I bolted up in the futon and looked out the window realising it was still night time and brushed my hair away from my face. I froze yet again feeling the dampness on my cheeks as again I had silently cried in my sleep. What the hell was happening to me? I silently asked myself. My heart pounded in my chest and I quickly brushed the tears away and turned to face Aoshi-sama. My heart soon eased at seeing his large body under the covers and my breath caught when he mumbled and turned over facing me. The moonlight filtered into the room and bathed him in beautiful light. His inky black hair shone and was slightly ruffled from him moving in his sleep. I got out of the futon and sat on the chilled wooden floor by Aoshi-sama's side. He mumbled again and turned so he was lying on his back. His blanket fell down and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks as I noticed he was no longer wearing his yukata top. I looked closer and placed my hand over my mouth as my eyes watered at the infinite amount of scars covering his beautifully muscled chest. My heart ached inside of me at seeing this and I finally realised why I had cried. It was because of Aoshi-sama. The last time he said goodnight to me he had left and never came back until 10 years passed, but now he was right here and asleep, so close to me. I let my tears fall as I leaned over looking at his peaceful face. He slept so peaceful, just like a young boy. I brushed his long bangs out of his closed eyes not even thinking that he would wake up. I watched wide-eyed as one of my tears dropped onto his face and those green-blue eyes slowly opened to stare up at me. I snapped back away from him kneeling on the floor and placed my hands over my mouth to stop my quiet sobbing but tears still fell. He had sat up looking over at me now, completely forgetting that he was half-naked. His expression held confusion as he didn't know what was wrong with me and I couldn't help myself anymore. I sat up on my knees and wrapped my arms around him and cried on his shoulder. His body grew tense at being touched once more and also not knowing what to do but I felt one of his strong arms wrap around my tiny waist while the other was placed at the back of my head letting me cry on his shoulder. How I had wished for so long to be held by Aoshi-sama.

"Misao what is wrong?" His voice was quiet but deep and this time I knew concern ran through him. I sniffled trying to get my crying under control and spoke quietly back to him.

"I'm sorry Aoshi-sama, so sorry. I woke up again and I was crying; only now I realised why. The last time you said goodnight to me you had left and never came back for ten years, but when I awoke you were here and with me. Is this what Kaoru means about crying when being so happy and thankful? I'm sorry for being so rude to you yesterday morning. I know you had your reasons in going but it still hurt but it doesn't matter anymore because you're here now." I backed away and Aoshi-sama immediately let go but his head was cast aside looking off into another one of his places that only he could see. I brushed my tears away and placed my small hand bravely on his cheek and turned it so his eyes could look into mine. I bit my lip but soon pushed him back down to the floor and placed the covers of the futon back over him. He did nothing but stare up at me and I spoke once more.

"I'm sorry for acting so childish Aoshi-sama. You should get some more rest." I watched as he closed his eyes and I smiled when he pulled the covers all the way up to his chin and turned to curl on his right side. I brushed my fingers softly over his forehead and then down his cheek. I blushed when his left eye opened at the small touch and he spoke closing it once more.

"Go to sleep Misao. I'll be here in the morning." I let out a sigh and crawled over to my futon and curled on my side watching Aoshi-sama's peaceful face and his slight breathing as the covers moved. I'll be here in the morning. I smiled at what he had spoken and closed my eyes drifting off to sleep once more.

xxxxxxx

I squeaked loudly waking up, the cause being the clap of loud thunder. My heart pounded a mile a minute. I placed my hand over my rapidly beating heart and took deep breaths getting my breathing under control. I had tangled my legs through the blanket and my hair was ruffled and messy and one of the sleeves of my yukata fell over my shoulder.

"It's quite a storm." I looked over at the window to see Aoshi-sama leaning on the window seal with the shutters still open looking up into the darkened sky. I blushed at remembering what happened last night but quickly cleared my mind of that and stood up walking over to the window as well. I sat on the railing with my legs hanging out of the window looking out into the soaked yard. I looked over to see Aoshi-sama's hair completely messy and couldn't help but giggle. He turned his head towards me and I spoke unable to muffle my laughter.

"Aoshi-sama your hair's a mess." I watched as he placed his hand out into the rain soaking it and then flicked the water onto my face and spoke back to me.

