Disclaimer - Praise me, praise me! Yes, it is I, the creator of Rurouni Kenshin, who speaks to you at this very moment!
Kunai, kodachis, bokkens, shinais, sakabatous, katanas, multiple other swords, and a set of fists come flying at Hitoezakura.
Hitoezakura - So I don't own Kenshin, nor do I own the song "It's Gonna Rain", a song from the Kenshin soundtrack.
Alucard - Good girls are never liars.
Hitoezakura - For the love of god, get out of here! You're not even from Rurouni Kenshin! I will read/watch Hellsing as soon as my brother gives it to me, so stop bothering me!

Alright, so once again, I'm a bit late updating, but we're tiling all of the upstairs and repainting the whole house, so I haven't had much time...and oh, just a little note. If I make a bunch of spelling errors in these chapters, I'm sorry, but my so-called editor refuses to read this story (mention AK pairings to her and she goes "eeeeew", so I don't think I'll bother with her). We have a Shigure-Mii (from furuba) relationship, although she's more like Shigure, and I'm more like Mii, so I think we need to reverse roles...

Okay, review responses!

Ardenilia – My dog's fine now (he's the most resilient dog I've ever met), and it's really sweet of you to ask. I know in certain chapters there are absolutely no KaoruAoshi interactions, but that's because I get very carried away with other couples (haha). Kaoru crying because of Aoshi…I think I planned it, but I'm not entirely sure what Aoshi's reaction is going to be.

Crewel – Thanks! I'm really happy that you liked the Sanosuke Megumi interaction, and I really hope I do justice to them in the future, because when I first read the manga, I didn't think they would make a good couple, but after watching the anime, I think they're wonderful together!

Bradybuch4529 – Your review made my day, thank you so much! I'm sorry about not updating sooner, but I'm glad it was worth the wait!

Blooded wyngs – New reader, new reader! It's alright if it's only your first review, as long as you give me feedback! Thanks so much for reading my fic out of the myriad of fics that actually exist. No, this story isn't really for Kaoru and Kenshin lovers, and as for Kenji being Tomoe and Kenshin's son…well, now that you mention it, I could have named him something else…sorry. Kenji is really Kaoru's son, and I should've put a bit more thought into naming Tomoe and Kenshin's son. I hope this doesn't hurt you too much. As for Saitou…of course I'm not going to tell! I like keeping people in suspense (usually because at home, I'm always kept in suspense, and it's good to be on the other side). Yes, if the story works out like I want it to, the Saitou Miyana conflict will be a very big mystery, and I'm not going to reveal the end of it for a long time! Thanks for reviewing, and I hope to see another review from you!

It seems like I keep on losing readers...although I think I have plenty of readers who don't review! If you are one of those people, could you please just send one review so that I know that you like the story? I would love that, and it would certainly make my day to recieve new reviewers...

Anyways, this is a fairly long chapter, so enjoy!

HOW IS THIS LOVE?

Tae spied on Soujirou and Misao from the kitchens, watching their faces light up with laughter all throughout a delicious dinner of beef pot, soba, onigiri, and miso, all prepared by Tae herself. A vicious gleam suddenly shone in Tae's eyes as the most wonderful idea came to her.

I'll make sure this will be a date that Misao will never forget…I just need to hope that it will rain!

A young girl suddenly walked through the doors, carrying an empty tray and an order in her hand. Tae immediately made a beeline for her.

"Tsubame, is that Misao-chan's and Soujirou-san's order?" asked Tae eagerly. Tsubame nodded, causing her short brown hair to ripple slightly as she handed Tae the order.

"Alright Tsubame, I'll take care of this order. Just find Sen for me and tell him to come here immediately!" replied Tae, a small smirk growing on her face.

"Miss Tae, you aren't planning to interfere in their date, are you?" asked Tsubame softly. Tae simply laughed.

"You'll see Tsubame" replied Tae quietly, a malicious gleam in her eyes as she rubbed her hands together excitedly.

