Under the Cherry Tree

(Two years pass again…)

It took awhile for Misao and Aoshi to rekindle what they had established. Aoshi wasn't one to trust again if he felt betrayed in anyway. Misao on the other hand was determined as hell to make things right. She had screwed it up over some minimal thing, not being able to confront him in the beginning but now she'd never do it again. Now it was all truth and no secrets. Hannya noticed the distance that came between them at first but now he was glad everything was back to normal.

Aoshi was now at the age of 16 and many girls walking around the school thought he was quite the looker, nice body of what they had seen during PE lessons, handsome and although he was quiet as he never spoke to them, they thought he was a dream. It was the same with Sano as well minus the quiet part. He didn't mind at all how many people stared at him, actually he seemed to love the attention. Aoshi still had his usual hairstyle from when he was 14 and was still the best of mates with Hannya, Sano, Beshimi, Hyotokko and Shijuksho. Another person had been added into the group as well, Tokio. Aoshi didn't mind her either. She was fun to be around but didn't have a particular interest in martial arts. She didn't mind that Aoshi, Misao and the others talked about it. She did find it fascinating, but not as fascinating as Aoshi's brother Saitou. They had gotten closer funnily enough, her mood swings actually having an effect on him. He seemed to like the idea that he could change her mood whenever he pleased. Tokio didn't mind either as long as she got to be around him every once in a while. Nothing serious was happening between them, maybe because they were both afraid or maybe because it looked weird to others that a 14 year old took a liking to an 18 year old and vice versa. Tokio knew in some way he had feelings for her she just didn't know how deep his feelings went and to that point neither did Saitou. Tokio usually got angry when she would greet him at school and he'd act like she never existed. Misao happened to be with her at the time and thought she was going to cry but Tokio went straight up to him, his back to her and fisted her hand punching him in the back as hard as she could. It really didn't hurt him but he was rather surprised yet again. He had been talking to his mates, ignoring her for the moment and he knew he'd turn around to say hello but impatience got the better of his little Tokio and SMACK!

Saitou had finally left his mates telling them he'd be back soon when he watched a now hurt Tokio, walk away. Misao had stood there a little stunned about the whole ordeal and left it to Saitou to go patch things up. He did go after her and apologised for ignoring her at that moment. However he soon explained that if she held her temper back a little he was just finishing up and going to say hello. He smiled when she blushed embarrassed and he had stared around making sure no one was around to see him do this. He hugged her. To say she was surprised was an understatement. This was Saitou of all people and for that matter he was showing affection, and to a junior high school student. None the less she took it in her stride and closed her eyes wrapping her own arms around his waist. She was so small against him she really hated it but then on the odd occasion where this occurred she felt cocooned in his embrace and totally loved it.

Misao was 14 now, just like Tokio and much to her discomfort she was receiving stares from boys at school. Aoshi had been right when he said that boys seemed to sense a change in females and their body shapes and so she received their stares. She hated it though. It was so annoying. It seemed as though everywhere she walked someone was watching her.

Misao had stood in front of her mirror one morning before getting dressed for school noticing she now had a chest, a chest she didn't want. She had wrapped elastic straps around her breasts not wanting them to be known and funnily enough it worked. She received hardly any stares and it made her feel more at ease. She didn't even think Aoshi and the others knew, but then again she really couldn't put it pass them.

* * * *

"Aoshi, Misao your up." Their sensei had spoken as they were sparring together. Misao was being graded on whether she would get a black belt and Aoshi knew nervousness grew deep inside her. She had been working up to this for a long time now and tonight was her night of action. Aoshi was the best in the class and everyone that wanted to go up another level had to spar against him. Although it was obvious they weren't going to win in the sparring it all depended on their composure, the skills they used and how long they survived in action.

Misao stood up as did Aoshi and they moved to the center of the room, bowing formally at their sensei and then to each other. The other students were here as well, watching and waiting for the outcome with great excitement. Misao and Aoshi both took a defensive stance and once their teacher stood out of the area the sparring began.

* * * *

An hour had passed and the students sat in awe, including Hannya, Sano and the other guys as Misao was still standing. Sweat poured off of her but she still stood. She knew her gi top was becoming loose, but there was no time to fix it up as she was defending all the blows Aoshi was giving her. Misao had noticed he was only now breaking out in a sweat on his forehead and she knew that he could tell she was beginning to tire.

