Under the Cherry Tree

"Ah, sugoi! This is so exciting! Ne Saitou, don't you agree?" Tokio spoke happily looking back at Saitou who stood watching her silently. A light blush crept over her cheeks as she turned back around placing the dishes on the picnic blanket. She knew she wouldn't receive an answer from him, but the way he stood, watching her silently made her heart pound in her chest and ears. She was certain he'd be able to hear it. She had worn her best clothes; her newest clothes thinking Saitou would take her out to dinner. Her heart practically flipped in her chest when she saw him wearing the golden silk shirt she bought him. Tokio sighed out loud and the next words slipped through her lips without consent.

"Misao-chan's got all the luck in the world to have someone love her as much as Aoshi does." Tokio's eyes widened but not a sound escaped her lips after that. Silence filled the secluded area of the park Saitou and Tokio were at. Tokio dared to glance over her shoulder to see Saitou. He was an emotionless man, but Tokio knew, by the slightly turned head and the one fisted hand that what she said effected him deeply. Tokio bowed her head in utter disgust with herself.

G-Gomen nasai…Saitou…" Tokio spoke in a whisper, her eyes glancing up at him as they sparkled with unshed tears. Tokio whipped her head around, the sound of faint voices coming from the thick foliage many meters away. Tokio knew it was Aoshi coming with Misao. She gasped in surprise as Saitou reefed her from her seated position and he began walking away not wanting to be caught here.

"Saitou? Saitou I haven't finished yet! Saitou let me GO!" Tokio spoke harshly breaking the contact between them and racing back to set the area up properly. She lit a few lanterns hanging them on a low branch of the cherry tree just above the picnic blanket and one was placed in the middle of the blanket lighting the area up. Tokio finally stood up brushing a couple of leaves from her skirt and squealed lightly as Saitou picked her up jumping into a far away tree, making sure they were out of sight. They silently watched as Aoshi and Misao came into view, but couldn't hear a word that fell between them.

"Are we here yet? I feel stupid with this on! This is so embarrassing! What if someone sees me like this? Aoshi no baka…" Misao grumbled lightly. A light blush had been on her cheeks since she and Aoshi left the taxi. Aoshi stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders and guided her to…wherever the hell he was taking her! He had been guiding her for many minutes now through soft grass as it brushed along the sides of her feet. Misao felt the blind fold give way and she blinked a couple of times gaining her eyesight back. Misao's hand instinctively slapped over her lips concealing her gasp within it as she stared at the scene before her. A dark green picnic blanket was layed out over the lush grass of a park. A lone cherry tree stood, close to the blanket with two lanterns hanging from the branch dousing the area in pale light. A third sat in the middle of the blanket and casserole dishes lay around it. A jug of mineral water with two glass cups and a sake bottle with two small cups where on the blanket as well. Two plates were laid out as well as two bowls and some cutlery. Misao turned her gaze to stare up at Aoshi to see he was smiling down at her. Misao's blush heightened as she forced her legs to move, walking closer to where she would spend the evening with Aoshi, secluded with no interruptions.

* * * *

"If I weren't here, you'd have been caught by now." Saitou spoke plainly to Tokio and jumped to the ground soundlessly. He let go of her straight away and turned away to walk back to where he parked his car.

"Oh no! I forgot the rose!" Tokio gasped in surprise as she stared down at the rose in her right hand. She stepped forward but was held back by Saitou's hand which clasped her shoulder tight.

"Forget the flower, let's go already!" Saitou was loosing his patience. His eyes widened the slightest looking down into Tokio's angry ones. He'd seen her upset and angry too, but this was different. They'd always argue, it wasn't that serious but right at this moment, she hated him for real. Her hands were fisted in anger and she placed them against his chest pushing him away from her. Saitou only took a small step back at her push. She was after all, a petite young woman and he a tall and strong man.

"I promised Saitou! I promised Aoshi everything would be perfect. Everything he imagined in his mind would be seen for real! I can't break that promise! I said I'd help. I said I'd make it happen for him and Misao-chan! I said it'll come true and that's what I'm doing! I keep my promises to the people I love!" Saitou watched Tokio run off determined, the rose clutched in her hand.

