Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ To Love Again ❯ Chapter 17
[ 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: 12.29.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 1.6K | Visits: 464 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.29.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 1.6K | Visits: 464 | Status: Completed
Title: To Love Again
Chap: 17
-
Kenshin looked miserable as he laid in the hospital bed. "I can't have pnuemonia," he scowled. "Only old or sick people get pneumonia."
"That's not true," Megumi chided her brother. "And you have been sick. You can't deny it any longer."
"Yes," the doctor agreed. "You'll need at least two weeks of absolute rest along with antibiotics to recover." A moody silence ensued after the doctor left. Megumi and Sara were the only two to follow Kenshin to the hospital. Everyone else stayed at the graduation.
"I can't stay away from work that long," Kenshin protested.
"You're not the only one who knows how to do your job, Kenshin." His sister informed him flatly. "Someone else can handle it for two weeks." Kenshin gave a noncommital grunt. Even if he didn't step foot in his office, that alone didn't allow him to take it easy. As if she could read his mind, Sara sat next to her son's bed.
"I can stay with you while you're recouperating. We'll take care of what needs to be done so you can rest."
The young man frowned and shook his head; instantly regretting his action when the room seemed to spin. "You shouldn't have to do that," he gasped around the nausea. "I'm supposed to take care of myself now. I'll be fine."
Sara patted his hand. "You weren't raised to think it shameful to accept help. I know you're very independent, but I want to stay with you for at least the first week. We'll see how you feel after that." Her tone held a strong note of finality when she spoke the last words. "Now I'm going to call the others. Meg, why don't you see if he can go home now."
"I doubt it," Megumi sighed as she moved to fulfill her mother's request. "He's still too dehydrated."
Kenshin was soon left alone to contemplate the miserable state his stubborn nature had left him in. He decided to sleep instead.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Celebrating the beggining of summer vacation was a tradition in the Himura family. Usually it was celebrated by attending a basebell game, a day spent at the park and a barbecue or some other outside activity. This year, however, Kenshin had to spend it inside, from his bed.
To top it off, his mother wouldn't leave him alone. He was sure his mother was trying to be thoughtful but he would rather she would let him sulk in peace."This is only the beggining of Kenji's schooling," Sara attempted to console him. "You'll have other chances."
"You sound as if I am a teenager who has to miss out on a party." The young man's expression was sour. "Kenji looked so disappointed when he realized I couldn't go."
The older woman patted her son's hand. "Honey, it's not as if you've abandoned him. He knows you love him." She paused before casually beggining her next sentence. "Speaking of parties, you do plan to attend the Dinner Benefit for the hospital this year, right? Meg really was embarrassed when you didn't attend last year."
"Mom you know half of the people there only attend to impress the public. I don't like that kind of environment."
"You could have at least made an appearance," Sara argued.
"I paid, that's what really matters. I'm not obligated to go, I don't work there." The sound of small feet bounding up the stairs interupted any response Sara might have made.
"Hey," Kenshin greeted the boys when they entered the room. "What are you doing here?"
"We wanted to eat with you," Kenji answered. "Come downstairs, uncle Sano's cooking hamburgers and hot dogs!"
His father groaned. "He better not set anything on fire again." Despite his worries, Kenshin was soon assured the only thing his brother-in-law burnt, was the food.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The first few days Kaoru worked during Sara's stay was awkward for the young woman. She was used only to answering to Kenshin but now she felt as if his mother was watching her for mistakes. She was also concerned she would offend the older woman if she didn't listen to her suggestions.
In truth, Kaoru wished she could stay home for the week. Yet she needed the money, and most of her time watching Kenji was spent outside - out of Sara's sight. Sometimes Kenshin would join them on the deck for the short time the day was clear and warm. On Friday morning, he surprised Kaoru when she found him outside on the deck, looking at a book.
"You're out here early."
Kenshin nodded in reply to the young woman's comment. "There was nothing to watch on t.v.," he shrugged. "I was tired of sitting inside so I came out here."
Kaoru sat next to him and glanced at the book in his lap. "Oh, that's a photo album."
"I'm not a very nostalgic person, but sometimes I have the urge to look at it. You know?"
Kaoru nodded in agreement. She was a horribly nostalgic person and had a difficult time releasing any item she owned.
"Would you like to see a picture of Tomoe when he was born?" Kenshin asked.
Kaoru nodded, eager to accept his show of friendship. Though she agreed that Kenji was as cute as a newborn could be, the majority of Kaoru's concentration was focused on the new father. She didn't think she had ever seen Kenshin so happy, and she told him as much.
"I had a lot to be happy about, that was before we knew what a handful he would be." Though he attempted to sound jovial, Kaoru could sense the redhead's depression. Kenshin stared silently at the book, while Kaoru considered leaving him alone.
"What are your plans for this summer?" he suddenly asked out of the blue.
Surprised by his question, Kaoru took a few seconds to answer. "Um ... watching Kenji and going to school. Maybe visiting my brother ... Why?" The young woman wondered why he would possibly care about her summer schedule. Perhaps he had another business trip and needed her to watch his son? Kaoru curiosity was further piqued when Kenshin's face turned a few shades brighter.
"No plans for a vacation?"
This time, Kaoru narrowed her eyes. "Is there something you need?" 'And why don't you just tell me directly like you usually do?' she wondered silently.
"Oh well," Kenshin paused as he looked at her. "Every year the hospital my sister works at has a Benefit Dinner. The first year I didn't attend, my family was very understanding and supportive. Now, however, they've become a little worried. Maybe they think I'm becoming a bit of a recluse. Maybe they see something I can't ..." Kenshin realized he was rambling and decided to get to the point, much to Kaoru's temporary delight.
"Anyway, most people bring a friend or ... something, and I would feel awkward attending on my own. So, I was hoping ... if it wouldn't be too much to ask .. Would you accompany me?"
If Kaoru had been surprised by his first question, now she was completely bewildered. "A friend or ... something?" she finally managed to repeat his words weakly.
The red on Kenshin's cheeks spread throughout his face. "I don't always use the best choice of words when I'm nervous. Of course I consider you a friend."
Again, Kaoru was only able to repeat a portion of his words. " ... a friend?"
Kenshin's nervous feelings were fast turning into embarrassment and he wished he could escape - quickly. "Never mind. Forget I asked. I apologize if I offended you."
Kenshin's brusque words managed to shake Kaoru out of her daze. "No!" she answered hastily. "I ... I .. friend is good." She smiled. "I'm flattered you asked me. I'll think about," she promised. 'I'll definitely think about it.'
-
I'm sorry it's so short. As I keep whining to my family (I'm sure they are getting sick of me by now) when it comes to writing, lately I've been completely uninspired. I feel this way especially to my older stories. Maybe I just don't want to think. I don't know. I think I'm getting bored again and when I'm bored I don't want to do anything. I really need to get out of the house ... but I don't feel up to that either. (Is that depression?) I'll stop bothering you now. I'm very sorry. :(
Recommended Fanfic: By My Side, In Your Hands by jenbird A slightly different look at the standard laundry fic. Even though it has a happy ending, the angst still resonates throughout until the end giving it a more realistic feel.
I would like to thank madosie and sulou for reviewing the last chapter. :)
Chap: 17
-
Kenshin looked miserable as he laid in the hospital bed. "I can't have pnuemonia," he scowled. "Only old or sick people get pneumonia."
"That's not true," Megumi chided her brother. "And you have been sick. You can't deny it any longer."
"Yes," the doctor agreed. "You'll need at least two weeks of absolute rest along with antibiotics to recover." A moody silence ensued after the doctor left. Megumi and Sara were the only two to follow Kenshin to the hospital. Everyone else stayed at the graduation.
"I can't stay away from work that long," Kenshin protested.
"You're not the only one who knows how to do your job, Kenshin." His sister informed him flatly. "Someone else can handle it for two weeks." Kenshin gave a noncommital grunt. Even if he didn't step foot in his office, that alone didn't allow him to take it easy. As if she could read his mind, Sara sat next to her son's bed.
"I can stay with you while you're recouperating. We'll take care of what needs to be done so you can rest."
The young man frowned and shook his head; instantly regretting his action when the room seemed to spin. "You shouldn't have to do that," he gasped around the nausea. "I'm supposed to take care of myself now. I'll be fine."
Sara patted his hand. "You weren't raised to think it shameful to accept help. I know you're very independent, but I want to stay with you for at least the first week. We'll see how you feel after that." Her tone held a strong note of finality when she spoke the last words. "Now I'm going to call the others. Meg, why don't you see if he can go home now."
"I doubt it," Megumi sighed as she moved to fulfill her mother's request. "He's still too dehydrated."
Kenshin was soon left alone to contemplate the miserable state his stubborn nature had left him in. He decided to sleep instead.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Celebrating the beggining of summer vacation was a tradition in the Himura family. Usually it was celebrated by attending a basebell game, a day spent at the park and a barbecue or some other outside activity. This year, however, Kenshin had to spend it inside, from his bed.
To top it off, his mother wouldn't leave him alone. He was sure his mother was trying to be thoughtful but he would rather she would let him sulk in peace."This is only the beggining of Kenji's schooling," Sara attempted to console him. "You'll have other chances."
"You sound as if I am a teenager who has to miss out on a party." The young man's expression was sour. "Kenji looked so disappointed when he realized I couldn't go."
The older woman patted her son's hand. "Honey, it's not as if you've abandoned him. He knows you love him." She paused before casually beggining her next sentence. "Speaking of parties, you do plan to attend the Dinner Benefit for the hospital this year, right? Meg really was embarrassed when you didn't attend last year."
"Mom you know half of the people there only attend to impress the public. I don't like that kind of environment."
"You could have at least made an appearance," Sara argued.
"I paid, that's what really matters. I'm not obligated to go, I don't work there." The sound of small feet bounding up the stairs interupted any response Sara might have made.
"Hey," Kenshin greeted the boys when they entered the room. "What are you doing here?"
"We wanted to eat with you," Kenji answered. "Come downstairs, uncle Sano's cooking hamburgers and hot dogs!"
His father groaned. "He better not set anything on fire again." Despite his worries, Kenshin was soon assured the only thing his brother-in-law burnt, was the food.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The first few days Kaoru worked during Sara's stay was awkward for the young woman. She was used only to answering to Kenshin but now she felt as if his mother was watching her for mistakes. She was also concerned she would offend the older woman if she didn't listen to her suggestions.
In truth, Kaoru wished she could stay home for the week. Yet she needed the money, and most of her time watching Kenji was spent outside - out of Sara's sight. Sometimes Kenshin would join them on the deck for the short time the day was clear and warm. On Friday morning, he surprised Kaoru when she found him outside on the deck, looking at a book.
"You're out here early."
Kenshin nodded in reply to the young woman's comment. "There was nothing to watch on t.v.," he shrugged. "I was tired of sitting inside so I came out here."
Kaoru sat next to him and glanced at the book in his lap. "Oh, that's a photo album."
"I'm not a very nostalgic person, but sometimes I have the urge to look at it. You know?"
Kaoru nodded in agreement. She was a horribly nostalgic person and had a difficult time releasing any item she owned.
"Would you like to see a picture of Tomoe when he was born?" Kenshin asked.
Kaoru nodded, eager to accept his show of friendship. Though she agreed that Kenji was as cute as a newborn could be, the majority of Kaoru's concentration was focused on the new father. She didn't think she had ever seen Kenshin so happy, and she told him as much.
"I had a lot to be happy about, that was before we knew what a handful he would be." Though he attempted to sound jovial, Kaoru could sense the redhead's depression. Kenshin stared silently at the book, while Kaoru considered leaving him alone.
"What are your plans for this summer?" he suddenly asked out of the blue.
Surprised by his question, Kaoru took a few seconds to answer. "Um ... watching Kenji and going to school. Maybe visiting my brother ... Why?" The young woman wondered why he would possibly care about her summer schedule. Perhaps he had another business trip and needed her to watch his son? Kaoru curiosity was further piqued when Kenshin's face turned a few shades brighter.
"No plans for a vacation?"
This time, Kaoru narrowed her eyes. "Is there something you need?" 'And why don't you just tell me directly like you usually do?' she wondered silently.
"Oh well," Kenshin paused as he looked at her. "Every year the hospital my sister works at has a Benefit Dinner. The first year I didn't attend, my family was very understanding and supportive. Now, however, they've become a little worried. Maybe they think I'm becoming a bit of a recluse. Maybe they see something I can't ..." Kenshin realized he was rambling and decided to get to the point, much to Kaoru's temporary delight.
"Anyway, most people bring a friend or ... something, and I would feel awkward attending on my own. So, I was hoping ... if it wouldn't be too much to ask .. Would you accompany me?"
If Kaoru had been surprised by his first question, now she was completely bewildered. "A friend or ... something?" she finally managed to repeat his words weakly.
The red on Kenshin's cheeks spread throughout his face. "I don't always use the best choice of words when I'm nervous. Of course I consider you a friend."
Again, Kaoru was only able to repeat a portion of his words. " ... a friend?"
Kenshin's nervous feelings were fast turning into embarrassment and he wished he could escape - quickly. "Never mind. Forget I asked. I apologize if I offended you."
Kenshin's brusque words managed to shake Kaoru out of her daze. "No!" she answered hastily. "I ... I .. friend is good." She smiled. "I'm flattered you asked me. I'll think about," she promised. 'I'll definitely think about it.'
-
I'm sorry it's so short. As I keep whining to my family (I'm sure they are getting sick of me by now) when it comes to writing, lately I've been completely uninspired. I feel this way especially to my older stories. Maybe I just don't want to think. I don't know. I think I'm getting bored again and when I'm bored I don't want to do anything. I really need to get out of the house ... but I don't feel up to that either. (Is that depression?) I'll stop bothering you now. I'm very sorry. :(
Recommended Fanfic: By My Side, In Your Hands by jenbird A slightly different look at the standard laundry fic. Even though it has a happy ending, the angst still resonates throughout until the end giving it a more realistic feel.
I would like to thank madosie and sulou for reviewing the last chapter. :)