The inspiration that set off this chapter came to me in the middle of my French homework Monday night. Thankfully I was since able to lay out basic planning ahead as to what I wanted to do. On another note, my family visited a Japanese Steak House in Minneapolis on Tuesday, which was a wonderful experience in and of itself (except that my green tea ice cream had chocolate on it eep). Additionally, my internet has been down for a bit (so very displeased, I was).

Reviewer Responses:

Patto-chan— thank you and you're quite welcome

Charmed Wolf— tadaa! Your wish has been granted

Gabyhyatt—thanks

Where My Heart Lies ch 5

How does anyone know how to even begin a relationship? Neither of them had actually had any experience in such things; Misao having come to this extent of her love for Aoshi now, and Aoshi having been far to busy at that time of his own life to indulge in such matters. Both having more complicated lives than would be expected, and yet so inexperienced in this department. Misao had lived long with her love for Aoshi, and Aoshi had lived longer on the whole. These things being said, were they amateurs or veterans? How does one tell another of his or her feelings? Well, this really wasn't so hazy in this scenario, at least. It was a thing shown through caring actions rather than words. The real question here was how to tell another— acting on your feelings. How does one decide what is sought in a relationship, let alone go about starting one. Must there be a defined beginning of a relationship? Are there not those undefined relationships which form over time and are realized somewhere along the way? Are those not the greatest kinds of relationships?

To come out and so openly ask for a relationship… As unconventional as Misao may have been, even she could never think to be so forward. Aoshi, as to-the-point as he was, could never be so blunt with Misao. That really only left room for one thing: the unannounced beginnings of a relationship. What could be done to advance without repercussions? Such a matter must be tended with regard to both Misao and society, harsh and controlling as it is, to not place her in any sort of "dishonorable" position. Care and effort were requited in such a courting.

The changes over that first week were minute, or so it would seem. Aoshi was visiting the temple less frequently now, and he would often accompany me as I ran errands around Kyoto. It was at such a time that the news came to us. We were returning to the Aoiya with groceries (Aoshi carrying the tofu, of course) when Okon came running out to meet us with a letter. I accepted the letter from her and was joyful to see it was from Tokyo. Little did I know, this letter held much more joyous news. Kenshin and Kaoru were getting married and had invited Aoshi and myself to the wedding. How wonderful—two of my good friends were engaged!

Of course such an occasion would call for a nice formal kimono. Okon and Omasu managed to find me a long dark blue Kimono with an aqua trim and obi, as well as a matching aqua hair ribbon was found to tie at the end of my braid.

Three weeks may have seemed rather short notice for a wedding, but honestly it was about time those two were married. We arrived in Tokyo the week of the wedding. Kaoru and Kenshin were kind enough to let us stay in rooms at the dojo during our time in Tokyo. Yahiko had returned to mocking Kaoru for lack of things to do, as Tsubame was devoting hours upon hours of time into preparing and perfecting the wedding cake. She had recently come across the recipe and picture of a western style wedding cake with three layers and covered with intricate designs in the icing. A rather anxious Kenshin remained steadfast with a rather large load of laundry. An equally anxious Kaoru devoted hours of extra time into private practice with her bokken. Sanosuke kept busy pestering the fox, entertaining her patients, and testing her patience. It seemed everyone was preparing for the big day. Alright, so only some of us were productive as the others simply kept busy. I myself had taken over the task of cleaning the dojo with Yahiko. To be truthful, it was really more of him complaining and me pinning him up to the wall with my kunai, much to the amusement of everyone else.

Dinner each night was prepared by Kenshin, (of which we were very thankful). The kitchen still displayed remnants of Kaoru's last cooking attempt. I would, however, be assisting Himura in the kitchen (oh the joyous benefits to growing up in a restaurant). It was at one such dinner that Yahiko worked up the gall to ask me about things between Aoshi and me. This question brought an abrupt halt to all other conversation. I must have paled visibly as all attention was turned on the three of us. I glanced at Aoshi in question and he did the same to me. Kaoru was eying Yahiko, stunned by his bold question. Kenshin had a priceless "Oro!" expression upon his face as Tsubame was blushing furiously at Yahiko's outburst. Sanosuke received an elbow to his side from the fox for the smirk on his face as he, Megumi, and Yahiko all looked to Aoshi and me for an answer.

I should have realized, of course, that the others would also come to notice the change in our situation. As subtle a change as it may have seemed, they knew us well enough that they couldn't have missed it. At this point no one was saying anything but the awkward silence sort of spoke for itself. What the hell is with all these damn silences? (A/N: that's how many now?) Well, when life gives you lemons, you take that lemonade and run! And so, over the next five minutes, all of our company at the table departed in slightly lagging pairs from our little banquet of unspoken words. In accordance, Aoshi and I retreated to our own rooms. There would be so much to do tomorrow.

A/N: Well, it certainly took long enough to get this chapter written out, not to mention internet still down (causing great irritability on my part). And to my vast amount of luck, inspiration struck at about 10:00 Wednesday night. For this reason, I had to put down chapter 6 which I had begun directly after ending chapter 5 (because, of course, these little writing splurges only come along so often, and quite unpredictably at that. And, for that matter, not immediately writing it down would then leave me stranded and wondering what on earth I was planning to do next).

Do please review, and if I might ask, tell me what you like, don't like, etc.