Hello everyone! Thank you for taking the time to check out my story. I had this story locked up in my head for awhile so I'm finally getting around to writing it. I really love Misao and Aoshi as a couple and I thought it would be cool to see them in modern time together. If you are a follower of mine, I'm sure you have noticed that my name has changed from Oreo-girl to aerie50. Enjoy and please REVIEW!

Disclaimer: I own no rights to pretear.

Chapter 1

A cool breeze danced across Aoshi Shinomori's face. He had woken up not too long ago but decided to rest a little before he fully got up and started his day.

He watched as his curtains danced as a gust of wind twirled the drapes at the entrance of his balcony. His room became a show of dancing shapes moving around in his room. The weather was breezy but cool with hints of warmth as the sun dashed in between clouds. These were the days that Aoshi cherished the most.

A feeling of peace surrounded him as he got up and headed towards his bathroom. A pair of dark brown almond eyes stared back at Aoshi as he look into his mirror. His chest was bare, exposing a fit physique with muscles tattooed with scars. Aoshi pushed back lingering memories and opened his mirror to retrieve his toothbrush.

Almost in an instance Aoshi felt something sharp and cold at the back of his neck. He froze, careful not to make a move.

"You disappoint me, detective."

Aoshi gave a small gasped as he recognized the voice. It was smug and deep. Aoshi couldn't believe it. It had been years since he heard that voice. Without any effort, he tilted his finger to close the mirror. A pair of dangerous narrow eyes bore into him.

"Saito" Aoshi whispered.

Saito chuckled as he pulled back his sword. "It's Fujita Goro now" he said flashing dangers eyes at Aoshi.

Aoshi regained his composure and headed back to his room. Saito pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Pulling on a ratty t-shirt, he took a seat on his bed as the feeling of uneasiness washed over him. He knew right then and there his peaceful life was about to change.

"The old Aoshi Shinomori would have never allowed me to get this close, but then again, I'm not talking to the old Aoshi Shinnomori, am I?"

"What do you want Saito?" Aoshi asked a little annoyed. Saito chuckled and threw a newspaper before his feet. It was today's newspaper. The front hit line wasn't something new to Aoshi. Everyone in Japan knew of the manic who was causing trouble all over Japan.

His name was Shishio Makoto. He was a fanatic and believed that Japan should go back to its past glory, a time when everyone was ambitious and had many view and beliefs for Japan. He wanted to start back to Bakumatsu war. He was insane.

"As you're well aware of this Aoshi, I know you are also aware that this man has earned himself a fan club. Japan is having trouble pinpointing Shishio's whereabouts with his followers creating diversions in different cities to throw us off."

Aoshi looked unbothered at the information.

"I'm no longer a detective" Aoshi said flatly. "Now, get out of my house."

Saito sneered as he drew his sword.

"Before the meji era it was common for police man to use their swords. Even the weak had an idea of how to use a sword. Would you like me to show you an attack the great Shinsengumi used? I promise you won't be disappointed."

Aoshi stood unbothered as Saito stood in his stance. He chuckled and put his sword away and replaced it with a gun. "Of course, mankind today prefers this" he said with disgust. "The art of swordsmanship is dead, and so are you Aoshi Shinsengumi. The once great detective of Japan.

"Anyway" Saito said lighting another cigarette. "I never expected you to say yes, I just had to see if the rumors were true."

He left, leaving Aoshi to his thoughts and newspaper that seemed to open feelings he thought he destroyed a long time ago.

Misao Makimachi yarned loudly as she sat on a coach. Her usually playful green eyes looked tired and fought to stay open. She was sitting in a waiting room to see her counselor. It was almost two months since Misao started to see a counselor. It was a little weird for her to tell everything to someone she barely knew but her counselor made her feel so comfortable.

"Misao" called a soft voice. Misao peeped up as she heard the familiar voice. With a small but friendly grin Misao headed towards her counselors office.

"Why Misao, you cut your hair" observed her counselor as he closed the door behind them. He tilted his glasses up and nodded in agreement with his statement. Misao chuckled as his salt and pepper locks also shook in agreement.

