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://home.netcom.com/~sakka/times/glossary.htm to get information on the Japanese terms and expressions used in this chapter.
Chapter 12 -- The Doctor Is In
Misao woke to the sound of chatter and laughter outside and a delicious odor of tea and miso soup wafting through the air. She vaulted out of bed, ignoring the ache her abrupt movements awakened in her ankle. Chikusho! Slept through breakfast again... poor Himura's probably got his hands full trying to manage cooking and Kintou and Kaoru-san...
Cursing herself for being lazy and unhelpful, she threw on her ninja gear and bolted out the door... only to slide to an abrupt halt at the scene before her. She rubbed her eyes... astonished to see Sanosuke hovering over the cooking-pot and ladeling soup into Yahiko's outstretched bowl. The fighter looked up at Misao, a proud, cocky smile on his face.
"Sano?" She gave her eyes another good rub. "I'm seeing things, right?"
"Nope... it's breakfast," Sanosuke said. "It's not much... soup and some pickled vegetables. And tea, of course." He motioned Misao to an empty spot on the porch. "Figured you should stay off that ankle until Genzai-sensei has a look at it again... so I made breakfast for everybody."
"Uso!" Misao sputtered. "Since when do you cook? I'll bet it's worse than Kaoru-san's..."
Sano assumed an indignant expression. "Oi, weasel girl... at least try it before you insult it," he said brusquely. "Nobody else complained."
"Yeah, it's actually pretty good," Yahiko said around a mouthful. "Who'd have thought?"
Misao took the soup bowl from Sano, sniffing the contents skeptically. It certainly smells good... "Here goes nothing," she said doubtfully, taking a sip. Her eyes brightened. "Not bad," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Nowhere near as good as mine, of course..."
"Che, some gratitude," Sano groused, handing her a cup of tea.
She giggled. "Ne, Sano where's Himura?" she asked, looking around the yard. "He's usually up early these days."
"Right here," Kenshin said as he rounded the corner, an empty tray in his hand. His eyes sparkled mischievously as he addressed Sanosuke "Kaoru told me to tell you your cooking was surprisingly edible," he said with a teasing grin.
"Heh. It's way better than hers and she knows it," Sano said, returning Kenshin's grin. "What does the ever-diplomatic rurouni have to say?"
Kenshin winked at Misao. "It's not as good as Misao-dono's," he said.
Sano snorted as Misao gave him a wide, "I-told-you-so" grin. "Everybody's a critic," he muttered, pouring himself a bowl of soup.
"Misao-dono, how are you feeling this morning?" Kenshin asked.
"Fine... I'm sorry I slept late," she said. "I'll take care of the dishes in a few minutes."
"Iya," Kenshin said. "Sano told me your ankle is bothering you again... so you should get to the clinic as soon as possible."
"Leave that to me, Kenshin," Sano said, draining his second helping of soup. "C'mon, Misao, I'll walk you over there."
Misao looked at Sano, then back at Kenshin and sighed.
"I suppose it's no good to argue, with you both ganging up on me this way," she said wearily, setting aside her half-empty teacup.
"Sessha?" Kenshin said, wearing his most wide-eyed, innocent expression. Misao stuck her tongue out at Kenshin, then yelped in surprise as Sano lifted her off the porch and set her on the ground. She couldn't help wincing as her weight bore down on her tender ankle. Sano's eyes narrowed at Misao's pained expression.
"That's it no more walking for you," he said, sweeping her into his arms.
"Matte, Sano--" Misao protested, blushing as Yahiko started making kissing noises. "Urusai, midget," she growled, shaking her fist at the boy.
"You gonna make me, limpy?" he said, grinning broadly.
"Kono...! Just watch me, you little Sano, put me down! Mou!" Misao pounded ineffectual fists against Sano's chest as both he and Yahiko laughed at her.
"You've had enough exercise this morning, itachi-chan," Sano said, carrying his struggling burden toward the doujou's front gate. "You can think up a good punishment for the brat while Genzai-sensei's checking your ankle." He called back over his shoulder --
"Ja na, Kenshin, Yahi--"
He stopped short as a short young man wearing the familiar gray uniform of the Tokyo police sprinted through the gate, skidding to a halt in front of Sanosuke.
"Yahiko-kun Sanosuke-san!" he panted. "Come quick!"
"What's up, Shinichi?" Yahiko asked, jumping down from the porch.
"They've captured one of those thieves you guys've been looking for," Shinichi said. "But they had to take him to the clinic someone tried to kill him before he could talk he's still alive, but the doctors say he might not be for long."
