Authors' Note: After a million years, we've decided to upload the Epilogue! Do forgive us for being distracted with other matters! Nevertheless, we sincerely hope that you enjoy the final chapter as much as we did :) Haha, thank you all for everything!
Disclaimer: We do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
Epilogue
Two women in their mid-twenties were leisurely walking across the crowded streets. Traditional Japanese booths were all over the place, beautifully designed with colorful paper printed with Kanji. The two women were around the same height, one just a little taller than the other. The taller woman had large, glittering azure eyes and long, silky midnight hair. She wore a red, bold kimono patterned with golden fans. She looked young and energetic, but she had the eyes, spirit, and aura of a mother. She was talking excitedly to a slightly shorter woman who was walking beside her. This woman had clear, round sea-green orbs that shone with life and long, sleek navy blue hair which cascaded down the small of her back. She was wearing a soft, lavender silk kimono. Although she was petite, there was a firm strength in her eyes. The two women soon stopped in front of a tea house and decided to go in for a little rest.
The tea house was quiet, serene, and tranquil. There weren't much people and the soothing aroma of tea lingered in the air. It was the perfect place to take a short break in. Both of them settled into a booth beside the window and placed their orders.
"I'm exhausted!"
"Already? Has all your stamina gone away simply after a few years?"
"Ne, I don't think seven years is considered 'just a few'..."
"Hai, hai... so, what have you been up to lately? I missed you!"
"What are you talking about? We've still been in contact, you know."
"Yah, but... I'm sure there are dozens of stories to be told, so spill!"
Soon, their orders came, interrupting their little conversation. Two cups of piping hot green tea were served along with some rice crackers. For some reason, the smaller woman eyed the rice crackers affectionately, letting out a soft giggle.
"What is it?"
"Look! Don't these look exactly like the ones you served in your wedding?"
"Ahhh! You're right!"
"I wonder if it tastes as good..."
"Probably not! Did you know we had to search all over the place just to get those top-quality rice crackers?"
"Now that I think about it... You still haven't told me how Kenshin proposed to you..."
"Where'd that come from?!"
"There's no escape!"
"Mou! Misao-chan!"
Flashback
"This is so nice, Kenshin! I can hardly believe it!" Kaoru squealed excitedly.
Kenshin laughed softly at his girlfriend's excitement.
"That's good to hear, Kaoru-dono. Saa, let's go." Kenshin said, holding a hand out to her. Kaoru happily took his hand and the two set off on another one of their dates.
Kaoru could hardly believe it—she had her parents' full approval to go on this overnight trip with Kenshin! She was so glad they had complete trust in him. Kenshin had planned an overnight for two where they would stay in a suite (where they'd sleep on separate beds, just to clarify things) in Okinawa.
Kaoru and Kenshin leisurely walked hand-in-hand along the shore with the lazy waves lapping by their feet with the shimmering stars scattered across the vast black expanse hanging above them.
"We're here, Kaoru-dono." Kenshin announced. Kaoru gaped in awe–before her was the most beautiful sandbar she had ever seen in her whole, entire life.
"Kenshin, this is so AMAZING!!" Kaoru squealed, hugging Kenshin tightly.
"I knew you'd like it. I'm happy." Kenshin said, hugging her back. Kaoru smiled at him pleasantly and sat down on one of the pillows. The sandbar was exquisite—white mosquito nets hung above them, candles were positioned in various places, illuminating the place up effectively. Flower petals were scattered all over the place, setting a romantic mood, and a sturdy mahogany table was positioned in the middle with formally set silverware. There were two cushions on the opposite ends of the table and a large woven mat underneath it. Beside them was the ocean, producing the soothing sound of the back-and-forth motion of the waves and the salty, cool sea breeze softly blowing on the couple.
"Well, shall we?" Kenshin said, smiling brightly at Kaoru.
"Surely!" Kaoru called back as Kenshin carefully assisted her as she sat down.
After a lovely dinner, the two strolled back towards their suite.
"That was so good... Thank you so much, Kenshin!" Kaoru said, sighing contentedly.
"You're very much welcome, Kaoru-dono... Now, where's my reward?"
