Under the Cherry Tree

Tokyo - Himura Residence

Aoshi and Misao stood outside the front door of the Himura residence; Misao's hand lightly tucked into Aoshi's right one. Nearly a month had passed by and the both of them needed to get used to the fact that they were spending more and more time together…almost living in the same apartment, but not.

When Aoshi returned to Kyoto, he never did move back into the new Mansion his mother and father had bought after the devastating earthquakes that happened a while ago. Instead he purchase his own, his parents becoming astonished that as he walked down the Kyoto streets he had many pedestrians comment on his artworks. Finally one night Aoshi had sat down with his parents and told them what he had been doing. They couldn't have been more proud…happier of him then they were that day. He ended up giving a large sum of his money to his parents; they refusing but Aoshi persisted as he had enough to last him for the rest of his life.

Aoshi really wasn't one to gloat or bask in how much money he had or owned and instead liked the idea that the money he earned was going to worthy people…his loved ones. He had placed his parents into early retirement, they not really needing to work anymore, but Aoshi and Saitou's father wasn't too pleased since he had no clue what to do with all his free time now. Aoshi just patted his shoulder telling him to take 'his wife' as Aoshi stated, on a trip…just the two of them. Now how could they resist that when the Shinomori parents knew their two little girls would be looked after by close friends and of course their brother?

Aoshi had ended up buying himself an apartment just out of Tokyo, so he wasn't overcrowded with other neighbours and decided to live near the ocean so he could enjoy the views and the sunsets, maybe even place Misao in such scenarios once more. He had stayed at his parent's place for a week, trying to decide how he would tell his sisters that he wasn't going to be living with them.

Misao had watched comically that day as she helped Aoshi pack up his belongings and queen size bed from his room, observing as he began to subdue to the tearful pouting looks he was receiving from Ayame and Suzume-chan at the news of his leaving home. She had chuckled lightly when they left as Aoshi said he'd come visit them everyday, his face slightly twisted as he witnessed their blubbering sulky face expressions making sure he promised to visit. Misao had watched as he bowed his head in defeat against them, his hand moving to grate through his soft black locks in frustration. She listened to him softly mumbling about always being weak when they placed on such face expressions. His displeasing thoughts were dashed as Misao had kneeled behind him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her soft curvy body molding behind his. Her lips pressed a kiss to his cheek and then down his neck making him forget his sisters even if it were for only several minutes.

Misao knew he could never be so emotionless with them. They were so genki and sweet that you couldn't help but be drawn to their energy, never wishing to feel any sort of sadness around them. Misao had been caught off guard that day…yet again for that matter when Aoshi confessed that she too made him loose himself within her gaze, made him feel warm and content inside and out at just being near her…beside her…embracing her. He had chuckled heartily that day never having seen Misao's face brighten to that shade of red before.

"It so exciting Aoshi, Kenshin and Kaoru's boys are at least 14 months old now. They must be HUGE!" Misao spoke in excitement, her voice fluttering to Aoshi's ear as he gazed down at her brightened eyes looking up at him. He already knew she was going to hold them and play with them…make those awful gurgling baby noises even though they had begun saying 'mama' and 'dada' already. You would think that talking would just be more appropriate.

The door slowly creaked open, a small head popping around the corner to see who was at her door. Blue eyes looking up at the two figures, her gaze turning slightly shocked, but the small girl of 5 years old reefed the door open wider and with a bubbly giggle escaping her lips she was lifted up into the arms of her favourite uncle.

"Uncle Aoshi I missed you sooooooooooo much!" She spoke with such emotion that Aoshi couldn't help but tighten his hold on her as he and Misao stepped into the Himura's home. He placed her on the ground once more, she waving her arms around, talking a mile a minute telling him in one breath what she had been doing since the last time he saw her. Aoshi arms waved at her lightly, quietly trying to get her to calm down, but he chuckled lightly as she finally stopped, her face slightly red as she took a deep breath ready to continue on.