"T-Tokio-chan…how passionate and stubborn you are…and always at the same time…" Saitou whispered softly but leaned against the tree, lighting a cigarette up and waited for her.

Tokio stood hiding behind a far away cherry tree, but she could clearly see Aoshi and Misao. Misao was still staring around, not believing what she was seeing with her eyes. How was Tokio going to get Aoshi's attention? Tokio watched with wide eyes as a rock flew by her and smacked Aoshi square in the back. His head turned over his shoulder to see Saitou crouched behind Tokio and she was giving him a sheepish smile while waving the thornless rose bud in front of her face.

"Aoshi?" Aoshi tensed slightly, turning to look at Misao as she stared at him in slight confusion.

"What are you staring at?"

"Nothing…just…the stars are shining brightly tonight…and there is a full moon out too." Misao turned to look up at the sky completely oblivious to what was really happening. As though the gods smiled upon Aoshi a cool breeze blew towards him, the rose he bought floating within it, as Tokio had let go of it. He caught it easily and swiftly turned around waving Saitou and Tokio off. He tucked the rose bud behind his right ear and waited for Misao to notice. As though she read his thoughts for her to turn around, she did just that, but completely stopped, her mouth parting open, as she said nothing and stared at the rose.

"Well…are you going to take it Misao? It is for you after all…" Aoshi spoke turning his head slightly and bending down so it was easier for Misao to reach. He noticed the blush cross her cheeks but she stepped closer, her fingers brushing over his cool skin and taking the flower away. Misao moved closer, placing a soft kiss on Aoshi's cheek as her silent thanks for being so sweet to her. They both stared silently at one another, Aoshi snapping out of it first and walking over to sit down on the blanket.

"Let's eat before it gets cold." Misao nodded sitting on the opposite side and Aoshi opened a dish locating the soup and poured Misao some. They ate in silence, both of them becoming to shy to start a conversation.

One would have to snap out of their silence soon…

* * * *

"Thank you Saitou…for helping me earlier. It meant a lot to me and I know Aoshi would be grateful as well…" Tokio spoke softly looking out the passenger side window. She jerked forward a little when Saitou planted his foot on the brakes, turned the car off and got out of it slamming the door closed. Tokio watched as Saitou moved to the front of the car, as the headlights now silhouetted him. Tokio's hands began to shake as she took off her seatbelt and opened the door getting out of the car as well. She closed it with a soft click but still stood beside it looking at Saitou. By his posture and the way he acted meant he was angry and confused about something. Tokio knew it had to do with what she said while setting up the dinner for Aoshi.

"Is that true Tokio?" Saitou spoke in a low voice, never taking his eyes off the street light meters in front of them. The occasional car sped by, but it was a very isolated road. Tokio's throat blocked up, making it hard for her to speak. Her dark eyes were wide as Saitou's golden ones glanced her way but went back to the street light.

"Is that what you want? Is that what you wish for? To be showered with dinners and gifts as a sign of affection? To be told that someone does love you very much? I-If that's what you need…what you want…I can…I can try and be that for you…" Tokio's eyes were wide and glistening with unshed tears. Her words had thrown Saitou into utter turmoil. He had stepped away from the car as he spoke, drifting further away from her. Saitou's shoulders tensed and his hands fisted in frustration. This is not the Saitou Tokio knew. He was willing…to change himself just to please her. She knew he wasn't the most emotional man she had met but that was Saitou for you. The memory of waking up in Saitou's arms would stay with her forever. She had watched him sleep, the sun rising and casting its colours over his face. He looked more handsome then Tokio had ever seen him before. He was at peace, sleeping comfortably and holding her close, giving her his warmth. How Tokio would cherish her first time with him for life. She knew she wasn't his first but she didn't care. He was hers now…and she was his…for as long as Saitou would keep her for.

