Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ To Love Again ❯ chapter sixteen ( Chapter 16 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Silent Tears of Agony 
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.05.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 428 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.05.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 428 | Status: Completed
Title: To Love Again
Chap: 16
Does anybody know how to capture videos for AMV's? Is there a certain program I should use? My brother has Windows movie maker, but the capture function doesn't download the images. If anybody knows how to help, I'd appreciate you telling me. Thank you. :)
-
When Kaoru first woke to the sound of crying, she thought Kenji was responsible for the noise. However, she soon realized the sound was coming from Kenshin's bed. "Kenshin-san? Is something wrong?"
Not seeming to hear her question, the man continued his whimpering and restless movements.
"Kenshin-san," the young woman shook him gently. "Wake up. You’re having a bad dream."
Kenshin jerked awake and looked around wildly with fearful eyes.
"It's okay now," Kaoru tried to soothe him. "You were just having a bad dream."
Kenshin's body relaxed as he realized he was in his room, yet his face remained tense. "If only that's all it was," his voice was barely a whisper.
"Hm?" she blinked curiously. "What did you say?"
Kenshin sighed and closed his eyes. "Would you get me something for my headache, please?"
Kaoru had a feeling that wasn't what he originally said, but searched his bathroom for some aspirin anyway. When she found some, as well as a cup, she filled it up with water and handed both to her boss.
He grimaced as he slowly tilted his head back to swallow the pills.
"It serves you right." As soon as the words left her mouth Kaoru covered her mouth in surprise.
Kenshin's lips twisted into the resemblance of a smile. "Yes, I knew better. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you and the children would be at your apartment."
Kaoru felt that not too long ago, Kenshin would insinuate that she would leave the children on their own while she was with him. She was grateful she didn't have to think that way anymore. "When you showed up at Sagara-san's house, he requested my assistance. The children and I came over on the bus."
Her boss raised an eyebrow. "You managed the children on a bus all by yourself?"
Kaoru nodded wordlessly, her mind already occupied with other thoughts.
"That's not an easy task Kaoru, I think I have a new level of respect for you." Kenshin allowed himself to verbally acknowledge his admiration to the petite woman. He knew how much trouble his son alone could cause.
Again, Kaoru's acknowledgment of his words was distracted. "Kenshin-san, forgive me for being presumptuous, but . . . " Kaoru attempted to force herself to have the decency at least to look her boss in the eyes. After failing for what felt like an eternity, she figured it was more important to concentrate on finishing her sentence. "But if you have a drinking problem, I think you should find help." The amiable atmosphere that had worked its way around them was instantly replaced by a ringing silence.
"No, I don't have a drinking problem," Kenshin grit out. He felt only a little guilty when it caused his employee to flinch. "Truthfully, that's the first time in three years I've drank any alcohol. And I've never been drunk before last night."
Kaoru furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "I don't understand. If you don't usually drink, then why did you get drunk last night?"
Kenshin looked uncomfortable as he tried to explain. "Last night marked the third year since Tomoe's death."
The memory of what he said last night suddenly hit Kaoru and she leaned back subconsciously.
"I knew it was wrong to drink," he continued, "but this year -" Kenshin stopped before he told Kaoru that this year was different because he was confused about her.
"I'm sorry," Kaoru apologized, "I had no idea."
Kenshin shook his head. "Of course you wouldn't have known. As I'm sure you've noticed, I don't like to talk about her death. Eventually my family gave up encouraging me to seek therapy and stopped speaking of her death as well."
Kaoru wrung her fingers together, unsure of what to say. After wracking her brain, she finally abandoned the idea of polite speech and stood up from the chair she was sitting in. "Well, I should go check on the children." She flinched when Kenshin grasped her wrist.
"Wait," he let go of her wrist so he could move himself into a more upright position. "I know what I said last night." Kaoru's muscles tensed even further as he raised his gaze to meet hers. His eyes were solemn, as if he was used to saying the words out loud. "I had hoped it was just a dream, but you're acting so nervously . . . I'd like a chance to explain myself."
Kaoru hesitantly perched on the edge of the chair and folded her hands in her lap. "I suppose that's only fair," Kaoru quietly agreed.