"Misao-chan, what is all the fuss about?" A sweet voice spoke from the kitchen, moving into the lounge and then into the main entrance area. A gasp escaped her lips as she stared in shock watching Aoshi stand to his tall height; his green-grey eyes focused on her wide blue gaze.

"Come on Misao-chan, why don't you introduce me to your baby brothers." Misao spoke as she left to follow a racing Misao-chan out to the backyard, but not before squeezing Aoshi's hand.

"It has been awhile Kaoru." Aoshi was the first to speak; watching carefully as her hands lifted up to cover her face.

"Kaoru?" Aoshi spoke softly and silently began walking towards her, watching as her head jerked up, her hands fisted as she thumped them against his chest repeating one word over an over again as tears spilled down her face from the corners of her eyes.

"Baka! Baka, baka, baka, baka, BAKA!" Aoshi had wrapped his arms around Kaoru by then, her forehead resting just below his left shoulder as she still mumbled 'stupid' into his clothing.

"Koibito, is everything alri-" Kenshin had stopped when he came down the stars to see his blubbering wife mumbling cuss words to Aoshi and all he did was bend his head muttering a couple of gomen nasai's and then holding her closer. Kenshin had been surprised to see Aoshi here already, but he was pleased that Aoshi had turned up. Kenshin had been home cleaning the place while Kaoru went to the park with the children and met Megumi and Sayo on her way there. Megumi's delivery of hers and Sano's child was much more positive then what Kaoru went through and she gave birth to a baby girl, Sano asking if they could name her Sayo after his late sister. She was a little spitfire, her looks much like her fathers, gravity defying hair and all.

Kenshin watched as Kaoru's hands clutched the back of Aoshi's clothes, her mumbling finished as she wept onto his shirt…happy that he was here and angry and sad that he had been gone for so long.

"Baka! You're a baka of a little brother!" She mumbled angrily while stepping away from him, not even seeing Kenshin as he was standing behind Aoshi, both of the Himura's too short to be seen from behind a tall Aoshi.

"You haven't changed at all. You can still beat me up…well slightly and yet still cry an ocean Kaoru-neechan." Aoshi spoke a small smile breaking onto his lips as Kaoru hiccuped lightly, but she held a gentle smile, her hands reaching up to cup his face.

"You run away like that again…and I'll seriously hurt you next time." Aoshi chuckled lightly as he enveloped Kaoru into another hug, his voice soft as she heard him whisper into her ear.

"So my Kaoru-neechan forgives me…that is good to hear." The both of them pulled apart and Aoshi turned around to see a smiling Kenshin looking over at the both of them. The two men moved closer sharing a short handshake but the looks in their eyes were exactly the same. They were both glad to be here…with their loved ones…and seeing each other again as well.

"Now who set this up? How come nobody told me you were back in town?" Kaoru spoke her attitude changing to being slightly annoyed as she placed her hands on her hips.

"Well, you see Koibito…" Kenshin wasn't able to go any further as Aoshi decided to reason with her instead.

"I've been back in Japan for about a month, but I went to Kyoto first. I had to apologise to my family first. When I decided to ring here, Kenshin was the only one home and I wanted this to be a surprise…at least I know it worked." Aoshi spoke as he placed his hand on Kaoru's back, the three of them heading towards the backyard.

"Oh, the both of you will pay for this one day." She received mumbled replies from the two men she loved and placed a small smirk on her lips in triumph.

Aoshi stepped onto the verandah gazing around the yard to see Sano sitting in the small blow up children's pool with…Aoshi had to blink…as the small girl splashed around her hair brown and wild like Sano's. Megumi was sitting in a chair happily keeping an eye on her small little family while reading a book. Aoshi's eyes narrowed slightly as he caught the glint of a gold band donning her wedding ring finger. His lips curved into a smile as he looked over at them, clearly they were happy and he was glad for them. Although, not being invited to the wedding…was quite harsh, but then he was most likely still over in China by that time, never talking to anyone from Japan. His eyes roamed towards the right side of the backyard, catching onto Misao's loosely braided hair as she spoke nonstop to Tokio. Saitou sat alone in another deck chair, as though he was observing and watching over everyone. His hand lifted up, a beer gripped in it, as he gazed over at Aoshi. Aoshi nodded in kind, the two of them passing silent greetings between each other. Aoshi stepped down the verandah steps and headed over to greet Megumi, breaking into a small hug with her and then sat down for a chat.

