Author's Note: I've noticed the evilness of my plan intrigues you. Keep on guessing, it's not over yet, not by a long shot!

On a more serious note, I am here to officially announce that NO, there will not be a lemon in my story. The rating, for one, will not allow it. To one certain fan in particular, (you know who you are) may I suggest porno?

I am also now part of this AWESOME Sou/Mi fanlisting/site. It's the best one I've ever come across. It's really nice to see a bunch of people come together to celebrate my favorite pairing in any series! You can check it out if you want, it's at groups (dot) yahoo (dot) com / group / SouMi . Or you can click the link in my profile.

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Omasu was right. I do look at Misao differently than any other. Misao wasn't the only one who needed to think right now. With a sigh, I headed to lunch by myself. Perhaps we could go some other time… just Misao and me. I smiled sadly to myself. Everything was so strange.

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-Soujiro-

The rest of my day passed uneventfully. I thought about Misao all throughout lunch, imagining our outing that never was meant to be. The whole day went miserably after seeing her face so disheartened. But what I couldn't understand was why she had been so terribly depressed. I know she cared about Aoshi-san, but what made him so different than anyone else to her? And don't I myself look at Misao differently than any other? There seemed to be a connection…

I remembered Omasu-dono's word from this morning. Soujiro, you really are a child!

All of a sudden it clicked. Love. Love! That's why Misao looks at Aoshi differently! She loves him. And she was upset because Aoshi-san didn't love her in the same way. How very strange.

But didn't I see Misao differently than anyone else? How did I explain what I saw in her?

Could I really… love her? Like Misao loves Aoshi? Hypothetically speaking, let's say I do… like her. A lot. What if she… how could she…

Ugh! It's hopeless.

"What's the matter, dear?"

I wasn't looking where I was going, and I almost knocked over a flower saleswoman.

"I beg your pardon, ma'am?"

"What's the matter, dear? You look upset. Unlucky in love?" She cackled loudly, and I jumped.

"Well, not exactly… I mean, it's not really…"

"Oh, you need these more than I thought. Here." The woman handed me a dozen white roses. "On the house."

I barely remember thanking the flower woman, walking home, and putting the blossoms in a china vase I found in the kitchen. But I'll never forget putting the roses in Misao's room, imagining the look in her eyes when she found them.

-Misao-

Now that I knew the truth about Aoshi-sama, what was I supposed to do with myself? How was I expected to just forget about him? I still loved him; I believe I always will. I know our love is real! He just… can't see it.

You need to grow up, Misao.

Such hurtful words from the mouth of my beloved. Thinking about it now, I wondered how I could love him so much, when all he's ever seen in me is a child. No matter how much I try to change to please him, he will never love me. If he ever did, it would only be because I had changed myself to suit him. Would I be happy, having Aoshi-sama's love, if it meant becoming something I was not? Which was more important?

I opened my eyes. I was still here, alone, sitting on a tree on the outskirts of Kyoto. The sunset… it was beautiful. To think, if today had turned out differently, if I'd just tried a little harder, I might be here watching the sun's petal soft rays caress Aoshi-sama's cheek, as it descended in to dusk.

Now I know I'm miserable, getting so poetic like that. It must be true love… it has to be.

I scrubbed my hands through my hair and across my moist eyes. I'd probably feel better in the morning. Hopping down from the tree, I landed awkwardly on my ankle.

"Ouchies." No silly little rurouni caught me this time. I found myself saddened by that thought. He really was just a baka, that Sou-chan. How he held me in my most dire moment back at the Aoiya… I really couldn't ask for a better friend.

I've gotta remember to thank him later. Right now, I just want to get back home and get some sleep, though my 'sleep' would most likely consist of me tossing and turning until dawn.

I made it back as the last beams of the fallen sun were disappearing. Opening the door to my room, a sweet scent caught my attention.

Oh! Roses!

The most striking bouquet of white roses sat by my bed. Could it be… Aoshi-sama? Practically sprinting toward them, I suddenly hesitated before sinking to my knees to read the card.

"Misao—

I will always be there for you.