Sanosuke was out of the gate by the time Shinichi finished his first sentence. "Hold on tight, Misao," he said, tightening his grip on the ninja girl as he raced toward the clinic.
"Oi, Sanosuke! Wait for us!" Yahiko shouted as he and Shinichi sped after Sano and Misao. Kenshin stared after them for a moment, remembering the days when he would have been the first one to rush to the clinic in such a situation. He shook his head, smiling ruefully.
"Yare, yare" he sighed. Things certainly have changed but I suppose it's for the best
He heard a faint calling that sounded like his name. His smile grew brighter. "Coming, Kaoru!" he called back, jogging back toward their room.
Sanosuke set Misao gently on her feet just inside the clinic door. "Can you manage from here?" he asked her. "I'd like to get a look at that guy they brought in for the robberies maybe I'll recognize him or something."
Misao shook her head vigorously. "I'm coming with you," she said firmly. "We're supposed to be partners in this thing, remember?"
"Yeah, but --" Sano began to protest. Misao ignored him as she began walking awkwardly down the hall. Sano rolled his eyes, following her. Stubborn little weasel I suppose that's part of her charm, though
"Misao-chan!" Genzai-sensei stepped out of one of the rooms, wiping his hands on a towel. He eyed her with a fatherly scowl. "Don't tell me you reinjured that ankle," he said sternly.
"Aah... eeto" Misao said, giving an embarrassed little laugh. "It's not injured, exactly just kind of sore"
Genzai-sensei sighed. "Come on in here," he said, motioning toward the room he'd just exited. "I'll take a look at it and wrap it for you again."
"Uh, chotto, sensei can we wait a minute? Sano and I would like to see the thief that was brought in this morning," Misao said.
"I'm afraid that's not possible," Genzai-sensei said. "He's definitely not up to visitors yet. The man was barely alive when the police brought him in this morning... apparently, he was attacked in his prison cell after the police finished questioning him." The old doctor shook his head. "I can't imagine who could have gotten past all that security and still have had time to butcher that prisoner so thoroughly. I know he's a criminal, but I can't help feeling sorry for him..."
Misao and Sano exchanged a look that clearly said... I don't!
"Now come on in here, Misao-chan... let's get you fixed up," Genzai-sensei said. Misao took Sano's arm and hobbled after the doctor.
...............
Megumi slowly removed the kerchief she'd used to keep her hair out of her face during the operation, shaking the long ebony tresses out with a sigh. Not more than a day in Tokyo... and already we're performing major surgery. If I'd known we were arriving in the middle of a major crime wave, I'd have brought more help...
"Megumi-sensei?"
She smiled at Tatsuya's quiet voice. Her assistant had worked with her long enough to know she usually liked to be left alone for a few minutes after surgery. He's too considerate to interrupt me for anything less than urgent... so...
"What is it, Tatsuya-san?" she asked.
"The police would like to speak with you as soon as possible," he said. "Shall I tell them you're indisposed?"
Megumi's eyes narrowed. "Do you remember the name of the officer who made the request?"
Tatsuya nodded. "Inspector Fujita Goro. He was quite adamant about needing to see you... otherwise I wouldn't have disturbed you."
Megumi's nostrils flared in irritation. "I'm sure he was," she said. "Tell the inspector I'll be right with him. Where is he?"
"Watching over our patient," Tatsuya said. "Do you know him, sensei?"
Megumi's cinnamon-brown eyes snapped with anger. "All too well," she said curtly. "I'll be with him as soon as I've changed. Thank you, Tatsuya-san."
Tatsuya bowed wordlessly and exited the room.
...............
Misao flexed her sore leg experimentally. "It's amazing what a few well-wrapped bandages can do," she said. "It doesn't hurt at all anymore. Arigatou, Genzai-sensei!"
The old doctor frowned at her. "Keep on overworking that ankle and a few bandages won't help you next time," he said gruffly, glancing at Sano. "Sanosuke-kun, keep her out of trouble, all right?"
"I'll try, sensei," Sano said with a grin.
"Huh. He's more likely to get me into trouble," Misao said impishly.
Sanosuke gave her a wicked grin that told Misao as plainly as words what kind of trouble he had in mind. Misao swatted his shoulder, glaring at him. "What'd I do?" he protested.
Genzai-sensei smiled at them. "I'd better go check on that bandit," he said. "If you wait a minute, I'll let you know if you can have a quick look at him before you go."
"Arigatou, sensei," Sano said. The doctor nodded and left the room.