* * * *

(A few hours have passed by…)

Misao glanced around the yard watching as Sano, who was now dry was nursing his daughter to sleep. He sat on one of the garden chairs, were you could stretch out properly, one hand pillowed his own head as he chewed on a piece of grass, his eyes closed from the bright sun beaming down into the garden. Hannya and Tae had come as well; Aoshi becoming surprised that his childhood friend was now actually a married man!

Megumi and Sano had a small garden wedding; rose petals aligning the small grassy alter Megumi walked down as she headed towards Sano. He was dressed all in white with a black shirt and white silk tie, his trade mark hair still spiky as ever. He had given Megumi a cocky look that day, almost glancing at her too long as though deciding what he would do that night. His grin broke wider on his face as she held a small tinge of pink on her cheeks, knowing that gaze off by heart.

Hannya and Tae's wedding was more elaborate as Tae's mother and father fussed over her like a princess. Her parents had retired at an early age and moved to Osaka to live. Since Tae was the youngest and the last of their children to be married, everything had to be perfect. Tae knew of Hannya's discomfort at being so fussed over, as he really wasn't one for such elaborate and huge events. Hannya's family, which wasn't very many since his father was an only child, his mother only had a brother who wasn't even attached to anyone and he had no siblings, was flown over to Osaka for the wonderful day. Hannya wasn't one for charity but Tae had begged him to try and smile and be thankful and after this they would be leaving to live elsewhere in Japan. Hannya seemed to like that very much, never feeling comfortable in a giant ballroom full of Tae's family, 90% of them he didn't even know.

Hannya, Saitou and Kenshin seemed to be in some sort of philosophical conversation as they stood around the barbecue deep in conversation. Misao thought it strange that Saitou had not lit up a cigarette in the three or four hours that had passed already. It was the first time he had parted from Tokio, even for a moment and Misao had titled her head in slight confusion, but her gaze soon moved on as she sat on the verandah holding Kenji-chan in her arms. Megumi, Tokio and Tae were talking, small but slightly loud laughs coming from the three of them every now and then. It certainly got Sano, Saitou and Hannya intrigued as the three women sat so close that you couldn't tell what they were talking about.

This led Misao to the only other two people deep in conversation, a smile breaking onto Misao's lips as she stared over at Kaoru and Aoshi. He was sitting on the edge of the other garden chair, his back to her, but in his arms rested a sleeping Aoshi-chan. She remembered Aoshi telling her that he'd only met the small boys when they were just born, but somehow little Aoshi had grown a fondness towards the older one. Although Aoshi seemed reserved and somewhat aloof, it was as though small children could see through him, see the gentle caring man under the tough facade. I t was as though the sensed that he would protect them from harm.

"Are you happy Misao?" Misao snapped her head up to look into gentle violet eyes gazing down at her. Kenshin sat beside her, his hand brushing Kenji's red hair, but Misao soon deposited the sleeping boy into his father's arms, silently knowing Kenshin wanted to hold him.

"Happy? Yes, I believe I will be happy. There are still…things…Aoshi and I need to discuss when we are alone, but Aoshi will make me happy, he is making me happy, will always make me happy."

"I am glad Misao, that I am." She nodded her head at Kenshin's words the both of them looking over at his beloved wife and Aoshi as he let Hannya look after the barbecue, he insisting he sit with his child and Misao. A soft contented sigh escaped Misao's lips as she leaned against Kenshin's shoulder, her eyes closing for a moment.