Kenshin took a shaky breath and rubbed his aching head. "Tomoe and I had been going through some . . . stressful times. When my sister invited us to her wedding, we decided to make a vacation of it. My mother agreed to watch Kenji for us and Tomoe and I planned to head to Tahoe after we spent some time at the reception." Kenshin smiled softly in remembrance. "She was disappointed that we missed the snow that year, but we were still looking forward to spending some time alone."
The young man began to squirm, uncomfortable with the emotions his words were making him face. "Tomoe warned me not to drink. One glass had never hurt me before and I insisted it wouldn't hurt this time. I should have listened to her." Kenshin turned over so that he was laying down with his back to Kaoru. "I don't feel up to talking anymore. I'm sorry for taking up your time. You should go check on the children."
Kaoru's hands were shaking as she left the room. He certainly hadn't helped her understand the situation any better. If anything, she was more confused now.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The first thing Kenji demanded upon waking was to see his father. Naturally he felt his voice needed to be as loud as possible to accomplish this task. Kenshin felt guilty as he continued to lie in bed rather than go outside to greet his son. He grabbed a pillow and pushed it tightly over his head, wishing he could physically push out the memories last night had dredged up.
When he couldn't handle the pressure any longer, Kenshin ripped away the pillow and gasped for breath. He layed still for several minutes as his heartbeat slowed down. Finally he rolled over to look at the photo on his night stand. "Oh, Tomoe," he sighed. "I promised I wouldn't fall back into my self-destructive habits and now look at what I'm doing."
He gently pressed his fingertips to the cool glass protecting the photo. "What would you say if you were here?" His lips twitched into a half-smile. "No, I know exactly what you'd say. You'd tell me to quit whining and get my act together. And you'd do it so subtly I'd hardly even know I was being reprimanded."
Kenshin rubbed his eyes and sighed again. "I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you that night. If I hadn't drunk anything then I would have been able to see that idiot in time to stop."
Finally the young man decided to join the living and got up to take a shower.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Later that day, Kenshin had attempted to do a better job of explaining his wife's death. Kaoru was still confused about some of the details. However, she was able to understand the gist of it. Apparently, Kenshin had stepped too hard on the brake pedal when a motorcyclist had passed him illegally. Because the road was so wet from the rain, he lost control of the car and crashed into an embankment. The next thing he remembered was waking up with massive injuries in a hospital bed only to find his wife was lying dead on a cold slab of metal. The police had talked about a criminal investigation, however they didn't charge him with his wife's death after they found out his blood alcohol level was under the legal limit.
At least now Kaoru had a better understanding of his hatred toward motorcycles. Still, she thought her boss was a little too fanatical in his concern over her driving one. Even Aoshi, her worrywart of a cousin hadn't chastised her when she had revealed Kamatari was teaching her how to drive a motorcycle. He had merely dipped his head, his subtle way of reminding her to be careful.
However, with rising gas prices, it wasn't that big a deal anyway. Kaoru walked or rode the bus as much as she could. The young nanny was jerked out of her thoughts when Kenji and his cousin ran past her. "What's the rush?" She asked the boys in amusement.
"Daddy's home!" Kenji answered.
"Really?" Kaoru asked as she followed the boys. "I didn't hear him come in." Kenji had exceptionally good hearing, at least that was the only explanation she could think of as Kenshin opened the door the same time his son reached it.
"Hey sport," he greeted Kenji with a smile. "You're here too Kozuke? I hope you two haven't been difficult for Kaoru."
"No, they behaved well," Kaoru assured him.
Kenshin nodded in response, yet his manner seemed distracted as he walked past everyone. "Why don't you two play while I talk with Kaoru?"
The young woman nervously followed him to the study. Last week he had asked her to consider watching Kenji full-time over the summer. Now she was afraid she had taken too long deciding her answer. "You're home early today," Kaoru observed. Kenshin dropped into a chair and pinched his nose as if he had a headache.
"I know," he sighed. "I have several resumes I need to look at."
Kaoru twisted her fingers. "Resumes?" Her voice was anxious, but Kenshin didn't seem to notice.
"Yes," he replied, "Mrs. Miller is moving so I need a new housekeeper." Her boss smiled in amusement, "Did you think I called you in here to fire you?"
The young woman blushed and ducked her head. "Maybe," she mumbled in embarrassment.
Kenshin started to chuckle, but the action quickly turned into a harsh cough. When Kaoru moved to help Kenshin he held his hand up to stop the young woman. "I'm fine," he assured her.
