Chapter Fifteen

Mercy And Truth

She was surprised when he took her to the same cliff where they shouted out their thoughts after Tachibana's party. It had almost been a month, she thought, feeling exhilarated for the fact that he still remembered their not-so-romantic moments there, in that very same place.

Kaoru sighed, using her arms as she leaned against the railing, staring onto the lively scenery of Tokyo before her. She knew he's standing next to her. Each of their sides touched, his heat completely overwhelming her. Now all she wanted was to wrap his arms around her and share the warmth he possesses.

"Kaoru." he smoothly spoke her name.

She felt her heart just jumped out of her rib cage up to her throat. With a shaky breath, she replied, "Hai?"

"She is a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. Are you familiar with that quote?" he absently asked, his eyes still focused beyond.

A pang suddenly struck her heart. Does it hit a little close to home? She asked herself, suddenly feeling much anxious than before. "Pride and Prejudice." She answered; praying that he didn't noticed her shaking.

A sigh came out of his lips and this made Kaoru to turn her head and glance at him. "We've been living in the same roof for nearly seven months and still we know nothing about each other. We've gone much further from a professional relationship and still we're a stranger to each other's eyes." he looked at her, his eyes boring into hers. "We have to do something about it."

"H-how?" she choked out, completely trapped under his gaze.

"Tell me everything you know about me." It was more of a statement than a demand.

Kaoru involuntarily swallowed. She quickly turned back to face the scenery again before he notice the unease spreading all-over her expressive face. "You're a doctor. Almost six years my senior… a former senior in Tokyo University, grandmaster of a fraternity and…" she paused, looking thoughtful for a moment and then went on, "… you're Tomoe and Enishi-san's cousin." She shrugged her shoulders and sighed, "That's it."

"You know very little of me."

She knew she'd regret it if she said it but her curiosity got the better of her, "Hmm… I guess I have to say the same thing to you as well."

There was a long, pregnant pause before he replied.

"I lost my parents at a very young age." He started, not knowing that this suddenly earned a look of stun from Kaoru. She never expected he'd actually relate something from his past to her. It was surprising yet thrilling at the same time. Of course she wanted to know everything about him. She wanted to know of what had caused his cold exterior. Probably, it's the same thing Aoshi wanted from her as well. "They died in a car crash. I was with them but I survived." He felt her small hand lay on his shoulder and gave a tender squeeze.

"I'm sorry." She softly said, feeling the tension building up on his shoulders.

He shook his head and gave a bitter smile, "Don't be." And then he went on and related the car crash story.

The moment he was done, Kaoru felt her heart drop from its previous position on her throat down to her stomach. Someone lied to him before and he's disappointed… every word he parted seemed to swirl all over her.

Lied.

Disappointed.

Betrayed.

Trust.

Every word struck home and she knew she'd fall down any minute now.

Not until she felt someone grab her shoulders, slightly shaking her. And then she heard his voice.

"Kamiya, are you alright?"

Her vision cleared instantly. Her eyes met his blue-green ones, looking awfully worried.

Her lips slightly quivered, feeling tears threatening to spill out of her eyes. She quickly moved and wrapped her arms around him, burying her head at the crook of his neck.

Aoshi looked at her questioningly but this did not stop him from wrapping his arms around her in return.

"Aoshi, I have to tell you something." She blurted out although muffled against his chest.

"What is it?"

She looked up into his eyes. They were so trustful yet filled with utter curiosity. I have to tell him! For the second time, she told herself. Then a split second later, Darn it! I can't tell him! "Aoshi…" she desperately said, clutching to him harder. He'll hate me! She can't allow that to happen. But if she lie to him further, she knew he'd loath her. "There's something you don't know about me. I—" She stopped. She couldn't bring herself to spell it out.

"There are plenty of things that I don't know about you." Aoshi said, wondering of what's gotten into her.

"But this one…" she dropped her eyes in shame. "If you knew," she continued in a tortured whisper, "you'd never want to see me again."

He let her go, stepped away and looked at her. His eyes narrowing, "What is it?"

Kaoru felt miserable, missing his warmth. "It's…"

"Is it another man?" he suspiciously questioned, a flash of jealousy appeared on his cold eyes. "Is it Enishi?" he almost seethed.