"Where's Sanosuke and Megumi?" asked Enishi curiously. "I haven't heard that idiot's loud voice for fifteen minutes now. That's unnatural!"

"I think they went for a long walk" replied Kaya. "I just hope that it doesn't rain. I don't want them to catch colds."

"Relax" said Okita with a grin. "Megumi's a doctor. She'd have to be one in order to deal with Sanosuke's occasional stupidity!"

"Occasional?" muttered Enishi under his breath. "Try constant…"

The Aoiya chime clock rang out, ten chimes in monotony, causing Miyana to stand up suddenly.

"I should leave now" she said softly. "It was a pleasure to meet you all."

"It was wonderful meeting you!" said Kaya with a smile.

"Come by again anytime and hang out with us!" chimed in Okita.

"You can come by mine and Megumi's apartment anytime!" said Kaoru with a grin. Miyana nodded politely.

"Thank you" she whispered before turning away. Enishi immediately stood up and ran after her, leaving Aoshi and Okita dismayed.

"Why did he chase her suddenly?" asked Okita incredulously. Kaoru gave a small laugh.

"As cynical as he may seem, Enishi's quite the gentleman. He doesn't like seeing any woman walking alone on the streets at night, so he's probably offering to give her a ride or something!" said Kaoru with a grin.

"Sagara-san?"

Miyana turned around inquisitively to see Enishi behind her, reaching out to hold the door open for her.

"You can call me Miyana Yukishiro-san. What are you doing?" asked Miyana, pulling on her trenchcoat as she stepped outside.

"Well, I don't want to see you walk on the streets alone at this hour, so I decided to give you a ride which you are not permitted to refuse" said Enishi with a grin, pushing his shades up his nose. "And call me Enishi, I can't stand being called Yukishiro-san!"

"I don't mean to be rude Enishi-san, but if Okita-san and you are both still here, and both of you brought cars, then which one of you is missing a car?"

"WHAT?"

Enishi looked out in the parking lot only to see his parking space devoid of his beloved car. His eyes suddenly narrowed with fury.

"Sagara Sanosuke, you're going to pay for this!" he yelled out into the air. "I'm taking back my car keys, you bastard!"

Miyana simply shook her head.

Sanosuke you idiot! When I told you to talk to Takani-san, I didn't tell you to steal your friend's car in order to take her on a joyride!

"Enishi-san, it's perfectly fine if you don't give me a ride. Don't worry" said Miyana softly. "I can just walk."

"Then I'll walk you home" declared Enishi as he walked ahead. "My sister told me that a man should never let a woman walk home alone."

"Your sister?" asked Miyana curiously, starting to walk alongside Enishi. Enishi smiled softly.

"Yukishiro Tomoe" answered Enishi. "She's the most important person in my life. Oneesan took care of me when our parents died, and she raised me using the money she made as a secret agent. I discovered the Hiten Agency through her and immediately joined the day I turned 21."

"So is she still a secret agent?" asked Miyana softly. Enishi's face twisted slightly with disgust and anger.

"She married Himura and had a kid named Kenji, so she's on leave for some time. I don't mind Kenji, but I can't stand Himura. I hate that man!" growled Enishi angrily.

"Kamiya-san seems to like him a lot" murmured Miyana quietly. "I asked her about him because he was Shishou's first pupil, and her eyes seemed to light up as she spoke about him."

Enishi's eyes flickered with anger upon hearing about Kaoru. "Of course Kaoru likes him! Everyone likes him! But to me, he will always be the man who stole my sister away from me!"

"Are you angry because he stole your sister from you, or because he stole Kamiya-san from you?"

Thunder rumbled from afar and lightening flashed in the sky.

"You know, I should return home" said Kaya softly, looking at her watch. "I called obaasan to tell her I would be arriving at home late, but I don't want to make her worry."

"Alright, I'll drop you home" replied Okita with a smile. "Kaoru, do you need a ride back home?"

