A/N: I did a lil research on amnesia. Movies and soap operas tend to exaggerate and romanticize the whole thing. I almost did the same. =P

Part 19: Inevitable

            "This information will be most helpful. Thank you, Lieutenant."

            "You're welcome."

            "I heard you're going to Washington DC." As they made their way down the hall of the SEAL headquarters, the officer made an opportunity for small talk. "You'll be at the center of everything."

            "True." Aoshi waited as the other officer stopped to watch through the large window several recruits training in the swimming pool. "How is the new group?"

            Commander Bertelli shook his head. "There were too many people dropping like flies. Hell Week does that."

            "Hm." Aoshi was familiar with the physical training required for Navy personnel to become a SEAL. During his time at the academy, while studying for regular classes, he also read up on other fields in the Navy just to gain knowledge.

            "Ever thought of being a SEAL?" Bertelli asked.

            "A long time ago," Aoshi admitted.

            "What stopped the dream?"

            Aoshi paused for a moment. "I found it more interesting to familiarize myself with the enemy without them realizing it..."

           

            Aoshi shifted slightly, feeling himself drift off again…

            "What's happening? Shinomori! What the hell happened to the fleet?!"

            Aoshi ducked as rapid gunfire shot across the deck, shattering the windows of the bridge.

            "The fleet's gone."

            "What?!" The captain grabbed the phone that was ringing over his head. "Bridge! Shit!" He hung up. "Shinomori, what the hell happened?! You and your men were supposed to be monitoring…we've lost all support ships in the last  five minutes!"

            Other crew members were valiantly trying to stay alive, while the XO was issuing commands to various personnel who called in. Any support within five nautical miles was dealing with enemy attack. Once the support ships were gone…in spite of its strong defense system, the aircraft carrier might as well sink.

            His men were still below deck.

            Aoshi woke up, his room in total darkness. He had been…dreaming. His past…before he had come to Pearl Harbor. Those times had been so long ago. Compared to the present time. But to him, they seemed just recently.

            Rolling over, he reached out to turn the light on. As brightness filled the room, his hand stilled, seeing a framed photograph of Megumi Takani at his bedside. Earlier, when he had gone to bed, he'd thought nothing of it.

            Their relationship must really be at a certain level if he had a photograph of her there.

            Had there been anyone else in the past three years? He remembered Renee, the JAG lawyer in Washington DC. Renee and her impatience. And infidelity.

            What was his relationship like now? A part of him still refused to believe that what Okina said was true. He just couldn't see himself…and yet…something serious must have happened for him to change his perception about her.

            He got up and made his way to the kitchen, surprised to find Okina watching television in the den.

            "What are you doing awake?" Okina asked.

            "I could ask you the same thing."

            "Can't sleep."

            Aoshi settled on the couch while Okina stayed in the recliner, clearly in no mood to move. The infomercial had to deal with exercise machines giving fast results to the user. He and Okina watched in silence.

            When the contact information came up, Okina glanced at him.

            "Are you going to be all right?"

            Aoshi looked up.

            "I have to be at work on Monday," Okina announced. He grimaced. "One of our team's cover was blown…we have to start over again…"

            "I'll be fine."

            "Have you remembered anything?"

            "Some things. But they're unclear."

            "At least you're progressing. Maybe you should start doing some of the things you normally do. It might help you remember…" Okina mused.

            "Such as?"

            "You and Misao surf a lot now from what I heard." Okina stroked his beard thoughtfully. "You and Megumi go dancing at Aloha Tower once a month. You have a daily exercise routine that starts at five in the morning. Which I still don't understand-"

            "Comes with years of training," Aoshi responded.

            "True. I gave up on intense workouts long ago…when I became more necessary at headquarters than out on the field…" Okina sighed. "I talked to Misao. She's worried about you, but she'll manage."

            "We'll be fine," Aoshi responded. "You have a job to do Monday, and you can't delay staying here any longer..."

~

            "Here you go, Mom." Lynne held out a cup of tea for her mother, who accepted it graciously.

            "Thank you…"

            They were outside in the reception area of the waiting room while the doctor did an evaluation of Sanosuke's condition.

