A/N

Well … chapter eight is here! Will there be some Aoshi/Misao moments in this?????? Heh … you will see … Hope you enjoy this! And I am very sorry if this one is long too … it's just that I didn't want to continue anything in this on to a new chapter.

Kitsune Kenshin: HALLOOOOO!!!! Er, excuse that. I'm glad you liked the chapters! I was wondering if I had somehow gone out of touch with this story … oh well. Yes, I quite liked that part about Kaoru being happy too. I included that, hoping that … when they find out about each other (the real reason as to why he's staying with the Kamiya's etc.) it … won't be that difficult for them to get along, if you know what I mean. Well, thanks a lot for your reviews and hope you like this chapter!

Leila Jenkens: Heh! Thanks for the review! And boy am I glad I'm not being hunted down. Just kidding! Hope you like this!

Oniwabanshu: Thank you!! Hmm … yes, there is going to be a tournament, and as to whether Misao will take part in it … we shall see … (technically, she shouldn't though … but u never know …) Thanks again and I hope you like this chapter!

Why?What?Shutup: True, I agree with you … but it won't do to kick the 'bad guy' out of the story at this point in time, will it? If I do, it'll make it easy for Aoshi and Misao to get together. I have to say though, writing these Saito parts are somewhat annoying, since I need to make him sound 'nasty' but not too 'nasty' until the time comes … I hope I made some sense there. Anyways, thanks for your review and I hope you like this!

Chapter Eight: First Outburst

The sun beamed merrily down at the road, oblivious to the events that had taken place fifteen minutes ago. Not being an intelligent life form, when compared to humans, it was not capable of understanding events that took place on the planets it shone down on. But it was able to come to the conclusion that this little blue and green planet … was rather different and lively than the rest.

Kenshin glanced up at the sky, wincing slightly as his eyes focused on the bright orb of the sun and as pain flashed through his eyes. He looked down at once, for a while unable to make out his surroundings. He sweat dropped. Honestly, what did he expect to happen when he glanced at the sun and temporarily blinded himself?

Sighing, he turned to look at the people walking with him. Yahiko and Sano, it was quite simple to describe; as they had the words 'Will kill Saito' on their faces – well, practically. Soujirou was looking ahead of him, the usual smile that could be found on his face having disappeared. Kenshin felt a wave of anger bubble up inside of him. Soujirou had every right to look like that. Saito had no right to bring up the fact that the boy was an orphan …

Walking next to him, his face as 'normal' as ever, was Aoshi. Kenshin sighed as he saw his expressionless face, but smiled almost at once, knowing that it was thanks to Aoshi that Sano hadn't been injured as well. Come to think of it … Aoshi had been there to help Misao out too … He sure had a habit of turning up when things were going to get out of hand.

He frowned. Was that simply a coincidence … or was there a reason? He shook his head. No, Aoshi wasn't the type of person that would do something like that to other people.

"Che …" Kenshin turned to Yahiko, hearing him exclaim. "I would really like to …" He trailed off, sighing.

"Yes, Yahiko, we know," muttered Sano, glancing quickly at Soujirou. "We all feel the same." Sano turned to Aoshi. "Shinomori." Aoshi turned towards him, his face expressionless as always.

" … … …"

"Thanks. I owe you one," said Sano, gruffly. Kenshin smiled. Sano was not used to thanking people he knew almost nothing about. Then again, perhaps this was a good sign. Perhaps they could all welcome Aoshi into their little 'group' of friends, if Aoshi wasn't scared off by their antics already.

" … We are going to see Misao, aren't we?" asked Soujirou, suddenly. Kenshin nodded.

"Yes – if we all can," he said, looking around at Yahiko, Sano and Aoshi.

"Of course we're going to see her," said Yahiko.

"He's right," said Sano. Aoshi said nothing as he stared at Kenshin.

"Aoshi?"

" … I …" Aoshi stopped abruptly. How was he supposed to say that he didn't know her at all and thus there was no reason for him to go and see her, without sounding rude? " … I … should get home …" he said, instead. Kenshin frowned slightly.

"Demo – I'm sure Misao chan will want to thank you," he said. Aoshi shrugged. He knew Kenshin was trying to get him to make friends with the rest of the group … but he wasn't sure whether he wanted to. As it was, trying to help Kaoru out, he had probably made himself an enemy in the form of his cousin … he didn't want anymore of that to happen.

They walked down the road in silence, turning left to the road where Misao and Kaoru lived. Their destination was the 4th house on the left of the lane – the one that was Misao's. As they past Kaoru's house, Aoshi stopped walking, causing the others to stop as well, wondering if something was wrong.

"Is something wrong Aoshi?" asked Kenshin. Aoshi shook his head.

"I … I should go home," he said. Sano frowned.

"But you came this far with us," he said, quite forgetting that Aoshi didn't live as far away as he thought he did. "Why not come and see Misao and then go back home?" Aoshi sighed impatiently. Didn't they understand subtle refusals at all?

"I don't need to go far to go home," he said, noticing how empty the word 'home' sounded to him. It wasn't his real home anyway. "This is my stop." He nodded to the Kamiya residence. There was a moment of silence before anyone said anything again.

"Ah yes, you said that you were staying with Kaoru, weren't you?" asked Yahiko. Aoshi nodded.

"I see …" said Kenshin, smiling, though it felt a little stretched. "That's all the more reason why you should come and see Misao chan. You live so close by, and if we introduce you to Makimachi san, she'll let you see her anytime you want to." Aoshi raised an eyebrow at him.

And why would he want to see Makimachi Misao anytime he wanted to? He didn't even know the girl, except for her name and her appearance.

" … I don't think – " he started, when Kenshin latched his arm through his, smiling, and continued walking the few steps to the gate of the Kashiwazaki residence. He opened his mouth to protest, when he caught sight of the expression on Kenshin's face. The expression that said 'say what you like but you are coming with us, and I won't hear you if you decide to protest.'