"No Okita, I'll walk back home!" exclaimed Kaoru cheerfully. "You and Kaya need some time alone, and the weather outside is beautiful, so walking home would be wonderful!"

"Thanks Kaoru" said Okita gratefully, pulling Kaya's coat off her seat and slipping onto Kaya. "See you guys later!"

"Bye Aoshi-san! Kaoru, it was a pleasure to meet you!" said Kaya cheerfully, a smile on her face as she waved to both Aoshi and Kaoru. The door shut behind the happy couple, leaving Aoshi and Kaoru in silence.

"Misao-chan?"

Misao's head snapped up to see Tae standing in front of her with a smile.

"Oh! I need to pay the bill, don't I?" replied Misao suddenly, fishing through her purse for money.

"There's no need Misao-chan!" answered Tae with a laugh. "Soujirou paid five minutes ago, but…did he leave you here alone?" asked Tae incredulously. Misao started to laugh upon seeing the panic written on Tae's face.

"No, he just went to use the facilities" answered Misao.

"How has your date been so far?" asked Tae, a gleam in her eyes, a grin spreading across her face. Misao laughed happily.

"Sou-chan's been so wonderful! I really hope this relationship works out!" replied Misao with a sigh.

"Oh, Misao-chan, you need to come behind the counter immediately. Aoshi-san's on the phone!" Tae blurted out suddenly. "In my excitement to figure out how your date went, I forgot to tell you about the phone call!"

Misao immediately rose from her seat and ran towards the counter before answering the phone breathlessly. "Aoshi-sama?"

"Misao, how long is your date going to last?" asked Aoshi's voice from the other side of the phone.

Strange…Aoshi-sama's voice doesn't sound as quiet and cold as it usually is…maybe he's starting to open up!

"I don't think Sou-chan has anything else planned, but I haven't asked him yet" answered Misao.

"Just come back home before midnight" ordered Aoshi before hanging up the phone. Misao gave the phone a mock angry glare.

Okay, so he hasn't opened up…was it too much too hope for?

Misao walked back to her table to realize that Tae had disappeared. She immediately figured that Tae had to usher her customers out of the restaurant since it was past closing time. Misao looked at her watch to see "10:15" flashing up at her. She shrugged and slid into her seat once again before glancing around at the restaurant.

I never knew Tae had such weird customers…some of these people are downright strange! There's that winking guy with long blond hair reminiscent to a broom, an extremely flat woman, really bony and short guy with spiky black hair, and rather large and muscled man with ash rubbed on his eyes…weird…

Like I'm one to talk!

"Misao-san?"

Misao turned around to see Soujirou smiling at her cheerfully. "Stop being so formal and call me Misao. Did you enjoy your date with me tonight?"

"The best date I've had in a long time" answered Misao with a grin. "We better go now though, because my brother called telling me to reach home before midnight, which really means that I better get home some time soon!"

"What a protective brother!" said Soujirou with a grin as they headed towards the door.

"Aoshi-sama's always been protective, but he's one of my best friends as well!" replied Misao with a smile as she opened the door. "I guess this is where we part ways Sou-chan! Call me!"

"I wouldn't be a gentleman if I didn't walk you home" said Soujirou politely with a grin. "So until we reach your home, there is no need for goodbyes."

Misao grinned and leaned against Soujirou lightly as they headed for the Aoiya.

"We finally emptied the restaurant!" cried out Tae in relief as she turned off all the appliances.

"After Soujirou-san and Misao-san left, everyone else seemed to follow them out the door" replied Tsubame softly, stacking all the clean dishes and putting them away.

"Hey Tae, did your plan work out?"

Tae turned around to see a man standing in the doorway, his long brown hair tied back in a thin ponytail and his brown eyes full of mischief. Tae laughed, her own eyes gleaming with mischief very similar to his.

"If it rains in five minutes, it'll be perfect! I need to thank you Sen, you imitated Aoshi-san perfectly!" answered Tae. "Misao-chan didn't suspect a thing!"