Aoshi had just blocked another one of her kicks and a smirk broke out on his face, as he was damn proud of her for still being able to stand. He'd delivered some rather nasty blows but she still got up and attacked him. Aoshi had kicked Misao hard in the abdomen and he had become a little frightened, as Misao lay slumped on the floor. He thought she was falling unconscious and he cautiously stepped towards her to be taken totally by surprise as she tripped him up and he fell to the hard wooden floor. She got up ready to pounce on him yet again but he took evasive action and Misao ended up looking up at him as he had pinned her against the floor, as he sat astride her hips looking down at her. His long bangs damp from the sweat on his forehead. She tried struggling out of his grip but to no avail. He'd won.

"That's enough." Their sensei had spoken and Misao breathed heavily and then felt the hard pressure of hands pressed against her chest.

"You can stop groping me Aoshi." Misao had spoken quietly and jokingly to her best friend and opponent. She was trying to get her breath back and the pressure was making it more difficult.

"Huh?" Aoshi had spoken unintelligently and looked down to where his hands where, pressed over Misao's chest as her training top had parted open to reveal wrapped up soft breasts! He abruptly let go moving his hands away as he placed them against his thighs as he still straddled her legs. Misao had sat up on her elbows looking over at him and she watched as his hands came back over pulling her top over her and tying the belt up.

"WHY DOESN'T SHE CLOBBER HIM WHEN HE GROPES HER!" Shiro had yelled. He still hated Misao from that day she first joined and every other day after that. In every sparring match she seemed to out do him just that little bit extra. Misao was after all very sneaky and she liked watching and tormenting her opponent, anything to try and distract them. It had happened to Sano, Beshimi, Hyotokko and Shijuksho once but they soon took it as a very good listen.

"IT WAS AN ACCIDENT YOU KUSOYARO! NOT ON PURPOSE LIKE YOU!" Aoshi had yelled, surprising everyone including his teacher as he stood up walking towards Shiro anger evidently being shown. He was soon stopped by his teacher stepping in his way and placing a hand on his shoulder and shook his head. Misao felt Aoshi's aura calm down and she watched as he stepped backwards and his face turned to her for a few seconds, a brief expression of sadness flickered on his face and then he walked off going to the bathroom.

"Misao?" Her sensei knocked her out of thinking about going after him as he came over, certificate in hand and…a black belt. Misao's face lit up in happiness and she bowed formally at her teacher and then ran over towards Shijuksho, Sano, Hannya and the others and received congratulating hugs.

* * * *

Twenty minutes had passed and Misao and the others waited outside for Aoshi. He had come out of the bathroom about 10 minutes ago but was speaking to their teacher. Hannya said it's probably best if they wait outside. Misao was still dressed in her training uniform wanting to thank Aoshi before she went home. She was rubbing her ribs slightly and Hannya knew she hurt but didn't bring it up.

"Hey cutie, we gotta go, do you think you can wait for Aoshi by yourself? Our parents will get angry if we are late yet again."

"Hey it's alright, I'll be fine. After all I'm a black belt now." They smiled at her and soon waved walking off in their designated directions to go home.

Misao leaned against the wall of the training hall and turned her head when she heard the opening of the door and watched Aoshi, now dressed in black pants and a black singlet walk out, his hair drenched with water, droplets falling onto his bare toned skin.

"Took long enough." Misao had spoken. Aoshi turned her way and then began walking down the relatively quiet street and Misao walked beside him.

"Your pretty quiet Aoshi, so more then usual." Silence filled the area around them, as he didn't answer her, not even registering to her small little joke. Misao spoke once more concern breaking into her voice.

"Have I done something wrong?" Aoshi turned his face towards Misao's.

"Why do you think you've done something wrong." He had spoken and it eased Misao a little as he wasn't ignoring her.

"I don't know, you just seem…far away I guess. I waited to say thank you for not using your full strength on me."

"You knew?" Aoshi had spoken as he sat down on a bench waiting for his bus. Misao sat next to him nodding her head affirmatively and then spoke again.

"I'm glad too, or else I probably wouldn't be walking at all." She had tried laughing it off facing away from him but Aoshi turned her head back towards him and spoke again.

"Your hurt." It was crossed between a question and a confirmation as though he already knew what her answer was going to be.

"I'm okay though. I was expecting it and Sensei wouldn't like it if you were really soft on me and I'm glad, proud of you that you treated me like an equal and didn't soften all your blows because I'm a girl."

