Author's Notes: I'm on a role here! Thanks to everyone who is reviewing my saga story. I just wrote two scenes on scrap paper at work, which I must tie into the next chapters, if I can understand my writing in the end. One is a bit humorous…err…I think so…or trying to make it humorous but it turns embarrassing for Misao and an argument breaks out between Saitou and Sano. The other scene is when Misao finds out Aoshi is an artist, not the best way to find out, but its sweet…err…sort of…

Hey Mara-san! Don't worry either, the Saitou meeting Tokio's father should be coming in the next chapter so stayed tuned!

Ja Ne everyone…till next time that is…

Under the Cherry Tree

* BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP *

Aoshi groaned falling out of his bed and landing on the floor. He cursed in annoyance getting up on his hands and knees throwing the offending object he had landed on over the other side of the bedroom and slapping his hand on his alarm clock shutting it up. Aoshi got off the floor moving around his room like a zombie grabbing clean clothes and heading towards his door. He tripped over some discarded clothes lying carelessly on the floor but gained his footing and headed out the door towards the bathroom. Aoshi looked at himself in the mirror, splashing water over his face, trying to wake himself up more and mumbled a soft reply to no one but himself.

"Misao's right, I'm not a morning person. Just like her…"

A short time passed, Aoshi leaving the bathroom after showering and feeling a little more refreshed. He was wearing a pair of very old black jeans, with a hole showing off his left knee. He wore a dark grey shirt, with an unbuttoned black shirt, which was complimented, by spots of different coloured paints just like his pants and grey shirt. He grabbed his jacket placing it on as well as his socks and old sneakers. He packed up his artworks, placing them in individual slots in his carrying bag, or wrapping them in cloth if they were too large to fit in the bag. Aoshi grabbed another bag, slinging it over his other shoulder and picked up an apple heading out his apartment, locking the door behind him and headed towards the lift knowing he needed to run for the bus as he was already late.

* * * *

(Fugishita Studio Warehouse)

As soon as Aoshi walked into the warehouse, the other painters, young and old stopped painting to stare at him. A half eaten apple was sticking out of Aoshi's mouth as he leaned his larger paintings near the wall and took another bite then threw the rest into a nearby trash can.

"Everyone back to work!" Anika Fugishita spoke clapping her hands and then proceeded to walk over towards Aoshi. A bright smile was on her face as she bent down picking up his larger paintings and they proceeded towards the stairs heading up to talk in her office. Anika closed the door behind her, watching Aoshi dump his bags on the ground and sat in one of the leather chairs waiting for her to speak.

"I do expect an explanation of where in seven hells you have been! You had me worried out of my wits!" Anika spoke as she squatted down in front of Aoshi looking up at him. Her hands clasped his, encouraging him to speak to her and Aoshi nodded his head. Anika stood up moving over towards the other leather chair and pulled it closer waiting silently for Aoshi.

"Do you remember the girl I spoke of who lived in Kyoto?" Aoshi replied in a soft voice looking over at all the awards that Anika had won.

"Yes, Misao was her name right? You two were very close, best friends?" Anika questioned back wanting to know where this was headed.

"Aa, she came to Tokyo to find me as soon as she finished her last year of high school, just like she had promised. A lot has happened these past few weeks, a lot to think about on my behalf and I left Tokyo to return home for awhile. I needed to figure a few things out inside myself and so home was the best option. I'm sorry I never told you…I didn't even tell Kenshin or Saitou either. When I got home I found out I had two little sisters and I brought them back for a week so they could meet Saitou and so we could get to know them better. As for Misao and I, we have a lot to sort out."

"What of that Megumi woman?" Aoshi raised an eyebrow at the way Anika addressed Megumi. She gave him a blank look and then she spoke once more, cutting in before him.

"What? You know I was never a fan of hers. She's not really an arty type and I can admit I don't get along well with people who don't have a slight interest in art. The way you spoke of Misao about your days in Kyoto made me realise that she was always on your thoughts. The only time you thought of Megumi was when she was actually standing in front of you. Am I right?" Anika spoke, her hands crossed over her chest knowing she needn't receive an answer from him. She had seen the way he looked off into space thinking about something. Anika always knew that Aoshi's thoughts were always of his sweet Misao-chan who lived in Kyoto.