Sano turned briefly to Misao, feigning a put-upon expression. "If you're done beating up on me, I think I'll go get some fresh air," he said, heading for the door. "I'll be back in a minute."
"Matte, Sano!"
He looked back at Misao, raising an eyebrow.
Misao reddened slightly. "Don't go yet... there's something I need to say you," she said in a low voice.
Sano assumed a more serious expression. He slid the door shut and walked over to where Misao sat on the examining table, resting his hands lightly on her knees. "Nani?" he asked, his eyes warm.
Misao took a deep breath. "About last night... I wanted to thank you," she said. "Even though it was hard for me... I'm glad I told you about what happened. It made me feel better, somehow."
She placed a hand over one of Sano's as she talked. His chest tightened as he remembered holding her as she cried the night before. "You don't have to thank me... I'm glad it helped you," he said, taking her hand in his and squeezing it. "I just want you to be happy, Misao." He flushed and looked away for a moment. Then his eyes met hers again, dark and determined. "I care about you... so much," he said in a husky whisper.
Misao felt as if her heart had lodged itself somewhere in her throat. Oh, Sano... please don't... I can't... it's too soon... She swallowed, blushing furiously as she wracked her brain for a way to respond to Sano's revelation... until she realized with a start there was only one response she wanted to give.
"It makes me happy to know that," she said softly, her eyes brimming with emotion. "Because I care about you, too."
Her reply sent Sano's heart soaring, filling him with a mixture of joy and relief. "Misao..." he murmured, leaning over and kissing her with a tenderness she found unbearably moving. A few drops of moisture seeped from her eyes and trickled down her cheeks.
"Sumanu... I know you're still hurting," Sano whispered, kissing her tears away, then cupping her face in his hands and pressing his forehead to hers. "I just wanted you to know how I feel. And that I'll be waiting here for you... for as long as it takes."
"Sano..." she said, her voice trailing off as she pulled back slightly and met his earnest, adoring gaze. Will you really wait for me? Should I ask you to?
"Shh... daijoubu. You don't have to say anything," he whispered, silencing her with another, more passionate kiss. Misao felt her heartbeat accelerate as he pulled her gently toward him, his arms loosely encircling her waist. She felt his thighs pressing against her closed knees as they kissed, and instinctively parted them. Obstruction removed, she slid to the edge of the table and pressed her body flush against his. She smiled briefly at Sano's surprised gasp, followed by a low moan as he tightened his arms around her waist, sliding his hands slowly up her back, then down to cup her buttocks, settling her more firmly against his growing arousal. The jolt of pleasure his movement sent through her made her respond without thinking, sliding her hands from his back down to his taut rear, pushing him harder against her. Their kisses grew wild, their thrusting more rapid as they gave themselves over to their bodies, aware only of the growing ache they were building in each other and their need to soothe it.
Finally, Sano broke away and stepped back, his breathing labored. "Misao," he panted. "I... we..."
She smiled shakily, striving to bring her own breathing back under control. "Should stop?" she said.
Sano nodded, not trusting his voice. Misao leaned over and kissed the tip of his nose. "Are you sure?" she murmured, her mouth barely an inch from his own.
Cursing, he claimed those teasing lips once more, nipping her bottom lip in retaliation before pulling away. "Damn you, itachi-chan," he said, flashing a half-smile as he wiped away the sweat beading on his brow. "Now I've gotta take a walk to cool down."
"I'll come with you." Misao climbed down from the table, but Sano shook his head vigorously.
"Iya. That'll defeat the whole purpose," he said, winking at her. "I'll be right back, babe."
"Don't be long," she said, pouting prettily, one hand on her cocked hip. Sano stared at her... and before she could react, he pulled her into his arms again, holding her tightly, whispering raggedly in her ear --
"Gods, Misao... how do you do that?"
"Nani?" she said, her voice muffled against his chest.
He released his grip on her and tipped her chin up for another lingering kiss. "How do you make me want you so much?" he murmured a few moments later as they separated, gazing into each other's eyes.
Misao felt a wave of heat wash over her body in reponse to his words. I could say the same thing to him, she thought, looking away from him in embarrassment as she fully grasped just how out of control they'd been moments before... and how little she'd cared. So much for using good sense and judgment... before she'd finally fallen asleep the night before, she'd been considering asking Sano to give her some space until she could sort out the tangled mess her feelings for him had become in recent days.
But lately... I just look at him and... oh, hell, I'm tired of fighting it. There's no reason to... considering how we feel...
She raised her eyes to his again, giving him a coy smile. "I don't know... but I sure hope I can keep it up," she whispered. She ran her fingertips slowly down his cheek, then gave it a playful slap. "Weren't you going for a walk, tori-atama?" she asked sweetly, reveling in his pole-axed expression.
