Chapter Six: Diapers

*Kaoru sat in the doorway to the dojo, half outside, half in, cuddling the tiny baby in her hands. However would she explain to Kenshin that she had suddenly become the caretaker of a baby? She had a feeling that whatever she said would come out very… awkwardly.

"Hey Raccoon!" Yahiko's form appeared through the gates of the dojo. He was smirking and carrying himself proudly.

"Yahiko. Where have you been? Neglecting your chores!"

"Calm down Ugly! You told me to, and I quote, 'freeload off of Sano for the night'. I was only doing what you told me to!" He sniggered. Then he blinked. Coming closer, he took a very good look at what was in Kaoru's arms.

"Is that… a baby?" He asked in wonderment.

"No, it's a cow. Of course it's a baby Little Yahiko."

"Don't call me that!" His face became purple with rage. Then he stopped. "Who was stupid enough to trust you with a baby?"

"Hold your tongue you silly little boy— before I send Kenshin after you!" Kaoru impulsively threatened.

"Aw, Kenshin wouldn't come after me! He'd agree. No one with half a brain would leave you with a baby! Besides, he's too sick to attack a fly, let alone me."

"He's not." Kaoru became a little more serious. "Kenshin's would never let a cold stop him if someone really needed help."

"Kaoru, you've been in the sun too long. Really, whose baby is it?"

"Her name is Namida, that's all you need to know. Now, do me a favor. I need you to go to the clinic and find Doctor Gensai. Ask him what newborn babies can eat when their mother isn't around, and then ask him if he'll find some extra cloth triangles for diapers."

"What! You want me to what? I'm not a babysitter! That's women's work! You do it stupid, ugly, Raccoon."

"Yahiko, I'm not joking around anymore. I want you to go find Doctor Gensai, now!" Kaoru narrowed her eyes, but kept her voice light. The baby that was nestled gently into her chest was beginning to fuss, and Kaoru worried it was because she was raising her voice to yell at her student. "Before she starts to cry Yahiko." Kaoru lowered her voice and continued to rock the baby in her arms.

"You're serious about keeping that wailing, annoying thing huh? Well, I'll go ask Doctor Gensai then." Yahiko shook his head with disgust. A baby in their dojo? Wonderful! Now he'd never get any sleep. It was bad enough that there was always an argument going between either Kaoru and Megumi, or Megumi and Sanosuke; not to mention the forever-awake Kenshin keeping him awake, but now a squealing, squawking baby? Just as he had thought life would settle down. Forgetting his train of thought, he quickly remembered his task and set off at a brisk pace to find the older Doctor for the diapers and advice.

When Kaoru was sure that Yahiko had indeed followed her request, she stood and sighed. How was she going to manage extra work, plus a baby, plus Kenshin, Yahiko, and Sano? Well, she supposed, at least Kenshin and Yahiko would be out from under her feet. And as they left, so would Sano… All she had to worry about were the extra chores for the tax money. Tae would most likely allow her to work in the Akebeko, but what of the child? And would serving for a week be enough to pay the debts on the dojo? Most likely not. Of course, there were always the lessons she taught to her students at their own homes, but that wouldn't quite cover everything either. What was she to do?

"Hey there Missy!" A raspy, male voice whistled through the courtyard on the wind. Kaoru looked up to see Sano making his way towards her on the small beaten walkway that led up to the dojo.

"Hello Sanosuke. What brings you around again? Both Yahiko and Megumi are in town, and Kenshin—"

"Is still sick. Yahiko told me he was worse. I came to see how Kenshin was doing." He paused mid smirk. "Is that a baby?" Kaoru rolled her eyes irritated.

"Yes. Why is it that both you and Yahiko seem to be doubting your vision today? You have wonderful eyesight, I'm sure, so go with your instincts on this one." She snapped.

"Take it easy Missy! I was just surprised to see you with a kid. You're not really the mothering-type, all right? Where'd you get her?"
"Who said I wasn't the 'mothering-type'? I'd love to know why no one thinks I'm capable of taking care of a child. I did just fine with Ayame and Suzumei, didn't I?"

"I'm sure you did. I've just never seen you with children before, that's all. So where did you get her Kaoru?"

"I'm watching her for a friend of mine." Kaoru carefully allowed him to know. Not too much information, just enough to make him think this was a temporary arrangement.

"That's kind of you."

"Weren't you going to check on Kenshin? He's asleep now, but he shouldn't be for much longer. It's always hard to sleep when you're sick. You want to, but your body is so tired that it can't even shut down enough to sleep for long."

"I know what you mean. Last time I was sick I tossed and turned all night."

"Well, as soon as Kenshin wakes up, do you think you could help him into town to Megumi's clinic? He and Yahiko are going to stay there for the next week. At least, I hope Megumi won't mind if they do."

"The Fox mind Kenshin?" Sano snorted. "That woman wouldn't mind Kenshin if he held his sword to her throat and said he was going to slay her." Kaoru smirked at this and frowned at the same time. As amusing as it was, it was also a little too close to home. Megumi truly wouldn't mind… but then, neither would she.

"Good. Well then, I think I'll go and find a place to put this little one to sleep. You're welcome to stay until Kenshin wakes; he's in his room. Yahiko should be back soon too. When he comes in, would you please send him to see me?"

"Sure thing Missy, I'll do that."

