Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.

xxxxx

"Jiya, I'm SOO going to win this bet!!!"

"Overconfident again, Misao?"

Aoshi groaned inwardly. They've been at for a while now. Something about a bet. Not that he cared. He just wanted some peace and quiet so he could read his stupid book.

x

"Alright, if I can make Aoshi-sama smile in one week, you have to stop your womanizing for a month," Misao said in a more hushed tone. Aoshi had probably heard they're yelling and she had to make sure he didn't hear the actual bet.

"And, If you CAN'T make Aoshi smile in a week, you have to go up that mountain and bye four of Hiko-san's best items. With your OWN money. And, if you don't have any money, you're going to have to work for him to EARN that money," Okina agreed.

"Okay. I know! Let's each make one condition just in case we do lose."

"What do you mean?" Okina asked.

"Like, in the impossible case that I did lose, Aoshi-sama has to come up to the mountain with me!" Misao suggested. Okina's brow furrowed in thought. Hm . . . if I said yes, I could make it easier for myself or have Aoshi dragged up the mountain.

"Alright then, but that means I can still hit on women close to my age."

"Um, sure." Misao didn't really see the difference in that.

"Fine. Remember, one week, and that's all."

"No sweat, Jiya. This'll be easy!"

-One week later-

Misao's sobs were only rivaled by Okina's laughter all throughout the Aoiya.

"Well, you'd go pack up!! Since you're broke, you'll probably be up there for a week at least!" Okina roared.

"At least Aoshi-sama can come with me . . ." Misao said between sniffs.

"Oh! That's right! I'll go talk to him," Okina said gleefully. He hurried to Aoshi's room (where he was reading) and tapped lightly on the shoji door.

"Aoshi?" called Okina, "May I speak with you?"

"Aa."

Okina stepped inside and sat across from Aoshi. This was going to be a long story indeed.

x

Misao sighed long and hard. Spending at least a week with that, that hermit wasn't going to be easy. Not to mention, she had to convince him to let her stay.

'Just think of it as a week alone with Aoshi-sama in the mountains,' she told herself. She grinned at the thought of Aoshi's face when he learned he had to come with her. Then again, would he make a face at all? She stuffed her kunai and extra clothes in her bag and tightened the string.

'Might as well go to Aoshi-sama now.' She figured it was better if she confronted him early. Picking up her bag she headed towards Aoshi's room. She was about to knock when she heard Okina's voice:

"Aoshi, it's part of a bet! I'm sorry you got pulled in to this, however, there's nothing I can do about it!"

"No."

"And besides you need the exercise! All you've done lately is sit in one place for hours at a time. A week in the mountains . . . the fresh air will do well for you. Misao really wants you to go with her!"

There was a pause. And a mumbled 'fine'.

"Thank you, Aoshi. I'm sure Misao will be very happy. You should pack now." Okina slid open the shoji door and winked at Misao. She beamed in return. The week seemed to get better already.

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So what do you think? I really like this story, so I only require two positive reviews to update.

(A/N The chapters will get longer)