"Yeah it was time for a new look, to go with the new me." Subconsciously Misao ran a hand through her hair. She had just cut her hair and now it was shoulder length. She felt a little weird not having her long braid but she needed something new. She had made so much progress with her life. She wanted that to show on the outside as well as the inside.

"I couldn't agree better, but today you seem not so much yourself. Anything the matter?"

Misao puffed out frustrated breath. She stretch out her legs on the couch she was sitting on and leaned back.

"Sorry Mr. Aynnah, I feel like I need a shrink right now. Ugh, I'm so bothered."

"Ah, I see." Misao watched as he pulled out a notebook and began to write.

"It's my roommate again. She's driving me insane. I mean I know I have no right to judge anyone about their choice of men their dating or sleeping with, but I will judge them when they are affecting my sleep."

"Oh yes, they still oppose on your sleep?"

"Yeah" Misao said sitting up. "Like her manic boyfriend is always bringing her back wasted, almost every night. It's so weird. And they're always trying to fight with me about letting him stay in our room. I'm not leaving every night so they can…get it on" Misao exclaimed making hand gestures and rolling her eyes.

Misao chuckled. "I'm so glad I can be open with you Mr. Aynnah, but excuse that last part" she laughed. Her counselor gave a small laugh as he waved his hand.

"No worries Misao, I completely understand you. I can see why you would be so upset with everything. You have worked so hard to get back into school and get your degree. Your roommate should be more understanding and even help you."

"Well" Misao started with a sign. "We are not close. We barley talk."

"Completely understandable. From what you have told me, it seems like it's the boyfriend that causes her to act this way."

"Yeah I guess. I just haven't taken the time to get to know her. She didn't have this boyfriend in the beginning of the semester. In fact" Misao said as a thought came to her. "She was really depressed in the beginning of the semester. I think she got a boyfriend just to ease her pain or whatever she has been going through."

"Misao you have also gone through a lot through your life. You're very familiar with pain and suffering."

Misao nodded solemnly.

"I say this Misao because I think you should use your struggles that you overcome as a tool to help you help others. Your roommate, um…what is her name by the way?"

"Oh, Misao said with a laugh. "Wow I talk to you so much about her I should have told you her name, maybe you can talk to her, but her name is Kaoru Kamiya."

Her counselor nodded as he wrote her name out then paused suddenly. Misao watched her counselor face turn blank as it turned to look up at her.

Misao felt a wave of awkwardness sweep through the room. Misao hated awkward silence and did what she always did when things got weird for her.

"Yeah so I guess I should get to know her more and try to figure out what's going on with her."

Her counselor made no indication of whether he heard Misao or not. He simply worked over to his computer and begun to use it.

"Do you know her" Misao asked still a little baffled by his odd behavior.

"Kenshin" he whispered as his eyes locked onto his screen.

"Who?"

As if coming out of a trance her counselor gave a smile that usually made Misao feel at ease, but sent shivers up her spine. Noticing her discomfort his expression became friendlier.

"Apologies Misao, like yourself I have a few matters I need to deal with. They suddenly just emerged in mind and I had to solve this matter before I forgot about it.

"Ok."

"Anyway" he said standing up. "I'm afraid our session will have to end a little early today. Please talk with the receptionist to schedule a new time."

"Um, ok but, oh ok" Misao nodded and proceeded to head out the door.

"Misao wait." Her counselor approached her and handed her a card.

"Please tell Kaoru that she can find comfort here. We are here to help everyone.'

"Ok."

"Don't forget Misao." For some reason Misao almost thought his words sounded like a threat. She shook her head as she headed to her car.

"Don't be silly Misao. He's probably having a sucky day too. Besides, he's the nicest and most understanding person you have met in awhile."

A few days had gone by and Misao was relieved that her roommate had decided to stay with her boyfriend Enishi for awhile. She was finally having the peace she needed and deserved. She could focus more on her studies and have clear thoughts.

Misao was having lunch at a food court inside one of the many school centers her University had.

"Hiten University" Misao thought peacefully. "I can't believe I made it here."

Misao munched happily on her sandwich.

"Um, Misao" said a small voice from behind her. Misao turned around and smiled.

"Tsubame, hey girl!" Tsubame chuckled lightly as she watched food fly out of Misao's mouth. Some things were changed, but Misao just couldn't mange etiquette so easily.