Kaoru looked at him and smiled knowingly and with that, gave him a small peck on the cheek. The two continued to walk in comfortable silence when Kenshin spoke up.
"Let's take this route so we can have a better view of the beach." Kenshin said leading Kaoru who willingly complied. The clear water of the ocean shone brightly at them and a gentle breeze blew, whispering softly to their ears. All of a sudden, they stopped.
"Kaoru-dono." Kaoru looked at him quizzically, noting the tender expression on his face.
"What's wrong? Is there some-" Kaoru's eyes widened. "Ke-Kenshin..."
On the sand, written in large letters were the words:
I LOVE YOU, KAORU.
Kaoru looked at Kenshin, utterly speechless. He gently took her hand in his and drew closer.
"Kaoru, the reason... I brought you here... is because I wanted so much to tell you this..." he said, amethyst orbs shimmering with emotion.
"I love you so much... Will you marry me, Kamiya Kaoru?" Kenshin said softly and slowly, squeezing Kaoru's hand assuredly. For a while, she just stared at him, but slowly, a soft smile crept across her face.
She cupped his face with her hands, "Of course... there's nothing I would love more… oh, yes... yes, I will!" she said. Kenshin looked at her, relieved. He was overjoyed! He suddenly lifted Kaoru by the waist and twirled her around, making her laugh in delight. And there they stayed, a couple twirling around in happiness, marking the beginning of a beautiful marriage.
"Ooohhhh!! That's so sweet! The beach, huh… that must have been so romantic…" Misao sighed, wearing a dreamy look on her eyes.
"Well, how bout you??" Kaoru asked with a grin.
"Huh?? What are you talking about?"
"Come on, spill. You know that act of innocence won't fool me."
"I really don't know what..."
"Misao-chan..." Kaoru pleaded, giving Misao her best 'puppy-dog eyes look'
"Aaahhh... Fine, fine."
Flashback
*Phone rings*
"Hello?"
"Misao, this is Aoshi." A low voice cooed.
"Aoshi? Hai, doushite?" Misao replied, feeling a rush of excitement in hearing Aoshi's voice.
"I know it's short notice, but are you free tonight?"
"Tonight? Of course; I'm always free as long as it's you!" she exclaimed, making Aoshi blush and chuckle softly.
"Well, my dear, I want to show you something."
"What? What?" Misao excitedly asked, jumping around.
"Himitsu. You'll find out tonight. Pick you up at 7?"
"Ehh?? That's not fair! C'mon Aoshi, tell me, please???"
"Nope, I want it to be a surprise."
"But.. *sigh* You do realize you're encasing me in suspense and there's a possibility that I might go crazy?"
"Yep." Aoshi chuckles.
"Mou! You're hopeless."
"I'll see you tonight then?"
"Hold on, what do I have to wear?"
"Anything you wear will be fine, Misao."
"But, Aoshi!"
"Trust me. So I'll see you at 7?"
"Oh alright… 7 it is, then!" and with that, they both hung up.
At promptly 7 o'clock, the doorbell rang throughout the Makimachi residence. Misao hurriedly threw open the door and without further ado excitedly asks,
"So, where are you taking me?"
Before her was Aoshi, dashingly clad in a tuxedo, his deep blue eyes sharp and clear. Misao gaped in awe; Aoshi still seemed to find ways to make her blush and feel all giddy after all the years they've been together.
"Well, hello to you, too." Aoshi replied, amused. He himself was silently captivated by the way Misao looked—she wore a black off-shoulder cocktail dress that revealed her creamy, petite shoulders and wore her hair down, her long silky navy blue hair appearing to be as soft as satin.
"Aoshi!" she pouted, snapping him out of his reverie.
"Turn around first."
Misao rushed to comply. She then felt a blindfold being slipped over her eyes.
"Aoshi, what...?"
"I want it to be a surprise. And Misao, you look beautiful."
She blushed and said, "Don't change the topic!"
Chuckling, Aoshi led her to the car and off they went.
"Aoshi, where are you taking me?" a blindfolded Misao pleaded again.
"You'll see soon enough." was his mysterious reply.
