Authors Notes: WOW MINNA! I think I'm getting back into this saga! Perhaps its ending soon…what a though huh? Well I'm sorry to all you Saitou fans but, well, he's not in this chapter either, but he'll be in the next one I assure you. He's had a lot of time to think about ever wanting to be a daddy or a husband ne? So maybe its time I make him answer yes? Do you remember the talk he and Tokio had minna-san? Perhaps its time for Saitou to choose a couple of things he wants in life instead of nearly getting his head blown off all the time? What do you think?

Anywho I'm not sure about the time difference in China and Japan so I just made it like this…you'll see once you read it. I think I placed Hong Kong in morning and Japan at night…but if its wrong, gomen ne and well too bad cause I've already written it (-_-) Everyone will forgive me right?

To think there is only one more chapter until… dum da dum dum …my total cliffhanger, my biggest angstiest part as hell! (I doubt that's a word but oh well) That whole chapter is just…well sad! That's all I'm saying minna, I just hope its going to be heart wrenching and good too…

JA!

Under the Cherry Tree

(Back in China where we left off)

"I love you Aoshi!"

Aoshi stood stock still, his green-grey eyes wider then usual, not believing he'd hear those words from Monica. She was like…like his kid sister, only she thought of him as something more. Aoshi cursed himself for being so blind at all the stares and blushes he received from her, not thinking her feelings ran so deep for him. She was still a young girl in his eyes. Mon was just…well Mon to him and yet the way she stared at him, those words slipping so hurriedly and yet purely and lovingly from her lips…well he didn't know what to do…what to say to her.

"M-Mon…" Aoshi heard himself mutter out, completely lost and totally confused. He'd known her since she was 13 and even though four years had passed, Aoshi still felt that Monica was the shy 13-year-old he'd always been around with. They'd share ice cream together, laugh and muck around together, just like a brother and sister would. Now she was looking at him, as clear as day, confessing feelings for him that he didn't even know she had within her. Monica loved him, truly loved him more then the brother he thought he was to her. He watched her eyes tear up, Aoshi cringing inwardly as a couple of them spilled down her cheeks. Her arms went around herself and she raced off, running past him towards the mansion.

"Mon wait!" Aoshi spoke turning around, only to see the back of her racing down the passageway to get as far away from him as possible. Aoshi's eyes saddened as he began kicking himself for not questioning her about the crush a couple of years ago. Aoshi just thought she'd get over it but now that was clearly not the case.

"I knew this was going to happen." Aoshi turned around once more to see Sebastian, Mon's twin brother, move out of the bushes with a can of coke in his hand.

"Why did you not tell me Seb?" Aoshi questioned the other 17-year-old, he shrugging his shoulders casually and walking over to sit down on one of the chairs situated near the pool.

"I warned Mon about this happening and yet she didn't listen. I thought maybe you would have picked up on this kind of stuff, but clearly you are dumber then I thought." Aoshi glared silently at the younger man as he sat down on another chair, it covered by the sun by a large blue umbrella.

"Aoshi, I think of you like an older brother, but Mon is different. She stopped thinking of you as Aoshi-niisan a long time ago, now you are just Aoshi to her, but its something more as well. I told her not to do this, as I knew something like this would happen. I guess the moment came unsuspected by her as well as you. I wish you could have feelings for my sis, but I know you don't and you need to go upstairs and tell her that. Mon is scared now; scared you'll not speak to her anymore. Yes she is hurt, but if you just be honest it can help her move on." Aoshi did nothing but blink at Seb for many moments.

"Don't look at me like that! I may be quiet but I do watch and hear everything Aoshi." He spoke back defending himself from narrowed green-grey eyes.

"A man of few words huh? I seriously doubt it Seb. You have got to get out more…" Aoshi replied while getting up and heading for the house, leaving his blank canvas, paints and easel behind.

"I could if I was 18!" Seb shouted back, a smirk crossing Aoshi's lips as he moved into the mansion and climbed the stairs two at a time to reach Mon a little faster. He stood at her closed bedroom door, taking a deep breath and then knocked once before entering the room.

"Mon?" Aoshi questioned and found her sniffling on her bed, her back to him, she still wearing her bikini suit and sarong. He sat on the edge of the king size bed and waited for her to get her emotions under control before saying anything. After several minutes she finally spoke.

