The Best of Intentions: Chapter 7
Kenshin had a feeling of apprehension as he started on his way towards the doctor. The week before he had been given his physical exam, same as all the other men working for the Chinese diplomat. However, he was one of the few that were asked to come back.
Surely, being called back was a negative sign. Kenshin walked lax faced all the way to the doctor's office. He didn't even bother to hide behind a rurouni mask, it was unnecessary. He honestly didn't care if the people he was working with and for feared him. Sanosuke had finally begun to see beyond the mask, so it was pointless.
Cautiously, Kenshin knocked on the door to the doctor's office. "Come in," the doctor called. Kenshin opened the door silently and moved to sit in the chair across from the doctor's desk.
The doctor looked up from his mountain of books and offered a weak smile. "Thanks for coming back in to see me Mr. Himura." Kenshin nodded but didn't reply otherwise. The physician sighed, seeming to be preparing for some bad news. "The reason I called you in here was because I examined the sample of blood I drew from you. You had been complaining of feeling achy lately and fatigued but nothing else was really bothering you." He smiled softly again, "Nothing other than that guilt complex of yours at least."
Kenshin shifted in his chair, feeling uncomfortable as he waited for the doctor to tell him the real reason he was called back. "What did you find?"
"Using the new microscope technology of Western science, I noticed a bacterium Treponema pallidum within your blood." The doctor paused, gauging Kenshin's reaction, but he saw no reaction whatsoever so he continued. "I'm afraid this means you have syphilis."
Kenshin frowned. "How is that possible? I have done nothing to have been able to contract that."
"Are you familiar with syphilis?" The doctor probed.
Kenshin shrugged. "Yes, of course. I was in the revolution. Diseases like that ran rampart."
"And did you ever contract the disease Mr. Himura?"
Kenshin shifted in his chair again and pulled on his collar. Why was it suddenly so hot in that small, stuffy office? "I don't think so," he answered quietly.
"Did you never notice any sores followed a few weeks later by something that looked like the chicken pox?"
The frown on Kenshin's face was answer enough. "I did have the chicken pox shortly after the revolution, but it didn't really last long."
The doctor stood and walked towards Kenshin, placing his hand upon his shoulder in a fatherly gesture of comfort. "I'm afraid Mr. Himura, that what you had was not the chicken pox. You had syphilis and it was untreated."
"But it can't be possible that I had syphilis!"
"You were married before were you not?" Kenshin nodded. "I am to believe that you and your wife engaged in a normal marriage with all the works, correct?"
Kenshin's brows furrowed and his gaze narrowed at the doctor. "Of course, I'm a man."
"It is possible that you acquired the disease from your wife. However, after the first two stages, the disease can lay dormant for up to fifteen or twenty years." The physician paused letting the information set in. "It looks to me like its making a come back."
"Is there something we can do to treat it?" Kenshin asked, trying to not question too hard how he could have acquired a sexually transmitted disease from his dead wife. Or more specifically, he wanted to know how she got the disease.
The doctor removed his hand from Kenshin's shoulder. "I'm afraid that science has not quite caught up with itself. I can recognize the disease, but have nothing to treat it with at this stage. It is the nineteenth century and I'm confident that in probably twenty years a cure will be discovered."
"So what you're saying is you can't treat me." Kenshin dead-panned as he rose to his feet and headed towards the door.
"Wait, Mr. Himura," the doctor called out. Kenshin paused and turned back to look at him with his full attention. "I'm afraid there is more." Kenshin moved to lean against the wall beside the door and crossed his arms, but made no venture back to the chair.
"This disease will slowly destroy your inner organs." Kenshin flinched at the words, but otherwise didn't react. "And youare contagious to any whom you are engaged in any sexual relations."
Kenshin grimaced at the words as his heart plummeted towards his feet. His hopes of one day finding his own selfish happiness ended at that moment. The woman he cared for most should never be his wife now. He loved Kaoru, but could he possibly deny himself a final chance of happiness with her, even if it was only to last a limited time. He was confident that she loved him, but could he live with his self-hatred if he destroyed her innocence with his sins more than he already had?
"Mr. Himura?" The doctor questioned as the red haired warrior grew quiet for several minutes.
Kenshin blinked, clearing his thoughts and returned the doctor's searching gaze.
"How long before this kills me?"
"Well son, I can't really say. It could be years in the future or it could be a year from now. The best we can do is try to keep you as healthy as possible and that will help your quality of life."
"I see," Kenshin replied curtly. "Thank you doctor," he remarked as he left the office. His mind was a whirling mess.
