My writing is just for pleasure and I do not make a profit.
Also, I do not own the song "Save Me Tonight" and I did edit it from it's original form.
A/N: Konnichi wa minna-san. Here's chapter three! I know that the recent chapters have been kind of lacking in Sano/Megumi goodness, so hopefully I can get some of the much needed fluffiness in here, although I'll make sure I don't go overboard. In this chapter, you finally find out what it is that Sano has, it's no big surprise or anything and I just want to say right now that, although the symptoms that I use are actually symptoms, the order and amount of time in which they appear is a little off. So go with it for know, I actually did a pretty good job making it accurate though. Enjoy!
I Lost You Once
Chapter 3: The Chills
It had been a long day at the Ogura clinic (yes, that is the actual name of the clinic). Megumi sighed a little to herself as she picked up a roll of bandages that had been carelessly dropped onto the floor, and walked over to the supply cabinet to put them back in their rightful place. It was getting late, and the quickly darkening light which filtered through the shoji screen made it quite clear.
"Yahiko, you should probably head back to the Dojo. It's getting dark." Megumi pointed out to the teenager who was helping her tidy up before closing.
Yahiko had been helping her with some supply shopping earlier that day, and after an unfortunate run-in with some local thugs (one of the reasons the boy escorted her in the first place), he had ended up with a few bumps and scratches. So they had both returned to the clinic, and Megumi had obligedly cleaned him up a bit.
"Yeah, you're probably right." He said, putting the last of the days shopping bounty into it's rightful spot within the supplies. "I'm done anyway."
"Thank you again." She said, putting away the shopping basket "The day was made a lot easier with your assistance." She smiled kindly at him, receiving an embarrassed look on the boy's featuresat the comment as he absentmindedly rubbed at the back of his neck.
"Takani-sensei!"
It was an all too familiar plea, although the voice was new to her, Megumi had become blatantly use to it. That, however, didn't make the situation any less potentially serious, and Megumi quickly turned her view towards the shoji screen, which had been thrown open. A small gasp escaped her to ring across the room, and she instinctly lifted a hand to her mouth to stifle it. At the door, stood a very worried looking man that Megumi didn't know, and a bent over form leaning heavily against him.
"Sa- Sanosuke..?"
Sanosuke was doubled over, breathing heavily, as slow rasps of air struggled to get in and out of his lungs. His whole body was drenched with sweat, and he was shaking violently from top to bottom as he made a hard effort to stay standing at least a little. It seemed that the only thing keeping him up was the supportive arm of his friend which was wrapped around Sano's waist, keeping the Kenkaya from collapsing to the floor, while Sano's right arm was placed around the man's neck.
Yahiko was the first one able to find words to speak, "What happened!"
It was the small push that Megumi needed to snap into doctor-mode, and she quickly cleared the distance of the room over to the two men in the doorway.
"H-he's sick." The man of few words said, unable to explain much else. Megumi put a hand on Sanosuke's forehead, and quickly drew it away from the heat.
"Well that's obvious!" Yahiko shouted, now also on the other side of the room.
"He has a high fever. You," She said, directing her attention to the stranger who quickly introduced him self as Katsu, "Katsu-san, bring him in here." She directed him to the room that she was walking into. "Yahiko, get some cold water and cloths."
The two of them nodded at their orders and went to work. Megumi helped Katsu lay the half-conscious Sano onto a futon in the center of the floor, and remove his sweat-drenched shirt. Yahiko came in only moments later with a bucket of water and cloths, setting it down next to the futon. Megumi dipped one of the piece of white cloth into the cool liquid and placed it on Sano's forehead, hoping that the cool touch would help bring the fever down, an she quickly began to examine his symptoms.
Sanosuke was still breathing heavily, and even though he was no longer moving, his body continued to shake viciously against him. His eyes were closed, and Megumi assumed that he had passed out from the strain being put on his weakened state. Her fists tightened in her lap, turning her knuckles white, and she was surprised by herself as a familiar feeling tugged at her heart and she felt a wetness forming in the corners of her eyes. 'What's come over me?' She thought, practically scolding herself mentally 'Why is this affecting me so much?' She bit back the urge to cry out of worry, and at the same time, anger at her silly emotions. She couldn't breakdown like this, not in front of people. So she quietly drew in a breath and spoke, keeping her voice as steady as she could.
"Yahiko, go home and tell Ken-san and Kaoru-chan what happened." The teenager nodded and stood up, looking down at the doctor with a worried expression.
"Will Sano be alright Megumi-san?"
Would he? She didn't know, and although she had a hunch on what was wrong, she still needed to be sure. She couldn't go on examining with those two in the room though, not with her emotions tangled up as they were. So she put on a small smile and tried to add a tone of confidence to her voice.
"I'm sure he will. Tori-atama here is too stubborn not to be." She said, hoping to fool herself as well, but deep down she knew that people were not invincible, no matter how strong they were on the outside. Yahiko gave a quick 'take care' and left; determined to spread the news to the others as soon as he got back. This left Katsu, and Megumi turned to him now, trying hard to keep the same under controlled look on her face.
"As for you Katsu-san, thank you for bringing him here, but you should go home also."
"But-"
"Please." There was a hint of sharpness in her voice, and Megumi surprised herself once again. "I'll take care of him." She assured the man, softening her voice a little and ridding it of the harshness. Katsu hesitated, but finally gave in and slowly stood up, leaving the same way he had come.
Megumi let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding when she heard the shoji slide shut, and looked down at the sleeping figure in front of her. Sanosuke was still shaking silently, although not as much as he had been, but even though his breathing came a bit easier, the effort was still labored. She hated seeing him like this; so sick, and so weak. She wanted to help him, to somehow magically make whatever it was that ailed him to disappear. He looked so fragile laying there, nothing compared to the brash, ruffian that he was, and it was like seeing a side of him that she didn't know was there. Before she even realized, she had placed an ivory hand gently on his cheek, savoring the touch of his skin against her own. She held it there, slowly brushing her fingertips along his jaw-line, and feeling the sweat that clung to his face.
"Kitsune..."
Megumi quickly drew her hand away; but before she could remove it, Sano had lifted a shaking hand to hold it in place. She stared at him for a few seconds, shoulders tense; and even though his eyes were still closed, she felt like his gaze was piercing into her. Sano's grasp on her hand was loose, and she could feel it shivering against her's as he tried to keep it there against his fatigue. Finally after a few moments, Megumi relaxed and spoke soothingly to him, taking his hand into both of hers to try and calm its shaking.
"Yes, Tori-atama, I'm right here. Are you feeling any better?"
"It's Malaria... isn't it."
It was a not a question, and her eyes widened at the words, she hadn't expected that at all. Megumi lowered her head to stared at the floor, trying to hid the look that she knew was in her eyes.
"How did you know?"
"Fever.. headaches.. shaking.. nausea.. sweating.. dizziness..." He listed the symptoms slowly, opening his eyes half way to stare at the ceiling. "I was warned about it in several countries. I'm guessing I got it in Peru." He paused a moment to catch his breath "Guess I screwed up... sorry Megitsune." Megumi bit her lip and watched as he slowly closed his eyes again, his hand going limp in her own.
"Why didn't you come in earlier?" The words came softly and she didn't expect an answer, knowing that Sano had fallen asleep from exhaustion. She placed his hand gently down at his side and stood; she needed to make some medicine to help his body fight off the disease. It was Malaria, that was sure; it wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't for how far in he was. Out of the three stages of the illness, cold stage, hot stage, and sweating stage, he was at the end of the middle one, making his road to recovery a thin and darkening one as he slowly got closer to a critical case. Megumi walked slowly to the supply cabinet, head bent down and eyes focused on the floor. She tumbled through some of the herbs and removed a moiter from its shelf, sitting down at her usual place and she began mixing them together.
> >> > >> > >> > >> > >>
For the next few weeks Sanosuke was bed-ridden, Megumi made sure that he would not leave his bed and frankly, most of the time he was unable to do so. Several times, he would slip into a bout of shakes and fevers, and a few times, Megumi had even caught him running into the bathroom to throw up what little food he was able to make himself eat. For two weeks, Megumi tried to avoid his room, only going in to check on his fever an to give him his medicine. She couldn't trust herself to not breakdown if she stayed in his room any longer then necessary, ever since the night he had gone into delusion.
>>>
Megumi had been sitting at her desk late at night, finishing up some of the paperwork that had accumulated there during her full-time dedication to the very sick tori. Ever since he had come in, she had been right by his side, not able to sleep and not hungry to eat while Sanosuke laid there in his room. She had finally pulled herself away so she could finish filing the work that desperately needed to be done.
The candlelight flickered across the paper as she dipped the brush into the black pool of ink. The tip hovered over the parchment, as Megumi decided what she was going to write down, and just as she had began to lower the brush, she had heard the door slide open. She jumped slightly at the sound, and looked up to see Sanosuke leaning on the door frame, still sweating and shaking as violently as before.
"Tori-atama! You need to stay in bed you still have a fever-"
"Where am I?" He demanded weakly, and Megumi's eyes widened as she stared at his determined, half opened eyes. "We need to move the supplies. It's going to rain..." His voice was low and slurring, and there was no tone in it at all. He slouched forward a bit, and Megumi rushed over to keep him up before he managed to collapse. She knew what was going on, he was delusional, a sure sign that he was not getting better.
"Come on Sano, you need more rest." And with that, she started to lead him back to his room, doing her best to hold him up, and trying to ignore his meaningless babbling as they made their way down the hall.
"They killed them all... bastards." Megumi looked over at him, his head was drooped and his eyes were staring unfocused at the floor. "Damn Ishin Shishi."
What was he talking about? She wasn't sure, and half of her insisted that it was just more delusional babble, but she noticed his demeanor change from when he had come into the room. His voice had taken on a mournful tone, much different from the nothingness that plagued his voice before, and his eyes seemed deep and determined. Megumi slid open the door to his room and walked him to his futon, gently pressing on his shoulder to make him lay down.
"Get some rest Tori-atama." She watched his brown eyes shift over to look at her, and they stayed there for a while, as if he was taking in every detail of her face. She looked away, not able to keep her eyes on his, and she felt a shaking hand brush against her cheek, making her go ridged.
"Damn you're beautiful..."
Megumi felt a blush rise onto her delicate features. He was delusional, and that was all. He didn't know what he was saying, right? It felt so nice, though, his hand against her cheek, it was amazing how soft and gentle his calloused hands were. She felt his hand brush away a tear that had formed in the corner of her eye, and she snuggled closer to it, feeling his skin shiver on her cheek.
"Megumi..."
She slowly pulled away and stood up, walking over to the door without looking back at him, only stopping at the shoji.
"You need to rest."
And she left, sliding the shoji screen shut behind her. She stood there, leaning against the wall next to his room, and she felt her feet slowly give way. Megumi slid down the wall and curled her legs up against her chest, laying her head on her knees, and let the tears fall silently.
>>>
That had been two weeks ago, and ever since she had been avoiding the hurt that she felt in her heart, not able to face the ache that she felt, knowing what she couldn't bring herself to admit. Sano wasn't getting better, he was dying, and she was terrified of loosing him. She had never realized just how much Sanosuke meant to her until now, as she stared the possibility of losing him right in the face. She was scared, and she knew that she couldn't bare to loose him.
Megumi dropped her brush onto the desk, and stood up, feeling a strong urge to check in on him at that very moment. Without knowing why, she made her way down the hall, and quietly slid open his door.
Sanosuke was laying with his back facing her, his blankets had been tossed to the side during the night and were laying in a heap on the floor, soaked in his sweat. She watched as his body continued to shake more than usual, and she could see the sweat glistening on his neck as he trembled viciously against his futon. She could take it anymore; she could stand there and watch him shake like that. Before she could rationalize her thoughts, Megumi had swiftly crossed the room and flung her arms around his shivering body, pulling him close to her, trying to make him stop. His body was so warm against hers, and she sat there on her knees, his back against her chest, and her arms securely around him, tightening their hold the more he shook. She rested her chin on his shoulder, leaning him against her as she rested her back against the wall.
"Me- Megumi..?"
You could set me free
you could rescue me
if you just hold out your hand
I can't let go
please don't say no
if you give up on me
I'll be dyin'
"Shh, Sanosuke. I'm right here, don't worry." She rocked slowly, running a hand through his thick brown hair, as she cursed the tears that fell freely down her cheeks. He never called her by her name, and she found that she loved the way it sounded on his voice.
"I-I'm sorry.. Megitsune."
"You have nothing to be sorry about Sano."
"I n-never said good-bye to you..."
Save me tonight,
I don't know how much more I can take it
Baby save me tonight, hold on
Without you, I'm not gonna make it, on my own
Megumi's eyes widened; he was talking about when he left Japan, how he had never gone to Aizu to say good-bye. She had been so hurt inside when she found out that he had left with out a word to her. It had felt even worse then when Kenshin had left for Kyoto; and she had felt so alone. Had he not forgotten her at all? Had the fact that he had never gone to see her been haunting him this whole time? She felt the tears well up in side as she clung tighter to him, faking a tiny laugh.
"Tori-atama, I don't like good-byes, so just don't leave again, ne?" The words came out in a soft, pleading whisper, and she felt how badly she didn't want him to go, to leave her.
Sanosuke's weak and shaking voice cut through her thoughts.
"I was afraid.. that if I s-saw you, I wouldn't be ab-ble to get on that boat..."
The tears came freely now, and she buried her face into his hair to hide them, breathing in his sent as she brushed her wet cheeks against the brown main of messy hair.
"Sanosuke..."
If you give up on me,
I'll be dyin'
Save me tonight,
I don't know how much more I can take it
Baby save me tonight,
hold on without you,
I'm not gonna make it
I know we can make it
There was no reply, just the soft sounds of his struggled breathing. Megumi rested her chin on his shoulder, and closed her eyes, whispering softly to him before letting sleep consume her.
"I lost you once Sanosuke, please, just don't leave me again."
Save me tonight
I don't know how much more I can take it
Baby save me tonight
hold on, without you,
I'm not gonna make it
Save me tonight...
A/N: Aw man, that was kind of sad ne? My evil side is showing, eh heh heh, I promise to make a happier chapter next time. I edited the song a little, well, basically I took out some parts, since in the story the song is more from Megumi's perspective, and the song is actually sung by a guy. So I had to take out some of it nn' but I think it works out well with it all don't you? Well, that's pretty much all I have to say. Cheers to the reviewers! Kenpai!
Lara: Hehe, yes I know, cliff-hangers are evil!
Thank you very much for the comment on my writing, I also think it's
getting better :) and yes, don't worry, there will be plenty of love
coming up soon in the chapters, I just need the right situation in the
story to write it ;) .
Crewel: Once again, thank you so much
for your wonderful support. I loved the e-mail I got, and I adored the
pictures :) ! I'm so glad that you are enjoying my story, and I'll try
to update as much as I can! Also, I read that story, and I loved it a
lot! I'm hoping the next chapter is up soon.
Megumi: That is
exactly what a writer wants to hear. I am thrilled that I'm touching
your emotions with my words, and that the plot is keeping you
interested. It only get better!
Nyako: Thank you, I was also
very happy with how I wrote Sanosuke ad Katsu's friendship. Katsu is
one of my favorite characters (I'm a Sekihoutai fan, I love Sano,
Katsu, and Sagara-taishou) so I write him pretty well I think. Don't
worry this chapter is filled with a good amount of Sano and Megumi. I
didn't really have a chance in the other chapters to bring the two
together, but now that Megumi has to take care of the Tori-atama, there
is sure to be plenty :) .
Lucerito-del-alma: Heh, sorry about the cliff! I totally agree with you, they are evil, but they are also very tempting ;) hehe.
Starry Night Blue:
Yes, Sano is very sick, and I can easily write people dying, but I love
Sano too much :) along with some of the other characters.
Roosterboy: Thank you! I'm glad that you enjoyed it and I also though it would be a good ending ;)
Domo arigatou gozaimasu! See you next chapter!