast her eyes down as she asked me her question in that shy sweet voice again.
"Do you only consider me a friend?" I place my hands on either side of her face and turn it towards mine. Her ocean-blue eyes widen as if remembering I had done this before.
"May I?" This time I thought it best to ask permission from her. She smiled and nodded her head and looked into my eyes expectantly. I closed the gap and crushed my lips to hers as she wrapped her arms around my upper chest pressing her palms on my back tightly. She broke away soon after which I was a bit disappointed at, but she lay her head under my chin and sighed happily.
"If you don't wish to open up to me yet its all right. I know you might not like the idea of me hanging around you all the time but that's just too bad because I know that when your emotions finally break through, I'm going to be there to comfort you. I don't care if you refuse because no matter what happens I will never give up." I could do nothing but kiss her more hoping this was a good enough answer for her. I sighed and hugged her tighter.
* * * *
Many months passed and Misao's skills were improving and we were getting closer and closer together. She would sit with the others and me during the lunch hour at school. I was surprised when she became a good friend with Megumi and Kaoru. That was the happy part of my life. Deep inside I truly was falling apart. The doctor's news about my mother had not gone down well. The only people who knew where Kenshin, Misao and her dad. I acted like nothing was happening as not to cause any questions being forced my way. I knew deep inside Kenshin was worried for me and I thanked him for his concern but he need not worry. He too had asked if I needed anything just like Misao's dad but I only declined.
The doctor said that the chances of my mother seeing another Christmas was slim but he tried to reassure me to hope for the best. I knew she was weak and ready to die soon. I actually believed she was welcoming it because the pain was becoming too much. I had been working double shifts every night and was finally rewarded with pay rises so as a surprise for mum I went out and bought all new furniture for the house. I also had the whole yard tided up and new bushes and flowers planted.
I would come home at early hours in the morning to find Misao at home waiting for me. She'd tell me how wonderful my mother looked and what happened in school as I had finally stopped going. She never asked if I wanted any help money wise because she knew I never wanted to be in debt with anyone. She always embraced me in a gentle hug and told me to close my eyes and dream. I did dream too. I'd dream that we were older and more in love and we had a number of children. Misao was as beautiful as ever and I'd see her sitting in the grass with one of the baby's laughing and smiling with my mother. That was always my dream, my wish. I knew it would never come true.
I would awake in the morning to find Misao gone as she still went to school and she'd visit my mother every lunch break. I could hardly see mum because I was always working. I finally got off work and raced to the hospital to see how she was doing. I reached the hospital in record time and walked silently to the room to find the door ajar and Misao was in there talking to her.
"Misao sweetie can I ask you a question?" My mother had asked Misao quietly. Her voice was never above a whisper anymore but I had pretty excellent hearing.
"Of course Mrs. Shinomori, anything."
"May I call you daughter?" I froze at the doorway wandering what Misao would say to this. I silently listened into their conversation. I knew Misao could feel my presence but it didn't bother her that I was listening in.
"I would love to be called your daughter." Misao had bowed her head shyly.
"Daughter…that sounds so wonderful." Misao nodded silently at this and I smiled that I was able to be here for this moment.
"Mrs Shinomori I-" My mother had cut Misao off and I nearly fell over at what she had said.
"No daughter, call me mum." My mother smiled gently at Misao.
"Ah, Mum I made you a gift which I would like for you to take with you when you…when you…" Misao couldn't finish what she was trying to say but mum nodded her head in understanding. Misao soon pulled a bag out and placed what looked like a photo album in "our" mother's lap. She opened it up and her eyes glistened with tears of joy and she gestured Misao to come closer and wrapped her up in an embrace while whispering something in her ear. I wanted to see what made my mother happy so I knocked on the door to interrupt them. I saw Misao whisper something but couldn't make out what it was. She soon came over to me and squeezed my hand gently and then walked out the room closing the door behind her.
