Author's Note- Alright- I think I know where this story is going, so yeah! Continue to tell me what you think- Don't worry, some Kenshin meets Kaoru again action I think will happen in the next chapter…if things turn out how I want them to… maybe (crosses fingers) Oh, and just to let you know- it is reallllyyyy hard to write Aoshi…urgh, the guys like a brick. And on that note, this chapter is full of A/M that just came out of nowhere….urghh…

General Disclaimer….I don't own anything….I am poor.

Rating- R/M- What can I say? Nothing wrong with a little more adult….ish…

Things Left Unsaid

Chapter 3

Unexpected Findings

Aoshi rolled his shoulders at the stop sign. Surrounded by evening traffic, he was glad that he was almost at his destination. Glancing at the clock he took his foot off the brake when the traffic light changed. Aoshi didn't like traveling that much. Especially flying. The noisy people, the annoying and unintelligent workers, and the bad food. Luckily, this trip was for business, and Kenshin had no problem booking him a first class seat. The two hour flight had only been mildly painful.

To be truthful, he was thankful that Kenshin had asked him to deal with some business in Chicago. They were having problems with the middle management, and Kenshin wanted someone there that he could trust to be objective and no nonsense. Aoshi knew that he could handle the whiny and self absorbed workers easily. After all, he was the right hand man of one of the most powerful men in the nation. He was the most ruthless, efficient, and trusted man that worked for Kenshin. Besides, he needed the calming that bringing chaos to order could bring.

Aoshi helped Kenshin in his upstanding business, and was an active member of Kenshin's not-so-well known dealings. Brushing back a loose lock of dark hair, he thought briefly about their first encounter. Aoshi had been young, but by no means innocent. The fact that he had met up with Kenshin in many ways saved him from himself. They had immediately clicked with one another, a bond forming between the two preferably solitary individuals. He'd been working for Kenshin for over seven years and knew the man and the business like the back of his hand.

Of course, upon their first encounter, Aoshi would never have guessed that Kenshin was a prominent member of Arms Incorporated- an international company that dealt with specialty weapons. Indeed, the fight that he had stumbled into that night had seemed like something out of the mafia world. Walking to his dorm after a late night of playing pool and making some quick cash, he had taken a back route through a couple of alleys, hoping for some time to think. However, he instead found something quite different. Twenty men with guns and swords danced in a deadly and strange battle against someone dressed in black, his sword a blur in the dark passage way. When one of these men decided to accost Aoshi, he had been more than willing to help out the outnumbered man. Aoshi shook his head and let the barest of smiles touch his face, he had been such a fool. Like Kenshin needed the help. That night had irrevocably changed his life, inextricably tying him to the red haired stranger, Kenshin Himura.

Covered in blood, Aoshi met the eyes of the man next to him. It had been a long time since Aoshi had actually harmed someone, let alone killed them. Who had he risked his neck to save? Golden in color, the man's red hair matched the blood that coated him as well. A violent X shaped scar was prominent on his cheek. The stank of blood and street garbage was overwhelming and Aoshi shut the smells away in an effort to get control of his situation. Stepping over a body, he eyed the fallen men.

The men that were now a mixture corpses and seriously injured had fought with style and finesse- they were no amateurs. He had just gotten involved in something much bigger than him. Just his luck. Narrowing his eyes he glanced at the only other conscious man. The man's sword hung loosely at his side, and the body fluid that ran along its edge shone darkly in the dim light of the street. Friend or foe? Normally a rational individual, he realized just how much an unexpected amount of rashness could do. The man raised his hand slowly toward Aoshi, and Aoshi felt himself coil tightly. So much for helping a guy out.

"Kenshin."

The man's voice was low and rough. Seeing the gesture for what it really was, Aoshi extended his arm. Shaking hands with him, Aoshi did the only thing he could.

"Aoshi."

Aoshi was shaken out of his memories by a honking horn. Briefly glaring into his rearview mirror, he concentrated on the busy street.

He liked Chicago. The city was classy and hospitable, and gave off a completely different vibe than New York. It was a nice break. Noisy traffic and incapable drivers however seemed to be a problem wherever he went.