"How did you get to know me so well?" Aoshi spoke, his eyes narrowing slightly and his own arms crossing over his chest looking directly over at Anika. A triumphant laugh escaped Anika's throat as she stood up sitting on her wooden desk in front of Aoshi now and spoke once more.

"That Aoshi dear is my secret. Now when do I get to meet the young lady who has stolen your heart." A large smile crossed her lips as she watched Aoshi fidget in the leather chair now feeling uncomfortable.

"Maybe I should turn up at your place in hopes that she will be there…" Anika spoke absently once more but her eyes were wide with shock when Aoshi abruptly replied back.

"NO!" He was standing up now, towering over the short woman. Anika watched as Aoshi calmed down, moving towards his bags while mumbling an apology to her.

"She doesn't know about this does she Aoshi?" Anika spoke getting off the table and taking one of his bags. Aoshi said nothing in return heading out the door and up some more stairs heading for the roof. He never spoke to any of the other students in the warehouse, liking the piece and quiet as he painted on the roof and away from any distractions. Aoshi pushed the door open and it slammed shut behind him as he made sure Anika made it through and onto the roof first. Aoshi looked up to see it was an overcast day and a cool wind blew. This was just the way Aoshi liked it. Usually in summer the other students would occupy the roof and Aoshi would be inside and downstairs. No one came out here because they complained it was too cold.

"No one knows about any of this. Only you know that I am the mysterious 'AS' of the art world." Aoshi spoke quietly and opened his black bag pulling out his numerous and unfinished art pieces.

"Do you think you could get any of these finished Aoshi? I'm opening another store in the city and would love to place up some of your paintings in there and not just your photography. You'll get more money!" Anika spoke happily, trying to encourage Aoshi to finish his work.

"I'm not doing this for the money Anika. I do this because…"

"You have a real passion for this just like martial arts and Misao." She watched Aoshi tense slightly as he turned to face her; his face expression slightly scrunched. He replied to her statement through clenched teeth.

"Why is that everything I say ends up falling back to Misao. YES she is my best friend and YES I do care for her, but four years is a long time Anika. We know nothing about our grown up selves."

"Relax Aoshi I'm just trying to make it easier for you. From what you speak of her, you have this wonderful and very charming young woman who will wait for you until you're ready to confess to her how you feel. I won't say anything more but this, you NEED to tell her what you're doing these days. How terrible would it be for her to find out by SOMEONE ELSE."

"Are you blackmailing me?" Aoshi spoke his eyes narrowing in slight anger. Anika may be his mentor and tutor in painting and photography but right now she was being a pain in the ass! She acted as though Aoshi were her younger brother or her son for that matter! He watched as Anika placed her hands up as though wanting to calm him down and she spoke once more 'unwrapping' his other paintings out of the cloth.

"Take it anyway you want Aoshi, but please consider telling her. She already seems to want to be with you and she has no clue as to how wealthy you are becoming. I know you want people to see you as a normal guy, well Misao already does know you and I bet she will still think that even if and when you do tell her."

"Aa, I'll think about it Anika. Happy now?" Aoshi spoke dryly back watching as she looked over his other pieces of work.

"They are very wonderful Aoshi. Those two girls are so innocent and the way they are running and playing brings a nice warmth into my heart." Lots of sunflowers adorned the canvas with a bright clear blue sky. Two small girls were running through them, their backs facing to the observer. Aoshi hated painting face expressions and the fact that he really didn't want anyone to know who they were and he liked the way he had painted them. They both wore identical summer dresses making sure they too stood out so that no one would forget them as they stared at all the bright sunflowers. Ayame's hat had flown off her head, her brown hair tossing in an imaginary breeze, and a wind carried the hat through the air. They seemed to be running after it as they played, maybe even danced in the field of flowers, their tiny hands thrust in the air.

"They are my imoto-chan's."

"They are very sweet. What if someone recognises them and that they were with you?" Anika questioned Aoshi and stood up waiting for his answer.

"I never painted when I was with them and we always went to the park so anyone could have seen them and painted them, so I am safe. Besides I make an effort never to paint facial features or else that is a true give away." Anika nodded her head and began walking towards the door to go back and check on her other students.

