Kyaa Kyaff here!
Disclaimer: The RK cast is not mine!
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" Dialogue
Fragile Balance
Chapter 20: I Need You
Akemi tried to stay calm as Hiko sped up taking so-called 'short cuts' along the way to the cabin. After Soujiro had dropped her off she had frantically told Hiko what was happening. He had immediately stopped what he was doing, and they both went to his car. It was pretty far and Akemi was worried that it would be too late to do anything. She had called 911 telling them that there were possible injuries and where to find them. She didn't care if this caused more of a problem as long as her brother was safe. Katsura could fix anything that might get out of hand.
With the way Hiko was driving the long drive was taking about an hour. Akemi kept wringing her hands together, and occasionally sent a glance at Hiko's passive face knowing that he was deeply worried as well by the tight set of his lips. Looking out the window she felt her stomach drop. An emergency helicopter was overhead, where the cabin would be. She paled as they finally reached their destination and jumped out. An ambulance had stopped by the road unable to go up the rough terrain of the path.
Rushing over to one of them men that was packing back up she grabbed him, "What happened!? Who's hurt? My brother was there!"
"Please calm down, miss."
Hiko came over moving Akemi out of the way and picking him up by his shirt collar, "What happened here?"
The man's eyes widened as he dangled from Hiko's grip.
"Uh…two seriously wounded. The helicopter had to come in because of the location."
"Only two?"
"Yes. A man and a woman."
Hiko's grip tightened causing the man to choke before he dropped him. Akemi felt her chest constrict. Hiko touched Akemi's shoulder reassuringly.
"Come on. Let's go to the hospital."
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Misao tried to form words, but couldn't as he continued to watch her with a steady gaze. She heard the car door shut and saw Aoshi focus behind her.
"Hannya. Beshimi…"
"Okashira," both men said in acknowledgment.
"I no longer hold that title," Aoshi said.
"To us you still do and always will," Hannya replied.
Misao felt out of place. She wanted so much to talk with Aoshi. This was definitely not the reunion she pictured. It wasn't that she hadn't pictured some grand thing either, but at least she had been talking in what she imagined. Saori rolled her eyes as she guessed what her uncle was doing. He was avoiding speaking with Misao. How many times had she heard him let out a soft sigh when he thought no one was around? There were a couple times she caught him staring into space. He even said Misao's name in his sleep. Why were adults so complicated? Taking her uncle's hand she interrupted the conversation, and grabbed Misao's hand.
"Aren't you going to kiss her already?" she asked joining their hands together.
Misao swore Aoshi blushed as he quickly pulled his hand away the same time she did. She knew her face was flaming. Looking down, well not entirely down for the girl was tall for her age, she saw Saori's mischievous smile. Saori stomped the ground slightly.
"At least invite everyone inside! Do I have to do everything?" Saori said pushing Aoshi inside and extending her arm out into a little bow, "Please everyone come inside."
With nothing else to do they followed Saori inside. Taking seats in the living room Aoshi excused himself so he could finish getting dressed. The old woman introduced as Nana went to go get something to drink for everyone.
"How have you been Saori?" Misao asked.
"Good! It's a little boring here. I have nothing to do."
She suddenly jumped up, "Hannya, Beshimi, could I show you something?"
They nodded knowing perfectly well what she was up to.
"I'll come to," Misao added getting up.
Saori pushed her back down, "It's a secret. You can't see. Now stay here."
Misao finally realized what Saori was up to and smiled. Hannya gave her a little wink as he left, Beshimi a thumbs up. Misao flushed slightly before trying to imagine what she would say to Aoshi. She clasped her hands together as she waited. He didn't take long to reenter the room. Much to her disappointment he had a shirt on and had run a comb through his hair. Not that he didn't look just as tempting, but half naked and wet was a little irresistible. He stopped short when he saw only Misao there.
"Where did everyone go?" he asked in a neutral tone.
"Um…Saori wanted to show Hannya and Beshimi something."
Aoshi's eyes narrowed, "I'll go get them."
Misao jumped up as Aoshi passed grabbing his hand in both of hers. He stopped staring straight ahead.
"Can't we talk first?" Misao asked quietly.
"Is there anything to say?"
She squeezed his arm at his words, "There is a lot to say."
"Then say it."