Or something like that.

Once again wondering why his life had changed into this … mess, he walked through the gate to the house, wondering why it was the 'Kashiwazaki Residence' as opposed to the 'Makimachi Residence.' They walked up to the front door and stood in front of it. Sano rang the doorbell and stepped away from the door, waiting for it to be answered.

Just as they heard the lock being turned from the other side of the door, Kenshin remembered that they hadn't agreed to not say anything about the practice to Misao. He didn't get the chance to talk to them about it as the front door was opened, revealing a black haired, slim lady. She smiled as her blue eyes landed on Sano.

"Ah … come on in," she said, stepping aside to let them enter. They entered in single file, exchanging greetings with her. She stared at Aoshi as he walked inside, looking somewhat uncomfortable. He nodded politely at her, mumbling his greetings.

"Ah, this is Shinomori Aoshi, Makimachi san," said Kenshin, seeing Mrs. Makimachi's questioning glance. "He's the one that helped Misao when she fell." Aoshi glared at Kenshin. Why did he have to go and say that?

"Aoshi san, I do not know how to thank you," said Mrs. Makimachi, beaming at him. He shook his head.

" … Iie …" he mumbled. Misao's mother smiled at him as she took in his appearance, looking surprised only once, to see something of Kaoru in his face. It wasn't the eyes … it was … something else. Realizing that she was probably making him uncomfortable, she averted her gaze.

"Misao's upstairs," she said. "You know her room, don't you, Soujirou?" Soujirou nodded, managing a weak smile at her. They began to walk towards the staircase when she stopped them. "Didn't you have athletics practice today?" she asked. They stopped walking, smiling nervously.

"Er … no …" said Yahiko, hurriedly. "The – er … Hiko sensei couldn't come …"

"Yeah … and – and Kenshin decided to call the practice off …" added Sano.

"Oro?" A kick from Sano and Yahiko shut him up. Aoshi shook his head. Why him? Mrs. Makimachi raised her eyebrows at their behaviour, shaking her head. Boys will be boys, she thought, fondly.

"I won't keep you then," she said, closing the front door and walking into the kitchen. The four boys walked up the stairs, following Soujirou down the corridor towards the room on the left.

The door to the room was opened – that they all saw before the reached it. Soujirou, in the lead, stopped walking, causing a few people to bump into each other.

"What?" asked Sano, annoyed as pain shot through his back.

"What if she's … you know …" said Soujirou, stammering.

"What if she's what?" asked Yahiko, impatiently.

"What if she's … changing?"

"Soujirou, do you really think that she'll change with her door WIDE OPEN?" asked Sano. Soujirou flushed.

"No, but I don't think she's in a position to get up and walk and close her door, do you?" he asked. Aoshi stared at the wooden floor, wondering if they were going to spend the whole afternoon arguing – in the corridor – or whether they were going to actually go inside.

Not that he wanted to go inside, he thought hurriedly.

"Soujirou, if you're not going to MOVE I will MOVE you," threatened Yahiko, impatient with his friend. Sighing, Soujirou walked up to the door and peeked inside. What he saw made him smile and walk straight into the room. Aoshi wondered whether they always walked into other peoples rooms uninvited. He nonetheless followed Kenshin inside.

The room, he noticed immediately, was a mess. The floor was littered with a few sheets of paper, a slipper, a pair of socks, a ruler and eraser and some other items he did not identify. To the left was a wooden table, looking equally cluttered, and with a pile of books teetering dangerously, placed on it. There were posters of 'people' he recognized as being characters of certain cartoons pasted on the light blue walls. He shook his head. Did this girl live in the real world, or in a world full of made-up cartoon characters?

Her wardrobe had photographs of people pasted on its doors. He was sure that the people were her friends and family – a non cartoon thing, for a change. Turning his attention to the bed, his eyes softened.

Lying down on the bed, with the covers thrown off and an almost angelic look on her face, was Makimachi Misao. She was sleeping, dressed in a pair of black shorts and a light blue t-shirt. Soujirou walked up to her bed and knelt down on her side. Her right leg had a cast on the knee, and there was a tightly wrapped bandage on her right ankle, where she had sprained it. The whole leg was supported by pillows, to make her more comfortable.

"We shouldn't wake her up … should we?" asked Sano, smiling. Kenshin shook his head.

"I don't think we should," he said.

"But we won't be able to talk to her then," protested Yahiko.

"Generally, Yahiko chan, when a person is sleeping, you don't have hour long conversations with them," said Sano, grinning. Yahiko glared at him.

"I know that, rooster head," he said. Aoshi made a mental note to go back home and write down all the 'names' he had come across at school so far. Honestly, you'd think they were a bunch of animals or something. Misao opened her eyes hurriedly, hearing the voices. Aoshi watched as she focused her eyes on the boys by her bed and as a beam found itself on her face.

"Minna!" she said. That caught everyone's attention.

"Misao!"

"How are you?"

"You're not in pain are you?"

"We're sorry we woke you up, Misao …" She smiled.

"Yes, great, not really, that's okay," she said, answering the questions. Kenshin smiled

"Heh … and I thought my room was bad," said Sano, grinning as he looked around her room. Soujirou smiled. Misao's room had been like this since … since he had got to know her – and that was around seven years ago, when she had found him talking to himself before the assembly his class was giving. She had asked him if his parents were coming to see the assembly – he had got himself a main role – and he had said that they were unable to come, even if they wanted to. Even at that age, Misao had been overly cheerful, and had managed to help him break the wall of detachment that he had unconsciously built around him, after … his parents …

His smile disappeared as he remembered Saito's words.

"I can go right now and complain to your parents … and cause you to get a week's suspension – with their permission … But then again … I don't make it a habit to associate with corpses in the cemetery."

Misao, on the other hand, was completely oblivious to Soujirou's behaviour. Her eyes had just landed on the tall figure standing beside Kenshin, looking at her. Her mind screamed out a warning; 'Warning: blush forming across cheeks' as the events of the previous day came back to her mind. She smiled weakly at him, hoping that her blush wasn't visible.