Of course, that prestigious company that Kenshin was so entrenched in was where their trouble and their not so savory dealings began. Well, then again, his most recent troubling after starting to work for Kenshin. Aoshi had problems long before the red haired man had entered his life. He could count at least ten different organizations, some legal- some not, that wanted a chunk of Arms Incorporated profits.

Aoshi had met and been recruited by Kenshin at the age of nineteen, Kenshin himself being only twenty, and had been by Kenshin's side as he climbed in the company. Kenshin kept Aoshi close to him throughout every ordeal, and Aoshi was the little known but much respected shadow at Kenshin's side, bringing in connections that even Kenshin hadn't been aware of. After all, Aoshi hadn't been doing nothing before working for Kenshin. Now however, Aoshi wouldn't want it any other way.

He knew Kenshin- the man more like a brother than an employer. That made being away even easier, because he knew that Kenshin needed to be alone today. There would be no scheduled meetings, and Kenshin would more than likely lock himself up with a bottle of liquor. Everyone was aware that on this day, hell this week, being around Kenshin was especially aggravating. He was brooding, short tempered, and sullen. The man had gotten involved with a girl four years ago that still wracked his brain.

Most people weren't aware of who she was, or what exactly had happened to her- but Aoshi knew. Kaoru Kamiya. The girl that had disappeared four years ago. The girl that Kenshin had been totally obsessed and in love with- was still in love with. She robbed his boss of all logical reasoning, made him worried and tense and unhappy. This stupid week every year was almost as bad as the anniversary of when she left. Because today was her birthday, today was the day they met. Aoshi had searched for her for over a year and a half, and knew her face better than he knew his own at times.

He still didn't know how. How that slip of a girl evaded him. Aoshi was the best, and tracking down one woman should have been beyond easy for him. But her trail led to a bunch of dead ends, and no one seemed to know anything about a black haired blue eyed girl named Kaoru. Kenshin didn't blame him. He had gotten angry yes, furious in fact that she was missing, but never told Aoshi that he wasn't trying hard enough. However, that was what Aoshi felt. He often found himself unable to sleep, going over the facts again and again. He must have missed something- he was better than anyone else. It was his job to put his boss back together.

Tapping impatiently on the steering wheel, he examined the people lining the edge of the road. Kenshin was being eaten alive. Year after year, his eyes grew colder and harsher- a deeper and darker gold. He was angry and confused. Aoshi had witnessed how much Kenshin loved Kaoru. Kenshin didn't need to tell him how he felt, because Aoshi could see it as plain as day. When Kaoru and him were dating he was always a bit distracted, always sending Kaoru flowers and notes. Evenings that he used to spend curled up with a book or doing some sort of weapons practice, Aoshi saw him instead going to a movie or dancing with Kaoru. It was the first time Kenshin had gotten so enthralled with a person since Aoshi started working with him. The only time his eyes had stayed violet for so long.

Aoshi blocked thoughts of the missing woman, and instead concentrated on finding a parking spot. He wasn't going to let the past get to him tonight. Eyeing the posh sign above the restaurant, Aoshi pulled his rental car into an empty spot across the street from it. He was lucky to find the parking space. Putting a few quarters into meter, he trekked across the street and into the dark restaurant.

Just after ten, the bar was hopping, while the eating area was mostly deserted. He hoped that meant she would be able to leave sooner. He wanted to catch dessert with her. She loved sweets. Now that he thought about it, most of her kisses tasted like chocolate and caramel. He resisted the urge to sigh at the thought of kissing her and tasting the sweets she enjoyed so much.

A host approached him dressed like a Elvis, and Aoshi started at the bright costume. The first time he was here, he was shocked at the style. Outrageously expensive, the restaurant/bar was lushly decorated, both in decorum and in the uniforms. He had been told that part of the fun in coming to this place was the fact that every server wore a different hand-made costume every night. In his opinion it was gaudy and hideous. He wondered how the servers didn't go crazy.

"What can I do for you sir?"

The host's voice was smart and intelligent- and utterly ridiculous coming out of his Elvis clad attire. Aoshi narrowed his eyes at him, the host was also snide.

"I'm looking for Misao."

He kept his voice level and remained calm on the inside. This foolish man truly found himself important and crucial. Aoshi knew he could easily crush him, but it wasn't worth it.