            "How you feeling?" Lynne asked.

            "Okay, I suppose," Naname answered honestly. Her brown eyes had a tired look. "You?"

            "I'll feel better when Sano wakes up," Lynne admitted.

            "Excuse me." From a short distance, a blonde woman came to the reception desk, apparently looking for someone. "Could you please direct me to Sanosuke Sagara's room?"

            Lynne and Naname both pushed themselves off the wall they were leaning against. Once the woman got the information she needed, she began to walk in their direction, an elder Japanese man beside her.

            "Kaishou Higashidani," Naname spoke up, her voice neutral.

            Lynne looked at her mother, at the barely controlled bitterness and rage that reflected in her eyes. And she saw the recognition in the old man's.

            "Naname." He blinked. "It…It has been a long time."

            The blonde woman immediately looked back and forth between the two.

            "How could you?" Naname whispered.

            His eyes flashed. "Don't look at me as if I'm the one entirely responsible for your son's disappearance. You should be asking your father, who-"

            "He's dead," Naname retorted.

            Kaishou shook his head. "Shame. Your father-"

            "Everyone, please," the blonde woman interrupted, waving one hand. At everyone's silence, she turned to Naname. "You must be Sanosuke's mother. I'm Sharon…Higashidani."

            At her mother's nod, Lynne stepped forward. She could understand her mother's reservations. This was the wife of the first man she loved…and lost. "I'm Lynne Roberts, her daughter."

            "Nice to meet you." Sharon immediately looked relieved. She glanced at Naname nervously.

            Naname excused herself and walked away.

~

            Of all the things to happen. She couldn't believe he would come to the hospital. He made his feelings clear about his grandson a long time ago. He didn't even know his grandson!

            And she didn't even know her son. Naname sighed. She had found a quiet area of the hospital to sit and wait for the doctor to finish his exam.

            "May I sit?"

            Naname looked up to see Sharon standing several feet away.

            "Help yourself."

            "Thank you." Sharon settled across from her, sitting quietly for several moments.

            Naname wasn't sure what to think about her. She was happy with her husband, she loved him very much, but she still…old wounds seemed to appear when she thought of the first man she had thought she would spend her life with. What had his marriage been like? Did Sharon ever know about Sanosuke? How long?

            "Kashishimoemon…passed away, didn't he?" she found herself asking.

            Sharon nodded. "About a year ago."

            "How long…have…you…known about Sanosuke?"

            "Over a week, I think."

            "So you just found out…" That was a relief. Somewhat of one.

            "Naname…Dad told me what happened. I'm not…proud of what he's done. He…realizes his own mistake-"

            "It didn't seem that way to me," Naname cut in, narrowing her eyes.

            "He's lived a long time with that secret."

            "He took my son away from me," Naname said quietly, keeping her voice steady. "A son I never thought I'd see again. A son I just learned I had barely a week ago. I never even had the chance to speak with him."

            Sharon smiled wistfully. "At least you could speak with him, if given the opportunity. He wanted nothing to do with us."

            "What?"

            The other woman looked away. "Not too long ago…he went to visit Kashishimoemon's grave…Dad and I found him there…Sanosuke was angry. Mostly at Dad. It seems that he wants nothing to do with him. Sanosuke found out the truth about what he did…probably from that intelligence officer who came to ask Dad questions."

            "The intelligence officer…that must be Megumi's fiance-"

            Sharon's eyes widened. "Megumi Takani?"

            "You know her?"

            "She…called late last night, telling me all about Sanosuke. Dad and I were able to drive down here, so I made arrangements to stay in a hotel close to Pearl Harbor."

            If Megumi was the close confidante to Sanosuke that Lynne thought she was…then Megumi had made the arrangement for Sharon and Kaishou to arrive. Why? For Sanosuke's sake? Why would she do that?

            Perhaps because your son would have wanted it. He had gone on for so long without a family. Perhaps this was one way to give him what he wanted most.

