Under the Cherry Tree

(Misao's bedroom - early afternoon)

Misao still rested against her wall, Aoshi still sleeping, his head resting in her lap. He had groaned in pain every now and then but never awoke. When Aoshi wanted to sleep…he slept!

Misao had carefully wrapped her donna and blankets around Aoshi watching with a smile playing on her lips as he curled up on his side almost wanting to wrap himself around her form, his head snuggling deeper into her lap. His arms had folded low on his broad chest but as the hours rolled past, Misao not minding the quietness in the room and the fact that she was the one who was watching over Aoshi now and not the other way around. Aoshi had moved, groaning once more, this time turning over to rest on his right side now, the blankets moving up or Aoshi snuggling down into them, Misao not totally sure, but she could only see the top half of his face, practically covered by his long bangs. Misao had bent down placing a soft gentle kiss against his forehead knowing Aoshi would have a pounding headache but a blush soon rose in her cheeks when he had mumbled her name and his left hand rested on her right knee, softly stroking her bare skin.

Misao had fisted her hand, trying to get her rapid heartbeat under control and carefully pushed Aoshi's hand away from her skin and held it in hers making sure he still had contact with her, but not something that stirred so many emotions and feelings within her. Misao silently watched as Aoshi turned over again, this time on his back, the blankets falling off him. Misao's blush came back in full force as Aoshi's shirt had parted open, Misao realising Aoshi had only done up the bottom two and no others.

"Kirei…" Misao breathed aloud staring at his tanned muscled chest with a few hidden scars she hadn't seen or noticed when they were in Kyoto. Misao couldn't cast her eyes away from his chest, her cheeks burning from all the blood in her body rushing to her face. Aoshi had found an itch on his skin but instead of using his unoccupied left hand, which was lazily cast out to his side, he decided to move his right hand across his soft skin forgetting that Misao's hand was wrapped in his. Her own fingers fluttering over his chest as Aoshi scratched using Misao's fingers and her short nails.

"A-Aoshi…" Misao breathed into his ear wanting him to awake and to stop causing so many emotions fluttering into her stomach. Misao finally blinked a few times noticing she had been stroking his hair with her left hand without even noticing. His hair was silk to her and Misao could still feel the soft touch of Aoshi's skin against her fingers as her hand was now flattened out, Aoshi placing it against his heart with his larger hand over the top of it. Misao closed her eyes, her fingers still moving over Aoshi's long bangs, caressing his forehead ever now and then, eliciting some small contented sounds from Aoshi's throat, which made her heart hammer in her chest.

"I'm sorry for falling asleep on you." Misao snapped her eyes open looking down into green-blue eyes staring up at her. Misao had to blink a couple of times watching a small pink tinge cross Aoshi's cheeks but she wasn't to sure if it was the warmth of the room or if he truly was embarrassed.

Misao bent her head, pulling her hand free from Aoshi's on his chest and he let go immediately silently watching as Misao's hand caressed his cheek and her lips softly kissed his forehead. Aoshi had closed his eyes, Misao's sweet scent enveloping him in comfort. He felt like he could go back to sleep but that thought rushed out of his mind, his eyes snapping open to look at Misao's neck, her lips were caressing his softly...

Aoshi had been surprised and knew Misao was about to pull away but he ended up lifting his right hand moving it behind Misao's neck holding her head close, making sure her lips couldn't leave his as the kiss turned more heated, Misao moaning softly against him. Aoshi had smirked softly as her left hand clenched the material of his shirt, but Aoshi finally let go letting Misao catch her breath. Aoshi stared up into sparkling blue eyes, Misao moving away as he finally registered the dark colour of her cheeks having gone through another moment like that with him.

"Arigatoo Misao-chan…" Aoshi mumbled softly watching as Misao smiled down at him, her face tilting into his small caress as he had lifted his hand up to caress her cheek in silent affection.

"It was my turn to look after you for a change." Misao's smile brightened as she heard a small chuckle escape Aoshi's throat as he sat up away from her lap and ended up resting on her bed once more now allowing Misao to lie down if she wanted to. Aoshi watched as Misao stretched lightly and then she lay down on the opposite side staring silently into his eyes. He did nothing but watch Misao "play" with his long bangs, moving them away from his green-blue eyes.