"I missed having you around Misao. Although you were sad most of the time…or even half asleep, your presence still made me feel calm. I enjoyed having you here, being part of my family and I will forever treasure all the moments I encountered with you."

"Kenshin, I'm not dying…so you could have just stopped at the part were you said you missed me. I missed everyone here, but as time went by I am glad I could grow stronger inside and out. You don't have to worry so much anymore because Aoshi and I will be just fine and its not like he's going back to do painting in China anymore either. I'm making him stay put unless I get to go with him." Kenshin let off a small chuckle at Misao's worlds, his head resting against hers as they sat in silence together, even though they could hear the laughter of the women or the deep voices that belonged to Hannya and Saitou.

"Wait, painting? What do you mean by that Misao?" Kenshin questioned in slight confusion. Misao glanced up at him, her eyes wider then usual as Kenshin still didn't know anything!

"Um, well see Kenshin, the thing is…" Misao had begun to tell him everything from the beginning.

* * * *

Kaoru had been chatting nonstop to Aoshi, much like Misao-chan had when he and Misao had arrived. Aoshi had been listening intently but every now and then Aoshi-chan had squirmed in his arms making him change the position he was in so now the small boy rested his head on his left shoulder, holding him upright.

"I am glad you came back Aoshi. Misao has become a dear friend to me and I hated seeing her so sad…the both of you sad. I am glad you came back for her." Kaoru spoke softly; her eyes observing as Aoshi's left arm held little Aoshi against him while his right brushed absent circles into his small back.

"I am glad too Kaoru, or else I wouldn't be able to grow stronger and more determined to strive to be one of the greatest painters and martial artists in all of Japan. I could never do that without the person that has my heart…without my muse…" Aoshi replied back instantly, his eyes focusing on Kaoru's.

"So Aoshi, tell me about you and Misao. How is your relationship going?" Now out came the curious and slightly nosy "older sister Kaoru" mode and Aoshi sighed almost in exasperation but began telling her anyway. He knew she wouldn't let the matter rest so he might as well give in now.

* * * *

"An Artist! Aoshi's the mysterious AS?" Kenshin spoke his voice quite loud making both of his sons begin to wail at the intruding noise he made into their peaceful slumbers. Kenshin held an embarrassed blush watching as all his guests and his wife turn to look at him. He heard Misao's laughter, her hand moving to try and subdue it, but was unsuccessful. Kenshin stood up trying to shush Kenji into going back to sleep, but he eyed his wife who took Aoshi-chan from Aoshi's hands and walked towards him, intent on heading upstairs to put them to bed.

Misao stood up just about ready to walk towards a still sitting Aoshi but Sano woke up with a start, his eyes focusing on Megumi as he spoke.

"Oi kitsune you were suppose to remind me I've go to head to the studio!" He spoke while getting up and heading for the lounge room to grab his things together, Sayo very much awake and clapping her hands in excitement. The rest of the guests turned to look over at Megumi who held an annoying look on her face as though it meant 'why should I be the one to remind you, I'm not your freaking secretary!' She brushed strips of hair over her shoulder as she spoke before waving goodbye to everyone.

"I'll be heading off since my baka husband forgot he and the Deadly Nightshades are recording another album." The others watched as she moved into the Himura household, speaking with Kenshin and Kaoru for a moment as they came back downstairs to bid everyone goodbye.

"I suppose we should be off as well." Hannya and Saitou spoke at the same time. Misao was already moving around the backyard intent on helping the Himura's clean up since they would be staying a bit longer, promising them not to do a made dash back to Kyoto without staying on for a few more days. Hannya and Tae said their good-bye's, Hannya making sure that Aoshi had his number so they could catch up the next time he was in Tokyo since the both of them decided to take up residency in the city.

"Don't be a stranger now you two." Saitou spoke as he waved at Misao and Aoshi who stood together watching the both of them walk up the three steps to stand on the verandah.

"Tokio-chan, I've been meaning to ask you something." Aoshi spoke gaining silent looks from Misao, Kenshin, Kaoru, Tokio and Saitou.