Aoshi, observing the girl sitting up on the bed saw her gaze turn on him, her blue eyes meeting his ice blue ones. He saw her bow her head slightly – though not before he caught sight of the tinge of red spreading across her cheeks.

He frowned. What was that for?

Kenshin, noticing him staring, turned to Misao and smiled as he turned back to him.

"Aoshi – come over here," he said. "Misao doesn't bite – I assure you." Misao glared at him as Sano and Yahiko started laughing. Aoshi moved slowly towards Kenshin – closer to her bed.

All of a sudden, Misao was suddenly aware that the bed sheet wasn't over her legs – she had kicked it off before she had fallen asleep. She closed her eyes, moving her hand towards the hem of her black shorts. She suddenly felt … somewhat … self-conscious.

" – isao?" She looked up, hearing Sano calling her.

"Hai?" she asked.

"I was asking if you were going to thank Shinomori," said Sano. Misao stared blankly at him. "For helping you yesterday …"

"Oh … er … yes …" she stammered, uneasily. She turned toward Aoshi, her mind screaming out warnings at her. "Er … thanks … I – er … yeah … I mean … thanks for helping – " she stopped, realizing that Soujirou, Sano, Yahiko and Kenshin were staring at her. "W – what?"

"Wouldn't it have been easier to say 'thanks for helping me yesterday' instead of saying all of that?" asked Yahiko. Misao flushed.

"Er … yes …" she said, scowling as Yahiko chuckled. "Oh shut up." She sighed. "Besides, I'm sure that – Aoshi san got what I was trying to say." Aoshi nodded.

" … It was nothing …" he said, quietly. Misao desperately looked around her room in hopes of finding something to talk about – to prevent her from staring at the good-looking boy standing by her be –

Whoa! HOLD IT!!! What was that? GOOD-LOOKING boy?

Misao shook her head inwardly, fighting the urge to scream out loud that she was going mad. What was she thinking? And what was with that feeling she had in her stomach … a feeling that made her feel squeamish?

Aoshi stood amidst the silence in the room, wondering why they weren't talking – not that he minded. His eyes fell on Misao again – this time making him wonder why. He saw her look around before she stared at her lap. Strands of hair fell into her blue eyes, causing her to blink, trying to get them out of her eyes. Her mouth, he saw, was curved downward, in a small, but rather winning pout.

He pressed the 'STOP' button on his mind. Since when did pouts look winning?

He saw Misao move her hand to the cast on her knee, and his eyes moved with her hand. The cast was pristine white against her skin. He couldn't help but notice that the black short she was wearing came to an end halfway down her thighs.

Needless to say, he was extremely glad when Kenshin broke the silence.

"Misao, are those pictures from last year?" he asked. Misao looked up, startled.

"Huh? Oh … those, yeah," she said, nodding at her wardrobe.

"Do you mind if I go and see them?" asked Kenshin. Misao rolled her eyes.

"You don't need to ask, baka!" she said. Grinning sheepishly, he walked over to them.

"Hmm … I wouldn't mind being in your position, weasel girl," said Sano, suddenly. Misao glared at him, before looking surprised.

"What, and be stuck in bed and even needing someone to help you to the bathroom?" she asked.

"Well, yes, that is a negative point," agreed Sano. "But look at it this way; you get to miss school, get people to practically wait on you, and all in all, get to lead a good life for a couple of days."

"Yeah, and you can ask for whatever you want – and people would give it to you, feeling sympathetic and hoping you'd recover soon," added Yahiko. Misao grinned as an idea popped into her head.

"Okay then … Sano, admit your feelings for Megumi, and Kenshin should admit his feelings for Kaoru," she said, looking immediately at Kenshin to see his reaction. She was only met with Kenshin's back – he was looking at the pictures. She sighed. So much for hoping to get something out of him. Aoshi raised his eyebrows. Himura Kenshin … liked Kaoru?

"WATCH who you're talking about, Misao," growled Sano, turning red. "I don't like foxes." Aoshi had given up on the 'animal' thing by now.

"Hai, hai," said Misao, grinning. Yahiko laughed at the surprised look on Aoshi's face.

"Don't worry Aoshi," he said. "Sano really does like Megumi … and Kenshin – " Here Yahiko sighed. " – Kenshin doesn't like Kaoru, much to her dismay …" Misao saw Aoshi's eyebrows go back down, and smiled. She hadn't meant to give him the wrong idea. "Do you, Kenshin?" Kenshin tore his gaze away from a picture of Misao and Kaoru smiling, their arms around each other.

"Oro???"

"I give up …" said Yahiko, sighing. Misao, glancing at her clock, saw that it was now 3:30 p.m. Her eyebrows shot up on her head.

"Hey!" she said, suddenly.

"Nani, Misao?" asked Soujirou, as everyone turned to look at her.

"Did you move your leg?"

"Shall I call your mother?"

"Do you need anything?" Misao shook her head for all the questions. Honestly, did they think she was that weak?

"Why – why aren't you guys at athletics practice?" she asked. There was a short silence as the four boys exchanged glances (Aoshi excluded). Misao didn't miss the pointed looks they gave each other, nor did she miss Aoshi shaking his head. She frowned. "Did something happen?"

"What makes you say that, Misao?" asked Yahiko, smiling brightly.

"Yeah! Everything's fine – better than before," said Sano, nodding vigourously and wincing as pain shot through his back, reminding him that everything wasn't fine. Misao didn't believe them for a second. She turned to Soujirou, who was suddenly fascinated by the wooden floor boards.

"Soujirou? What happened?" she asked, looking at him.

"Happened? Nothing much …" he said, not looking at her. Misao frowned again.

"Sou, please, tell me what happened," she said, pleadingly. Soujirou smiled.

"Er – there wasn't a practice today …" he said.