"You can't talk Misao." My eyes widened as he had a small smirk on his lips and he turned away walking over to his bag. Was Aoshi-sama trying to be funny? I smiled brightly and soon cupped my hands under the water and walked quietly over to Aoshi-sama and poured the water over his head. I watched as he jolted at the coldness of it running down his neck and he soon stood up towering over me but I just smiled brightly at him and watched as the water fell down his handsome face. I stepped away grabbing my bag, smiled up at him once more and walked out the room, running towards the bathhouse and humming happily.

xxxxxxx

The rain had stopped a couple of hours ago and it was getting closer to lunchtime as I quietly walked around the yard. We had talked a lot about what had been happening over the past months during breakfast but Kaoru soon left, as she had to go see Megumi-san. Kenshin was inside preparing some lunch for us. I offered to help but he had waved me off saying it wouldn't take him long. I think we all thanked the gods Kaoru wasn't here to cook, as she was still as bad as ever. I bet even Aoshi-sama was thankful. Come to think of it I hadn't seen him for a couple of hours. I walked back inside to the room and found it empty and his kodachi's had gone. I rushed outside walking around the corner and heard some noises coming from the training hall. I stood in the doorway transfixed as Aoshi was teaching Yahiko some easy moves so he could learn them really fast. He moved around the room with so much grace and so quietly as well. He was only using his larger kodachi so Yahiko would understand more as he held a bokken.

"Pretty good hey weasel?" I jolted and turned my head seeing Sano beside me. I smiled and hugged him, as he must have only woken up minutes ago as he walked around with just his pants on.

"So how is the icicle these days?" I punched him lightly on the arm for calling Aoshi-sama that but soon spoke looking into the hall as Yahiko went through the movements while Aoshi-sama watched.

"He's getting better, even though it has taken a long time." I smiled as Aoshi-sama encouraged Yahiko about certain sections but then stopped him on what was making certain moves so hard and then told him to try once again.

"Well he couldn't have done it without ya weasel." I blushed lightly looking up at Sano and then slightly bowed my head. I soon felt his hand tugging my long braid and I looked up at him once more and he spoke again giving me one of his famous lopsided grins.

"Ya know I'm right weasel and secretly icicle knows this as well." I smiled up at him but soon my eyes widened and I pushed Sano away from the door as well as myself and we watched a bokken come flying out into the yard. We looked at each other and I soon walked into the training hall with Sano following behind me and spoke.

"What was tha-" My eyes widened when another bokken was thrown my way and I jumped up kicking it back over to where Aoshi-sama and Yahiko stood. I watched, along with Yahiko and Sano, as Aoshi-sama caught it easily and handed it back to Yahiko whose eyes were wide open in awe.

"Aoshi-sama! What the hell was that for?" I spoke irritated that he could've taken our heads off before and I was hardly even prepared for that one either.

"Making sure you were concentrating Misao. When was the last time you truly trained?" My mouth gapped open looking at him as he grabbed two bokken's and threw one over towards me. I caught it in my right hand and watched as he took off his trench coat and waved Yahiko out of the way. I bit my lip and walked over towards him as he was standing in the middle of the room. We had not done this in so many years. This was usually with Hannya and the others while Aoshi-sama watched and complimented both of us and helped us as well. I guess he really hasn't seen me train as he was away for along time.

"Are you ready Misao?" I gazed into those green-blue eyes of his and slightly nodded my head.

"I'll bet on Shinomori." I glanced over at Sano as he was leaning against the wall talking to Yahiko as they decided to watch. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Aoshi-sama's bokken advance and I jumped out of the way.

xxxxxxx

DAMMIT! Sweat was pouring off my face and the bokken was becoming hard to hold, as my hands were sweaty as well. Aoshi and I had only been sparring for at least twenty minutes and yet all I remember is trying to dodge all his attacks. I knew he wasn't trying his hardest either as he hadn't even broken a sweat. I already had a bruise forming on my right side from where the bokken had hit me but Aoshi-sama didn't seem to notice as I tried deflecting the hit onto the bokken but it hit both me and the practice sword. I ducked another attack from him and jumped away again but he was soon close to me once again and he spoke in a cool and calm voice.

"Come on Misao! Are you really that weak that you can't even strike at me?" I froze at his comment and my eyes frowned looking up at him. They soon widened as the next thing I knew Aoshi-sama had tripped me up with the bokken and I was falling to the ground. My ass hit the wooden floor hard and then the rest of me. I opened my eyes to see him crouched beside me with the bokken tip at my neck. I breathed heavily my lungs desperately seeking air and watched as he stood up and I turned my gaze over to Sano when he spoke.

"Damn! If I'd known this was gunna happen I could have made some bets and won shitloads!" I watched as he and Yahiko walked out as the show was finally over. I sat up and soon a hand was placed in front of me and I looked up to see Aoshi-sama offering to help me up. I grabbed it with my right one and he soon pulled me up and once I was on my feet a groan escaped my lips and I placed my left hand on my right sore ribs.

"Misao?" I looked up to see him looking down at me but I placed a smile on my face even though it really did hurt and spoke while placing the bokken's in the cupboard.