"Nani?" She spoke as she turned to look back at him, Saitou standing to the right of her.

"Just what is your relationship with Saitou anyway? I'm most intrigued to know since the band on your finger makes it seem that we are more related with each other then I first thought." Aoshi eyed his brother and then a silent Tokio who had her head slightly bent and cheeks red as Aoshi had caught on quite quickly.

"Oro?" Kenshin had muttered earning a jab in the side by Kaoru. Everyone watched as Saitou coughed lightly, his hand going over Tokio's shoulders and Aoshi could have sworn he saw a light pink cross his cheeks for a split second as he introduced Tokio to everyone.

"This is Shinomori Tokio…she is…my wife…" Aoshi's lips held a small smile even though his fast reflexes had to catch a staggering Misao from falling to the ground as she had been caught off guard at the shocking news!

"You eloped? You eloped without even having your best friend beside you!" Misao began muttering to herself, Aoshi's hands massaging her shoulders as she leaned her back against his chest for support.

"Congratulations, but you could have invited us…" Kaoru spoke but watched as Tokio fidgeted with her wedding band trying to come up with an explanation.

"Well…it kind of just happened. The moment came up…and well…we decided why not."

"Lets go." Saitou spoke, but the other newly married couple stopped when Aoshi spoke once more.

"Sister-in-law, you make sure he stays in line. And Saitou, next time when you have some news, like for instance Tokio being pregnant, I'd like to meet my niece or nephew at an early age so they would know who the hell I am. You are extremely bad with news you know." All Aoshi received was a nod from Tokio while she was still blushing and a glare from his older brother. He held a smirk on his lips as he watched the two of them head towards the front door, Saitou giving him a wave over his shoulder.

"You really shouldn't anger him so Aoshi, that you shouldn't." Kenshin spoke but was pushed back into the house by his pestering wife asking him to come with her to check on the boys.

"He is only angry because I am right." Aoshi muttered to himself and turned to find that Misao was not against him anymore and instead she was sitting on the deck chair he sat at earlier and gazing off into the cloudy sky.

"Is everything alright Misao?" Aoshi spoke as he sat in the chair Kaoru was in earlier. Misao had moved to lie back against the deck chair, her feet curled out to her left side. Aoshi spoke of nothing as Misao kept her eyes closed and a small smile on her lips. He too couldn't help but roam his eyes over what she was wearing. She had on a pair of black tight fitting trousers resting low on her hips. She wore black slip on shoes, they at the front door as she had taken them off. Her top was deep blue and made of silk material that rested on her hips, but the way she was sitting gave Aoshi a small peak at the creamy smooth skin on her stomach. Her braid was cast over her right shoulder and curled into her lap as he moved his gaze further up.

"What were you and Kaoru talking about?" Aoshi glanced away from were his eyes were just about to rest upon and gazed into Misao's green-blue ones. Her head was titled, truly wanting him to tell her something…anything about their private conversation. Aoshi looked over at the storm clouds heading their way but answered Misao's question.

"Well she was glad I came back because it saddened her to see you so lonely, not to mention how much I had grown distant from everyone. She is glad that we are sorting out our problems and becoming closer and closer together as well. Not to mention the fact that she was turning into 'Kaoru the nosy sister' and asked just were our relationship was at." Aoshi had turned his head back to Misao to see she was sitting up now, her eyes boring into his as she questioned him.

"And just what was your answer to that?" Aoshi remained quiet, watching the emotions play over Misao's face, the most frequent ones being nervousness and anger. Nervous that he would be telling anything to someone without even coming to her first and anger as though Aoshi had already told Kaoru all the details.

"I said nothing, Kenshin actually saved the day with his yelling." Aoshi replied instantly and observed as Misao held a skeptic look on her face. His expression however was blank, not showing a single trace of any emotion.

"What would you have said then?" Misao spoke her arms crossing over her chest as she sat straight up, eyes never leaving Aoshi's.

