Kaoru Kamiya, a spunky 17-year-old wants to prove to Aoshi Shinomori (21) that age doesn't matter when it comes to love but he has his doubts. Growing up most of his life with Kaoru, Aoshi makes sure she is oblivious to his secret life, the life as a feared Yakuza leader.

What I don't understand about you.

"Staring at them isn't going to split them up."

"Mmm…" Kaoru continued staring, not acknowledging if she heard him or not. Her mind was on other things that seemed to cause great impact on her. Her blue eyes were milky and blank, as if focused yet wandering.

"I thought that was my line." He smirked, and spun her around to avert the staring she made obvious. Her stare's focus changed, she looked down at their dancing feet being unusually quiet. "Kaoru…"

"I'm sorry…" She mumbled quietly, her eyes glued to the floor and head bowed dejectedly. "I'm not much company…Aoshi." Her shoulders slumped almost unnoticeably and the hand on Aoshi's shoulder dragged down to his arm.

Sharp icy blue eyes softened slightly, and his tense jaw slackened. "Kaoru look at me." Kaoru didn't attempt to move other than swaying along the slow rhythm of the song, still looking like a lost child.

Aoshi lifted an arm from her slender waist, mentally appraising her lithe figure to cup her chin in his hand. "Kaoru."

Her eyes were wide and innocent, a beautiful mixture of blue and midnight that were guileless and inviting. A heart shaped face that retained its childish look and still appear warm and elegant lifted the corners of his lip into a small smile. He had seen many women, whom far surpassed Kaoru in body and looks yet this petite woman captured his interest. "Don't be like this, it doesn't suit you."

Kaoru's lips trembled, "What does suit me then?" Her eyes tried to avert his ice blue gaze, and his fingers tightened lightly on her chin.

"A smile." With his icy façade slightly warm, Aoshi looked more approachable, and less unattainable. Her eyes lifted to peer into his frosty orbs; he was so much taller than her small frame it was hard to look straight into him. She closed to arm's distance to gently lay her head on his chest; the tears she worked so hard to suppress began to rush up behind her lids.

"Only you would say that…"

She was so small in his arms, Aoshi thought; a slight breeze could take her away. His arms wrapped around her waist again, holding her closely, in a way protectively. "Of course, if it makes you happy."

"Thank you, even thought nothing seems to make me happy anymore," her voice was small and tremulous, hinting the tears that were soon to come.

"Don't say that, Kaoru…" Aoshi wasn't one to show affection, especially in public, but for this young woman he would make an exception. He had seen her grow up half her life, being the person she looked towards as a confidante and best friend.

Kaoru dug her face deeper into his chest, relishing his familiar spicy scent and the comfort he brought by just holding her close. "But it's true…I'm not happy, and I probably won't ever be happy again." The folds of his suit muffled her voice, and her small hands clasped tighter to his slim waist. "B-but…I know that I feel happy for Kenshin. I really truly do…but it's just-just…"

A sob escaped her throat, which she muffled carefully with his chest and squeaked out for his hearing only, "It just hurts Aoshi…tell me how to make it go away."

He was silent, not answering to a question he couldn't respond to.

Aoshi noticed that the image of Kaoru in his arms was beginning to perk people's attention and that was something he didn't like. He let out an inaudible growl when he caught sight of a pointing and leering young man. Sending an icy glare towards the young man's path, he lowered his head to Kaoru's earlobe.

***

"Kaoru, let's get you home." His words brushed against her ear in a warm hush, sending tingles down her bare arms. She nodded her head, still buried in his chest. "Okay."

Gently shifting her to his side, he wrapped an arm around her protectively as she clung to his side. As they walked out of the large reception, Aoshi ignored the longing glance Kaoru gave before exiting the door.

Quietly, almost beyond his perception he heard her faint words that seemed to fill an odd chance of hope within him.

"Goodbye Kenshin…be happy and be good to Tomoe…"

***

He didn't understand her, no matter how long he's known Kaoru Kamiya. Why would she praise them with her blessing and support when her own heart was breaking? Why does she let herself be in the position to be hurt?

Aoshi glanced down at Kaoru, the sight of her small frame clinging to him caused an odd feeling to burst in the icy regions of his…heart? Kaoru looked up at him with large blue midnight eyes and gave a small smile of gratitude, she tried to wrap the side of his trench coat around her more tightly and pouted when the leather material resisted. Her childish attempts receive more warmth almost made him want to smile.

"You're father will be worried when he sees his youngest daughter looking like a raccoon." His voice was monotone, back to its usual deep timber.

"You talk to me as if I'm a child Aoshi." She scooted away from him, ignoring the lack of warmth she was receiving. Her deep blue dress was long, trailing down her hips as if a lush waterfall, a very elegant dress. The garment left her arms and back bare, revealing the milky complexion she had.

It looked pretty on her, but for some reason Aoshi didn't like it. It made her appear cold, and too adult, reminding him of women who want to grab his attention because of his underground status. He was a dangerous and feared Yakuza leader, it wasn't unusual for women to bare it all to him and believe to receive an incentive. They were lustful and had underlying motives that made him want to hate all women.

"Don't try to grow up too quickly Kaoru, it isn't fun." It was true; he didn't want her to grow up, because it meant her changing. He feared her changing into a power hungry cold woman, someone who is the seducer, not the other way around. Aoshi wanted the innocent tomboy he had watched growing up, with graceful beauty.

***

Kaoru's eyes flashed, taking on a darker hue of midnight. "I'm seventeen, you should consider me grown." Her hands formed small fists, "You talk as if you're older than you are. There is only four years difference."

"Four years I have on you in experience, and what you say is true." He replied in monotone, thinking of returning to only one-word answers. He didn't want to keep this conversation up, Kaoru's temper was a fiery one, and she was very offensive when angered. "Kaoru, I am only trying to guide you with my words, if you want don't take them personally."

Kaoru saw he was beginning to retreat, return to the cold frosty façade he held and she panicked. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Her raven tresses she kept down for this occasion curtained her visage as she lowered her head. "I'm sorry, forgive me."

***

She was doing it again, putting herself in the position to be blamed, to be hurt. It angered him for some reason and puzzled him at the same time. He felt no urge to respond, so he kept walking, reaching his sleek black sports car. He opened the door to the passengers seat for the young teen, ignoring her wide pleading eyes. Mechanically, he walked around to the driver's seat and turned in the key to the ignition.

They sat in a tense silence, with Aoshi's eyes frozen forward and Kaoru's glued to her hands.

Aoshi was oblivious to the tear that escaped Kaoru's midnight blue eyes. His mind tense and focused on the road, he was oblivious to Kaoru's blank visage.

*******

Heehee, Happy turkey day! I thought I should go for something original, so I thought…Aoshi-Kaoru coupling! Aoshi's so awesome, right there with Enishi and Sano! I'm sorry if Aoshi and Kaoru seem out of character, but it is Alternate Universe!

Plus…I didn't want to waste space with Kaoru doing all the talking and Aoshi going, "…" ^_^

I hope you enjoy!