"And you're in luck Tae" said Sen with a grin. He quickly shoved open the curtains to reveal thick clouds gathering in the air.

"It looks like it's going to rain any second!" whispered Tsubame.

"And when Soujirou-san and Misao-chan get caught in the rain, they'll have to take shelter somewhere…together in the rain…" said Tae devilishly, the gleam in her eyes growing brighter.

"About us?" asked Megumi softly. Sanosuke stopped the car and stuffed his hands in his pockets, looking down as he spoke.

"I haven't been entirely truthful about my past, but the thing was that I didn't really want to burden you with it" said Sanosuke quietly. "I've chased after you for years, and now that we're finally a couple, I don't want to say anything that will scare you away. I want to see you smile…"

"Sano no baka, it doesn't matter whether your past is sad or scary" answered Megumi. "I don't care a bit about your past, I just love you the way you are. No matter what happens, I will still love you, so don't be afraid to open up to me."

Sanosuke leaned over and kissed Megumi gently. Megumi yielded to the soft kiss and deepened it, creating an even more passionate kiss. They broke away reluctantly a minute later.

"Our relationship isn't only passion anymore" whispered Sanosuke gently. Megumi smiled softly.

"No…it's starting to become trust and faith as well…" replied Megumi before drawing Sanosuke into another kiss.

Lightening flashed, illuminating Enishi's shocked face as he stared at the woman in front of him in surprise.

"How did you know?" he managed to choke out after five minutes of silence. Miyana turned around to face Enishi, her eyes calm and cool.

"It is obvious to someone who has just met you and Kamiya-san" murmured Miyana softly. "You two have always shared a close relationship from what I heard over dinner, and because of that, the others are fairly clueless. But to the eyes of a newcomer, you stare at her slightly longingly, as if you wish to hold her, but are too afraid to. Tell me Enishi-san, what kind of fear is this?"

"Look, she never liked me that way!" yelled Enishi angrily. "She only had eyes for that bastard Himura! When he got married to my sister, she just stopped dating and forgot all about men! She hasn't been on a single lasting date since then! Do you think I can change that?"

"Did you even try?" asked Miyana sharply. Enishi promptly fell silent as Miyana's voice rang out in his ears. Thunder rumbled once again, and suddenly, without warning, sheets of rain came pouring down, crashing onto the lonely roads of Tokyo.

"Stupid rain!" muttered Enishi angrily, ducking underneath the roof of a nearby building for shelter. He looked to his side to make sure that Miyana was okay, but to his surprise, the girl was still out in the rain, thoroughly drenched to the core.

"Miyana! You're going to catch a cold!" yelled Enishi over the thunderous rain. Miyana slowly made her way to Enishi, but instead of seeking shelter under the roof, she took his hand in hers and pulled him out into the rain.

"What are you doing?" yelled Enishi, trying to make his voice heard over the rain. "Both of us are going to catch some really awful colds! Why are we just standing in the rain?"

"To wash away our troubles and fears" answered Miyana simply, ignoring Enishi's confusion as she continued to speak. "That is the purpose of rain – to wash away the negative feelings that emerge from our hearts so that we can be free again…"

What kind of troubles and fears could this girl possibly have?

"Our fears and troubles?" asked Enishi quietly, beginning to voice his thoughts. "So what are your fears and troubles?"

His eyes suddenly widened as Miyana turned her face to his. Her eyes suddenly burned with more emotion than he had ever seen before, eyes full of love, longing, pain, regret, agony, and sadness, all blending in, swirling through her quiet, sapphire-amethyst eyes. In an instant, she turned away.

"Here's my home" she whispered softly, pointing to an apartment complex that stood in front of them. Enishi nodded silently.

"I suppose I should say good-bye now, huh?" said Enishi with a smile. He began to walk away when he suddenly heard her voice ring out through the air again.

"Enishi-san!"

He simply turned his head to look back at her.

