Chapter 6
A/N:
I just thought I'd update before I went out for the night :)
Some with time to sit back and relax will enjoy this- ahhhhh relaxation… something I don't get too often :(
- But on a happy note I did better than expected on my Japanese tests :) Hooray for Me!
As a treat I went out and got myself a box of Pocky and the Ah My Goddess movie- I luv that movie… Belldandy is to freaking' cute. No one could hate her. Plus the English dub has my favorite voice actor whore! Steven J Blum/David Lucas---- aka Spike's voice! *Kate drooling!!!!!*
Watashi wa fan girl desu yo!
-standard disclaimers apply-
"Speaking of your father- what is his name?" Kaoru asked. She couldn't stand it- she had to know. This polite and seemingly well-educated girl just couldn't be Sanosuke's… could she?
"Daddy." The little girl replied without a second thought.
"Yes, but his real name." Kaoru smiled, while trying to explain.
"It's daddy." The little brown haired child maintained.
"Yes," Kaoru sighed. She also had Sano's stubbornness. "But what do other adults call him?"
"Grandpa use to call him 'sonny' or sometimes other things. I miss my grandpa. But daddy says we'll see him again some day… if I'm really good. I really want to see my mommy. Daddy also said he use to call her his Tenchi, and now she really is an angel."
"Does your father know where you are Nyoko-chan?" A smiling Kenshin asked trying to change topics. With just the facial expressions he knew that subject was an emotionally filled one. Kenshin knew this child was Sano's. And he was happy because it looked like Sano had truly found his place in the world. The two had had many talks about such topics, Sano always felt alone, but now he really did have his very own family, even if some had passed on. And for that the Rurouni was happy that Sano was happy, even without Megumi.
"Oh no! I was supposed to be taking a nap! He's going to be back any minute. I got to go." The girl said with wide eyes and stood up. But not before bowing kindly to the three people who sat looking at her. "Thank you for the dinner, it was delicious."
"Wait, don't worry. Kenji and I will walk you back, that we will." Kenshin said as he handed his wife his empty bowl.
"Yeah!" Kenji smiled and grabbed his new friend's hand. "Dad says to hold hands with someone else when we got out- don't ya dad?"
Kenshin just nodded after a quick kiss with Kaoru and they were off out the gate.
"Don't be away too long- and be careful." Kaoru called as the three left the dojo.
-
"Damn government." Sano grumbled as he headed back to the in. 'Those papers were suppose to be done last week! I knew this would happen and that was the whole point of coming here by land and not by boat. I knew the legal system was slow- but not like this! What a pain in the ass…well at least there wasn't any trouble with my past coming up. That's all I'd need- getting thrown into jail with Nyoko here and everything. Speaking of the little tike, I bet she's as hungry as I am. I haven't been to the Akabeko in years… I wonder what they did to the old place?' Sano thought as he walked up the steps of the inn.
'I did want to keep a low profile around here, but I should go and check up on a few friends. Katsu said the little Missy finally married Kenshin- poor guy's probably still cooking and cleaning for that slave driver. Ya, Nyoko will want to see everyone- she was so excited about the stories of the raccoon girl and monkeys… its settled then- to the dojo for a little family reunion.' He concluded as he slid the door to their room open.
"Nyoko, are you awake kitten?" Sano's deep voice called out quietly as he entered. There was no response. 'The little thing is probably still sleeping- it was a long ride here.' He thought as he quietly slinked over to where he had put his daughter to sleep.
But when he got to the futon he was shocked beyond words.
"Nyoko? Nyoko!?" He called out looking for her. "Where are you- I'm not in the mood for hide and seek today." He said in a stern but gentle voice.
Still nothing. Sanosuke didn't know what to do. This had happened many times before- she had an amazing sense of adventure. 'Just like me.' He mused. But unlike before they were in a different city, a large urban area where who knows what could happen to a small and curious four year old.
"Che…" Sano muttered as he ran out of the inn. Nobody had seen her leave. She had snuck out without so much as a trace. Sano was thrown into a full panic as he met with the large crowds of people on the street.
'How can I find her in this hoard?'
-
"Daddy's going to be mad… we have to hurry." Nyoko said as she and Kenji ran ahead of Kenshin. The two children seemed to get along perfectly. And Kenji was actually opening up. For so long he had preferred to just stay at the dojo and play by himself.
'He has our shyness combined at times.' Kenshin thought to himself.
The streets around the center of town seemed to get busier suddenly. That was probably due to the fact it was now around midday and the markets had an influx of shoppers.
Keeping an ever-watching eye on the two children Kenshin sighed and enjoyed watching the peaceful activities of the town's folk.
"Hey look- there he is!" Nyoko called out pointing at the man dressed in Western style clothing.