She frantically shook her head and waved her hands, "No! No, it's not Enishi or another man! It has nothing to—" she expected him to get mad and walk away.

But instead, he pulled her, rather roughly against him, tightened his arms around her, "Then don't worry." He buried his nose on the top of her head, smelled the scent of shampoo and kissed her forehead, "Nothing could make me feel that way."

"But Aoshi, I—"

He silenced her with a kiss, completely melting every words she was about to say. When they broke off, he said, "Don't tell me, then. I don't care."

Slightly dazed, Kaoru stuttered, "You—I…" she couldn't believe she's hearing these words from him. "W-what do you mean?"

"I don't need to know anymore than I know. You're perfect and that I'm…" he felt hesitant at first but the moment they locked eyes, Aoshi breathed, "I'm in love with you. That's all that matters to me now…"

Her eyes widened and her jaw slackened at his sudden confession. It was the first time he ever dared to confess that he's in love with her! Kaoru should feel she was on cloud nine. But the fact that he knows nothing about her or her real status sank every glorious feeling she felt. She wanted to protest, to shout, to cry. But none of these happened. Her head was spinning, We really are in-love… it might had been blurry at first but now… now that he confessed… she knew this relationship was for real. The sudden urge to stay with him forever revolved around her mind.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, stood in tip-toes and kissed him. She could not voice it out, and so she chose to reply through a heartwarming kiss.

Aoshi thought it was enough.

That night, Aoshi contemplated on the things that occurred earlier. He sat on the edge of his bed, deep in thought. He was wondering what Kaoru was about to say to him. But it seems asking or letting her say that would trouble them both. She looked so ashamed, so afraid, and so nervous while she tried to tell him. He began to wonder why?

He was the one who insisted that they should know more about each other. Heck, he even told her about his parents and his past. But why did he refuse? Maybe because you don't want to hurt yourself. You fear what she's about to say and thought not knowing it would be better just as long as you keep your relationship with her stable. The rational part of his mind reasoned out.

He buried his face on his hands and groaned. He was too tired to think this over. Maybe he could ask her again tomorrow.

No! His subconscious protested, You already said that you don't care about whatever she was about to say.

He had to admit, his subconscious was right. He can't pressure her. She'll tell him when she's ready. He should understand that.

He was so deep in thought that it was too late for him to notice his door opened with Kaoru silently walking towards him. He looked up and curiously stared at her, but did not say anything.

He waited until she was in front of him. He watched her kneel down and place her arms around his waist. He in return held her shoulders, gently squeezing.

Kaoru looked up to him with glassy eyes. Aoshi frowned at this, "What's wrong?"

His eyes slightly widened when he felt her warm hands cup his face, her mouth capturing his in a chaste kiss. She pulled back before he could return the gesture.

"Aoshi." It sounded as if she was pleading, "Do you really love me?"

He looked confused for a moment and then smiled, "I don't like to repeat myself." He doesn't know if this was the time to tease her. The way she's looking at him… it was so different.

What she did next was enough to throw him off of the bed.

Her fingers played against the first button of her pajama top, slowly unbuttoning each pink stud.

He knew he was gaping and it took him seconds to find his voice. "Kaoru…" he wanted to stop her but found no strength to do it.

She didn't replied not until she undid all the buttons, leaving the top hanging on her shoulders, merely covering her naked skin beneath. His eyes lingered over the exposed pale skin and then forced them to focus on her still glassy eyes. Just looking at them hindered all the words he could muster. What is this? What's happening?

"I…" Kaoru started, "I want to stay here…"

"What…?"

"I want to be loved…" her eyes tenderly looked into his, "I want to be needed… please?"

Finally finding his voice, Aoshi resolutely answered, "I don't want to hurt you."

"I know you won't." she said, reaching out to ran her fingers along his cheeks down to his tensed jaw. He was holding back.

Aoshi knew he wanted nothing else but to take this desirable woman to bed and kiss her senseless. But doing that without her consent wouldn't be fair. Without her consent, you say? His subconscious teased, She's offering herself to you, dolt! Look at her. And look he did.

He even grabbed her exploring hand and gently kissed her pulse. Kaoru's heart thumped loudly and faster as she watched him did so.

