Part 4
I would be lying if I said he looked like he was glad to see me. On the contrary, he looked terrified. And I didn't know why.
"Have you been doing all right?" I asked, smiling.
Kyo sat up, not looking at me. "What're you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be getting rest before your surgery?"
"What? Can't I visit my cousin every once and a while?"
He snorted. "I didn't ask you to come."
His words stung me, but I ignored it. "Even so, I wanted to see you."
Kyo glared at me. "You see, this is your problem. You think only of yourself. You do things without consulting anyone. Even if they don't want to comply, you still force it on them. When are you gonna learn you can't do that?!"
I was taken aback. I knew that Kyo never liked me, but I had expected a much nicer approach. Especially since I had a life-threatening disease.
"Why are you being so cross with me?" I demanded, feeling hurt.
"Why are you acting all buddy-buddy with me?!" Kyo growled. "Pretending that we're close friends—"
"Why pretend?! We use to be close friends!!"
"That was a long time ago!! Can't you get with reality?!"
"Oh, a fine thing to say to someone with cancer!!" Tears started to fall from my eyes. "Facing reality is one of the hardest things for me to do because I know that I'm dying!!!"
Kyo just stared at me for several long moments, before closing his eyes. "Why are you doing this?"
I blinked. "What?"
"This. Laying this guilt-trip on me like it's my fault you have cancer."
"I'm not laying a guilt-trip on you!! I just wanted to see you!! Is that suddenly a crime?!"
"You are laying a guilt-trip on me!! God, I can't even say anything to you without being reminded about your cancer!!"
"Well it's good that you're talking, since this is the first you've spoken to me since Hatori announced my condition!!!"
We glared at each other. This was not the way I had planned out this meeting. I wanted to make amends with Kyo. But now that we were screaming down each other's throats it was impossible.
"I've had nothing to say." Kyo moved towards the ladder. "Forget it, I'm turning in early. Good luck with your surgery."
"If you don't care about me, Kyo-kun," I said shakily. "Then why did you carry me upstairs when I passed out?"
Kyo froze and turned to look at me. I could tell by the expression on his face that he didn't want me to know about that.
"Because everyone was being stupid," he answered. "Yelling and carrying-on. It was getting on my nerves."
I stood up onto shaking legs steadily, though the roof was on a slope. "Do you really hate me that much? That you can't even manage to be nice to me at a time like this?"
A strange emotion flickered into Kyo's eyes for just a moment, and then those eyes went neutral. "There you go again, trying to—"
He didn't finish his sentence. Whether it was my emotional duress or weakened state, but I lost my footing on the roof. With a shriek my body toppled over, slamming into the stone and quickly sliding down to the edge.
"Kyo-kun!!" I cried, grabbing the edge of the roof just in time. I was dangling just above the front yard. I spared a glance down; silently hoping Shigure's small balcony was beneath me. To my horror I realized it was on the other side of the house.
Kyo had made it over to me and grabbed of my hands. "Hang on!! Shit, why did you have to stand up on a roof?"
Tears stung my eyes again as I got a firm grip on his hands. "I'm sorry—"
"Never mind, just don't let go!!"
I let out a wail at the pain that spread through me. The strain I had felt earlier on my kidney was now causing me full-blown pain. Pain that easily rivaled the pain I had endured on the night I had past out. It hurt so much I couldn't find my focus.
"Pay attention, idiot!!" barked Kyo. "Or do you wanna fall?!"
"M-M-My kidney," I choked out, trying to help Kyo pull me back up while trying even harder to ignore the pain. "I-I-It's hu-rting—"
Panic filled Kyo's eyes. "Shit, this is why you shouldn't have come!!! Hey!!!" he screamed down at the ground. "Get help!!"
The arguing between Haru and Isuzu stopped abruptly. I heard Isuzu scream and Haru say, "I'll get Shigure!!"
"Don't let go!!" Isuzu yelled up to me, but I could hear the panic in her voice.
"Shit," Kyo grunted, managing to pull my upper body up onto the roof. His grip on my hand loosened as my free hand settled on the roof and attempted to push me up.
