Authors Notes: *AAAAAAHHHHHH* what a complete dummy! (Coming from Chapter 13) Tsubame isn't Misao's sister-in-law but Okon's! Gomen nasai for being a dummy…that sounded like Misao was the married one and not her sister…

Anywho, I've decided to shorten my chapters just a little bit. *S* I feel like I'm cramming in too much stuff, and well, my brains just not hacking it at the moment…They'll get bigger as the story continues…

Prepare for the so-called "date" (which it really isn't…got something lined up later on – chapter 15) to be ruined…and everyone get their hammers ready to pulverize the bloody culprit. I can hear the brains working out there knowing who it is already…

But alas, a tender moment occurs between Aoshi & Tomoe…and another tender moment between Aoshi & Misao…well just read okay?!? Thanks to everyone who is reviewing this ficcie! It makes me sooooooooooo happy!

On with the ficcie…

Under the Cherry Tree

Silence crept up between Misao and Aoshi as they lazily walked the streets towards the Akabeko. Their hands were still clasped together, both wanting the small contact but both too nervous to start a conversation. Aoshi had glanced down at Misao to see her eyes were looking down at their joined hands. She had ever so slightly clasped Aoshi's hand tighter but he felt the change and smiled down at her bowed head. She was everything Aoshi could ever dream about in a woman and here she was, standing right beside him as they waited for the lights to change so they could walk across the road and yet he couldn't utter a single word. She had spoken of her love for him weeks ago and yet he had said nothing. A mere kiss told her that in his heart he loved her more then a friend but Aoshi knew she needed words as well. Words were so hard for him to utter these days. Especially knowing that these words would effect the rest of his life and the young woman next to him. The phrase 'actions speak louder then words' is quite true but Misao needed more then that. She needed him to tell her, she needed to hear his voice speak those three words. Aoshi wasn't a person to just blurt out their feelings after all. The moment and the timing needed to be right. Did Misao know this? Did she know that he couldn't tell her just yet?

"We're here." Misao had spoken in a soft voice, pulling Aoshi's hand taking him off the sidewalk and into the restaurant.

"Hi Misao!" Tsubame waved from behind the counter. The busy dinner crowd had not arrived just yet so Tsubame had time to come over to where Misao and Aoshi sat down and speak with them.

"Tsubame this is my good friend Aoshi. We went to school together in Kyoto." Misao spoke introducing her two friends together. Aoshi noticed a bright smile form on Tsubame's lips as she shook his hand and sat down on the opposite side to him next to Misao.

"So YOU'RE Aoshi. I'm so glad to meet you. Misao talks about you ALL the time!" Aoshi glanced his eyes over at Misao to see that her blue ones were wide open in shock at what Tsubame was saying.

"When she first met you, to the both of you being inseparable, to training and your arguments. Also that dance you guys attended and when you finally left and when Misao followed you here an-" Aoshi had a small smirk on his lips as Misao slapped her hand over Tsubame's lips stopping her from saying anything else.

"That's enough TSUMBAME! GOD!" Misao spoke a little angrily, getting out of her chair and heading into the back either heading for the bathrooms or to get them some food, Aoshi couldn't decide which. Although her face was bright red so he knew she'd bypass the bathroom to see how much her face resembled a tomato.

"I didn't mean to embarrass Misao. It's just that you two look so lovely together I just couldn't help myself. I could imagine Misao falling in love and growing old with you and not someone like…"

"Tsubame! We have customers dear!" Another lady spoke and Aoshi watched as Tsubame rose from her seat-waving goodbye to Aoshi forgetting about what she was saying to him seconds ago. Aoshi watched Tsubame apologise to the customers for making them wait and she sat them down at a table for two near the window. Aoshi's heart thumped in his chest at what Tsubame had said. Misao falling in love and growing old with him? What amazed Aoshi the most was the fact that he could actually see this happening. He could see them old and grey, with walking canes and all with their children's grandchildren running around them. Misao's hair would be as long as it is right now with silver-grey running through it and they'd both have wrinkles but she still had her sunny smile, her beautiful laugh and those ocean-blue eyes.

"Aoshi?"

"Huh?" Aoshi spoke snapping out of his thoughts. Misao sat across from him once more, concern held in those eyes, as he was preoccupied with other thoughts. What Misao didn't know was that they were thoughts of them.

"I got us some food." Aoshi looked at the food on the table smiling his thanks at Misao and picked up a bowl placing some meat and rice in it and handing it to Misao. She lightly blushed at his sweet gesture but took the bowl and began eating slowly, her eyes glancing over at Aoshi every now and then.

"Aoshi, this is nice, just it being the two of us." Misao spoke boldly, placing some more food into her bowl and picking up the chopsticks once more.

