Misao strolled into the building a week after the conversation she had with Kenshin. So much had happened during the seven days. She frowned at the thought. Kenshin was discharged five days ago, only to find out that Kaoru had quit from her job and left no contact for anyone. His eyes never lit up in joy ever since.

She sighed as she pushed that thought aside. She had to devote her attention to something more important. Namely the one called Aoshi-san.

Misao took the lift up to the 30th floor and walked straight towards the receptionist. When she saw her looking at her, she gave her the paper that Kenshin wrote a week ago in the hospital.

The receptionist blinked as she read the note before looking up. "Do you want me to inform him?"

"No." She shook her head. "Just tell me where his office is and I will find my way." She smiled as the receptionist pointed at the office at the end of the walkway. "Thank you!" She said as she headed towards that direction.

Aoshi hung up the phone and stared outside the window that overlooked the city district. Sano was on the line just now, screaming into his ears that Kenshin is meeting up with Tomoe again even though Kenshin broke the engagement four days ago. It wasn't as if Tomoe's reputation would be ruined. But he had to agree with Sano. There was no way that Tomoe would be able to remain friends with Kenshin. It was obvious that she loves him.

But he knew that it was because of Tomoe, Kenshin lost the gloomy expression he wore after he was discharged. They never could figure out what was bothering him. However as long as Tomoe could make him happy, Aoshi was selfish enough to allow her to do so, at her expense.

Not like he was faring any better. He visited the bookshop a few days ago, only to find out that Misao had gone for a holiday. A holiday! He shook his head in disbelief. How could she just pretend everything was okay after the outburst in the hospital?

He was beginning to doubt that Misao loved him. After all, he told her that he hated her for killing his parents. Was that enough to snuff out the love they had? Or was it possible he didn't love Misao enough to win her back?

He heard the door creaked. Sighing he asked. "Is there anything?" When there was no answer, he turned himself around and was about to repeat his question when he saw who was standing at the entrance.

She wore a yellow spaghetti sundress that reached to her knees, holding to a white tote bag and wore tinted blue spectacles until she took it off, revealing the bright blue eyes that stared down at him. "Hey there, miss me?"

The voice sounded like music to his ears but he brushed the question aside as he got out of the chair and rested his hands on the table, glaring at her. "Where the hell have you been, Misao-chan?"

Misao looked at him in disbelief. "Hello? You are asking me where I have been." She walked towards him, shaking her head. "Not even without saying a 'hey' to me." She sighed as she walked towards him and sat opposite him. "So, how's life?"

Aoshi stared at her, shocked at her cool attitude towards her. She didn't look hard broken or upset. In fact, she was like her old self before he fell for her. Or was she always like that?

She chuckled. "Come on Aoshi, you don't look like one who is easily dumbstruck." She leaned forward. "How is Kenshin anyway?"

So now she was engaging small talk? Well both of them could play that game. "He is alright physically. But emotionally, I think he is a wreck." He sighed. Just like me… He thought as he leveled his eyes at her.

Her sigh was genuine to his ears. "I wonder where Kaoru-chan has gone. It is pretty sad the way things worked out between the two of them." She got up and walked to the window, her back facing him. "I hope that she won't let what Kenshin did out of foolishness ruin her chance of finding true love. Perhaps she needs to forgive him for being engaged to Tomoe before the two of them could find true happiness." She said softly.

Forgive… That was what Soujiro told him as well on that day. Suddenly everything fell into its place. He couldn't love Misao enough because he bore a grudge against her for so long. He allowed that mistake she regretted making to loom over their future. And if he doesn't deal with it, he might lose her…

Misao felt Aoshi behind her and tensed up. She came in with the plan to remain cool and friendly, hoping that Aoshi would make the first move. But after what she said just now, she felt she revealed herself too much. "Aoshi…" She turned around, wanting to somehow salvage her pride only to feel his lips on hers. Misao relaxed and allowed herself to be carried away.

When Aoshi broke the kiss, he brushed Misao's fringe and laid a kiss on her forehead before placing his fingers on her chin, tilting her face up so that she could read what he had to say.

"After that accident, I woke up, only to realize my parents were dead." He felt her tensed before struggling. "Stop! I am not done yet."

"I will not let the past be thrown into my face the second time!" She said harshly.

Aoshi tightened his hold. "I'm getting rid of the past! Just listen to what I have to say, then you can decide what to do next, just listen to me… please?" When she relaxed, he continued. "Doctors told me I would deaf if I don't undergo surgery within two weeks. And even if they did the operation, there was a 50-50 chance that I would lose my hearing. I was scared, terrified and bitter at the way fate destroyed my life. I was furious with that girl who dashed across the road." He whispered, as he recalled those awful days.

"Tae-chan saw me and decided to get Hiko-san to adopt me. After all, Kenshin at that time wanted a younger brother." He smiled at that memory. "I was only 14 at that time. He funded my operation and it was a success! The doctors said it was a miracle, for they were quite pessimistic after the operation. But all this time, I could only think of the little girl who took away my family."

He brushed her tears away. "Don't cry Misao-chan. Even though I lost one family, I have gotten another one. Hiko-san and Tae-chan were great people, and Kenshin, Sano and Yahiko were great brothers. I was the ungrateful brat, not realizing that I was lucky when you on the other hand had to suffer the guilt of causing the death of two people. I'm sorry for telling you I hate you when all I wanted to take you into my arms and say these words." He stepped back and signed out what he had in mind.

'I love you.'

He hugged her when he noticed tears rolling down her face. "Hush now." He said as he used one hand to stroke her head. "Don't cry love. I'm so sorry. Forgive me…"

Author's Note:

Wedding bells were heard all over the town. After all who wouldn't be curious regarding the wedding of Aoshi Shinomori and Misao Makimachi? However, behind the festive cheers, there were dark clouds looming over them.

Kenshin continued life as per normal. However, he missed Kaoru so much that sometimes he dreams of her at night.

Tomoe was at her wits end trying to get two of her best friends back together again- mainly Kenshin (who was once her ex-fiancé) and Kaoru (who has disappeared)

Misao was upset that Kaoru didn't turn up, sending a letter of apology for not coming for their wedding.

Sano was furious that Megumi-sensei was invited for the wedding… (Could there be a whiff of romance between the quarrelsome two?)

The only two things that brightened up the event- the fact that Aoshi and Misao behaved like typical lovebirds, with Yahiko laughing at them each time they stole a kiss.

And that Yahiko was blushing each time Tsubame smiled at him….

But that would be another story won't it? After all, Misao and Aoshi deserved to have some precious time on their own right?

Check out 'I promise' to see whether Kenshin and Kaoru are destined to be ill-fated lovers. Could a strange twist of fate bring them back together again….

Thanks for waiting for so long. I won't pull a stunt like this again. Take care guys!

God Bless!

Joyful-x

P.S: To everyone who reviewed

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Thank you guys for the continuous reviews that kept me going! Seriously, I was so happy reading your reviews! Thanks a lot!