At first Kenshin didn't recognize his long time friend who was talking to a shopkeeper across the bust street. But the tallness gave him away. No one Kenshin knew was Sano's height and the brown hair that stuck out of his hat also told Kenshin it was no one else.
"Come on let's see your dad." Kenji smiled as he clutched Nyoko's hand and took off with great speed.
"Daddy!" Nyoko called out as Kenji and she ran into the street.
Neither was really paying attention to the traffic- that would explain why the two tikes did see the horse drawn carriage approaching.
-
Sano thought he heard his daughter's voice as he questioned the shopkeeper. He had gone everywhere looking for her- asking anyone he could.
Turning around he saw the two children laughing and running his way. Their shouts almost drowned out the cry from the carriage driver, but Sano heard his shout and it woke him from his relief.
"Nyoko!" Sano yelled as he saw the fast approaching object. There was no way that thing could stop in time…
Not ever pausing to rethink things over, Sano jumped into action. He had never moved so fast in his life as he ran and grabbed the kids and scooped them up into his arms. Clutching both tiny forms close to his chest he threw himself out of the street and towards the side of an old brick building. Taking the full brunt of the fall on his back, he sheltered the children from harm. They tumbled a while and finally came to a stop after slamming into the wall.
Both children were terrified as they heard the large carriage passed still clinging to their savior.
Kenshin came running up as quickly as he noticed the danger.
The red haired man sighed with relief as he saw the two being saved. Coming closer to the three as they just laid there, Kenshin finally saw the face of his friend.
"Daddy!" Nyoko cried as she clung to his frame. "I'm sorry, Daddy."
"Hush, kitten. It's aright. I'm ok." Sano said comforting the distraught little girl like a pro.
"Jaa Kenshin- I believe this is yours." Sano smiled up at his friend as he motioned to the little version of Kenshin in his arms. Kenshin didn't reply- he was too busy looking at a very different Sagara Sanosuke, and yet there were some things that hadn't changed.
"Is this the way you greet an old friend?" Sano just smiled in his usual cocky tone.
Kenji began to squirm in Sano's arms. "This kid has to be yours he seems to have a thing for trouble, just like you and the little missy, ne?"
"Hai, I mean…. Sano, it's good to see you, that it is." Kenshin said shaking his head blushing a bit as he took Kenji out of Sano's strong arms. "Are you alright? Thank you for saving Kenji."
Sano smiled as he let go of Nyoko and began to stand up. But the smile left his face as he groaned in pain.
"What's wrong Daddy? Are you hurt?" Nyoko cried holding on to his leg.
"I think I popped my shoulder out again." He groaned as he clutched his hurt shoulder.
"We should get you to the clinic, that we should."
"The clinic…" Sano was about to argue that he didn't need or want a doctor, but the sharp pain shooting through his arm told him otherwise. Leaning against the shorter man for support, Sano was led to the clinic.
This place had defiantly changed. It was much bigger than the old clinic he remembered. Sano would have been amazed at the larger rooms, and even places for the injured to spend the night, if he weren't in so much pain.
Kenshin took Sano past the new nurse at the door and into an examination room. Leaving Sano there he went out to fetch the doctor for Sanosuke.
As Sano sat in the room he looked around and wondered about things. Things were sure different now, but he wondered if Megumi was still the doctor here. Dr. Gensai was more than likely retired and left Megumi in charge. Those other nurses looked too young to be the doctors. The memories of the night he left crashed back down on him.
'I shouldn't be here.' He thought, 'even after all these years I still have strong feelings for her… I never had the same kind of feelings for Hikari, plus I have Nyoko now… I can't be thinking about an old crush… get a grip Sano! She's probably married by now anyways- there's nothing between us…' He told himself that but the moment he heard her voice from behind the door things were completely different.
She sounded the same, her beautiful voice still sounded like an angel's song to him. She entered the room looking down at a bunch of charts and a shorter woman at her side.
"Give Mr. Takeshi two of the herbs we crushed up this morning for the fever and I'll be right there to assist in checking him over."
"Yes, Sensei." The girl said as she bowed and went off to do what she was told.
Sano just watched as she continued to scribble on the piece of paper before her.
"What do we have here?" She asked not even looking up. Her voice sounded tired and nearly emotionless.
"I see some things never change, like your bedside manner." Sano said with a big smirk.
'That voice… I know that voice…' Megumi thought as she stopped writing her memo. Looking up her heart stopped. There before her was… was it really him? After all this time???
"Che fox, is that the way to say hi to an old friend?" Sano gave her his usual grin before he knew what was happening Megumi dropped her notes. With tears in her eyes she threw herself into his arms.
"Sano…oh it is you… you came back… I knew you would." She wept as she clung to him. After all these years she had told herself if he ever did come back, she would burry her pride and tell him. She had lied enough to him and her heart…. He was finally back with her.