—Sou-chan"

I cradled that little slip of paper in my two hands as if it were made of glass, gently placing it on my dresser. I knew I would treasure it always. Soujiro was really so very kind, and I knew I was lucky to have met him. No one could ask for a better friend in the entire world. Perhaps I wouldn't have so much trouble sleeping, after all.

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I woke up feeling strangely refreshed, considering the mass confusion that was my life at the moment. Turning on my side I saw the white roses facing me, and felt a real smile work its way onto my frozen face. At least I still had a friend.

I got up and quickly dressed, running a comb through my tangled hair. It felt sort of nice to have it around my shoulders, though I'd never admit it. Usually I'd have Omasu or Okon braid it (Okina even did it once, though he put a million of those stupid bows he wears all over it), but they were already working in the kitchens by now. I'd ask them to do it later tonight. Right now I wanted to find Soujiro.

I found him drawing water from the well in the back. He greeted me with his usual smile.

I smiled back, surprisingly timid. "Hey Sou-chan, I just wanted to say…" He tilted his head questioningly in the most annoying way. How dare he have this effect on me! I'll show him, nobody makes Misao Makimachi feel awkward unless I say so!

Springing forward, I grabbed the back of his neck toward me so that our lips touched. I was surprised however, at the faint pressure I felt on my own lips when I realized he wouldn't resist me.

Oh no Misao, what have you done now! Your friendship with Soujiro is now officially over. I skittered back ungracefully.

Soujiro's face on the other hand hadn't changed in the slightest. "I suppose you really like white roses, then?"

I laughed, realizing he wasn't mad. I gave him a quick hug and play-punched his arm. "You're such a good friend, Sou-chan. I don't deserve you." I sighed, becoming serious. "I really am grateful to you right now, Sou-chan. This whole mess with…you know. I'm glad I met you. Maybe my guardian angel sent you to me, to be my friend when I was hurting. Thank you, Sou-chan."

"MIIIIISAO! Where are you, girl! It's packed in here this morning!"

"Oh! That'll be Okon. I've wasted too much time this morning! See you around, Sou-chan!" I skipped off contentedly.

"Misao, wait!"

"Hm?" I turned back to face Soujiro, my loose hair brushing my face.

He was silent for a few seconds, and I resisted the urge to yell at him to hurry up.

He must have seen my impatience. "It's just I…" Well! "You should wear your hair down more often, Misao. It looks nice."

I smiled at Soujiro. He really was a good guy. "Thank you."

I turned and ran toward the dining room. Soujiro was so kind to try to cheer me up like that with flattery.

But if it was just flattery, why did he blush so when I smiled?

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-Soujiro-

The rest of the day passed smoothly. There was a large crowd visiting the Aoiya today, so we were all kept busy. All of us except for Aoshi-san, I noticed. He was nowhere to be found. After questioning Omasu, she just shrugged and replied, "He doesn't like to work, I think he believes the tasks at the Aoiya too menial."

I came to dislike Aoshi-san more and more. Especially after seeing the look on Misao's face after she found out his true feelings. Misao, I know you are genuinely strong. While I hide my painful memories behind a façade of smiles, you continue to live your life day by day. How could you not see it?

Misao had called me her friend. Even after that kiss… what had she meant by it? I hoped for something more than friendship, but perhaps she doesn't realize how I feel about her. I wonder if she knows that she bestowed upon me my first kiss.

Mostly what I remembered of the kiss was her smell. Weird, ne? With her hair cascading around her shoulders, the intoxicating scent of her shampoo was all around me. I wonder if she does it on purpose.

I shook my head to clear it. Misao was just my good friend. A very good friend, I thought as I remembered just a few days ago when we had first met. I thought her a child, but I couldn't help but notice how her thin ninja outfit clung to her supple, muscular frame in the rain…

I mentally slapped myself. She's just a friend, no matter how cute she may be. Misao has shown no sign of anything more than that.