"Aa, it is but you do realise this isn't a real date Misao." He watched Misao's eyes lift up, staring intently into his blue-green ones, hidden behind his long bangs. They held curiosity and a little fear as though Aoshi was ready to reject her. That however, was the last thing on Aoshi's mind.

"You see if we were on a date we wouldn't be here. I'd take you somewhere nicer, someplace a bit more scenic, a bit more private so that we'd be alone and no one would be able to interu-"

"HEY! There's my lovely Misao!" A snapping of chopsticks could be heard and Misao glanced her eyes to see Aoshi's head was bent as he placed the broken chopsticks on the table. He closed his eyes taking in a deep breath and opened them up to see Enishi sitting next to Misao with his arm wrapped around her shoulder and talking profusely to her. He finally stopped blabbering away and turned facing Aoshi, as though only just noticing him. His turquoise eyes glanced down at the broken chopsticks and then up at Aoshi.

"Careful Aoshi, those are only wooden takeaway chopsticks you know." Enishi spoke cheerfully at him turning his attention back to Misao but Aoshi soon spoke what was on his mind, interrupting what ever it is he was going to say next.

"Wood, metal or bone it doesn't matter. I can snap anything if I feel the need too." Aoshi's voice was deadly serious. His guarded eyes watched a small bead of sweat run down Enishi's temple as he took his arm away from Misao's shoulders. The table was filled with silence and Aoshi's eyes narrowed once more when Enishi didn't get up and leave. Instead he picked up Misao's bowl, filling it with food and eating it.

"Do help yourself." Aoshi spoke dryly and stood up placing some money on the table, knowing this would cover the food cost. His eyes darted to Misao noticing hers a little wider then normal as she knew he was leaving. He placed his hands in his pockets and left the restaurant, watching a small frown appear on Tsubame's face as she glanced from him to the table were Misao and Enishi sat at. Aoshi glanced through the window outside to see Misao being hugged by Enishi now and she was returning it too. Anger rose in Aoshi but he was unable to express it as another voice spoke to him.

"Good afternoon Aoshi. Its nice to see you again." Aoshi turned his head to see Tomoe walking up the street wearing a white summer dress with a black cardigan and black slip on shoes.

"Where you just leaving? Why not join Enishi and myself for dinner?" Tomoe spoke politely walking towards him a pleasant smile etched on her slightly red lips.

"I think he's preoccupied with someone else right now." Aoshi spoke dryly, no emotion flowing in his voice. He saw a confused expression move over Tomoe's face and he pointed for her to look in the window at the worst possible time. He watched as she gasped in surprise, her pale hand moving up to cover her mouth and her eyes glistened with tears. Aoshi too was looking in the window to see Enishi's lips covering Misao's but he opened his eyes up moving away from Misao and noticed Tomoe and Aoshi witnessed everything. Aoshi could make out his words of 'Oh shit' as he stood up heading for the main door as though wanting to explain his actions. Misao wasn't far behind either as she had turned around to face the window to see what had shocked Enishi so much. Aoshi watched as Tomoe stepped away a small sob escaping her lips.

"Tomoe wait! Let me explain!" Enishi yelled as he watched Tomoe run away, her long hair flowing behind her. Enishi had stepped forward but Aoshi placed his arm out stopping him from walking with very little effort. Turquoise eyes stared into blue-green ones and Aoshi spoke in a quiet voice.

"Let her go. One thing I know about this, is that you shouldn't go see the person you upset, not right away anyway. She needs to be with people who know what she's going through and I happen to be that person."

"A-Aoshi…what you saw wa-"

"I saw all I needed to see." With that spoken from Aoshi he watched as Misao took off his jacket handing it back to him and then turned around jogging away. Aoshi picked up Tomoe's shoes on the way as she had kicked them off while running away in heartache. He knew how much she loved Enishi and yet he was so blind to the truth, but wasn't he the same. Did he think Misao would just wait forever for him to finally realise how much she loved him? Boy was he an idiot for finding this out too late. She was someone else's now, someone he very much detested. He got to taste Misao's lips and straight after him. A cold chill raced its way down Aoshi's spine at the thought of someone else touching Misao. Aoshi shook his head ridding himself of these thoughts. He knew Misao was a beautiful woman and every man they passed in the street saw this. She seemed oblivious to their stares all except his. He had won her heart but now he'd lost it to that idiot. Aoshi stopped his mental ranting when he heard a small sob. Aoshi rounded a corner and turned into a dark alley, he moved quietly towards the sobbing woman, who was sitting on the ground, legs hugged to her chest and her face buried in her knees.

