"Are you sure you have everything you need?"

Megumi rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time. "Kaoru, how many times are you going to ask that question before you get satisfied?"

Kaoru frowned at Megumi's snarky reply but said nothing. Anyone could tell that the lady doctor wasn't exactly in a pleasant mood. As for the cause of her sour disposition… Kaoru's glance shifted towards the lady doctor's companion for the trip. Aoshi Shinomori was nearly two meters high and was nearly impossible to miss. Being a well-known public figure, it was no surprise he attracted attention. Needless to say, his handsome features and mysterious persona did nothing to quell the growing crowd of onlookers.

Kaoru forced back a smile as she looked on at the pair. They didn't look too bad together. Dare she say, they actually looked like they could pass as a-

"Shut up Shinomori."

"I never said a thing."

"You were about to. So don't act all innocent."

"And what proof do you have of that exactly?"

"Fine. Feign ignorance. See if I care."

Kaoru sighed at the exchange. They would look lovely if only they would learn to keep their mouths shut and their insults to themselves.

"Hey, Megitsune, your train is about to leave." Sanosuke pointed towards the signaling train.

"Shut up rooster. I can see it's about to leave. I don't need you to tell me what's obvious."

Sano blinked. "Well someone's got a stick up her ass."

Megumi turned to glare at Sano but Kenshin intervened, getting between the two.

"Now now!"

Kaoru placed a hand behind Megumi's back. "You should go. Before the train starts moving."

Megumi released a sigh, annoyed at herself for snapping at everyone. She knew she agreed to go to Kyoto of her own free will and that she had given her own conditions for the deal; but she didn't imagine just how frustrating it would feel. For some strange reason, it was as if she was letting Aoshi get the better of her, like she was succumbing to his wishes. The thought of her willfully doing something that would merit Aoshi was making her sick. Trying her best to quell the feeling of aggravation, Megumi enveloped Kaoru in a hug, apologizing silently.

Kaoru smiled. "It's ok. I can't begin to imagine what you might be feeling. But we're always here whenever you need anything."

Megumi nodded before moving to hug Kenshin goodbye. "If you feel anything strange, anything at all, let me know. I'll get on the train and be back here as soon as possible."

Kenshin smiled. "Thank you." Pulling away, he gave Megumi a gentle look. "You will always have a home here with us."

Megumi felt her eyes prick slightly but she held back the tears. "That means a lot Kenshin. I appreciate it."

"What? No hug for me?"

Megumi glared at the grinning face of Sagara Sanosuke. "You. I will definitely not miss. Good luck patching yourself up after those stupid street fights of yours."

"Oh come on, Megitsune! When was the last time I even got injured in a fight? Besides, I know you like-"

"It's time to leave." Aoshi interrupted.

"Don't you try anything on her Shinomori." Sano warned.

Megumi raised an eyebrow. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"You never know what kind of shit poisons she's brewing. Before you know it, you'd be dead in your sleep." Sano teased.

Before Megumi could retort, Aoshi quietly headed towards the train. The Takani heir had no other choice but to hurry as well, trying her best to catch up to the Okashira's long strides.

The train ride to Kyoto was silent, neither wanted to make unnecessary conversation. Aoshi sighed. Usually he would welcome silence but this one was rather suffocating. He could feel nothing but disdain from the lady doctor sitting beside him, gazing out the window, intent on ignoring him throughout the trip.

"Are you having second thoughts?"

Megumi gave no reply, eyes still glued to the scenery.

Aoshi sighed again. "Unfortunately, I do not have the liberty to take back my offer. As much as this annoys you, you are the only choice I have left. I'm not asking you to tolerate me. But I hope when we get to Kyoto, and when you finally see Jiya, none of your animosity towards me will be carried over to him."

Megumi finally gave Aoshi a look. Her tone was silent but her eyes were burning. "Are you questioning my professionalism?"

Aoshi looked Megumi in the eye, unwavering. "You are human. You are not immune to your emotions."

"So you're telling me that I might take my anger out on a terminally ill man?" Megumi's tone was very still but the look in her eyes could practically kill.

Aoshi blinked. "Anything is possible."

Neither one moved to break eye contact as a silent battle of wills ensued. Neither said anything, and neither looked like they would give up any time soon.

"Question my professionalism again, and you can go find yourself another doctor."

Megumi glared at Aoshi with finality before glancing back at the window.

Aoshi ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "I don't understand why you're behaving so insufferably. I thought we reached an agreement and that you were doing this willingly."

"Just because I agreed doesn't mean I'm enjoying it."

"Then-"

"Shinomori." Megumi raised a hand up to silence the Okashira, much to his annoyance. He hated it whenever anyone interrupted him.