"Y-You don't have to explain Aoshi…or comfort me either. I can look after myself." Aoshi heard her small mumble and sat cross legged on the bed now, he only dressed in black pants, dry paint coating them and a checkered top, a couple of the buttons undone with a white singlet underneath. These were his 'painting' clothes after all. He was barefoot never wearing shoes unless he was out with others or heading into the city.

"I know you can look after yourself Mon, but I don't think now is a good time to be alone. We need to talk and you know it." Aoshi replied back, his voice soft; almost a whisper as he really didn't like the sniffling Mon was making because of his silent rejection. He watched as Mon finally sat up, she brushing her last remaining tears away and hugged her knees to her chest looking sheepishly over at him.

"I really messed up didn't I?" Mon spoke quietly, a hint of pink crossing over her cheeks. Aoshi shook his head negatively trying to get his thoughts together and speak them aloud so they made sense to the both of them.

"I'm sorry for not knowing Mon, but you see…I can't…"

"I know…" Mon butted in over Aoshi, sighing a little dejectedly and then turned to look out the large balcony screen door as she spoke her own thoughts to him.

"You weren't ever supposed to know. I was supposed to admire you from afar and never blurt out my feelings like I did. I was completely unprepared for those words just as you were. Actually, its quite embarrassing saying such everlasting words and not having them spoken back to you."

"Mon, the thing is…"

"I know…" She couldn't help but giggle at the irritated look on Aoshi's face, she always butting in when he tried to speak his own feelings.

"I'm sorry, go ahead." She replied once more a smile crossing her lips.

"There are something's going on in my life right at this very moment and I don't wish to complicate my life more then it already is. You see back home, when I was growing up there was this girl and…"

"Her name is Misao right? Its okay, you needn't explain your personal life to me any more then you have during the four years I've known you. The last thing I want to do is make you feel like you can't be around me anymore." Monica stopped talking when she saw Aoshi lift up his hand wanting her to stop for a moment so he could finish.

"Yes, her name is Misao and things are kind of…not going the way I thought it would. Someone has come between Misao and myself and that has placed us back to where we left off four years ago, back in Kyoto. I don't know how things are going to work out in the end, but I just need to know if there is anything between us before I ever decide to take an interest in any other young woman. Don't take this as rejection either, you are very pretty and really sweet, but in my heart you'll always be Mon-chan to me. I do love you; you know that as fact. Your family is like another family for me. You, Seb, your mum and dad and the two rascals have been there for me when my own family couldn't because they did not know what I was doing…still don't know in fact. I am blessed to have the support and love of your family and I am eternally grateful for everyone helping me through tough times but I…"

"Can't accept your love right?" Monica continued for Aoshi, she placing a small smile on her lips.

"Its okay, I'm glad we've had this talk and I'm glad you aren't totally freaked out either. It hurts for sure, but knowing that you'll still be apart of my family and my friend is making me heal faster. I know I can go on, you encouraging me to do so and I know there is someone out there for me, but a part of me will always love you and I think I'm okay with that, as are you. We are still friends right Aoshi?" Mon questioned nervously as she stared into probing green-grey eyes, never once did they move away from hers.

"Iie, we are family Mon." Aoshi watched as she visibly sighed in relief and then giggled a little as she spoke again.

"This Misao better know how lucky she is to have a hunk of a guy lusting over her like you are."

"What?" Aoshi muttered shocked at her blunt words. Mon was laughing loudly now, pleased at his embarrassment and decided to voice it aloud.

"Oh look who's embarrassed now. Is that a blush I see creeping over your cheeks Aoshi?" Aoshi's face contorted slightly, scrunching up in slight horror as her words were right and in anger at himself for being so unprepared yet again!

"Oh that's it!' He spoke and picked her up; practically throwing her over his shoulder, holding her legs so she couldn't kick him.

"HEY! Put me down baka!" Monica yelled in slight anger and began thumping Aoshi's back with her fisted hands, but to no avail. He kept her held tightly over his right shoulder and slid down the banister of the stairs to head back outside.

"You wouldn't!" Mon squeaked as she craned her head to see the clear pool water coming into view.