"Misao I'm sorry." There was now a confused expression covering Misao's face. She looked at Aoshi and watched as he pointed towards her and at her chest. A light blush covered Misao's cheeks but she soon spoke placing a smile on her face.

"Its okay. Guys will be guys and its natural for them to go for the chest in fighting. It's just like Sensei said. I made the decision whether I could handle it and I can. Besides how where you to know, I never told you and you never noticed the difference until tonight because I hid…um them." A chuckle left Aoshi's throat at hearing Misao say this.

"It's not funny!" Misao spoke loudly her arms crossing over her chest as she turned her head away from him once more.

"But why Misao? Why hid at all? It's just a part of growing up."

"I hate the staring I received so I hid to make myself feel more comfortable. I mean what about you, how can you handle all the stares?"

"What do you mean?" Aoshi had spoken turning on the bench to face Misao.

"All the females staring at you dummy! You mean you never realised? Gee you can be pretty dense Aoshi! After all you're pretty attractive…um according to the females at school that is." Misao felt totally mortified saying that and cast her eyes towards Aoshi. He was looking across the street not saying anything at all. Then all of a sudden…

"I had no idea. I never thought about it really. I just ignored the people who wouldn't give me the light of day when I first got to this school so the thought never crossed my mind."

"So it doesn't bother you?" Misao had spoken looking over at him. Aoshi had shrugged his shoulders and spoke again, looking over at Misao and giving her a lob-sided grin.

"I knew Sano got attention but I never thought it was me as well. He seems to like it a lot so I'll let him have it all." Misao giggled lightly hearing this and Aoshi soon got up, his bus arriving.

"Are you coming?" He spoke looking down at Misao. A look of surprise covering her face. Misao had been to Aoshi's many times but that's when it was she and the guys. It was never she individually. She was soon knocked out of it by Aoshi yelling.

"HURRY UP MISAO!" The bus was slowly moving away and she stood up running towards the doorway and Aoshi placed his hands out grabbing hers and pulling her inside. Misao laughed as the bus driver stared angrily at her but she paid some money and they walked down the back receiving stares from other passengers.

* * * *

"Where are your parents and Saitou?" Misao had asked as they walked into the dark house.

"Probably out. Come on lets go upstairs." Misao haltered at the door and spoke once again.

"Upstairs? As in to your room?" Aoshi stopped on the steps looking down at her and spoke again.

"Well yeah were else would I go." Misao soon climbed the stairs following him and spoke again.

"But you never invite me to your room, not even the guys either. It's like you're little sanctuary that's too private to show us or something."

"Really? Hmm that's pretty strange, there's nothing special about it." Aoshi had spoken absently and Misao followed him down the passageway and into the last door on the right down the end of the hall. His room was pretty huge, dark blue and black paint covered the walls. Posters of well-known music groups, all women for that matter were hung up on the wall. Black curtains draped over the two large windows in his room. A double bed with crumpled up dark red and black sheets, as it had not been made that day was placed against the far wall and Misao walked over looked at the things on the wall. The two kodachi's Misao had bought him rested against the wall horizontally. The small one resting about 20 centimetre's under the large one. She had gasped and got on the bed moving closer to the wall noticing something rather familiar. She took the photo frame off the wall and looked at the dried up blossoms inside. Aoshi had kept them all this time.

"Hey Misao you okay?" Aoshi had spoken and Misao looked down smiling at him as she was standing on his bed.

"You kept them, after all this time." Misao had whispered and then placed the frame back on the wall. She looked down noticing Aoshi was taking his singlet off and placing another shirt on, a dark grey one and he spoke his back turned to her.

"Of course I did. I take friendships very seriously and I'd never been given flowers before either." He turned his head over his shoulder to look at Misao as she sat on the edge of the bed looking over at him and he turned around speaking once more and laughing lightly.

"You should have seen how distraught I was when they were beginning to die. Mum saved them though by placing them in the frame saying I'd be able to keep them forever. Do you want to watch a movie, I promise nothing scary okay?" Misao was surprised how he could change subjects so quickly but nodded her head anyway. He came over bringing a remote control with him and flipped the television on. He placed his back against the wall as he sat on his bed and Misao sat beside him on his left.

* * * *

Light shone through the gaps in the curtains signalling it was morning. Aoshi had twitched slightly, hearing the ringing of the telephone but knew his mother would pick it up. He sighed sleepily as the sound stopped and fell asleep was again.

