Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic: These Changing Times
This fanfic series takes place two years after the Revenge Arc ends, in an alternate RuroKen universe. (Only because I started it well before the manga ended ^_^;;) Eighteen-year-old Makimachi Misao comes to Tokyo to stay with Kenshin and Kaoru... and to put her own troubles behind her. A newly attentive Sagara Sanosuke is more than willing to distract her. Then a certain Oniwabanshuu onmitsu turns up in Tokyo to help investigate a wave of vicious armed robberies sweeping the city...
Comments and constructive criticism are always appreciated. But be warned: this fic meddles with what seem to be considered the tried-and-true romantic pairings in RuroKen (in case I didn't already make that clear). So if you read further, please be kind and keep an open mind! ^^;;
Note: for those who are new to the language, go to http://www2.netcom.com/~sakka/times/glossary.htm to get information on the Japanese terms and expressions used in this chapter.
Chapter 8 -- Pulling Together
"There," Genzai-sensei said as he finished wrapping the bandage around Misao's ankle. "That's finished... Misao-chan, I want you to stay off that ankle for a couple of days. No training for the rest of the week. And no more jumping around on rooftops, all right?"
Misao dropped the hem of her kimono and let loose a lengthy sigh. "Wakatta," she said glumly. Thankfully, her ankle was only twisted, not broken. But still, she was mortified that her clumsiness the night before should result in her having to postpone her training, even if only for a few days. Unmei-sensei is going to kill me!
As she slid down off the table, Kenshin moved forward, slipping an arm around her waist. "Here, Misao-dono... let me help you. You can lean on me," he said, his other arm tightening around Kintou.
"That's okay, Himura," Misao said. "Just hand me that crutch over there, and I'll be fine. Arigatou, Genzai-sensei!"
The old doctor waved her away. "Dou itashimashite. Just be sure I don't see you again for anything other than visiting people, ne?"
"Hai, hai," Misao grumbled, tucking the wooden crutch under her arm. "Ne, Himura, where's Kaoru-san? It's her turn now."
"She told me she was going outside for some air," Kenshin said. "I'll go get her. Why don't you wait here, Misao-dono?"
She nodded as Kenshin left the room, the soft slap of his sandals fading down the hall. Misao leaned back against the wall near the open doorway, grimacing as her ankle throbbed dully. She closed her eyes, letting her mind drift. The worst of her hangover was gone, thanks to Sano's tea, but she was still very tired.
After a few moments, she heard faint voices coming from further down the hall. Thinking it must be the Himuras, she limped out of the room to greet them. Instead, she saw a familiar figure in a gray Tokyo police uniform standing in the hall talking to Genzai-sensei. She clenched her jaw in irritation.
Damn that Saitou! Can't he leave everyone in peace for a change?
She strained to hear what they were saying, but she was too far away from them. Besides, Saitou had already spotted her -- he hadn't turned his head, but Misao experienced the vague prickling sensation she always got when someone was observing her. Well, fine. To hell with sneaking around, then...
She made her way awkwardly down the hall, sounding to her ears like a herd of cattle clomping across the wooden floor. Saitou turned to face her, his mocking smile indicating a similar thought.
"Well... if it isn't the noisy little weasel girl," he said, glancing at her crutch. "What brings you here? Did you hurt yourself trying to walk in those women's clothes?"
"Kono...!" Misao hissed, struggling against the urge to reach inside her obi for the kunai tucked there. "If you weren't a policeman, I'd --"
"I'm sure you would," Saitou interrupted dryly, turning to the doctor. "Arigatou, sensei. Please inform me immediately of any changes in your patients' conditions." He turned to leave, but Misao blocked his path, glaring at him.
"Chotto matte yo! I want to ask you something," Misao said.
Saitou raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" he said, looking amused.
They were interrupted by a familiar voice bellowing outside --
"Saitou Hajime! I know you're in there, you sneaky bastard! Come out here so I can kick your ass!"
Misao reddened a bit as she recognized Sano's distinctive roar. Saitou rolled his eyes, making a sound somewhere between a sigh and a snort. "Yare, yare," he said, fishing a cigarette out of his pocket. "I'm surrounded by ahous." Placing the cigarette in the corner of his mouth, he nimbly side-stepped around Misao and headed for the door.
"Hey! I'm not finished with you!" Misao yelled, hobbling after him.
...............