            "He looks…just like him," Sharon said softly. "The resemblance…"

            Naname bit her lip. "I know." Guilt washed over her. Sanosuke had been asking about her. And she never gave him the chance. Would meeting him have been so bad? Being afraid of disappointment seemed so silly now…

            She had taken years to recover after Sanosuke had been taken away from her. She'd lost something so precious to her…that any opportunity to get him back... She had been so terribly hurt by all that had happened, she was afraid that if she got him back, something would happen to take him away. But she never had the chance to even speak to him. Naname wrapped her arms around her middle. Although she had never known her son, she had probably loved him all the same. Wherever he was. Even when she found someone new and started a family with him. Was it possible to love a child all their life even after being denied their existence? 

~

            "This sucks," Misao muttered.

            "I know…" Okina said wistfully.

            Around them at Honolulu Airport, cars came and went at the departure area. Aoshi unloaded the car, setting Okina's bag onto the curb.

            "I hate seeing you go," Misao admitted.

            "You know the routine, little one," Okina sighed. "I come back in June, then again in December."

            "I know," Misao grumbled. "I still hate it."

            Misao quickly wrapped her arms around the old man's waist. He hugged her tightly, and Aoshi thought he saw sadness in the old man's eyes as well.

            "I'll miss you…"

            "I'll miss you, too." Okina placed a kiss on the top of her head before pulling back. "You take care of your dad, all right? He may not admit it, but he does need someone to look after him."

            She gave him a tearful smile before glancing at Aoshi and back again. "I will."

            Okina released her, giving Aoshi a rueful smile.

            "Good luck," Okina said, giving Aoshi a pat on the shoulder. "If you need anything, call me."

            "I will," Aoshi promised.

            "You take care, all right?"

            "We'll see you again in June," Aoshi responded, nodding.

            Goodbyes were difficult on their family. They had said too many. Okina, especially. To Misao's parents, grandfather…his own parents…

            Okina would be due for retirement in another two years. At most. But that was a long time. As for himself…Aoshi frowned internally. As long as he couldn't remember anything, he wasn't really an asset to his current division. If only-

            "Don't push yourself," Okina told him.

            He looked up sharply. "I-"

            "I know you." Okina grinned. "Remember patience."

            Aoshi nodded slowly. "Thank you."

            "I'll call you when I'm back in Spain." Okina grabbed his bag and began walking to the terminal.

            Misao bit her lip, her eyes following their former guardian. Slowly, Aoshi placed an arm around her slim shoulders in a comforting gesture. She looked up at him in brief surprise before leaning towards him.

            They waited until he disappeared inside the terminal before entering the car and heading back home.

            "What time is Rex supposed to pick you up?" Aoshi asked once they got on the freeway.

            "Ten. I won't be gone too long," Misao assured him. "Thanks for letting me go out with him today."

            "Just because I've forgotten the last three years doesn't mean time has to stop for everyone," Aoshi responded. At Misao's pained expression, he winced just slightly. Ever since his return from the hospital, he felt as if she was avoiding him. She was still her enthusiastic, friendly self…but she seemed distant. Slightly. He thought of taking back his comment, but decided not to. What was said was said.

            When they got home, the phone rang. Misao immediately moved to answer it.

            "Hello?" Her eyes widened. "Um…well…Rex and I are going surfing. Aoshi? Yeah…um…hold on." Misao held out the phone towards him. "It's Megs."

            Megumi Takani. In so many ways, she seemed like a stranger, but judging by the photographs and the conversations he had with Okina and Misao…

            Aoshi grasped the phone. "Hello."

            "Hi," she responded immediately. "I was asking Misao what her plans were today. If it was all right, I'd like to come over and make lunch." Pause. "I…I realize that seems awkward…but…" Silence.

            Just the two of them, then? He swallowed. He wasn't quite sure why…but the sound of her voice…it…he enjoyed hearing it.

            "That's fine." He might as well be around people that were familiar with him, right? That might help his memory.

            "…Okay. I…I'll be there around eleven-thirty."

            Aoshi hung up, only to catch Misao looking at him curiously.

            "She's…coming over for lunch today."

            Misao's eyes rounded. "Are…Are you sure? I mean…I think it's cool…but…is that cool with you?"