Hurt by his cold words Misao released him and sat down. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out his note. She didn't know what else to say, so she may as well start with this.
Holding the note out to him she spoke, "This note is from you. I want to talk with you. Will you please sit down?"
Glancing at the note he complied sitting on a chair across from her. She went to hand it to him, but he held his hand up.
"I know what it says."
"Did you mean what you wrote in here?" Misao asked searching his face for any sign of emotion.
He shifted before looking at her directly, "The note was a goodbye."
"I know, but did you really think I would let you get away after what you did to me?"
She saw him swallow as a pained expression briefly flitted across his face, "I cannot apologize enough. My days working for Shishio are over. I never…"
Misao shook her head interrupting him, "I don't want your apologies."
"What do you want then?"
Misao closed her eyes willing herself to respond. Taking a deep breath she stood up putting her heart on the line once again in the process. She took a step over to him and leaned over her face level with his. He seemed frozen in place as their eyes locked.
"I just want to be with you. I just want to know that what you said in your letter is true," Misao touched his cheek unable to resist, "Aoshi…do you love me?"
He said nothing for several moments as she waited. She felt as if her heart had stopped in those few seconds of silence. He pulled her hand away as he stood up gently moving her back.
"It doesn't matter anymore. You should return back to Okina, where you will be safe."
He tried to move past her, but she blocked his path.
"Baka! You didn't answer me! It does matter. I need you. Aoshi! I love you. I forgive you! And I came all the way here, because I have to know if you feel the same way!"
Aoshi looked down at her. Reaching a hand up he tenderly wiped away a tear that was trying to escape from her eye.
"Misao, I…" Aoshi started.
A crash was heard outside the window. Both Misao and Aoshi started as they saw a face flash by. Walking over to the window Aoshi looked out and frowned. Opening it up he leaned out.
"Saori. It's time to come inside."
Out of nowhere Nana came back in smiling, carrying a tray of drinks upon hearing Aoshi call Saori, who had gone through the back and told her to wait in the kitchen. Misao quickly scrubbed her eyes and started to smile as if nothing happened. Seconds later Saori came back inside followed by Hannya and Beshimi.
Aoshi went over to Saori, "And what do you think you were doing outside the window?"
"Do you really want me to say?" Saori asked with an innocent expression.
"Yes."
"I was waiting for you to make a move on Misao-chan. Why do you think we all left? If I hadn't fallen down you probably would have kissed her!" Saori declared.
An awkward silence followed until Nana came forward.
"Here I brought everyone something to drink. Why don't you all sit down and talk?"
"I have things to do. I don't have time for this," Aoshi said turning around.
Misao looked away. Saori saw her expression and became very angry. Jumping onto Aoshi's back she began to knuckle his scalp.
"Uncle Aoshi!" Saori held on as Aoshi tried to pry her off, "Just tell her you love her already cause you know you do. Why would you call her name in your sleep otherwise?"
Misao's eyes widened. Beshimi and Hannya had amused expressions on their faces. Nana went back to the kitchen as if nothing had happened. Saori dropped off of Aoshi's back, and as for Aoshi, his face darkened.
"Saori, go to your room," Aoshi said quietly.
"No! Why should I?" Saori's eyes were blazing defiantly, "Misao-chan is my friend! You made her cry. Why are adults so complicated?"
"No. Saori, that's enough. He didn't make me cry. Don't worry about it," Misao sighed, "Let's go. Jiya is probably worried."
She looked at Aoshi's back.
"If you want to continue what you were about to say to me, come visit me. You know where I'll be," Misao turned around placing a hand on the top of Saori's head, "It was nice seeing you again. Don't worry about me."
"Even if Uncle Aoshi doesn't come to visit, I will!"
Misao smiled sadly, "Come on Hannya…Beshimi. Take me home."
Saori watched Misao leave with one last goodbye. She switched her gaze back to her uncle, who was still standing there stiffly. Raising her chin she passed him to go to her room. Stopping at her door she turned to look at his blank face.
"What are you so scared of Uncle Aoshi?"
With that said she stomped into her room and shut the door.
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Megumi put her purse on the table after coming back home. Looking around she went into her bedroom to see Sano sleeping. She half-smiled as she walked over to him. His arms and legs were spread out taking up most of the space on the bed. His mouth was wide open as he snored. Megumi had to stop herself from laughing.
"Charming."