* * * *

"Hello?" Mrs. Shinomori had spoken into the telephone.

"WHAT! Misao didn't come home last night. Hold on! I'll just go ask Aoshi where she could be!" Mrs. Shinomori put down the phone and raced upstairs towards Aoshi's room. She knocked lightly on the door and opened it up ready to speak but stopped. Her son was leaning against the wall, his eyes closed, his head tilted to his left shoulder and a tan gi top thrown over his chest, the sleeves wrapping around his neck holding it there so he didn't get too cold. Mrs. Shinomori looked further down noticing Aoshi's left hand rested lightly on the girl's shoulder. A smile broke out on Mrs. Shinomori's face. Misao was resting peacefully snuggled into the blankets on Aoshi's bed, her head resting against his left thigh, using it as a pillow. She sighed happily and closed the door silently going back downstairs to tell Misao's mother everything was all right.

* * * *

Misao walked down the path towards school, Hannya following beside her. She and Aoshi had been woken up his mother, as it was a school day. Misao went into a panic about not telling her parents where she was. She was just so tired and the bed was so comfy she just fell asleep, her sore body wanting and demanding rest. She didn't get into too much trouble just a warning to not scare her parents half to death ever again. Misao wore no elastic straps holding her breasts tightly to her. She decided she wasn't going to hide, she was going to do what Aoshi did and ignore all the stares.

"Miss Misao?" Misao and Hannya turned around hearing that. A boy Misao's age stood there a light blush covering his cheeks as he spoke to her once more.

"My names Soujiro, I'm in your class." Hannya had glanced his eyes over at Misao to see she was still standing there, not saying a word and her hands crossing under her breasts waiting to see what he was going to say.

"I just wanted to know if you'll come to the dance with me?" Soujiro had blurted out.

"Dance? What dance?" Misao spoke back utterly confused.

"Why, the one that's happening this weekend, all grades are invited too. You don't have to answer me now, just think about it okay? Bye!" And with that Soujiro ran off towards the school.

"You have an admirer cutie." Hannya had spoken bumping into her trying to give Misao more enthusiasm. Misao scowled and soon poked him in the arm and spoke back.

"As do you Hannya-kun."

"What?" He spoke back confusedly and Misao turned him to face her, so he was looking behind them.

"That silent girl who has been following us. Surely you knew that someone was following us."

"Misao that's Tae, she goes to our school and furthermore that's were we are headed."

"I know that baka! She's always watching you though. By the way your shoelace is undone." Hannya had stopped then and looked down seeing his laces were done up. His head jerked up noticing Misao was no longer standing beside him as he could see her figure running off in the distance her laughter faint as well. He turned his head to notice Tae had stopped to look up at him, a small smile on her face. He watched as she kept walking and then her head turned over her shoulder and she spoke to him.

"You better keep walking Hannya-kun or else you'll get into trouble for being late." She had smiled then and at him and he soon jogged to catch up with her and they walked the rest of the way to school together.

* * * *

"MISAO-CHAN!" Misao's head jerked up watching Tokio running towards her holding her lunch bag in one hand. Misao smiled at her friend as they walked to where they usually sat for lunch.

"Have you heard about this dance thing Misao-chan?" Tokio had spoken and Misao soon replied.

"Yeah, just this morning though and some boy asked me to go with him. I can't remember his name though." They sat down greeting the others and Misao spoke once more.

"Did Okami-san ask you Tokio? OWWWWWW!" Misao had yelled as Tokio swatted her over the head with her hand for calling Saitou names.

"Actually he said he'd see me there. He said he'd come for a little bit."

"That's funny I thought he was lea…ah…going to work that's all." Aoshi had spoken. He stopped half way when he received confused looks from Tokio and Misao but glares from the guys. Saitou hadn't told Tokio anything yet. Perhaps he was doing it that night, not really a good choice but then Saitou was pretty stupid when it came to showing feelings and important stuff, but then Aoshi was no better either. The girls had gone off to get a drink and Aoshi sighed, as they thought nothing of his statement earlier.

"Aoshi? You and your brother are hopeless. Tokio-chan doesn't know about what is going on with Saitou, because he's just being a stupid jerk, as are you with Misao-chan."

"Excuse me?" Aoshi had spoken his voice low as though Sano were challenging him.