"Misao? Oh, yes, she's just finishing I think. Would you like me to get her for you?"

Aoshi nodded not bothering to answer verbally. The host tore off into the inner realms of the building, and Aoshi scrutinized his retreating figure. He found himself growing anxious at the prospect of seeing her. Misao.

"Sir, what can I start you off with?"

Aoshi frowned at his menu, ignoring the young voice that tried to catch his attention. He'd been in stuffy meetings all day, and was ready to leave. Couldn't businesses figure out how to work with each other without ripping each other's throats out? Unfortunately his plane wasn't scheduled until the morning, and he was stuck in Chicago overnight. Damn Kenshin and his stinginess.

A coworker back in New York suggested the Blue Spot as a classy place to get a meal when in Chicago, and although he wasn't especially interested in anything too 'high class' he also heard that a certain someone frequented here. The one that was becoming a bit more than just a thorn in the side of Kenshin. If Aoshi could confirm that Shishio liked to regular the spot, it could come in handy in the future. Aoshi knew that things with Shishio were growing tense. The skirmishes between Arms more "involved" members and Shishio's men were becoming more frequent and violent. Practically as violent as when he first joined.

"Sir?"

Aoshi dragged his eyes to the server's face, and stopped cold. Dressed as a cowgirl, the woman had thick dark hair pulled into two long braids. She wore jeans that were practically painted on, leather chaps over them-the shirt, hat, and belt buckle all unquestionably western. Hands clasped behind her, her wide innocent blue green eyes bore deeply into him even as the shirt that clung tightly to her chest spoke of something less than innocent. Her body was small and lithe, like a dancer's or a girl's, but she was most definitely a woman. She was stunning, even with freckles painted onto her cheeks.

A pretty blush stained her cheeks, and she watched him with obviously interested eyes. Aoshi felt his heart imperceptibly speed up. She was interested. He grinned inwardly, he was interested. Maybe this trip wasn't wasted after all.

It had been a bit of a rocky start. Aoshi knew that trying to start a long distance relationship was next to impossible. But Misao had been more than willing to try.

Aoshi broke out of his train of thoughts as Misao came toward him. Dressed tonight as a mermaid, he felt his eyes narrow at the costume that revealed her curves. He wondered how many guys had eyed her tonight with less than pure thoughts on their minds.

She wrapped her arms around him, and he held her tight. She didn't even reach his shoulder. Pulling back, she smiled widely at him, but didn't try to kiss him. Misao could read him so well. Inwardly, he was glad that she didn't feel the need to indulge in PDA. He found it on the vulgar side. Stepping away from him, she tugged on an edge of her bright red wig, and looped her arm through his.

"I missed you! How was your flight? I hope it wasn't too horrible. Work tonight was really tough! You know that girl Kia- she really wants to meet you! Can you believe that my manager made me wear this outfit!"

Aoshi blinked at the amount of subjects covered by Misao. Sorting through them, he couldn't help but feel pleasantly overwhelmed. Misao was bubbly and bright, her mouth at times running away with the conversation. The vivid light that she seemed to exude lulled and warmed him like nothing else. But she never pressured him to talk, never grew impatient at how little he did. And when he did talk, she listened and never interrupted. Aoshi just didn't like speaking unless it was necessary. He was glad that she seemed to understand that.

Aoshi followed her as she darted between customers and servers, bringing them to a booth close to the kitchen. He watched her pull at the pins holding her hair up and hidden.

"I'll be right back, I'm going to go change. Don't worry about being bothered, this booth is meant for the workers here."

She squeezed his hand before disappearing behind an unmarked door. Examining his surroundings, he took in various people sitting at the bar and at tables. He didn't recognize any of them. Leaning back, he thought about these next few days. He had several more things Kenshin wanted him to look into, but besides that he could spend some much needed time with Misao. The long distance between them was starting to grate, and he wondered how long it would take to convince her to move up to New York. He was sure he could find her a well paying job, and he'd be more than willing to locate her a college to transfer to. Aoshi was never one to speculate on relationships, but with Misao, he thought that this may be the one relationship he didn't want to end quite yet. Being away from her was aggravating.