Sanosuke glared at the police guard outside the clinic, who had drawn his sword in response to the street fighter's shouted challenge. "I'd advise you to be on your way... or I'll have to arrest you!" the young officer snapped.
"And I'd advise you to put your toy sword away, little boy," Sanosuke sneered. "I'm here for your boss, not you..."
Just then, Saitou emerged from the clinic. He paused just outside the door to light his cigarette, then walked toward the two men, waving dismissively at the guard. "Return to your post," he said calmly. "I'll handle this imbecile."
The guard nodded, sheathing his sword and saluting as he followed Saitou's orders. Sanosuke smiled slightly and cracked his knuckles in anticipation. "I think it's high time we finish the fight we started two years ago," he said. "I've been looking forward to this for a long time."
Saitou stared coolly at Sanosuke, flicking ash from his cigarette. "Feh. I had some information for you, but I think I'll keep it to myself for now," he said, shrugging and turning away. "Stop by my office when you decide to stop making an ass of yourself." He looked over his shoulder, smirking. "But then... that would be impossible for you, wouldn't it?"
Sanosuke snarled and started to spring toward the insolent officer. He was brought up short by Misao's furious yell --
"Chotto, Saitou! Ignore me, will you?"
Sano turned toward Misao, who stood just outside the doorway of the clinic. He took in her angry face... the kunai she held in one hand... and the crutch on which she was leaning heavily. His eyes widened as he rushed over to her.
"Misao! Your leg... are you all right?" He caught sight of the bandage peeking out from beneath her kimono hem. "It's not broken, is it?" he asked anxiously.
Misao blushed, remembering how worried Sano had looked after her fall the night before. He wore a similar expression now. "Iie... Genzai-sensei says it's just a light sprain," she said, looking at the ground. "It'll be good as new after a few days rest."
Saitou had stopped to see what on earth could possibly have caused Sagara to lose interest in taking his bait. The answer lay in the scene unfolding before him, prompting a satisfied smile from Saitou. Naruhodo... so the chicken has a yen for the weasel. This knowledge could prove very useful...
With a low chuckle, he turned away once more... then froze as he saw Battousai and his young apprentice approaching from a short distance away. The boy held Battousai's child... while Battousai awkwardly carried his wife, her face twisted in agony.
Saitou briskly walked up to them. "Doushita, Battousai?" His eyes narrowed at Kenshin's panic-stricken expression.
"No time... we have to get her inside!" Kenshin panted. "Something is very wrong with her... it could be the babies!"
Saitou absently flicked his cigarette onto the ground. He extended his hands to his longtime enemy. "May I?" he asked.
Kenshin gritted his teeth, clutching Kaoru protectively to his chest. Kaoru looked up at her husband, forcing a smile through the pain. "It's all right, beloved," she whispered.
Kenshin hesitated for one moment more, then nodded stiffly. Saitou effortlessly swept Kaoru into his arms and ran for the clinic, Kenshin at his heels.
...............
"So this is why you've been so distracted lately," Kenshin said softly as he wiped Kaoru's face with a damp cloth. "Why didn't you tell me, koishii?"
Kaoru smiled wearily. "Because you've been hovering over me enough as it is, Kenshin. I didn't want to give you more cause for alarm." She closed her eyes, her voice barely a whisper. "And I was afraid... I didn't want to stop teaching just yet. We really need the money... and I knew if you found out about the pains, you'd make me quit." Tears slipped down her cheeks. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you... can you forgive me?"
"Oh, Kaoru," Kenshin whispered tenderly, leaning over and kissing the tears from her eyes. "My sweet Kaoru... promise me you'll share your worries with me from now on. You should know by now that together we can get through anything. And all the money in the world would be meaningless to me if I lost you or our children."
Kaoru opened her eyes and smiled. "I promise, anata. No more keeping secrets," she said. Then, in a lower voice -- "Aishiteru, Kenshin."
"Mou aishiteru, Kaoru," Kenshin replied, his violet eyes shimmering with adoration.
Genzai-sensei entered the room, followed by Yahiko, Sanosuke and Misao. "Are you feeling better, Kaoru-san?" Misao asked.
Kaoru nodded, grasping Kenshin's hand. "The pains are gone now," she said, glancing at the doctor.
