Authors Notes: Well no matter how much bagging I get for having Enishi and Tomoe as a couple I really don't care. It's the way I've set it up in my mind and frankly if I change it, it will totally screw everything up. They aren't the main focus in the story so it shouldn't matter that I have placed them together. I can handle a few flames saying that they don't belong together, but when it comes out as though it is the major topic of the story, well its starting to get on my nerves. I don't go around expressing my hatred towards author's who writes Yaoi fics or alternate pairing fics. I mean pairing Aoshi with Kenshin or Sano or Saitou. I mean for all those concerned the only one I could really see, as being gay is Kenshin (gomen to Kenshin fans) …but the fact that he is soooooooooooo in love with Kaoru is evident that he'll never be one. And placing Sano, Saitou and Aoshi as gay is just…WRONG! They are way to masculine to even consider as being that! Anywho its fanfiction and I can make up my own damn couples, just like all the other authors who do alternative pairs and yaoi fics out there. If this gets on anyone's nerves well that's too bad. If you feel the need to flame the fic, place it on grammar and spelling and maybe the way I'm writing or were the plot is heading…explain what's wrong with it and not judge the fic on who is coupled with who.

I think that's about it for now…and thanks to Mara-san for putting up with my frustration and writing your thoughts to me! I really appreciate it and it's helped me a lot! I must be going now…I'll let you read the next chapter…

I'm trying to place what's happening with the other couples in the story because I'm using everyone (especially the main characters) I feel obliged to tell a bit of there story and so it is more Sano and Megumi and more Aoshi and Misao as always…

Under the Cherry Tree

Two naked bodies lay under a dark woollen blanket on a fur rug. The cracking fire dully lit the medium sized lounge room. The woman sighed tiredly but contently as she stroked the arm that was wrapped protectively around her waist, holding her possessively close to him. The man was content also and took a deep breath smelling the sweet scent of the woman that lay curved in front of him. They had not spent a night like this in a while and he was beginning to miss it as she spent many nights at her clinic going over paperwork.

"What are you thinking Meg-chan?" Sano mumbled lightly into Megumi's hair, his arms wrapping around her ever so tightly, but making sure not to make her feel uncomfortable, just cocooned.

"Just seeing Aoshi and Misao at the train station together…and so closely too." Megumi bit her lip after saying this. She knew she wasn't able to hide anything from Sano. He'd squirm her into telling him the truth about everything and her heart would not let herself lie to him. She knew tension was in the air as Sano stiffened slightly behind her, his arms going slack as though not wanting to hold her close any longer.

"Are you…sad…and disappointed that it has ended between you and Aoshi?" Sano spoke quietly wanting to know if Megumi still had feelings for his old friend. Could he and Aoshi still classify themselves as friends, after what has happened between the three of them? He felt Megumi stir slightly and watched as she turned around, her dark mysterious eyes staring up into his chocolate brown ones.

"Sanosuke…you have nothing to worry about. I love you and your all I want and need. Do you believe me Sanosuke? Do you believe that you are what I want?" Megumi spoke softly, her creamy hand coming up and stroking his tanned cheek. She watched as Sano's eyes soften. She knew everytime she spoke his real name, it was like he was putty in her hands, but Megumi really was speaking from her heart. She had never opened up to anyone like she did with Sano. He made everything seem so easy, so carefree and after going through so many decisions in her mind and heart, Megumi knew she had made the right decision in loving him. Fear showed in her eyes now, as Sano said nothing in return. Megumi finally relaxed and let out the breath she had been holding when Sano wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer to his hard warm chest. How she loved being in his arms like this. To think that she was shy in asking for Sano to embrace her. She felt incomplete if he hadn't hugged her at least once a day. She thought she was being stupid, acting like some teenage girl but she knew in her heart that her day was never complete if she hadn't been wrapped in Sano's arms and he hadn't pulled her close smelling her lavender perfume scent she used to wash her dark hair in.

"Arigatoo Meg-chan, aishiteru as well." Sano whispered into her ear and lightly kissed her pink cheek. A beautiful smile crossed her reddened lips as her dark eyes sparkled up at his.

"I know Sano…I know…" Megumi whispered softly back, her head resting against his chest once more making sure she could hear the strong beating of his heart. Silence fell between the two lovers as they basked in all their glory at how powerful their love was for each other. Megumi's soft giggling cut into the silence of her apartment as she lifted her head up, making Sano lie on his back as Megumi moved half over him, looking down at him.

