Author's Note: Hello there people… Apologize for not updating for a really long time now. Arg. The spacing is frustrating. So sorry for the crampness! I am clueless as to how to do these stuff…

Disclaimer: We do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

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Chapter 15: Eye-Opener, Disillusion, Disappointment

"And… eh? Where's Misao?" Aoshi said, scanning the room for the petite girl.

"Oh, there… that's Makimachi Misao…" Aoshi said, his tone delicate as he pointed at Misao. He noticed her expression, slightly alarming him.

'What's with that expression? Could it be that… she thinks… oh NO!'

And before Aoshi could mutter anything, Misao cut in.

"I-It's YOU!" Misao exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the brunette beside Aoshi. He looked down at the woman.

'What?'

"Araaa!" The brunette said, realization hitting her.

"O-Omae wa…!"Misao stuttered, frozen at her place, shocked.

The girl hastened towards Misao, a wide smile plastered on her pretty face.

"But… how… what… why are you here…?" Misao said, bewildered.

"I know! Small world, huh? Anyways, I am so glad to meet you! And here, of all places! I never even got to thank you!" the girl said, her chocolate eyes sparkling. Misao simply stared at her.

"Ah, I'm Kairi, by the way. Aoshi's cousin!"

Misao's jaw dropped.

"WHAT! I… this is just… too much for me!" Misao said, making Kairi giggle.

"I… think I'm missing something here…" Aoshi said, cutting into the girls' conversation.

"Oh… sorry!" Kairi said.

"So… how is it that you know Misao? And that Misao knows you?"

"Oh, right… You see, Misao-san right here saved my life!" (1)

Kairi said, looking fondly at Misao.

Aoshi's eyes widened.

"You… saved her life?" he asked softly, still in shock.

"What! N-No I didn't! I just… helped her!" Misao said frantically.

"No! Don't believe her, Aoshi. She saved me! If it wasn't for her quick-thinking and bravery, I would most probably not be here right now…" Kairi said dramatically. As Misao continued to protest, Kairi continued to insist.

While they continued to argue, Kaoru and the others led them upstairs so they can start unpacking.

Aoshi just stood there, still in shock.

'She saved Kairi… Misao saved her life… My… favorite cousin's life… Misao…'

He was overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

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Once they all finished unpacking, Misao exited the room to escape the loud chatter of the girls. She sighed deeply and sat down, tired from the day's traveling.

"Misao…"

Misao's head snapped up, her weary ocean orbs meeting with cool blue ones.

"Oh… hey…!" Misao greeted, trying to hide the weariness in her voice.

"What are you doing out here?" Aoshi asked, drawing closer to her.

"Ah… no reason. The room's just too noisy." Misao replied, grinning.

"Oh? And since when do you get bothered by noise?" Aoshi said in light humor, making Misao raise an eyebrow at him. Aoshi then sat down and faced her.

"No, seriously… you all right?" Aoshi asked softly, worry evident in his deep voice. Misao smiled at his unusual thoughtfulness.

"Yeah, I am… Just a little tired, I guess…" she said. However, Aoshi's worry did not go away. It was not like Misao to get tired this easily. Disliking the rather awkward atmosphere, Misao tried to change the topic. Before she could utter anything, Aoshi spoke.

"Misao… about what Kairi said… I… I don't know what to say… a 'thank you' is definitely not enough. I mean, you saved her life! Thank you, it really means a lot… if there's anything I-"

"No… I just did… what had to be done." Misao interrupted.

"It's not everyday that someone saves another's life, you know. I really don't know what to say… what to do… I just can't thank you enough." Aoshi said, gazing at her. Misao looked away shyly.

"I-It's alright. There's no need to thank me…" Misao said, embarrassed. Aoshi simply stared at her, unsatisfied. Taking her hand in his, he planted a light, gentle kiss on it, shocking Misao greatly.

"I'm eternally grateful for what you did, Misao. Take it as a simple 'thank you' for now…" Aoshi said, his gaze still fixed on hers. Misao smiled nervously and nodded slowly, unable to hold back the blush.

"You're… most welcome…"

The two then sat in comfortable silence, when…

"Hey, Aoshi… what was that thing you wanted to tell me earlier?" Misao asked, breaking the reigning silence. Aoshi stiffened. He didn't plan for this. Looking around to check for any potential intruders, Aoshi inhaled deeply.

'Now's not bad… ah, well, here goes…'

"Ah, yes… there was… something I… wanted to tell you…" Aoshi said, softly clearing his throat. Misao's eyes glistened happily and she focused her attention on him, only making Aoshi more nervous.

"Misao, it's… I… I wanted to tell you for so long now… I just want you to know that I-"

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Author's Note: Man! What a short chapter! And what's the big deal of cutting it like that! Haha! I love suspense… go on, move to the next chapter people! And what's that about! Aoshi's so unromantic! Shouldn't he say more and be more dramatic and stuff? Well, too bad I don't like cheesy stuff…!;p Trying to keep it to a minimum…

(1) In case you guys forgot, you might wanna re-read chapter 3.