Chapter 3

(Kaoru)

I watched the doctor examine Kenshin, patiently working with him. He didn't know what he was asking for, so a few times the doctor had me act it out for him. Kenshin followed me obediently, only refusing when I tried to get him to roll over. His eyes widened and he shook his head.

I glanced at the doctor and he smiled. "His ribs. I wanted to see how much he's realized. Apparently he's already assessed all of his injuries."

I nodded, turning my gaze to the floor. "Okay…"

I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. "I'll be alright Kaoru, he can relearn to talk, read, and write. This isn't as bad as it could have been. Be happy that he hasn't lost the ability to control muscles or motor skills. Those are much harder to relearn than speech and writing skills. He hasn't lost his smarts, he's still got his mind, and it's as sharp as ever, at least by what we can tell. He just needs to be taught again."

I looked up at him with a smile. "Arigatou…"

He nodded and left, leaving me alone with Kenshin. He was watching me quietly, his eyes thoughtful. I smiled at him. "It's okay Kenshin."

"Kaoru," he said, his voice insistent. I tilted my head. His face screwed up, his brows twitching together. "L…"

I blinked. "What Kenshin?"

He blinked, thinking. "L…lr…"

I caught it better that time. "Learn?"

He nodded. "Lr…larn?"

I shook my head. "Ler."

"Ler."

I nodded happily. "Learn."

"L…Learn."

I nodded, smiling. "That's it! Learn. You will learn Kenshin. I'll teach you."

He frowned, still not getting it all, but he understood the word 'learn.' He wanted to learn, but he wasn't sure how to tell me that. Things would be okay.


Two days later we were still working at it. I pointed at him. "You."

He tilted his head. "You?"

I smiled happily, and then pointed at myself. "Me."

This time he didn't get it right away. "E?"

I giggled, shaking my head. "No Kenshin. Mmme." I pulled out the 'm', exaggerating it so he would hear that part."

"M…me."

I had to fight the urge to clap my hands. "Yes, yes! That's perfect!"

The doctor came in at that moment. "Well now, you're certainly excited Kaoru."

"Watch." I said with a grin. "Kenshin!" He looked at me, and I pointed to him.

He smiled. "You!"

I laughed, turning the finger to myself. "No, you." I pointed at him again. "Me."

"Me?"

The doctor chuckled as I giggled sheepishly. "Well, he's a little backwards…"

"But he's learning, and quickly. That's excellent," the doctor said with a smile.

Kenshin decided to input. "Learn!"

I smiled. "That was the first word. So what did you come in for in the first place?"

"To say that Kenshin can go home. You'll have to keep an eye on his ribs and hand, and have him be easy on that ankle, but everything else checks out. We thought he'd be a little more comfortable in his own home."

I smiled. "That's wonderful! I'll need to call Sano, he'll want to know."

The doctor nodded. "I'll have a few nurses help Kenshin get dressed so you can go."

"Arigatou!" I said with a smile, pulling out my cell and dialing Sano's number.

"Moshi moshi."

"Sano!"

"Hm? What is it Jou-chan?"

"The doctor said that Kenshin can come home! We're going to head back after he gets dressed." I said with a smile.

"I'm at work right now, but I'll come over when I get off at 4:00." He replied. "Oh, gomen Jou-chan, I need to go. Thanks for the news!"

I hung up, sticking the phone back in my purse. A few nurses came in, smiling at Kenshin. He smiled back at them as they came close, helping him to stand. He followed their non-verbal commands easily, going into the bathroom with them.

I gathered up my purse, putting my things into the large bag and emptying the drawer that was full of Kenshin's get well cards into the bag as well. I grabbed my backpack from where it was resting against the side table, stuffing my math book into it along with my papers. I had been doing homework for a little while, and then Kenshin had asked to learn more with his simple words. 'Learn, Kaoru!'

Kenshin came out of the bathroom about then, a light blush on his cheeks while the nurses trailing were giggling lightly.

I chuckled slightly, knowing that the giggling women had been admiring Kenshin's well-muscled physique, which was still strong even after his eight week bed rest.

Kenshin was nearly stuck to my side as I walked through the halls. As we got into the elevator, which was densely crowded, Kenshin slipped his right hand into mine, his fingers twisting in mine.

I looked at him in shock, confused at this action. He smiled gently at me, and then focused back in front of him. I looked down, feeling my cheeks burn.

We entered my baby blue Mazda Miata, and I started the car, listening to the rain pitter patter on the glass and metal. My stereo came on, the gentle sounds of Enya drifting in the car from my mix of her music

A small smile came to Kenshin's face and he hummed quietly to the music. I blinked. I had never known Kenshin liked Enya. I drove out of the parking lot, heading for the freeway.

I hummed along with Enya, paying more attention to the road. I glanced over at Kenshin and then smiled. He had fallen asleep, the peaceful music, steady pace of the car, and pattering of the rain lulling him to sleep.

Móraim thú ó lá go lá.
Móraim thú ó oích' go hóich'

I felt tempted to close my eyes at this peaceful music, and I looked to Kenshin again. His face was relaxed and peaceful in rest, the worry and laugh lines easing from his skin. A few strands of his hair flowed over his shoulder, while his bangs hung over his eyes. Dark lashes brushed his cheeks, his eyes moving beneath their lids as he dreamed. His lips were open slightly, puffing in and out as he breathed.

Another song came on, and I felt warm tears well up and flow down my face for some reason I couldn't explain.

Who can say where the road goes
Where the day flows, only time
And who can say if your love grows
As your heart chose, only time

I choked on the warm tears flowing down my face, pulling off the freeway towards our apartment. 'Oh Kami-sama…What's wrong with me? I don't usually burst into tears for no reason!'

I drove in silence, repeating the song on the disc, hoping that Enya might be able to help me with this turmoil. Her music helped me think, especially that song.

After a bit I pulled into the drive for our apartment, leaving the car running for a moment and watching Kenshin as he slept peacefully. 'Could it be…'

Who knows…only time…

'I think I love him…' I thought slowly. 'I love him.'

At that moment Kenshin's deep entrancing violet eyes fluttered open. He blinked, and then turned his gaze to my face. His smile was one of complete trust, softening his features. The cross-shaped scar on his left cheek only served to give him a sort of ethereal beauty.

I smiled back at him, reaching for the key to the car. 'Hai, I love him.'

"Who knows…" the car's engine died, killing the music with it.

'Who knows? Me.'


This is a repost of this chapter; I fixed a mistake I made. Also, I had a few questions last time I posted it, one about how Kenshin was able to ride and fall asleep in a car so soon after his accident. I wanted to convey how trusting Kenshin was of Kaoru, he knew that she wouldn't let him get hurt, and so he was comfortable enough to do what she asked of him. Also, there was another question about how soon Kenshin was let out of the hospital. Yes, he did just wake up from an accident, but he has been in the hospital for some time. He has healed considerably, and I wanted to get him out of the hospital. The gap of two days seemed sufficient to me. Okay, I'm done with my little ranting. Please review, and continue onward!