"SAITOU!" Tokio yelled running around the side of the car heading straight for him with out stretched arms and tears falling down her cheeks. He turned around at the sound of her voice choking out his name and was caught in her embrace. Tokio's arms wrapped around his upper chest, her face burrowing itself into his broad chest as she sobbed there not being able to say anything more. Saitou was a loss for words of what to say. He felt like a complete idiot for speaking emotionally but the truth be known was that he didn't want to part with Tokio. She made him love her, love her for who she was on the inside as well as on the outside. How he was blessed to have this young woman put up with his emotionless state. Saitou knew he was Tokio's first love and the first man she made love too and yet that filled him with utter joy as well. No one would take her away from him now. She was his…for the rest of his life. Saitou felt Tokio lift her head up, her puffy eyes looking up into his golden ones.

"What…What have you done to my emotionless Saitou?" Tokio whispered looking up at him. A smirk crossed his usually hardened features as he stared down at Tokio. She was cracking a joke, trying to make him feel better. Tokio gasped in surprise when she watched Saitou bend his head, placing his lips against hers and holding her tightly in his embrace. She returned the kiss with as much passion she could sum up at the moment and clutched the back of his coat holding him close. A car full of teenagers sped by honking the horn breaking the two from their moment together. Saitou turned around his keen eyesight making out the license plate number but he knew there was nothing he could do. After all Saitou knew exactly what that was like. He'd done the same with his mates when he was in Kyoto as well.

"S-Saitou?" He turned hearing Tokio whisper his name. She stood with her hands clasped in front of her and her head bowed. Her dark hair falling over her shoulders and her long bangs blocking his view of her mysterious eyes. Right at this moment she was very shy and very vulnerable. Saitou's eyes widened the slightest as Tokio jerked her head up, her eyes glistening with tears again as she fell into his broad chest again, her arms wrapping around his waist as she spoke into his neck telling him how she feels, how she's always felt about him.

"I love you Saitou! I love you just the way you are and I don't want you to change!" Saitou's heart swelled hearing this and he was just about to embrace Tokio when she pulled away, her eyes staring deeply into his as she spoke once more.

"Can we go back to your place? I'll show you how much I love you Saitou…" Saitou stared down at Tokio not uttering a single world to what she said. In a span of half an hour Tokio had been excitingly happy, then sad, then angry, back to being determined, then to sad, then to weeping in front of him. Now she was seductive, but Tokio's behaviour changed again, nervousness and embarrassment taking over. Saitou let out a soft chuckle shaking his head slightly ad turned away heading for his car. His Tokio would always be like that around him. He got in and started the car but poked his head out the window to coax Tokio out of her thoughts.

"Tokio-chan you coming?" Her blush brightened but she raced to the passenger side and got in. Saitou drove off heading back home, not a single word falling between the pair.

* * * *

"How was the soup Misao?" Aoshi spoke first, the start of a conversation emerging. Misao placed down her spoon and handed the bowl over to Aoshi as he stacked it away in a nearby basket.

"It's was delicious. I haven't had soup like that in ages! Mum used to make homemade vegetable soup all the time. I kind of…miss it really."

"I know…it's your favourite after all." Aoshi replied while placing his own dish in the basket not realising Misao was looking at him. How could Misao forget though? Aoshi knew everything about her. Misao watched as he opened the casserole dishes to reveal warm roast beef and gravy with roast pumpkin, carrot and potato. A bright smile crept on Misao's lips when Aoshi turned his eyes to stare at her. He was reliving everything she missed in Kyoto. Their families would get together having this huge roast dinner at either house and then they'd all walk down the street buying ice cream from the shop that was close to the park. How Misao missed those times when they were young, but now she was able to remember. Aoshi, her long time best friend was here to share it with her. They had been through some ruff patches but Misao knew she chose the right man for her. Aoshi may be stubborn and stupid at times, but so was she. They shared so much, depended on each other for so long, Misao knew she'd never part from him. How she wished Aoshi would open his eyes to see what was in front of him, what waited for him.