"Nani?" Sano spoke; a lob-sided grin crossing his dry lips as Megumi rested on her side, one leg curling with his and her right hand caressing his chest lightly as she held herself up with her left arm. How he loved hearing her soft giggles. The fire crackled a metre or two behind her and he watched as she pulled the blanket higher up covering up her naked body and tucking it around him. She had done this the first time they slept together, making sure he was snuggled in closely to her and content. She had continued to do this ever since that day and Sano hoped Megumi would never stop.

"I remember the day we first me." Megumi spoke softly, her hand moving up to brush through Sano's wild and spiky hair.

"I doubt if I'll forget that day either Meg. Especially since it could have been my last day on this planet. You weren't even watching were you were driving." Sano replied back, his hand catching Megumi's as it rested against his cheek now.

"You were the one that wasn't looking were YOU were going Sano! You stepped right out onto the road!"

"That's because your traffic light was red and I was allowed to cross the road like all the other people who were my witnesses!"

"Now who's getting technical here!" Megumi spoke back lightly slapping his cheek knowing she had lost their small bickering. A big grin formed on Sano's face as he stared up at Megumi's scowling expression. She squealed in surprise as he wrapped his arms around her, her chest being pressed tightly to his. Megumi lay fully on top of Sano now, her legs parted resting on the outside of his. Her hair fell around her and him as one of his hands moved up brushing a few strands away and tucking them behind her left ear. Sano's breath caught as Megumi wriggled slightly moving down as she rest her head in the crook of his neck. One hand lay over his heart while the other absently caressed the fine hairs falling down the back of his neck. Sano's own hands stroked Megumi's back sending goosebumps all over her body as she snuggled closer and mumbled once more.

"If it wasn't for me racing after Aoshi that day…we would have never met Sanosuke."

"Aa, you are right indeed. I guess I'm grateful and thankful to Aoshi for giving me you…my sly fox."

"Sly fox? Well you're just a baka chickenhead!" Megumi replied back in an instant, not liking how he always called her sly fox or foxy woman.

"I thought I was a baka roosterhead?" Sano questioned Megumi as he stopped caressing her back waiting for an answer. A groan of annoyance from Megumi made him continue with his light stroking and she replied once more before falling into a light sleep.

"Your both…but you'll always be my Sanosuke Sagara…" Sano bent his head slightly looking down at Megumi's tilted face. Her deep red lips held a faint smile as Megumi was whisked away into dream world. He heard a light moan escape Megumi's lips as she tried snuggling closer, if that were possible and he placed a light kiss into her hair and closed his own eyes falling into the land of dreams as well.

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(Elsewhere in Tokyo)

"Have you had enough to eat Misao?" Aoshi spoke looking across at Misao as she just finished up her third bowl of rice. A smile crossed her moist lips and she nodded her head looking over at him. Aoshi got up, Misao following as he made his way over towards Tsubame and paid for the meal, thanking her in his usual soft manner and left The Akabeko. Many minutes passed by as the dark street was deserted and the only sound that could be heard was the rustling of leaves and a faint dog barking in the background a few streets away.

"Aoshi? You seem pretty quiet tonight. Is something bothering you? You can tell me if you want to." Misao spoke softly and shyly placed her hand in his, a light blush crossing her cheeks as they walked under another streetlight. Aoshi glanced over at Misao noticing the small blush, knowing she seemed almost hesitant to do anything as though thinking he wouldn't welcome what she did. Aoshi clasped Misao's hand, making her smile up at him and he turned his head away but finally spoke.

"I guess I feel strange. I mean Ayame and Suzume-chan aren't here to annoy the hell out of me. I guess…I can't believe I actually miss those two little brats already. It's been what, a few hours?" A soft giggle escaped Misao's lips, her hand coming up to try and conceal it but she was unsuccessful.

"What's so funny?" Aoshi spoke in annoyance, his boyish trait coming out as though he were 13 or 14 again. His arms crossed over his chest as he walked stiffly beside Misao. Aoshi stopped suddenly, Misao having moved in front of him, her fingers pointing at his heart.

"I knew you couldn't hide him forever!" Misao spoke joyously up at him, her hands clapping once in excitement. A confused face expression crossed Aoshi's face for a split second but Misao caught it and spoke once more, her hand now lying flat over Aoshi's beating heart.

