Disclaimer: Well, what can I say? I don't own Rurouni Kenshin or any creations from it. Now let's go and see our RK kiddies in action...

AN: ... I know... that many of you would want to shoot me dead right now... hahaha... -nervous laugh- At least I got this next shortchapter up right? Hahahaha... hope you enjoy!

Hidden in Study - Chapter 16 - By Cherry Chibi

- - - - - Previously - - - -

Before them lay a pile of bruised men. Aoshi and Saitoh walked away fairly irritated but relieved at the same time. 'At least it was a good way to let out anger...' Aoshi thought to himself sarcastically. Who would've thought that Misao and Kaoru would have gotten away before they arrive? At least they were safe...

The next day was a rest day thankfully but it took a great deal of effort to clean up the mess that had been left behind from the earlier events. Shuura was welcomed without a problem by the kitchen ladies so now she helps Tsubame with the work. Misao and Kaoru had felt extra pressure since there were a number of questions being darted at them, in particular, from Aoshi and Kenshin. The two were seated on an empty patch of grass behind the wall of shrubbery eating a few rice cakes. Silence lingered and then the both of them sighed.

"Ugh... what is wrong with Aoshi? He keeps staring at me! I don't know what he's thinking!" Misao started her complaining. "Ever since I came back, not a word has been spoken from that guy!"

"I can't even look at Kenshin in the eye without thinking of something crazy." Kaoru took a bite out of the rice cake in her hand. "We're room mates so it's so hard to avoid him."

"This sucks..."

"Uh-huh..."

Then the silence came again. Followed by sighs. Even though the two of them had gotten over the ordeal with the kidnappers, they still haven't solved their own personal issues with certain people. Kaoru's mind kept thinking to when she had found the really weird scrolls, when she starts thinking about the scrolls, she gets worried and when she gets worried, she wants to hit something. How was she supposed to face Kenshin? Correction, how was she going to face Kenshin and Battousai? Even though the situation appeared real easy to solve, her feelings just complicated everything.

Meanwhile, Misao was swimming in her own world wondering why Aoshi felt a little different from before. She the wondered why every time she thought about how he went out to try to help her, her stomach fluttered and she lost her appetite. What could have possibly happened? She just wanted things to be the way they were before. Lately all she has been getting are the weird stares.

"You, Misao, we can't continue on like this..." Kaoru said, "We're going to have to face it. Whatever our problems will be, we have to look at it straight in the eye and express our thoughts." Although Kaoru didn't know exactly what Misao's problem was, she felt that she had the gist of it so she was able to say something - which of course, applied to her as well.

Misao nodded, "I know... I just need a bit more time though. Just to get enough courage..." There was anxiousness in her words. Right at that moment, she felt that she had been exposed to the burning sun for the first time in her life. She couldn't run away forever... though in reality it had been less than two weeks. Misao being herself, and Kaoru being Kaoru, they liked to move on with things fast. That was probably one of the traits that they shared equally."Hey, Kaoru, what are you going to do aboutKenshin?"

Kaoru looked a bit unsure for a moment, "I'm... going to avoid him for a while."

Misao exploded, "What the hell! Just now you were telling me to face myproblems while you're personally still running away? What are you thinking!" She had jumped to her feet and waslooking rather confused at Kaoru. "Kaoru!"

"Hey! Your problem isn't as complicated as mine!" Kaoru jumped onto her feet also.

"Yes it is!"

"No it isn't!"

Silence again.Smiles creptonto their faces. Sitting here, hiding and worry wasn't going to get them anywhere. In fact, it was actually driving them insane. Kaoru then held out a hand to Misao, "Alright then, let's make a deal. We'll both work hard to get over this as long as the other does her best also." Misao took Kaoru's hand in her own.

"Yeah."

Being spring, the air was crisp with coolness and the cherry blossom petals fell like snow in the breeze. Aoshi was walking silently from one room to the next. He was feeling like a fool for doing so but he hadn't seen Misao all day which somehow made him feel uneasy. When he had gone to check on her, he did want to say words like, 'I'm glad you're safe' but they wouldn't come out. Each time he saw her, he'd try to will himself to speak but each time would fail and his mind would drift off as he realises each time of how much Misao was captivating him. With the thought of almost losing a friend, he had come to appreciate her a little more. Like when she smiles and is cheerful, he never realised how much he had treasured those times.

Aoshi stopped as he realised something new. What if Misao was avoiding him? Why was he thinking this way? After a few moments of thinking, his hands clenched into fists, could it be that he was harvesting feelings towards her? No, he couldn't do that. He wasn't capable of such a thing. Taking a step back, he stared out to the serenity of the school's yard. Doubt was racing through his whole being. He had to prove himselfwrong. Somehow, he had to prove that what he was thinking of right now was wrong.

With this reasoning, he continued his searchfor Misao. This time with a little more determination than before.

3, 2, 1... Kenshin finished the drills for his training and sheathed his sword. Sweat beaded from his temples and slipped down the sides. Recently, the other him, Battousai, has been getting along with him. It felt almost as if they were beginning to go on the same track. Though there were times when his eyes would flicker amber signalling Battousai's resurfacing. One of the things that had been troubling him though, was that he hadn't been able to see Kaoru once. Well, he guessed that it was understandable considering that she probably thinks that he's a weird guy. If she didn't want to see him, then he'll let her have her space. Though, thinking about that hurt.

"...shin..."

Being so caught up in his own web of thoughts, Kenshin hadn't heard his master's call... until something hit him hard on the head. "Oro!"

"Kenshin!" Hiko said with irritation. "I was asking you a question you idiot."

"Sorry Seijuro-sensei..." Kenshin apologised while trying to ignore the throbbing of the bump forming on his head. "What was it that you were asking?"

Hiko let out a sigh. He was finally able to get the attention of his pupil. "Have you seen Akai as of recent?" He asked again keeping a hook on his patience. "There is something which I have to speak with him, and with Taka too." Noticing the change in Kenshin's eyes, Hiko frowned slightly. It looked as though something was troubling the boy.

"I'll pass on your message." Kenshin said. He bowed, "Thank you for your efforts." Closing off the training session, Kenshin turned to leave. Now he had to talk with Kaoru. Maybe this could be a chance for him to also ask her a few things.

"You fool." Battousai's voice snapped at Kenshin, "You should talk with her or else nothing will be solved. You're giving up too easily."

"If you think that dealing with this matter is as easy as that, why don't you do something then?" Kenshin answered back to the voice. Oh... how wrong was he to do so.

AN: Sorry for such a short chapter everyone. -sighs- Studies can be such a drag. Anyway, thanks for sticking with this foolish writer for so long! I'm really grateful for all of your kindness! -smiles- Thanks! Hope to update again sometime!