"Maybe you should see a doctor," Kaoru suggested. "You've had that cough for a few weeks. I think it's starting to tire you out."
"I'm fine," the redhead's tone cut off any more concerns she may have voiced.
Kaoru sat back in her seat and waited for Kenshin to continue.
"I didn't call you in here to fire you, however, I do want to ask what decision you've made regarding watching Kenji all day."
"I looked at the summer schedule and some of the classes I need are available in the evening. That would allow me to watch Kenji full-time."
"I appreciate you sacrificing your education time to watch Kenji. I didn't want to over-stress him by putting him under the care of two different nannies."
Kaoru frowned, "I wouldn't want to put that burden on him either. Especially because he's only recently accepted me as his caretaker. I think it's too soon to change his environment that dramatically."
Kenshin smiled in amusement. "I think you've been taking too many child education classes."
The young woman's face tensed anxiously. "I'm sorry if I sounded like I was lecturing you."
"I wasn't implying that," he apologized. "It was just a joke."
"Oh," Kaoru relaxed. "I should go home, if there is nothing more to discuss. I have a lot of studying to do."
"Actually there is one more thing," Kenshin interrupted her departure. "Kenji is graduating next week. I promised I would ask if you would attend it. I don't think it will take very long."
Kaoru hid a smile at Kenshin's enthusiasm. She wondered if he realized his son had already picked up his habit of talking faster and louder when he was trying to convince someone to agree with him. Neither of them probably realized how ridiculous they sounded when they did it. "Kenji already asked me. I told him I'd be delighted to go. It's Friday at 6:30, correct?"
"Yes," he confirmed. "I'm sorry about asking you a second time. I told Kenji to wait for me to ask you."
"I don't mind," she assured him. "It's actually rather flattering that both of you asked me. I know I'm definitely wanted there." Before Kaoru left the room, she took another look at her boss. He always looked tired, yet now his appearance couldn't be excused in that manner. His hair and skin were constantly dull and the marks under his eyes were more pronounced, giving him a haggard appearance.
"Are you sure you shouldn't go to a doctor?" she asked in concern. "You don't look as if you've recovered from the cold you had after . . . " Kaoru paused, unsure how she should address the night he was drunk. " ... um . . . After that night," she finished lamely.
Kenshin sighed crossly. "There's no need to be so sensitive about the topic. Just call it the night I was drunk, that's what happened. And Meg's already nagging me about seeing a doctor, so -" he stopped when he realized he was only using the young woman as an outlet for his stress. "So don't worry about me, okay?" He attempted to smile, only it came out looking more like a grimace. "I hope you do well on your test."
Kaoru felt as if she should say something more, but couldn't think of any words that would help. So she opened the door and left.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"Thank you for picking me up, Sagara-san." Kaoru struggled to keep up with Sano's long strides as they walked to his car.
"Kenshin and Meg are taking care of the kids. My job today is shuttling the guests around. Not that I mind," he assured her. "I'm sorry it's a little crowded," the brunette apologized once they reached the car. "That's my brother Souzou in back, and my grandmother, Taki, is the lady sitting in the passenger seat. She raised my brother and me."
Kaoru sat in the back, next to Sano's brother. "It's very nice to meet both of you," she greeted them.
"Yes," Souzou agreed. "Sano told us that you recently moved here from Japan. Our grandmother used to live in Japan too. She moved over here when she was about your age. Isn't that right Grandmother?"
"No, I haven't been in a fight."
Both Sano and Souzou blushed at their grandmother's answer as Kaoru struggled not to laugh. "Grandmother gets confused easily," Souzou explained. The three young people attempted to continue a conversation with the elderly woman, eventually, however, Kaoru talked with the man next to her while Sano and Taki remained silent.
Once they reached the parking lot, Sano called his wife to find out where they were sitting. "Meg says they're sitting in the second row on the far right." Sano addressed his brother. "You and Kaoru should go on ahead while I help Grandmother." He walked around to the trunk of the car so he could pull out Taki's walker. "Be careful of my brother," he warned teasingly. "He's a compulsive flirt."
"I prefer to think of it as showing appreciation for a beautiful woman," Souzou defended himself.