"Mou!" and with that, she started to plead with him, but Aoshi would not reveal anything, off-handedly commenting on how beautiful she was and how much he cared for her, which effectively shut her up.
Finally, Misao felt the car stop and Aoshi helped her out. He slowly removed her blindfold and waited for her reaction.
"Wha-what?? Omg! B-but... this… this... this is the world-famous five-star Imperial Hotel!!" Misao stuttered.
Aoshi said nothing, simply smiled and then proceeded to lead a very star-struck Misao inside. They rode the elevator to the topmost floor. Misao couldn't contain her excitement. The elevator doors slid open to reveal a sight which did not fail to take her breath away. The dark room was softly lit with candles and filled with hundreds of flowers of different shapes, sizes, and colors. The aroma was mild, pleasant, and not one bit overpowering. The gorgeous night sky and the twinkling lights of the city could be seen through the glass windows that enclosed the room, which appeared to be a sea of shimmering crystals and diamonds endlessly winking at the couple. In the middle of the room was a beautifully set table for two.
"A-Aoshi... I… well… wow."
"Happy anniversary, Misao."
Overcome with emotion, Misao faced Aoshi with a soft smile and quietly said,
"Thank you... so much."
Aoshi gently kissed her on the forehead and led her to her seat.
He pulled out a chair for Misao and they started to enjoy the food, the wine, and each other's company.
After dessert, Misao was, due to the sugar intake, very hyper. She got up and ran to the scattered flowers and inhaled each scent as Aoshi looked on, with warm eyes and a soft, content smile on his face. She then went to the glass windows.
"The stars are so beautiful..." she sighed happily. Much to her surprise, a stream of fireworks screamed to the top of the sky and burst beautifully, suddenly lighting up the dark sky.
"Waahhh! Fireworks!! So colorf—" the words died down in her throat when she saw what the fireworks etched on the sky.
She could not help but put a hand over her gaping mouth as she saw written before her eyes:
I love you. Marry me, Misao?
At first, she froze in shock, but after a while, she whirled around and saw Aoshi on one knee in front of her. He gazed at her intensely and in a quiet voice full of emotion said,
"Would you grant me the utmost honor of staying by your side for eternity? As your husband?"
Warm, fresh tears started streaming down her pretty face as she slowly smiled.
"You don't have to ask a question to which you already know the answer." and with that, she threw herself into his arms.
"That Aoshi. To think that he would have such a romantic bone in him. I never took him to be a hopeless romantic." Kaoru commented.
"I could say the same for Kenshin!"
"I guess they never cease to amaze us," Kaoru said, both of them bursting into giggles. The two women continued to chat amiably, recounting the years past, when suddenly, Misao felt something tug at her kimono.
"Eh? What…" She said, looking down.
"Mommy!" a young boy with large cool blue eyes and deep jet black hair called adorably, waving his arms around, gesturing that he wanted to be carried.
"Hello there, my baby boy!" Misao called, carrying her adorable bouncing son, who squealed in delight, hugging his mother by the neck.
"Say hello to your Aunt Kaoru,"
"Auntie Kaoru!" the baby called, holding arms out to Kaoru, who could not help but giggle in delight.
"Misao! He's grown to be just like you! So cute and bubbly!" Kaoru gushed, playing and making faces to the child, who continued to squeal and squirm in his mother's arms.
"Well, he got the dashing good looks of his father," Misao said tenderly, patting her son on his head.
"Who's talking about me behind my back?" a deep voice called coolly. Misao turned her head to see her husband. Fatherhood had given a certain depth and maturity in his icy eyes; his jaw was well-defined which added to his manliness, there was a touch of tenderness to his handsome face, and his tall frame had a silent strength to it. His hair he now wore a bit longer, his black tresses on the same level as his broad shoulders. He was donned in a deep purple yukata, with his family crest embedded at the back. Aoshi bent down to give his wife a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Technically, your back isn't facing me, but whatever," Misao said, taking her husband's warm hands to acknowledge his presence there.
"Good afternoon, Kaoru-san, it's been a while." Aoshi greeted, and Kaoru did the same. At the same moment, another man approached the table, wrapping his arms around Kaoru.