"What? That – that guy actually cancelled practice?" asked Misao, very surprised.

"Yes, he did," said Soujirou, smiling, although he looked at the wall as he spoke, not being able to meet Misao's eyes and lie to her.

"He did?" asked Yahiko, looking at him. The glare Soujirou sent him made him quiver, just as the kick Sano gave him made him muffle a loud curse. Misao smiled slightly. When they were together as a group, they couldn't lie to save their lives – someone always gave them away.

"Come on guys, what really happened?" she asked.

"Er … practice was cancelled … because Hiko sensei wasn't there …" said Kenshin, smiling. Misao frowned yet again. Something wasn't right. She couldn't place her finger on it but – aha!

"That can't be," she said. "Kaoru and Megumi were here before and they said that they hoped you guys were going for practice …" She glared at them. "You're hiding something from me! WHAT is IT???" No one answered her, choosing to look at random items in the room, rendering her unable to meet their eyes.

Aoshi, being quite new to them, didn't avert his eyes soon enough. Misao caught his eyes, and, strange though she felt, she didn't turn away.

"Aoshi san … please tell me what happened during practice today …" she said. Aoshi said nothing.

" … … …" What was he supposed to say anyway?

"Aoshi san … please???" begged Misao, turning her puppy dog eyes on him. He scowled. What was it with people making him do and say things he usually wouldn't today?

" … It was cancelled …" he said. "Himura san cancelled it." Misao turned toward Kenshin, flashing a bright smile in Aoshi's direction.

"Kenshin?" she asked, sweetly. Kenshin gulped.

"Ano … er – yes – I … I did cancel it …" he said, sweating. "And … er … that's it. Nothing else happened. Sano's fine and Soujirou's not upset about what he said so –" Kenshin could have killed himself. As it was, he was sure that Sano, Yahiko and Soujirou were going to do him the favour the moment they stepped out of the house.

"Aha! So something happened to Sano and Soujirou!" said Misao, triumphantly turning to Soujirou and Sano. "What happened Sou?" Soujirou said nothing. Not that he didn't want to tell her – he just didn't feel like repeating it …

One look at his face told Misao that it was something bad. She turned to Sano. He sighed.

"You know what he always does," he said. "Makes life a living hell for us." Misao frowned.

"Sano – " It was at that moment that Mrs. Makimachi walked in. She smiled at everyone.

"Ano … forgive me if I'm interrupting anything … but it's time for me to change the bandage on her ankle … and make her take these tablets …" she said. Kenshin nodded hurriedly.

"Hai. We'll go now," he said.

"No! Wait!" called Misao. "Please?" Kenshin smiled at her. She must really be feeling lonely … and bored. Then again, being stuck in bed all the time could do that to people.

"We'll come back tomorrow, Misao," he said.

"Yeah," said Sano. "Don't worry; you'll see my handsome face tomorrow." Misao glared at him as her mother laughed.

"Demo – "

"I'll try and come by later, Misao," said Soujirou, squeezing her hand. "Daijobu … I'm sure that Kaoru will be here soon too …" Misao nodded slowly.

"Fine," she grumbled.

"See ya, Misao," said Yahiko, waving at her. Misao nodded at him.

"Get better soon!" said Sano.

"Hai …"

"Don't worry about us, okay?" asked Kenshin. Misao nodded again, somewhat grumpily.

" … Rest well …" said Aoshi, seeing everyone turning expectantly towards him. Misao nodded, flushing.

"I will …" she said. They walked out of her room and down the stairs. Misao let out a deep breath once they left, though she still stared at the spot a certain person had been standing in. Her mother looked quizzically at her.

"Misao? Are you okay?" she asked. Misao nodded, smiling.

"Hai," she said, wincing at that moment as her mother started taking off the tight bandage on her ankle.

" … Shinomori Aoshi … is he related to Kaoru?" Misao looked at her mother, startled.

"Er n – no … why do you ask?" she asked. Her mother shook her head.

"Oh, it's nothing … they just … look somewhat alike …" she said. Misao shook her head fervently. He did not look like her! He was more interesting and attracti – She buried her face in her hands. "Misao?" asked her mother, worried at her daughter's sudden behaviour.

"It's nothing Kachan," she said, her voice muffled by her hands. Her mother continued to un-wrap the bandage, wondering what on earth was wrong with her daughter.

Aoshi stopped by the fence that separated the two properties. It was time for him to go.

"We'll see you in school tomorrow, Aoshi," said Kenshin, smiling at him. Aoshi nodded.

"Hnn."

"And thanks again," said Sano.

"Hnnn." Nodding at them, he jumped over the fence, and walked to the front door, ringing the doorbell. The others stood where they were, watching as the door was opened by Mrs. Kamiya.

"Aoshi! Why are you ringing the bell? You live here. You don't need to do that," they heard Mrs. Kamiya say, before Aoshi walked in and the door was closed behind them.

Kenshin stared at the door, questions forming in his head. Kaoru had said something about Aoshi being the son of Mrs. Kamiya's best friend … and he knew that Aoshi was decent … but …

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard snickering from next to him. He turned around. "Oro??"

"Oh, listen to him," teased Yahiko. "Oro?" Kenshin was utterly confused as to why Yahiko said 'oro.'

"Eeto …" he started, when Sano leaned on Soujirou for support – snickering. "What?"

"Awww … ain't that cute? Kenshin's jealous," said Sano. Kenshin's eyes widened.

"J – Jealous? Of who? Why?" he asked. Soujirou smothered a chuckle.

"They're trying to say that you're jealous of Aoshi san," he said.

"ORO??? Why?"

"Because he lives in the same house as Kaoru, baka!" guffawed Yahiko. Kenshin turned super deformed.

"Now now … let's not start spreading false rumours – " he started.

"Imagine … he could even be staying in the room next to hers …" said Sano, a teasing glint in his eyes.