Kaoru allowed herself a small smile at his behavior. Souzou had flirted with her the entire ride. She knew he was only teasing her, but she still liked him. He seemed to be a very likeable person. By the time the two people had reached the reception, it had already started. Fortunately, it was being held outside so Kaoru hoped they wouldn't disturb too many people as she and Souzou searched for their seats.
"There they are," Souzou pointed at some seats not too far away. "It's a good thing Meg's stepfather is so big," he grinned. "It makes him very easy to spot."
Kaoru silently agreed as she hurried over to the seats and quickly sat in the first empty chair she saw. "I'm sorry we're late," Kaoru apologized to Megumi.
"That's okay. You didn't miss anything except Mr. Shishio's speech. It was very boring. I wish I could have been with you so I didn't have to listen to it."
Kaoru giggled at her friend's good humor and turned to greet Kenshin, who was sitting on her right side. She had been worried about him when she saw him earlier and now he looked even worse. Kaoru's stomach clenched in fear when she saw his shivering form. His skin was shiny as if he was sweating, his skin looked too pale, and sounded almost as if he was wheezing.
"Kenshin-san, are you all right? You look like you’re about to faint."
Kenshin made a sound similar to a sigh, but it wasn't as forceful as previous ones. "I already promised mom and Meg that I would go to the hospital right after Kenji's graduation," he mumbled. "So, please just -"
Kaoru felt like she was in a sort of time lag as Kenshin ceased talking and slowly fell toward her direction. Automatically her arms shot out to stop him as Megumi hurried over to help.
"Well Ken, maybe next time all of us are worried for your benefit, you'll actually listen to us?" Megumi's tone was chastising, yet there was only worry evident in her eyes as she looked at her brother laying limp on the ground.
-
You can always tell that my endings are rushed can't you? :) I'm sorry this story is so late, August was a bad month for me.
Now, after delivering a late chapter, I will deliver more good news! It's time again for my four month break. I'm sure you will all be as wonderful as you were last time about not hassling me to update sooner, correct? :D Oh! And during the break, I'm hoping to post a new story. It's my first B/K story ever so I'm very excited about it. I have a brief description on the profile page so if you would like to know if it's worth your interest, you can find out there.
I would like to thank: madosie, NetteJP, ShadowStar666 for reviewing!
I hope to see you in December!
Chap: 16
Does anybody know how to capture videos for AMV's? Is there a certain program I should use? My brother has Windows movie maker, but the capture function doesn't download the images. If anybody knows how to help, I'd appreciate you telling me. Thank you. :)
-
When Kaoru first woke to the sound of crying, she thought Kenji was responsible for the noise. However, she soon realized the sound was coming from Kenshin's bed. "Kenshin-san? Is something wrong?"
Not seeming to hear her question, the man continued his whimpering and restless movements.
"Kenshin-san," the young woman shook him gently. "Wake up. You’re having a bad dream."
Kenshin jerked awake and looked around wildly with fearful eyes.
"It's okay now," Kaoru tried to soothe him. "You were just having a bad dream."
Kenshin's body relaxed as he realized he was in his room, yet his face remained tense. "If only that's all it was," his voice was barely a whisper.
"Hm?" she blinked curiously. "What did you say?"
Kenshin sighed and closed his eyes. "Would you get me something for my headache, please?"
Kaoru had a feeling that wasn't what he originally said, but searched his bathroom for some aspirin anyway. When she found some, as well as a cup, she filled it up with water and handed both to her boss.
He grimaced as he slowly tilted his head back to swallow the pills.
"It serves you right." As soon as the words left her mouth Kaoru covered her mouth in surprise.
Kenshin's lips twisted into the resemblance of a smile. "Yes, I knew better. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you and the children would be at your apartment."
Kaoru felt that not too long ago, Kenshin would insinuate that she would leave the children on their own while she was with him. She was grateful she didn't have to think that way anymore. "When you showed up at Sagara-san's house, he requested my assistance. The children and I came over on the bus."
Her boss raised an eyebrow. "You managed the children on a bus all by yourself?"
Kaoru nodded wordlessly, her mind already occupied with other thoughts.
"That's not an easy task Kaoru, I think I have a new level of respect for you." Kenshin allowed himself to verbally acknowledge his admiration to the petite woman. He knew how much trouble his son alone could cause.