"Can I join you?"

"Of course Tsubame, and I told you to stop asking just have a seat."

"Ok" Tsubame said with a small smile. Misao had met Tsubame a few weeks ago in the same food court. Tsubame looked lost and unsure of just about everything. Misao knew right away that she was a freshman, and that she was undeniable shy. She invited her to sit with her and they had developed a pretty good relationship.

"Oh and thank you so much for helping me find the post office. This school is so big. I can barely remember where my dorm is."

"Don't mention it. I know what it feels like to be a freshman all confused and unsure about everything, hell I'm still a little like that."

They both laughed. A comfortable silence fell between them. Misao munched away until something at the corner of her eyes caught her attention.

Misao was never the type of girl to gawk at a guy or even give a guy the time of day but the food dropping out of her mouth was telling her something else.

"Misao what are you looking at. Oh, Aoshi san."

The man must have heard his name because he turned around in their direction. Misao suddenly found it hard to breath. He had beautiful dark eyes encased around almond shape lids. His cheek bones were fine and seemed to shape his face causing him to appear serious but very handsome.

Misao watched as he gave Tsubame a small wave then paid for his meal and headed towards their table.

Quickly Misao swallowed her food in one gulped causing her to chock a bit.

"Oh Misao, are you ok."

Ignoring her, Misao quickly combed a hand through her hair but stopped once she heard a smooth voice.

"Tsubame, we keep running into each other."

Misao froze and allowed her eyes to ascend up his tall and very fit body. His bangs hung loose covering his eyes but Misao could still see them. They were beautiful. They lit up his features . Misao had never seen a more handsome man in her life.

"Yeah I know" she smiled blushing slightly. "Oh I'm sorry, this is my friend Misao Makimachi . Misao, this is Aoshi San."

"I told you Tsubame, call me Aoshi" He then turned his gaze towards Misao. She couldn't stop the blush that was slowly creeping on her face.

"Nice to meet you, Misao."

"Yeah, same here."

"Tsubame I'm sorry I can't stay for long" he said lifting up his to go bag. "I need to head to the registers office. I'll see you around."

He gave them both a nod and headed towards the exit.

Misao stared after him.

"Why are you staring after him" Tsubame asked looking at Misao sideways.

"Huh oh uh well" Misao stammered trying desperately to justify her actions without telling the truth.

"He's so tall, anyway how do you know him?" Misao asked then smirked. "Don't tell me you like this man Tsubame, what about Yahiko."

Tsubame blushed and threw her hand up defensibly. "Oh no, Misao you're mistaken. Aoshi San helped me find a few of my classes when I got lost. I run into him every once in awhile. He's very kind.

"And hot" Misao thought remembering his tall fit body and chiseled face.

"And Yahiko" Tsubame said a little sad. "I care a lot about him. He needs help."

Misao shook her head in agreement. Yahiko was a street kid that recently got a part time job at the Akabeko thanks to Tsubame, but he still somehow managed to get in and out of trouble.

Misao pulled out the card her counselor gave to her.

"Here take this. I was supposed to give this to my roommate but I think you can benefit from seeing my counselor too."

"Misao I didn't know you see a counselor."

Misao shrugged as she got her things together. "Girl I was in and out of trouble like Yahiko but I've changed a lot. I want a better life so I have people in my life that make sure I'm on the right path. I'm not giving this for you, though I think my counselor could really help you with your confidence."

"Anyway" she said standing up. "My counselor can help you sort out your problems with Yahiko. I'm worried about you. I don't want that little punk to ruin your life, but maybe seeing a counselor can give you some insight on how to save his."

Tsubame looked touched. "Oh thank you Misao! I'm so glad I met you. You're really helpful."

"Humph, yeah you're welcome, just don't get too mushy ok" She said jokingly. She waved and headed towards the exit.

As she pulled back the door, Kaoru stumbled past her and almost fell to the ground. Misao covered her mouth as the stench of alcohol hit her nostrils. Misao noticed she was wearing the same clothes she had on the night before.

"Kaoru what are you doing?"