" – Aoshi's not like – "

"Next to hers? Imagine … them sharing a room …" said Yahiko, catching on to what Sano was trying to do. Soujirou smiled as he saw Kenshin turn red.

" – that, he's a nice person so we shouldn't – "

"Forget that," said Sano, trying not to burst out laughing. "Picture this: same b – "

" – THAT'S enough, thank you," said Kenshin, interrupting him before he could finish his sentence. His face was red as he looked at his friends. "Why don't we just go home?" Soujirou nodded. He was feeling rather tired.

"Hai," he said, following Kenshin as he walked away hurriedly. Snickering, Sano and Yahiko followed them. They had got a response from Kenshin about Kaoru … the only problem was … they couldn't decipher what it meant.

A few hours later:

Kaoru looked up from her desk and glanced at her clock. It was 6:33 pm. She closed the book she was reading. Aoshi must have come back from athletics now … She took a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever he would tell her. She just hoped that nothing bad had happened. Opening her door and looking out, she saw Aoshi's door was shut.

Was he back?

She shrugged. She'd knock on the door and see. That was what she did. A minute later, the door was opened. Kaoru smiled.

"Aoshi san, am I – " she stopped in mid-sentence as she took in his appearance. He was dressed in a very fitting, black t-shirt – and shorts, of course – but the t-shirt caught her eye. She gulped. " – er … am I disturbing you?" she asked, finally. Aoshi shook his head, sending droplets of water around him, as a result of his wet hair.

" … No …" he said. Kaoru looked relieved. She stared at her feet for a second before looking up at him again.

"Er … can I … can I come inside?" The moment the question exited her mouth, she closed her eyes. That was not what she had intended to ask. She coloured. That had sounded bad. "I – I meant … it's more comfortable sitting down … or something than standing here in the corridor – though I don't mind – "

Aoshi sighed, shaking his head and moving away from the door. Kaoru watched as he sat down on his bed. He glanced at her. " … You wanted to come inside …?" She hastily moved inside the room, standing uncomfortable by the door. Aoshi sighed again, before nodding at the chair next to his table. Kaoru sat down on it hurriedly, noting that his room was rather … dull. There were no posters or anything … just the furniture, the clothes, the school bag … and him. Plus there was the fact that the only light in the room was coming from the lamp beside his bed. She guessed he must have been sleeping …

"Er … did you go for athletics practice?" she asked, shaking her head. Aoshi let out a long breath.

" … Yes … I did …" he said.

"Did – did anything happen?" asked Kaoru, biting her lip.

" … We were sent home at 2:15 …" he said. Kaoru's eyes widened.

"What? Why? I didn't know you were back!" she said.

"They took me to see … Makimachi san …" he said, slowly. Kaoru smiled.

"Ah, Kenshin and the others …" she said. Her smile disappeared. "Why were you sent home?" Aoshi sighed. Was this twenty questions or something?

"There was a small problem … and the fact that Seta Soujirou doesn't have parents was brought up …" he said. Kaoru looked horrified.

"What?" She stared incredulously at him. "Don't tell me – he did that …"

"If you mean Saito, yes, he did," said Aoshi, wondering if now was a good time to say that he was related to him.

"What did Soujirou say? Ooohh, I'd like to get my hands on him." He decided that it wasn't a good time to say that he was related to him.

"Nothing much …" he said, praying that he would be left alone after this. "He told – Sagara san that he could take a week off, and told Myoujin san that he could take everyday off …"

"In other words, he subtly dismissed them from the team," said Kaoru, understanding. Aoshi nodded. "Did – did he say anything to Kenshin?" Aoshi, looking up, saw the worried expression on her face, and remembered what Yahiko had said earlier. He shook his head.

"No." Kaoru sighed in relief.

At the same time:

Mr. Kamiya walked up the stairs, having looked everywhere downstairs for his daughter. He hoped she was in her room – he didn't have the energy to look anywhere else for her. He was looking for her to find out how Misao was doing. He was certain that she had gone to see her and wanted to know if she was alright.

As he walked to her room, one glance inside through the opened doorway told him that she wasn't there either. Thinking she was probably in the bathroom, he turned around, when he caught sight of the opened door of the boy's room. He frowned. He didn't like that boy … nor did he like that fact that he was staying in their house, with his daughter. You couldn't trust teenage boys these days.

That plus the fact that there was something unsettling about him and Kaoru looking … somewhat similar … not to mention the attention the kid got from his wife. He was staring to wonder if she … He shook his head. No, Kaeri wouldn't have …

He was about to walk away, when he heard the sound of a male voice. He frowned. Was he talking to himself? Moving forward so that he was standing closer to the door, his eyes narrowed slightly. The room was completely dark except for the dim light coming from the lamp on a bedside table.

The boy was seated on the bed … facing – his face turned purple – facing his daughter who was seated on a chair … His eyes turned into slits in his face when he saw him bend forward and –

TRY TO TOUCH HIS DAUGHTER'S LEG?????

Kaoru smiled at Aoshi, whose face she couldn't see very well. She had completely changed her mind about him. He was different from what she had thought he was like.

"Arigato, Aoshi san," she said, again, meaning it. Aoshi ran a hand through his wet hair.

" … Is your offer still available?" he asked, slowly. Kaoru looked a little alarmed at him.

"O – Offer?"

" … To get those girls to stop following me around?" Kaoru flushed. She hadn't thought that he'd really accept it. Hell, she didn't know how she was going to get them to stop following him.

"Eeto – I … er … I didn't – I mean – " Aoshi shook his head, positive that she would be flushing.

"I wasn't being serious," he said. Kaoru smiled, stretching her legs.

"I … could try if you'd – " She stopped, wincing as her foot hit something sharp. "Ouch …" Aoshi looked at her.

" … Sorry?"

"Oh, nothing – something just pricked my foot …" said Kaoru, fumbling to see what it was. She winced as her hand was pricked by something sharp. "What is this?"