"Tomoe…I'll take you to my home. It's not safe here by yourself." Aoshi quietly spoke and waited for the small nod that came from her bent head. He squatted down placing the jacket over her and picked her up cradling her against his chest. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her face turned into his left shoulder as she quietly sobbed. Aoshi realised Tomoe was utterly devastated and heartbroken. She never thought she'd see Enishi do something like that. Sure she was used to his flirting but that crossed the line and completely stunned her out of her mind. She loved him, like she never thought she could love anyone and yet he never saw it. He had not thought of her as the one he'd be with for life. Was she not pretty enough? Was she not what he was looking for? She had loved him for many years but the shyness within her always over ruled her of not telling him how she felt, fearing he'd laugh at her. Her heart ached at watching that memory run through her mind over and over and yet she wasn't the only one who was hurting. Aoshi, the man she only met yesterday was carrying her, caring for her wellbeing and yet on the inside he was hurting to. How could she be so selfish? Tomoe brushed her tears away with her right hand and looked up into Aoshi's face to see his blue-green eyes were darker then what she thought the colour would be. Something was happening inside of him, she knew he was thinking about that moment too.

"I'm sorry Aoshi…for what you saw, for what we witnessed."

"Hai, me too." Aoshi spoke quietly, his head bent down looking at Tomoe. He gave her a small grin and kept walking heading into the main doors to his apartment block. He shook his head at Okina's curious glance as though not wanting him to ask any sort of questions.

Aoshi made it upstairs and unlocked his apartment door walking inside, kicking the door closed with his foot and placing Tomoe on the couch. She smiled her thanks and looked around for a moment but Aoshi sensed what she was looking for.

"The bathrooms that way. Clean up a bit and I'll put on some coffee." He had pointed in the direction of the bathroom and watched Tomoe walk off.

* * * *

A short time later Tomoe and Aoshi sat on the dining room table looking out at the afternoon sun. They each had a coffee in their hands and Tomoe was the first to speak after a long moment of silence.

"I never thought I'd see him do something like that. I guess it sounds a little naive really. I mean who wouldn't want to kiss someone like Misao, if you were a guy that is. She's beautiful and full of energy and has long flowing hair and those sparkling blue eyes. I guess that's a bit of a challenge for me, I couldn't measure up to that." She sighed looking out the window, her eyes following a passing cloud.

"What about Enishi? All females want a guy who can speak their feelings easily to them and display so much love to them. He talks a lot, almost non stop sometimes but isn't that what females want? They want guys who'll tell them everything?"

"No, that's not it at all Aoshi. I mean every woman wants someone who will tell them that they love them but they don't have to say it everyday, nor do they have to prove it everyday either. Somedays they'll want to chat non stop too, but other days they'll just want to be in your presence and in your loving embrace not saying a single word."

"Not everything is about beauty Tomoe. That is just an added bonus. They want to find a woman, who'll love them for them and all the mistakes they have made in the past and will continue to make in the future. They want someone who isn't afraid of being independent and sticking up for themselves. They also want someone who is kind, sweet and beautiful on the inside. Someone who they can laugh with, who will sit up at night and talk to them non-stop even if it is meaningless chatter. Someone who'll only rest when you decide to rest and who'll love you through anything and everything."

"Aoshi I've got to go!" Tomoe spoke getting off the table and placing her shoes and cardigan on. Aoshi watched as she hugged him around the neck and kissed his cheek heading for the door.

"I just realised that what you so and what I said is true in many ways. I cannot give up hope because in my heart I know that one day Enishi will be mine to love and to take care of. WISH ME LUCK!" She spoke excitedly running out the door at full speed.

"Good luck…" Aoshi whispered as he turned back looking at the last rays of sunlight fading away into darkness. Aoshi got off the table heading towards the television cabinet and picked up the photo of Misao. His had traced over the glass as the breeze swept Misao's hair lightly around. The rose was placed close to her lips, a sweet and gentle smile etched on them. Her eyes shone brightly making her face glow with beauty. Aoshi placed his hand to his beating heart knowing she was the one that made it beat so lively. He placed his wallet in his back pocket and grabbed his keys racing out the door and sliding down the railing of the stairs. He raced past a surprised Okina only waving his goodbye and ran down the now dully lit street heading for the Himura's.

* * * *

Time had passed by, the moon shining brightly in the sky indicating it was getting later. Aoshi was getting colder, but Misao would be there and so his body kept going, running even faster as though thinking he was going to miss her. His finger's where like ice, as well as his face, the cold breeze blowing across Tokyo was the culprit for this. In his sudden rush to see Misao, knowing full well that what Tomoe said was exactly what he was thinking, he had forgotten to bring his jacket with him. A grin broke out on Aoshi's face as he turned down the street, closing in on Kenshin and Kaoru's place. He jumped the brick fence, not wanting to notify anyone of his presence and headed around the back. A couple of lights were on, but Aoshi didn't care at this moment. He climbed the large tree near Misao's balcony easily and jumped onto the railing. He noticed the room was bathed in moonlight. The blinds had been drawn open, the door slightly ajar as though it were left like this just for him. Aoshi silently entered the room and kneeled at the foot of the double bed seeing one of Misao's bare feet sticking out. He brushed his fingertips over it and watched as Misao gasped awake sitting up in the bed. She flipped on her bedside lamp to see who the intruder was.