He knew that as Battousai he had murdered hundreds and for that travesty didn't deserve happiness. For ten years as he wandered after the revolution he was content to make amends for his sins. But now, the idea of not ever having the simple family he always dreamed of was almost too much to bear. And for the past two years, that family he envisioned included a certain kendo instructor.
"Hey Kenshin!" Sanosuke came up beside him in the hallway and slapped him on the back. Kenshin only stumbled a little under the extra force courtesy of his best friend. "So what did the doctor say," he elbowed the Rurouni in the ribs. "You are going to be a daddy or something?"
Sure, Sanosuke meant that last comment as a joke, but to Kenshin the words sent a spear straight through his already shattered heart. "Not quite Sano."
The ex-fighter-for-hire frowned at the sullen response. "I was just kidding Kenshin, what's wrong?"
"I'd rather not discuss this." Kenshin answered as he continued walking down the hall towards the guarding post. "I go on duty in twenty minutes, why don't you go ahead and," Kenshin paused. He didn't really feel like being pleasant. "Just leave me alone, alright?"
"Sure buddy, if that's what you really want." Sanosuke was confused. He had rushed off to find Kenshin because of a letter Kaoru had written him. It had to have been written weeks before, but it only just arrived. Apparently Shinomori was escorting her to Tokyo for a short trip. The idea disturbed Sano and he was anticipating sharing it with Kenshin to watch the Rurouni show a rare moment of jealousy. This confrontation was unexpected.
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Kaoru kneeled in the green grass beside the grave of her beloved Kilik. Gently, she placed the white rose she had picked up in town over the earth that her loved one rested under for all time. Aoshi had waited at the front gate to give her some privacy. She wasn't sure how much time had passed since she first began to visit the grave.
With a tearful smile she told Kilik about everything that was going on in her life. She shared with him the story of visiting the grave of Kenshin's wife in Kyoto. "Who knows, I suppose you and Tomoe might even be friends up in Heaven, no?" Kaoru thought aloud.
She frowned as the thought of her Kilik and Tomoe, the woman who still had such a strong hold on Kenshin's heart, became more than friends in her mind to her beloved. She let out an unlady-like growl at the imagery. "You better not be more than friends."
Kaoru pushed her bangs out of her eyes and shook her head at her outlandish thoughts. "Never mind that, I know you wouldn't hurt me like that. I know that you never meant to hurt me when you left. It was nice to know that some one loved me." Kaoru trailed off, fresh tears falling to the earth as a feeling of utter loneliness swept over her.
"I've made some new friends," she continued when she composed herself somewhat. "But that's not the same. I miss the feeling of family. I guess you could say that Yahiko and Sano have become like family to me. And Kenshin, well, I just don't know anymore. However, family never abandons one another, so it's not the same."
Kaoru traced the carving of Kilik's name on the tombstone as she felt an utter sadness and despair wash over her. She had no sense of time and wasn't sure how much had elapsed. The gentle hand upon her shoulder gained her attention. She turned tear stained eyes towards the presence.
Aoshi's piercing blue eyes offered comfort to Kaoru. "You're not abandoned," he answered softly. Kaoru removed her hand from the cold headstone and wrapped her arms around Aoshi's waist. Slowly, he placed his own arms around her and pulled her to his chest, allowing her to cry on his chest. He looked at the grave of her former fiancé as he gently rubbed her back in what he hoped was a soothing motion.
Aoshi had stood nearby for most of the time that Kaoru had visited Kilik. He gave her the privacy she needed but couldn't allow himself to let her be completely out of his watchful sight. Perhaps he was still a little spooked from the haunted house incident, but it just seemed unwise to hang around alone in a grave yard. Aoshi Shinomori didn't normally go looking for trouble, but he knew good and well that it normally seemed to follow along Kamiya.
He didn't mean to eaves drop, but the graveyard was silent and Kaoru's softly spoken words seemed to drift towards him on the light breeze that rustled the leaves of the large surrounding trees. That unfamiliar twinge of sympathy tugged at his heart when he listened to her speaking of abandonment.
Kaoru stopped crying and closed her eyes as she breathed in the comforting scent of Aoshi. She almost grinned when she realized he smelled like the green tea he was known to favor. Aoshi pulled out the hair tie that bound Kaoru's hair and let it flow down her back. He ran his fingers through the silky dark locks, enjoying the feel and trying to not think too much about what he was doing. "Would you accompany me to the forest?" Aoshi inquired.
"The forest?" Kaoru repeated, pulling out of Aoshi's loose embrace to question his request.