She glanced over at the window remembering Soetsu's words. Frowning she walked over and looked out the window. Closing the blinds she leaned against the wall beside the window. Sano turned over mumbling something before starting to snore again.
"Not marry you…"
Megumi looked down at her finger twisting the engagement ring around absently.
"Maybe he will…I won't tell Sano. It's not like we have plans to marry right away anyway."
Going over to her dresser she pulled out some sleep pants wanting to get comfortable. She didn't have any other plans for today. Slipping out of her pants she pulled the comfortable ones on. Going over to the bed she slipped in trying her best not to wake Sano. Sliding closer she pressed herself against his back wrapping her arms gently around him and kissing his shoulder. He was so warm. She loved him so much.
She laughed softly thinking of the slovenly playboy that she told would never have a chance with her. Now look at her, holding him close, soaking in special moments with him. She felt his hand slide along her arm.
"Megumi…" he asked sleepily.
"I'm right here," she replied.
"What time is it? You're back early," he then started, "Did something happen!?"
As he tried to turn to her she hugged him tight, "Nothing happened. I wasn't feeling too great, and I came home. Everything is fine. Are you feeling better?"
"Don't worry about me."
"I'll take that as a yes," Megumi said moving back.
Sano turned onto his back, "Yeah, I'm fine. Now get over here."
Moving onto his side he pulled her into the circle of his arms resting a hand on the top of her head. She took a deep breath loving how he smelled. Megumi closed her eyes content.
"What am I going to do with you?" Sano asked.
"Hold me."
"Can do," he said hugging her closer.
He held her for a few minutes in silence before she felt him tense up slightly.
"About…" Sano started.
"Can we not talk about it right now?" Megumi asked already knowing what he was going to say.
Sano pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Okay, we'll talk later."
Megumi wouldn't worry about Soetsu for now. It was a problem that wouldn't be present at the moment. She would tell Sano about Soetsu leaving later tonight. She wouldn't mention Soetsu's threat. That would only fire Sano up to go and find the guy with his buddies. Megumi felt a shiver run up her spine.
"Megitsune…?"
"I love you tori-atama."
"Love you too…Hey! What's with the tori-atama?" Sano asked.
Megumi smiled and reached up to muss his hair up, "You're my tori-atama. You have a problem with that."
Sano pinched her hard. Megumi yelped rubbing her butt glaring at Sano. He winked at her.
"No."
"Good," Megumi said before pinching him back.
His eyes widened and then he growled out her name. She gave him an innocent expression.
"That's it! You're going to get it!"
"Sano! Be careful. You don't want to hurt…" Megumi started.
Sano had her pinned down before she could say another word, "As I recall…you are a bit ticklish…hmm…ah yes. Right here!"
"Oh yeah!" Megumi said through her laughter, "Well, you're ticklish right here!"
His face turned red as she continued to laugh.
"Oh now it's on!" Sano declared.
________________One week later________________________________________________
Kaoru felt extremely groggy. As she moved a stabbing pain made her want to cry out. Opening her eyes she tried to focus on something. Blinking a little bit she saw white. Hearing a beeping noise off to her side she saw a monitor.
'Where…?'
Looking around she finally realized she was in the hospital. The door opened catching her attention. A nurse looking down at her chart came in humming softly to herself.
"Let's see how you're doing, Kaoru."
Glancing up Kaoru saw the girl's eyes widen as she realized Kaoru was awake.
"Oh."
"How long have I been out?" Kaoru asked in a hoarse voice.
"A week."
"A week?" Kaoru thought back to what happened.
'What did happen?…Oh god!'
"Kenshin! Where's Kenshin?" Kaoru asked desperately.
Before the nurse could answer the door opened up again. Akemi came walking in with a couple of flowers. She stopped in surprise when she saw Kaoru awake, then looked away for a moment. Kaoru felt dread building up at the expression on Akemi's face.
"Akemi?"
Akemi stopped by the nurse and said a few things to her. The nurse nodded before leaving the room. Akemi came over to Kaoru's bed placing the flowers on the small table beside her.
"How are you doing, Kaoru?" Akemi asked with a forced smile.
"Please tell me Kenshin is alright. Please! I tried to stop him, but I was too late. I didn't realize he was going to stab himself. Akemi, please. He is fine, right?"