As if in trance, she let herself be pulled into his arms and kiss her deeply. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, returning the fervor of his kisses. She felt his tongue slid on her lower lip, seeking entry. She complied without any hesitation and welcomed his intrusion. The sensation was consuming her whole. When they pulled away, Aoshi dragged his lips from her mouth down to her neck, nipping, hard enough to leave a mark but not much to break her skin. She clung to him desperately, tilting her head on the side to allow him for better access. She ran her fingers through his silk-like hair, loving the feel of it against her skin.

The way he's kissing and nipping on her neck brought an alien sensation all-over her. A moan escaped her lips, earning a groan from the other.

He looked up and saw her face, completely dazed. Unable to resist her open and inviting mouth, he returned to kiss those lips again and devoured her. Her innocence was unmistakable just by how sloppily she returned his kiss. She had never been with a man before, never been kissed like this before and this truly pleased him.

She clutched tightly on his back, not wanting to let go. Aoshi felt the same way as well. The feel of her was so addicting that he'd die if he ever release her. His… he thought, groaning as he felt her tongue naively slid against his.

He suddenly pulled away and almost smiled when he heard a groan of protest from her. He took his time to look at her before asking the inevitable. She was breathing erratically, her face flushing in a beautiful rosy color and her eyes… her eyes held love and desire only for him. For him, alone.

"Are you sure?" he asked her, trying to regain all the air he had lost.

Kaoru, despite of her dazed state still managed to give a sarcastic reply, "Would I still be here if I'm not?"

Aoshi gave a cocky grin and nodded, "You do have a point."

And the next thing Kaoru knew, she was pulled up from the floor and gently laid on his bed. The moment he joined her and molded his body against hers, she knew this night wouldn't be enough to show how much they needed each other.

Watching her sleep was enough reason for him not to get up and go to work. He gently ran his fingers on her disheveled hair, tucking some strands back on her ear, smiling as she heard her sigh softly. Memories of last night came rushing in as he watched the steady rhythm of breathing in her sleep. He had been her first, which utterly surprised the doctor. Kamiya Kaoru was truly innocent. From the moment she coyly kissed him and how responsive she was from his touch last night, he knew that she had never been touched like that by anyone before. And he was glad that he was the one who was able to change this young girl into a real young woman. A surge of pride coursed through him at the thought. He was her first and he would see to it that he would be her last. He can't bear to imagine another man holding and touching Kaoru like this. His Kaoru.

The girl stirred, cracking an eye up only to gaze lovingly on the man next to her. Aoshi smiled back, reaching out to rub the rough texture of his thumb against her soft lips.

No words were needed. Kaoru moved closer and let Aoshi's arms envelop her. His warmth was inevitable. And the next thing they new, they were drifting off into another slumber in tangled limbs.

"You look different, Shinomori."

Aoshi looked up from the files of his patient and onto Jeremy's amused eyes. The young doctor frowned, "What do you mean?"

The brown haired head nurse smiled in return, "You look much younger today."

Two fine brows arched at this comment.

"If I didn't know you better, I'd say this got something to do with women," he teased, remembering the fact that the doctor did actually hire that Kamiya girl as his secretary/housewife a few months ago. Perhaps, she's the reason why the doctor's quite calmed and… contented… today. He was so used seeing his scowl and his stiff walking. It seemed that the ice block was starting to melt… finally!

Aoshi smirked, remembering his blissful night with Kaoru. That morning he didn't wanted to get out of bed and desired to skip work. All he wanted was to lay there with her for the rest of the day. Or for the rest of the week… no, for the rest of the month! He couldn't get enough of her. This is what it feels like to be in love. He said to himself, inwardly smiling at the thought.

But Kaoru protested and said that if he won't get his ass up off the bed, she wouldn't sleep in his bed for the rest of the week. After a squabble or two, he finally resigned and ended up submitting to her demands. She can be quite a handful at times… but still pretty…

"Are you starting to read minds now, Jeremy?" Aoshi asked his co-worker and friend.

The other smugly smirked and crossed his arms, "It's one of my many talents."

"Coming!"

Megumi turned off the stove as she finished cooking her lunch for today and went off towards the door. She opened it and was surprised to see Kaoru standing in front of her doorstep.

Brows arched as she asked, "Kaoru?"

Kaoru bit her lip nervously, refusing to look up on Megumi's questioning gaze. "W-we need to talk."