"You're so much like my mother, that's why you read me so well Anika." Aoshi spoke as he bent down placing his painting's around him so he could walk around and have a look at each one. Anika agreed softly in a small laugh and left Aoshi to be alone. She knew he worked best like this and he'd be up here for hours on end only becoming satisfied if he finished one or two pieces of art and maybe starting a new idea as well.

* * * *

(Himura Residence)

"Good morning Misao-san, are you late for work? Would you like me to give you a lift? I am headed into that part of town." Kenshin spoke kindly watching Misao race into the kitchen and rummage through the fridge to find something to eat. She was dressed in a long black skirt and a white button down shirt. Her hair was placed in its usual plait and Misao shut the fridge door, a gentle smile crossing her lips as she answered Kenshin.

"Thank you Kenshin and stop being so polite around me. Just call me Misao, I'm like an adoption into your family after all." She spoke jokingly to him as they both walked out of the kitchen and into the main area grabbing their things. They both watched as Kaoru raced past them, running up the stairs two at a time and heading for the bathroom her morning sickness coming a lot later then usual.

"Tochan? Is kachan going to be okay?" Misao-chan spoke walking into the room as she finished watching her cartoons. She was still dressed in her winter pyjamas, her hair tousled and full of knots. Misao watched as Kenshin bent down cupping his daughter's cheek and nodded his head.

"What's happening though?" Misao-chan spoke intrigued and before Kenshin spoke, Misao cut in instead.

"Your mummy's body is reacting in a way, which may not be nice for her, but her body is protecting you little brother and sister from receiving any poisonous or toxic chemicals in her body. Do you understand Misao-chan?"

"So my little baby brother or sister won't get hurt?" Misao-chan looked up at her Auntie Misao and then over at her dad waiting for an answer.

"That's right Misao-chan." Kaoru spoke walking downstairs once more, her right hand rubbing her stomach softly. Kenshin kissed his daughter on the forehead, standing up once more and then kissed his wife goodbye and headed out the door with Misao following close behind. Kenshin and Misao hopped into Kenshin's car and drove off down the street heading for the main road that would take them to The Akabeko.

"So Misao, is Kaoru and myself really like a second family to you?" Kenshin spoke glancing over at Misao. He heard the nervous laugh she let out and placed his right hand on Misao's shoulder smiling his usual sweet gentle smile at her.

"Hai, if that is alright with you and Kaoru. Kyoto is a fair distance away from Tokyo and knowing that I live with a caring and happy family it just makes me feel happy as well." Misao replied honestly back to Kenshin and squeezed his hand on her shoulder, then let go.

"I've never had a younger sister, but I shall do my best and I won't let you down Misao." Kenshin spoke seriously. He turned his head to see Misao giggling at him and then she spoke.

"You make it sound like some sort of project Kenshin. Just treat me like you do now just drop the 'Miss' business, that's way to formal and polite, especially when we live in the same house."

"Aa, you are right. So how is everything going with Aoshi?" Kenshin glanced his violet eyes to see Misao's cheeks darken in colour. Kenshin smiled sweetly at Misao and she snapped back at him.

"IT'S NOT FUNNY!"

"Oro?" Kenshin spoke with slightly wide eyes and turned his head to go back to concentrating on driving. Silence rained upon the two occupants of the car but Misao finally broke the silence apologising to Kenshin.

"I'm sorry for snapping like that Kenshin. It's just that everything between Aoshi and me is very new and well I'd like to keep it to myself for now…" Misao fisted her hands in her lap as she had bent her head in apology at being so rude to Kenshin. There were so many thoughts rolling around in her head about Aoshi and herself and anyone who spoke of them stirred emotions within her. Misao couldn't really answer any question her new friends had for her because; well she just didn't have the answers. Were Aoshi and herself a couple now? That could be yes and no. They still needed to become comfortable with one another again and to know each other once more, but there had been incidents where she and Aoshi had looked more like a couple then just plain friends. Misao sighed out loud and shook her head of these thoughts. She needed to start work with a clear mind and her thoughts always being on Aoshi were not helping one bit.

"I understand Misao and I'm sorry for butting in like that. You two are very secretive but that is all right with me. I can tell when something has occurred between the two of you without you even voicing it. It's just the way I am and I won't ask anymore questions. Aoshi has missed you very much though." Kenshin blurted out unexpectedly even surprising himself.