The pain grew stronger. I gasped at the immensity of it and my free hand lost its position. I slid back off the roof, my chin slamming into the stone tiles. I would have fallen off entirely if Kyo had let go of my hand. Once again I was dangling off the roof with Kyo keeping me from falling. I was feeling dazed from the kidney pains and the blow I suffered when I fell chin-first onto the roof. I knew I was about to fall unconscious.
Kyo could tell too. "Stay awake!! You need to have your surgery in three days!! You need to survive long enough for Hatori to save your life!! Stay awake!!!"
I didn't expect Kyo to give me such comforting words. Especially after the way he had treated me just minutes before.
But I couldn't fight it. Kyo's encouragement and the yells from below from everyone that was in the house didn't help. All I could do was manage a weak smile to Kyo as my eyes slid closed.
You may not show it much, but your concern shows that you do care about me, Kyo-kun. I know I will never be able to have your love, but knowing that you care is enough for me…
---
"I had the best intentions—"
"I don't want to hear it!!! Do you realize what could've happen?!"
The yelling was what woke me up. I felt déjà vu all over again. Once again I was in the guest room of Shigure's house and I heard yelling. But this was different. This yelling felt like it was upstairs and not downstairs. And it sounded like Isuzu and Hatori. This was a shocker because I'd never heard Hatori yell before.
"I expected better judgment from you, Isuzu!!!! Taking someone with a terminal illness away without consulting anyone!!! No one here has any medical experience!!! What if her kidneys collapsed?! I wouldn't have been able to help her since I was not in the vicinity!!!"
"If you'd actually let her get some air instead of keeping her inside—"
"Don't you tell me how to act as a doctor!!! It was for her own personal safety!!! She didn't have any other problems until today!!!"
"Hatori—"
"No, I don't want to hear another word!! If you ever do this again, I swear there will be hell to pay Isuzu!!! And that hell won't come from Akito either!!!!"
"Hatori sounds angry," I muttered to myself.
"I can understand why," said a soft voice next to me. "I mean, Rin-san and you just took off without a word to anyone and you nearly fell off the roof."
Startled, I turned my head and saw Tohru. She wore a worried expression, but she looked relieved to see that I was all right.
"I bet Hatori will come in here to yell at me," I sighed, rubbing my forehead with a weak arm. "I mean, I'm equally to blame for this."
Tohru shook her head. "I doubt Hatori-san will put you under more stress. I think he'll save any lecture until after you've fully recovered."
I sighed again. "When I passed out, did I fall off the roof?"
"No. Kyo-kun was very brave and hung onto you even after he tired. When Hatori arrived he reset up the ladder and Kyo lowered you into his arms."
"Oh."
"Why did you come today, Kagura-chan?" Tohru started trembling. "When we saw you hanging there looking limp, we thought you were…" She let out a shaky sigh. "Hatori-san thought that too. That's why he yelled at Rin-san."
I felt even guiltier seeing Tohru in such a state and knowing the horrible worry I gave Hatori. "I'm so sorry. I didn't come out here with the intention of hurting anyone. It's just that…" Tears started to slide from my eyes down my face. "I wanted to talk to Kyo-kun. I hadn't spoken with him in so long, and I…I just wanted to talk. I mean, we hadn't said a word to one another since Hatori told everyone I had cancer."
Tohru wiped at her wet eyes. "I think Kyo-kun is just in a dilemma. When you left that night, Kyo-kun and Yuki-kun got into an argument about you."
I stared at her. "That's why they were yelling?"
"Yes. When you left the room Yuki-kun said something like, 'What a horrible attitude. Nothing less from the Cat.' He was mad that Kyo-kun was rude to you when you left."
I forced a smile. I never spoke much with Yuki, but I was happy that he had stuck up for me.
The door suddenly opened and someone entered, muttering something like, "That damn Cat's always—"
"Yuki-kun, Kagura-chan's awake!!" said Tohru.
Yuki stopped muttered and gave me a small smile. "Are you all right, Kagura?"