" … Must be a pin or something …" said Aoshi, bending down and leaning forward slightly, his arm stretched out to see whatever it was that was pricking her. " … Are you wearing slippers?"

"No I didn't – " Kaoru was cut off when the light in the room was suddenly switched on. She blinked, unused to it, though she saw Aoshi sit up straight and turn to the door. His face paled slightly as he saw who it was.

"I knewit! I knew it!" exclaimed Mr. Kamiya, trembling in anger. "I knew that I couldn't trust you! How DARE you! What did you do to my daughter???" Kaoru's eyes widened.

"O – Otosan – he – he didn't – "

"Don't worry Kaoru, I won't let him get away with whatever he did to you," said her father.

"Demo Otosan – " Mr. Kamiya strode up to Aoshi and glared at him.

"WHAT did you DO to my DAUGHTER? Or rather, what did you TRY to do to my DAUGHTER???"

" … Nothing – "

"You expect ME to BELIEVE YOU?" Aoshi swallowed down the reply he had been about to give. He had to be careful with whatever he said – he didn't think his Aunt and Uncle would welcome him to their house on such short notice.

" … I didn't do anything to Kaoru san, Sir …" he said at last, feeling that 'Sir' sounded better than 'Kamiya san' at this moment. The look Mr. Kamiya was giving him was frightening. It was a look of pure hatred. Kaoru stood up hurriedly, sensing the approaching danger, and trying to calm her father down. She stepped hard on the hard thing and winced slightly. Aoshi noticed it and looked hurriedly at the ground when she lifted her foot up. He saw a pin lying on the ground.

So it was that that had pricked he –

"Otosan, please calm down," said Kaoru, as calmly as she could, ignoring her leg. Her father didn't turn away from Aoshi. "Aoshi san didn't – "

"So its Kaoru san now, is it?" asked Mr. Kamiya, glaring at her.

"Otosan – "

"What's going on here? Why are you talking so loud?" asked Mrs. Kamiya, walking up to them. She saw Aoshi and Kaoru and smiled at them. "Dinner will be ready in a few – "

"Dinner? Dinner? Do you know what he tried to do to Kaoru?" asked her husband, whirling around to face her. Kamiya Kaeri stared at her husband, startled, before looking at Aoshi and Kaoru.

" … W – What did he try to do?" she asked.

"He was – he was trying to TOUCH HER LEG!!!" Mrs. Kamiya's eyes widened as she turned back to Aoshi. Although he was looking as emotionless as always, she could that his ice blue eyes were narrowed – and were glinting. Looking at her daughter was enough to tell her that there was some misunderstanding.

"How … how can you be so sure?" she asked, at last.

"I SAW HIM for god's sake Kaeri!" snapped Mr. Kamiya.

"Kaoru – "

"Okasan, Aoshi san didn't try to do anything of the sort!" said Kaoru. "We were talking when something pricked me on my foot and he was trying to check what it was when Otosan walked in!" As proof, Kaoru picked up the pin and showed it to her parents, wondering if she should lift her leg and show them where she pricked it.

Mrs. Kamiya glanced at Aoshi. She could tell he was getting angry … She shivered slightly as she saw his glinting eyes. She had seen them narrowed like that only once in her life so far … and they had been someone else's eyes.

Shinomori Shinji had looked at her father like that when he had said that he was corrupting his innocent daughter, and that he would rather die than see her getting married to him.

"I agree with Kaoru, Hisashi," she said, snapping out of her thoughts and looking at her husband. The glare he sent her way was rather frightening, but she chose to ignore it. "I don't think Aoshi is the type of person to do something like that."

"Then explain to me why KAORU was in HIS room!!!"

"Because I asked him if I could come in!" exclaimed Kaoru, exasperated with her father. "It was better than talking about school in the CORRIDOR. If you had seen that, you might have said Aoshi san was trying to seduce me to come inside his room!" She took a deep breath, well aware of the look of surprise on her father's face. "Honestly Otosan, if Aoshi san was trying to touch my leg or do anything to me, do you think he would have done that with the door wide open? And do you think I would have let him??"

Mrs. Kamiya raised her eyebrows as she listened to her daughter's outburst. Aoshi, as usual, was expressionless, though he looked a little startled too. Mr. Kamiya, on the other hand, was taken aback at Kaoru's yelling. He glared at Aoshi, before turning to his wife.

"We never fought with each other like this. This is your entire fault. This family was better off without this – this 'son' of your 'best friend' Kaeri," he said, glaring at Mrs. Kamiya.

" – Let's discuss this somewhere else Hisa – "

"The boy has to go Kaeri." Aoshi, Kaoru and Mrs. Kamiya stared at him.

"W – What?"

"I never liked him being here. He – as you already saw – is a bad influence on Kaoru. I don't want my daughter getting caught up in anything bad. He has to go. Who was his father to you anyway? Why are you SO CONCERNED about the BOY'S WELFARE, and not those of mine or Kaoru's?" Kaoru opened her mouth angrily to say something when her mother shook her head.

"Hisashi, let's talk about this somewhere els – "

"So you said that his father died, what about his mother? Why can't he stay with his mother?" Mrs. Kamiya paled slightly. Kaoru's eyes widened as she turned to Aoshi. His … father was dead? "Or wait, did his mother abandon him? I must admit, I wouldn't be surprised to find out that that's the real reason as to why he's here …"

Mrs. Kamiya felt her head whirling. How ironic … if only her husband knew who had done the abandoning …

"Hisashi – please, can't you – "

"And Kaoru, I FORBID you from speaking with him," said Mr. Kamiya. "You're my only child, and as a father, I only want what's best for you. I don't want you getting into trouble by hanging around with him."

"Otosan – "

"This is my final word. The boy has to go." With that, Mr. Kamiya whirled around and walked away. Mrs. Kamiya stared after him for a moment before turning to Aoshi and Kaoru.