"How do you mean?" Misao stared at him intently and fully knowing she wasn't supposed to know that much. She knew this because of the widening of violet eyes and the tense shoulders.

"I've seen him loose himself in his thoughts and I always knew he was thinking of Kyoto and of his parents and school friends but most of all he'd be thinking of you. I was surprised at times when it was just myself and him in the training hall and he would open up just that little extra, telling me a bit of his life. He spoke often of the two of you and although I shouldn't be telling you this he has this sparkle in his eyes, this happiness whenever he spoke of you and him together." Kenshin smiled gently over at Misao, her faint blush evident with his sharp eyes but hen kept silent this time. He parked out the front of the Akabeko and watched Misao take a deep breath and open the door getting out of the car.

"Arigatoo Kenshin, what you said really meant a lot to me." Misao's eyes sparkled joyously and Kenshin nodded his head once in silence and watched Misao close the door and practically bounce into the Akabeko. He shook his head knowing he'd definitely have to speak to Aoshi the next time he saw him and force the issue of Misao upon him. Kenshin drove off knowing full well that he and Aoshi would get into an argument, but it was best to explain the issue directly and firmly to Aoshi or else he'd never do anything about it.

* * * *

(Fugishita Warehouse Studio – The Roof)

Aoshi smiled despite himself. It had been a couple of hours and he'd finished two of his smaller pieces of art and actually started another one, but this was going to be a three parts series. The thought had come to him as an image of Misao came to his mind. He had thought of her the entire morning and a vision of her smiling and her bright ocean blue eyes sparkling up at him gave him an idea. Aoshi had started drawing lightly with pencil marking out what went where. Anika had come up to check on him and asked if he wanted anything for lunch. Aoshi hadn't even answered her, to engrossed in his work and so Anika left to go order some food from the Akabeko, not knowing that is where Aoshi's Misao worked. The restaurant wasn't really one for home delivery but because Anika was quite famous and a personal friend of the woman who owned it, she was an exception. The Akabeko had gotten a lot of publicity as Anika ate there frequently and complimented on how professional and friendly the staff were and how the food was very delicious as well.

* * * *

(The Akabeko)

"Oh Misao, do you think you could do me a favour?" Tsubame spoke getting Misao's attention as she was setting the tables ready for the lunch rush.

"Sure Tsubame, what is it?" Misao replied back walking over and her eyes widened a little when car keys and container's of food placed in a white bag where thrust into her hands and she was being pushed towards the back door.

"Take this to the Fugishita Warehouse."

"The what?" Misao spoke confused but she nodded her head at the directions Tsubame was giving her and she was pushed towards the little car and Misao sighed finally nodding her head and got in driving down the alleyway heading for one of the main roads.

* * * *

(Back to the Warehouse)

"Have you had enough for today Aoshi?" Anika spoke as Aoshi walked into her office placing his bags on the ground and handing over the two completed artworks and his already finished piece of his sisters. She smiled her thanks knowing he was giving them to her for her grand opening of her new store in the city center. She placed them against the table and stood up walking towards her window when she heard the slamming of the front door.

"Oh isn't she lovely. She'd look nice in one of you paintings Aoshi!" Anika spoke joyously, her hands clasping together as she stared out the window through the beige blinds.

"Who?" Aoshi got out of the chair heading for the window to see whom Anika was talking about. She watched comically as Aoshi's eyes nearly popped out of his head as he scurried to close the blinds and fall to the floor for some unknown reason to her.

"What on earth is wrong with you?" Anika spoke trying to conceal her laughter at the young man leaning against the wall trying to hide himself as though his life depended on it.

"Get rid of her! Wait a minute, what the hell is she doing here anyway?" Aoshi spoke in an angry but whispered voice looking up at Anika.

"I always get my food from the Akabeko Aoshi, you ought to know that by now. What is with you today?"

"That 'lovely' woman out there is Misao!" Aoshi spoke through clenched teeth. Anika looked down at him an 'oooooooooooh' leaving her lips finally understanding. There was a knock at her office door; lucky for Aoshi it was all wood with no glass. He had tensed on the ground, Anika bending down to pat his shoulder and spoke once more then got up moving to the door, opening it and stepping out slamming it closed behind her.

"Relax or you'll have yourself a heart attack." Aoshi heard her footsteps as well as Misao's move back downstairs to the main ground floor of the warehouse. He sighed loudly moving to open the door ever so slightly to listen to the conversation breaking out downstairs.