"Arigatoo Aoshi…This is wonderful!" Misao exclaimed happily, taking her plate from Aoshi's hands and placed it on the blanket waiting for him to serve his own. He was so handsome it made Misao blush yet again. He seemed completely oblivious to her stares and glances but she knew not to underestimate her good friend. After all, he was one skilled martial artist. Misao blinked a couple of times finally realising Aoshi eyes were staring into hers. Misao let out a nervous chuckle and began eating trying to cover up her embarrassment. A small smile crept over Aoshi's lips as her glanced over at Misao. She'd been watching him for a while and he didn't mind one bit. The thought of Misao watching his every move made his heart flutter. Aoshi narrowed his eyes slightly as he thought of that. His heart pounded in his chest from the sunny smile Misao gave him earlier. Aoshi felt like he was a lovesick schoolboy falling for his first love! As Aoshi stared at Misao he wandered whether or not she really was his first love and yet he didn't realise until all these years had passed. She had been with him like no one else had. The relationship that occurred between Megumi and himself was different from the one he shared with Misao. Aoshi clearly knew his relationship with Misao was deeper and more meaningful then the one he had with Megumi. He'd always think of her as his friend as a companion he met in a ruff patch of his life but nothing compared to what he felt for the young woman sitting in front of him. It was strange to feel like that though. He and Megumi had 'shared' more of each other then he and Misao had and yet Aoshi still felt that the friendship he held with Misao would be deeper then anything he'll ever feel for the rest of his life.

"Ano…Aoshi are you eating tonight?" Misao's soft voice floated to Aoshi's ears snapping him out of his thoughts. He lifted his head up to stare into sparkling blue eyes. A smile was on her lips and Aoshi returned it with a small one of his own and began eating.

"What were you thinking about?" Misao questioned softly. She didn't want to pry but she couldn't help but feel intrigued at wanting to know what he was thinking. Even after all this time she still didn't know what was hidden inside Aoshi. Sure he told her secrets and dreams, but she didn't know what lay inside of Aoshi. He seemed, scared, almost reluctant, not wanting anyone to see what originated from inside of him. Misao pursed her lips her thoughts running a mile a minute but she knew one thing was for sure. She was going to pry him open! Even if it took her the rest of her life!

"It's a nice night. It's neither warm nor cold, just right for tonight. It's nice being out here and the fact that it's only us and no one else." Aoshi spoke placing some beef into his mouth hoping Misao was satisfied with that reason. He wasn't quite ready to say what he was feeling. That would be a bit embarrassing for him right now. He didn't want Misao to be scared away so Aoshi stayed quiet about his proper thoughts and feelings. His mind began to argue with him, telling him to tell her flat out how he felt about her. He had heard those words leave her mouth once but it was in the midst of her being angry and sad at the same time. He didn't really know if it were for real or not. It could have been, but then again Misao could have been so scared that she thought she would be loosing him forever and to another woman.

"Would you like some sake Misao?" Aoshi spoke again realising he wasn't going to receive an answer from her about before. He blinked a couple of times, a little shocked as Misao snatched the sake bottle from his hands and held it in her own. A blush formed on Misao's cheeks at snatching the bottle away from Aoshi but she mumbled her explanation, her eyes glancing at his and then glancing down at the bottle resting in her creamy milk coloured hands.

"Ano…I want to pour the sake for you…" Aoshi smiled at Misao. She was an outgoing and very energetic young woman. She was quite outspoken too, but right now, in front of him, her shyness appeared. To him it made her more…more real and more lovely too. She was not like this with anyone else. Clearly this meant he had a very deep impact on what she was feeling. To think he made all her emotions come out and only in front of him was precious.

"Arigatoo Misao." Aoshi spoke holding out the small sake cup waiting for Misao to pour him a drink. There eyes connected, unspoken words moving between them as Misao poured some sake into the cup and then placed some in her own cup as well. Aoshi watched as Misao closed her eyes swallowing the sake in one gulp. The wind picked up blowing wisps of her loose hair around. Aoshi watched one of Misao's delicate hands lift up brushing the hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear. She was being quite seductive and Aoshi felt like he was falling into her trap and Misao didn't even know it. The night was becoming more intense but not as much as it was elsewhere…

* * * *

Two sweaty bodies lay under a red sheet. A lamp from a wooden desk in the far corner was switched on dousing the room in pale light. A young petite woman lay exhausted, her head resting on a broad chest. Strong arms were wrapped around her holding her close making sure she knew that she was unable to escape his embrace.