Misao exited the back room and swung in next to him. Wearing a pair of tight jeans and a low cut top, Aoshi wondered if she had dressed up for him. His eyes narrowed imperceptibly. She had better have dressed up like that only for him. Running her hands through her hair, she quickly braided it. He smiled inwardly as one of her legs rubbed up against his repeatedly. He could tell she was very glad to see him. Laying her hand over his, she played idly with it, staring intently at his fingers.

"I missed you."

Her admission was soft, her breath dancing over his neck. She leaned into his broad frame, and Aoshi could see how tired she was. Feeling her mold against his side, he couldn't help the tenseness in his body. Without even trying she could turn him on. Not to mention that at this angle it was impossible to not notice the exposing top.

"Tonight was horrible, we had two huge parties that just wouldn't leave."

Her voice was muffled against his body, her exhaustion leaking through with every word.

"Ready to go?"

He spoke quietly into one of her ears. She sighed against him, seemingly closer than before. Feeling her pull away, he watched as she suddenly sprang to life. Where did she get so much energy after being so obviously exhausted?

"Aoshi, we can leave in just a second- I want you to meet Kia first."

He watched Misao disappear into the kitchens, her long braid trailing behind her. Aoshi let out a sigh. Maybe dessert wasn't the best idea. Misao didn't need any more sugar. And who was Kia again? Oh yes, Misao had mentioned her several times when talking to him. A coworker of hers, Misao had gabbed on and on about the sweet single mother that was shy and a great listener. Aoshi had to admit he was interested in this woman that had grabbed his girlfriend's attention. Anyone that could handle Misao had to have something special. Misao reemerged a few minutes later, dragging a woman behind her by the hand. Stopping in front of him, Misao pulled the woman to her side.

"Misao!"

The woman dressed as an Arabian princess was covered in purple and veils. Her voice was annoyed, but still soft and slightly reserved as she tugged at her clasped wrist.

"I have stuff that needs to get done Misao! You know I don't like meeting new people."

Misao ignored her and the slightly desperate edge to her voice, and the woman groaned, her shoulders slumping in defeat. Misao grinned triumphantly at Aoshi, before gesturing toward the girl, then at him. The woman turned toward Aoshi, and he could barely make her forced smile out underneath the multitude of veils on her face.

"Hi, I'm Kia, Misao has told me so much about you."

"Aoshi. Nice to meet you."

The woman turned back to Misao, obviously unhappy.

"Can I go now Misao? Gary is going to be furious if he catches me just standing here."

Aoshi watched Misao's shoulders rise in anger.

"Kia, if you going to introduce yourself the least you can do is let him see your face! You look like some scary Arabian assassin or something!"

Kia put a hand to her head, obviously frustrated, and Aoshi felt himself almost chuckle. The two of them were practically acting like children. Especially Misao. He wanted to kiss that anger out of her.

"Fine."

She turned to Aoshi, her hands already unwrapping the veils on her face.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be so rude, I'm just really busy right now, and I was hoping to leave early. Today is sort of an unlucky day for me."

He nodded his head at Kia's admission. So today was unlucky for someone else besides Kenshin? He supposed weirder occurrences had happened. Misao could be oblivious of other people's feelings at times. Aoshi would mention it to her later. It was clear that Kia felt awkward and just wanted to leave the situation. He didn't want to give the server any more trouble than what she already was dealing with. The last of her veils came undone, and her face suddenly became clear.

"Sorry again for being so unkind."

Aoshi felt his world tilt. An occurrence indeed. Pretty blue eyes on a palette of nearly translucent skin was framed in dark hair. Her gaze was apologetic. A small mouth pulled itself into a worried half smile underneath a well shaped nose. He had burned that face into his memory. Kaoru Kamiya. It couldn't be possible. Wasn't possible. And yet, there she was- the one thing that he had been desperately searching for right under his nose. Schooling his rampant thoughts, he immediately clamped down on any outwardly reaction. They had never met in person, and he hoped desperately that she didn't recognize him from any of the pictures in Kenshin's home. She rubbed at one of her shoulders, her body language tired, but still unguarded. She didn't know.

Glancing at her once more, he took a closer inspection of her form. Kaoru had matured these last four years, a sort of refinement coming to her previously young face. She hadn't gained or lost a significant amount of weight, and besides the signs of fatigue she showed, seemed in good health. Immediately he pulled up any memories of Misao mentioning 'Kia'. His mind went blank. He needed to talk to Misao. He didn't like the idea of using her for information, but he was certain that Kaoru wouldn't give up so easily.