"I'm sorry about slamming the door like that in your face, but one of my students is ah…having a mental breakdown and just needs some time alone for a while." Anika spoke and Aoshi growled slightly at the mental breakdown statement. He wasn't having a mental breakdown! He was just damn surprised about Misao showing up where he was, but then again, she didn't have a clue as to where he was. Aoshi eyes widened and he closed the door, knowing full well Misao knew his presence and ki anywhere. He prayed to Kami-sama hoping that she wasn't concentrating hard enough to detect him.

Many minutes passed and the door opened Aoshi turning his head up to see Anika walking into the room with a bag full of food. She closed the door behind her, placed the food out on the desk taking off the lids and grabbed some chopsticks for herself and began picking at the dishes. Aoshi got off the floor moving to one of the leather chairs, taking a pair of chopsticks and munched quietly on some of the meat in one of the dishes.

"Spill it Anika…" Aoshi spoke picking up one of the dishes having liked it the best and sat back in the chair waiting for Anika to speak. He knew she would and he knew whom it was going to be about now.

"So I think she's sweet and very beautiful. I think its wrong what you are hiding from her but it's not up to me and so I won't express my opinion to you anymore. It is of course your decision after all."

"Now you are making me feel guilty." Anika shrugged her shoulders; scooping some rice into the dish she picked up and ate silently not saying anything else.

"She asked if she could join Aoshi." Anika spoke softly her eyes glancing up to see him choking on some rice. His eyes watered, coughing loudly and grabbed a bottle of coke and drinking some of it.

"I can see you are really happy about that too. If you must know I turned her down. I hated the saddened expression she had on her face and I made the excuse that I only take a limited amount of students. Just for you I did that and I feel absolutely terrible. I told her to come back in a couple of weeks and ask me again and next time I will say yes! That is your time frame Aoshi. I don't care whether you grumble or growl at me and don't you narrow your eyes at me either! This is for your own good." Aoshi watched as Anika got up from her seat taking her dish with her and left the office, giving him some private time to think once more. Aoshi got up, placing the half eaten meat dish on the table and walking over towards all of Anika's awards looking at them. Aoshi had won a few awards for his own artwork, but he hid them away in the spare room of the apartment.

"Damn you Anika." Aoshi grumbled to himself and turned around, picked up his bags and his larger paintings heading out the door, downstairs, not even saying goodbye and left the studio for the day. He was not in the mood to do any more painting today.

* * * *

(Many more hours pass…)

Aoshi is sitting on the high bridge over looking the train station, where he spent many nights with Misao-chan and one night with Misao. He went straight to his apartment, having showered and changed his clothes and left once more needing to be alone for awhile. So many thoughts were flying through his mind on what he should really do. True, Misao already knew him, she'd known him for many years and the thought of her ever changing her opinion on him because he had money was ludicrous. Misao wasn't one to judge someone on how much money he or she had; she looked for the person on the inside. To her that's what made the people around her so special and unique.

"So everything will be fine then…" Aoshi mumbled to himself but sat straight feeling a familiar presence walking closer.

"I thought you might be here." Misao spoke softly walking up and leaned against the railing of the bridge on the right side of Aoshi. Aoshi turned his head giving her a small smile and watched Misao's eyes flash as she knew something was wrong.

"Is everything okay Aoshi?" Misao spoke in her usual tender sweet voice to him. Aoshi noticed Misao was still dressed in her uniform from the Akabeko having just finished a long shift at work. She looked quite tired and so Aoshi spoke his reply, hiding his frustration excellently.

"You look tired Misao. Perhaps we should not go out tonight so you can get a restful sleep." Aoshi watched Misao's eyes frown slightly but she nodded her head knowing she couldn't deny that she was tired and felt like she could sleep for months. Aoshi watched Misao's hand move up caressing the curve of his left cheek and he could do nothing but stare into her beautiful eyes. Aoshi finally brushed Misao's hand on his cheek with one of his own, making sure she knew that he acknowledged her sweet touch. A small smile crossed her lips as she turned away heading for a cab to go home. Not a word was spoken between the two of them but Aoshi watched, with a pained face expression as Misao disappeared into the darkness of the night.

* * * *

To be continued…

* * * *