"Well, it looks like your afternoon has been wonderful without me," he said.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru retorted, turning to give him a bewildered look. Kenshin chuckled softly, his orange hair now cut shorter, yet still worn in a low ponytail. His amethyst eyes shone happily, a sense of contentment characterizing them.
"Kenshin! It's been so long, won't you join us?" Misao invited.
"Join us, join us!" the boy babbled excitedly in Misao's arms.
"We'd love to, but we have to pick Kenji up," Kenshin apologized.
"Oh, it slipped my mind! Look at the time, Kenji's training is done. He is not a patient boy," Kaoru remarked, glancing at the wall clock which read 4pm.
"I guess he took after his mother then," Misao commented.
"Hey!"
"Maa, maa… calm down. It's a shame we could not spend time and do some catching up now. Perhaps some other time?" Kenshin said, helping his wife to her feet.
"Why not invite them over for some tea?" Aoshi suggested, looking at Misao for her approval.
"Mochiron! Does this Saturday sound good?" Misao asked. The Himura couple nodded simultaneously and hurriedly bid their farewell, Kaoru a bit flustered and panicky, with Kenshin laughing gently beside her.
"Shall we take our leave, as well?" Aoshi asked. Misao nodded, carrying her son, and the threesome left the teahouse. Aoshi took his son from his wife's arms and carried him on his shoulders, the child gurgling happily. He took his wife's petite hands into his own, holding it firmly.
"Your hands were so smooth before we got married… now it's all calloused. I must have given you a hard time," Aoshi mused sadly, looking at Misao apologetically.
"Silly," Misao chided softly.
"If anything, you gave my heart strength. You gave me happiness. You were what I needed to face life, and these hands are proof of it," she continued, looking up at Aoshi, her wide, green eyes shimmering with love and sincerity. Aoshi looked at her, speechless, and a soft smile formed on his lips, bringing Misao's hands to his lips and kissing them tenderly.
"Oto-san, what's callos'd?" the child inquired loudly, earning a chuckle from his father.
"Well… it's when your hand forms a thick second skin to protect a wound when you use your hand too much, which, in Mommy's case, happens when she works too hard," Aoshi tried to explain, giving his wife a stern look.
"Use too much? Like when Mommy plays the piano again and again?" he commented.
"Mommy plays the piano…?" Aoshi mumbled, taken aback. He turned to his petite wife in shock, who smiled sheepishly as a reply.
"Uhm, well… I do play… a bit." Misao squeaked, looking at Aoshi apologetically.
"How come I've never learned of this skill of yours?" he said, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh… I'd rather you not. It's nothing. I'm not good at all!"
"Mommy's good! She plays to me all the time!" their son protested.
"Is that so? We'll make Mommy play for us when we go home, then," Aoshi said, glancing at Misao slyly. Their son squealed in delight, throwing his tiny hands up in the air. Misao tried to reason out of her situation, giving various types of excuses, but Aoshi would hear nothing of it. She was to play the moment they got home.
By the time they got home, Takeo was sound asleep in Misao's arms. She took him to his room and carefully set him on the bed, draping a blanket over him, caressing his hair, and kissing his forehead. As she turned to leave the room, she saw Aoshi leaning on the doorframe, his eyes soft and tender.
"You really take good care of him," Aoshi said softly. Misao smiled and cupped his face into her hands.
"That's because the man I love so much gave him to me…" she whispered, her eyes shimmering with love. Aoshi leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips, his arms embracing his petite wife, bringing her closer to him.
"Koishii," he whispered, taking in her scent.
"Mmm?"
"Don't think I forgot…"
Misao pulled back to give Aoshi a pleading look, but he shook his head firmly and took her hand, quickly leading her down the stairway and into a large room enclosed by glass. Outside was a view of a bamboo forest that enclosed their house, the bamboos swaying softly to the song the cool, night wind howled. A grand piano sat on the far side of the room. Misao continued to protest, but Aoshi would hear nothing of it. He led her to the piano chair and sat her down. He felt the cool ivory keys under his long fingers.