"The boy and the teenager I grew up with is still in here and he finally showed himself. I'm glad he's still there because I know that part of you. I'd like you…I hope you can show me the man inside you now. I know Aoshi the boy and Aoshi the teenager very well but I want to get to know Aoshi the man, if you allow me to that is…" Misao cut off becoming slightly embarrassed as she took her hand away and stepped back and shuffled her feet in nervousness. A full smile crossed Aoshi's lips, Misao having missed it completely as his face returned to its normal expressionless self after a few seconds. Aoshi reached out, his hand moving to lift Misao face up so he could gaze into her bright eyes once more. They were guarded from emotions however, waiting for his decision in what she spoke only seconds ago. Aoshi watched Misao take in a deep breath, her face leaning to the left as he cupped her soft cheek.

"I know Misao the young girl and Misao the teenager too. I'd like to know Misao the young woman if you allow me as well." Aoshi spoke in his deep voice stepping closer to Misao his hand now stroking the curve of her cheek. A tender smile etched Misao's lips now, her eyes widening when Aoshi retuned it with his own tender smile. How she loved seeing him like this. He was more beautiful then anything she'd ever lay eyes on and that's the way she'd always feel. She'd seen sunsets and fields of blossoming flowers but nothing compared to Aoshi. One day she'd have the courage to tell him.

No words were spoken between them, but an answer of agreement to get to know each other as a young man and woman was made as they shared an embrace together. Misao lay her head against Aoshi's broad chest, her ear listening to the soft beating of his heart. Aoshi's arms snaked around Misao's back, bringing her impossibly close to him, wanting her soft curvy body to mould with his large muscular one.

"Why is it, that everytime I run into you two, I'm always ruining your touching moments together?" A loud male voice spoke. Misao and Aoshi let go of each other turning to face the other couple walking down the street arm in arm. Turquoise eyes sparkled mischievously as Enishi spoke once more.

"Misao my love, how heart breaking it is for me to see you basking in the love and arms of another man." Enishi received an elbow in the side from Tokio, a flushed and rather embarrassed Misao and a silent Aoshi staring impassively as ever at him about his comment.

"Well we best be off and we shall leave you two to continue with your romantic embrace. I can't wait to see your beautiful self tomorrow morning at work Misao my love, so I shall see you then." Enishi placed his arm around Tomoe and continued walking on his way, chuckling lightly, as Tomoe became angry and flustered at the way he spoke so openly in front of her and Aoshi about his feelings for Misao. Aoshi followed Enishi with his eyes watching as they disappeared into the darkness. He turned his head back around feeling a tug on his arm, as Misao wanted to continue walking.

"You do know he's only joking right Aoshi?" Misao spoke in slight nervousness as she looked up at Aoshi's stony face noticing his eyes were slightly narrowed indicating he was locked away in his own thoughts. Misao's cheeks turned pink once more, her heartbeat quickening as Aoshi wrapped his left arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to him. She hesitantly placed her arm around his waist and leaned her head into his armpit and chest area as they walked down the street heading for his apartment building.

"Enishi will never rid himself of Tomoe." Aoshi spoke out of the blew and Misao had answered with an intelligent 'huh'.

"She loves him with all her mind, body and soul and she'll never give him up to any woman. We talked a bit when I took her home after seeing you and Enishi… Anyway, we spoke for a bit, things coming straight from the heart and she realised that no matter what she saw, she was going to love Enishi through and through. Tomoe is a strong woman and although he's a pain in the ass, especially how he keeps flirting with you all the time, she'll take it all in her stride. Tomoe knows that no matter what he says to other women, she'll still have him for herself and he'll never escape her beauty and charm anyway.

"Oh so Tomoe's beautiful is she?" Misao spoke her arm retreating from Aoshi's waist as she crossed them under her breasts and turned her head away.

"Misao, there is no need to be jealous." Aoshi spoke and a hint of a smile was on his lips as he felt Misao tense up knowing she was about to explode with anger.

"I'm not jealous! You were the one jealous of Enishi!"

"Yes you were and that makes us even now." Aoshi spoke as he stopped walking having come to the main glass doors of the Okina Apartment's building. Aoshi watched as Misao turned around her finger pointed at him as she spoke mockingly once more.

"HA! I knew you were jealous! Who would have thought that you, Aoshi Shinomori could be jealous of anyone!" Aoshi stepped closer his hand catching Misao's and pulling her closer to him as he stared down into her now wide eyes and slightly parted lips.