"Yes, my friends are buried in the forest near here." Aoshi looked past her towards a nearby line of trees. "I haven't talked to them since I buried them here."
"Of course," Kaoru agreed as she stood and extended her hand to help Aoshi to his feet. He eyed her hand with an amused brow but accepted it none-the-less.
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The day seemed to pass by and be over before either friend realized it. After paying their respects to Aoshi's friends and fellow ninjas, the two had settled upon a hill at the edge of the forest. Apparently it was a special place where Kaoru had played a lot as a child.
They watched as the sun began to set, enjoying the silence comfortably that had settled between them. Kaoru turned to look at Aoshi, as he sat beside her leaning against the same tree. "Should we go to the dojo now?"
"Yes, we can pack up more things of yours to bring back to Kyoto since your stay will be longer." Aoshi answered her as he leaned his head back against the trunk of the tree and closed his eyes as he felt his whole body relax.
More silence passed between the two, only to be broken by someone's stomach growling. Aoshi and Kaoru looked at one another with a question in both their blue eyes. "Was that yours or mine?" Kaoru asked confused.
Aoshi smirked at her, "I'm thinking it was both. Perhaps this is a sign that we should take our leave."
On the way to the dojo to drop off their things, they decided that dinner would be best at the Akabeko. Both were too tired to even attempt to make something themselves and even to pretend that whatever disaster they managed to cook wasn't heinous.
"Let's stop by the clinic," Kaoru suggested after making their stop at the dojo and heading out for town. She had changed into a pale blue dress that she had purchased with the fantasy that Kenshin might ask her out one day. Since that didn't seem to be happening anytime soon, tonight seemed a fine enough occasion.
"Very well," Aoshi consented as he hooked his thumbs into his front pockets. "We must make it quick though." He swallowed thickly as he gave Kaoru the once over. She looked stunning. The simple dress in addition to her peaceful mood and serene disposition of the night added an unnatural beauty to her. And he still had the memory of her sharing his futon in the haunted room fresh in his mind. He took deep breaths as they walked, meditating all the while.
"I just wanted to invite the doctor and Megumi to dinner," Kaoru answered with a cheerful smile. Aoshi remembered Megumi from when they were both working for the same shady crime lord. She made Opium while he was in charge of security. He didn't care for the woman much, but if he could put up with the weasel surely he could put up with the fox. He would also have to admit he was pleased to discover she was using her medical skills to help people now.
"Hello?" Kaoru called as she pushed open the door to the medical clinic. She noticed that all of the beds were empty and that only one light remained lit in the far corner of the room.
"Kaoru is that you?" Megumi called as she stood and walked over to greet her evening visitor.
"Megumi!" Kaoru surprised the older woman by giving her a hug as if they were friends. "Would you like to join us for dinner at the Akabeko?"
"Us?" Megumi echoed as her dark eyes looked past Kaoru to see one Aoshi Shinomori leaning against the doorframe of the clinic with a bored expression. "Um, sure, but I thought you were in Kyoto visiting Misao."
"I was, but Aoshi and I are only here for a short while. I'll be going back soon." Kaoru explained easily. She didn't notice the quick glance Aoshi shot her at the off hand comment, but Megumi certainly caught it.
"Just let me close up the clinic and I'll be ready in a minute," Megumi agreed.
The walk to the Akabeko was only slightly uncomfortable. Kaoru skirted around the subject of Kenshin. Megumi didn't press any questions about Kaoru's relationship to the Ice Prince. And Aoshi ignored them both.
Upon reaching the restaurant Tae enthusiastically greeted the mismatched trio and ushered them to a table in the corner. Tsubame served them. "So," Tsubame started, checks glowing pink as she held up her serving tray to hide her face behind. "How is Yahiko? I haven't seen him lately."
Kaoru chewed thoughtfully on her rice. "Didn't he tell you he was going to Germany to visit Yutaro?"
Tsubame lowered the tray, a frown marring her childlike face. "No, he didn't."
Kaoru searched the younger girl's face and didn't like what she saw. It was obvious the girl felt betrayed by Yahiko not telling her. Kaoru slapped her forehead and Tsubame looked at her in question, as did Megumi and Aoshi. "I'm so sorry Tsubame! I completely forgot!" Kaoru began to gush.
"Forgot what miss Kamiya? I'm sure it's not so bad, please don't hit yourself again." The young woman pleaded as she came over to put a hand on Kaoru's wrist in case the action was to be repeated.