"Why do you hide them Aoshi? They are so beautiful…so deep with emotions… Why hide them at all?" Misao asked brushing Aoshi's long bangs away watching as he closed his eyes for a brief moment and then opened them again to ask his own question to her.

"Why do you hide your sadness, anger and frustration?"

"Why do you hide feelings all together? Especially from me!" Misao shot back instantly not once blinking as she stared pleading into his eyes for an honest answer. Misao's eyes frowned watching as Aoshi cast his down, his hand creeping to hold one of Misao's, lacing his longer fingers with hers.

"What I think…and what I feel could be completely different from each other. Although I may say something, it doesn't necessarily mean its what I know truthfully in my own heart. Its difficult to explain it." Aoshi stubbornly finished off but his eyes lifted up when Misao placed on an encouraging smile, her small hand cupping his cheek as she nodded her head asking him to continue…asking him to open up to her.

"It's like you said Misao…things change, people change…we have changed. To me not everything is clear yet; my head or my heart has not made complete sense of everything that I am going through…what we are going through. It may be because I might be afraid…and maybe a little scared about feelings…about hurting you. I never want to hurt you Misao. You are someone I never want to loose sight of, loose contact with…someone I want and need in my life whether we end up together or not…"

"Aoshi…" Misao mumbled in bewilderment but was stopped as he placed his fingers over her lips silencing her so he could speak again.

"This could be one of the only moments I may have the courage to open up so freely to you so please let me finish." Aoshi replied softly his hand moving up to hold it against Misao's cheek.

"You never have to be afraid around me…" Misao mumbled softly and moved closer, her lips brushing lightly over his cheek and her right hand breaking free of Aoshi's so she could wrap it around his waist holding him close to her.

"I never said I was afraid…I said I might be…there IS a difference." Misao giggled softly into Aoshi's ear moving away to stare up into his deep eyes while whispering once more and then let him continue.

"Now there is Misao-chan's stubborn Aoshi…" Misao watched as Aoshi narrowed his eyes slightly at her but he ended up turning over lying flat on his back looking up at the ceiling. Misao lay on her side, her left arm holding up her head as she stared down at her best friend...her…loved one…

"This is a lot different from when Megumi and I were together." Aoshi cast his eyes over to Misao to see her head was bent, her eyes downcast, but instead of protesting like she would have when they were younger, Misao respected Aoshi and let him continue.

"If I stayed at Megumi's or if she came to my place we both felt uncomfortable being in each others homes. Our homes were our personal sanctuaries away from each other. We spent most of the time going to restaurants or coming to Kenshin and Kaoru's. We can both sit in the lounge room reading and feel no need to talk, but with you it is different."

"So I'm loud and immature is that it?" Misao spoke through clenched teeth, her hand fisting against Aoshi's side. Misao blinked, her head jerking back and snapping out of her thoughts as Aoshi flicked her nose lightly. He held a lob-sided smile on his lips and Misao couldn't help but softly smile back down at him.

"Are you going to let me finish or must I tape your mouth shut and tie you up so you'll sit here and listen to me?" Misao let out a small laugh and moved around lying on her back, her head resting against Aoshi's lower stomach region, her head moving ever so slightly every time Aoshi breathed.

"In some cases Megumi and I liked the peace and quiet we shared, but there were other times when we really didn't have much to talk about or to share with each other. It was difficult at times because while we were together…I thought about you…" Misao tilted her head to look over at Aoshi to see his eyes were closed. He had raised his hand covering his forehead and she felt as he took a deep breath as though trying to gain more courage to say more.

"I can't believe I'm saying this junk." Aoshi spoke once more taking his hand away, his eyes opening to look down at Misao. She had moved to rest on her right side facing him, eager to know what else lay hidden within him.

"It's not junk to me." Misao replied softly back, her left-hand clasping Aoshi's right.

"I know…" Aoshi mumbled back and sat up Misao's head resting on his upper thighs now. It was Aoshi's turn to pet her for a little bit. Although her cheeks were stained a light pink, Misao didn't mind the soft caress on her forehead and then down her cheek coming from Aoshi. He did nothing but stare down at her for many minutes, just watching, his beautiful eyes scanning her entire face.

"If you wish to keep talking about you and Megumi, I won't butt in…I promise…" Misao mumbled softly, her eyes peeking open to glance up at Aoshi and then close once more hoping he would tell her more. After many minutes of silence between the two of them Misao began to give up but light flickered through Aoshi's dark tunnel of feelings and emotions and he spoke.