"Aoshi! It is so good to see you! The doctor has given me some news and it's not good." I silently nod and wait for her to continue. My mind was in a blur at what she had said to me. Today was mum's last day, tomorrow the most. Was it really going to end so suddenly? This was so unfair I hated everything, I hated the world. Why did they have to pick one of the two people I love in the entire world? I wanted this to be all a bad dream that I was going to wake from shortly. And then in the next hour that I was in the room I had said my good-byes and watched her go into a blissful sleep which will last forever this time. I fell into the chair and rested my head on the bed while cradling her limp hand. I just sat there as if my brain had not registered the fact that I would never see my mother again.
I stood up and walked out the room to find Misao sitting on the floor. She took one look into my eyes and knew exactly what had happened. She jumped to her feet and opened her arms to hug me. In that split second I had stopped her in her movements by waving her off and began walking away. I reached the elevator and took one quick look back and regretted it soon after as I saw Misao lying on the ground crying while a nurse tried to comfort her. That image was now stuck in my mind as I ran down the wet streets to head for the training hall where I was going to take out my anger on the wooden dolls. I reached the door and realised it was locked but because I was so outraged that I now had no one left I smashed the glass door down with my feet. I totally went nuts and the next thing I remember is waking up in a dark room. I shifted my gaze around the darkened room and noticed some light from a slightly open door. I crawled off the bed and began walking to the door and wandered why my body hurt so much. I opened the door and placed one of my hands over my eyes so I could shield them from the light.
"Are you feeling any better?" I moved my hand away and my eyes focused on a lone figure lying in the middle of the room making something. I soon worked out that it was Misao. She got up and started walking towards me. She was dressed in an oversized shirt that only just covered her butt. I didn't answer her question as I had locked myself away and wouldn't come out.
"You really should get some more rest." I had smacked her hand away that rest on one of my cheeks. Unshed tears filled her eyes but she sucked them back bravely. Her gaze soon turned angry as she began to yell at me.
"Fine then ignore me. Don't you think I'm hurting as well? Just leave you bastard!" Although her words struck me speechless as did the slap on the cheek I still turned my back on her and walked out of her bedroom door, down the stairs and out of her house.
* * * *
Weeks passed by as I still hadn't shown any emotions. I dreaded not being able to show something with Misao. Kenshin would knock on the door loudly trying to pry me out of my misery. Didn't he understand that this is what I wanted? I wanted to be alone. But then, did I really want to be alone? I wanted so much to see Misao, to be with her, to explain everything and yet my legs didn't work and I couldn't get up and rush over to see her. There was nothing I could do. Misao was lost to me forever. Kaoru would also come and sit outside the door telling me about the events that happened at school. Her and Kenshin had finally decided to share their feelings for each other and it seemed that Megumi and Sano had started something together. I was happy for them all. That's when Kaoru had begun to talk about Misao and revealed to me that she was leaving. Kaoru said that even though she was sorry and ashamed that she couldn't keep her promises that she made to mum she was tired of being unwanted and unloved. My heart constricted in my chest at hearing this. Misao made promises and she never told me about them. When I heard this I nearly tore the door down trying to open it to talk to Kaoru.
"Has she-" Kaoru stood up and cut me off.
"Not yet Aoshi but she'll leave today if you don't stop this madness and tell her what is happening inside here." She had pointed to my heart. I nodded and raced to her house. Thoughts of a life without Misao flashed through my mind. I would be exactly like I am now, alone. I reminded myself of that one dream I kept having and even though my mother would not be there to share it with me I wanted desperately for Misao to be in it. I advanced on the house and saw Mr Makimachi standing outside as if waiting for me to stop Misao from leaving. He had pointed in the direction of the graveyard and I raced off. I had realised that I had not visited my mother's grave since her funeral. I soon arrived and noticed Misao kneeling at my mother's grave, which had been placed next to her mother's. She had brought some flowers and another photo album. She had begun to talk to my mother's grave totally forgetting about the training that she had learnt months ago.
"I'm sorry I can't stay mother. I know you will not be proud of me anymore, for not keeping the promises, but can't you see he doesn't want me around. He never has wanted me." She broke down and cried. It felt like déjà vu and I smirked as I could hear my mother's voice scolding me all those months ago. My mind traced what she had spoken, '…can't you see he doesn't want me around. He never has wanted me.' As I heard this, my emotions broke through and I fell to my knees as I began speaking to Misao brokenly.
