It was almost night time when Aoshi arrived at the Aioya and the festival has already begun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Misao, Sano, Yahiko and Kenji were having the time of their lives. They were walking along the crowded street, visiting stalls here and there to buy some things, enjoying the performers on the make-shift stages and the game booths.

"Wai! Sano-niisan! Take me higher!"

"Okay!"
Sano raised and enthusiastic Kenji on to his shoulders, making the toddler laugh and grab a handful of his spiky hair. "Kenji-chan! You really love hair ne?" Misao laughed. "Yeah... and he tugs at it too..." grumbled Yahiko. "...real hard," winces Sano as Kenji pulled on his hair. "Heehee! Kenji-chan doesn't pull on my hair." Misao mused. "I guess he knows I'm nice!"

"Hai! Misao-neesan nice!!" Kenji clapped his hands. That statement made Misao laugh harder. "See? Even Kenji-chan agrees with me!"

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The rest of the Kenshin-gumi and the Oniwabanshuu left the Aioya later that evening. As they were walking towards the festival...

"Mmmm!!! The ladies are gonna swarm all over me tonight!" Okina excitedly said, giggling like a young school-boy.

"Okina!" Okon and Omasu scolded the elder Oniwabanshuu. "No one would like you at all! You're lecherous and old!"

"But-but.. My girls!"

"No girls for you tonight!"

Kenshin and Kaoru sweatdropped as Okon, Omasu and Okina went bickering all the way to the intersection.

"Anata, where did Aoshi-san go?" Kaoru asked her husband as they tagged behind the rest of the Oniwa. "Oro.. He was here a minute ago..", Kenshin replied. "I guess he went off to find Misao-dono." Okina turned to them, "Hey! Would both of you want to go with us to the food stands? I hear there are some delicious exotic foods there! Not to mention exotic ladies!!" Omasu took him by the ear and yelled, "Okina! Would you at least talk about something else other than women?!", She scolded. "They're for us, you old bastard." Shiro said. "You'd scare them off, you know.." Kuro added. Omasu crossed her arms over her chest, "Mou! You men are all the same!" She huffed. "Let's go, Okon. There are some beautiful kimonos over there!" Megumi perked up at the mention of clothing. "Ne, can I go with you two? I'd like to check them out. I do need a new wardrobe.." And the three women went, giggling and gossiping all the way. The Oniwabanshuu men sweatdropped. Shiro shrugged, "Why don't we go look for some food then? Kenshin-san, Kaoru-san, would you want to come?" The couple politely answered, "No, thank you." Kuro placed his hands behind his head, "Well, I'm hungry, let's go!" Okina waved to them as they walked away towards the food stands. "Ja ne!"

Kenshin turned to Kaoru, "Let's go watch the fireworks, ne koishi?" He grasped her hand tenderly and led her through the crowd towards the center of the town to watch the fireworks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the other side of town....

"Hayaku! We're gonna miss the fireworks if you guys keep this up!" Misao reprimanded Yahiko and Sano, snacking on some onigiri and squid balls. "Don't worry Misao," Sano mumbled through the food he stuffed in his mouth. "We've got lots of time to kill." All Yahiko could do was nod vigorously since his was too stuffed. "But but... Kenji-chan want to watch fireworks...." Kenji pouted. "There, there, Kenji-chan... We'll make it just in time.." Misao patted his head tenderly. The toddler smiled up at Misao. "Daisuki Misao-neesan! Let's get married!" Misao could only stare at the toddler's innocent, yet heart-warming remark. "I like you too Kenji-chan..." She hugged him close to her heart.

Aoshi watched as his Misao-chan wrapped the Himura child in her arms. Since when was she mine? [When you swore you would protect her...] A voice answered.

She isn't. I'm just doing my duty.

[Do you dare to defy your subconcious?]

He mentally shook his head and started to walk towards the small group. "Konbanwa, Misao."






Author's Notes:

Waaa! Gomen nasai for this really really REALLY short chappie! _ *bangs her head on the wall* Anyway.. I'll make it up to y'all in the last and final chapter. Which is the next one.. *gryn*