Again, Kaoru's acknowledgment of his words was distracted. "Kenshin-san, forgive me for being presumptuous, but . . . " Kaoru attempted to force herself to have the decency at least to look her boss in the eyes. After failing for what felt like an eternity, she figured it was more important to concentrate on finishing her sentence. "But if you have a drinking problem, I think you should find help." The amiable atmosphere that had worked its way around them was instantly replaced by a ringing silence.
"No, I don't have a drinking problem," Kenshin grit out. He felt only a little guilty when it caused his employee to flinch. "Truthfully, that's the first time in three years I've drank any alcohol. And I've never been drunk before last night."
Kaoru furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "I don't understand. If you don't usually drink, then why did you get drunk last night?"
Kenshin looked uncomfortable as he tried to explain. "Last night marked the third year since Tomoe's death."
The memory of what he said last night suddenly hit Kaoru and she leaned back subconsciously.
"I knew it was wrong to drink," he continued, "but this year -" Kenshin stopped before he told Kaoru that this year was different because he was confused about her.
"I'm sorry," Kaoru apologized, "I had no idea."
Kenshin shook his head. "Of course you wouldn't have known. As I'm sure you've noticed, I don't like to talk about her death. Eventually my family gave up encouraging me to seek therapy and stopped speaking of her death as well."
Kaoru wrung her fingers together, unsure of what to say. After wracking her brain, she finally abandoned the idea of polite speech and stood up from the chair she was sitting in. "Well, I should go check on the children." She flinched when Kenshin grasped her wrist.
"Wait," he let go of her wrist so he could move himself into a more upright position. "I know what I said last night." Kaoru's muscles tensed even further as he raised his gaze to meet hers. His eyes were solemn, as if he was used to saying the words out loud. "I had hoped it was just a dream, but you're acting so nervously . . . I'd like a chance to explain myself."
Kaoru hesitantly perched on the edge of the chair and folded her hands in her lap. "I suppose that's only fair," Kaoru quietly agreed.
Kenshin took a shaky breath and rubbed his aching head. "Tomoe and I had been going through some . . . stressful times. When my sister invited us to her wedding, we decided to make a vacation of it. My mother agreed to watch Kenji for us and Tomoe and I planned to head to Tahoe after we spent some time at the reception." Kenshin smiled softly in remembrance. "She was disappointed that we missed the snow that year, but we were still looking forward to spending some time alone."
The young man began to squirm, uncomfortable with the emotions his words were making him face. "Tomoe warned me not to drink. One glass had never hurt me before and I insisted it wouldn't hurt this time. I should have listened to her." Kenshin turned over so that he was laying down with his back to Kaoru. "I don't feel up to talking anymore. I'm sorry for taking up your time. You should go check on the children."
Kaoru's hands were shaking as she left the room. He certainly hadn't helped her understand the situation any better. If anything, she was more confused now.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The first thing Kenji demanded upon waking was to see his father. Naturally he felt his voice needed to be as loud as possible to accomplish this task. Kenshin felt guilty as he continued to lie in bed rather than go outside to greet his son. He grabbed a pillow and pushed it tightly over his head, wishing he could physically push out the memories last night had dredged up.
When he couldn't handle the pressure any longer, Kenshin ripped away the pillow and gasped for breath. He layed still for several minutes as his heartbeat slowed down. Finally he rolled over to look at the photo on his night stand. "Oh, Tomoe," he sighed. "I promised I wouldn't fall back into my self-destructive habits and now look at what I'm doing."
He gently pressed his fingertips to the cool glass protecting the photo. "What would you say if you were here?" His lips twitched into a half-smile. "No, I know exactly what you'd say. You'd tell me to quit whining and get my act together. And you'd do it so subtly I'd hardly even know I was being reprimanded."
Kenshin rubbed his eyes and sighed again. "I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you that night. If I hadn't drunk anything then I would have been able to see that idiot in time to stop."
Finally the young man decided to join the living and got up to take a shower.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Later that day, Kenshin had attempted to do a better job of explaining his wife's death. Kaoru was still confused about some of the details. However, she was able to understand the gist of it. Apparently, Kenshin had stepped too hard on the brake pedal when a motorcyclist had passed him illegally. Because the road was so wet from the rain, he lost control of the car and crashed into an embankment. The next thing he remembered was waking up with massive injuries in a hospital bed only to find his wife was lying dead on a cold slab of metal. The police had talked about a criminal investigation, however they didn't charge him with his wife's death after they found out his blood alcohol level was under the legal limit.
