Ruroni-chan: Here's the chapter you've all been waiting for, and because I know I'm about to get run over so you all can read it, I'll just let you at it! But remember to Read, Review, and Enjoy!!! (And yes I know it's short.)

Sano grumbled as he walked down the street to his apartment. Why did Tae have to gripe at him every time he went to the Akabeko? His bill wasn't that big after all, and besides he'd pay it… eventually. He paused at the beginning of his street as he saw a horse tied to a tree not far from his long house and then again before opening the door to his apartment. He could smell wood burning and there was the sound of someone moving around inside. He flung the door open. Seated on one of his two cushions was a woman, her back to him. He'd know that back anywhere. "What the hell are you doing here?" He growled.

Hiraru turned to look at him, as she placed a tea cup in front of the other cushion. "Making tea and waiting for you? Where were you?" Her voice was a soft and gentle tone to his harsh and angry one.

"None of your business," He growled, closing his door.

"Alright," She accepted his answered, "Please sit down, there are things we need to discuss."

He glared at her and crossed the room to stand across from her, but refused to sit.

She nodded in acknowledgement of his displeasure.

He stood in silence while she sipped from one of his cups. "Why are you here?" He asked after a long while, "And you better not be drinking my tea."

"I'm not," She replied, "I bought some tea on my way over. How is Tae?"

He glared at her, "Get to your point."

"Alright…" She said placing the tea cup on the ground next to her. She bowed to him. It was low and proper. "Sagara Sanosuke, I must ask for your forgiveness. I am Kojima Hiraru, daughter of Kojima Hiraru, the one you know as Sagara Sozo. I have lied to you for the past six months about who I was and what my purposes were. I know I've done nothing to deserve your forgiveness, but in the name of my father, I beg you to find such forgiveness in your heart."

Sano stared at the woman in front of him. She had spoken gently through her entire speech, her head down, in that bowing pose. Even now she did not move. Sano sat down. He had to. This was almost too much of a shock for his system. "Why are you doing this now?" He found himself saying.

Hiraru looked up at him from her pose, "Because you're the person I need forgiveness from."

Sano snorted, "Why, so you can have a clear conscience?"

"No." Sano looked at her again to find her sitting up studying the tea. "So I can know my old friend Sanosuke forgives me, and remembers what he promised ten years ago."

Sano blushed and turned away, "I didn't promise anything."

"I forgave you that night," She said calmly, "I'm wondering if you can forgive me on this night." She smiled at him, but it was obvious she was sad, "I really am sorry about lying to you Sano. I've thought about this moment long and carefully, and this was just the best way I could think to do things. I'm sorry for every wrong my family did you, I'm sorry I lied to you, and with every fiber of my being, I wish I could change things starting with my father's death. But the past is past, and there's nothing anyone can do to change it. All I can do is try to improve the future. So please, Sano, forgive me."

Sano stared at her for several minutes. Finally he sighed, "So what happened? In the manor I mean."

Hiraru looked at him, and smiled. "Many things, but none I have time to fully explain. I need to get back to the dojo. I'm leaving in the morning," She explained.

Sano stood with her and walked her to the door, "Leaving? Why?"

She smiled up at him. "I've gotten another letter from my brother. I've run out of time. I'm going home tomorrow. They need me…" She looked off in the distance, then snapped back, "Kaoru, Kenshin, Yahiko, and Megumi are coming with me." She laughed, "They won't let me leave without them. I'd be overjoyed if you came too."

Sano sighed, "I'll walk you back to the dojo, it's not safe for a girl to walk these streets this late."

Hiraru chuckled at his expression, and nodded, walking next to him. The feeling of being able to walk with him was like coming up for air after being underwater. She didn't tell him she could only walk short distances and that Katsu was tied down the street, until the two came even with where Katsu was waiting. And then she asked him to walk with her anyway.

Ruroni-chan: I'm so sorry this has taken so long… Gerry-sama has been very busy… (Looks over at Gerry-sama)

Twilight-kun: (Pokes Gerry-sama with stick) I think he passed out, Ruroni-chan…

Gerry-sama: (Has little X's on his eyes, and his mouth is hanging open)

Ruroni-chan: (Sweatdrops) Leave him alone, he's done more work this week than you normally do… (Turns back to Readers) Everyone, please review to show Gerry-sama your apprechation…