"Saitou? I thought I was the one that was supposed to show you how much you meant to me?" Tokio spoke in a tired voice above him. Her hand absently brushed the bite mark she gave him on his left shoulder.

"Aa, but knowing how much I effected you just tells me what I mean to you Tokio-chan." Saitou opened his eyes to look down at Tokio to see that her eyes were closed but her cheeks were red. A squeal escaped Tokio's lips as she was pulled under Saitou, his forearms holding his upper body just above hers as he stared down into her dark eyes. Her shoulder length hair fanned out on the pillow, the tips of her bangs glistened with sweat.

"Those clothes you were wearing tonight, they looked really nice on."

"Ariga-" Tokio was unable to continue as Saitou placed all his weight on one arm as he brushed his fingers over Tokio's lips quietening her down.

"But…I prefer you MUCH better like this." Saitou raised his eyebrows for more emphasis and guided his eyes down her body and then back up to her wide eyes and pink cheeks. Saitou watched a beautiful smile break onto her lips, her eyes shining happily up at him at his sweet, but sort of perverted comment.

"I wander how Aoshi and Misao are going?" Tokio spoke seriously as she thought of her two friends. She gasped seconds later looking up at steaming gold eyes.

"Now is not the time to think of them Tokio-chan." Her moans were captured against Saitou's lips as he kissed her mouth hungrily. Tokio clutched his back, pulling his bare sweaty chest closer to hers, her groans growing louder. Saitou was bringing her closer to the edge but Tokio knew she wasn't going over unless he was coming with her.

"S-Saitou…Aishiteru…come with me…" Tokio spoke breathlessly into Saitou's ear, wrapping her legs around his waist and riding the wave of bliss as he finally came with her.

* * * *

The picnic area that had been set up for Aoshi and Misao was now unoccupied. Some vegetables were left over; the plates devoured of any food and an empty bottle of sake lay on its side. Aoshi was crouched on a low branch of the cherry tree looking down at Misao. She was taking off the sandals not wanting to risk climbing the tree with them on. Aoshi's hands reached out grabbing Misao's as he lifted her onto the branch. He noticed her blue-green shirt lift up, giving him a view of her belly button and stomach area. Aoshi let go staring down at Misao and spoke.

"Ready Misao?" She scrunched her face up jumping from brunch to brunch to get to the top faster. She hadn't done this in a while but she wasn't going to be outdone by Aoshi this time. She knew he was right behind her but Misao kept getting higher and higher. Unfortunately her foot slipped, not gaining enough balance on the branch and she toppled backwards. Misao let out a small screech but fell into a warm chest. She looked up seeing Aoshi's blue-green eyes staring down at her. One of his arms held onto the branch above him giving him more leverage while the other was wrapped around Misao's waist holding her close. The moonlight showed Aoshi that Misao was embarrassed at being so clumsy, her cheeks darkening in colour. Aoshi said nothing and pulled Misao closer to him jumping up the branches and sat down on the highest one looking over at the full moon. Misao sat calmly beside him, her heart pounding a mile a minute at being held like that. She dared to glance over at Aoshi to see he as staring far away. She was about to ask him what was wrong but Aoshi spoke.

"I found this tree when I first came to Tokyo. It was as though this tree had been forgotten. Sometimes I could actually relate to it. It was alone and I was alone. I came up here looking over at the moon wandering about Kyoto. I'd spend Hanami with Saitou, Kaoru, Sano, Kenshin and Megumi but I still felt lonely. It was never the same because I wasn't sharing it with you. I would sit on this exact branch wandering what you where doing, wandering if you were at our tree and thinking of us. I wished you a happy Hanami every year but hoped you didn't wish me one because I wasn't happy since you weren't here with me." Aoshi let out a soft chuckle turning his head away slightly and spoke again.

"That sounds really pathetic." He stiffened slightly when Misao's arm wrapped around his waist and she placed her head against his left shoulder whispering her response.