"It's all my fault. Yahiko asked me to tell you about his going to Germany. He really hates saying goodbyes. He sent me a letter to give to you explaining where he is and I was supposed to bring it today." Kaoru explained, proud of herself that she was lying so well.
"Actually, it's my fault," Aoshi interrupted gaining the attention of all the women in his presence. Kaoru was beginning to ramble and that would not suffice. Calmly he sipped some of his favorite tea before continuing, secure in the knowledge that he had everyone's undivided attention. "Kaoru handed me the letter to bring with us and I'm afraid I left it on the front table in the den."
Tsubame's face fell at the words before it brightened up. She turned back to Kaoru, dark eyes wide with excitement. "Do you think that means he misses me?"
"Yes, certainly he does," Kaoru assured her. Tsubame nodded and her cheerful smile reappeared as she rushed off to take another table's orders.
"Kaoru," Megumi started, "Could you join me? I need to powder my nose."
"Can't you do that by yourself?" Kaoru asked confused as she continued to devour her meal in the most lady-like way she could considering her hunger.
"No, come along," Megumi insisted. She grabbed hold of Kaoru's forearm and yanked her up to her feet. She smiled demurely at Aoshi, who stared back stone faced and emotionless. "We'll be right back."
Once out of the earshot of a particular ninja Megumi whirled Kaoru around to face her. "What are you doing?"
"Huh?"
"What about Sir Ken?" Megumi searched Kaoru's clueless face for any hints and found none. "Can you not even see it?"
"See what?" Kaoru demanded, growing angry at being forced to leave her meal just to listen to Megumi rant without making sense. "Kenshin is in China. What about him?" Kaoru's eyes grew wide with concern. "Is something wrong with Kenshin?"
Megumi shook her head slowly. "Nothing is wrong with him." Megumi realized that Kaoru and Aoshi probably didn't even realize the casual glances of longing they had been sharing with one another all evening. The way he jumped in to add validity to Kaoru's lame story about Yahiko writing Tsubame was proof enough that he cared enough to come to her rescue.
Then there was the whole ordeal about the two of them traveling across Japan alone together, unescorted. What Megumi wouldn't pay to be a fly on the wall at the Kamiya dojo that night to see what went on behind closed doors between the two! Scratch that, Megumi would never desire to be fly. That idea was…..revolting.
Kaoru began to wave her hand in front of Megumi's distracted face. "Are you okay? Do you still need to powder your nose?"
Megumi blinked, registering Kaoru's words. She decided it wasn't her place to make the two discover what they were finding in each other. She smiled, "No I think it will be alright."
That answer earned Megumi a funny look from her companion. "Oooookay," she drawled, "Can I go back now?"
"Yes of course, I'll just be a moment. You go on back."
Aoshi looked over at Kaoru anxiously as she approached her seat next him at the table. "Is everything alright?" Kaoru gave him a nod and a small smile of reassurance. Tsubame was seated across from the ninja, apparently on her break from waiting tables.
The teenaged girl smiled at Kaoru. "Look what Shinomori-san made me!" Tsubame held up a paper crane.
Kaoru smiled at her, "It's beautiful."
"I used to make them for Misao as a child," Aoshi explained. Kaoru examined the paper crane with interest when Tsubame handed it to her. Aoshi watched her with an odd mixture of an emotion he couldn't quite understand but hid well under his icy pretense.
"If you'd like, I can teach you Origami." Aoshi heard himself offering. He was shocked at his own willingness to do such a thing, but couldn't take back the words once they were out of his mouth. Kaoru looked at him with a stunned expression.
"I had better get back to serving," Tsubame reclaimed the paper crane and left their table shyly.
"I think I would enjoy that, Aoshi." Kaoru smiled sweetly at her friend as she settled in to her seat beside him. She directed her gaze towards her plate of food. She couldn't look at him, because he would see the tell-tale blush on her cheeks. There was a soft brush against her cheek that caused her to jump.
"I made this for you," Aoshi explained as he held out the paper rose he created while entertaining Tsubame earlier. Kaoru gasped at the sight of the intricately folded paper rose. It was simple yet beautiful. Who would have thought a simple paper napkin could be transformed into such a thing?
"Thank you," Kaoru answered quietly as she accepted the rose to examine it closer. Aoshi took it back out of her hands and placed it behind her ear. He then resumed eating as Megumi approached and no other words were spoken from the ninja through out the remainder of the meal.
Megumi eyed the paper rose resting behind Kaoru's ear with curiosity, but decided against questioning it when she had a feeling she already knew the answer.
TBC