"Besides Saitou, you are the only person I trust the most. If Hannya were here I'd say him as well but time has past and I haven't seen him in ages, but I would still feel that way. You two are the only ones that know I am an artist…well an up and coming one anyway. I couldn't connect that way with Megumi. In my heart she hadn't deserved to earn my complete trust. To me I needed more time, but with you…with you it was so simple to let go, to let you see the real me. I may be quiet and secretive at times, but when I'm with you Misao…I feel…I feel lightened. I feel like I want to share everything with you and shout it to the entire world, but alas I stay quiet…nervous because I might screw everything up. Then I see your smiling face, your bright eyes and I sense myself opening up, but then something inside me starts to refuse, tells me not to be so careless with feelings and emotions. Misao, you speak so freely, so openly and passionately as well. You can speak for hours on end and that doesn't bother me at all…even if it is complete nonsense. No matter where I am in the world…seeing you…being with you doesn't seem wrong at all. Nothing seems wrong when I'm with you. Everything seems to fall in place because I feel whole…I feel comfortable with being me because you would always be by my side…at least…that is what I hope for…"

"Look at me Aoshi?" Misao whispered softly now sitting up. Her eyes glistened with tears, but she bravely sucked them back not wanting to freak Aoshi out thinking that something was wrong with her. On the contrary everything was so right at this very moment. Hearing him speak so openly was just…incredible to Misao. She felt blessed to be alive, to be here in her own room with the man she loved with all her heart and body. Aoshi turned his head to stare back at Misao; this time she knew the flush on his cheeks was from what he spoke to her. Misao placed a full smile on her lips and leaned forward her arms wrapping warmly around Aoshi in comfort and in thanks for speaking with her like this. Misao rested her head on Aoshi's shoulder holding him close to her. After several seconds Misao felt Aoshi hold her back just as tightly.

"Thank you Aoshi…thank you so much for saying that to me. I'm so happy…so glad that your heart won't let you forget me." Misao mumbled softly into his ear.

"Iie Misao…I'll never forget anyone as important as you. No matter what happens to us, you'll always be on my mind…everywhere I go…everything I do…I'll always have you inside me." Misao pulled away slightly her eyes wide in surprise at this sudden realisation.

"I…I have a place in your heart for me?" Misao stuttered softly hoping to the gods that her assumption and wish was going to be true.

"Hai Misao-chan…just for you." Aoshi watched a soft laugh bubble up into Misao's throat. Tears spilled ridiculously down her cheeks but she was laughing…becoming overly joyous at Aoshi's answer. Misao cupped Aoshi's face her lips pressing softly against his in a sweet gentle kiss. A knock at Misao's door interrupted their moment together and while Misao grumbled lightly Aoshi got off the bed to open it up.

"Good morning Aoshi. I thought you'd be in here. You do remember we must test Daisuke-san and Shido-san to see whether they may go up another belt colour right?" Aoshi nodded his head in recognition and Kenshin waved to Misao and then left to head downstairs to wait for Aoshi.

"Sorry about the interruption Misao." Aoshi spoke while placing on his socks and shoes. Misao pursed her lips as she watched Aoshi move around her room knowing everything off by heart.

"Interruption you say? More like you were saved from talking. I was thinking about prying something else from you…but…I forgive you anyway." Misao watched as Aoshi sat back down on her bed for a few minutes as he tied up his shoelaces on his black and grey sneakers.

"Then that is Kenshin's fault…not mine." Aoshi replied instantly with a smirk crossing his lips. He placed a soft quick kiss on Misao's lips and stood up ready to leave the room.

"Aishiteru Aoshi!"

"N-Nani?" Aoshi froze and stood much like a statue did at Misao's hurried words. They went deeply into him, effecting him more then he thought possible.

After a minute of standing in the exact same spot...and position, Aoshi could finally move and turned around to stare back at Misao. She was still sitting on her bed, her cheeks flaming red, but her eyes…how they told him those words were true, true in her heart.

"You heard me loud and clear. Aishiteru Aoshi…" Misao now mumbled becoming shy and nervous. She began to fiddle with the end of her braided hair but lifted her head when she felt the bed sink, Aoshi sitting beside her once more.