            "I think so." Honestly, he didn't know what to think.

~

            "How's he doing?" Sharon asked, looking up from her seat.

            "No change," Naname responded when she joined the other woman in the waiting room. "Where…is your father-in-law?"

            "He's in the chapel." Sharon shook her head. "He has a lot to make up for and he knows it."

            They had been waiting for what seemed like hours.

            "I'm really sorry," Sharon spoke up softly. "You've been through a lot…and…I…I'm sorry…I don't know what else to say…"

            "It's all right," Naname assured. "Did…you two have children?"

            Sharon nodded. "Two. Twins. One's a Navy pilot stationed in California…the other a Navy SEAL. I…hardly see either of them…"

            "Why is that?"

            "They left home when they were eighteen," Sharon answered sadly. "They wanted to go out and explore the world. We aren't as close as you and your daughter…"

            "I'm sorry to hear that."  

            "It's fine. They signed their life to serve their country, so that's something I've accepted long ago," Sharon said. "Even when Kashishimoemon was alive…he had been serving his country as well…" She suddenly smiled. "Kashishimoemon had such a dynamic personality. He had one of the most challenging jobs in the world, but he enjoyed life…he was such a kid at heart. That's why I loved him so…" Her expression fell. "I…I'm sorry…"

            Naname shook her head and smiled ruefully. "No, no. I loved him for the same reason."

           Sharon swallowed. "He loved you. I think all this time…he did." At Naname's surprised look, she cleared her throat. "I always felt that there was a part of him I could never reach. He was happy with me, but…I always felt that there was something missing…"

            Naname shook her head. "He wouldn't have married you if he didn't love you. He wasn't that type of person."

            Sharon smiled tearfully. "Thank you." She sniffed slightly, immediately reaching for a tissue. "Are…you married?"            

            "Yes. Derrick's wonderful. He came back home a few days ago. He would have come with me, but the manor in Kona…"

            "Manor?"

            "The Cynthia Matthews Manor. It's for women who've lost their children," Naname explained. She cleared her throat. "I went there…after Sanosuke disappeared. They did so much for me…when the owner was diagnosed with cancer years ago, I asked her if I could take over…to help women like she helped me. Anyway…Derrick, my sister Miya, Lynne, and myself had been taking care of it ever since."

            "That's wonderful."    

            Suddenly, Lynne rushed inside. "Mom. Sano's awake."

            Immediately, Sharon and Naname got to their feet.

            "Wait," Lynne said, holding up a hand. "The doctor is looking at him now. He'll be done in a few minutes…"

~

            Aoshi had just turned off the water to his shower when the doorbell went off. He glanced at his watch by the sink.

            Eleven-twenty.

            She was early.

            He quickly threw on a robe when the doorbell went off again.

            When he opened the door, Megumi turned at the sound. Earlier when he had seen her…his initial reaction had been fairly unpleasant. He could see how hurt she had been at his attitude. Now…he had the time to actually analyze what literally seeing her was like. He was confused. A part of him felt uncertain, wary…but there was something deep inside of him…that was glad to see her. The part of his brain that couldn't remember the last three years obviously wasn't connected to the emotional side of his brain. If Okina and Misao were right…and as photographs had clearly indicated…he did have strong feelings for this woman. They were currently battling with the only memories he had of her.

            She moved the brown sunglasses covering her eyes to the top of her head, smoothing long, windblown hair that fell down her back, greeting him with a tentative smile.

            "Hi."

          She looked beautiful. How often had he ever thought that? Had he ever thought that prior to getting involved with her? Yes. Although he probably would have never admitted it back then. And he had no plans on telling her now. He wasn't that forward. And he wasn't ready to give that information. Her outfit was simple, a black sarong with colorful flowers nearly covering the dark background of the fabric, knotted above her breasts, the hem falling just above her knees. It fell gently around the curves of her body. White sandals cased her delicate feet, and a white purse slung over one bare shoulder while two plastic grocery bags were in her other hand.

            Apparently, she had caught him staring, so she cleared her throat. "Can I…come in?"