"Lets go get some food Aoshi-sama, I'm starving!" I walked out of the hall washing my face and hands in some cold water and then walked into the main room of the household to see Sano and Yahiko stuffing their faces. I shook my head and sat down grabbing some food before it was all eaten. Kenshin was nowhere in sight as he was meeting Kaoru half way and helping her walk back to the dojo, as she would most likely have some groceries with her. I glanced up noticing Aoshi-sama sit down on the opposite side of the table and silently eating some rice, meat and vegetables. I watched as he occasionally glanced over at the bickering that occurred between Yahiko and Sano. My side was beginning to ache more especially when I ate and I soon dropped the bowl of food I had in my hands and ran for the bathhouse holding my right side. I didn't even close the door as I jumped into the hot bath fully clothed hoping the heat would ease the pain. I was leaning on my left side facing away from the door with my eyes shut tightly but tears slipped passed anyway. I felt like I was being stabbed and yet I had only been hit by the bokken once. Maybe one of my ribs was cracked, I silently thought. Aoshi-sama was very strong after all. I spoke inside myself once more. I soon felt a hand on my shoulder and automatically knew who it was. I turned my head to see Aoshi-sama sitting on the edge of the bath looking at me. I diverted my gaze away once again but soon felt myself being lifted gently out of the bath. I was placed on my feet and stood frozen as Aoshi-sama untied my sash and pulled my shirt off but quickly wrapped a large towel around me as he had diverted his eyes away respecting my privacy. I felt the brushing of his hand on my stomach as he unclasped my shorts and they fell to the ground as well. I stepped out of them, a bright blush forming on my cheeks and watched as Aoshi-sama picked them up and led me out of the bathhouse. We entered the main building heading towards the room we stayed in. I watched as he pointed to the futon and I slowly descended gritting my teeth and leaned on my left side facing him as he rummaged through his bag and brought out some sort of ointment. Aoshi-sama sat in front of me and he spoke looking seriously into my eyes.

"Misao I need to have a look." I nodded my head turning onto my back, closing my eyes and brushed the towel away from my body. I was lying on the futon in my underwear with my breasts bound. I couldn't believe this had happened. I sometimes dreamed that Aoshi-sama would want to see me but not when I was injured and in need of help. I turned my head away feeling ashamed but soon gasped and opened my eyes wide looking up at him. He had placed some of the ointment on and it was bloody freezing! Even the smallest amount of pressure hurt like hell and it brought tears to my eyes and one slipped out rolling down my cheek. My gaze turned to Aoshi-sama's as he had placed his fingers on my cheek brushing the tear away.

"I did this." I quickly sat up and clenched my teeth at hearing him say that. No, I don't want him to be miserable again! I yelled inside my head. I quickly wrapped my arms around him and spoke desperately to him.

"No Aoshi-sama! No! We were just sparring, and besides it's not that bad and its not like I'm dead or something. Please Aoshi-sama! Please don't be angry with yourself I don't want…I don't want you to feel guilty about what happened. I'll go see Megumi-san and she can fix me up. When I'm all better and when we get back home we can spar again and if you like I can hit you or something just don't…" I was unable to continue as he pushed me away looking into my eyes. I looked confusedly at him as he had a small smile on his face. I bit my lip and he spoke.

"Actually Misao I just wanted to know if I really did that while we were sparring and now I do. Although I'm curious as to why you didn't want me to know about it." I looked up into his eyes and watched as he placed the towel back over me and I lightly blushed forgetting about my state of dress. I bowed my head but he soon tilted it back up looking sternly into my eyes and I gulped down the lump in my throat and quickly spoke.

"I didn't want you thinking I was weak." I let out my breath and watched as a confused look crossed his features and he spoke again.

"Weak? What gav-"

"In the training hall…you said I was weak for not being able to strike at you." I cut him off and watched as his eyes slightly widened but a lopsided smirk formed on his mouth as he spoke again.

"I only did that to see if I could knock your concentration. You were holding up rather well Misao. You really should try it next time."

"I couldn't do that Aoshi-sama, I'm not that type of person. It'd be too hard for me to say something hurtful like that."