"Please don't leave me Misao." I was looking at her and my vision began to blur, as I knew I was going to cry. I could feel the expressions that rushed through her body. Surprised I had found her, sadness as I had shut her out for so long and yet she still showed love and concern for me as she rushed towards me and fell to her knees and grabbed me up in an urgent hug. All I could do was hold her, as she was the only lifeline I had left and I wept unashamed into her comforting embrace.
Hours seemed to rush by as we stayed in the same position. I had ceased my crying long ago but didn't want to leave her embrace. She was rubbing my back hoping I'd talk to her soon. She soon loosened her hug on me and stood to her feet. Fearing the worst I hugged her around the waist never letting go while begging her not to leave me alone.
"Please Misao! Please don't go! Please don't leave me like everyone else!" I said desperately hoping she'd understand. She soon sank to her knees again and kissed me passionately telling me with feelings that she wasn't going anywhere. We soon ran out of breath and I watched Misao get up and grab the photo album. She waved it in front of me, telling me silently that this is why she had gotten up the first time. I closed my eyes and felt like a complete idiot. My eyes opened to see that Misao had placed her small hand on my cheek and smiled gently down at me. She soon pushed me onto my butt as she now sat in my lap and began to talk to me.
"I made this for you." She said quietly. I opened the book and gasped at the contents. Inside was a message of love to me from my mother. I turned the pages and found numerous photos of my mother. There were heaps of Misao as well. I turned back to the one at the front, which was the one of mum dressed in a beautiful kimono smiling happily as if there was nothing wrong with her. I silently looked at Misao and lifted my hand to move her head towards mine and place a soft kiss on her lips thanking her.
"I made one for you, mum and one for myself. I wanted her to see it before she died. I told her to take it with her when she died and so I asked for it to be buried with her. I told her before she went that she wasn't allowed to show it to you because I made it especially for her. It was private photos just for her. I hope you don't mind…" I nod my head and begin opening up to her.
"I'm sorry for hurting you again Misao. I don't know what I am going to do anymore. Why do you care for me when all I do is cause you pain?" I was shocked at the confessions she made next but she wasn't embarrassed at all.
"I shall never leave you. I have made promises with your mother and to myself and I nearly broke them. I shall never do that. Yes you may have hurt me but I know you have just been sad, afraid and alone. I'll be here to take that away from you. I love you so much Aoshi." All I could do was hug her desperately to me. I soon began to talk while I still hugged her tightly to me.
"May I ask what the promises where?"
"Mum had asked me if I would look after you when she left. I promised her I would. I then promised myself that I would love you forever and that I would spend the rest of my life making you happy if you'd let me."
"I'd like that very much Misao." She wept happily into my arms and I rose to my feet and led her out the graveyard. I could feel my mum's approval that I had finally succeeded in opening up to the one I love, but not fully, not just yet.
* * * *
Christmas was coming closer and although I still missed my mother desperately I had finally become me again. Mr Makimachi had notified the school of why I was absent for so long and they let me back in to finish my last year. Although I found it quite hard, Kenshin and even Sano and Megumi were there to help me all the way through the classes.
I had finally discovered the unthinkable as he had dramatically confessed his love to Kaoru one night and proposed to her. Of course she accepted and I thought Kaoru's father would have killed him but it turns out that he's a real hit. I am truly happy for them and was honored that they both wanted me to be the best man as well as Sano even though they decided not to get married until Kaoru finished high school. Kaoru asked Misao and Megumi to be her bridesmaids and they excitedly agreed.
I helped Mr Makimachi rebuild the dojo that I had trashed and said I'd teach the smaller children for him. He liked the idea immediately and said I should take Misao on as my assistant. I told him I'd already asked her.