"And I thought I was the only one who played her," Aoshi mumbled. Misao gave one last pleading look to her husband, but he smiled and egged her on, pecking her on the cheek and taking a seat close to her.
"I don't have any way out of this, do I?"
"I'm glad you understand," He said, smiling.
"Oh, fine!"
Misao took a deep breath, her mind going through all the pieces that she had practiced throughout the years.
'What shall I play for him?'
Her eyes opened, recalling an event that took place years and years ago. Her small fingers almost automatically started to play, skillfully and gracefully dancing across the keys. Oh, how she could recall the same night she played the piece. She had poured out all her feelings into it, and now she could feel herself doing the same. Except now, the emotion she poured out was that of love—so much love and happiness that she had experienced the past seven years.
'This… this piece… I feel I have heard it before…' Aoshi thought deeply. He closed his eyes and took in the enchanting song the piano sang. He could imagine Misao's hands gracefully moving. He thought of the brilliance of the moon on a cold night. He could feel a surge of overwhelming emotions that stuck at his throat. A familiar feeling. He thought of a lonely night. A dark lonely night. A sleepless night. Sleep could not come upon him, his mind filled with thoughts… thoughts of the woman he was deeply in love with…
"It was you,"
Misao looked at her husband curiously, the last few strokes of the ivory keys leading the piece to its close.
"Aoshi? Are you okay?" Her eyebrows creased with worry. Aoshi's dark eyes were full of emotion, as though tears would suddenly burst at any given moment. Misao drew closer and held his slightly trembling hand.
"It was you…" he repeated. With his hand, he gently touched Misao's cold cheek, his thumb slowly caressing it. Misao's eyes searched his longingly.
"You were the one I heard… you were the one who played that piece that enticed me so… it was your skillful hands that were moving…"
He stopped and drew closer.
"But it sounded so hauntingly sad… do you remember that night, Misao?" he said very softly, their foreheads touching, his gaze locked on her eyes. Misao looked down for a moment then lifted her gaze to meet her husband's.
"Yes. Yes, I remember… I was so confused that night. I needed an outlet. I could feel myself falling deeper and deeper for you, but my mind was controlling how I felt for you. It was protecting my heart. I was confused. I was too afraid of getting my heart broken, but… my heart was overflowing with love for you…"
"I had hurt you then. I couldn't prove my love for you. I let you feel so much sadness…" Aoshi said sadly, his tone remorseful. Misao's lips slowly broke into a small smile. She tightened her grip on Aoshi's cold hand.
"Don't say that. After all, it was I who played tricks on my own mind. I kept on making myself believe that you loved Aika… I could not comprehend or even entertain the thought of you falling for me. I felt inadequate. You were unattainable like the moon, or so I thought back then…" Misao confessed. Aoshi could feel his heart wrench at Misao's words. So this was what he had made her feel back then. It broke his heart.
"But then I came to a resolve… as long as you're happy, even if it's not with me… I regard that as my own happiness. All I ever wanted was to see your smile, and—" Misao was cut off as two strong arms brought her into a tight embrace. He buried his face in her long midnight tresses. Misao could feel the beating of his heart and his soft, erratic breathing.
"You are my happiness. It is because of you that I can smile…" Aoshi half-mumbled. Misao held her husband close and breathed in his scent. He smelled of tea, he always did. Aoshi slowly pulled back a little, his hands and arms still around Misao.
"I don't deserve you." He said softly, looking deep into Misao's clear green eyes, his own eyes shaking with mixed emotions. She lifted a hand to caress Aoshi's cheek and shook her head.
"Silly. That's not true. You musn't say such things." She reprimanded. Once more, he pulled her in to a secure embrace.
"Never part from me," he whispered to her ear, holding her closer still, as though his life depended on it.
"I don't intend to. Not then, not now, not ever…"
Authors' Note: And there you have it! That's the end of this story... which took quite a few years to finish! :)) thank you again for all your feedback and support guys! We love you all! :D Hope to be working on more fics for you all soon! Look forward to it! (We hope time will allow us to do so! Haha!)
Love,
Green and Tea 3
;P