"Listen to yourself for once! You were about to blurt out he was leaving Kyoto when you haven't even told Misao your news yet!"

"What news?" Aoshi had stiffened hearing Misao's voice and he turned watching as she sat on the grass staring at him. She offered him the drink she bought and it was his favourite, she knew everything about him, down to every little detail, except this one secret. Aoshi cleared his throat and spoke looking at her.

"Well you seemed interested about this dance thing, I thought I could escort you to it. If you really want to go that is."

"Is everyone else coming as well?" Misao had spoken completely oblivious to the fact it was a cover up.

"Sure we are!" Sano had replied but his eyes were narrowed as he stared at Aoshi.

"Okay, we'll all meet together at the dance!" Misao replied happily not even noticing the tension between Sano and Aoshi.

* * * *

School had finished for the week and Aoshi had said his parents were going out for a family only dinner and he had to go. Misao pouted but soon said it was okay and that she'd see him tomorrow night since Tokio had a whole day worked out for Misao, and the dance would be the first time she'd actually see him that day.

* * * *

It was Saturday night and Misao sighed happily as Tokio finally left. She had been over all afternoon as they spent the morning looking in clothes stores, Misao not liking anything. They ended up going to Tokio's place and they had actually found something Misao thought was half-reasonable. Misao had no clue about this sort of stuff so she was thankful Tokio was here to help because she really didn't want to ask her sisters. Misao had just finished showering about ten minutes ago and was placing her long hair in a braid.

"Mou! So long! Maybe I should get it cut." Misao had spoken to herself as she walked around her room in a pair of form fitting black dress trousers that sat on her hips. There was no way Tokio was getting her into a dress, not with all those crazy boy's going to the dance! She wore a shimmering deep blue crop top that changed to a deep silver-grey in the lights. It tied up around her back in a double knot and around her neck as well. Misao was finishing up her braid tying it with a black tie when there was a knock at her door.

"COME IN!" She had spoken annoyingly and bent over facing the doorway and placing the black sandals she had borrowed from Tokio as well and was placing them on.

"You could at least be a little happy. I mean I did come to walk you to the dance. I thought it was rather gentlemanly of me." Misao stood up hearing Aoshi's voice and looked over at him. He was leaning on the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest and staring at her. She couldn't see his eyes as they were hidden by his long bangs. She hated how he was being secretive now, not saying anything. He was wearing a pair of black jeans and a plain white shirt. Both the items fitting him perfectly, especially the shirt showing the fact he had a nice body underneath. He wore a leather jacket over the top and it stopped just before his knees. Misao took a deep breath hoping she wasn't blushing like an idiot.

"What do you think? Different ne?" Misao had spoken doing a small pose, showing him her outfit. Aoshi was mentally noting the fact that yep, she looked pretty good in an outfit like that and was a nicely curved teenager too.

"It's missing something?" Aoshi had spoken walking into the room. Misao placed her hands on her hips and looked at him and then tilted her head slightly wanting to know what he thought was missing. She watched curiously as his hand went under the back of his jacket and her eyes widened when he brought out a single white rose bud. Aoshi stepped closer now and placed the flower close to Misao's face. She had closed her eyes, her dark lashes brushing her cheeks as she smelled the fragrance of the flower. He pulled it away and began placing it in her hair. Aoshi soon stopped finally deciding that the flower was settled and was going to stay in her hair and he looked down noticing Misao was staring up at him. His breath caught, as did Misao's as they stared into each other's eyes. Silence filled the room but they soon separated when Misao's mother called up the stairs to say Hannya had arrived with Tae. Hearing that momentarily surprised Aoshi and Misao but Misao soon grabbed her jacket, it being a leather coat too but it fell to her hips and they walked downstairs and out the door.

"Hey cutie you look great!" Hannya had spoken and the four of them began walking off.

* * * *

A couple of hours had passed and the hall at the school was packed with students from all grades. There was a small admission fee to pay for all the decorations, the music and the drinks and food. Misao sat at a table, with Aoshi, Sano, Hannya, Beshimi, Shijuksho, Hyotokko, Tae and Tokio. Misao had a few dances with Tae and Tokio but hated the fact that every boy kept coming closer, wanting to brush up against her or try and fill her up. Tokio and Tae had restrained Misao when one guy had pinched her butt. She was so close to smacking him out but was stopped by her "supposed" friends. Some even wanted her to dance with them but after that incident she declined all the time.

