Rurouni Kenshin

Eyes on Me

Chapter 12 ~ Aftermath

By: C-Chan

Disclaimer: As I have said before, if I claim Rurouni Kenshin is mine, Watsuki-sama will thwap me with a bokken.  Therefore, RK is not mine in any way, shape or form. *nods*

Warnings: Blood, mentions of violence, and a trip back to the hospital.

Notes: Over 200 reviews…I'm in shock.  I never thought I would be able to write a story that people found so interesting!  I want to thank you all for reviewing!  If it wasn't for you guys, I would have shelved this story after the first chapter!  Arrigatou Gozaimasu!

ONTO THE STORY, MON CAPITAN!

……

            He leaned over and ran the cold water, cupping it in his hands and splashing it on his face.  He was unaware of the door closing or the looming figure standing behind him, slowly reaching for the lock.

            As for the party, no one heard the struggle inside the bathroom over the loud music.

.……

            Kaoru frowned when she returned to the couch, a Sprite in hand.  Looking around, her frown grew.  Where had the red-head disappeared off to?  Taking a sip, she sat down and crossed her legs.  He probably went to the bathroom or something.  She thought.

            But as ten—then fifteen—then twenty minutes passed, worry was definitely what Kaoru was doing.  As she was about to get up and start looking for him, Tae ran up to her, a frightened look on her face.  "Kaoru!"

"Tae, what's wrong?" Kaoru asked, standing up.

"It's you're friend!" Tae explained, grabbing her hand and dragging her to the downstairs bathroom.  Kaoru blinked and allowed herself to be dragged, a knot forming in her stomach.  Did something happen?

            Tae stopped in front of the bathroom where a small crowd was forming, and Kaoru pushed her way through, the knot in her stomach growing.  She stumbled into the bathroom and bit back a scream.

            It was a mess.  The mirror was shattered, its pieces scattered all over the floor.  Two people were standing inside, one complaining about the damage and the other kneeling next to someone—a red-head.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru cried, falling to her knees next to her friend.

            Dull amethyst eyes peered up at her, a dazed look on his face.  The entire left side of his face was bloody, coming from a cut above his eye and two cuts on his cheek.  A hand was wrapped around his ribs, and from his breathing Kaoru they were probably injured.  Trying to compose herself despite the panic running through her, she turned to the boy next to her.  "Did someone call the police?"
"Yeah, they're on their way, same for the medics." The boy answered, then got up to run outside and wait.

            Kaoru moved closer to Kenshin and pushed damp bangs from his face, trying to smile.  "It's going to be okay…" She whispered, bringing his head up to rest on her lap.

            Kenshin nodded slowly before closing his eyes.  His body ached, and he wasn't sure what happened….he remembered a struggle, then…everything went blank.

"Kaoru…" He murmured, trying to focus his eyes on her.  She looked down at him then leaned over, bringing her ear closer.  "Are you okay?"
            Kaoru held back the tears in her eyes and pushed some more hair out of his face.  "You're one to talk, silly…" She whispered; despite her protests, tears began to slip down her cheeks.  A dry chuckle came from his lips and his eyes seemed to focus a bit more.  Sighing softly, he allowed exhaustion to take over his body.

^_^

            The hospital.  It was the one place Kaoru had hoped she wouldn't have to be in... considering the last few weeks.  She raced in right after the EMTs, following them right to the Trauma Room doors.  She stopped there and watched as they worked on Kenshin, attaching an oxygen mask to his face and checking his vitals.  With a shaky sigh she rested against the wall, closing her eyes—until a large hand dropped on her shoulder.

"Kyaaa!" Kaoru screamed, whirling around.

            Startled sapphire met amused chocolate, and Sanosuke chuckled.  "We've gotta stop meeting like this missy."

"Maybe if you didn't sneak up on people!" Kaoru snapped, then turned back to the trauma room, frowning.

            Sanosuke stood behind her and chuckled again.  "You're just too tense."

"I have a reason to be tense." Kaoru huffed, looking over her shoulder at him.

            Sanosuke blinked and peered into the trauma, his expression changing from amused to shock.  "What the hell is he doing back here?!"

"Someone beat him up…" Kaoru sighed, rubbing her temples.  "We went to a party together, and one of the people there found him in the bathroom…"

"Shit," Sanosuke breathed, stepping closer to the doors.  He glared at the still figure on the stretcher for a moment before turning to Kaoru.  "He's tough.  You shouldn't worry about him."

            Kaoru nodded, but that didn't stop the worry from flowing through her body.  With a sigh she leaned against the wall and waited for the doctors to come talk to her.

            He could feel something…light brushing against his forehead.  He closed his eyes tighter, trying to figure out just what it was.  It felt like…fingers….gently brushing the bangs from his face.  The touch felt familiar….

"Kenshin?" A soft voice questioned, the feather-light touch on his forehead stopping.

            Kenshin slowly opened his eyes, wincing slightly at the headache that started pounding.  He blinked the sleep from his eyes and turned to see Kaoru watching him, a smile on her face.  He returned it with a sleepy one of his own as she began brushing the hair from his face again.  "Mmm…what happened?" He mumbled, his voice scratchy.

"You don't remember?" Kaoru questioned, her eyebrows drawing together in confusion.

            Kenshin winced as he tried to sit up, and fell back against the bed, sighing.  His entire body hurt.  "No…"

"You were attacked at the party." Kaoru explained slowly, her hand slowing.  "You were found barely conscious in the bathroom…"

            A flood of memories attacked Kenshin, those of a dark man's reflection in a mirror, the sound of shattered glass, and the coldness of the linoleum floor.  He blinked and looked at Kaoru.  "Who was it?"
            Kaoru frowned, her other hand clenching.  "The police don't know.  He left the party before anyone could find him."

            Kenshin nodded slightly, moving his gaze to the ceiling.  He frowned at the stinging in his cheek, and brought his left hand up weakly to touch it.  Another memory appeared in his mind….

            A silver blade, cutting into his cheek.  Once.  Twice.  The harsh chuckling of the dark man as he leaned over and pulled him up by his hair, gazing into his eyes.  "A calling card of sorts, Himura.  I shall return to finish the job."

            Kenshin shuddered and let his hand drop to the mattress.  A calling card of sorts?  What the heck did that mean?  Sighing, he left these questions for later.  He was suddenly very sleepy…

"Rest Kenshin," Kaoru said as if hearing his thoughts.  She smiled and began brushing the hair away from his face again.

            Kenshin murmured an agreement as his eyes drifted shut, once again allowing his body to fall into darkness.  But it was alright.  Kaoru was here.

Notes: Have no fear, kiddies!  I won't hurt Kenshin TOO much, but I can't say anything about the oncoming angst.  Some people have guessed who it may have been who attacked Kenshin, but well…I'm not telling.  I'm only going to say it isn't some you expect.  Ara, I'm tired now, so I'm going to head off.

Thank you for the reviews!  Over 200!  I'm SO HAPPY!