"Enishi-san, you should at least try" said Miyana quietly. "It has been two years since Kamiya-san's heartbreak, and she's at least had some time to cope with it. If you try, you might have a chance at capturing Kamiya-san's heart, but if you never try, then you will regret it your whole life. It may go well, it may go horribly, but at least you would have tried, so there would be no need for regrets. So promise me that you'll try…alright?"

"Alright" replied Enishi with a grin. "I guess it's like that saying 'It's better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all', huh?"

"Sometimes…only sometimes...Good night Enishi-san" replied Miyana, walking away from a confused Enishi.

Sometimes…only sometimes…Does that mean that Miyana once loved somebody and she wishes that she never loved them at all?

Enishi shrugged and made a beeline for the nearest store, frantically searching for an umbrella.

"EEK!" shouted Misao in shock as a sudden sheet of rain drenched Soujirou and her during their romantic walk back to the Aoiya. "Why did have to rain now, of all times?"

Soujirou shrugged, his traditional smile still on his face. "Perhaps we can go to a nearby store to buy some umbrellas" he suggested.

"Let's do that Sou-chan!" replied Misao. "Come, let us go to the invisible store in the thicket that surrounds us! Of course there's a store in the middle of a bunch of trees!"

"Don't forget that it was your idea to take the shortcut home" said Soujirou with a grin, teasing Misao, causing her to turn slightly red with embarrassment.

"I wanted this night to end romantically, was that too much too ask for?" asked Misao. "Right now though, I want to get out of the rain, because I don't want to spend another paycheck on clothes!"

"I think I see something in the distance" said Soujirou suddenly. "Maybe we can take shelter over there!"

He grabbed Misao's hand and ran towards the structure he had seen in the distance. As they ran, Misao began to realize that the outline reminded her of –

"A gazebo!" yelled Soujirou with relief. "Come on Misao-san, hurry!"

"Misao, Sou-chan! Forget the honorifics!" yelled Misao angrily as she gratefully ran under the gazebo's roof before whipping off her coat and trying to drain it of all its water.

"The rain looks gorgeous" murmured Misao as she set her coat to dry on the rail, leaning against the rail as she stared out at the sky. Soujirou smiled and leaned next to her.

"It really is pretty" replied Soujirou. "I don't like the fact that I'm wet, but other than that…"

"I remember that when I was just a girl" said Misao animatedly. "Omasu and Okon would tell me this beautiful story about a princess who was trying to go to a ball. She wore a stunning dress, sparkling jewelry, and pretty shoes and a tiara. On the way to the ball, her carriage broke down, but she decided to just go by foot. However, a violent rain arrived, and she was forced to take shelter in the forests nearby the castle. She lost her way in the forests, and she managed to reach a gazebo in the forest, but she was all alone. She kneeled down and began to cry, saddened by the fact that she couldn't see her prince. Suddenly, she heard the beautiful, lilting music of a waltz and she turned around to see her prince, standing behind her, waiting for a dance, and in the rain, they danced the night away…isn't that a cute story Sou-chan?"

There was no answer. Misao turned to her side to see Soujirou missing. Suddenly, she heard someone whistling the tune of a waltz, and she whirled around to see Soujirou standing there, whistling innocently. He suddenly stopped whistling, walked up towards her, and held out his hand.

"My fair lady, may I have this dance?" asked Soujirou with a grin. Misao smiled excitedly.

"Yes, good sir, you may" she answered, placing her hand in his before being swept off her feet. She laughed happily as Soujirou twirled her around, whistling the lilting waltz, making her feel giddy, but at the same time, making her feel like she was a princess in a fairy tale.

"Sou-chan, I have to say, you are making this date the most romantic date in my life!" said Misao with a grin. Soujirou grinned back.

"There's only one thing missing Misao" said Soujirou quietly.

"And what is that?" asked Misao curiously. Soujirou smiled softly as he drew her towards him and kissed her passionately, only to have her return his kiss with equal passion.