"What we have is a business deal. I don't need you to talk to me on a personal level. I don't want to have to explain myself to you. Just leave me alone at least during the duration of this ride. I can deal with this myself. And I assure you, when I get to Kyoto, I will work as your mentor's doctor, without question."

Aoshi could only nod in reply, doing his best to tame the growing feeling of aggravation.

"We've reached our last destination! Kyoto station! Kyoto station! Please check all your belongings. Thank you for riding with us and enjoy your stay!"

Aoshi and Megumi leave the train in silence. Aoshi says nothing as he leads Megumi to the Aoya. He noticed she had been walking several paces behind him, but he was sure it wasn't out of respect. He glanced back to check on her, only to see that she was nowhere to be found.

Aoshi clicked his tongue in annoyance as he rushed back to retrace his steps. If she dared to run away, he would drag her back to the Aoya himself.

Turning around a corner, Aoshi narrowed his eyes at the scene before him.

"Come on, surely you've got a bit of time to spare pretty miss?"

"You know beauties like you shouldn't be out here all alone."

"Play with us a little while will ya?"

Megumi slapped a hand that threatened to move around her. "Keep your dirty hands to yourself."

"How dare you try to slap me you little-"

Megumi tried to brace herself for the blow but it never came. The hand that was raised to strike her was stuck in midair. She watched in surprise as the man cowered to the ground screaming at the death grip around his forearm. A distinct crack resounded following an even louder scream.

"C-Commander…"

"S-Shinomori Aoshi!"

"Shit! Run for it!"

Megumi blinked, her eyes missing the way the group of men dispersed like air. All she could focus on was Aoshi and the merciless killing intent she could feel off him. She felt frozen and unable to move, more so when his eyes finally met her own. The events of that night at the Kamiya dojo began replaying in her head.

"Are you hurt?"

Megumi could only shake her head. How could she have forgotten just how frightening a man he could be?

"Let's go." Aoshi turned around to head towards the Aoya once more. "Stay close."

"Aoshi-sama!"

Megumi shifted her gaze towards the energetic tiny girl running towards them.

"It's nice to see you well, Misao." Aoshi replied with a nod as he moved a hand towards Megumi. "Can I leave you to direct Takani-sensei to her quarters?"

"O-Of course!" Misao paused for a while at the sight of the Takani heir. It's been a while since she last saw her but the beauty of the lady doctor never failed to amaze and envy her at the same time.

"I don't need that much time to settle in." Megumi insisted, her gaze stayed on Aoshi as she followed the younger girl to her quarters. "I want to take a look at the old man as soon as possible."

Aoshi paused for a moment in slight surprise before nodding in understanding. "I'll meet you by Jiya's door in a few minutes then."

Megumi simply waived a hand in response.

"I didn't think you would come."

Megumi paused from unpacking to turn her attention towards the tiny girl standing by the door. "And why is that?"

"I…" Misao's eyes were everywhere except Megumi's. "Well… I heard about your past with Aoshi-sama."

Megumi turned her attention back to her belongings. "And?"

"W-Well… Aoshi-sama was your captor, was he not?" Misao paused, unsure if she should continue. "D-Don't you… Don't you despise him?"

Megumi glanced at Misao nonchalantly. "I do."

Misao's eyes widened at the offhanded confession. "T-Then… Why-"

"Oh but when such a handsome man gets down on one knee and begs you to come home with him, who am I to decline?" Megumi winked, amused at the priceless expression on the teenager's face.

"B-Beg!? Aoshi-sama would never!" Misao had her hands balled into fists.

Megumi chuckled demurely, a hand over her smirking lips. "Oh but he did. And he did it so gallantly! My heart simply couldn't refuse."

"Y-You…" Maisao raised an accusatory finger towards the Takani heir. "Just what are you to Aoshi-sama?"

"Me?" Megumi placed a hand on her chest, her face showing a well-placed look of innocence. "Just an old acquaintance from the past of course."

"Liar!"

Megumi chuckled once more. This one was certainly a lot more fun to tease than Kaoru. "If you don't believe me, then why don't you just ask your Aoshi-sama then?"

Misao's expression turned melancholic in an instant. "Aoshi-sama… He has more than enough things to deal with right now."

Megumi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Such as?"

"The army is pressure enough! Building an entirely new government already has Aoshi-sama occupied night and day. That idiot Saitou's been working him down to the bone! Being the Okashira and managing the Aoya is an added burden as well. And now Jiya's fallen terminally ill." Misao tried to fight the tears. "Aoshi-sama… He blames himself again."

Megumi looked away, unable to bring herself to make a condescending remark about the Okashira.

Misao bowed her head down, trying her best to conceal her tears. "Aoshi-sama wanted to leave. He wanted to atone for his sins in solitude for the rest of his life. But then Jiya convinced him to turn his sorrow and regrets towards the future. He guided Aoshi-sama back home. He's finally moving forward! And now this happens."