Unless… what if she was hiding her feelings, just like I was hiding mine? Maybe all Misao needed was signs of my affection. Not the greatest of schemes, but what do you expect? I've never been on a date, never kissed a person of the opposite gender romantically. (Fortunately for me, Kamatari-san does not count). Alright then, I'd just keep things at a minimum for now, but I will provide Misao the utmost of affections possible. Now I just had to figure out how to be affectionate…

And so, Operation "Sou's Brilliant Plan" begins.

-Misao-

I am still amazed that no one at the Aoiya (aside from Sou-chan) has learned of what Aoshi-sama said to me. Normally I can't hide anything from them. For a ninja, I'll admit I'm not the sneakiest of maidens.

No, I think what surprises me more is I'm not really upset. Kind of crushed, but not as much as I should be. In fact I feel sort of… free. I think getting all of my false hopes, and doubts, cleared up was good for me, in a twisted way. I've been carrying their burden since I was a small child.

Naturally I was disappointed. Who wouldn't be? I expected to feel lost or angry, but again, I feel liberated. The world was full of boundless opportunities I've never even dreamed to explore!

I spun around happily, the dust rags clasped in my hand showering me with sparkling flecks. Even dirt looks beautiful! My psycho dance carried me around the Aoiya, and I smelled the perfect cherry blossoms flowering. Their scent reminded me of a sweeter smell, the fragrance of white roses. I smiled to myself. Aoshi be damned, I was my own woman now!

'MISAO! Have you finished dusting! And we're out of water, would you please draw some from the well?"

"ALRIGHT GRAMPS! I'm almost done with the dusting!" I'm such a liar. My happy little dust jig had made the place dirtier than ever. "Stupid Jiya, always ordering me around… who exactly does he think the Okishira of the Oniwabanshu is! I'll show him one day, I'll string him up by his little pink bow…" Still muttering, I dropped the dusty rags in the middle of the floor and stomped off to fetch the water. I'd finish this mess later.

As I walked, dust spilled from my long hair. Sure, it looked better down but it was much less practical. I shook my head furiously and laughed at the mess it made. Sighing, I dusted my hands off. The customers needed their tea, and they wouldn't want to wait for a silly girl to play in the dirt. I grasped the rope and pulled…

…and almost fell in the well! All that rain we'd gotten lately had made the well overly full, and I was having a lot of trouble getting the bucket out. Propping both my feet against the wooden well frame, I pulled until my shoulders popped. "MmMmmMmmpPHh!" Now I was actually propped a foot off of the ground, straining my arms off. I gasped, dropping the rope in defeat. This would never work!

Nonsense, Misao! You are leader of the proud and elite Oniwabanshu ninja group! Once more now girl… I grabbed the rope again, tugging with all my might. Sweat popped out from my forehead and my muscles burned in pain, but I would not drop that rope again!

All of a sudden the rope began to move. I looked up, surprised to see Sou-chan pulling up the rope as if it was the easiest thing in the world.

We drew the water in a comfortable silence. Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I gave Soujiro my biggest grin. "Phew, that's harder than it looks. Thanks for your help, Sou-chan."

He gave me his usual smile. "Any time." He ran his fingers through my hair, and I smiled to myself. "My Misao, you look like you just lost a cleaning battle with the Aoiya's dust bunnies."

My mouth formed a small 'o'. "Well, you might say that…"

He laughed, and my smile widened. "Actually I sort of saw you dusting."

"Hey Sou-chan, you should laugh more often. It sounds really cute." My smile changed to anger as I registered his last comment. "Wait… you were spying on me!"

He smiled his baka rurouni smile that I'd come to know well. "Ara Misao, I just happened to…"

"PERVERT!" I shrieked, swiping at his head. He ducked behind me, and I blinked startled at his sudden move. I turned to see him laughing again.

Preparing to scream at him again, I was shocked into silence at a pair of gentle fingers pinching my nose. Soujiro smiled sheepishly. "Relax Misao. You looked adorable."

He turned back to the Aoiya whistling to himself, leaving me with my mouth hanging open and laughter all over my face.