"That water is FREEZING!" Mon yelled loudly but screeched in surprised as Aoshi tossed her off his shoulder and straight into the icy water, she landing with a loud splash. A triumphant smirk crossed Aoshi lips as she gasped in horror at the coldness of the water, her skin gaining goosebumps immediately.

"You'll get your just desserts Aoshi!" She spoke with a fisted hand raised and Aoshi placed his hands on his hips looking down at her treading water in the deep end of the pool.

"Oh and how is that?" He replied smugly, but his eyes grew wide in shock, he berating himself for letting his guard slip like it did. A soft gasp left his lips as a pair of hands pushed hard on his back, he toppling into the pool as well…with an even bigger splash! He surfaced seconds later to see Seb laughing loudly only to have himself pushed into the pool by his mother.

"Hey no fair!" Seb complained watching his mum laugh loudly, much like he and Mon did and then she stopped, pulling out the camera from behind her back…one of those instant Polaroid ones.

"Say cheese kids!" She spoke happily and quickly snapped them, as they looked like drowned rats! The Polaroid came out at the bottom of the camera and Anika watched the photo unfold.

Seb had given her a small three fingered salute with his left hand, a cheeky smile on his lips and his right arm was around Mon's shoulders, she having poked her tongue out, just in time for the photo. Aoshi on the other hand was a lot quicker then Mon; the both of them hating there picture being taken, but Aoshi hated it with a passion. His left arm was held up, partly covering his drenched facial features, while his right gave the camera the finger…and maybe the culprit taking the photo as well.

Aoshi swam to the edge and quickly got out dragging Anika to the pool edge, she struggling all the way, complaining she didn't want the photo, the camera or her cellular phone to get ruined. Aoshi finally let go watching her place them down and she stood at the edge, hands on hips waiting for her "adopted" son to push her in. Aoshi did just that, gladly too and then sat down on the edge, his feet in the water, watching her and Seb try to dunk each other under the water. Aoshi blinked in surprise as he observed two quick flashes of what where supposed to be two children, race past him and jump into the pool doing small cannonballs, the two rascals wishing to join in on the fun as well.

"WATER FIGHT, WATER FIGHT!" They yelled simultaneously and doggy paddled over to their mother and older brother were. Aoshi looked up when he felt a towel drape over his shoulders, Mon smiling down at him and then she sat down wrapping her own towel around her drenched body.

"You'll be okay right Mon?" Aoshi asked quietly while watching the water fight begin, the children in the family ganging up on their mother.

"Yes, I believe so, as long as we stay friends though. I will be happy with that." Aoshi leaned his head against Mon's as she lay hers on his shoulder hoping to get his worry down to a minimum about her feelings for him.

"Good…" Aoshi muttered back, his eyes closing for a brief moment.

"So, this Misao, is she devastatingly beautiful?" Mon spoke, feeling Aoshi's shoulder tense underneath her head.

"Perhaps you should call her, she works at the Akabeko right? She might still be there, why not see how she is fairing without you?" She felt Aoshi's shoulders tense even more, he not liking this prying into his personal life at all, especially this part of his personal life.

"I emailed her just yesterday and nothing has happened since then, so why do I need to ring her up?" Aoshi questioned through gritted teeth. Out of the corner of his eyes he watched Mon move away, to reach over and pick up her mother's mobile phone, yelling out her question while placing in the pin to get the phone working to begin with.

"Hey mum, what's the number to the Akabeko?" Monica watched as Aoshi snatched the mobile phone from her hands and stood up, the towel dropping from his shoulders.

"I'm going geez! What's with all the pressure?" Aoshi spoke a little irritated, Anika smiling softly as she swam to the edge, looking at Aoshi; he becoming the young teenager she could only image him being years ago.

They watched him walk back into the mansion heading for the phone in the lounge room, doing as they all pestered him a couple of weeks ago to do.

* * * *

(Japan, Tokyo - Akabeko, Midnight)

Misao was wiping down the last of the tables and chairs and placed them upside down on the clean tables so she could mop the floor when Tae was finished with it in the kitchen. She had worked longer then anticipated, it becoming extremely busy, the last customer not leaving until 11:15. Tae had to actually ask them to continue their entertainment somewhere else…nicely of course.