A/N:
I just thought I'd update before I went out for the night :)
Some with time to sit back and relax will enjoy this- ahhhhh relaxation… something I don't get too often :(
- But on a happy note I did better than expected on my Japanese tests :) Hooray for Me!
As a treat I went out and got myself a box of Pocky and the Ah My Goddess movie- I luv that movie… Belldandy is to freaking' cute. No one could hate her. Plus the English dub has my favorite voice actor whore! Steven J Blum/David Lucas---- aka Spike's voice! *Kate drooling!!!!!*
Watashi wa fan girl desu yo!
-standard disclaimers apply-
"Speaking of your father- what is his name?" Kaoru asked. She couldn't stand it- she had to know. This polite and seemingly well-educated girl just couldn't be Sanosuke's… could she?
"Daddy." The little girl replied without a second thought.
"Yes, but his real name." Kaoru smiled, while trying to explain.
"It's daddy." The little brown haired child maintained.
"Yes," Kaoru sighed. She also had Sano's stubbornness. "But what do other adults call him?"
"Grandpa use to call him 'sonny' or sometimes other things. I miss my grandpa. But daddy says we'll see him again some day… if I'm really good. I really want to see my mommy. Daddy also said he use to call her his Tenchi, and now she really is an angel."
"Does your father know where you are Nyoko-chan?" A smiling Kenshin asked trying to change topics. With just the facial expressions he knew that subject was an emotionally filled one. Kenshin knew this child was Sano's. And he was happy because it looked like Sano had truly found his place in the world. The two had had many talks about such topics, Sano always felt alone, but now he really did have his very own family, even if some had passed on. And for that the Rurouni was happy that Sano was happy, even without Megumi.
"Oh no! I was supposed to be taking a nap! He's going to be back any minute. I got to go." The girl said with wide eyes and stood up. But not before bowing kindly to the three people who sat looking at her. "Thank you for the dinner, it was delicious."
"Wait, don't worry. Kenji and I will walk you back, that we will." Kenshin said as he handed his wife his empty bowl.
"Yeah!" Kenji smiled and grabbed his new friend's hand. "Dad says to hold hands with someone else when we got out- don't ya dad?"
Kenshin just nodded after a quick kiss with Kaoru and they were off out the gate.
"Don't be away too long- and be careful." Kaoru called as the three left the dojo.
-
"Damn government." Sano grumbled as he headed back to the in. 'Those papers were suppose to be done last week! I knew this would happen and that was the whole point of coming here by land and not by boat. I knew the legal system was slow- but not like this! What a pain in the ass…well at least there wasn't any trouble with my past coming up. That's all I'd need- getting thrown into jail with Nyoko here and everything. Speaking of the little tike, I bet she's as hungry as I am. I haven't been to the Akabeko in years… I wonder what they did to the old place?' Sano thought as he walked up the steps of the inn.
'I did want to keep a low profile around here, but I should go and check up on a few friends. Katsu said the little Missy finally married Kenshin- poor guy's probably still cooking and cleaning for that slave driver. Ya, Nyoko will want to see everyone- she was so excited about the stories of the raccoon girl and monkeys… its settled then- to the dojo for a little family reunion.' He concluded as he slid the door to their room open.
"Nyoko, are you awake kitten?" Sano's deep voice called out quietly as he entered. There was no response. 'The little thing is probably still sleeping- it was a long ride here.' He thought as he quietly slinked over to where he had put his daughter to sleep.
But when he got to the futon he was shocked beyond words.
"Nyoko? Nyoko!?" He called out looking for her. "Where are you- I'm not in the mood for hide and seek today." He said in a stern but gentle voice.
Still nothing. Sanosuke didn't know what to do. This had happened many times before- she had an amazing sense of adventure. 'Just like me.' He mused. But unlike before they were in a different city, a large urban area where who knows what could happen to a small and curious four year old.
"Che…" Sano muttered as he ran out of the inn. Nobody had seen her leave. She had snuck out without so much as a trace. Sano was thrown into a full panic as he met with the large crowds of people on the street.
'How can I find her in this hoard?'
-
"Daddy's going to be mad… we have to hurry." Nyoko said as she and Kenji ran ahead of Kenshin. The two children seemed to get along perfectly. And Kenji was actually opening up. For so long he had preferred to just stay at the dojo and play by himself.
'He has our shyness combined at times.' Kenshin thought to himself.
The streets around the center of town seemed to get busier suddenly. That was probably due to the fact it was now around midday and the markets had an influx of shoppers.
Keeping an ever-watching eye on the two children Kenshin sighed and enjoyed watching the peaceful activities of the town's folk.
"Hey look- there he is!" Nyoko called out pointing at the man dressed in Western style clothing.