"Like you can talk Misao. I distinctly remember you crying your heart out when you found out I was with Megumi." A bit of pride rose in Aoshi having caught Misao like this. She had opened her mouth for a reply but found none and closed it once more her head bowing in defeat.

"Who would have thought that I, Aoshi Shinomori could send Misao Makimachi into complete and utter silence." Aoshi spoke smugly looking down at Misao's now scrunched up face as she stared angrily up at him, her stubborn teenage youth coming out in her. Aoshi however, gave her no time to reply to his comment as he bent his head, his lips falling across hers. She gasped in surprised but moaned sensually, her arms lifting up to wrap around his neck and pushing his head closer to hers kissing him more deeply and passionately. They parted slightly, Aoshi's hot breath mixing with Misao's as his eyes opened to sort out her sparkling ones.

"Mou! Always getting me sidetracked so you can win all the time." Misao mumbled lightly, her lips moving over Aoshi's caressing them lightly once more. She felt Aoshi's lips turn into a small smile not responding to her caress at all but she didn't mind one bit. She was in his embrace and he in hers. Misao pulled away once more, and looking down at her watch knowing she should be leaving soon, wanting or more or less needing a good nights sleep with no interruptions from Aoshi. Misao knew that was very unlikely as her dreams would be plagued by the man staring intently down at her, his hand brushing locks behind her ear while his other caressed the small of her back sending delicious shivers throughout her body.

"It's getting late and I've got work tomorrow so maybe we should call it a night?" Misao spoke looking up into blue-green eyes that still had the same wild sparkle in them ever since she met Aoshi when she was 8 years old. Aoshi let go nodding his head in agreement, knowing if Misao came up he'd be at a loss of what they would actually do in his apartment. He knew one thing they could do but threw that into the back of his mind knowing they were no where near that stage just yet. This was very new to the both of them and no rushing was needed. Like Misao had said, she wasn't going anywhere and neither was Aoshi.

"I'll get a cab down the road and you don't need to escort me either. I'll be fine on my own Aoshi." Misao cut in making sure he knew she didn't need protecting. Aoshi nodded his head once more knowing Misao wouldn't allow him to follow her to the taxi rank. He watched as Misao stepped closer her lips brushing lightly over his for a split second and she turned around walking off not saying anything more. A small smile crossed Aoshi lips as his fingers moved up brushing over his lips still feeling the tingling sensation Misao created within him. How innocent she was and rather beautiful and seductive at the same time without her even realising it. Aoshi shook his head throwing more thoughts away of Misao's bare flesh caressing his as he unlocked the door, locking it once more and walked towards the elevator heading towards his apartment. Tomorrow he didn't have training with Kenshin, as he would make his way over the other side of town heading for the Fugishita Studio's. He hadn't been to the art warehouse in almost three weeks now and he knew his teacher and mentor would be most worried about him. She had been the one to open him up and encouraged him to paint what he saw in his mind. Anika Fugishita had a few shops around Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto showing off her wonderful artwork and placed many of his paintings in her store knowing they had full potential. Aoshi was actually amazed they were sold within a couple of weeks.

Aoshi opened the door to his apartment and closed it once more turning on the kitchen light. He walked into the spare room bringing out his art supplies and his unfinished painting he'd been working on for six months. Aoshi stared at it for several moments and finally went to work on doing a bit more. No one knew of his double life. Not the other students at the studio or his parents. Saitou never knew about this and neither did Kenshin and the others. The only one who knew of this was Anika. He stayed away from the spotlight only marking his paintings with his customary 'AS' in English. Aoshi thought Anika had lost her mind at pricing his work so high but was completely shocked when she handed over the cheque. Aoshi had to sit down never seeing so many zeros on the end of a cheque before. She had sold all his paintings, placing it into one cheque making it easier for him to bank. He was surprised at all the e-mails Anika received by other art studios or the general public wanting to buy some of his work but all was gone, except his own copies he kept. Aoshi sat down on the glass table, his head tilting to the right as he stared endlessly into his latest artwork. He had many paintings, all unfinished of course but this was bugging him the most. Aoshi sighed out loud, placing the brush down, backing up his paints and walked into his room knowing the five to ten minutes he spent on it was all he could manage tonight.

"Tomorrow, I'll take it with me." Aoshi spoke to himself as he set his alarm, turned off his lamp and flopped onto his bed falling asleep in minutes.

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To be continued…

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