"Assuming you think I am some king at hurting peoples feelings. Ouch Misao that really hurts." My eyes widened at what he had spoken and I bit my lip as it quivered a little. I watched as he smirked at me and I realised that he was playing me. I scowled at him and pursed my lips angrily at what he had done and turned my head away trying to snub him. I heard Kaoru's voice calling me and I stood up walking over to my bag. I quickly dropped the towel not caring about Aoshi-sama being in the room. He'd already seen me and it wouldn't matter anyway. He thought nothing of me and so I dressed in some long pants and another one of my ninja shirts tying a blue sash around it and left the room as he still sat on the futon.

xxxxxxx

"WHAT!" I had yelled at the top of my lungs as I sat in Kaoru's room with her. She had placed out some kimono's I should wear to "practice" being comfortable in one, as I had to wear one at her wedding. I scowled but knew I could never get out of this. I looked at the three kimono's figuring out which one I should wear now since I had to start sooner rather then later. I picked out the black with silver cherry blossoms over it and stripped out of my clothes placing on the under kimono and then the outer one. I had Kaoru tie it up and I fidgeted around at feeling so uncomfortable and boy was it tight. It rubbed against my sore ribs and I told Kaoru to loosen it a bit and told her why and she soon complied with my wishes.

"HEY!" I yelled again as she took out my braid brushing it bloody hard and placed it up into a high pony tail like hers and tied it up with a silver ribbon.

"Much better." I scowled more but soon stood up nearly toppling over as I remembered that there was hardly any legroom.

"Remember Misao…small steps." I nodded my head tripping twice just reaching the door and opened it poking my head out making sure no one was around. I stepped into the hall and walked into the main room to see Sano and Megumi sitting down with Kenshin and Yahiko. My eyes grew wide as they stopped talking to stare at me. I placed my hands over my face feeling embarrassed, as they said nothing.

"Misao you look lovely." Megumi-san and Kenshin had spoken at the same time.

"WHAT! Weasel actually looks like a girl now!" Yahiko spoke in utter surprise.

"Not too bad weasel, you scrub up pretty well for a small ninja girl." Sano spoke while he ate some more food. I took my hands away and turned around leaving the room, again tripping twice just making it to the doorframe and holding it as not to fall flat on my face. I left the room and soon leaned against the wall as I heard Megumi-san speak once more.

"She's still not used to kimono's is she."

"Give her a break fox at least she's tryin' and ya gotta admit she does look pretty in one."

"Yes, I agree with Sano on this one. Misao just needs encouragement from us and then she'll be just fine on her own." Kenshin replied in his sickening sweet voice.

"I wander what Aoshi-san will think of Misao when he gets back." I clasped my hand over my mouth at hearing his name and soon walked out the back door occasionally tripping and sat on the verandah looking out into the yard. What would he think of me in this? Would he laugh and say I looked terrible? Does he even know how to laugh? I brushed these thoughts aside when I heard Sano's gruff voice speaking again.

"Weasel's out the back Shinomori." My eyes widened and I scrambled to my feet and reefed up the kimono running into the yard and hiding behind one of the large trees. Minutes passed and I heard the closing of the back door, as Aoshi-sama must be outside now.

"Misao? I know your out here, I can feel you." My heart pounded at hearing his voice and I soon poked my head and caught his gaze but retreated back behind the tree once more.

"Misao wha-" I spoke cutting him off.

"I'm coming out Aoshi-sama…just don't laugh."

"Laugh? Misao I don-" He haltered in speaking when I came out holding the kimono up so I could walk a little better and moved closer towards him. He stood completely still not saying a world as he moved his head looking down at my small feet peeking out and then moved up to stare into my eyes. I bit my lip and spoke alarmingly at him as though almost frightened.

"You hate it don't you Aoshi-sama?"

"I didn't say anything like that Misao. It's just…well…different for you that's all. I was just surprised."

"Does that mean its okay?" He looked at me once more and I smiled and knew I lightly blushed when he nodded his head but spoke again.

"Not to sure about this though. You'll look too much like Kaoru-san." I giggled as he had picked up a strand of my hair and ran it through his rough fingers. I hugged him again on impulse thanking him. I felt his body tense up once more at the unusual feeling of being hugged and I quickly let go.

"I'm sorry Aoshi-sama…and thank you…" I left to walk back into the house but stopped when I felt his hand on my shoulder. I turned to look up at him and his head was slightly cast aside as he spoke.

"I want to take you somewhere Misao and wanted to know if you'd come?" I looked confusedly up at him but nodded my head and he soon left for a few seconds but came back with his kodachi's in hand and began walking to the back gate.

"What now? Dressed like this?" I spoke surprisingly at him. He had jumped over the gate and turned around looking at me and spoke loudly so I could hear him properly.

"Of course. The guys would be most surprised." Guys? What's up with Aoshi-sama? I picked up the dress and began walking quickly to Aoshi-sama who was already walking towards the forest.

"Aoshi-sama what do you mean? What guys?" I opened the gate, reefed up the kimono and lightly jogged catching up to him and he spoke softly while staring into the forest in front of us.

"Hannya, Beshimi, Hyotokko and Shijuksho."

Xx TBC xX