Megumi studied her for a moment and then nodded. She moved aside and let her through. The med student closed the door behind her and sat on the couch across Kaoru's.

"Alright, talk." She crossed her arms, almost predicting where this conversation would lead.

"Megumi… we… I mean, I… well… umm…" Kaoru didn't know where to start. All of these things happened in a rush. Her falling in love, making-out and then having sex. It was just too fast! Though Kaoru didn't regret any of it. In fact, she was glad everything happened with the person she really loves. With Aoshi. But why does it feel so wrong?

Upon studying the triple emotions playing on Kaoru's face, Megumi's eyes widened in realization. The red face, the stuttering, this nervousness… it was obviously shouting one reason for it all. "You had sex!" she reacted out of shock that caused her to actually shout out loud.

Kaoru jumped on Megumi's outburst and then immediately fumbled, "Shhh! Do you really have to announce it around your neighborhood, Megumi-chan? God, how embarrassing!"

Megumi cleared her throat, accusingly staring at her, "So it's true then?"

"E-eh?"

"That you did it with him!" this time, Megumi tried as much to whisper out the words.

Kaoru was red as a tomato as she looked down and started playing with her fingers, "Y-yeah…"

"Kaoru!" the other exasperatedly exclaimed. "Are you insane?"

"But Megumi-chan!" Kaoru weakly protested, "I-it just happened! I mean, we love each other and—" she was quickly distracted when Megumi moved forward and knocked on her forehead twice, "Hey!"

Megumi's stare narrowed further, if that was possible, "Do you realize what you just did, Tanuki?"

Kaoru scowled, crossed her arms and then looked away, infuriated, "Of course I am! I'm twenty years old, for Pete's sakes!"

Megumi rolled her eyes, "Not that, you dolt! You're parents! What would they do if they find out?"

"I am already aware of that."

"And what about Aoshi? Did you already tell him the truth?"

Kaoru bit her lip and then shook her head, "I was about to but—"

"You're dead." Her friend said offhandedly and then sat back on the couch. "You are sooo dead."

"Mou! Don't say that!" Kaoru helplessly cried, "There's still hope! I- I got everything planned. I-I'll tell him about the punishment today and then I'll go tell my parents about my relationship with him and…" Kaoru placed a finger on her chin and the mused, "…er… and then…"

Megumi shook her head in disappointment and pity, "Too late."

"Megumi…" Kaoru knew what Megumi was saying was true. It was hopeless. Yes, she may still be able to tell Aoshi the truth, but there's no guarantee that they'd be still together. Aoshi would definitely hate her for lying! And what about her parents? Her dad would kill them both if he ever finds out what she did with Aoshi the night before. Miserably, Kaoru threw her hands on her face and moaned in frustration. How did everything come to this? This wasn't supposed to happen! "Mou! What am I gonna do?" was her muffled cry. Kaoru was overly upset for the umpteenth time.

Aoshi went home early that afternoon, planning on spending the rest of his evening with Kaoru. It was too early and Kaoru said she'd be home by dinner. And so, he decided to surf the TV to consume time. Flipping on the channels for the fifth time, the doorbell rang.

Opening the door, a brunette immediately appeared and greeted, "Aoshi-kun!"

Great. Aoshi thought in pure disappointment, Perfect timing.

Turning on the last corner, Kaoru walked towards home dejectedly. She mentally practiced the words she was about to say to Aoshi when she arrives there.

"Doc, I need to tell you something… n-no! Use his name, dammit!" she waved her hand dismissively, talking to herself as she let her feet drag her towards the apartment. "Aoshi, we need to talk. You see… I…" she groaned and mussed her hair out of frustration, "So lame! Think of something better!" with a defeated sigh, Kaoru continued walking in slumped shoulders, "… guess I'll just have to spontaneously tell hi—whaa…?" she quickly rubbed her eyes, wishing her eyes were betraying her. "Juro-san?"

A middle-aged man turned and recognized the person who called his name. "Miss?" he said, placing the rag on top of the black car next to him.

Kaoru could not believe her family's driver was standing here, outside her boss' apartment. Her eyes widened like saucers, her mouth fell agape and her heart started pounding in and out of her chest. Oh no—no, no, no! She shook her head in disbelief and immediately ran towards Juro.