"Thank you Sano. Don't break anything." One last warning glance at Sanosuke, and then Kaoru turned her back on him and walked into the dojo.

Moving into her room, she shut the light screen behind her and placed the sleeping baby on her rolled up futon. When she was sure the little girl wouldn't roll off or awaken, she turned around and surveyed her room. Deciding to place the baby's bed somewhere close to her own, she grabbed an extra futon and a few blankets. Creating a small circle on the futon with a blanket, she effectively had created a barrier through which the baby could not roll off of the soft mattress and onto the ground during the night. Laying the tiny girl down in her new bed, she used her second blanket to cover her, and then sat back on her heels to watch the baby sleep.

"Kaoru?" She could hear Sanosuke's voice echoing dimly through the dojo. Checking to make sure Namida was still sleeping, she left the room quietly and went in search of Sano.

"Sano?" She called.

"Oh, there you are Missy." Sanosuke's wild grin lit the room up. "Kenshin is awake now. He wants to see you." Kaoru nodded.

"All right." Walking through the hall, she softly tapped on Kenshin's screen before sliding it open and entering his room. "Kenshin?" She whispered softly. A deep cough answered her call.

"Kaoru." Kenshin rasped. "Sano said you wished him to take me to Megumi now, that you do." She smiled tiredly at him. He was so helpless for a change… it was endearing to her.

"I do. You sound even worse now Kenshin; it'll be good for you to go with Megumi. Yahiko too. Maybe he'll work off some of his extra energy there." Kenshin nodded at Kaoru's words. There was not much else he could do. He felt ten times worse than he had before, and yet he was still awake and wanting to stay with Kaoru to protect her. But what kind of protection would a sick rurouni be able to offer? Not much unless he was at least on the verge of getting well. Kenshin knew Kaoru had a good point, that Megumi could watch him and his health more carefully. But he also had one… who would watch Kaoru?

"Miss Kaoru, I wish you would let me stay, that I do." He coughed, "But I understand why you wish me to leave. I will let Sano help me to Megumi's, that I will."

"Thank you Kenshin." Kaoru blushed. "Thank you for understanding so well." Kenshin nodded, and Kaoru smiled. "Sano?" She called. "Time for you and Kenshin to get moving if you want to get there by dark."

"Right Missy. Come on Kenshin, let's get cracking."

"All right then Sano."

"Please be careful you two. I don't want anything happening to you while you're getting to the clinic, or while you're staying there. And Sano? Try not to let Megumi get to you? Give Kenshin some quiet while he recovers."

"Come on now Missy! You know me." Sano grinned. "Would I give the Fox the pleasure of seeing me mad? Not likely." Kaoru shook her head knowingly.

"Sure Sano."

"Miss Kaoru, please be careful. I will come to check on you as soon as Megumi allows me up, that I will. I do not want to see you hurt, that I do not."

"I know Kenshin, I'll be careful. Thank you. I'll send Yahiko along as soon as he gets back from his errand. Goodbye!" With that, the two men, one supporting the other heavily, began their journey into town.

Kaoru watched them go with a heavy heart. She already missed Kenshin… Still, she knew she could not have him around, especially since she herself did not plan on being around much.

"Hey Ugly, I got your diapers." Yahiko came running into the dojo, a package of white cloth in his hands.

"Good. Why are you in such a hurry?"

"I know Kenshin, Sano, and I are staying in town with Megumi for a week. Sano and Kenshin are waiting for me on the road, so I have to go. You sure you're all right here all alone Raccoon?" Kaoru glared.

"Just fine! What did Doctor Gensai say about feeding the baby?"

"Oh yeah. He said you can feed it anything you eat; it just has to be cooler, softer, and preferably not spicy. He said you'd be best off just feeding her milk if you can get it, or broth."

"Alright then, it looks like I've got everything I need…" Kaoru mussed.

"Good. That means I can go. See you later Ugly!" With that, the little bullet Yahiko shot out of the courtyard and down the path towards the village. As Kaoru watched him go, she sighed. Good. Everyone was taken care of. A screaming, blood-curdling screech pierced the silence, and Kaoru winced. Namida was awake.

Running as quickly as she could into her bedroom, she picked up the crying baby and began to rock her back and forth. Nothing seemed to help. Shushing, rocking, nothing seemed to satisfy the tiny girl from her tears. Finally Kaoru could smell something rancid, and she knew the cause of Namida's uncomfort. Laying the baby down on her bed, Kaoru managed to untie the white dress she had been covered in and take her first look at a diaper. So how did she do this? The white, soiled cloth looked as if it were tied on both sides of the baby's waist…

After much consideration, Kaoru finally pulled the dirty diaper off of Namida and wrapped a clean cloth around her. Messy though it was, at least it was on. The baby had long since gone quiet, probably silently laughing at her, Kaoru thought. After all, she would be laughing at herself if she hadn't had to actually deal with the diaper. How did mothers do it?

Night was closing in quickly, and Kaoru knew she would have to get to sleep soon if she wanted to be up early. She figured she would go fishing early in the morning, and what she did catch, she would sell in the market before she began work at Akebeko. And before Sano, Yahiko, Megumi, or Kenshin would see her. And she would have to bring Namida with her. Who knew how things would go with a child on her hip? All Kaoru could think was that she hoped tomorrow was sunnier than today… she would need the sun to help cheer her up. *