"Please, don't mind Misao- she's just a little excited."

His voice came out slightly detached, but he was shocked on the inside.

"It's no problem really. I'll see you later Misao. Nice to meet you."

"Wait!"

Misao grabbed at Kaoru's hand. Aoshi watched the girl stop, a look of confusion on her face. Misao reached into her back pocket and pulled out a slightly wrinkled envelope.

"I heard from Gary that today is your birthday."

Thrusting the envelope into Kaoru's hand, Aoshi watched the color drain from her face. Her hands shook slightly, and Kaoru quickly slid the envelope into one of her costume's pockets. She blinked repeatedly, and Aoshi saw the tears collecting in the corners of her eyes. Misao, oblivious as always, sat down next to Aoshi again.

"I wasn't sure what to get you, and I don't have a lot of money right now, so I hope you like it. Its just a silly card that reminded me of you. Do you wanna go out tomorrow or something?"

Kaoru nodded 'no' absently, her hands now wringing the front of her costume viciously. She looked away from Misao.

"I don't really celebrate my birthday."

"What? Why not?"

Misao's voice was childish and pouty. The woman loved celebrating. Birthdays, holidays, she would celebrate "National Sandwich Day" if she knew the date. Aoshi placed a hand on Misao's shoulder, it wouldn't be good for her to push this. Like Kenshin, Kaoru undoubtedly associated today with their meeting. Kaoru took an unsteady breath, a forced smile on her face.

"It just seems a bit silly to me, but thank you for the gift. I have to go."

'Kia' waved once more at them, before rushing back into the kitchen. Aoshi couldn't help but watch her go. He finally had found her. Finally.

Looping his arm with Misao's, he led them out of the restaurant and to his car, his mind spinning with thoughts. Pulling out into traffic, his mind relaxed slightly as Misao placed her head on his shoulder. Wrapping his free arm around her shoulders, he kissed the top of her head.

"She seemed nice."

He watched Misao start out of the world she had been lost in. She glanced up at him, and he felt his heart clench. Her hair was coming undone, and strands stuck to her face.

"Kia? Yeah, she's a doll- real sweet."

"How did you two meet again?"

"Um…Well, she started about two years ago or so. Real quiet, but I was determined to get to know her. I mean, she's one of those women that doesn't go out much."

His interest was more than captured.

"Why's that?"

"I don't know. She doesn't like to talk about herself period. I'm lucky if I can get her to divulge something about Kenji."

"Kenji?"

Shit, if she was dating someone there would be a big problem. He didn't even want to think about the possibility of her being married.

"Oh you remember, I told you she had a son right?"

Aoshi couldn't help his racing heartbeat. That's right. Misao had mentioned several times that she was raising a son. Kaoru had a son. The question was, whose was it? What had Kaoru been doing these last four years?

"How old is he?"

"He's just over three. The most darling kid ever. Kia once showed me a picture of him- bright red hair, and the cutest face! Man, you should see him, I am so jealous! I asked her about the father, but she clammed up right away. Probably some dead beat guy that dumped her when he found out. Guys like that really piss me off! No wonder Kia is so jumpy and untrusting!"

Just over three years old? Aoshi had looked extensively into Kaoru, knowing all aspects of her being a part of the job. Kenshin had been her first boyfriend. She didn't like to date, and was awkward and nervous around men she didn't know. She was not the type to have a fling. With a three year old child, there was no father in the picture. And with Kenji's age, not to mention his hair coloring, that could mean that…Oh God. That could mean- Kenji was...Aoshi felt himself go numb.

Fuck. He was not expecting this.

"Aoshi, are you alright?"

Misao's voice was filled with concern. Taking a deep breath, he attempted to calm down. He hadn't been such an internal mess in a long time. He would need to call Kenshin.

Misao twisted in his grip and kissed at his cheek, moving one of her hands to his chest.

"Aoshi."

Her voice was low and seductive. She nibbled at his ear, and Aoshi struggled to keep the car straight. It really had been too long since he held Misao in his arms.

"You can tell me if something is bothering you, you know that right?"