* * * *
The school week had ended rather quickly. I walked to Misao's and it had begun to snow outside. I walked to the front doors but soon changed my mind and raced around to her balcony and jumped up and slid the door open. Misao had the heater on high and no warm clothes where needed. I now lay on Misao's bed wearing only my loose pants and studying profusely for the exams I was going to have in a week's time. I had not told Misao I was coming around at all as I wanted to surprise her. I heard some noise's coming from behind the closed door and realised it must be her. My heartbeat stopped when Misao began dragging some boxes into the room. She was wearing nothing but a tank top and a pair of black underwear. Her hair was free from its braid and fell around her in a mess. I had seen her like this before but it still stopped my heart.
"Hello Aoshi…" I smirked as she felt my presence in the room. I sat up and watched her every move.
"Would you like a hand Misao?" I asked politely but I knew she was going to scold me and tell me to keep studying.
"Nope…you keep studying." I laughed at this and lay back down on the bed and turned my attention back to my books. Moments later a beautiful tune flew to my ears. I realised that Misao was sitting in the middle of the huge mess, which were obviously the contents from the boxes, humming away while searching around for certain items. I stopped my studying and watched her more.
"Just hurry up and ask me what I'm doing and stop staring." Misao stated quite annoyed. I laughed and soon asked her.
"So what are you doing?"
"I'm doing three things actually. First I'm finding decorations for the house, secondly Kaoru asked me if I had any old ornaments lying around because she's getting stuff ready for her wedding. I still can't believe her and Kenshin are getting married. I mean can you imagine spending the rest of your life with just one person and you have that knowing feeling that this person is the only one for you?" I looked at Misao and blurted out my answer to her quietly.
"Yes…" I closed my eyes and traced over my dream.
"Really? I mean how do you know though?" I opened my eyes to see her studying me with those intense blue eyes. She is still kneeling on the floor and I walk over and kneel in front of her just behind the scattered items and answer her question.
"I have had this dream so many times I sometimes wake up and wish it was real. I see her loving and beautiful nature radiate to our children. Her love for me has only grown stronger and she'll always remind me in some small gesture that she'll love me like no other. She has matured and become more beautiful then ever and yet those intense ocean-blue eyes and her long flowing hair never change. She still holds all her emotions in those eyes hoping for me to take them into my heart and keep them there forever while giving her mine. I can feel my mother's presence around us protecting and guiding us too forever happiness."
I finish what I have said and Misao's eyes have lit up in happiness with unshed tears glistening in them. Her hands have been placed over her mouth in surprise of my confession. She soon throws her arms around my upper chest and launches her body into mine. This sudden outburst of emotion as surprised me and I fall backwards and look up at Misao who is lying on top of me blushing. She can't escape as her arms are trapped between my back and the floor. She kisses me softly on the lips and I ask her another question my lips brushing softly against hers.
"What was the third thing you were doing?"
"Actually I finished it a short time ago. It's my album but I wanted to show you it. This was going to be one of your presents from me. I can't show you though because I'm stuck." She begins to giggle and I smile at how beautiful it sounds. I sit up and she rushes over to get it.
"Close your eyes." I comply with her wishes and I soon feel her kneeling behind me and she places the album in my hands. She has wrapped her small arms around my shoulders while sitting behind me and resting her chin on one of my shoulders.
"Open."
I open up the book and read the small inscription. 'What lies in here are the four most precious things I hold in my heart and I hope they forever know what they mean to me' I turn the page and gasp at the picture before me. It is of me fast asleep on the couch at my home with a small smile on my face. I turn the pages and notice many more of me walking, training, talking, or sleeping. Many other pages are of Misao's mum and dad and of course mum. I turn back to the first page of the photo of me and explain it to Misao.
"I remember this. I was dreaming my dream and mum was there as well." Misao has strengthened her hug around me but I soon turn in her embrace when I remember what her inscription had said.
"Misao, I must ask, would you be willing to share the rest of your life with me?" I have not taken my eyes off of hers as she considers what I have said.
"Why Aoshi, is that a proposal?" She asks me sarcastically.
"Maybe it is." I state firmly and her eyes widen when her brain finally registered that I was serious.
"I am serious Misao. I know I don't have much to offer but please consider it. My dream is to be with you. I know I should let you go to be with someone who is more in the upper class area but I-" Misao had cut off my ranting as she crushed her lips to mine and kissed me passionately. She soon backed away to look at me and gave me an answer to my question.