"Yes. Thanks for worrying about me."
"Everyone's worried about you. You should've seen Hatori a few minutes ago—"
"We heard him. He didn't have to yell at Isuzu like that."
"Well, I can see where he's coming from. Hatori may not show it, but he's genuinely concerned for you. The Sohma's had never had a cancer victim so young in the family. He wants to make sure that you pull through this all right. Rin and you running off without speaking with him first isn't exactly an idea he favors. Especially after what happened today."
I winced inwardly. "I'm sorry."
Yuki waved his hand. "I understand why you did it. Even if I was the sickest person in the world, I'd risk it to see the person I loved most."
He was staring at Tohru when he made this statement, but Tohru was either oblivious or ignored it. Knowing Tohru, I'd say it was the former.
"It's not like that," I told him. "I just…wanted to talk to him."
"Well, he's locked himself up in his room acting all broody. He won't talk to anyone and yells whenever anyone tries."
I laughed a little. "I want to thank him for his help."
"Good luck. He's not opening the door for anyone. Not even Hatori."
As if right on cue, Hatori entered the room.
"I see that you're awake," he said calmly. Despite this calmness his face was faintly pale. "Yuki, Tohru, can you excuse us?"
Tohru gave my hand a squeeze before Yuki and her left the room. Hatori walked over to me and sat down. He opened his medical bag.
"Hatori—" I began.
"Have you felt any pains since you woke up?" he interrupted calmly, getting out a stethoscope.
"No." I knew what he was doing. He was avoiding talking about coming here so I wouldn't feel any stress. "Hatori—"
"Take a deep breath." He started checking my breathing, which was a clue for me to be quiet. I did keep quiet as he did a routine check up on me. Judging from his demeanor towards me, I could tell I was better than before. After he was done, I decided to speak again.
"Hatori—"
He put up a hand to silence me. "Stop. I plan on talking to you about this Kagura, just not today. I did talk to Isuzu however and she agreed never to do this again. Can I have you word for it too?"
"Of course," I responded. "I'm sorry—"
"Good. We'll deal with it at a later date. For now, I'm taking you home. Your mother is completely worried."
Guilt consumed me all over again and I couldn't hide it. Hatori of course was able to see it.
"I'm glad to see that you regret this. That'll stop you from pulling this again. Let's go." He made a motion to lift me up.
"I can walk—" I began.
"I'm not risking anything, Kagura. Not after what happened today." He lifted me up easily into his arms. My face turned red as I realized he'd be carrying me throughout the house like this.
"Take care of yourself," said Tohru, forcing a smile.
"Thank you," I said as Hatori carried me towards the stairs. It was then that the door to Kyo's room opened and he stepped out. He froze on the threshold and stared.
I held out a hand to him. "Thank you, Kyo. For saving my life."
He eyed my hand for several long moments before he sighed and took my hand. I squeezed his hand gently and then let go as Hatori continued down the hall and down the stairs. Shigure was waiting for us at the bottom.
"Haru and Rin are already in the car," he told Hatori. "Be sure our princess gets her rest."
"Sorry for the trouble, Shigure," said Hatori.
"No trouble at all, Ha-san. Have a safe drive home."
As we left the house I noticed that it was night. I didn't realize just how long I was unconscious.
"I'm sorry, Hatori," I murmured.
"Kagura, I said—"
"I know that. But I can't help but say it. Isuzu really did bring me here with the best of intentions."
Hatori stopped walking and sighed sadly.
"I know that, Kagura. But as the family doctor…more than that, as your family, I feel responsible for you. It's my mission as a doctor to help people. And if anything were to happen to the people I help…"
He trailed off and recovered himself. "But that's for another day. Right now let's focus on getting you home and into bed."
He started walking again. I leaned my head against his shoulder, grateful for the amount of help he has given me.
I knew we were close to the car when I heard yelling.
"Don't tell me they're arguing again," Hatori muttered, shaking his head. "I should've known this would happen."
As we drew nearer, I heard the yelling more clearly.