At first Kenshin didn't recognize his long time friend who was talking to a shopkeeper across the bust street. But the tallness gave him away. No one Kenshin knew was Sano's height and the brown hair that stuck out of his hat also told Kenshin it was no one else.
"Come on let's see your dad." Kenji smiled as he clutched Nyoko's hand and took off with great speed.
"Daddy!" Nyoko called out as Kenji and she ran into the street.
Neither was really paying attention to the traffic- that would explain why the two tikes did see the horse drawn carriage approaching.
-
Sano thought he heard his daughter's voice as he questioned the shopkeeper. He had gone everywhere looking for her- asking anyone he could.
Turning around he saw the two children laughing and running his way. Their shouts almost drowned out the cry from the carriage driver, but Sano heard his shout and it woke him from his relief.
"Nyoko!" Sano yelled as he saw the fast approaching object. There was no way that thing could stop in time…
Not ever pausing to rethink things over, Sano jumped into action. He had never moved so fast in his life as he ran and grabbed the kids and scooped them up into his arms. Clutching both tiny forms close to his chest he threw himself out of the street and towards the side of an old brick building. Taking the full brunt of the fall on his back, he sheltered the children from harm. They tumbled a while and finally came to a stop after slamming into the wall.
Both children were terrified as they heard the large carriage passed still clinging to their savior.
Kenshin came running up as quickly as he noticed the danger.
The red haired man sighed with relief as he saw the two being saved. Coming closer to the three as they just laid there, Kenshin finally saw the face of his friend.
"Daddy!" Nyoko cried as she clung to his frame. "I'm sorry, Daddy."
"Hush, kitten. It's aright. I'm ok." Sano said comforting the distraught little girl like a pro.
"Jaa Kenshin- I believe this is yours." Sano smiled up at his friend as he motioned to the little version of Kenshin in his arms. Kenshin didn't reply- he was too busy looking at a very different Sagara Sanosuke, and yet there were some things that hadn't changed.
"Is this the way you greet an old friend?" Sano just smiled in his usual cocky tone.
Kenji began to squirm in Sano's arms. "This kid has to be yours he seems to have a thing for trouble, just like you and the little missy, ne?"
"Hai, I mean…. Sano, it's good to see you, that it is." Kenshin said shaking his head blushing a bit as he took Kenji out of Sano's strong arms. "Are you alright? Thank you for saving Kenji."
Sano smiled as he let go of Nyoko and began to stand up. But the smile left his face as he groaned in pain.
"What's wrong Daddy? Are you hurt?" Nyoko cried holding on to his leg.
"I think I popped my shoulder out again." He groaned as he clutched his hurt shoulder.
"We should get you to the clinic, that we should."
"The clinic…" Sano was about to argue that he didn't need or want a doctor, but the sharp pain shooting through his arm told him otherwise. Leaning against the shorter man for support, Sano was led to the clinic.
This place had defiantly changed. It was much bigger than the old clinic he remembered. Sano would have been amazed at the larger rooms, and even places for the injured to spend the night, if he weren't in so much pain.
Kenshin took Sano past the new nurse at the door and into an examination room. Leaving Sano there he went out to fetch the doctor for Sanosuke.
As Sano sat in the room he looked around and wondered about things. Things were sure different now, but he wondered if Megumi was still the doctor here. Dr. Gensai was more than likely retired and left Megumi in charge. Those other nurses looked too young to be the doctors. The memories of the night he left crashed back down on him.
'I shouldn't be here.' He thought, 'even after all these years I still have strong feelings for her… I never had the same kind of feelings for Hikari, plus I have Nyoko now… I can't be thinking about an old crush… get a grip Sano! She's probably married by now anyways- there's nothing between us…' He told himself that but the moment he heard her voice from behind the door things were completely different.
She sounded the same, her beautiful voice still sounded like an angel's song to him. She entered the room looking down at a bunch of charts and a shorter woman at her side.
"Give Mr. Takeshi two of the herbs we crushed up this morning for the fever and I'll be right there to assist in checking him over."
"Yes, Sensei." The girl said as she bowed and went off to do what she was told.
Sano just watched as she continued to scribble on the piece of paper before her.
"What do we have here?" She asked not even looking up. Her voice sounded tired and nearly emotionless.
"I see some things never change, like your bedside manner." Sano said with a big smirk.
'That voice… I know that voice…' Megumi thought as she stopped writing her memo. Looking up her heart stopped. There before her was… was it really him? After all this time???
"Che fox, is that the way to say hi to an old friend?" Sano gave her his usual grin before he knew what was happening Megumi dropped her notes. With tears in her eyes she threw herself into his arms.
"Sano…oh it is you… you came back… I knew you would." She wept as she clung to him. After all these years she had told herself if he ever did come back, she would burry her pride and tell him. She had lied enough to him and her heart…. He was finally back with her.