"Misao-chan why don't you dance with one of them?" Tae had spoken.

"No way! I don't want them looming and drooling all over me! I don't even know them for that matter! And I don't want them touching my butt either!" Misao had spoken her arms crossing under her breasts.

"So you'll only dance with people you know cutie?" Hannya had spoken and Misao nodded her head.

"Would you dance with me then Misao?" Sano had spoken and Misao laughed softly shaking her head and spoke looking over at him.

"I couldn't do that to you Sano, you'd loose the 'Sanosuke Sagara is a dream guy' fanclub and you'd be most upset then."

"Hmm good point." Sano spoke again and everyone started laughing.

"What about me?" Misao stopped laughing hearing Aoshi's low deep voice say that. She glanced over at him but looked up to see he was standing beside her, his hand out silently asking her to dance.

"I don't want a fanclub." He had spoken again and Misao soon placed her hand in his and he walked her out onto the dance floor. A slow song had come on, how appropriate too. Couples were getting up to dance, but many guys and girls stared daggers at the two of them. Aoshi turned around to face Misao bringing her left hand up to his right shoulder, Aoshi's left hand and Misao's right joined together and Aoshi placed his right hand on the small of Misao back, his index finger and thumb brushing her warm skin. He pulled her closer now, liking the softness of her skin but never said anything like that nor did Misao mind or notice for that matter. They swayed perfectly together to the gentle music.

"I didn't know you could dance Aoshi." Misao had spoken looking up at him. His eyes cast downwards and she could finally see the depths of his blue-green eyes staring endlessly into her blue ones.

"One of my many secrets you don't know Misao." She had frowned at that but he soon spoke again.

"Actually, you know all but one secret about me Misao."

"Will you tell me that secret one day?" Misao had asked curiously and rather intrigued.

"One day…" Aoshi had mumbled, his thoughts far away but he instantly stepped back slightly gaining more footing as Misao had been pushed further into him loosing her balance slightly. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her hot breath flowing down his bare neck. Aoshi arms had lifted up holding her just above the hips needing to steady her as well and she hissed slightly. Aoshi had pulled away then, dropping his hands away and Misao soon whispered.

"Bruises…I knew I'd get some and I don't want you to feel guilty either." Aoshi nodded his head hiding his guilt well. Misao separated from him then, and Aoshi noticed a light blush covering her cheeks from experiencing such a contact like that. He smiled down at her and grabbed her hand and began walking towards the exit.

"Its warm, lets get some fresh air." They were now outside, Misao opening her coat up liking the cool breeze. Misao eyes opened as she heard some muffled voices and her and Aoshi walked to the side of a wall and peeked around the corner noticing it to be Tokio and Saitou.

"Aren't you going to tell me I look nice Saitou? I did buy it especially for tonight." Tokio had spoken trying to pry an emotion out of him as she tried standing on tiptoes to gain more height against him but it went unsuccessfully.

"Tokio, I'm trying to tell you something important and you keep butting in all the time." Saitou's voice was rising, anger growing quickly.

"FINE THEN! KEEP GOING OH GREAT ONE!" Tokio had yelled sarcastically, her anger rising as well.

"No…you idiot not here…" Aoshi had whispered and Misao turned to face him to see he had a saddened expression as though he knew what was happening. Misao turned to face the scene again and found Saitou's fists were clenched so tightly they were literally shaking.

"I'M LEAVING THIS STUPID PLACE. I'M LEAVING THIS DUMP FOR TOKYO. THERE IS NOTHING HERE THAT'S WORTH STAYING FOR!" Misao eyes had widened hearing this. Saitou was leaving! How come she never knew about this? Misao soon flinched, as did Aoshi when there was a loud smack across Saitou's face, his head turning slightly at the force of it. Misao's eyes widened hearing a loud sob leave Tokio as she ran from Saitou, running in hers and Aoshi's direction.

"Tokio-chan…" Misao had spoken quietly and stepped away from the corner of the wall walking into the open and caught the running girl in her arms. Tokio tried getting free but soon stopped knowing it was impossible and sobbed against Misao. Her legs turning to jelly and Misao fell on her butt in the grass unable to support herself and the sobbing girl in her arms. Misao's arms wrapped around Tokio tighter trying to comfort her friend. Aoshi had squatted beside them now placing a hand on the back of Tokio's head and placed a kiss on the side of her head.