"I just want you Aoshi. Don't say you have nothing to offer me. Look what you've done. You let me into your life and you let me have a mother again. You allowed me to find love and feel loved. I wish to spend my life with you because I know you are the one for me. I accept Shinomori Aoshi." Misao had said yes. I was over the moon. She was going to be with me forever. My dream was beginning to come true. I kissed her softly but she soon turned it into one of passionate fury as her arms snaked around my neck. She now sat in my lap with her legs wrapped tightly around my waist and her ankles crossed at the back so I could feel all of her body. I groaned at the feel of this and moved away. Once I looked up, regaining my control I noticed Misao's eyes began to water and she hugged her knees to her chest in sadness.
"Don't you want me?" I had given her the wrong impression. Here I was trying to control my ragging hormones and yet she was ready for it. I lifted her face and wiped away the tear that escaped her eyes.
"I wasn't sure if you were ready for this and I wanted to stop before I lost complete control of myself." I said truthfully to her. What came out of her mouth next shattered my control and my passion took over.
"I want this and I want you." She could say nothing more as I wrapped her up in a light embrace as not to frighten her and lightly began kissing and caressing her body.
* * * *
I awoke to the feel of someone absently caressing my chest. I moved my gaze to find a naked Misao wrapped in my arms and our legs tangled intimately together. I wasn't sure if I had done the right thing until I saw the smile on Misao's beautiful face. She let out a contented sigh and I lightly kissed her eyes until they opened and sorted out mine. I waited for a negative response from her but instead received a passionate kiss that I was happy to return. Misao lay on top of me, her lips brushing softly over mine as she spoke.
"So what's the early present I get from you Aoshi?" I look into her eyes and see her love shining through. I escape from under her and dress in my pants and walk over to where I placed my coat on a hook. I turn back around to see Misao dressed back in her underwear and place her tank top over her head covering her perfectly curved body. She is sitting on the bed with her messy hair cascading all around her. I reach the center of the room and kneel on my legs. Misao has now stood up but I stop her from walking any further as I wish to speak what I am feeling right at this moment.
"Misao a few things have happened in my life that I have never been sure of. The way my father acted and his death, my mothers illness and yet as I looked at your sleeping form resting in my embrace this morning I knew I was sure of what we share. I knew I wanted to spend more moments where I could wake up to find you sleeping in my embrace. I knew my mother was right about how special and unique you are. I knew from the first detention we shared there was a connection between us. Even though you showed distrust and hatred towards me I knew I was going to knock down those barriers. I knew that when you changed my mother you were going to change me. That's what made you different from anyone I had ever met. Misao you are my miracle that I wish to keep a hold of forever, if you let me. I know my proposal last night was not the greatest and so I now kneel before you asking you to marry me and share my dream with me forever because I love you Makimachi Misao."
I was soon crushed into an embrace as Misao had run towards me and begun crying tears of happiness. I rubbed her back soothingly to quiet her cries and yet inside I was leaping for joy because she had accepted. I knew she accepted last night but now it was official. She stopped sniffling and looked up at me smiling that smile that lit up her entire face. I placed the ring on her finger.
"My mother had always wanted me to give this to the one person I chose to spend the rest of my life with. I give it to you…Shinomori Misao." She blushes when I have replaced her surname with mine. She looks up at me and her cute smile appears on her face and I place my large hand on her cheek. I kiss her lips once more, loving the feel of Misao wrapping herself in my embrace. I stop myself from loosing control again and look into her beautiful eyes that are staring straight into my blue-green ones. How did I become so lucky to have found my happiness in Misao? I smile down at her running my hand through her hair and cupped her cheek once more.
"Thank you for letting me love you and for not giving up on me." I state passionately and hug her to me once more. A giggle escaped Misao lips but she soon spoke back reassuring me that she wasn't going anywhere.
"Your welcome Aoshi-anata." She had whispered this into my ear and returned my embrace. We sit in this embrace in the middle of the room knowing that our mothers are looking down on us with pride.
The End.