"J-Juro-san, w-what are you doing here?"

The old and aged eyes stared on the young, fidgeting girl. "Why, your parents asked me to take them to this address. How about you miss? I haven't seen you in months!"

Kaoru was too nervous to answer his question. She bit her lip and numerous of thoughts jammed inside her mind.

"Miss?" Juro noticed the awful reaction on her face. "Miss, are you al—" but before he could finish his question, Kaoru ran straight inside. They're here! Oh no, they're here! My parents—Aoshi! She opened the front door and unceremoniously ran inside.

Kaoru stepped on her heels once she saw the odd sight in the living room. Aoshi was sitting before her parents, head hung low and knees supporting his elbows, a sign that he was in deep thought. Her mother was obviously red in anger while her father just sat there, stiff and continuously eyeing the young doctor. And on the other couch sat a very familiar young brunette. Asako? Kaoru's brows furrowed, What is she doing here?

"Kaoru!" the moment Mrs. Kamiya saw her daughter; she immediately stood up and hugged the baffled girl. "My baby! What did he do to you?"

What? Kaoru was confused. She quizzically looked at her mother and then to Aoshi, who had still his head hung low, and then to Asako who seems to be enjoying their little show. "Mom… I…"

"Pack your things, we're going home," her father announced rather stiffly.

"But, Dad!"

Her father's eyes narrowed, trying to look as calm as possible. "Your mother and I already explained to Mr. Shinomori the details. You will come with us." And with a last glare at the quiet doctor, he walked off to where Juro patiently waited.

Kaoru felt her world shattered. They already told him… her shoulders sagged as her defeated blue eyes traveled to where Aoshi sat.

"Do you want me to help you pack?" her mother asked.

Kaoru shook her head. She was too upset to even answer properly.

"Very well then," her mother raised her chin, disappointed that she once again refused her help. "We'll be waiting on the car." She turned on her heels and went outside as well.

That left her, Aoshi and Asako. That bitch… Kaoru inwardly seethed.

Asako menacingly smirked, crossing her arms as she said, "What are you waiting for? Pack your things and leave."

She told them. She told my parents… I can't believe this... Kaoru knew she shouldn't have attended that party! This never would have happened if she had never met this devil incarnate!

Kaoru ignored her and slowly approached the man who had been quiet ever since she arrived. "Aoshi…" she wanted to talk to him, to explain, to plead, and to beg for his forgiveness for lying to him.

Asako's face twisted in annoyance as she watched Kaoru approach the brooding doctor. "Go away, fraud. I'll talk to him." This was Asako's chance to show Aoshi how much she cared for him and the fact that they were meant to be together. She couldn't let this Kamiya girl steal Aoshi away from her again! He's mine! Asako was about to snarl at her when suddenly, Aoshi looked up and spoke.

"Leave us," he said in a deep tone of superiority. Kaoru looked at him, half-nervous and half-glad that he still wanted to talk to her.

"But, Aoshi-kun—" Asako simpered.

"Leave." This time, he said it a tad bit harsher. He could take no more of Asako's bitching.

With pursed lips and livid eyes, Asako walked outside with heavy, angry footsteps.

Kaoru sighed once she was out of sight. She looked over to Aoshi and was surprised to find him already standing, looking at her. The moment her eyes met his, she felt her heart sank. He's… disappointed. Disappointed in me… her throat constricted and could not almost breath from the tension. She wanted to reach out and hold him, whisper words of forgiveness and be with him forever. But she knew that would be impossible. He… hated her.

She broke eye contact and hung her head low. Her fingers clenched on her sides, feeling tears welling up on her eyes. What if she told the truth before? What if she didn't lie? What if she took Kenshin's advice much earlier? Would he still be upset? Would she still experience the wonderful things with him? Would he still love her? "What if"… two words for losers such as myself. Megumi's right… it's too late…

Kaoru looked up and opened her mouth. But no words came out. She didn't know where to start.

"You lied," he said it as if it meant nothing. So stoic… so serious… so stiff… He seems to be back to his usual self again. Back inside his shell.

And Kaoru was the reason why he went back.

She caused damaged.

She lied… just like what his relatives did to him about his parent's death.

"I-I was about to tell you…" her eyes shimmered in unshed tears, "But you said you don't care."