"Why did you say that?" Aoshi whispered fearing he break at any moment. No one had said that to him so openly like Misao did. Of course he heard it from little Misao-chan and his parents but Misao was Misao…someone very different and very dear to him. He always recalled the time she spoke it to him after their fight, but now…now it was true…totally real. She could never take it back…he'd completely heard her entire confession.

"I-I wanted you to know…to know how I felt about you. I've known this for many years, but am…was too scared to say such everlasting words to you."

"Misao…" Aoshi softly spoke against her ear, his arm wrapping around her to hold her close for just a moment.

"It's alright. I know you don't know about love yet…about what it feels like to love someone, but that's okay. I'll help you Aoshi. I'll help you find love…even if it doesn't end up being me, I just want you to be happy with whoever is lucky enough to have you. Don't feel threatened that you must share these feelings with me either. It might not be me and in a way I am okay with that. I know you need time to work things out…to get your heart and your mind settled and I can wait. I'm not going anywhere, but promise me one thing. Promise me you won't take forever to realise who gets your love…onegai…" Misao spoke looking over at the slightly opened door.

"I promise Misao…" Aoshi replied again and kissed her cheek getting up to leave the room when he heard Kenshin call him once more.

"I'll see you later." Aoshi spoke looking back at Misao to see she was now smiling again…and then she nodded her head and gave a small affirmative noise in recognition.

* * * *

Misao was snapped out of her thoughts by a knock on her door. Kaoru stood there, an apron over her house clothes as she was ready for a huge clean up of the backyard and kitchen.

"Misao? Is everything alright?" Misao blinked a couple of times looking up at the older woman and then nodded her head feeling a weight leave her shoulders.

"Aoshi knows…" Misao spoke and watched as Kaoru nodded her head knowing exactly what those two words meant. Misao was waiting for questions but never received any from Kaoru.

"Would you like to help me clean the house Misao? It may not sound like fun, but if you wish, you could talk about Aoshi as much as you like, past, present and maybe even future if you wish. I am always hear to listen." Misao stood up, Kaoru moving over to help her out of her room and down the stairs.

"I'd like that very much Kaoru…arigatoo…" Misao spoke back hoping down the stairs with Kaoru beside her making sure she wouldn't fall.

"When does your therapy start Misao?" Kaoru stared down at the shorter woman to see she held a small blush and then mumbled out a soft reply.

"I missed it…Aoshi fell asleep in my lap. I didn't have the heart to wake him…and I loved the time we shared together…it was just us…no one else…" Kaoru couldn't help but giggle and would definitely have to let Aoshi know he ruined Misao's first lesson. Kaoru could see Misao glaring over at her but after a short moment she too ended up laughing as well.

"He's awfully cute when he's drunk, I'll give Aoshi that." Kaoru spoke as they started heading for the kitchen.

"Hai…he's beautiful all the time to me." Misao mumbled to herself. Kaoru placed on a confused look but Misao giggled once more waving her off as she began filling the sink with hot and cold water ready to wash the many dishes that where used last night.

"Perhaps I should save Sano from Misao-chan's eagerness to draw on him." Kaoru spoke walking outside and began picking up the empty beer and wine bottles. The neighbourhood was quiet and Kaoru could hear Misao's humming from the kitchen.

"I do hope you open your eyes Aoshi and finally see what's been in front of you for so long…" Kaoru whispered softly looking over at the kitchen window and then went back to cleaning up.

"Ne Mama?" Misao-chan spoke from her seated position near a sleeping Sano. She was still in her sleeping pyjamas with a light purple robe and purple slippers on.

"Hai Misao-chan?" Kaoru answered back, stopping her cleaning to look at her daughter. She held her coloured textas in her hands desperately wanting to draw on her uncle.

"Can I?" Kaoru pursed her lips for a moment and then answered...

"Okay…" Misao-chan's giggle bubbled up from her throat as she set to work on drawing ALL over her unsuspecting uncle.

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *

Authors Notes: Minna-san! I couldn't help but make Aoshi cute in this…it was just so…so needed! Well this is it for awhile…I'm going on holidays and have not Internet or computer…so no more of my *coughs* unfinished series stories anymore. I thought I'd better get this one out for all of you.

Hope it was a bit fluffy/waffy and enlightened the drama that's going on. So Misao missed her lesson…big deal! Aoshi's more important… Ja Ne!