            He blinked. "Of course." He stepped back, allowing her to enter. He immediately reached for the grocery bags to assist her.

            As he closed the door behind her, she slipped off her sandals.

            "I need to change…but…you can start now if you'd like…" He set the bags on the counter.

            "Thanks."

            Aoshi immediately headed to his bedroom to change into some clothes. He pulled out the first thing that he saw in his closet – blue jeans and a white short-sleeved button down shirt.

            "I can't believe…he…he was the one…" Megumi shook her head.

            "He had everyone fooled," Aoshi stated.

            "Did…Did he say why?"

            "He needed the money."

            Megumi stared at him. "For what?"

            "Student loans."

            "That…that's awful…that he felt he had no other choice but to…do that."

            Aoshi studied her. "I'm ordered to escort you to NIS headquarters for questioning. They want a statement from you, given the fact that you worked closely together…you might be able to provide some additional information on him."

            Her eyes hardened. "You're never going to leave me alone, are you, Commander?"

            "Not until this is finally over. It's procedure, Dr. Takani."

            "Fine…"

            She hadn't been the one? Obviously not, since she wasn't in jail and he was now involved with her. At least, according to the present time…not in his mind.

            Even if she wasn't the one responsible, it doesn't change the fact that we obviously haven't been able to get along. Or is that because of work? If she hadn't been a suspect…would things have been different?

            Maybe…he would have been a little more accepting of their relationship. But still…

~

            Sanosuke watched as the doctor left. He had been asked multiple questions and even though he had just gotten out of…whatever he was in, he was tired.

            "You can see him now," the doctor's voice stated.

            Sanosuke sat up straight. Him? Someone was here to see him?

            "Sanosuke?" Lynne came to stand at the foot of the bed.

            "Lynne…what…?" He stopped at the sight of two other visitors. One, he recognized who answered the door to the manor, his aunt.

            Lynne came forward, giving him a hug. "I'm so glad you're awake…The doctors didn't know how long you'd be…"

            He patted her back reassuringly. "I'm fine. It's good to see you…"

            Lynne turned to an Asian woman that Sanosuke didn't recognize. But he knew who she was. Her eyes were moist, filled with so many emotions.

            "Mom…this is Sano..."

            Naname released a breath.

            Sanosuke's chest tightened and expanded at the sight of her. She was here. He finally was able to see her. He wasn't sure whether to cry, cheer, or shout.

            "Mom." He tried out the word. It felt nice. Then he grinned. "I never thought I'd say that…"

            She laughed through her tears. "I…I never thought I'd hear it from you…" She took a deep breath. "I…I'm sorry I wasn't here for you earlier…"  

            "Excuse me…" another female voice entered.

            Sanosuke looked up, surprised to Sharon and his grandfather.

            She smiled at him in greeting. "It's good to know that you woke so quickly."

            "He's determined," Kaishou said gruffly.

            "I just wanted to stop in quickly." Sharon grasped her father-in-law's arm. "Why don't we give Sanosuke and Naname some time alone?"

            "Wait," Kaishou said.

            Sanosuke narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

            "Spending time…in the chapel there…" Kaishou admitted, then shrugged. "When you have time to think…you just…" He coughed. "Anyway. Like Sharon told you…you're always welcome to our home, Sanosuke. You can even bring your mom, your sister, and aunt, if you'd like."

            Sanosuke's jaw dropped while everyone looked at him in surprise.

            Kaishou looked away. "After Senichi and I…did…what we did…my son was never really the same after that. We were both foolish for thinking that we knew what was best for our children. It was wrong…" He glanced at Naname. "My son…cared very much for you. Twenty-seven years is a long time to live with regrets. I should have never…" He took a breath. "I'm not asking for forgiveness, because I don't deserve it. But I do realize that what I did…"

            "It's all right," Naname spoke up. Everyone turned to face her. "I will be honest and say that I will never forget what you…and my father did. But what matters now is that I have my son. And if he wishes to see you…I won't stop him."

            Everyone turned to Sanosuke.