Aoshi plainly stared at her. He was impassive; his grave face betrayed no emotion.

"I know that you… hate me now…" she muttered, "And you'll never forgive me… But…" she slowly took a couple of steps, her eyes still locked into his. "I'd still want to ask for your forgiveness."

"Why didn't you tell me?" it was very hard to tell what he's feeling right now. He spoke very few words and his face remained emotionless.

"I.. I was scared."

His eyes narrowed, "I trusted you and you broke that trust, Kamiya." His tone was cold. Colder than ice, that's how she would describe it. "What do you want me to do now?" was his deadpan question. Despite of his disappointment, it was very hard to hate her. He knew he couldn't, but he knew he should.

Somehow, that pained Kaoru's heart within. Sincerely she spoke, "I love you, Aoshi."

"Is that a lie too?" Aoshi wanted to just drop the fact that this issue ever happened. He was happy with her. She was his light. She made life so much easier than before. She was a woman filled with vigor, happiness, innocence and love. She was everything he could wish for. He wanted her. But this lie… it was holding him back. His heart wanted him to hold her, forgive her and love her even more. But somehow, the pain of being lied to hindered him from doing so. He was once again betrayed.

"No." she shook her head, taking another hesitant step before continuing, "I never thought this would happen… I swear." Taking one deep breath, she spoke with great difficulty, "My parents may have told you about the punishment… but I want you to hear my side." She didn't get any response from him nor did he shove her away. Perhaps, his silence means he was willing to listen to whatever she was about to say.

"I was punished by my parents because I got this awful habit of spending my money down to the last cent. There's this one time I bet all of my allowance on one of my friend's drag race competition that angered my father so much. He cut-off all of my accounts… all my money and ordered me to leave the house and live on my own. He said I had to learn it the hard way. And so I did. I left the house and started working. But soon I lost my first job and looked for another.

"That's why I ended up in the hospital, taking the available slot. And there I met you… I became your secretary. Eventually, I became your housemaid. When my mother learned about this, she said I should quit the job. Of course, I refused and then we ended up in an argument. The irony is, she was right. I should have refused your offer and find another one…. But I wasn't expecting to exceed professional relationship with you back then… Everything went so well, Aoshi. Not until some things happened and I fell in love with you.

"It complicated everything… I felt obligated to tell you the truth… but found out that I couldn't." A tear escaped her eye and immediately she wiped it a way with the back of her hand. She half-smiled at him and said, "I was afraid that you'd hate me… I never thought my foolishness would come to this. I am… really stupid." She bitterly laughed, lowering her head as she studied the floor with mild interest.

Aoshi didn't know what to say. He knew she was already forgiven but couldn't find the words to say so. He was still mad and upset. But the sight of her crying and trying her best to force a smile hurt him much more than the fact that she didn't tell him the truth. He reached out and wiped the next tear coursing down her cheek. Her eyes widened at the contact but then softened when he stepped closer and enveloped his arms around her.

She melted instantly into his arms. She never wanted him to let go.

He leaned next to her ear and said in the softest whisper, "Go."

A gasp escaped her lips at the simple yet strong word. He… wanted me to… she felt him pull away but still held her in arms length.

"You're parents are waiting for you outside. I'll send your things to your house by tomorrow. For now… just go." And with that, his hands fell from her arms. He stepped away, hating himself for causing more tears to pool on her eyes.

"Do you…" she struggled to speak, her heart constricting painfully inside her chest, "… really want me to?"

"We need some time away from each other… to sort the things we've done wrong."

Kaoru swallowed a lump on her throat and nodded in full understanding. If that's what he wants… so be it. She thought as she took a step forward, stood in tip toes and brushed her lips on his one last time. He didn't move… and neither did she. The simple kiss lasted for eternity, both cherishing the love and warmth of the other.

Aoshi wanted to regret all the things he said and ask her to stay with him forever. But he knew that would be impossible. A scar was already imprinted. And her parents greatly disapprove of him. Staying in a relationship with her would not be viable. It would never work out.

He had to let her go.

The kiss ended and Kaoru pulled away with hesitancy. "I love you…" she said, her eyes brimming with tears before she walked away.

Aoshi kept his eyes closed, waiting until he heard her faint footsteps. Have I done the right thing?