"That's good news," Genzai-sensei said. "But Kaoru-chan, I'm still very concerned about you. It's much too soon for those babies to come... and that's the second time you've had birthing pains in as many weeks. So I've decided -- I'm ordering you to stay in bed until it's time for the birth." He glowered at her, shaking his finger. "And when I say stay in bed, I mean just that! No more teaching... no more training... no more chores. And I don't want you walking any further than the doujou's bath house. Wakatta?"
Kaoru bit her lip, looking up at Kenshin. He smiled reassuringly, squeezing her hand. "Wakatte de gozaru, Genzai-sensei," Kenshin said. "I'll see to it that Kaoru gets plenty of rest and is well-cared for."
"Atashi mou!" Misao chimed in, while Sanosuke and Yahiko nodded vigorously. "You can count on us to help, Himura!"
Kenshin smiled gratefully at his friends. "Arigatou de gozaru, minna," he said. "Genzai-sensei, can we bring Kaoru home now?"
"Hai... but remember -- straight to bed, Kaoru-chan! I'll be by to check on you tomorrow," the doctor said.
...............
The first two days after Kaoru was confined to bed passed in a blur for Misao. She was busy from dawn until night doing as much housework as she could with her sore ankle. Everyone else was pitching in, too -- even Yutarou, who still came to the doujou every day to practice and spar with Yahiko.
By the third day, Misao couldn't stand it any longer. Her ankle felt fine -- she could even put her full weight on it without so much as a twinge of pain -- and she was starting to feel claustrophobic staying within the doujou grounds all day. She knew there was no way Unmei-sensei would allow her to train against doctor's orders... but Misao felt that surely she would be all right getting some light exercise in her favorite nearby practice field. She slipped away right after lunch, using yet another loud argument between Yahiko and Yutarou to cover her exit. Kaoru and Kintou were sleeping, and Kenshin was so busy trying to keep the boys apart that she had no problem escaping his notice.
Just getting outside the doujou's walls made Misao feel better. She started with some light stretching, then concentrated on her upper body, practicing punches and blocks and standing kunai throws. Tentatively, she began practicing kicks, her confidence strengthening as her tightly wrapped left ankle continued to bear her weight painlessly during the workout.
"Uh oh... looks like I got here just in time."
Panting, Misao whirled around to discover Sanosuke standing behind her. Despite his bantering tone, he was not smiling. "Misao, what the hell are you doing out here? Aren't you supposed to be taking it easy for another couple of days?"
"Mou! Don't you start in on me, too!" Misao groaned, throwing her arms wide open in frustration. "I needed to get out for awhile, okay? I was going nuts just sitting around chopping vegetables and doing dishes... and if I had to listen to Yutarou and Yahiko arguing over who can kick whose butt one more time, I was going to seriously hurt both of them!"
Sanosuke burst out laughing. "Well... I guess I can see your point," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But are you sure you're okay? Your ankle doesn't --"
Misao shook her head vigorously. "No, my ankle doesn't hurt. Honto ni, Sano... I swear I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't feel up to it. The last thing I want is to hurt myself further... Himura and Kaoru-san certainly don't need the burden right now."
Sano nodded, meeting Misao's somber eyes. "You've been anything but a burden to them, you know," he said, quelling the urge to embrace her. "Kenshin was telling me yesterday how grateful he is that you're here... he says your presence has helped keep him strong through all this, and that you've been a great comfort to Jou-chan as well."
Misao lowered her eyes modestly, her expression in direct contrast to the surge of pride Sano's comments raised within her. "I just wish I could do more for them," she murmured.
Sanosuke gave in to his now-overwhelming impulse to touch her, moving forward and squeezing her shoulder. "You do enough," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Now, let's get your spirits back up. Forget those straw dummies... how about sparring with a real partner for a change? I promise I'll be careful of your ankle."
Misao eyed his cocky grin, placing her hands on her hips and raising an eyebrow. "I don't know," she said, her eyes dancing impishly. "One of us might get hurt... and how would I cope with the guilt?"
"Laugh while you can, itachi-chan," Sano said, his grin widening. "You'll have a hard time laughing with your face in the dirt. What do you say... first one to get pinned loses... and loser buys the winner dinner?"
Misao nodded gleefully. "Yoshi. Let's do it!"
At first, it was more like play. Sanosuke gave Misao the offensive position, but Misao held back her more serious moves, putting only half her strength into her jabs and kicks. Sanosuke easily dodged most of her blows, and the few she landed made him snort derisively, "Che, Misao... is that how that old-bat instructor of yours teaches you to fight? You did better years ago in Kyoto! C'mon... put some heart into it!" His eyes glittered. "Unless you want to lose... maybe you're looking forward to being pinned by me, ne?"