"A-Aoshi!" She spoke in surprise moving to the end of the bed, the blankets falling to her waist, her insanely long legs in front of him were bare. It appeared she was only wearing a tank top and underwear.

"I-I'm sorry Aoshi! What you saw…"

"Doesn't matter." Aoshi completed for her. Misao blinked a few times looking confused and rather guilty too. Her hands cupped Aoshi's cheeks but she gasped pulling them away at the coldness of his face and spoke worriedly at him.

"Aoshi you're freezing! Quick get in the bed!" They both stared at each other for a number of seconds as Misao contemplated what she had said. A blush formed on her cheeks but she watched, holding her breath as Aoshi took off his shoes and climbed onto the bed wrapping some of the blankets around his shoulders.

"Better?" Misao whispered her eyes unable to reach his in her moment of shyness. Silence engulfed the two of them, Aoshi completely forgetting about what he wanted to say. Could he really say 'forgetten'? Or was it that his shyness was coming out in him? Aoshi fisted his hands but soon sighed and lay down on the bed on his left side facing the lamp. He watched as Misao lay down as well her eyes glancing up at him as she lay on her right side facing him. Her hand crept up brushing Aoshi's long bangs away from his eyes. Aoshi caught her hand placing the warmth against his cold cheek then pulling on it, bringing Misao closer towards him and she was soon in his half embrace, one arm wrapped around her petite frame, her head resting under his chin. Aoshi closed his eyes, thanking the gods that she came so willingly into his arms, but now he was at a loss of what to do next.

"Are you going to turn the light off Misao?" He watched as she groaned in annoyance but she moved away turning the lamp off and the room was bathed in a silver-blue colour from the moonlight once more. Seconds passed as Misao had not moved back into Aoshi's embrace and he was becoming impatient, almost afraid that she didn't want to be in his arms.

"Are you coming back?" Aoshi finally blurted out, almost smacking himself out for sounding so stupid. There was light giggling coming from Misao as she moved closer, her curved body moulding into his.

"Aren't we the eager one Aoshi-anata…" Misao had whispered into his ear and Aoshi tensed slightly hearing the 'darling' again. He had not heard that in a long time and it still felt strange but not as bad when it came from Misao's lips. She tucked her head under his chin once more, her hot breath trickling over his neck as she laughed once more.

"Well about time Misao! What were you doing? Deciding if you wanted to be in my embrace or Enishi's? That's not very nice, switching between two guys all the time. Why can't you make up your mind?" Aoshi knew Misao would take him seriously as he added a bit of hurt into his voice. He felt Misao tense in his arms as she finally registered what he was saying.

"N-No, its not l-like that at all A-Aoshi. Enishi's just a friend. I-I don't think of him t-that way! Please Aoshi you've gotta believe me!" Misao spoke desperately back but her fear soon was forgotten when she heard Aoshi chuckling. She had been played. Her anger rose as she tried fighting her way out of his embrace but it was unsuccessful. She fumed silently but her eyes looked up to see Aoshi's twinkling down at her, full-fledged happiness in them. He was showing happiness towards her.

"You…You big MEANIE!" Misao spoke a light blush forming on her cheeks but she knew Aoshi couldn't see it. It was too dark after all. Finally a blush he never saw coming from her. She placed her forehead against Aoshi's chest once more, relaxing into his embrace not saying a word.

"Go to sleep you baka." Aoshi spoke into her hair and Misao smiled against his chest, her lips moving as she spoke back.

"You're the baka!" Aoshi pressed a light kiss to Misao's hair and whispered his reply there.

"You are Misao…but you're my baka." He moved lightly away to see the moonlight shining on her face, a small smile crossing over her lips and her ocean-blue eyes closed. Aoshi chuckled lightly once more; she had fallen asleep in one of his confessions. Tomorrow he'll have to tell her about that and make her stew on it the whole time, as he won't even tell her what he said. Aoshi pulled the blankets higher up, making sure Misao felt cocooned in his embrace and with the blankets tucked behind her tightly. He felt Misao sigh contently against him, his own name coming out in a small whisper as her arm wrapped over his waist holding her open hand against his back bringing him closer.

"Sweet dreams Misao…" Aoshi whispered into her ear, closing his own eyes and falling asleep with one thought crossing his mind before he let the darkness take him. He hoped Saitou hadn't murdered their overly energetic sisters as they were still with him and Tokio.

* * * *

To be continued…

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