"Kaoru, I love you like a true sister, but there are some things you will never know about." He watched Misao purse her lips as she was in deep thought, deciding whether that answer was truthful or sarcastic. Sometimes she just couldn't tell at all!

"Misao, we are building back our trust upon each other once more, like the bond we had years ago. It is no ones business but our own as to whether our relationship has grown deeper or sexual. It's been what, a month and already people expect us to jump each other, but I doubt you are ready for that." He watched Misao's cheeks brighten slightly as though talking about such things were too difficult for her and easy as hell for him, but then what was the point of hiding feelings when there was nobody in the backyard but them.

"Does that mean…you are ready?" Misao spoke softly, her eyes glancing down in slight nervousness. If he sad yes, then she might feel pressured, but then what if he said no, she might feel saddened by that.

"Misao, I'm ready…whenever you are." Aoshi had to speak clearly but carefully. His words had become two meanings now. He wasn't going to rush her; in fact he was sort of glad they hadn't for fear he might screw up and disappoint her, but then at the same time he was ready…that Aoshi knew. He wanted to give her no pressure, so basically, the ball was in Misao's court.

"I don't want you to feel any pressure Misao when you are comfortable, when we know in our hearts that it is the right time, when you feel ready then it will just happen naturally." Aoshi watched as Misao nodded her head in understanding. Aoshi blinked a couple of times as she titled her head, looking over at the storm clouds as she began biting her lip absently. Aoshi's fingers lifted up prying her bottom lip from her teeth, a gentle smile crossing his lips as he gazed upon her.

"You are deep in thought Misao. Why not tell me what you are thinking. No one is around, so please tell me how you feel…what you are feeling." Aoshi spoke his voice soft, calming Misao's nerves within seconds. Dammit! She hated it when he made her feel like putty in his hands…but then hadn't he too said she made him feel like that many times as well?

"You know how you said you seemed out of touch with drawing these days…I thought…maybe…if you wanted…you could practice drawing the female form by using…your muse…" Misao was blushing bright red by the end of her small theory. Aoshi remained quiet as he gazed over at Misao, her eyes shyly glancing up at him but darting away as she began to bite her lip in nervousness once again. Misao was practically dying on the inside at voicing herself so boldly yet still looking like a scared child. She began cursing herself, but gasped softly when she was wrapped into a pair of warm arms.

"Hai Misao, I would like that very much one day, but first I think you need to be more comfortable with me being so close to you." Aoshi spoke as he sat right in front of Misao, his head tucking into her neck and shoulder area wanting her to get used to him being this close to her…maybe even closer in weeks to come. He smiled when Misao's arms moved around his shoulders to hold him closer. It was as though she could start things like hugging and kissing him, but going any further seemed like new territory for Misao. Aoshi mentally smacked himself when he did realise that everything would be new to Misao.

"I can't believe Hannya got married to Tae without even inviting us, not to mention Sano and Megumi as well." Misao muttered as she tried to change the subject. Aoshi pulled away from her then and glanced down at her as he too spoke once more watching the redness in her cheeks subside.

"What about my very own brother Misao? I suppose that is something Saitou would do though, it is in the Shinomori blood to do things when the time feels absolutely right in their hearts…not to mention announcing such things out of the blue as well." Misao nodded at his words, her eyes roaming back up to the sky to watch some flashes of lightning pass through the clouds.

"We are the only ones now…hmm…rain is coming. It is good luck from the Gods." Misao uttered thoughtfully to herself, but never knew she spoke them loud enough for Aoshi to hear her. She had also missed the very serious face expression, as Aoshi was now deep in thought on whatever was rolling around in his brain at this very moment.

"Misao, let us do this the proper way." Aoshi spoke snapping her back down to earth to face him properly.

"P-Proper way?" Misao stuttered as a wind blew through the yard, picking up his long bangs as his intense green-grey eyes caught her green-blue ones, holding them in his gaze.

"Yes Misao, let's get married."