That last gibe rattled Misao, reminding her of Kaoru's first-kiss story. But surely, she wasn't pulling the same trick... was she? She gritted her teeth. Of course not! That damned egomaniac... who the hell does he think he is? I'll show him!
"Kyaaaa!" she roared, putting all her strength and speed behind the punch she'd recently learned from Unmei-sensei. Surprisingly, Sano made no move to block or avoid it. It connected perfectly, sending the tall man crashing to the ground. Misao ran up to him triumphantly, bending down to pin him with her knee. "Hah! Not bad for a little weasel... ne, chicken-..."
Misao fell silent as she observed Sano. His eyes remained closed... and his face was pale and still. Panic swelled within her. No! There's no way... he's gotten up after much worse than that! She knelt beside him, tears welling in her eyes. "Sano... wake up... you're scaring me," she cried, reaching out to touch his cheek. "Sano -- eep!"
Sano's eyes snapped open as he grabbed her wrist, neatly rolling over with her until she was lying on her back. Holding her arm above her head, his other hand pressed firmly against her stomach, he smiled victoriously. "Give up?" he said.
Misao sputtered with rage. "You... dirty... sneaky... trickster! That wasn't fair!" she protested, pummeling his chest with her free hand.
"I never promised to fight fair, did I?" Sano responded mischievously. "Besides... it was about time I paid you back for the scare you gave me a few nights ago." Misao wriggled in his grasp, cursing him loudly as he laughed at her.
Finally, Sano released Misao and sat up, holding his hand out to her. She glared at him, folding her arms and turning her head away from him. Her snub only heightened Sano's amusement. She's so damned cute when she's mad...
"Fine... be that way," Sano said, feigning exasperation. "What a sore loser..."
Misao's head snapped back to center... and Sano saw with delight that she was fighting back a smile. "I may be a loser... but at least I didn't have to cheat to beat someone half my size," she said loftily. Her comment made both of them chuckle.
"Sou da na," Sano said, extending his hand to her again. This time, she took it, allowing Sano to pull her to a sitting position.
"Arigatou," Misao said, keeping her hand in his.
"Dou itashimashite," Sano replied, tightening his grip ever so slightly.
Time ceased to exist once more. Misao realized she was staring deeply into Sano's eyes, mesmerized as they darkened with emotion. She knew with absolute certainty that he was going to kiss her again... but it was her next realization that left her breathless --
I want him to... more than anything...
Sano wanted badly to pull Misao into his arms and kiss her... hard... but he kept her at arm's-length, his hand clasping hers, waiting for her to give him some sort of sign. After Jou-chan's scolding, he had decided not to pressure Misao... but if she returned his affections, he had every intention of following through, regardless of the risks involved. Sumanu, Jou-chan...
Sano watched the uncertainty and confusion in Misao's eyes dissolve into mute longing, her mouth dropping open slightly. It was more than enough for him. He lowered his head toward hers -- and was pleasantly surprised when she met him halfway.
Misao experienced the same heady sensations she'd felt the first time Sano kissed her... only sharper this time, since there was no sake blurring the edges of her mind and body. She rose up onto her knees, pressing her mouth hard against his, wanting with all her being to be closer to him. Why won't he hold me?
As before, Misao's ardent response was unbearably arousing to Sano. Gods, I want her so much... but it's too soon... have to control myself. Best to take it slowly... even if it kills me. He reluctantly ended the kiss, brushing her nose with his as he gazed into her eyes, which were warm with desire and tinged with... disappointment?
"Sano..." Misao whispered, stroking his cheek.
"Aa," he replied shakily.
She raised her face to his, her mouth sensually curving around each word. "Mou ichi-do... onegai..."
Misao's impassioned request wiped all rational thought from Sanosuke's mind. With a murmured assent, he pulled her slender frame toward him and covered her half-open mouth with his own, tenderly stroking her slightly parted lips with the tip of his tongue. Misao opened her mouth fully in response, her muffled groan of pleasure mingled with the growl of satisfaction rising in Sano's throat as his tongue caressed hers, coaxing her to respond in kind. His fingers ran through the loose fringe of soft black hair framing her face... down the sides of her graceful neck... her delicate shoulders... her arms... finally coming to rest on either side of her waist. His hands tightened there, pulling her closer to him, eliciting a brief, needy moan from Misao as she pressed the length of her body against his and wrapped her arms around his neck.