"Go see how he is." Misao had spoken quietly and Aoshi got up and walked over to where Saitou was still standing. Misao couldn't hear anything as a conversation broke out between the two of them and then Saitou placed his hands in his pockets and walked off, going further into the darkness of the schoolyard.

* * * *

Misao walked quietly beside Aoshi who was carrying a sleeping Tokio in his arms. Misao's place was closer then Aoshi's and Tokio's and so they headed for her home. Tokio had cried herself into sleep and lucky for Misao that Aoshi was nearby as he carried her easily in his arms as though she was as light as a feather.

"What a baka!" Aoshi had whispered looking down at Tokio. Misao turned her head to look at him and his eyes were actually shimmering, with tears but as soon as he turned them towards Misao there saw nothing there. Had Misao just imagined that? She shook her head and kept quiet as she opened the gate to her house and walked towards the door and unlocked it going inside.

* * * *

"Aoshi it's best if you go home now. I'm sure Saitou will need comforting, even if he was being an insensitive jerk." Misao had spoken. Aoshi nodded his head getting up from the bed and spoke once more then left the room.

"I'll come see you tomorrow."

Misao was now left in the room with a sleeping Tokio tucked in her bed. Misao sat beside her tucking some of Tokio's hair behind her ear and soon whispered then lay down and falling asleep on the unoccupied side of the bed.

"I'm sorry Tokio. I shouldn't have introduced you to him…Saitou no baka…"

* * * *

"She has gone?" Misao shrieked slightly as she turned around to see Aoshi standing in the back doorway. He came and sat down on the porch beside Misao as she was looking into the backyard.

"Tokio-chan found out he was leaving today." Misao had turned her eyes to see Aoshi nod his head silently.

"He'd be at the train station by now. He told me to tell you goodbye. He said he expects the weasel girl to behave herself." Misao chuckled slightly and soon looked over at Aoshi once more.

"Then why are you here? Shouldn't you be there watching him go?" Aoshi had shook his head negatively.

"We left…to give him time to straighten things out with Tokio. She was there, waiting to see him off even though he hurt her feelings."

"I didn't know what to do for her Aoshi. She's going through something I know nothing about." Misao had spoken once more.

"Misao, the secret I haven't told you, I'd like to tell you but fear it will do more harm then good. In ways it's good…for me anyway, but bad…for us…"

"Your leaving…aren't you?" Misao had spoken looking over at Aoshi. He nodded his head and Misao bowed her head sighing sadly.

"I guess I'll know how she feels after all."

"Hai…I'm sorry Misao. Its just that Sensei thinks Sano and myself are needed in Tokyo, to help one of his oldest students at his training hall in Tokyo. I would be working at that one and Sano in another one. We will do part time schooling making sure we can finish high school as well. It's a great opportunity for Sano and me. I just, I didn't know how to tell you and I didn't want to do it like Saitou either."

"You've done pretty well, not as harsh as his. I prefer the way you told me then his way any day. I think you've done pretty well anyway, no slap coming from me. So when is the big departure." Misao was trying to joke but it fell flat, as now wasn't a time for that.

"Monday…"

"Monday…only today left…one day and that's it…" Misao was mumbling to herself.

"It will never be 'that's it' Misao. We'll always be together, no matter how far apart we are. I'll write to you every chance that I get. I'll send you my address so I can receive letters from you as well." Misao had nodded her head silently and then leaned it against Aoshi's left shoulder. His arm wrapped around her shoulders as they stared silently into the backyard knowing this would be there last chance to have a peaceful moment together.

Unknown to them someone was watching. A saddened face expression looked at their figures. Mrs. Makimachi knowing full well what was happening. She'll need to be ready for when Aoshi leaves, to catch her daughter and comfort her once more.

* * * *

As though the gods knew how upset Misao was, the day had turned bitterly cold. Misao wore long black pants, a black long sleeved sweatshirt and a black coat as well. The only bit of colour she wore was the deep blue/purple scarf that was wrapped around her neck. She was standing at the train station and watched as Hannya and the others as well as their parent's farewelled Sano and Aoshi. The guys were in their uniforms and were excused from classes in the morning to come say goodbye. Miso had given her best wishes to Sano already. She was sad he was going as well but not like she was with Aoshi. Misao however wasn't going to school today. Her parent's had phoned the school saying she was unwell, basically lying for her and because they are parents no one thinks anything of it. Her parents had rung Aoshi up wishing him well and a safe trip, the same for Sano too. Misao watched as they all departed needing to go to school and work. Even Tae and Tokio, who was still upset about the whole 'Saitou situation', but she still came to say goodbye.