"Aa," Sano grunted, swiftly heading for the door, praying that by the time he got there his body would be back to normal, and he would be free of the overwhelming urge to lay Misao down on that table and finish what they'd started a few moments ago. Come on, baka-yarou... think about laundry... fishing... drinking tea... safe, boring things...
Sighing, he slid the door open... and nearly tripped over Yahiko. "Where the hell are you going in such hurry, chicken-head?" he said.
"Nowhere in particular," Sano responded irritably. "What the hell are you doing sneaking around here like that? Where's your police buddy?"
"Saitou sent him back to check on that traitor cop... make sure he's still protected," Yahiko said. "I tried to get in to see the guy they caught, but Megumi says no visitors allowed for now, until --"
Sanosuke grabbed Yahiko by the shoulders.
"Who says? You mean... the fox-lady is back already?"
Yahiko pulled away, looking aggravated. "Yeah. She helped stitch the thief up last night," he said. "What's with you anyway? You're acting weirder than normal..."
"Where is she?" Sano asked.
"Back there, arguing with old grasshopper-face over where they should move the prisoner," Yahiko said. "It was pretty boring, so I thought I'd go see Tsubame-chan. Genzai-sensei says she'll be able to go home tomorrow."
"That's great news!" Misao said cheerfully, walking slowly into the hall. "Ne, Sano?"
"Yeah... great," he replied vaguely, staring off into space.
Yahiko shook his head. "What did you do to him, weasel girl? Knock his brain loose or something?"
Misao glared at him. "Don't you have something else to do, Yahiko-chan?" she said emphatically.
"Hai, hai," he said, grinning. "I'll leave you two sweethearts alone. Ja!"
He raced down to the end the hall, bracing himself for one of Misao's kempo kicks... and was disappointed to find she hadn't even attempted to chase him. She was still standing with Sanosuke. Yahiko watched as she took Sano's hand, saying something to him with a worried look on her face. He snapped something back, pulled his hand away and stalked down the hall in the opposite direction from where Yahiko stood. Misao's eyes flashed with hurt anger as she turned and followed Sano, limping slightly.
Yahiko's grin widened. Hah! They really do like each other! Yutarou owes me lunch at the Akabeko... and wait'll I tell Tsubame-chan!
Chuckling, he knocked on Tsubame's door.
...............
"What the hell is the matter with you, Sano?" Misao grabbed Sano's arm and pulled him around to face her.
"I said nothing!" he thundered, his face hard and angry. "Now let me go. I need to take a walk, remember?"
Misao's irritated expression melted into consternation. "You... you're angry with me, aren't you," she said, her lower lip trembling. "Because... because of what happened... what we did."
Her imminent tears snapped Sano out of his frustrated haze. "Oh, no, Misao... no," he said, his voice softening. He gently squeezed her shoulders. "I'm sorry I yelled at you. I'm not mad at you at all."
She sniffled, blinking back her tears. "Then it's all right," she said with a tremulous smile. "Kedo... if it's not me you're upset with, then who...?" It was a rhetorical question. She'd heard Yahiko mention that Megumi was back... she just wanted to hear Sano admit that it was the return of the female doctor that had provoked his anger.
And I want to know why... after all this time... she still has the power to upset you so much. What was she to you, Sano?
As if he'd heard her thoughts, Sano turned his dark eyes from her questioning blue-green gaze, his expression inscrutable. Before he could reply, a low, slightly husky female voice intruded --
"I hate to interrupt... but you're blocking our way. Could you step aside, please?"
Sano jolted as if someone had poked him with something sharp. Misao felt herself blushing, and cursed silently for being so easily intimidated. "Gomen nasai... of course," she said graciously, stepping aside and pulling herself up to her full height as she turned toward the speaker.
Megumi was holding one end of a stretcher, wearing her usual blue doctor's smock. Saitou stood behind her, holding the other end, his usual amused smirk firmly in place. A handsome, slightly built man with light brown hair stood between them, holding the stretcher in the middle in what appeared to be an attempt to keep the bandaged man lying in it as steady as possible.
Megumi barely spared Sano a glance... it was Misao who had captured her attention. Her lovely, unusual cinnamon-colored eyes widened as recognition set in.
"Why... it's Makimachi Misao!" She beamed at the young onmitsu in genuine delight. "Goodness, but you've grown. I almost --"
" '...didn't recognize you.' " Misao finished, laughing. "I've been getting that a lot since I came back to Tokyo. You look well, Megumi-san. How is your brother?"
