Sorry for updating it so late. I am currently caught up in school and need time to figure out how to proceed on with this story.

Let me just say what I have in mind…

I don't usually do very nice short fanfics, and sad to say, this would be one of the short fanfics I am attempting to do. So bear with me. Criticisms are welcome but please be constructive.

Now, on with the story.

What's wrong with her being deaf? Misao fumed as she laid the food on the table that was hidden away from the entrance. And she thought that he was dead drop gorgeous!

The icy blue eyes of his should freeze her blood, but instead, the way it roamed across her face made her blush. Fortunately for her, he didn't notice it. And she was so tempted to brush his fringe that covered his eyes away.

And he acted like a jerk, being surprised that she was deaf. He easily accepted Soujiro's disability but was so shock to find out about hers.

When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she jumped, only to see Soujiro looking at her, with his typical 'are you okay?' look on his face.

'I am alright.' She signed to him.

Soujiro shook his head. 'I don't believe you. Your eyes are much duller now, after Shinomori-san said something to you.'

She shrugged and brushed it aside, slightly annoyed that Soujiro was perceptive. 'It's okay. Why don't you recommend them a few books that will keep them occupied?'

Soujiro just smiled. 'I have already given them something to read. I am afraid they won't leave until they are done.'

Misao couldn't help but smile. She loved it when people got hook on to books. 'Too bad for them, lunch is ready. Ask them to join us.'

'Why don't you call them?' Soujiro asked. He shook his head as Misao started laying the food on the table. Taking them out of her grasp, he shook his head furiously at her and pointed towards the direction of the two gentlemen.

'Okay! I got your point!' Misao signed back, getting really annoyed at Soujiro's insistence. Although they were friends for nearly ten years, it gave him no right to push her off like that.

Especially towards a guy she wanted to despise!

Misao walked towards them and plastered a smile. She was however surprised when Aoshi looked up at her. "Makimachi-chan, your collection of books is incredible."

How could she even remain cold to a man who appreciates her book collection? "Thank you Shinomori-san."

"Call me Aoshi please."

Misao almost let out a snort. "I rather address you as Shinomori-san."

"Sorry."

"Pardon?" Misao said, clearly shocked at what she read, afraid that she read what he said wrongly.

"You were angry that I was so surprised when you mentioned that you were deaf. I was sorry for that." Aoshi set the book aside and stood up.

Misao took a step back as Aoshi loomed in front of her. Her head barely reached his shoulder. Although she wasn't intimidated by him, she somehow felt awed at how much taller he was. "Well, that was nothing." Wondering how much pride he swallowed to say sorry to her. He doesn't strike to her as someone who said that word easily.

"Kenshin told me off." Aoshi continued, taking hold of her arm to prevent her from bolting off. "I am sorry. I was merely surprised that you could read our lips so efficiently that it didn't occur to me that you were actually deaf."

"It's okay." Misao shrugged, trying hard to act rationally when all she was tempted to do was to hug him tight. Man, he is really dangerous.

"I'm sorry Makimachi-chan."

"Alright, I forgive you." Misao sighed, giving in. It wasn't nice to see him crawl just over a misunderstanding on her part. "In one condition."

"What?"

"Call me Misao or Misao-chan and I will start calling you Aoshi-san."

"Not Aoshi?" Aoshi asked her.

"No, Aoshi-san, take it or leave it." Misao shook her head.

"Okay Misao." She watched as his lips curved into a smile.

"Thank you." Misao pushed herself away before she wants to kiss the ends of his mouth. "Himura-san, lunch is ready."

Kenshin look up from his business book. "Alright, let me finish the last page." He said as he looked down once more at the book.

Misao shook her head and told Aoshi. "Better make sure he comes. I will leave him in your hands."

"Sure."

With good food and company, it was an enjoyable lunch. After they managed to pull Kenshin, who was engrossed with his book, to join them for lunch, Misao loved the way the two guests took their time to talk and made sure Soujiro wasn't left out in the conversation.

"Thanks for coming." Misao said, as she sent them out of the shop after a filling lunch.

Kenshin turned and smiled at her. "Thank you for inviting me. You have a good collection of books. I will definitely pop by here soon."

"By all means, you are most welcome." Misao gave him her warmest smile. "You too Aoshi-san."

Kenshin laughed. "You won't be able to ban him from coming here. You will definitely see him soon. As for me, I might take a while longer."

"See you Misao." Aoshi said as he took out his sunglasses and slipped it on. "Quick Kenshin, we need to rush back for our meeting with Sano and Yahiko."

"Right, Misao, pass me the notepad please." Kenshin requested. When he gotten what he requested, he wrote something and gave it to Soujiro.

'See you later.'

Soujiro nodded and signed back to him. "See you too!" Misao translated for him.

The two brothers nodded and left the shop. However, Misao stood at the entrance, watching the car reverse and drove off. When she turned back to Soujiro, he gave her a small smile. 'You like him?'

'Yeah, I like them.' Misao walked to the bookshelf to arrange her books neatly. When she was done, she walked to the cashier, where Soujiro stood, with the knowing smile on his face.

'You like him. Don't deny it.'

'Yeah, I like Himura-san.' Misao signed, even though in her mind, she was thinking about Aoshi.

Soujiro shook his head. 'No, I mean Shinomori-san.'

Misao snorted as she went back to the table that they had lunch earlier on and sat down, staring dreamily at the entrance. When she felt Soujiro sitting next to her, she frowned and faced him. 'Why did you ask?'

'It's written on your face. What made you so attracted to him?'

Misao sighed, knowing better but to try and avoid the subject. 'I don't know.' She signed truthfully. 'It's just the way he carries himself. And the arrogant look on his face.'

'Don't get involve with him.' Soujiro signed furiously. 'He is nothing but trouble.'

'Why are you getting involved with my affairs?' Misao's eyes narrowed as she signed back.

'You are my friend. I don't want you to get hurt.' Soujiro looked at her, his eyes pleading to her what he cannot voice out. 'Don't get hurt Misao.'

Misao laughed as she touched his face lightly before saying, and signing it at the same time. 'I won't get hurt.'

I will be having longer chapters in the future, so bear with me

Hope you enjoyed this chapter

Take care and God Bless

Joyful-x