Minutes passed as Misao watched Mr. Shinomori hug Aoshi telling him how proud he was. His mother was a different story all together. She was crying, happiness and sadness. Her boys were all grown up and had left home already. Tears were coming to Misao's eyes as she watched the scene unfold but she turned her head upwards making sure the tears would not fall.

Minutes passed and Misao soon turned her head back down when she felt a hand squeeze her shoulder. Aoshi's parents where leaving and now it was her turn to farewell her best friend. She placed a forced smile on and watched as Aoshi fingered her scarf and then looked at her and spoke.

"This is different for you, the colour I mean. I've never seen it before." Aoshi watched as Misao began unwrapping the scarf from around her neck as she spoke to him.

"My dad gave me this when I was first born. I took it everywhere with me, even when it was summer. It became my favourite thing in the whole world. I'm surprised it hasn't been wrecked yet. It still is my favourite too along with the gifts you and the guys gave me. I want you to have it." Misao had placed it over Aoshi's neck and then grabbed the front of his opened coat pulled it over the scarf and began doing up the buttons.

"You'll get cold…" Misao spoke softly. She soon felt a pressure under her chin and lifted her head up to look into sad blue-green eyes.

"I can't take this Misao, it's your favourite." Aoshi had spoken. Misao placed her hand on his cheek and then spoke softly so he could only hear this once.

"You're my favourite too, so I think they should go together." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears and Aoshi soon spoke softly, moving closer towards her.

"Are you going to cry for me Misao?"

"Maybe…" She had whispered casting her head aside.

"Please don't. That will be hard on me as well and besides I want to see my happy and smiling Misao once more." Misao had turned her head towards him, a smile etched on her lips and not a forced one either.

They stared silently at each other but Misao couldn't help it any longer and wrapped her arms around his upper chest wanting to be hugged by him once more. Aoshi knew it was coming and placed his arms around her as well, brushing one of his hands in her soft dark tresses while the other stroked her back comfortingly. Misao let go when she heard the boarding call for Aoshi's train. His hands where cupping her cheeks and Misao watched as his face drew nearer, those lips of his coming closer. She had gasped softly when they were pressed against hers and her arms wrapped around his neck holding him close and responding awkwardly to the kiss as it was her first ever kiss and she was just learning. It showed all the emotions that were running through both of them at this very moment love, forgiveness, sadness and friendship. Aoshi soon broke from her and walked to the platform stepping up into a carriage. Misao moved closer to and watched as he was stepping in and giving the guy his ticket when her two soft hands covered one of his, stopping him from going any further. Aoshi turned around to see a distraught Misao not wanting to let go. The train was slowly moving away and Misao was walking beside it.

"When I finish school, I'm coming to Tokyo to find you." Misao didn't care how stupid or love struck she sounded but was definitely surprised to feel a light squeeze coming from his hand and he soon spoke.

"Do you promise Misao?"

"Hai I promise Aoshi…I'll come and find you…" She was jogging now, her hands still clasped over his.

"Let go Misao…let go…" Aoshi had whispered looking down at her. Misao bit her lip coming to a complete stop as her hands dropped away from Aoshi's and she watched his figure move further into the carriage and the train disappeared into the distance. Misao's head was bowed and it began raining just adding to her sadness. Misao loved rainy days but today she hated them. Today she hated everything. She turned around and began walking her legs moving, taking her somewhere.

* * * *

Half an hour had passed and Misao was soaked. She made it to a tall building and looked up noticing it was the office her mother worked in. She walked through the electronic sliding doors and towards the lifts not even replying to the greetings she received from her mum's colleagues.

She walked out of the lifts when she reached her mother's level and made it to her office not even knocking on the door. She swung it open and all these people turned to stare at her wandering who she was. Some knew her, some didn't. Misao could faintly hear her mother speaking to them and she watched them walk past her and then the clicking of the door was heard indicating it was only her and her mother left in the room.

Misao began walking closer to her mum who was still sitting in her chair silently watching her. Misao fell to the ground then, her legs tired, her whole body weak and she soon placed her head into her mum's lap, wrapping her arms around her waist and whispered brokenly to her mother and then cried her heart out.

"He's gone mum…Aoshi's gone…"

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *