Hey guys! I know i updated it really slowly. But this time round guess what? I have more the less finished up the whole story. The files are in my computer. Now all i have to do is to find the time to upload it slowly and steadily. But of course, hit the reivew button to tell me how it goes so far. And should i do a story on Kenshin after this story? That's all. Cheers! Enjoy the story and God Bless!

'Mommy, may I have that blue balloon? Please?' A young girl with a long pigtail and bright blue eyes signed her request to her mother as she stopped in front of the balloon vender just outside of the amusement park.

Her mother exchanged glances with her husband before nodding. 'Hold on to it tightly all right?' The young girl nodded with gee.

'Remember, you have to hold on to it tightly. If not it will fly away.' Her father reinforced the statement to the young girl, hoping that she understood what they were trying to say.

Just then, a teenager rudely bumped against her, causing her to lose her grip on the balloon. She let out a loud wail as her blue balloon start to float up into the air. She gave it a chance, unable to hear her parents shouting out to stop. She was oblivious to the surrounding, as she was totally focused on the balloon that was floating away from her. Wanting to get her balloon, she ran across the road, not seeing the car that was heading towards her. She couldn't hear the car horn, nor did she realized that the car swerved, trying not to hit her and in the end crashed against another on-moving car.

The only thing that registered in the young mind of hers was that her blue balloon flew away and a young boy's shimmering blue eyes filled with pain when she glanced at the car wreckage when she realized what she had done.

Misao woke up, startled by the nightmare that haunted her for years. As she grew older, her parents told her that she was responsible for the lost of two lives and someone became an orphan because of her. She took in a deep breath, trying to calm her rattled nerves. Aoshi almost knocked her down today. Fortunately he managed to stop in time if not… She shuddered at the thought of his beautiful eyes filled with horror like the one that invaded her dreams for 13 years. She glanced at the clock, totally pissed off that it was still early in the morning. She threw her blanket over herself, willing herself to sleep. But sleep never came.

Aoshi carefully maneuvered his BMW into the parking lot just outside Sanctuary Cove. He waited for Kenshin, who took his time to get out of the car before locking it. "You are too slow!"

"Sorry, I am still having the headache." Kenshin said softly, earning him a glance from Aoshi.

"You should take leave." Aoshi frowned. "Hiko would clobber you if he was still alive, seeing you pushing yourself like this."

He heard Kenshin laughed. "If he was here, I won't be working so hard."

Aoshi's mouth twitched. "I can't help but agree." He replied as he entered the shop, and seeing Soujiro at the counter, he forced to form a civilized smile for his sake. How could he smile, if he was so worried about Misao? He left her the night before, knowing that she was deeply shaken. He felt guilty that he didn't stay with her, even for a while to ensure she was all right. After all, she kept saying she was fine and insisted that he left her alone.

Knowing that he made the wrong choice, he went to the counter and wrote to Soujiro

'Where is Misao-chan?'

He watched his dark eyes hardened for a moment before being masked.

'She took a day off.'

Aoshi looked at him, stunned by the news.

'What happened to her?'

He watched him shrugged as he wrote on the paper.

'Nothing much.'

Aoshi almost bought that explanation when he saw the furious glance that Soujiro shot at him when he thought he wasn't looking. It was a big deal.

'Is she in the apartment?'

'Then where?'

He scribbled furiously when he saw Soujiro shaking his head. When he just shrugged at him again, Aoshi reached out and grabbed hold of his white collar t-shirt. At that moment, he felt a hand on his left shoulder.

"Aoshi." Was all Kenshin said and he felt his anger drained out of him. Soujiro was just lucky that he was around if not…

'I am sorry about his temper.

He tends to lose it when he is either worried or

thinks that someone precious to him is in danger.'

Kenshin wrote to Soujiro, earning a smile from him and a message.

'His fury could freeze hell.'

Kenshin looked up to see him running his hand through his hair, giving him a sheepish grin and laughed. Aoshi looked at the both of them, disgusted that they were laughing when he was here all worried about Misao. "Help me ask him where she is." Aoshi demanded, earning another around of laughter from Kenshin.

'I have to agree with you on that statement.

However I need to ask you, where is Misao-dono?'

When Soujiro showed him the notes that he written to Aoshi earlier, Kenshin gave a thoughtful nod and replied. 'I see. Do you have any idea where is she?'
Soujiro frowned, giving a thought to the question and replied back. 'I don't think she wants to see him.' When Kenshin showed the note to Aoshi, he panicked. "Convince him that I care. Tell him I want to know where she is. For all you know she might be in danger." Kenshin tilted his head, accessing his bother. "This is interesting. You care for Misao-dono as a friend or for something more? Because the Aoshi we know only cares for his family and nothing more." "Something more! Now damn it! Help me ask her!" Aoshi gritted his teeth, almost stamping his foot in frustration. He watched Kenshin smiled like a cat and wrote the note to Soujiro, making sure that he couldn't see what was written.

He saw Soujiro breaking into a genuine smile and wrote down the location. Kenshin thanked him and dragged Aoshi out with him. At that moment, Soujiro extended a book towards Aoshi, giving him a warning glance at the same time. Aoshi could do nothing more but to grab the book and nod at him as Kenshin persistently lugged him out of the shop. But he understood what he was saying. Don't hurt Misao.

With the book that Yahiko begged them to get, they walked out of the shop. When they left the shop, Kenshin said. "She took a bus and went to the seaside."

Aoshi frowned at him. "But the nearest seaside is about two hours drive from here."

"I know, but if you rush now, you could find her there. Soujiro said that she would stay there to watch the sunset. So if I were you, I would just go there right now."

Aoshi shook his head. "But your headache…"

"I am fine." Kenshin brushed off his concern. "I can take the bus back to the office. But you need to rush there right now. And yes, you can give me the book. I would love to see Yahiko's face when I reminded him of our deal."

Aoshi gave him the book and walked to the car. "By the way, how did you manage to convince him to tell you her location?"

"Oh," Kenshin just shrugged, feigning indifference, judging by the mischief that shown in his eyes. "I just told him that you love her."

Aoshi paused for a moment, thinking of what Kenshin just said. "I don't know about love, but perhaps your guess must be the closest thing I am experiencing right now." He entered the car and drove to the seaside, wanting to be close to Misao as soon as possible.

Misao sat down on stone, her favourite spot on the beach. From afar, she could see the small café at the seaside. She took in a deep breath of the salty breeze and gazed towards the horizon. She felt guilty for abandoning Soujiro, leaving him to take care of the shop alone. However, she needed to get away from the crowd, from the city and from the roads. Even though she knew that he understood her situation, she just couldn't help but feel bad.

As she watched the wave crashed against the shore, she imagined what it would sound like. This was one of the moments that she allowed herself to dream and think of the 'what if' questions.

What if she could hear?

What if she did not chase after the balloon?

What if she fell in love with Aoshi?

She paused for a moment, thinking of the silent man that quietly invaded into her life. Actually, she only met him two times and yet, it seemed like she known him forever. Perhaps she and him had a connection in their past life. But whatever the situation might be, she realized one fact- she was falling for him.

She never believed in love at first sight. But there was something about him that drew her to him. She couldn't help but smile. Skeptics like her, don't fall in love at first sight. Yet it happened. There must be a reason behind it.

Too tired to think, she let the thought go, wanting to enjoy the scenery. The beach soothes her nerves and she needed to relax.

She looked up at the sky, spying sea gulls flying over her and she breathed in, Mother Nature at her best. She recalled how often her parents would bring her to this beach when she was young to have a picnic and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. She missed those times after she gotten uprooted and moved out of town after the accident.

Just then, she felt a hand on her shoulder. It should shock her, but it didn't. She knew whose hand it was. "Kombawa Aoshi-san."

She felt him move to her side and sat down next to her, their thighs touching each other. She moved, intending to shift as much as she could, to give him enough space for him to sit down. However, her mind had other ideas, and instead she leaned her head against his shoulder. Shocked by her own action, she didn't move, not wanting to create an awkward situation. But when she felt his arm gently draped around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him, she relax, as the two of them watched the scenery together.

"Thank you, Aoshi-san." Misao said as she took hold of his outstretched hand and jumped off the stone. The sun had set and she was feeling a little hungry. Of course, she didn't say a word as she watched taking out his handphone and typed a message to her.

'It's dark, do you want to have dinner?'

Misao nodded, secretly pleased by his suggestion. "Sure, I don't mind. I know the owner of the café down the beach. Let's go there. The spaghetti there is fantastic."

'Then lead the way.'

Aoshi typed back on the handphone. He watched her as she took off her sandals and walked along the beach. With a baby blue tank-top and a white flair skirt that reached her knee capped, she looked so carefree. When she leaned on him instinctively just now, he felt so contented to just sit there and enjoy her presence. He wondered about his life before meeting Misao and shook his head. He couldn't imagine his life now without someone to love, protect and cuddle. Misao somehow fit into it and he won't let her walk out of him now. He smirked at that thought. When was he that possessive? Misao is a human being like him and he won't want to be controlled by anyone, not even by the one he loves.

He walked closely behind her until he reached the café. Judging from the waiter's expression, it seemed that she was a regular customer. The two of them were ushered in and were greeted by an old man, having a white mustache and a white beard that had a small ribbon tied at the end of it. "Misao!"

"Okina!" Misao exclaimed back and hugged him leaving Aoshi wondering who this man was. "Okina, this is Aoshi-san. Aoshi-san, this is my godfather, Okina."

Godfather? Aoshi kept his face composed but his mind was churning furiously. Judging by the way he wore the brown uniform over his dirty white T-shirt, he looked more like her grandfather than her godfather. "Nice to meet you." He nodded slightly.

He earned a look from him instead. After a long stare, Okina turned back to Misao. "A young looking man you have over here Misao."

"Okina!" Misao exclaimed, her face turning red as she looked away. "Do you mind, I am hungry. Please serve up your specialty for us." Misao looked back at the old man and gave him a fierce glare. "Now."

Okina looked at the both of them and sighed. "For your sake Misao." He said as he took over the role of the waiter and showed them the seat. "This is Misao's favourite spot." He said with a wink more for Aoshi's benefit before he left.

Misao said nothing and moved to her seat, the one facing the entrance. Aoshi immediately moved next to her and dragged out her seat. Feeling like a princess, she gave him a warm smile as she sat and felt him tug the chair in before sitting opposite her.

"Nice restaurant." Aoshi said softly as he moved aside to allow the waiter to serve plain water and to light up the candle between them.

Misao just look out of the window, at the sea. This was her favourite spot, as what Okina said. It had a view of the sea, and would usually enjoy the scene alone. Today will be different. She vowed. She would make the best out of the situation and leave aside happy memories. "Okina devoted a lot of time and energy into opening this restaurant. My parents and I used to visit this place when I was young." She smiled at the memory. "However that was long time ago."

Aoshi opened his mouth, but seeing her glancing away towards the ocean, he kept quiet, waiting for her to speak again. She didn't until the spaghetti was served. "What were you doing here?"

Aoshi took a mouthful of spaghetti before replying. "I went by your shop today and found out that you weren't around. Soujiro told me where you were."

Misao frowned for a moment. "Do you mind repeating it slightly slower? The lighting here isn't that good."

"Soujiro told me where you were when I went to visit you." Aoshi said slowly as he broke into a cautious smile. "And you were right, the spaghetti is fantastic."

He was rewarded by a brilliant smile from Misao. "I told you." Aoshi wished that she kept smiling like that and would do anything just to see her smile again. He was contented just listen Misao talked throughout the meal, not wanting to interrupt the melodious voice of hers.

When they finished dinner, Aoshi stretched out his hand and touched Misao's hand, getting her attention. "Go to the beach, please?"

Misao glanced at the clock, trying to block out the feelings she felt when he touched her. 1930hr. She would make her way home now but Aoshi…

"I will drive you home. Please Misao-chan?"

Misao's heart melted. A proud man like him won't ask favours from anyone. Since he had a car, she would be able to reach home before midnight. She gave a smile and nodded her head.

Aoshi stretched out his hand and after much hesitation, she gently placed her hand into his. He held firmly as he slowly led Misao out of the café and never let go till they reached the beach.

He bent down and took out his shoes and socks and placed it at one side and started folding up his pants till it reached his knees. From the corner of his eyes, Aoshi saw Misao doing the same thing. When both of them were done, he turned to her. "Let's go into the sea for a while."

Misao nodded, acknowledging him and she leaned forward and took his hand and pulled him into the water until it reached her calf. Hand in hand, they stood in the sea, bathing in the moonlight and watched the stars.

Misao sat quietly throughout the journey back home. She was unconsciously aware of Aoshi, who sat beside her, who was driving her home. Ever since the quiet moment at the beach, admiring the stars together, with her hands in his, she was so in tuned to him. She never felt this way before, except for Soujiro. Yet, the feeling wasn't as strong as it was now.

It wasn't that she doesn't welcome the comfort of having someone close to her but she was afraid. She was afraid that one day if she told him the events in her life, he might turn away from her. She had a strong feeling that she had seen Aoshi somewhere. It was impossible to forget his face that easily. Or even his beautiful eyes.

She felt a pet on her shoulder and she turned towards the man that occupied her mind. "We are home." Aoshi switched on the light in the car and spoke to her.

Misao gave a small smile. "Thanks Aoshi." She said briskly turned away to open the door when she felt his hands on her arm.

"Did I make you angry?" Aoshi asked when she turned back once more and face him. When she shook her head, he brushed her fringe from her forehead. "Then why is your eyes filled with sadness?" He couldn't believe that he came to care for her so much. He wanted to know what bothered her and share the burden with her. He wanted to hold her in his arms and protect her from all her fears and worries.

"Nothing Aoshi. You don't have to worry." Misao smiled, trying not to let Aoshi get worried over her.

"Then can I do something?" Aoshi asked and before Misao could say anything, he leaned towards her as he stretched his hands to switch off the car light, causing the car to be dark once more. With his other hand, he cupped her cheek and held her still as he tasted her lips.

Misao let out a soft gasp before throwing her hands around his neck, deepening the kiss. Their tongues met before Aoshi quickly withdrew from it. She watched him taking a deep breath turning away. "Damn Misao, sorry." Aoshi said, forgetting that she couldn't hear him. "I shouldn't have done that!" Aoshi looked straight out of the windscreen. "I can't help but do it. Forgive me."

When Misao didn't answer, he turned and faced her. "I'm sorry."

"I can't hear you Aoshi." Misao said, her voice shook with raw emotion. "Did I do something wrong?"

Aoshi shook his head and dragged his hand down. "I shouldn't have done it." Aoshi said. When Misao didn't reply, he switched on the light. "I shouldn't have kissed you. It would complicate our relationship further." Aoshi stopped blabbering and took in a deep breath. "Go and sleep. I will see you at the bookshop tomorrow." He signed the last farewell that night.

'Good night Misao-chan'

He watched her blinked at him before she signed back.

'Good night Aoshi-san'

Misao turned away for the final time and opened the door. "Thanks for the ride, dinner and the kiss Aoshi-san." She said just as she was about to step out of the car. She shut it and walked to the front door. She went into the house and looked outside the window to see Aoshi's car staying put for a minute or so before driving off. When the car disappeared from sight, Misao sank onto the floor. How on earth could he be sorry when she loved ever single moment?

Remember to hit the review button!

Joyful-x