Saddened Past, Loving Future Chapter Three
Kenshin slowly opened his eyes the following morning and looked around. It was early dawn and small bits of sunlight pierced into his room. He looked around, taking in his surroundings. A small headache stopped him from letting his eyes wander but he took his attention to the sleeping Sanosuke. He blinked a couple of times and then took his attention to Sano's hand ontop of his own.
"ORO?" yelped Kenshin with a blush as he set up in bed. Sanosuke stirred before opening his eyes and letting out a yawn. Seeing Kenshin was awake, he face turned a bright crimson.
They both stared at each other before Kenshin broke the silence. "Ohayou, Sano. What happened? All I can remember is carring the tofu for Kaoru-san and then bumping into you. Then everything went black, that it did."
"You collapsed and worried me half to death! You had a high fever when I got you inside the dogo," exclaimed Sano, the blush that was on his face has disappeared.
"Oh, I did. Well I am sorry for worring you and everyone else, that I do. I feel a little better except for a headache but I need to get the chores done," said Kenshin as he tried to get up but Sano grabbed him by the shoulders and set him back down.
"Megumi-san and Ginsai-san said you are exhausted and stressed. They say you need to get some rest for a couple of days before you get back on your feet," said Sano in a gentle voice. He could tell that the rurouni's eyes now showed signs of disappointment and regret. Sano frowned, wondering what the rurouni was stressed about. "Kenshin? Is there something bothering you?"
Kenshin looked up at him, his eyes a little shocked but still showing signs of regret. Sano could tell that Kenshin was surprised at the question. Kenshin then took his attention to his futon, and let out a sigh. "Iie, Sano, there is nothing bothering me." Sano could tell by the tone in Kenshin's voice it was a lie.
"Don't give me that. I know something is wrong. It isn't like you to collapse and get a high fever for no apparent reason. You are worring me Kenshin and not telling me what is wrong makes it worse," said Sano in a sad voice. Kenshin then looked at Sano, his violet eyes wandering around Sano's face. "Please, Kenshin, tell me what is bothering you. I heard you say that you were sorry about something in your sleep."
Kenshin's eyes widened as he started to recall his dream. The crimson, his scar bleeding, Tomoe dying, it was all coming back, rewinding and fastforwarding. Kenshin turned away from Sano, tears starting to form. Sano, sensing what Kenshin was about to do, put him in a tight embrace. Kenshin was shocked at this, put allowed him to.
"Gomen na sai, I didn't know that it would make you sad to answer my question. But it is okay to cry, I am here for you Kenshin, I just hope you know that," said Sano as he stroked the rurouni's soft hair. An image of Tomoe dying flashed through Kenshin's mind which let the tears escape. Putting his head on Sano's shoulder, he let out a small cry, clinging to Sano's jacket. Sano rubbed Kenshin's back as the rurouni cried and rested his head ontop of Kenshin's.
"Kenshin...I...," started Sano but was stopped by the sound of footsteps coming out of Kaoru's room. Kenshin's crying had stopped and he had lifted his head, quickly wiping away the tears. Immediatly, Sano helped Kenshin tuck himself back into the futon and rested his head gently on the pillow. Sano strocked Kenshin's cheek gently before Kaoru entered the room, Yahiko at her side.
"Kenshin! I am so glad to see you are awake," said Kaoru happily as she rushed quickly over to his side.
Kenshin gave her a weak smile. "I am fine, that I am Kaoru-san." She gave him a warm smile, and he returned it. Sano could feel a sense of jealousy but didn't show it.
"Hey, Ugly, let him sleep. Remember Ginsai-san said that Kenshin needs his rest," said Yahiko with a yawn.
"I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME UGLY," yelled Kaoru angreily.
"I just did, Ugly," yelled Yahiko back.
"Now now, there is no need to yell, that there isn't," said Kenshin with a weak voice.
"Yea, you two need to stop. Kenshin has a headache and with you two fighting it doesn't help any," said Sano, glaring at the both of them. Kaoru and Yahiko stopped and noticed that the former street-fighter was serious.
"Gomen na sai, Kenshin," said Kaoru sadly.
"Hai, me too," said Yahiko.
"It is alright, that it is. No need to apologize, that there isn't," replied Kenshin.
"Well, it is nice to see you are in better shape than you were yesterday," said Ginsai at the door to Kenshin's room. Kaoru and Yahiko jumped in fright to his presence. Kenshin gave him a small nod as Ginsai walked over to Kenshin and looked him over. Sano did not leave Kenshin's side and watched every move that Ginsai made.
"How is he, Ginsai-san?" asked Kaoru worriedly.
"His fever has gone down for now and he looks better," he said before taking his attention to Kenshin. "But, do you feel better, Kenshin?"
"I feel fine except for a small headache," answered Kenshin.
"Well I will give you some medicine to stop that headache. Kaoru-san, go boil me some tea for him," instructed Ginsai. Kaoru did as she was told and went to go fix some tea.
A couple of minutes passed, and Kaoru returned with a small cup of tea. Placing it beside Kenshin's futon, she watched as Ginsai helped Kenshin take the medicine and drink the tea. Then Ginsai helped Kenshin lay down. It wasn't long until Kenshin fell asleep and Ginsai let out a tired sigh.
"It seems he has recovered physically but I am afraid that there will have to be alot more healing for his mental state," exclaimed Ginsai. "Let him rest today, and I want someone in here so that if he needs anything sohe won't have to get up."
"I will stay here and watch over him," offered Sano immediately.
Kaoru looked at him for a second as if she wanted to offer but only smiled. "Thank you, Sanosuke."
He gave her a nod and took his attention to Ginsai. Ginsai told them that he needed to head back home and take care of Suzume and Ayame. They said their farewells to him and watched him leave.
"Well, there is no need staying here. Come on Kaoru, lets go and train," said Yahiko.
"Iie, I will have to go to the store and get some groceries since Kenshin is unable. You can go to the Akebeko and help out there," said Kaoru.
"Well I guess it is better than staying here with you, Ugly," smirked Yahiko.
"DON'T CALL ME UGLY," yelled Kaoru.
"Be quiet you two. If you dare wake Kenshin up I'll," whispered Sanosuke angreily. Kaoru and Yahiko both gave him a glare before agreeing with what he had said. Both went to prepare to leave the dogo, leaving Sano alone with the sleeping Kenshin.