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Aoshi Shinomori's eyes were cold, more so than his usual cool detachment. From his perch overlooking the Aoiya, he had observed everything. And he was not pleased with what he had seen. Aoshi was not a man of many outbursts, but he had trouble controlling himself as he watched Misao completely at ease with the Tenken. Aoshi had promised himself that he would not become part of Misao's life, for her sake, but he would do everything in his power to protect her happiness. If Seta showed ay sign of becoming too friendly with her, well… let's just say that wouldn't do at all.

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Soujiro-

The next two weeks passed like a pleasant dream. Misao, and myself, became quite famous around Kyoto, though I'm not sure if that was such a good thing… Here's a word for the wise: do NOT let an attractive ninja leader get involved in any schemes involving bees. I still shudder at the whole thing, and find myself jumping any time a flying insect comes too close. Let's just say it was messy, and I have no intention of reliving any of it for your sake, thank you, so keep on guessing.

I was patient with my affections for Misao. Mostly I was just kind to her. Our relationship was simple, but beautifully so. We were friends, and I was happy just to be close to her. I didn't want to push anything. But sometimes, when I'd lie awake in the middle of the night, my mind would wander…

What if…?

I would not make the first move. First of all, I had zero experience. Secondly, I didn't want to reopen old scars. Though she never let it show again, I knew she must have been hurt deeply by Aoshi-san. Misao didn't need any more complications, so I would preserve her remaining happiness as it is now.

It amazes me how much I've learned by living here for less than three weeks. My eyes have been opened more in this short period of time than all the time I was wandering alone. Remembering it now, I realize I was desperately lonely. In that sense Misao saved my life.

However, I still had many doubts. What if she wasn't, you know… the one? What if our meeting was just pure chance? Perhaps we're only meant to be friends. I was also worried that I had fallen too hard too fast. Maybe I was just so eager to be loved, I jumped into the arms of the first attractive woman that came my way.

But then again, what if it was real? What if I blow it, or something happens? Is there only one true love meant for every person? One mistake, and it's game over? I sincerely hope not. What if she doesn't love me back? If I tell her, what if she laughs, or rejects me? Even worse, what if she's disgusted? Who would want to even think of loving a killer, albeit a retired one?

So I didn't push it. If I only had one chance, I didn't want to spoil it. And if I wasn't meant to be, I don't want to make the mistake of interpreting it wrongly.

I knew with my doubts and fears crawling around in my soul, I couldn't keep living with her like I was. There would be a final campaign, I was sure.

I hummed a sad tune as I dried dishes in the kitchen. The sun was setting, and with it my uneasiness grew. I thought of Aoshi, wondering what he would think of me courting Misao. Most likely he'd try to decapitate me with those Double Kodachis he always carried. I still hadn't asked for my weapon back, and I had every intention of letting it rust on its abandoned kitchen shelf forever. Speaking of Aoshi-san, it dawned on me how infrequently I saw him around. He left early, presumably to meditate on that hill of his, and came in late. I was pretty sure he took his meals in his room, so at least I didn't have to deal with his piercing glare while trying to enjoy my dinner.

No, I think I liked my form of misuse of emotions much better. At least I didn't look angry all the time. Just sort of… blank.

I definitely did notice changes, however. I laugh with sincerity every day now. And the smile I wear feels good to me. Like its there because I want it to be, not because I believe I have to force it. It feels genuine. My previous smile I regard as a lie. A lie that was quite literally written all over my face.

Yes, I was much happier. But I wondered how long my happiness could last. One wrong move and I could wind up in a very bad situation.

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It was no mere coincidence Soujiro hadn't seen Aoshi Shinomori around. When a member of the Oniwabanshu doesn't want to be seen, most likely they're not found very easily. Needless to say, Seta hadn't shown any sign that he felt Aoshi's presence. Considering everything that had been going on in his head, and the fact that he was a bit rusty, it wasn't surprising.

"Tenken… what are you planning?"

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Author's Note: If anybody can guess the name of the band that sings the song I based this chapter's title on, I will give them a hug. About halfway done with the story now, I believe. Whoo-hoo! Some big things coming up, so don't flake on me now! The evilness of my scheme is yet to be revealed…

Bwa ha.