Oh kami! I think I'm in love! Wait till I tell Kaoru, Megumi, and the others!

"Do you think it was a good idea, leaving Kaoru with Aoshi?" asked Okita with a laugh as he and Kaya sat in the car. Kaya giggled softly.

"I've never seen Aoshi-san so incensed, and at that moment, I felt like there could really be something between Aoshi-san and Kaoru. So of course I waited for an opportunity to leave them alone together!" answered Kaya. "There is that saying 'Opposites attract', and for some reason, I just really feel that Kaoru might be able to open up Aoshi-san a bit."

"Don't you think there's the chance that Kaoru and Aoshi just hate each other so much that they won't be able to bear each other's presence?" asked Okita curiously. "There is the possibility…I've never seen Kaoru that incensed either, and she has Sanosuke as a friend!"

"But doesn't hate seem too strong for Kaoru?" mused Kaya. "I know I just met her, but I think that hate is not her strongest emotion. She seemed more upset that Aoshi-san believed love was a betrayal of sorts. And I know Aoshi-san is just stubborn about his opinions. His past has brought him to believe that love does not exist, and he needs someone to prove to him that it is indeed existent."

"So neither Aoshi nor Kaoru hate each other, huh?" muttered Okita. "Then you might just have fun playing matchmaker Kaya!"

Kaya giggled and stretched out in her seat. "It's so wonderful to be back in Tokyo! I missed you so much Soushi!"

"I know the feeling" replied Okita with a grin, digging into his pockets "I felt like these were the longest four years I had ever experienced! I'm thrilled that you're back! Now, I do have an important question for you!"

"And what is that Soushi?" asked Kaya with a smile.

"Will you marry me?"

Kaya suddenly fell silent, tears gathering in her eyes as she stared at Okita's open palm, a ring peeking out from the velvet box. She looked up at Okita and was about to answer when he placed a finger to his mouth.

"Before you answer, let me make something clear" he whispered, his voice deep and serious. "I am asking you to marry me, but I don't expect to have a wedding soon. Kaya, I know your dream is to study in America one day, and I won't pressure you to marry me until your dream is fulfilled, and your education is complete. I just couldn't wait to ask you any longer, but I can wait for a wedding."

A soft smile appeared on Kaya's face as Okita smiled gently.

"I will Okita" whispered Kaya softly. "I will marry you. But let make one thing clear."

"Yes?" asked Okita curiously.

"It is my dream to study in America and complete my education, but ever since I met you five years ago…my greatest dream…was to fall in love with you and live a happy wedded life with you…" whispered Kaya, tears slipping down her cheeks as she smiled softly. Okita carefully drew her in and kissed her gently as the rain fell around the car.

"Okita and Kaya should be long gone by now, right?"

Aoshi looked up upon hearing Kaoru's voice after ten minutes of silence. He simply nodded.

So I won't be ruining Okita and Kaya's alone time! I can leave Shinomori-san now!

"Alright then! Time for me to leave" replied Kaoru excitedly, thrilled to be leaving Aoshi, who had not been a pleasure to meet. "Great to meet you Shinomori-san, and goodbye!" She bounded out of the living room, happy that summer days meant no coats, and yanked open the front door to see a torrent of rain falling from the skies.

Summer days my foot! It's practically a sea out there! How on earth am I supposed the walk home without getting wet and catching a cold?

She was suddenly hit by a big wad of cloth and she turned around to see a jacket balled up next to her feet. She looked up to see Aoshi pulling on his trenchcoat and motioning for her to follow him. She pulled on the jacket and followed only to be met by a Mercedes sitting in the garage of the Aoiya.

Aoshi pulled open a door and waited for Kaoru to enter the car.

I really, really, really, really, REALLY, don't want to spend more time with Shinomori-san if I can help it…maybe I can just politely refuse…

"Thanks Shinomori-san, but you know what? I'd actually love to walk home and enjoy the more scenic route. I'm sorry, but thank you for the offer!" replied Kaoru, immediately turning around and heading for the door. She suddenly felt an arm slip around her shoulder and knees before being scooped off the floor.