"Not to me…" Aoshi turned his head to face Misao seeing her eyes were staring over at the moon and sparkling with unshed tears. She was deeply effected at what he said. Aoshi eased his muscles and turned around leaning against the trunk of the tree and pulled Misao's back against his chest holding her close. His left arm snaked around her slender waist while his right wrapped around the front of her shoulders making Misao rest her head against his heart. His right leg dangled freely making sure Misao was able to watch the stars and the full moon while his left was raised blocking the cool breeze from caressing Misao's bare skin. Aoshi had been stunned he actually made a move like this to hold Misao so lovingly. What he didn't know is that Misao secretly wished that he would and the fact it came true made Misao feel giddy inside like a young schoolgirl again. The two fell in companionable silence, each content with not having to say a single word.

* * * *

"Misao?" Aoshi spoke after a long period of time. They had been up here for quite some time and Misao had gone slack in his embrace making Aoshi think she was asleep.

"Hai?" Misao whispered against his chest.

"Can we go down? This is not the most comfortable sitting position or branch for that matter and I think my butt has gone to sleep." Aoshi reasoned with Misao and heard her giggle against him. Her laughter calmed him immensely and Misao nodded against his chest moving out of his embrace and climbing down the branches, this time being careful.

"Shall we pack up Misao? There is one more place I want to take you." Aoshi spoke once he jumped to the ground easily. Misao nodded her head in silence placing the dishes and glasses into the basket. Everything was packed neatly away and Aoshi watched Misao fold the blanket and place that inside the basket as well. She was about to grab the basket but Aoshi stopped her and grabbed it himself. He held out his spare hand and Misao took it as they began walking away heading for Aoshi's next surprise.

* * * *

"Here we are." Aoshi spoke handing the basket over the counter to the storeowner who nodded and placed it under the counter. Misao stared at the two of them becoming insanely suspicious but was unable to think anything else as Aoshi handed her two scoops of ice cream on a cone. Misao blinked up at him but took it anyway. Aoshi paid the man behind the counter and walked out of the shop once more. Misao wasn't too far behind him but Aoshi stopped her once more and she watched with wide eyes as he squatted down pointing to his back.

"A-Aoshi? Y-You can't be serious?" Misao stuttered out looking into his eyes. Aoshi gave Misao a lopsided smile and pointed to his back again. Misao gingerly stepped closer and Aoshi lifted her up, her arms going instinctively around his neck, but making sure she didn't smack him in the face with ice cream. Aoshi stood up and began walking giving Misao a piggyback ride. A smile crept over Misao's lips without her consent. Although she felt like smudging the ice cream all over Aoshi's face he really was being so sweet and letting her relive their childhood memories together. Misao became embarrassed when people began to stare at them but Aoshi kept walking as though none of them existed.

"The ice cream is melting." Aoshi spoke in his emotionless tone of voice making Misao gasp in surprise as she had forgotten all about it. She began eating it without saying anything. He even ordered her the best ice cream, two full scoops of cookie commotion. It was melting faster then Misao could eat it and she thrust it in front of Aoshi's face, making his head jerk back slightly and she spoke, a smile caressing her chilled lips.

"Eat some Aoshi. It's melting way too fast." Aoshi complied with her wishes but she never imagined what happened next. Aoshi's tongue brushed over her thumb, taking the dribbling ice cream away from the cone and her thumb. Misao sucked in a rugged breath never thinking a small thing like that could burn her insides so intently. Misao thought Aoshi would have realised but he went unfazed taking another bite then moving his head away indicating he didn't want anymore. Misao ate the rest in silence, throwing the cone in a nearby bin they passed unable to finish the rest, her stomach not able to take anymore food. She opted to lick her fingers and wrapped her arms around Aoshi's shoulders and neck placing her head down on his left shoulder. Misao's eyes snapped open when Aoshi stopped walking as he stood in front of a flower stall and bought a bunch of flowers and another rose.

"What are you doing?" Misao whispered into his ear, but the storeman heard and lifted his eyebrow looking at the two youngsters.