Kaoru looked up into Misao eyes and Misao shook her head. She was a mess. Her hair hadn't been combed. Her eyes were bloodshot red and her once pale face was covered in dirt. She looked like a beggar.

Her tear stained face began to tremble as looked away from Misao.

"I don't know anymore."

"Well I know someone who might." Misao grabbed Kaoru's hand and stated to lead her down the street. Her counselor's office wasn't too far. Misao had had enough. Not only did she have a test she needed to study for, but she also had a paper she didn't even begin to start. It was going to be a long night and Misao was fed up with everything.

"I should have waited for him" Kaoru muttered.

"Who Enshi?" Misao asked in disbelief. "Kaoru forget him and get your life together. He's ruining it. Can't you see that?" Misao gave Kaoru's shoulder a shake.

"Not Enshi, he's just here."

"What? That doesn't make sense Kaoru."

Kaoru began to weep and Misao sighed with frustration. This was the first time Kaoru had been open with her and she was really starting to regret getting involved in her life, but Kaoru was interring with hers, and that wasn't going to stand.

Misao pulled her friend into the office and shoved Kaoru in a chair. Her phone began to ring and Misao groaned in realization. It was time for her to meet up with her study group.

"Kaoru you are not to move until you see Mr. Aynnah ok. Don't step back into our room till you talk to someone, got that missy."

Kaoru looked distraught but managed to nod her head.

"Good, I gotta go. See you and a few hours."

Misao dragged her bag up the stairs and headed towards her dorm room. It was almost midnight and Misao was beat. She decided to spend the rest of her day studying and writing her paper. She spent her day at the library.

She thought by this time Kaoru and Enshi, if they did meet up, had finished what they needed to do. She wasn't expecting to find her door smashed in.

Misao wondered where her R.A was but shrugged. They never cared or really helped with their situations so it really didn't matter.

Misao found Enshi pacing back and forth. She rolled her eyes. She really didn't have time for this.

"Misao, where is Kaoru?" Enshi asked the moment he noticed her presence. His voice was laced with fear. He looked anxious as his glasses slid down his nose, reveling worried grey eyes.

Misao threw her bag on her bed and put her hands on her hips. She was worn out and tired, but she had been waiting months to tell Enshi off.

"Let's talk about my freaking door you manic. Like what the hell! Who does that?"

Enshi ran a hand through his grey hair and bit his lip. "I'm sorry Misao. I really am but-."

"But nothing Enshi! I'm tired of all this nonsense, and all your bullshit. And you're not sorry, if you were really sorry you would leave Kaoru the hell alone, and stop breaking into my room. This is like the third time. I'm going to report you guys."

"No, please don't" Enshi said putting up his hands. "Kaoru can get expelled. Please Misao, she really needs help."

"No, she just needs to stay away from you" Misao countered. "She always drunk. She's a freaking alcoholic because of you."

Enshi shook his head. Misao didn't understand but for some reason Enshi really looked worried and concerned, almost like he really cared about Kaoru.

"You got it all wrong Misao. Kaoru has been like this before I started to date her. I just stood by her and watched.'

"Just liked you planned, huh Enishi" she snared. "You get what you want from her then let her spiral out of control."

"It's not like that, gosh everything is going so wrong" he said grabbing his hair. "She's not suppose to get hurt, only him."

"Him" Misao repeated. "You mean her other boyfriend or something?"

"What will my sister think of me now" Enshi stated ignoring Misao.

"Enshi what the fuck are you talking about?"

"Enshi" called a small voice from the door.

Kaoru stood at the door rocking back and forth. Her eyes were misty and blood shot. Misao shook her head.

Without a word she grabbed a pillow and blanket. She shoved past Kaoru and headed towards the lounged. She was angry but mostly disappointed. She thought if Kaoru could speak to her counselor maybe he could help her, give her some direction. The simple fact that Kaoru went along with Misao gave her hope that some part in her wanted to change.

"I guess I can't expect everyone to want to change" Misao thought sadly. "I just hope this doesn't ruin her life or take it.

Misao collapsed into a nearby coach and drifted off to sleep.

First chapter is complete and im very happy with the turn out. Thank you for reading and please REVIEW! Your opinion really means a lot to me.

Till the next chapter!

aerie50