Misao had been busily singing along to the music being played on the radio, completely ignoring the ringing phone. Who on earth would be ringing at such an ungodly hour? They were closed, people knew that, but then perhaps this was Kaoru looking for her, wanting to know if she was all right. Tae was busy in the kitchen, the radio blaring in there, she not being able to hear anything as she sung at the top of her lungs, the song being one of her favourites. Misao limped across, using her cane, and picked up the phone speaking into it.

"Please call tomorrow, the Akabeko is closed."

"Its me." Misao had to clutch onto the bench top, for fear of falling over in a heap at hearing that soft deep voice on the other end. Her heart began to hammer in her chest and she could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks. He'd actually called her!

"Misao you there? You haven't dropped the phone have you?" Aoshi responded becoming a little worried at not hearing her usual excited yells.

"I-Iie!" Misao responded quickly, her voice coming in a small squeak. A smirk crossed over Aoshi's lips at hearing it. He couldn't help it anymore…he'd just have to ask her.

"Are you blushing Misao?" He heard her gasp on the other end as he moved upstairs heading for the bedroom he stayed in so he could change his clothes. He could almost see her turning to look at her face in the reflection of something and instantly knew her face would be burning red. Everytime her voice squeaked like that, he knew blood had rushed to her cheeks…and to think it was because of him as well.

"B-Baka! What are you doing calling at a time like this? Its midnight if you must know and…and I'm trying to clean the place up!" Misao stuttered out, becoming infuriated at his words. What nerve he had! Calling her at a time like this and not even warning her he would actually call in the first place!

"Oh, I am interrupting you… Okay, it was just nice to hear your voice Misao. Maybe next time when you are not busy…ja ne…"

"AOSHI WAIT! NO DON'T GO, I WAS JUST KIDDING!" Misao yelled into the phone, she not seeing the triumphant smirk on Aoshi's lips as he unbuttoned his checkered shirt and threw it into the dirty laundry hamper near the door of the ensuite in the bedroom.

"AOSHI ARE YOU THERE? DON'T GO! I'M SORRY I WAS JUST JOKING! HELLO? HELLO?" Misao frantically yelled some more as she sat down on the floor and leaned her back against the wall.

"I knew you'd think I'd leave. To think I have mastered emotions like that is truly rewarding at getting you all scared Misao." Her mouth gaped open in surprise as he was only mucking around, playing with her mind like that. Misao's blood began to boil at the thought of seeing Aoshi smirking when he'd actually gotten a descent reaction out of her when he was merely seeing what his voice could do to her.

"I hate you!" Misao confessed as she leaned her head against the wall, a full fledged smile breaking onto her face, one that hadn't been there for a while, not since Kaoru told her to pull herself together.

"Misao could never hate her bestest friend in the whole wide world." Aoshi replied back, his voice slightly muffled as he took of the white singlet and dumped it into the hamper as well. Misao giggled at that, knowing it was true and placed her hand to her beating heart, glad to hear Aoshi's voice once more, he not sounding angry or sad at all. This Aoshi sounded happy and relaxed. This was the Aoshi Misao so desperately wanted to get closer too…

"What are you doing?" Misao questioned hearing some noises coming through the phone.

"I got thrown in the pool by Seb, so I'm changing into some jeans and a black singlet…why?" Aoshi replied as though it was an everyday thing to give Misao a detailed description of what he was doing. At hearing that Misao placed on eof her hands to her cheek to feel it was quite hot, she demanding herself not to place a half-naked Aoshi into her mind.

"Hey Misao, you haven't killed my fish have you?" Aoshi responded while placing the singlet on and sat in the middle of the king size bed and started flicking through the cable channel on the television set to see if there was anything to watch.

"Mou! Do you not have any faith in me at all?" Misao complained and she stood up noticing Tae was looking at her as she dragged out the mop and bucket with soapy water in it for her to use. Misao mouthed to her that it was Aoshi and Tae squealed happily for the young girl and waved at her telling her she was going home. It was Misao's turn to lock up anyway and Tae didn't mind that she was speaking to Aoshi. She had been pinning over him for some time now anyway.