"Can we postpone this touching reunion until after we've finished moving this ahou?" Saitou cut in impatiently.
Both Misao and Megumi shot him dirty looks, to which he replied with a nasty grin. Sanosuke stepped forward, clearing his throat.
"Why don't you let me take that for you, fox-lady?" he offered gruffly.
Megumi's eyes narrowed as she assessed Sanosuke silently for a moment. "I see you haven't changed much, rooster-head," she drawled. "But your manners are improving. Your assistance isn't necessary, though... the room we're taking this patient to is right next to you."
"Oh! Then allow me," Misao said, sliding the door open.
"Arigatou," Megumi said, puffing a bit as she and Saitou carefully maneuvered the stretcher through the door. The man's face was almost completely obscured by bandages, but Sano studied it intently anyway. He exhaled sharply in exasperation as Saitou disappeared through the doorway.
"Che... can't even see the guy," he said. "What a waste of time. Let's get the hell out of here, Misao."
"Chotto matte," Saitou called. "Before you leave, I need to speak with the weasel girl."
Misao gritted her teeth as she entered the room. "I do have a name... and I'd appreciate it if you started using it, Fujita-san," she hissed.
"As you wish... Makimachi-san," Saitou responded with a mocking smile. He held out a folded piece of paper. "I have a message for you to deliver to your okashira. He's staying at the Midori-ya. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that speed is of the essence." He eyed her wrapped ankle, raising one eyebrow questioningly.
"Don't worry about me," Misao said, taking the piece of paper. "I'll make sure he gets this immediately." She was out of the room like a shot. Sano moved to follow her, but Saitou blocked the door, saying --
"Ahou ga. She doesn't need any distractions right now."
"Teme! Since when do I have to listen to you?" Sano growled, his voice rising.
"Be quiet, both of you," Megumi whispered harshly. "You're disturbing my patient."
The man on the bed was stirring. He moaned, holding one bandaged hand up feebly as if to ward off a blow.
"No... okashira... no," he mumbled weakly, tossing restlessly. "Swear... no... betray... please..."
In an instant, Saitou was crouched beside the bed. "Your okashira... who is he?" he asked in a low voice.
"No... never betray..." the man moaned, his voice rising to a wail. "Please! Don't!"
Saitou snorted and rose to his feet. He turned to face Megumi. The doctor's voice was quiet and deadly calm... but her eyes blazed with fury.
"Fujita-san... I must ask you to leave. Immediately," she said.
"Gladly," he said. "This ahou is in no condition to reveal anything of use to me. My men will be posted as we agreed... and I will return tomorrow to check on his progress." He stalked out of the room without another word.
Tatsuya and Sanosuke began speaking at once --
"Oi, fox-lady --"
"Ano... Megumi-sensei --"
"Are you all right?" they finished in unison.
Megumi didn't answer. She bent over the patient, whispering soothingly to him as his thrashings subsided. He sighed and fell silent once more. Megumi stood up and exhaled sharply, her whole body trembling with anger. "I hate that twisted cop," she whispered fiercely. "He has no conscience... no heart... no feelings whatsoever." She motioned to the two men. "Come... we should leave the patient in peace now. The guard is on his way."
Sano glanced back at the prisoner. Kono yarou... I'll be keeping an eye on you, too.
"Sanosuke!" Megumi's sharp, impatient voice interrupted his reverie.
"Yare, yare... I'm coming, already," he grumbled, exiting the room.
...............
Aoshi's eyes snapped open at the gentle rap on his door. "Come," he said, remaining seated.
A servant slid the door open. "Shinomori-san, you have a visitor," she said, bowing respecfully before stepping aside to reveal a breathless, disheveled Misao.
"Misao," Aoshi said, surprised. He began to rise, but she waved him back down, fighting to catch her breath.
"Dai... joubu," she gasped. "Just... ran here... from... clinic. Message... from... Saitou." She limped into the room, handing Aoshi the folded paper. He skimmed it quickly, his eyes narrowing.
"Did he say anything else?" he asked Misao. She shook her head.
"Just that it had to be delivered fast," she said, still panting. "Doushite?"
Aoshi handed her the message. "Read," he said.
Misao took the note, her mouth dropping open as she read the concise message. Her troubled eyes met Aoshi's as he said quietly --
"It seems Saitou suspects the prisoner at the clinic was the victim of a very specific sword technique. One that few have ever mastered..."
"Kaiten Kenbu Rokuren... the succession technique of Kodachi Nitou Ryuu."
-- End of Chapter 12 --