Outside, the moment the door was shut; Kaoru leaned back and cried the remaining tears.

It was finally over.

"You have a lot of explaining to do, young lady." Her father's voice boomed the moment they arrived.

Kaoru was immediately intimidated, lowering her head in shame and guilt. "I know…"

"Who told you to work as a housemaid, Kaoru?" her father demanded in a calm manner though obviously, he was furious.

"Dad… I…"

"And you lived in the same roof with a man for almost half a year without my consent! What would the others think?"

Here they go again… same old reputation shit. "But you told me to—"

"Stop reasoning out and shut your mouth when I'm speaking to you!"

"Takeo…" Mrs. Kamiya eyed her husband as she tried to console her daughter through rubbing her back.

"This is all your fault. You're spoiling her too much!"

"I am her mother. I have every right to give her everything she needs!"

"MOM, DAD ENOUGH!"

Both stood there and stared at her. Clearly, they were shocked at her outburst.

Her hands clenched on her sides, her face reddening out of anger. "Is this the reason why you want me to go home? To see you argue like this? Is that what you want?"

"Your tongue is too sharp for my liking. Is this the way you talk to your parents? Is this what that man taught you to do?"

"Keep Aoshi out of this!" Kaoru snapped back, her eyes still puffed and red from crying.

"Kaoru! Don't talk to your father like that!"

Kaoru knew what she did was very wrong. She sighed and shook her head, "Look, I'm sorry…"

Her mother quickly sympathized and drew her into a warm, comforting hug. Her father on the other tried to calm his nerves, feeling sorry for showing such behavior as well.

"We're just concerned about you, dear." Her mother soothingly whispered, running her fingers through her hair, "Good thing Tachibana-san's daughter was kind enough… or rather, wise enough to tell us about this."

Kaoru pulled away and skeptically stared at her mother, "What did Asako tell you?"

"Shush… never mind that now. All that matters is… you're here with your reputation safe and still intact."

"What?" Kaoru couldn't understand. What did that bitch tell them? What's my reputation got to do with any of this?

As if her father could read her thoughts, he chose this moment to interrupt, "She said she was engaged to that man and that he's using you to get away from the arrangement."

"WHAT?" Kaoru never thought Asako would go that far, "That's not true!"

"We know, sweetheart." Her mother reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "A respectable woman can never do that. We were furious when we heard this… obviously mad that Tachibana's daughter thinks about you that way. We have to keep our family's reputation. And in order to do so, we have to go and get you before matters gets worst."

And then she remembered the look on Aoshi's face when she spoke to him, the way he was slumped on the couch the moment she arrived, Oh, Aoshi… Asako lied to my parents. They misjudged you… Kaoru had never felt more angry! The desire to attack Asako and strangle her was so strong, her hands were itching.

And then it dawned to her Aoshi's words before she left.

"We need some time away from each other… to sort the things we've done wrong."

Aoshi thought he made mistakes too.

Then that meant…

He didn't break up with her because of the punishment alone…

It was because he thought he stained her family's reputation.

All thanks to Tachibana Asako.

That Bitch!

TBC

A/N

WTF Happened?

-Oookay, I know you all might be wondering what happened with ABO's 29 chappies. Er... as you can see ABO now only contains 15 chapters... I asked two of my beta-readers, (Tina & Mandy) to edit each chapters. And the next thing I knew, they only e-mailed me 15 MS doc. It's because they jammed two chapters in one. Urgh! Now I only got 15 chapters for this fic (Ate Tina, lagot ka sa kin! &!). Never fear, dear readers. ABO's still the same... except for some minor changes. Sorry for confusing you guys!

Next Chappie!

-I'm still working on the next chapter since I got to write more in order for it to reach at least 9-10 pages (verdana 7.5). Dammit, Tina! This is all your fault! (Haha!) The next chapter will be the last one, which means I'm gonna end ABO maybe--next week or the week after. I'm so sorry for the delayed updates (including my other stories). Midterms' coming and I HAVE to STUDY. My schedule is very hectic but that doesn't mean I'll abandon my account here in or in other fanfic websites. So please bear with me! Remember, "Patience is a virtue".

Till then, love lots!

-Yukimiya The Beekeeper (Ha! Changed my penname!)