He could feel her breath on his ear and her heart pounding rhythmically against his chest. She stilled her movements and waited for some sort of sign. Aoshi wanted to tell her everything, but there was so much to tell. Aoshi worried about scaring her off. He had an awful past, a past full of things that he was afraid would hurt Misao. He couldn't just force the whole thing onto her at once. Aoshi had started revealing more minor details, but not even he was ready to expose everything yet. Pulling her closer, he swung into the parking lot of his hotel.

"It's fine Misao, just work. Is your roommate expecting you home tonight?"

"No I told her you were coming to visit. She wont worry about me."

Stepping out of the car, they walked into the lobby. Checking in, he couldn't help but notice the sly stares Misao sent in his direction. Stepping down the hall and into the room, Aoshi felt a bit of his control slip. Grabbing Misao, he pushed her against the room's entry way wall and kissed her breathless. Allowing his hands to roam her shape, he admired and worshipped the small curves of her body. She responded with fervor, her quick hands fumbling with buttons on his shirt, even as her head rolled back and she moaned low in her throat. He let his hand slip under her shirt. She was the most passionate woman he had ever met.

"Aoshi."

Her voice was weak and breathless. Misao pushed gently on his shoulders and he ceased his ministrations. Looking down at her, he admired her swollen pouting lips, and noticed that her top was now dangerously askew. He let himself admire the more than fair amount of cleavage showing. His breath sounded heavy in his ears. She drove him crazy.

"I feel gross from work, do you mind if I jump in the shower quick?"

Did he mind? Yes, yes he did. It took all his self control not to tear the clothes from her body and finish this against the wall. Looking at her though, he could see it immediately. The dirt smudges on her face, the scent of food that clung to her skin. Carerully bringing his body under control, he pressed his forehead against hers.

"You are such a tease."

"You like it."

She giggled before ducking out of his hold and shutting herself in his bathroom. A second later he heard the shower and fan turn on, followed quickly by a loud and rather bawdy song. Images of her in the shower darted into his mind, and he shoved away the urge to break down the door. Stepping deeper into the room, Aoshi shrugged off his coat and hung it on the desk chair.

The hotel room was nice enough, and he was thankful that Kenshin made sure he wasn't stuck in anything too terrible. Besides the corner desk, a queen sized bed flanked by two bedside tables occupied most of the space. A large window with thick drapes framed the skyscrapers that towered toward the sky. Throwing his light travel bag onto the bed, he sat down on the edge of it and fished his cell phone out of the front pocket. Misao struck a particularly high note, and Aoshi couldn't help but cringe. She was not the best singer out there.

Dialing the phone quickly, he waited for the telltale sign of the call being picked up. This was not going to be an easy call. Aoshi was glad Misao was preoccupied for a few moments, he wasn't sure what Kenshin would say. He shut his eyes in exasperation. Today's date seemed to be a cruel joke.

Today is sort of an unlucky day for me.

Her voice had been tired and tight, a heavy weight in her words. It was obvious that she wasn't over it. Obvious that this time away from Kenshin hadn't been easy for her. When Misao had brought up Kaoru's birthday, he had been certain she would break down. Maybe this wouldn't be as hard as he thought. Aoshi rubbed at his temple. Who was he kidding, she had avoided Kenshin for four years- there was no way that this could be as easy as it seemed.

He wondered what Kenshin would think of the coincidence. What an unlucky and lucky day today was turning out to be.

One thing was certain however- With this unexpected finding he would undoubtedly see Kenshin in the next twenty four hours. And so would Kaoru.

The ringing stopped.

AN- Alright guys, I'm really sorry that this chapter is so short. In fact, it might be two chapters now until K and K meet up again…I'm sorry! Its just that this next scene is pretty heavy, and I just don't have the energy to do it right now, and do it well. And, I also didn't want Aoshi to just 'find her' in like two sentences, there isn't any characterization or anything if that's done! It would seem weird and awkward. I promise that this will be the shortest chapter I ever post. Please don't hate me! Also, school is out for me on April 29- so after that updates should happen lots faster! Plus, I have been reading through the last few chapters, and catching a few grammatical errors- I'll fix them as soon as I can- thank you for your patience!

Um... And while you're reading this... you might as well review... (wink wink)