"Leave me the hell alone!!" yelled Isuzu.
"What, still running away?!" snarled Black Haru. "Not so tough anymore, are you? So much of a rebel that you have to drag Kagura into it too!!! I bet you got a rush seeing her lifeless body dangling from the roof!!!"
"Fuck you, you bastard!!!! I know what I did was wrong!!! I don't need you trying to lay a guilt trip on me when I already feel like shit!!!"
"That's enough, both of you!!" snapped Hatori. "You will both keep civil tongues or you will walk home. Haru, Isuzu has already been lectured by me. I don't recall giving you the authority to resume it."
Black Haru was gradually fading until Haru was back to normal. He stared at Isuzu awkwardly, who was on the verge of tears.
"Haru, you're riding up front. Isuzu, you're in the back with Kagura. If I hear a peep out of either of you, you're out of the car."
Hatori carried me over to the car. Haru and Isuzu climbed in, each looking disgruntled. Isuzu opened the door for Hatori and he gently put me inside.
I leaned my head against the car door, grateful for the silence in the car. Hatori would someday give me a lecture about tonight. My hope was that I would live long enough for that to happen.
---
Abiding to Hatori's and Mom's wishes, I didn't go anywhere for the remaining days. Mom kept a cold distance from Isuzu, though I insisted that she drop it. I knew she wasn't to drop it anytime soon. Especially since she heard that I dangled unconscious from the roof for almost an hour.
One thing I was pleased about was the family's response to Kyo. They all despised him because he was the Cat. But since he saved my life, they had become more appreciative towards him. Once I heard two family members walk by my window, talking about the unfairness of the Cat having to be locked up. Though it pleased me, I silently prayed that Akito didn't hear such comments. He'd use his power to make Kyo's life even more miserable than it already was.
And it was no doubt miserable. I knew that both Yuki and Kyo loved Tohru deeply. But when they were talking to me, Yuki's feelings towards her were very evident. He was never one for such a direct approach and I could tell he was taking an indirect approach. But I could've sworn, though it could be just wishful thinking on my part, that Tohru somewhat responded to Yuki. In an indirect way, of course.
I don't know, but she seemed much closer to Yuki than Kyo. Of course, this still might be wishful thinking.
Isuzu wasn't having a good time, either. I spoke with her often, but she seemed very glum. The day after the incident, to my shock, she came home with a black and blue mark around her eye. When I asked what happened she grudgingly told me she had another accident. But, judging from the bruises on her knuckles and the fact that Hatori didn't stop by at all that day, it seemed like Akito tried to beat her up and she fought back. Though that put her in better spirits, it didn't help her relationship with Haru any. In fact they seemed even more distant than usual.
Unfortunately, I didn't have time to dwell on the problems of everyone else. I had my own fears to worry about.
The date of my surgery had arrived.
Hatori came to see me during the afternoon the day before my surgery, looking very tired. He told me Akito needed some extra treatment to explain why he hadn't been by, while glaring at Isuzu. I knew then that Isuzu had indeed fought Akito and had won, but I was worried because I knew Akito would get revenge on her.
"Are you all set?" he asked me.
"Got her bag!" said Mom, hoisting a heavy bag over her shoulder.
"When we get there, I'm going to make the marks of the areas where the surgery will take place," Hatori told me. "Don't take a shower after the marks are made. And you better not eat or drink anything after midnight. The surgery will be at 8:30 tomorrow morning. Do you understand?"
I nodded. "I'm ready." I turned to Isuzu. "Are you coming?"
Isuzu shook her head. "I'll keep an eye on the house. But I'll come and see you right after you get out of the surgery."
I felt a lump in my throat. I didn't want to leave her alone like this, especially after the fight she had with Akito. But she assured me she would be all right, leaving me to worry about my surgery again.
"Let's hurry now," said Hatori. Mom and him were already heading to the front door. "We'll need to get you settled in."
I gave Isuzu a warm hug. "Bye."
"Take care of yourself," she told me, hugging me back. She let me go and I turned to follow Hatori and Mom out the door.