"Shinomori Aoshi, put me down!" yelled Kaoru angrily, trying to push away from him. He didn't answer and instead just dumped her into her car seat before locking the door. She scowled as he entered the driver's seat and backed out of the garage.

"If you don't give me directions, I can't take you home" said Aoshi calmly.

"You could let me off here, and I'll be able to find my way home" answered Kaoru quietly, not happy about being forced into the car like that.

"Just give them" muttered Aoshi.

"Do you know where Hanada Apartment Complex is?" asked Kaoru. Aoshi answered her question with a nod. "That's where I live."

A few more minutes passed as Kaoru and Aoshi sat in the car silently. Finally, Kaoru sighed exasperatedly and flipped the switch on the radio, beginning to sing as one of her favorite songs came on the radio.

"Ashidori mo karukushite chao chao

Torumono mo toriaezu chao chao

Raion ga unaru mitai no raimei ga

Taisan wo unagashite iru

Dou naru no?

Sou...mou sugu ame

Dai kirai ame nanka chao chao

Mou sukoshi itai noni

Kaikan ga kaisan ni kawaru shunkan wo

Raion ga isogaseta no wa

Meihaku No! Meiwaku

It's gonna rain!"

Aoshi stared at the softly singing girl sitting next to him.

That voice…there's something deep hidden in that beautiful voice of hers…

"It's not going to rain, it's raining" Aoshi said quietly, mocking Kaoru's singing.

"Can't you just enjoy the song?" asked Kaoru with a scowl.

"Thankfully it's not one of those love songs" muttered Aoshi.

"What is with you and love?" asked Kaoru angrily. "Why do you hate the concept of love so much?"

"Those who live a sheltered life learn of the harshness of love later than those people who suffer at an earlier stage" answered Aoshi coldly.

"Don't assume I had a perfect life Shinomori-san" retorted Kaoru quietly. "You don't know a thing about me."

They both lapsed into silence until Aoshi stopped the car abruptly.

"We're here" he said, parking the car neatly.

"Obaasan!" cried out Kaoru suddenly, rushing out of the car and making a beeline for the old woman who sat on the steps of her apartment building. Aoshi sighed exasperatedly and locked the car as he stepped out onto the puddle-ridden pavement and made his way towards Kaoru and the old woman.

"Who's this young man?" asked the woman hoarsely, clutching to Kaoru almost fearfully.

"Obaasan, this is Shinomori Aoshi, a…acquaintance of mine. Shinomori-san, this is Takamari Yui-san, a good friend of mine" Kaoru said quickly, introducing them to each other as speedily as she could. "Obaasan, why are you sitting on the doorsteps?"

"The children thought it would be funny if they locked me out of the apartment building, and I unfortunately have no key, and it was so late at night that I didn't feel like waking anyone up" replied Yui dejectedly.

"Obaasan, I have a key, I'll let you in" said Kaoru cheerfully, whipping out her key and unlocking the door with a flourish.

"Thank you Kao-chan, you're such a sweet young girl" said Yui gratefully. "As a thank you, why don't both of you come to my apartment? I'll tell your fortunes for free!"

Before Aoshi could politely refuse, Kaoru immediately grabbed his hand. "Sure!" she accepted cheerfully. "We'll have our fortunes told!"

If glares could kill, Kaoru would've been dead by then. But since glares cannot kill, Aoshi and Kaoru followed Yui to her apartment, curious about what she would be able to see in their futures.

The big night's not over yet! Next chapter - Misao meets her inquisitoral squad, consisting of Okon, Omasu, and Okina, Okita meets Kaya's family for the first time, Sanosuke reveals his past to Megumi, Aoshi and Kaoru get their fortunes told, and Enishi reaches his home only to discover that his housekey was attached to his car keys, so he makes a u-turn and goes to the one place where he knows someone actually is...

Please review! Ja ne till next time!