Akemi put a hand on Kaoru's shoulder, "Hey, calm down. You'll wear yourself out."
Kaoru felt tears come to her eyes, "Akemi, please. Please tell me…he's alright."
She saw Akemi begin to tremble, her shoulders shaking slightly. She took a couple of breaths, but tears started to slip from her eyes. Kaoru felt a huge weight press down on her. She didn't want to hear what Akemi was going to say. She didn't want to hear it, because it couldn't be true.
"He's not alright," Akemi closed her eyes steeling her expression, "He didn't…make it."
"You're joking, right? He can't be dead. He can't," Kaoru said in a near frantic state.
"Don't do this Kaoru," Akemi said in a defeated tone as more tears slipped down her face.
"I want to see him!" Kaoru said trying to push herself up.
Akemi pushed her carefully back down. Kaoru cried out in pain struggling to sit up again.
"I want to see him! I want to see him! Let go! You're lying! It's not true! You're lying," Kaoru yelled trying feebly to get out of Akemi's hold.
Pain lanced through her body, but she ignored it. Her heart felt like it was being crushed, and she was finding it hard to breath.
"Stop Kaoru! This won't bring him back! You'll worsen your injuries! Stop it!"
"No! Let go! Damn you!" Kaoru shook her head, "He's not dead. I don't believe you! I need to see him. I need to see him! Let go! He's fine. I just want to see his face. Please let go!"
Akemi pulled away from her and smacked her sharply across the face. Kaoru stopped her struggling, touching her stinging cheek. Akemi wiped the tears from her face, as Kaoru lay there stunned.
"Akemi. I don't want to believe you. Please…tell me it's just some sick joke," Kaoru asked in quiet desperation.
Akemi leaned over hugging Kaoru. Kaoru's arms slowly rose to hold onto Akemi. She was still in shock unable to believe Kenshin was dead.
"Gomen nasai. I tried to…stop him. I…really did," Kaoru said in stuttering hiccups.
Akemi gently stroked Kaoru's hair, "Don't blame yourself. Shh…just rest."
Kaoru felt hot tears land on her neck as she hugged the other girl, "Gomen, Akemi. This is my fault. I should have stopped him. I should have realized."
Akemi shook her head pulling back, "Stop. You just rest now. The nurse will be back to take care of you soon."
Kaoru watched Akemi leave the room. Nothing seemed real to her as she looked around. It couldn't be real. She was dreaming. Kaoru wished with all her soul that it was some bad dream, and she would wake up with Kenshin beside her. His red hair would be tangled and cute. He would greet her with a little smile and pull her into his warm embrace telling her it was just a bad dream. None of it was real. Then she could feel his lips against hers before he got up to go make breakfast. She closed her eyes tight, but when she opened them she was greeted by the same white ceiling. The same room mocked her cruelly letting her know that this was reality. She wasn't dreaming, and she was awake. Kenshin was gone. She wouldn't wake up with him smiling beside her.
'Kenshin…'
A hand went up slowly to cover her eyes as a wracking sob shook through her. She tried to stop it, but another followed causing the pain from her wound to increase. She hardly felt it though.
'He's gone. He's not coming back.'
"No," Kaoru pleaded, "Please Kenshin. I need you. Please…I need you here with me. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me it's not real."
The nurse came in ten minutes later to find Kaoru curled into a ball despite her injury softly repeating a name. Tears fell from her unseeing eyes as she begged the person she was calling to hold her. The nurse immediately went over and was alarmed when she saw the widening stain of blood on the front of Kaoru's gown where her injury was. The nurse rushed out of the room to get help.
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Hiya everyone! *Kyaa stops short*
Eek! Oh no! Don't kill me please! If you do you won't be able to read the epilogue. Yes, the epilogue. The story is coming to an end. I will most likely be writing a sequel since Shishio is still amassing power. I'll tell you bout it next chapter! And individual thanks for all of you wonderful reviewers next chapter. So I hope to hear from you again. For now I'll give a quick shout out to all of you!
JML, Rekka's Angel, animecartoons, Ro-chan, Lina, Misanagi, lere, april, marstanuki, chris, Val, MightyMightyMunson, Shopps, Gypsy-chan, Luli451, tiggergirl, Kenta Divina, chibi-ken14, Fabi-chan, Dragowolf, monkeys&me, and Omochi.
Kyaa Kyaff saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