"I don't believe him …" whispered Kaoru, loud enough for them to hear, before running out of the room, and down the stairs. Her father had never shouted like that … and … and knowing that Aoshi san's father was dead … he still …

"Kaoru – " She stopped. It was no use. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Aoshi. He was still standing where he was, his eyes still the same. "A – Aoshi – "

"Why are you forcing me to stay where I'm not welcome?" asked Aoshi, his voice as cold as ice.

"You're – you are wel – "

"This is the second time, Kamiya san," interrupted Aoshi.

"Aoshi, that's just Hisashi's way of – "

" … Why can't I stay with my Aunt and Uncle? Why do I have to stay here, with strangers?" The last nine words icily pierced Mrs. Kamiya's heart. Her eyes widened, the words echoing in her mind. She was unable to stop the tears from forming in her blue eyes as she stared at Aoshi. She started to move forward, her arm outstretched. Aoshi stood where he was.

"I – you … we're … we're not strangers …" she whispered, her voice trembling. "I am not a stranger …"

" … … …" Aoshi sat back down on the bed with his back to her, ignoring her completely. Mrs. Kamiya dropped her hand, as two tears flowed down her cheeks. Why? Why couldn't she just tell him the truth? Why couldn't she just tell him who he was? Who he was to her?

She turned around and walked away, heading downstairs, her hand clapped over her mouth.

At the same time:

Mrs. Makimachi walked back into the dining room, a worried expression on her face. Seeing her, Okina immediately knew something was wrong.

"What is it?" he asked. She shook her head, smiling weakly at her father.

"N-nothing …" she said, sitting down opposite him. She had just answered the door – and saw Kaoru standing on the doorstep, looking like she was ready to burst into tears. She had choked out a question – whether she could see Misao – and when she was given permission, she had run inside.

She wondered if something had happened …

Misao rubbed her eyes wearily as she felt them start to close. She cursed the painkillers she was being forced to take. True, they didn't make her throw up like before, but they made her so sleepy … and she was sure that they were what influenced her thoughts about a certain 18 year old male.

Stifling a yawn, she was about to shift her position and lie down on the bed, when a figure appeared at her doorway. She smiled, recognizing her at once.

"Kaoru! You – " her voice trailed off as she saw her friend tremble. "Kaoru are you okay?" She stared as Kaoru sank to her knees and buried her face in her hands. She stared in horror at her friend, as she shook with sobs. "Kaoru! Oy! Kaoru! What's wrong! Tell me! Kaoru!" she called, fear rising up inside of her.

"O – Otosa – n …" sobbed Kaoru. "H – He sh – " She trailed off, crying. Misao sat up straight, wincing as pain shot through her knee. She cursed her leg again. If only she had been able to go to Kaoru.

"What did Mr. Kamiya do, Kaoru?" she asked, hissing softly as pain rose in her leg. Kaoru continued sobbing. Misao felt beads of sweat trickle down her back as she furrowed her brows, worried.

"A – Aoshi san – and … O – Okasan … a – and … they – he – " she broke off again.

"Dammit Kaoru, what happened at your place?" asked Misao, her worry causing her to get angry. Kaoru's trembling increased as she raised her voice. Misao glared at her immobile leg, before making up her mind. She edged to the corner of the bed, biting hard on her lip as pain swam through her knee and ankle. Refusing to stop when Kaoru needed her, she managed to her left leg (the uninjured one) on the ground. Slipping the other leg off the bed as well, she hissed again as unbearable pain shot through her leg.

Drawing blood from her lip, she put her weight on her left leg, and, using the bed as support, tried to move forward, without bending her right leg at the knee. It succeeded until she took around two steps … and lost her balance.

Mrs. Kamiya wiped her eyes on her apron and glanced at the clock. It was 7:12. Kaoru still hadn't returned – and she was sure she was at Misao's house. Taking a deep breath, she walked up the stairs, wondering if what she was doing was right. She stopped outside Aoshi's room. The door was still opened, and Aoshi was still seated with his back to her.

"Aoshi …" she said, her voice hoarse. "You … don't need to … but can you please do me a favour?" She got no reply and chose to finish what she was about to say. " … Kaoru's at Misao's house now. Can you please go and call her for dinner? I … don't think she'll come if I go … and – " she stopped. " – Please Aoshi … call her …"

With a last glance at him, she walked away, heading towards her room, and preparing herself to face him.

Meanwhile:

Misao lashed her arms out, trying to grab hold of something that would save her. As she did so, she accidentally put weight on her right leg. The pain searing through her ankle, to her knee, and through to her thigh was sheer torture. Losing her balance, she fell to the ground – on her side, her left side, thankfully. She closed her eyes, fighting the urge to scream in pain. Kaoru was still crying, oblivious to her predicament.

She was very worried now. What could have happened to make her so upset? Darn it … if only she could MOVE!!! Kaoru needed her support now, and she couldn't give it to her.

DING DONG

Mrs. Makimachi opened the door again, this time to see a boy standing on her doorstep. She recognized him at once.

"Aoshi san …" she said. He nodded at her, his face impassive, and his eyes cold. Questions were running through her head at lightning speed.

" … Is … Kaoru san here?" he asked. Mrs. Makimachi nodded.

"H – Hai …" she said, wondering if there was a connection between Kaoru's awful mood, and him. "She's – with Misao …" she said, trying to smile. "You know her room don't you? Go on ahead …" Aoshi hesitated. He didn't want her to say anything about him and Misao like Mr. Kamiya had … "Go ahead, it's alright …" said Mrs. Makimachi, smiling at him.

Nodding, he walked towards the stairs, leaving a very confused lady behind.

The first thing he saw when he stopped at Misao's door was Kaoru, kneeling down and crying. His icy eyes lost a bit of their glint. Glancing at the bed, he saw, to his surprise, that it was empt –

His eyes widened in horror as he saw the figure sprawled on the ground, clutching her knee. She was whimpering in pain. He moved carefully past Kaoru and rushed to her side. Misao's eyes were closed, and he could see a tear trickling from the corner of her right eye. He knelt down beside her.

