Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, they are owned by whoever created the original storyline. I do however own this story. So no copying! XP

Chapter One

Today was a special day the most wonderful day of Misao Machimaki's life. She finally turned sixteen she now was a woman. This meant so much to her. She was now able to do so many things she always wanted to do. But among all the new things Misao could do, only one stuck out in her mind, "marriage." She would now be able to marry the man of her dreams. She knew that because she was an orphan and that Aoshi Shinomori, her caretaker, would let her choose whom ever she wanted.

She already knew whom she wished to marry. He was very handsome; he had long red hair, a battle scar that made him look mysterious, and although he was not the tallest man she knew, he was taller than her. Even his name was perfect; it just seemed to roll of her tongue every time she said it, "Kenshin Himura." There was only one problem with her dream, that is, he was her twenty-eight-year-old sparring instructor. He was her teacher and she was his student.

On this wonderful day, Misao went to practice early as usual. And just the same, when she arrived, Kenshin gave her his loving smile. Oh, how she loved his smile. She wished she could see his smile all the time.

"Happy birthday Misao," said Kenshin tenderly, "how old are you now? Sixty-one?" Kenshin chuckled at his pathetic attempt at a joke and Misao could not help but laugh at him. Soon the two found out that the other student, Yahiko Myojin, was not going to show up. Yahiko often skipped out on practice and was very carefree. Misao sometimes found Yahiko annoying when he would not show up; however, today Misao was pleased that she had Kenshin all to herself. She could not have asked for a better birthday present, and for this she thanked Kami.

Misao and Kenshin sparred all day, as they always did, and soon it became dark. When Misao noticed how late it had gotten she knew it was time to leave. As much as it pained her to leave she knew that she must or else suffer the wrath of Aoshi's worry.

"I must be on my way," Misao stated, "I don't want to worry Aoshi too much. I also want to thank you again for allowing me to be your student, I do enjoy it."

"I also enjoy it, that I do, Misao, it is a great pleasure, that it is," Kenshin returned as Misao blushed, "I will walk you home, that I will."

"Oh," Misao said, "you don't have to…." Misao did not want Kenshin to go out of his way just for her, even though she would enjoy his company very much on the walk home.

"I know I do not have to, that I do," interrupted Kenshin, "but I want to." Kenshin smiled at Misao and when he saw her weak smile in return he began to worry. He was worried that something was bothering her. He made up his mind that he would figure out what was bothering his little Misao.

They had already begun their journey towards Misao's home. Kenshin occasionally looked Misao's way only to see her deep in thought. He started to think about the day and started remembering little things. He remembered that Misao had seemed to be distracted all day or at least during training. He thought of how there were times when he knew that she could have blocked his attacks but she did not. She was constantly deep in thought. He grew more and more worried as his thoughts carried him away into a variety of nightmares of Misao in trouble.

The two were walking at a slow pace. So slow it seemed like it was talking them forever to reach their destination. The pair was so quiet that the only way one would know they were there was by the shuffling of their feet. No one would ever have guessed know how busy their minds were.

Misao was deep in thought, thinking whether or not she should tell Kenshin how she truly felt about him. She always longed for him but she knew nothing of his feelings towards her. Kenshin was not the type to show his feelings right away; he was always good at hiding his true feelings. The confusion was tearing her up inside.

Little did Misao know that Kenshin felt the same about her. Only it was not until recently that Kenshin started to notice that Misao was not longer a little girl, but indeed had she become a woman. He had first noticed the other day when it had started to rain. Misao had gotten soaked and her clothes had clung to her beautifully shaped body. To Kenshin Misao was as beautiful as a goddess, actually, he thought she was even more beautiful than a goddess. However, Kenshin was finding it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings a secret. But he knew he must because Misao was but sixteen and also one of his students. On top of that he did not think Misao could possibly love him. "For who could love a retired assassin," Kenshin thought, "with so much blood on their hands.

Finally Kenshin got the courage to break the silence, for he had to know what was bothering his beautiful Misao. "Misao," he spoke gently, "I sense that something is bothering you, that I do, if you wish someone to listen, I am here for you, that I am." Kenshin smiled at Misao hoping that she would speak what was on her mind.

Misao had noticed that they were now in front of her home. She had stopped walking only because she heard Kenshin's voice. She wondered if she would have walked right past it if Kenshin had not said anything. She thought about what Kenshin said and her mind started racing as well as her heart. She did not know how to respond. Misao thought about it and decided to speak the truth. She figured that if Kenshin did not love her back that it would be too bad. But she thought it was better to know his feelings than to let this keep eating her up inside.

"Kenshin," Misao had said. She was waiting for a response of some sort because she wanted to make sure that Kenshin was listening. She wanted Kenshin's full attention.

Kenshin looked deep into Misao's eyes and pleaded, "Please tell me what is bothering you."

Misao closed her eyes and took a long deep breath. "I am in love with you," she blurted and she ran inside before she could get a response. She was afraid of what he might say; therefore, Misao did not stick around to find out what it was.