"Oh I have faith in you Misao, but when it comes to pets, no way. What about that poor cat you scared half to death thinking it was I sneaking up on you? I was surprised it didn't drop down dead…although it looked dead anyway…" Aoshi couldn't help but chuckle lightly as Misao threw him some cursed words. He took a deep breath and lay back against the many pillows and cushions on the bed, just listening to Misao's voice. She had begun to tell him about everything that's been happening while he was away. He didn't mind it one bit though. It was so good to hear her genki voice once more…he had been missing it after all…but then, he'd missed a lot of things about Misao and yet he wouldn't tell her. That's just the way Aoshi was…stubborn and quiet…unfortunately…

"So Megumi's pregnancy is going well huh? That's good to hear. You force Kaoru to rest up Misao; she shouldn't but so much strain on herself. She did that when she was pregnant with Misao-chan and became really sick as well…almost loosing Misao-chan in fact. You'll need to make Kenshin aware of this when does he come back from Kyoto." Aoshi spoke, a little worry etching into his voice at hearing about Kaoru.

"Its okay Aoshi, Kaoru is strong and Kenshin should be home by now and demanding answers anyway. I bet Misao-chan has already said something to him. She may be 3 years old, but she's a smart girl."

"Aa, that she is. So, how is everything with you Misao?" Aoshi asked, holding his breath waiting for her to say something about her and Soujiro.

"I'm doing okay actually. My new therapist has done wonders. She's fantastic and I'm actually walking around with just a cane now. I still limp though, but its more noticeable if I stay on my leg for longer then I should."

"Your…new therapist?" Aoshi questioned, his breath coming out in a deep rush over the phone. Misao smiled at his shock, she knowing he was waiting for news on the relationship between her and Soujiro, but she was going to stick to her promise. She'd rather die then break the heart of the man she loved. She'd already given in so easily before and nearly shattered a chance with Aoshi completely. Things were different now. Misao could feel something changing in Aoshi, as though his own deep feelings were beginning to surface and were being returned to her.

"Yes, I stopped my sessions with Seta-san, it being too…well lets just say I stopped…because of you…" Now it was Misao's turn to hold her breath to wait for Aoshi's reaction to her small confession. To Aoshi's utter amazement he could feel his heart pound in his chest, fluttering at Misao's soft words. Aoshi sat up on the bed and got off heading towards the opened glass door leading to the balcony. He looked into the large backyard; Anika, Seb and the two rascals still splashing around in the pool with Mon sunbathing on her back, a pair of black sunglasses covering her closed eyes, the sarong gone.

"Misao?" Aoshi muttered softly, his eyes closing for a moment and then opening to look down at the pure white canvas still sitting on the easel where he left it.

"Hai?" She spoke a little confused not sure what was wrong with him. He had spoken her name in a soft whisper, almost like a blissful sigh, but she wasn't too sure…and didn't want to get her hopes up either.

"I miss you…a lot." Aoshi leaned his back against the railing of the balcony not believing he had voiced that so freely. It was so easy to do so over the phone. Perhaps it was easier because he wasn't staring into her eyes, for when he did, he'd fall into their beauty and became an utter idiot at not knowing what to say or do. Misao had complete control over him and that's what freaked Aoshi out whenever he was in front of her. She'd only have to utter a couple of requests and he wouldn't deny her anything. Perhaps that is what he feared…that Misao would use him to her own advantage. Aoshi shook his head at that thought…she wasn't like that!

"I-I miss you as well…" Misao mumbled softly, clutching the cordless phone to her, fearing she'd drop it, it breaking and then they would be disconnected for all eternity. Misao too shook her head trying to get those ridiculous thoughts out of her head.

"I've been in China for a month and have only completed one painting, its an old one as well. I don't seem to have any inspiration to paint, unless I see your face." Aoshi spoke once more. Damn, it was easy as hell to utter such confessions over the phone. He could even feel Misao burning from over the ocean! A smirk crossed his lips as he parted them ready to say something else but stopped when hearing Misao's squeaky voice.

"Yes I'm blushing you meanie!" Misao muttered into the phone as she strolled around the restaurant mopping the floor awkwardly.

"Why not go to the beach and paint a sunset. Or maybe they have some festivals happening right now. What about asking someone to pose for you. I'm sure there are beautiful women in China Aoshi."

"Oh there is, I'm staring at one right this moment." Aoshi replied into the phone as he stared down at Mon who waved up at him and then she got up and pointed to his blank canvas, silently asking if she could have a go at painting something. Aoshi nodded his head affirmatively letting her do whatever she wanted and went back into the bedroom almost hearing the grating of Misao's teeth.