Misao wiped her tears with the back of her hand in frustration, before turning her gaze back to Megumi. "You know… Aoshi-sama waits for Jiya to wake up every time he gets back home from work. Sometimes it would take days before Jiya would regain consciousness. And in the rare occasions that he did, Aoshi-sama always pretended as if he had just arrived. He tells the old man stories of his travels around the nation and how his life had been progressing as part of the military. He never failed to bring back souvenirs for Jiya from every province he would visit. And as if there was a miracle, whenever Aoshi-sama was there, Jiya would be able to stay awake for at least an hour just talking. Normally, he would only be awake for five minutes, just enough to take his medicines. Jiya never seemed to have any appetite left and would only drink tea, but when Aoshi-sama is present, he forces himself to take a bite no matter how little."

Megumi could only look on in silence. Somehow she couldn't begin to picture Aoshi behaving in such a manner no matter how hard she tried. "Why are you telling me all this?"

"Good question. I have absolutely no idea why." Misao allowed herself to laugh a little. "I just… Aoshi-sama never really talks to anyone. I don't know what he's feeling, thinking, or what he plans to do. I know nothing about him." Misao smiled sadly as she paused to give the lady doctor a look. "So, in the small chance that he might take refuge towards you; if he chooses you of all people to open up to, please. Don't refuse him."

Megumi gave no answer, opting instead to go back to unpacking her things.

"To my right?"

Megumi turned a corner and was met by Aoshi standing rather stiffly before a room she assumed belonged to the old man. "Is something wrong?"

Ignoring the question, Aoshi turned his attention to Misao. "Could you prepare some refreshments? We never know when Jiya could wake up."

Misao nodded in understanding before leaving the two alone.

Megumi blinked, unsure of what she was witnessing at the moment. Aoshi Shinomori was a proud man. Always calm and composed. But the man before her was nervous, restless and unsure. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect to be face to face with this version of Aoshi.

"Shinomori." Megumi called out firmly.

Aoshi shifted his gaze back to Megumi before sighing. "Jiya is in quite a critical state. I know I am in no place to tell you how to do your job, knowing full well how capable you are. But…" Aoshi paused. His uncertainty towards the lady doctor became more evident. "Please take good care of him."

Megumi released a sigh. "After all that trouble you went through to bring me here, you choose now to be hesitant towards my services?" She knew she should have been offended. He was practically questioning her professionalism once again. But something about the sincere desperation in his eyes made it difficult for her to be angry at him.

With a final sigh, Aoshi moved aside to open the door.

Megumi failed to hide her surprise at the state of the once energetic old man, lying in bed in silence. He was nearly skin and bones and his once shiny silver hair looked ashen. He was asleep but the expression on his face showed utter exhaustion. One look at him and Megumi knew he wouldn't last long.

Aoshi motioned for Megumi to walk in and he followed after.

"Is there anything you need?" Aoshi asked silently, trying his best not to disturb the old man as he slowly slid the door closed.

Megumi shook her head. "For now I'll just do a few physical tests. The rest can wait when he gets conscious."

Aoshi could only look on as Megumi began examining the sleeping old man. It didn't take long for her to finish.

"Can we talk outside?"

Aoshi nodded as he moved towards the door with Megumi in tow.

Sliding the door open, Aoshi came face to face with Misao. Glancing at the tray of tea and cookies, Aoshi shook his head slightly. "Perhaps another time. Jiya seems to be sleeping quite deeply."

Misao nodded in silence, hating the fact that she could do nothing given the situation.

Megumi slid the door closed, giving Misao a nod of acknowledgment. "I don't think there's anything new I can tell you." She began as she tucked her hair behind her ear. "His condition is quite bad. To be honest, I'll give him one more month at most." Megumi looked down. She knew she was being too generous with her estimate.

Aoshi was silent, giving a single nod as a reply.

"But you can at least take away the pain, can't you?" Misao inquired hopefully.

Megumi nodded firmly. "That's the most I can do for him."

Misao sighed in relief. At least she wouldn't have to hear Jiya's pained screams any longer.

Megumi lay on her futon unable to sleep as her mind kept on replaying the events of the day over and over. It almost felt like a dream. It was certainly strange, seeing Aoshi behave in ways that didn't seem to fit his supposed persona. It bothered Megumi a lot that the cold emotionless face that she had etched in her mind was slowly being blurred. He was supposed to be a selfish uncaring murderer who wanted nothing but power. To her he would always be the monster who kept her on a leash under Kanryuu's orders. The bastard who threatened to kill her and all the people who struggled to pull her out of the hellhole she dug herself into. The last thing she needed was to start seeing Aoshi Shinomori as something that resembled a human.