At least now Kaoru had a better understanding of his hatred toward motorcycles. Still, she thought her boss was a little too fanatical in his concern over her driving one. Even Aoshi, her worrywart of a cousin hadn't chastised her when she had revealed Kamatari was teaching her how to drive a motorcycle. He had merely dipped his head, his subtle way of reminding her to be careful.
However, with rising gas prices, it wasn't that big a deal anyway. Kaoru walked or rode the bus as much as she could. The young nanny was jerked out of her thoughts when Kenji and his cousin ran past her. "What's the rush?" She asked the boys in amusement.
"Daddy's home!" Kenji answered.
"Really?" Kaoru asked as she followed the boys. "I didn't hear him come in." Kenji had exceptionally good hearing, at least that was the only explanation she could think of as Kenshin opened the door the same time his son reached it.
"Hey sport," he greeted Kenji with a smile. "You're here too Kozuke? I hope you two haven't been difficult for Kaoru."
"No, they behaved well," Kaoru assured him.
Kenshin nodded in response, yet his manner seemed distracted as he walked past everyone. "Why don't you two play while I talk with Kaoru?"
The young woman nervously followed him to the study. Last week he had asked her to consider watching Kenji full-time over the summer. Now she was afraid she had taken too long deciding her answer. "You're home early today," Kaoru observed. Kenshin dropped into a chair and pinched his nose as if he had a headache.
"I know," he sighed. "I have several resumes I need to look at."
Kaoru twisted her fingers. "Resumes?" Her voice was anxious, but Kenshin didn't seem to notice.
"Yes," he replied, "Mrs. Miller is moving so I need a new housekeeper." Her boss smiled in amusement, "Did you think I called you in here to fire you?"
The young woman blushed and ducked her head. "Maybe," she mumbled in embarrassment.
Kenshin started to chuckle, but the action quickly turned into a harsh cough. When Kaoru moved to help Kenshin he held his hand up to stop the young woman. "I'm fine," he assured her.
"Maybe you should see a doctor," Kaoru suggested. "You've had that cough for a few weeks. I think it's starting to tire you out."
"I'm fine," the redhead's tone cut off any more concerns she may have voiced.
Kaoru sat back in her seat and waited for Kenshin to continue.
"I didn't call you in here to fire you, however, I do want to ask what decision you've made regarding watching Kenji all day."
"I looked at the summer schedule and some of the classes I need are available in the evening. That would allow me to watch Kenji full-time."
"I appreciate you sacrificing your education time to watch Kenji. I didn't want to over-stress him by putting him under the care of two different nannies."
Kaoru frowned, "I wouldn't want to put that burden on him either. Especially because he's only recently accepted me as his caretaker. I think it's too soon to change his environment that dramatically."
Kenshin smiled in amusement. "I think you've been taking too many child education classes."
The young woman's face tensed anxiously. "I'm sorry if I sounded like I was lecturing you."
"I wasn't implying that," he apologized. "It was just a joke."
"Oh," Kaoru relaxed. "I should go home, if there is nothing more to discuss. I have a lot of studying to do."
"Actually there is one more thing," Kenshin interrupted her departure. "Kenji is graduating next week. I promised I would ask if you would attend it. I don't think it will take very long."
Kaoru hid a smile at Kenshin's enthusiasm. She wondered if he realized his son had already picked up his habit of talking faster and louder when he was trying to convince someone to agree with him. Neither of them probably realized how ridiculous they sounded when they did it. "Kenji already asked me. I told him I'd be delighted to go. It's Friday at 6:30, correct?"
"Yes," he confirmed. "I'm sorry about asking you a second time. I told Kenji to wait for me to ask you."
"I don't mind," she assured him. "It's actually rather flattering that both of you asked me. I know I'm definitely wanted there." Before Kaoru left the room, she took another look at her boss. He always looked tired, yet now his appearance couldn't be excused in that manner. His hair and skin were constantly dull and the marks under his eyes were more pronounced, giving him a haggard appearance.
"Are you sure you shouldn't go to a doctor?" she asked in concern. "You don't look as if you've recovered from the cold you had after . . . " Kaoru paused, unsure how she should address the night he was drunk. " ... um . . . After that night," she finished lamely.
Kenshin sighed crossly. "There's no need to be so sensitive about the topic. Just call it the night I was drunk, that's what happened. And Meg's already nagging me about seeing a doctor, so -" he stopped when he realized he was only using the young woman as an outlet for his stress. "So don't worry about me, okay?" He attempted to smile, only it came out looking more like a grimace. "I hope you do well on your test."
Kaoru felt as if she should say something more, but couldn't think of any words that would help. So she opened the door and left.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"Thank you for picking me up, Sagara-san." Kaoru struggled to keep up with Sano's long strides as they walked to his car.
"Kenshin and Meg are taking care of the kids. My job today is shuttling the guests around. Not that I mind," he assured her. "I'm sorry it's a little crowded," the brunette apologized once they reached the car. "That's my brother Souzou in back, and my grandmother, Taki, is the lady sitting in the passenger seat. She raised my brother and me."
Kaoru sat in the back, next to Sano's brother. "It's very nice to meet both of you," she greeted them.
"Yes," Souzou agreed. "Sano told us that you recently moved here from Japan. Our grandmother used to live in Japan too. She moved over here when she was about your age. Isn't that right Grandmother?"
"No, I haven't been in a fight."
Both Sano and Souzou blushed at their grandmother's answer as Kaoru struggled not to laugh. "Grandmother gets confused easily," Souzou explained. The three young people attempted to continue a conversation with the elderly woman, eventually, however, Kaoru talked with the man next to her while Sano and Taki remained silent.
Once they reached the parking lot, Sano called his wife to find out where they were sitting. "Meg says they're sitting in the second row on the far right." Sano addressed his brother. "You and Kaoru should go on ahead while I help Grandmother." He walked around to the trunk of the car so he could pull out Taki's walker. "Be careful of my brother," he warned teasingly. "He's a compulsive flirt."
"I prefer to think of it as showing appreciation for a beautiful woman," Souzou defended himself.
Kaoru allowed herself a small smile at his behavior. Souzou had flirted with her the entire ride. She knew he was only teasing her, but she still liked him. He seemed to be a very likeable person. By the time the two people had reached the reception, it had already started. Fortunately, it was being held outside so Kaoru hoped they wouldn't disturb too many people as she and Souzou searched for their seats.
"There they are," Souzou pointed at some seats not too far away. "It's a good thing Meg's stepfather is so big," he grinned. "It makes him very easy to spot."
Kaoru silently agreed as she hurried over to the seats and quickly sat in the first empty chair she saw. "I'm sorry we're late," Kaoru apologized to Megumi.
"That's okay. You didn't miss anything except Mr. Shishio's speech. It was very boring. I wish I could have been with you so I didn't have to listen to it."
Kaoru giggled at her friend's good humor and turned to greet Kenshin, who was sitting on her right side. She had been worried about him when she saw him earlier and now he looked even worse. Kaoru's stomach clenched in fear when she saw his shivering form. His skin was shiny as if he was sweating, his skin looked too pale, and sounded almost as if he was wheezing.
"Kenshin-san, are you all right? You look like you’re about to faint."
Kenshin made a sound similar to a sigh, but it wasn't as forceful as previous ones. "I already promised mom and Meg that I would go to the hospital right after Kenji's graduation," he mumbled. "So, please just -"
Kaoru felt like she was in a sort of time lag as Kenshin ceased talking and slowly fell toward her direction. Automatically her arms shot out to stop him as Megumi hurried over to help.
"Well Ken, maybe next time all of us are worried for your benefit, you'll actually listen to us?" Megumi's tone was chastising, yet there was only worry evident in her eyes as she looked at her brother laying limp on the ground.
-
You can always tell that my endings are rushed can't you? :) I'm sorry this story is so late, August was a bad month for me.
Now, after delivering a late chapter, I will deliver more good news! It's time again for my four month break. I'm sure you will all be as wonderful as you were last time about not hassling me to update sooner, correct? :D Oh! And during the break, I'm hoping to post a new story. It's my first B/K story ever so I'm very excited about it. I have a brief description on the profile page so if you would like to know if it's worth your interest, you can find out there.
I would like to thank: madosie, NetteJP, ShadowStar666 for reviewing!
I hope to see you in December!