...............
Kenshin walked rapidly down the path leading to market, Kintou tucked against his hip and an empty tofu bucket in his hand. Kaoru had practically ordered him out of the doujou, saying she needed some time alone, so could he get some tofu for dinner, please? He agreed reluctantly... and only after Yahiko promised to stop fighting with Yutarou long enough to keep an eye on Kaoru while Kenshin was gone. Kenshin sighed, acknowledging that he was actually glad for the break. Those boys could drive a monk to the sake bottle!
Kintou babbled cheerfully, tugging on some loose strands of Kenshin's hair. Kenshin smiled, shaking his head playfully while Kintou chortled. As they walked, something moving in the field next to them caught Kenshin's eye. He stopped... and stared wide-eyed at the sight of Sanosuke and Misao, locked in a passionate embrace. They were both on their knees... holding each other tightly... kissing deeply.
Kenshin smiled thoughtfully. So... Kaoru was right... things have gotten serious between them. Unlike his wife, Kenshin was actually pleased by the idea, for the most part.
Still... they should be a little more... discreet. Though I'm one to talk, considering the audience Kaoru and I had when we first kissed. He grinned sheepishly at the memory.
Kintou, who had been unusually quiet while Kenshin reflected, suddenly caught sight of Misao's black braid shining in the sun. He squealed, waving his arms in Misao's direction.
The noise had the same effect as a bucket of ice water on the couple. They pushed away from each other, leaping to their feet. Misao's face was as red as Kenshin's hair, and even Sanosuke had the good grace to blush a little.
"H- H- Himura!" Misao squeaked. "H- h- how long... were you..."
"Long enough," Kenshin said quietly as Kintou strained against his grasp, whining for Misao. Desperate for a diversion, she took the baby from Kenshin, laughing as he reached up to grab her nose.
"Misao-dono... would you take Kintou back to the doujou?" Kenshin asked. "Sano and I are going to town to pick up tofu for dinner." He eyed Sano expectantly.
"Sounds good to me," Sano said. When Kenshin looked at him that way, it was best not to argue. "I'll see you at dinner, Misao."
"All right," Misao said, her eyes lingering on his for a moment. She then looked pleadingly at Kenshin. "Ne, Himura... don't be too hard on him."
Kenshin couldn't help chuckling at that. "You have my word, Misao-dono." Satisfied, she turned and headed back to the doujou, singing a song about falling leaves to Kintou.
As she disappeared around the bend, Sanosuke raised his hands to Kenshin. "Before you say anything, Kenshin... Jou-chan already gave me a lecture about being careful of Misao's feelings," Sano said. "And I intend to be... okay?"
Kenshin shook his head. "Actually, I'm more worried about your feelings than Misao-dono's," he said.
Sanosuke gaped at his friend. "Why the hell would you be worried about me?"
Kenshin considered his question for a moment. "Because... Misao-dono has not forgotten Aoshi," he said gently. "She still loves him. And as long as her heart is with Aoshi, she cannot fully give it to you."
Sano stared off into the distance, his expression troubled. Kenshin hoped he hadn't wounded Sano's pride too deeply with his honesty.
When Sano looked back at Kenshin, however, his eyes were determined. "I can wait," he said, more to himself than to Kenshin. "Until Misao is over Aoshi... I'll wait for her." He then slapped a shocked Kenshin on the back. "We'd better go get that food before Jou-chan sends out a search party," he said with a wink.
Sanosuke started down the path, whistling. Kenshin stood for a moment, pondering what Sano had said.
He didn't say what his feelings were... but if he's willing to wait for her... he has to be in love with her.
Beaming, Kenshin hurried after Sanosuke, swinging the tofu tub in the air.
...............
"Fujita-san! Your contact from Kyoto is here!"
Saitou looked up from the documents he was reading. "Excellent," he said to the officer. "Please send him in."
He set the documents down and got up from behind his desk. At last, the additional resource I needed is here. Now the hunt will pick up speed.
The officer appeared in the doorway again, motioning to someone behind him. Saitou allowed himself a small smile as his contact entered the office. He greeted the visitor with a nod and said --
"It's been a long time... Shinomori Aoshi."
Aoshi nodded in return. "It has indeed, Saitou Hajime," he said, his face expressionless. "Let's get to work, shall we?"
-- End of Chapter 8 --