"Eh?" She was unable to express anymore words…or an answer for that matter as Aoshi had moved closer, sealing his lips over hers. Misao had shivered at the intensity in the kiss; the pure passion he showed her, felt for her and Misao couldn't help but return it all.

The once childhood friends, turned best friends and now boyfriend and girlfriend…life partners…sat on the deck chair basking in the steaming kiss they shared, hugging each other as though the other would disappear if they let go. A light rain had begun, giving Aoshi and Misao a shower of good luck, but the two never did notice as they were deep in the feelings and emotions they felt towards each other.

"Everything is as it should be." A soft voice spoke from an upstairs window, his violet eyes shining in happiness as he stepped away and closed the blinds leaving Aoshi and Misao, the two people he could also call his own family alone. Kenshin was slightly intrigued at what Aoshi had said that caught Misao so off guard…not that she seemed to care now anyway, but it wasn't his business…now he was just happy for the both of them.

Their lives were just beginning…

* * * *

THE END!

* * * *

Authors notes: I want to thank everyone for being so kind in their reviews, even the ones that were slightly flames, but they held great constructive criticism that just came a little too late in time.

Al-chan, best buddy, thank you for letting me vent over the story with you, trying to generate ideas in which it was her idea about the meeting back at the cherry tree between Aoshi and Misao and maybe more as well, but I've forgotten now. Now how bad is that! But you know me anyway… Thanks for letting me complain like there is no tomorrow over UTCT as always and letting me be a down right bum at your place and although getting "annoyed" as it wasn't finished…well it is now!

Mara-san, your comments and support were great so thankies so much. I do hope you like the small Saitou/Tokio bit in the end of Under the Cherry Tree. You must remember the part where Misao and Kenshin found out about him being married right? I tried to use that. Al-chan and I came up with the idea and that's all I could muster. Everything else…is up for you to decide what you think would have happened further on and what not. That's the same for all couples and Aoshi and Misao.

Kyme-chan, thankies for the comments too. Even though you aren't a lover of AU Fics I'm glad you gave mine a chance.

Eternitys End - You comments have been a great help. I'm so glad you read this as well! This goes for a lot of people especially the main readers and reviews who have helped to try and get the inspiration I had been lacking over the duration of this fanficiton up and running! I thank you all so very much.

Kamekazekitten J , Tifa-sama, Sai, Little Ricecake, Anime no Miko, JadeGoddess, AinoTenshi, The_Mysterious_Blood_Sucking_Moogel, me me me and only me, Leila Winters, Li Jung Sook, Mara J , Chibi Nikoru, ~j~, kitsune, Yui Sakurazuka, BunnyS, yuki, Haruka, ghjules, crystal, Baka Neko, KitKat, Nanashi Barton, K-chan, Yukiko Shinomori, Akari-Saxy, J-chan, michi, nikki, Sai Hikaru, Squeeker, Seychella, TigerWolf, AWSX, tENsHi KaGaMi -+[gaKi]+- bRat, KnK4ever, cen, J Liha, the Druid, shigatsu, Jo-chan, Fallen Virtue, Shinomori Kibou and anyone else I have forgotten my apologies, but all reviews were much appreciated!

Thank you for sticking around and I hope you do so with some of my other fanficiton. It's been very tough writing this story and I assure everyone…no more! LOL! I can't write something so freaking long ever again.

I hope that one day you might read it again, and one day I will go back and re-edit every single chapter, but for now I do wish everyone was interested in reading the story and hope you at least remember one small scene from the saga. Thank you for all your kind reviews, comments and suggestions.

This is the last of Under the Cherry Tree that will be ever printed and though up so enjoy since the end has come, the epilogue is done and Noa has plenty more stories to catch up on…not to mention her Website to fix up yet again.

To all those who read - Thank you

To all those who read AND reviewed - I am forever thankful for your encouraging words! SO LONG!

~~~~~ Noa ~~~~~

End of Story - 22nd January 2003