"She fell over spraining her ankle and I'm being the nice gentleman and taking her home." Aoshi spoke politely to the elderly man. A smile crept on his lips handing Aoshi his change and shooed them on their way. Aoshi placed the flowers in one of Misao's hands, pointing them away from his face and kept walking.

"Mou Aoshi! You make me sound like such a clutz!" Misao spoke annoyingly into his ear, swatting his left cheek lightly with the rose bud. A ghost of a smile crept over his lips as he turned his head slightly to look at her and replied back.

"You ARE a clutz Misao. That's okay though, I'll catch you everytime you fall." Aoshi turned his head away and continued walking back to Kenshin and Kaoru's, as he needed to pick up Ayame and Suzume-chan like he said he would. Misao's face flushed hearing Aoshi say this to her. Catch her everytime she fell? Misao wasn't sure what that meant but knowing Aoshi there was some hidden message in that. She sighed contently placing her head back down on his shoulder and let her body relax into his.

* * * *

Aoshi placed Misao back on her feet as she unlocked the front door and walked inside. The house was in darkness except for the light flickering from the lounge room. Misao stepped into the room finding Kenshin asleep on the lounge. His head leaning back on the cushions while his legs were outstretched in front of him, his feet raised on a stool. Kaoru's head lay in his lap, as she too was fast asleep. Kenshin's left hand absently brushed Kaoru's forehead and bangs. Although fast asleep he seemed to do this subconsciously. His right hand lay against Kaoru's stomach wanting to be as close as possible to their unborn child. Misao stepped closer lightly patting Kenshin's cheek waking him up. He placed on his usual sweet smile and Misao returned it and whispered telling him to go to bed. Misao stepped back watching as Kenshin lifted his wife soundlessly into his arms and headed for the stairs. He passed Aoshi on the way as he was carrying a sleeping Ayame and Suzume-chan in his arms. They both nodded their heads silently at each other and Aoshi entered the lounge room.

"Can you place those flowers in some water Misao. They are for Kaoru so place them on the window seal in the kitchen so she'll see them first thing in the morning." Misao nodded her head leaving the room for a minute then coming back in. She still held the rose knowing all to well that it was for her.

"It's late so I should be going." Aoshi spoke turning around and heading for the front door stepping outside. Right on time going along with his plan a cab turned up ready to take him and the girls home. Aoshi stepped down the three steps and turned around noticing Misao had followed and was staring up at him. Aoshi glanced his eyes down at her pink lips knowing they were calling him and he couldn't help but place his against hers. He eased up when she gasped but smiled when Misao shyly kissed him back, her blue eyes closing and her long thick lashes brushing his cheeks. This was an ending to a perfect night or so Aoshi thought. The crack of loud thunder was heard and then the pouring of rain, drowning Misao, Aoshi and the little girls whom weren't asleep anymore. Misao giggled, pulling away from Aoshi and closed the front door, pushing Aoshi towards the cab and opening the door climbing in and taking the now fully awake and damp Ayame and Suzume-chan in her arms. Aoshi's eyes narrowed slightly, telling the cab driver where to go. This was not in his plans. Misao was supposed to stay at the house while he was to go home with the girls. What was he going to do now that she was heading to his apartment with him? Aoshi knew that after tonight Misao wasn't going to return home, nor did he want her too. What was he to do?

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *

Authors Notes: Whoopee! I know you're all thinking ABOUT TIME NOA! Well…me too! Did I leave at an even more crucial time of what's going to happen in Aoshi's apartment? Well you gotta wait till Chapter 16, Part C! Isn't this the major of all major parts in this saga! Talk about long though…14 pages! Man is my neck and eyes sore! Not to mention my brain! I love the Saitou and Tokio part…I hope you guys did as well. I think this whole section went pretty well, considering I had a lot of options to go with, but I went with this. Oh about the whole Enishi kissing Misao at The Akabeko…well that'll be explained in Chapter 16, part C! Yep that's the last part for this chapter and then it's on to Chapter 17 and bigger things…maybe a little tiny break from Aoshi and Misao. This time they can be in the background. I've been meaning to do more Sano and Megumi and Enishi and Tomoe. I haven't totally decided yet but there is a lot that needs explaining.