"Oh? And who is she?" Aoshi smiled at the evident jealous tone in Misao's voice and shuffled around in his bag looking for a pair of socks to place on.

"Its Mon, Anika's 17 year old daughter. She's quite pretty…much like her lovely mother, but only younger and with longer hair…and a much slender and well defined figure too."

"Is that right Aoshi?" Misao muttered almost angrily into the phone. To think she was getting so worked up and she was the one who suggested he ask someone to pose for him. What if he did ask her to pose for him and she willingly agreed to do anything he wanted her to do? What if it was a nude pose? What if something happened to him in China and he didn't wish to come back to Tokyo? What if the so-called innocent modeling turned into something more? Misao cursed under her breath. There were a lot of bloody 'what ifs' and she waited impatiently for Aoshi to answer.

"Is that a hint of jealously I detect in your voice Misao?" Oh he could just see her blowing her top! The steam was escaping her ears for sure! Why if he was standing in front of her, she would have grabbed the nearest thing and thrown it at him, whether it be a chair…or table for that matter.

"Well I could say the same for you with Sou-kun as well!" Misao replied instantly, she biting her lip almost nervous at what that come back would mean to Aoshi. Silence drew between the two occupants on the phone, neither one willing to back down. After what felt like forever to Misao, her eyes grew wide when she heard a soft sigh come from Aoshi's lips, almost in defeat at her assumption being correct in knowing he was jealous of Soujiro.

"The only one…I'd actually ask to pose for me…would be you Misao." Aoshi heard Misao's audible gasp into the phone as he sat on the bed and placed his socks on as well as grabbing his black sneakers and placing them on as well.

"H-Honto?" Misao whispered softly, Aoshi straining to hear it, but he placed on a small smile and left the bedroom to head downstairs.

"Are you kidding! You think I'd ask 'klutz' Makimachi to be my model? Are you truly insane?" Aoshi moved into the backyard and towards Mon who was finishing of her painting, she blocking his view of it.

"I know you are joking now, you can't hide the hint of laughter in your voice Aoshi. BAKA!" Misao yelled in just for measure even though she had started laughing. It was true, she was a klutz, but it didn't matter though because Aoshi said that she was his klutz anyway. Aoshi eyed the very simple painting Mon had done when she moved away to let him get the "full" scale of it. All she had done was paint a huge red heart in the middle of the canvas and inside it she had written in large black letters:

'Aoshi is nuts about Misao'

"Mon, I hate you to death." Aoshi muttered to her and she laughed while continuing to place little hearts over the white background and signing up the top: 'To my dearest Angel Misao,' and down the bottom: 'Love Aoshi'.

"Who are you talking to now?" Misao questioned and Aoshi looked down at his wristwatch and spoke once more.

"Well, I have to go to my class Misao, so I shall leave you in the capable hands of Mon. See you later." Aoshi tossed the phone to a surprised Mon and waved goodbye to head to the bus stop a block away.

"WAIT! AOSHI IS THIS ANOTHER TRICK? WHERE THE BLOODY HELL DID YOU GO?" Misao yelled into the phone, only now Monica was the one listening in this time.

"He went to blow glass." She responded casually and Misao's eyes widened as she squeaked out…

"N-Nani?"

"You've never heard of it Misao? Have you ever gone to the markets to see odd shaped glassware, vases etc in different shapes colours and sizes?"

"Um, sure I have." Misao responded back, not sure what to say or do at speaking to someone she didn't even know, but they obviously knew her.

"That's one of Aoshi's classes he is doing while he's over here. Oh, sorry for my rudeness, I'm Monica, Anika's daughter. I'm sure you've heard of Anika from Aoshi yes? Oh, you won't believe the painting that Aoshi finished today and I'm staring at it right now." Monica spoke and Misao arched an eyebrow knowing that Aoshi hadn't painted today.

"But, he said he has only painted once and has finished that already."

"Oh…dammit! What a smart guy he is… Oh well you never guess what's been happening while he's been here!" Misao sighed inaudibly as she took down a chair and sat on it, leaning her head in her hand as she listened to Mon's mindless chit-chat as though they were the best of friends. Yep, Misao was in for a long night…

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *