Standard Disclaimers Apply… I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.

Chapter 8

"He suffered from a severe stroke and he… Hiko-sama's dead!" She said miserably as she handed Kenshin a letter.

Yahiko's heart softened upon seeing her distressed figure so he pulled her to his chest for a hug.

Kenshin, on the other hand, shakily accepted the letter and read it.

Baka deshi,

            If you have received this letter, it only means I am dead. Oi! Don't cry baka deshi… at least I am sure that I didn't die losing to some unskilled and stupid swordsmen. Hehe… guess your old man's time has come. Didn't expect that to happen… must be some bad sake. Alright, alright, baka deshi. I know you don't find my letter at all amusing.

Seriously, I had a feeling that my time is near that is why I wrote you this letter. I want you to always remember this and keep it in your heart…  never  forget my expertly taught Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu and its ideals. I guess, as a lousy father, that is the only memory and lesson I can leave you. Kenshin, no father has ever been more proud of a son as I have. I love you, son…though I don't show or express it, I do. But I guess it's too late to say that now. Goodbye son, 'til we meet again.

Shishou Father

The letter slipped from Kenshin's hand, as he stood there, shocked.

Understanding the situation, the gang motioned to leave. Misao nudged Aoshi and he said, "Kenshin, umm… I think its best for us to leave."

Kenshin didn't budge. It seems that he had shut out the world for the moment. Seeing this, Kaoru looked up and nodded to them expressing her appreciation.

"Anoo… Tsubame-chan, you can stay with me for a while," Megumi offered her hand to the little girl and escorted her out of the room locking the door behind her.

            Kenshin stared blankly into space as he felt his heartbeat stop. The world around him started spinning as voices chanted repeatedly on his head, Hiko-sama's dead…Goodbye, son… I love you… Hiko-sama's dead… must have been bad sake… I love you… Goodbye, son… baka deshi… Goodbye… son…

           

            The words slowly and painfully sank in, yet nothing made sense to him anymore. He felt as if he stopped living for that few minutes he stood there. Then, a weird feeling came on his stomach and his legs gave out. He sat on the floor and slumped his head on his hands. He closed his eyes and violently shook his head in frustration. The words were finally beginning to make sense, but he did not quite understand it nor did he want to accept it. This is a dream. A nightmare. I heard it all wrong. He can't be dead! There must be some mistake! He wouldn't die… he's … he too stubborn to die…

Kenshin felt his world shatter as tears started to pour from his eyes. When Kaoru saw this, she immediately kneeled beside him and hugged him. She sat on the floor and leaned on the wall as she pulled him for another embrace. He followed her movements, sitting on her right. He rested his head on Kaoru's left shoulder as he sobbed. Kaoru wrapped her arms around him and gently caressed his back whispering consoling words to him.

"It's alright Kenshin… cry it out. I know how it feels to lose a parent," Kaoru whispered as she pressed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

They stay like that for hours until Kaoru fell asleep with her cheeks resting on Kenshin's head. Kenshin regained his composure and slowly stood up not to wake Kaoru. He stared at her peaceful face for a while and whispered, "Thank you, Kaoru."

He gently swooped her sleeping figure and carried her to his bed. He laid her down gently and pulled up the blanket. He affectionately touched her cheek as he leaned over for a tender kiss on the lips. He was about to leave the room when Kaoru asked sleepily, "Kenshin, where are you going to sleep?"

"On the couch."

"Don't do that, you'll get back ache… You can sleep beside me," Kaoru whispered barely keeping her eyes open.

Kenshin knew that he should not, but he's too tired to care and he's too depressed to be alone. He pulled up the covers and laid his back facing Kaoru. He closed his eyes, praying that tears won't fall anymore. He heard shuffling sounds and the next thing he knew, Kaoru shifted closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Kenshin tensed up in shock and then, eased up because of the comfort. Feeling the warmth and love emanating from their position, he finally gave in to sleep.

~~~~~

The next morning, Kaoru woke up alone inside Kenshin's bedroom. She got up hastily to look for Kenshin. She went out of the room and found Kenshin sitting beside his living room window. Approaching him carefully, she placed her hand on his shoulder and asked, "How are you holding up?"

Kenshin made no reply and continued to stare blankly on the window.

"Mou! Kenshin, you look pale… you haven't eaten since yesterday evening. Come on, let's eat." Kaoru went to the dinning room and saw the mess from last evening. Her untouched cooking was left on the table. Sensing that the food might already be spoiled, she threw them and prepared milk and cereals for Kenshin. She handed him his breakfast as she motioned him to eat.

"So what are you planning to do?"

Kenshin shrugged as he stared back at the window. He closed his eyes to prevent his tears to fall.

Kaoru looked at Kenshin worriedly and thought, Now that his father is gone, he feels that he is all alone, that he doesn't have anybody. Oh Kenshin, if only you know that I understand you quite well.  When I lost my parents, I didn't know what to do or who to rely on. I felt so lost back then… and I know you do now.

He said, trying to fight back the tears, "The reason I transferred here was dad and I were supposed to open a franchise of our business here in Tokyo. Now that he's gone… it's pointless and… I have no family here."

"Kenshin! You don't have to be alone!!! Stay with me if you want!!!" Kaoru slapped her hand on her mouth shocked at what she just said.

Kenshin looked up at Kaoru for what she said as tears fell from his eyes. Kaoru hugged Kenshin and said, "Mou Kenshin! Eat your breakfast… We'll go to Kyoto together and fix everything."

"Hmm?" Kenshin glanced at her quizzically.

"I want to come with you so you wouldn't have to go through this alone," Kaoru replied as she lowered her head to hide her deepened blush.

Kenshin smiled and said worriedly, "I wouldn't want my problems to affect your schooling, Kaoru."

"Kenshin… it won't! Please, as a friend, let me take care of you," Kaoru pleaded.

Kenshin nodded as he looked out of his window again.

Kaoru returned his half-eaten meal to the dinning room. She sat on the sofa for a while, thinking about what to do, That's right, I should accompany him to Kyoto… There's no point allowing him to travel alone. I mean, he doesn't even eat right. He needs me there. No… I need to take care him. Kaoru nodded to herself in agreement as she glanced towards Kenshin.

"Ano… Kenshin, I'm just going to school to talk to the principal. Try to take a bath, fix yourself and pack, ok?"

Kaoru stopped by the school office first to talk to the principal, Dr. Genzai and Prof. Fujita. The first two were considerate about the situation, however, the latter proved not. Professor Fujita was obviously not pleased about the matter but he didn't bother commenting anything more since the principal already agreed. The rehearsals for the play "Battousai no Kokoro" was postponed for Monday. However, the crew was still needed to finish the stage, lights and the special effects in time for his arrival.

~~~~~

Kaoru returned to Kenshin's apartment with her luggage, only to find him wearing a totally mismatched outfit. Kaoru stifled a giggle and said, "Oh Kenshin! What are you going to do without me?" She went to his bedroom and picked out a decent attire for him from his closet. She handed him his clothes as he changed inside the bathroom. Understanding the situation at hand, Kaoru decided to pack Kenshin's clothes for him since he seemed off at the moment.

After everything had been settled, Kenshin, Kaoru and Tsubame left Tokyo that Wednesday afternoon to go to Kyoto. Tae, Tsubame's aunt, welcomed them in the airport. It was a long way to the morgue, not because of the trip but because of the silence plaguing them due to the awkwardness of the situation.

Breaking the ice, Kaoru finally asked, "Tae-san, would you mind telling me what happened?"

Tae bowed her head and said sadly, "It happened Monday night. That morning, we were at the pottery warehouse checking the inventory. His father wanted to make sure that everything was alright before he leaves to Tokyo. He wanted everything checked meticulously that it took us all day before we finished. Going through the last stack, he saw the pot he made for his mother during their wedding. It had a portrait of his mother painted on it. I guess, seeing that deeply saddened him with all the memories it held. His blood pressure increased and he fainted. We found out later on that he suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage. He died almost immediately. His lawyer gave us his letter after his death so I sent Tsubame-chan to give it to you and tell you the news personally."

Kenshin nodded but not one tear escaped from his eyes. He had cried enough. He didn't want anybody to see him cry anymore.

They arrived at Hiko's house in Kyoto. Kenshin went straight to his room, leaving Kaoru, Tae and Tsubame.

Kaoru gave Tae a warm smile as she said, "Tae-san, can you please do Kenshin the favor of settling everything, including the burial? I don't think, he can manage that now. Although he might be showing us much emotion, I know that he is really devastated. He can't handle those things now."

Tae nodded and replied, "Sure thing, Kaoru-chan. You can count on me."

~~~~

Kaoru entered Kenshin's room with a tray of food prepared by Tae. She saw him laying on his bed, caught in a trance. Kaoru sat beside him and said, "Kenshin, it's lunchtime. Here I brought you some food. Don't worry I didn't cook it."

Kenshin looked at her and gave her a weak smile, "Don't mind me Kaoru, I'm not hungry."

"Mou Kenshin! You need to eat!" Kaoru said as she assisted Kenshin to sit up the chair. Kenshin remained expressionless causing Kaoru to sigh, "Alright Kenshin! If you don't want to eat then, I'll just have to spoon-feed you. I can't let you do this to yourself." Kaoru took the bowl in her hands and said, "Now, open your mouth, Kenshin."

Kenshin looked at the spoon and then at Kaoru and asked himself, Do I really look that deplorable? He allowed himself to be spoon-fed only once, more for Kaoru's sake, than his. After that, he gratefully accepted the food and ate it by himself.

After the meal, Kaoru smiled at him and said, "Very good, I hope you're appetite is finally returning. I worry about you, Kenshin." With that said, she stood up to leave.

Kenshin stopped her by holding her hand and pulled her down. He kissed her cheek and said, "Thank you very much, Kaoru. I'm glad to have you here. And Kaoru…"

Kaoru faced him and asked, "Hmmm?"

"I'm sorry if I made you worry."

Kaoru blushed and left.

~~~~~

A couple of days later, Kenshin was beginning to accept the harsh reality. He knew his father was already happy with his mom and that he didn't have any regrets because he managed to leave Kenshin a letter.

When Kenshin was able to manage by himself, he told Kaoru, "Kaoru, thank you for your patience with me. I really appreciate it. I'm sorry for all the trouble. I don't want you to miss school anymore, Kaoru…"

Kaoru looked at him sadly and asked, "What do you mean?"

"I need you to go back to Tokyo. I have troubled you enough." Kenshin said with much conviction.

"What? Kenshin!? Can't you see? I want to be with you! I want to take care of you so you wouldn't have to be alone! Why are you pushing me away now?" Kaoru yelled in frustration. She motioned to leave when Kenshin grabbed her arm to face her to him and hugged her.

He closed his eyes and whispered to her ears, "Oh Kaoru! You don't know how much your words mean to me! But you see, I am not pushing you away. I just don't want you to miss school too much. Kaoru, I really appreciate what you have done for me. If you weren't here, I don't know what I would have done. It was you, Kaoru. You gave me a reason to live again, not just to mere exist. You took care of me as if you were my family. Thank you…"

Kaoru froze at Kenshin's actions. She closed her eyes as a lone tear fell from it.

Kenshin continued, "I'll be back before the week is over… Then, I'll come home… to you."

Kaoru smiled and hugged him back, "Ken…shin."

~~~~~

By Saturday, Hiko Seijouro Himura was buried. It was a solemn burial. Family, friends, associates and neighbors paid their respects.

Kenshin left Kyoto that evening and arrived at Tokyo by morning. He went back to his apartment and started packing up his stuff. He called a moving truck to return to Kyoto all his furniture, taking only his personal things with him.

Before leaving his apartment, he looked around for the last time and said to himself, No need to be too sentimental, this hadn't really became your home, had it? Suddenly a silver frame caught his eye. He approached it and held it to his heart, Father… Shishou… I'll never forget what you taught me… I'll never forget you… You're the best father. He placed the frame inside his bag and locked the door behind him.

~~~~~

            Turning to the corner where Kaoru's house was located, Kenshin was surprised to see that Kaoru fell asleep, waiting outside on her porch. Kenshin paid the cab driver after he unloaded his boxes and bags.

            Upon hearing the car engine, Kaoru woke up and ran towards Kenshin's direction with a warm smile on her face. She held out her hand and said, "Okaeri nasai, Kenshin."

            Kenshin accepted her hand and smiled back, "Tadaima."

Chapter Notes:

            Sorry… sorry if Hiko died… Gomen minna… It was just needed in the fic. Here are my reasons:

1. I wanted to show that he was a good and loving father. [if Hiko were still alive… well y'know… bedtime wettie stories?]

2. Strengthens Kenshin and Kaoru's friendship.

3. I needed Kenshin to be alone so that he could move into Kaoru's home.

4. It also had something to do with the remaining chapters.

I guess… this is it, but my most important reason was the first one.

Notes regarding Stroke:

Stroke is a cardiovascular disease, which affects the blood vessels, which supply blood to the brain. It is caused when a clotted blood clogs the blood vessel that brings nutrients and oxygen to the brain. It can also be caused by the bursting of the said blood vessel. If one of these happens, a part of the brain will not be supplied with its necessities causing the nerve cells to fail. This is very detrimental because dead brain cells cannot be replaced.

The four main types of strokes are Cerebral thrombosis, cerebral embolism, cerebral hemorrhages and subarachnoid hemorrhages. The first two are caused by blood clotting while the latter are caused by bleeding.

            Hiko-sama suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhages. It occurs when a blood vessel bleeds in the space between the brain and the skull. Because of his increased blood pressure, it aggravated the bursting of his aneurysm (blood-filled pouches).

            The blood pressure from the burst artery affects the brain tissue severely. If the pressure is great enough, it results to death.

Author's Notes:

Friends… ::wipes away a lone tear:::… thanks for all of the reviews… I am so touched. If you guys only knew, how much you had cheered me up that time. Thank you all! ::hugs everyone tightly:: Thanks a lot!!!

Thanks to all who left a review and brightened up my day!!!

Onna- thanks a lot I am glad you liked it.

Susan- thanks for the email. You were like a big sis to me… thanks!!

Nemi- really? I am glad.. there are many awesome RK fics here in ff.net. Hope you like this chap.

JML- He's tough and all but I guess he can't fight everything, right?

Dementedchris- it did brighten up my day. Thanks! I actually wrote a lot this week. About the play… there won't be anything much about it until the next few chaps.

Saeira and JK the Nuriko-sama worshipper- Hehehe… Actually he is just VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY POLITE.

M@ry - here it is.

Marstanuki- thanks for the mail and the chap… it really kept me going. =)

Hana-chan- thanks for reading my nonstop ramblings… it really means a lot.

Midori-chan- thanks so much for the advice and for the help you had given me.

E-chan Hidaka- I hope you'll wait for the next one

Gypsy-chan- ok, here's the chap…I wouldn't want one of my fave author's to cry =)

Emerentiana- Yup, he already has. I'm happy.

Lady Legolas- thanks! Here it is.

Chibi-rinoa- thanks for the encouragement.

Anh- hehehe ::blushes:: I feel so flattered.

Macy- Now, I am better.

Koneko-dono- thanks for the review and your wonderful update… it inspired me.

Jo-chan- hey! You left a review! I was wondering where you were!

Omochi- brittle? Hahahaha! That's so funny!

Battousai angel- Actually, I watched the Kyoto Arc and stared at his kawaii muscles… ooops!

Sync*in- of course! I'm not even getting there yet.

Evilcharsa- OOOhhh! I love chocolates! Thanks! For that… more A/M for you!
Bunny- thanks for everything… for being so warm and all. =)

Aya-yahiko- Oh thanks! You really cheered me up! Maraming Salamat Kababayan!! ::wink::

Takato Taikashi- ::chibi-angel rubs his sore head:: sorry for that, here's the next chap to make it up to you.

Momori- Thanks! More sugars to come!!!

Also, Thanks to Hana-chan who edited and helped me write this chap. Kudos to you!!!

Minna… thanks for everything!!!

Preview of Next Chap:

Living Arrangements. ::giggles:: [I have a surprise for you!!!]

Remember Hana-chan's Math…

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Read and review… Make chibi-angel happy! =)