" … Misao san?" He got no answer. "Misao?" he repeated, placing his hand on her shoulder. Her eyes opened at once, brimming with tears of pain.

"I – It hurts …" she whimpered. Aoshi nodded. It had to hurt. What had she been thinking? Had she fallen off the bed? He sighed. He had to move her.

" … This will hurt," he said, turning her so that she was lying on her back – like what he had done the previous day. Slipping an arm underneath her back – to support it – he held her close to him with the other. Taking a deep breath, he started getting up. It wasn't Misao's weight that was a problem – she was rather light. It was the fact that he was trying to get up, without supporting himself, and trying not to move her right leg.

" – K – Kaoru – I have to – what's wrong – " gasped Misao, wondering if the painkillers were wearing off. Aoshi stared at her. She had tried to get to Kaoru? In her state, with her injured leg? Aoshi turned to Kaoru. She was wiping her eyes, slightly dazed. He sighed. He'd deal with her later. Right now, Misao was his main concern.

Kaoru looked up, and gasped as she saw Misao on the ground, with Aoshi trying to get her back on the bed. She stood up hurriedly and rushed towards them.

"Misao chan! Oh my god … I'm – I'm so sorry! I didn't – Misao! Why did you try to do that?" she wailed, feeling like kicking herself. Misao said nothing, as she took in deep breaths of air.

Getting up with Misao in his arms, Aoshi moved the few steps towards her bed and placed her down on it as gently as he could. She writhed slightly as pain seared through her leg again. Once she was safely in bed, he slipped his left arm out from under her back. She breathed heavily, perspiring. Aoshi watched her, somewhat worried.

After a few minutes, her breathing went back to its normal rate. Kaoru, chewing on a finger nail, tugged at Aoshi's elbow. "I'll … I'll get Makimachi san," she said, turning around and running out of the room. Aoshi turned back to Misao.

Misao opened her eyes, wincing as the throbbing started in her knee again. What happe –

"Kaoru!" She struggled to sit up, looking for her friend. A pair of strong arms started pushing her back down gently. She struggled against them. "No – Kaoru – she was crying – "

" … She's okay …" said Aoshi, quietly. Misao shook her head. Why didn't her mother und – Hang on … her mother's voice didn't sound like a male's. She took her first proper look at the person standing next to her bed.

And wondered if the people up in the sky had a twisted sense of humour.

She flushed as she saw the startling eyes look into hers … and the look of worry (was it worry?) on his face. Despite the pain in her leg, she couldn't help but notice his wet hair and … she gulped. That t-shirt shouldn't be … allowed. Something that tight and defining –

She allowed him to push her back down, her mind screaming at her all the time. She winced slightly as she unconsciously moved her leg again. Aoshi saw her wince and frowned. He only hoped that she had done any more damage to her leg by pulling that silly stunt. True, she had to have a strong will to force herself to get off the bed with such injuries, but what was she thinking?

Glancing at her face again, he saw her cheeks tinged pale red. He wondered if she was getting a fever or something … Her own black bangs were plastered to her face, and her hair was splayed around her pillow. From the stiff way she was resting, he could tell that she was hurting, but wasn't about to admit it.

Why she was hiding her pain, he didn't know. It wasn't as though anyone would laugh if she showed her pain. It was natural to cry out or wince if someone was in pain …

… Then why did he hide his own pain? If it was only natural to cry out or wince … why did he hide his emotional pain? Shaking his head, he reached out and shifted the pillow supporting her right leg. She smiled weakly in thanks, afraid to open her eyes and look at him.

"Misao!" He stepped aside as Mrs. Makimachi ran into the room, followed by an elderly man, and Kaoru. She brushed the bangs away from Misao's face, looking worried. "I told you not to try anything silly Misao," she reprimanded.

"And I told you not to try getting off the bed," added the old man. Misao grinned sheepishly, opening her eyes, although she felt far from smiling.

"Gomen Kachan, Jiya …" she said.

"It was my fault Makimachi san," said Kaoru, remorsefully. "I – She wanted to get to me and … and …" As Mrs. Makimachi's blue eyes scanned Kaoru's tear-streaked face, she smiled. She guessed that her daughter must have tried to comfort her …

"Don't blame yourself Kaoru chan," she said, shaking her head. "We all know how hot-headed this stubborn girl can get …" That brought a slight smile to Kaoru's face. "Aoshi san … once again, thank you. If you hadn't been here …" Aoshi shook his head, wondering how many more times he would have to help this girl when she was injured.

Misao flushed as she listened to her mother. If Aoshi hadn't been there … she resisted the urge to hide her red face in her hands again. Okina, trying to diffuse the tense atmosphere in the room opened his mouth.

"I know that this probably isn't the right moment for this … but would anyone care for some noodles?" he asked. The glares from his daughter and Kaoru, and Aoshi's look of surprise made him shake his head. "I was only asking …" He sighed.

"Here, take these," said Mrs. Makimachi, handing Misao a white, circular tablet, together with a glass of water. Misao took them without hesitating … feeling the throbbing increase.

Aoshi closed his eyes, feeling rather … stretched. He felt the beginnings of a headache approaching. Why did all of these things have to happen to him? First with Mr. Kamiya and now here … honestly, didn't anyone want him to lead a normal, peaceful life? Not that he minded helping Makimachi Misao … yet …

A/N

Phewwwwww … I never thought I'd get to the end of this. The truth was, I kind of forgot my original idea for this, and made this last bit up. I don't know if it was 'interesting' or not, so please forgive me and my memory if it wasn't.

Heh … what'll happen in the next chapter? Will Saito make his presence known again? Will something happen between Kenshin and Kaoru? Will Aoshi see Misao again? Or more importantly … will Aoshi have to leave??? Heh … we shall see … we shall see …

Anyways, hope you enjoyed this!

Till the next chapter!

Siriusgirl1