            He cleared his throat. What did he want? His mother and sister, who obviously were ready to be a family? His stepmother, who had so generously accepted him, even though how difficult it must have been to know that her husband had loved another? And could he ever, truly, trust his grandfather?

            "I…I'm going to need time," he answered slowly. "But…I don't…want any more lies…no more…lying. Period."

~

            "So how's everything going?" Misao asked at dessert Tuesday afternoon.

            "Sanosuke should be checking out of the hospital soon," Kaoru said over her banana split. "Kenshin and I saw him this morning."

            "How's his family?" Megumi asked.

            "His mom hasn't left his side."

            Megumi sat back, smiling in relief. "That's good to know."

            "And it sounds like Sanosuke's willing to give his grandfather a chance," Kaoru added.

            "That's real nice of him," Misao piped up.

            "Yeah. He should be heading off to Virginia in a couple days."

            Megumi smiled wistfully. "I'm really going to miss him…"

            Kaoru set down her spoon, studying her friend. "He's been asking about you. Lynne told me he asked a couple times."

            Megumi bit her lip. "I thought I'd give him time with his family…"

            Kaoru smiled at that. "Yeah. He knows."

            Megumi's brown eyes widened. "He does?"

            "Yeah. But he's still wondering why you stayed away."

            "I'd like to see him before he goes," Megumi spoke up.

            "I'm going to pick him up from the hospital tomorrow. He leaves for Virginia this weekend. But he's going to be spending time with his mom before he leaves."

            "It's probably for the best."

            Kaoru placed a hand on Megumi's arm. "He wants to see you. I think he's saving his last day for you. From the moment he checks out until then…he's going to be with his mom."

            Megumi shifted. "Why the special treatment? He really should spend time with his mother."

            "Because-"

            "And don't give me that Sanosuke cheerleader routine, Kaoru," Megumi warned, her eyes flashing.

            "Thank you! Oh, thank you, someone for saying it!" Misao crowed.

            "What is this, a double team?" Kaoru demanded, grinning. She crossed her arms. "If you must know, Megumi, there are things called friendship in this world-"

            "All right, all right."

            "How's Aoshi?" Kaoru asked.

            "The same." Misao glanced at Megumi. "He's remembering a lot more now. He remembers up until the point when he first started working with Lieutenant Williams…which was months after the hospital mess. That's a lot to remember for the past three years. I'd say give him a week, and he'll remember everything."

            "That's great." Kaoru smiled. "So next weekend why don't we have brunch to celebrate?" Kaoru asked. "I found a place that serves crème brulee French toast…"

            "Oooh…" Misao's eyes glazed over.

            Megumi took a sip of her water. "I'll be in San Diego."

            The two looked at her. "For what?" Misao demanded.

            Megumi cleared his throat. "The Navy started this program with their civilian physicians…they basically go around to various Navy hospitals around the world and work there for a few weeks with other physicians and attend conferences."

            "Weeks?" Misao echoed. "When…when did you-?"

            "I…told you two about this back in November..." Megumi reminded.

            "But that doesn't mean we'll remember it now!" Misao exclaimed. Then she pulled out her planner from her small backpack, flipping through the pages. "I mean…oh. Crap. I did write it down. 'Megs attending conference in San Diego…'"

            "I completely forgot..." Kaoru cringed.

            "How many weeks?" Misao asked. "I have you down here coming back the tenth of February…But…by the time you come back…" 

            "I can't believe your conference came so soon," Kaoru exclaimed, shaking her head. "And Kenshin and I already bought the house. We're supposed to move in three weeks and you won't be there to see it!"

            "I'm really sorry…" Megumi felt bad enough as it was.

A/N: Am tired. Just a lil further. I apologize if it seems like I'm rushing. I would like to give everyone their happy ending…and possibly polish later on. Much later on.

BTW, I must have been in a STRANGE mood when I did this fanart…Yes, Sano has short hair due to regulations, it's AU, which can take away some distinguishing characteristics…but this is for you enthusiastic Sano/Meg fans. (For the few that DO read this among the A/Meg shippers…) www (dot) geocities (dot) com (slash) cheriescorner (slash) Gallery (slash) images (slash) smbeach (dot) jpg