As her thoughts continued to swirl, Megumi felt herself getting lightheaded. Finally she was falling-

"Takani-sensei."

A hand on her shoulder caused her to bolt up in surprise. Thankfully, she was able to suppress her urge to scream.

"Shinomori?! What the hell are you doing here?!" Megumi whispered vehemently.

Aoshi was down on one knee, his earlier outstretched hand now on his lap. "I apologize for the intrusion, but Jiya just woke up. I don't know when he might wake up again so may I ask that you see him now while he's conscious?"

Megumi released an annoyed sigh, more so because of Aoshi's unexpected visit rather than her having to check on the sickly old man past midnight. She nodded nonetheless and began to stand up, ignoring the hand that the Okashira offered for assistance.

"Bitter?"

Jiya shook his head slowly.

"Good." Megumi watched Aoshi help the old man drink up the last set of medicine she had prepared to help with the pain. "By any chance are you feeling hungry?"

Jiya smiled before leaning to his side where Aoshi sat. He whispered something in Aoshi's ear which turned the Okashira's mood quite sour.

"He's asking if you would cook for him." Aoshi deadpanned. He couldn't believe the old man still had some energy left to flirt.

Megumi chuckled. "Unfortunately the only things I know how to 'cook' are medications."

Jiya moved to whispered something to Aoshi once more. The Okashira simply sighed.

"Jiya, we can always get Misao or any of the others to prepare a meal for you if you want."

Jiya simply looked at Aoshi, pressuring him to voice out his words, much to the latter's chagrin.

Turning to Megumi, Aoshi released an annoyed sigh. "Jiya says I can assist you with the cooking."

Megumi's eye brows rose in interest. She knew exactly where the old man's train of thought was going. "Oh but the revered Okashira being demoted to doing menial tasks? The Oniwabanshu would surely have none of it!"

Aoshi looked on in surprise at Jiya's chuckling figure. The old man made no sound but it had been such a long time since Aoshi last saw him laugh. He motioned Aoshi to move closer once again.

Megumi watched in curiosity as Aoshi's eyes widened before glaring at the old man. "Jiya." He stated firmly, as if admonishing the old man for whatever it was that he said.

"What is it?" Megumi asked as her gaze shifted from the old man to Aoshi.

"Nothing." Aoshi shook his head. "It's not worth mentioning."

That got him a slap on the chest from the old man. Aoshi was sure Jiya had meant for it to be a slap but it seemed more like gentle tap instead.

"Jiya." Aoshi's tone was more firm this time, but it seems he was powerless against the old man's gaze. He clicked in tongue in annoyance.

"He wants to know if you have a lover." Aoshi's eyes shifted quickly from Jiya to Megumi and back.

Megumi grinned in response, welcoming the opportunity for mind games. "Oh it depends what you mean by 'lover'." She winked.

Jiya blinked before pulling Aoshi near to whisper yet another string of words in his ear.

"Jiya!" Aoshi admonished. His gaze on the old man reproaching.

Megumi couldn't help but grin at the exasperated form of Aoshi who was being forced to play the role of Jiya's translator.

"You're well aware of the reason why I brought her here." Aoshi reiterated, folding his arms to his chest defensively.

Jiya began chuckling again as he shook his head. "Ah young love." He whispered a tad bit louder than usual, enough for Megumi to hear. And just as if those words were a lullaby, Jiya had fallen back to sleep. For the first time in a long time, Jiya had a serene expression on his face.

Standing up, Aoshi moved to fix the old man's position on the bed, tucking him under the covers before moving a few stray hairs away from his face. Megumi looked away, not wanting to witness such a scene.

Aoshi glanced at Megumi before signaling towards the door. They both make their way out in silence.

Aoshi slid the doors closed as silently as he could before turning his attention back to Megumi. "I apologize for Jiya's… straightforwardness."

Megumi smirked. "I've handled worse."

An awkward silence fell between the two.

"Well…" Megumi began to walk away. "If there's nothing else I'd like to get back to my room now." A whisper reached her ears. She paused. Not sure if she heard it correctly, she moved her gaze back to Aoshi. "What did you say?"

Aoshi turned around slowly, his gaze fixed on Megumi. There were no lanterns around the hallway but the moonlight made the Okashira's burning eyes all the more intense. "Thank you." He bowed deeply.

Megumi was unable to formulate a reply. Instead she was left standing there awestruck as she watched the back of Aoshi Shinomori disappear around the corner.

END of chapter 4!

Again, took me forever to update. Disappointed that I won't finish this story before the year ends but please be glad to know that I have the story plotted down until the end. This will be finished in 6-7 chapters, hopefully during the first quarter of next year LOL!

Merry Christmas to all of you! A constructive review would be the best gift this holiday season!