Chapter Four- Slow and Steady wins the race.

"Aoshi, you knew, didn't you." I was still in shock about the horrible proclamation. All Aoshi did was nod. "Well how are we going to get out of it? No offense Aoshi, but I have no intention on marrying you or anyone at this moment. I think that my father has gone insane at this moment and I want to blame your father for the cause. I mean, why is that the only way to tie the two family lines together? What were they going to do if my parents didn't have kids or only had boys? Marriage is currently out of the question."

"Karou-san, I don't mean to put a damper on things, but right now there is little we can do until our parents become reasonable. Let's just keep a civil attitude and work on a friendship, not marriage." Aoshi spoke with such clarity as though he had practiced those words to say.

"Okay. Well I guess then we need to get to know one another."

Sano scoffed at looked at me astonished. "Kao-chan, are you just going to sit here and listen to all of this? What happened to your fighting spirit?"

"Think about it Sano. If I wait and absorb all the information I need to know about the whole situation it will be easier for me to handle. Why go to battle unarmed?" Now it was late and time for dinner and I wanted to finish my homework. "Guys I think it may be time for you to go home. I want to finish my homework and it's time for dinner." I turned to Sano, "Are you going to walk me to school tomorrow?"

"Kaoru-san, I might be staying here, so I may walk you to school if you'd like." Aoshi interrupted before Sano had a chance to reply.

Sano glared at Aoshi and stepped in front of me, as if to hide me from Aoshi's view. "I'm walking her to school, buddy, because it makes me feel better. You're welcome to tag along, but you should know that I don't trust you yet, and you are definitely not going to be left alone with Kao-chan."

"I can assure you Sagara-san, that Kao-chan is perfectly safe with me. I am an honorable person and in my presence she will not come to harm."

"Still it doesn't mean that I trust you. All we know about you is some bizarre story that your father and Kamiya-san told us." Sano turned away from Aoshi and swept me up into a hug. "Sleep tight girly, and I will be here early tomorrow. Good evening Shinomori."

"Sano, call me when you get home. Be safe." I walked with him to the door, Aoshi close behind. When Sano was out of hearing I turned around to face Aoshi. "What was all that about you possibly staying here? Where did you stay when you arrived here? Also, what was going on between you and Sano, both of you being all macho going on about 'I will keep her safe' and the like? You both know that I have had extensive training in my father's sword-style plus a little something my uncle taught me. So?"

"My father believes that it would be best for the blossoming couple to spend all the time they can with one another. Unfortunately at the time I had no idea of whom he was referring. If you wish to retire at this moment I am certain that I will find something to do to entertain myself until dinner." He started to look around as if he would get inspiration from the simple hallway. I sighed.

"If you'd like you can spend the time in my room while I finish my homework and you could possibly start your own or you can wander about and do what you like."

"I think that I will follow you. Besides if we are to be friends we have to start somewhere."

"You know you are right. So let's start this all over again." I took a breath. "Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Kaoru desu. Doozo yoro shiku." And I finished with a lovely bow.

Aoshi returned the common greeting and we went up the steps to my room.

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It was late after dinner when I finally got shown to a room in the Kamiya household. My father certainly has let his sentimental side get the better of him in this situation. Kaoru-san and I are engaged…yeah, engaged in finding a way out of this so-called engagement. The two of us certainly have the potential of a friendship, but certainly I feel as though we lack any of the requirements for a romantic entanglement. Besides that other guy, Sano seems to be the one her heart leads her to trust and love. Hmmm… I will see tomorrow if there is anything there that I can use to dissuade our parents from their ridiculous plans.

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Poor Missy. I feel pissed and yet at the same time I feel challenged and intrigued. For as long as I have know Kaoru she has never given way to her feelings of love in the way that's going to be required in a romantic situation. I know that she is very loving, open, willing to give her life for her family, friends, and her passions, but I don't think that I ever imagined her with a boyfriend, let alone a fiancé. It was like that time I met her uncle's student for the first time and he always had his arms linked with hers and they hugged all the time. I know I was jealous then, before that was I realized that that guy was like her cousin and that she did pretty much the same with me. Now I don't know what this feeling is. I mean I'm not in love with her. Am I?

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I woke up early remembering how Sano was going to walk with me to school. Then I remembered my fiancé situation. HA! Won't that make me so popular at school today? No matter how much I tease Sano, a lot of the girls at school really like him and tell me how envious they are of our close bond. I know that none of them bare a grudge against me, except possibly Yumi, but no true enemies. It's wonderful how they all just accept our friendship, even though they sometimes let me know that they think it's more than that. All I can do is laugh.

"Kaoru-chan, breakfast is ready and your friend Sano is down there already devouring a portion of the meal. Better get down there before he eats yours too." Tae had just come into the room as I retied the tie on my uniform.

"Thanks Tae. I don't think that he knows when to stop." I smiled at her and rushed downstairs only to be met with the sight of Sano glaring at Aoshi while Aoshi calmly stood as if waiting. Which indeed he was, waiting that is. And he was waiting for me. "Morning Sano. Good morning Aoshi-san. How are you both doing?"

" Hey there 'jou-chan. Mind telling me what this guy is doing here?"

"If you must know, since we are staying in the Kamiya's guest house, I thought that it would only be sensible to walk to school with the pair of you. Also it will grant me the opportunity to learn more about the school, and Kaoru." Aoshi seemed to elude coldness in his speech but Sano and I looked at him awed. "What?" He asked annoyed.

"You just spoke without being prompted and you spoke quiet a bit. We are just amazed, aren't we Sano?"

I didn't receive a response from him other than the nodding of his head.

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On the way to school we talked of many a things. "You will absolutely love Misao-chan, but not as much as she will love you. She has so much energy and she-"

"Is a weasel girl that will either kick you in the head or throw a kunai at your head for any stupid comment."

"Which for you must be pretty often, huh Sagara." Sano looked as if he was about to attack Aoshi.

"Now boys. Settle down." I turned to each of them in turn. "Sano, Misao is not a weasel. Maybe slightly hyperactive, but don't call her a weasel. And Aoshi, don't be so insulting. Besides, you've just met, correction, we've all just met. There is no need to be so ill-mannered."

"All right Kaoru. I apologize Sagara."

"It's okay, buddy." Sano laughed it off. "But now do you see what I mean about this little girl?" He looped his arm over my shoulder. "She has everyone wrapped around her little finger. Tell you what. To make her happy, what do you say we all hang out later today, and you and I start over right now." Sano stopped right there and stuck his hand out. Aoshi didn't say anything except accept Sano's hand in his own. We continued on the way to school. I gave descriptions of everyone at school of course with Sano adding his own opinion to everything.

"Oh. My. Goodness. What did you do Kaoru? How did you get the beautiful Aoshi-sama to walk you to school?" We were in the middle of class and Misao was drooling and drooling hard core.

"I will tell you at lunch because I am sure that Megumi has the same questions."

"You are certainly right about that Kao-chan. I also want to know why that baka Rooster-head was walking with you as well."