Here it is, chapter 29! It came much sooner than 28, did it? (^.^; Most of 28 and this portion now known as chapter 29 were already written so that's part of the reason why I got it up more quickly. Let's see where the story is headed now!
A small table was eventually pushed to Soujiro's bedside to set his meal on so he could simply reach for it without assistance when he woke up. When the next few hours came and passed and his untouched meal had to be taken away, Koharu used the table to practice the letters Soujiro had taught her and even read a few passages out loud from the book she stole from Yahiko. Other times, she would play her music box for him. When she finally ran out of things to do and was getting tired, she passed the music box into Soujiro's hand and closed his palm over it. "If you can hear me Sou, I'm getting tired. I'm still going to stay by your side but take a quick nap. All you have to do is play my music box and I'll wake right up to greet and assist you with whatever you need. Ok?" Since he was still healing from Megumi's operation, she thought it best that he should not speak up right away until Megumi got the chance to examine him.
She realized she was staring and waiting as if he would respond. What am I waiting for? He's not going to reply yet.
She sighed inwardly and folded his fingers beneath her music box before placing his folded hand on his chest. "You're going to wake up, eat some food and then continue giving me reading lessons," she said to convince herself of what was to come soon. "…Ok? I won't let anyone teach me but you... So there. Your have no choice but to live."
She moved back towards the table and sat her arms on the surface. She rest her head over them and looked towards him one last time to try and determine if he could hear her at all.
I don't know what I'm expecting him to do in his state. I just wish he could give me some sign that he is listening….. she pulled her arms more snug against her while scrunching the paper she had used to practice her strokes on. She yawned one last time before she could will herself to close her eyes to take her nap.
Soujiro recovered consciousness within that hour but with difficulty. He could still barely open and focus his eyes on anything. What made it harder was that he couldn't identify where he was. He broke into a cold sweat and had to sit upright with his hand over his mouth. He thought he was going to be sick. Soon, the nausea passed, his vision focused and he was able to make better sense of his surroundings. He realized he was suffering from side affects from whatever Megumi gave him.
His brow furrowed when he found his surroundings completely different than from before. He could barely remember what all had went on after he attempted the shukuchi. Before his mind wandered too far off, a loud snore disturbed the silence. He shifted his eyes to Koharu and ended up smiling fondly when he saw her current state. She was not only snoring loudly, but had the book they had been reading together still open. Her arms were folded under her head crinkling the paper beneath her she had practiced writing on and had smeared the ink. As a result, she had a smudge on her arm and cheek.
He looked down and opened his palm to find the music box she had placed in his hand. He knew why she had put it there. She knew if she heard the chimes of her music box being played, it would mean he was awake.
He decided against waking her up. From how deep she was sleeping, he knew she must have barely slept as she watched over him. He would let her be for now. He pushed his covers aside and leaned over to set the music box in front of her. He knelt down beside her and pulled her blanket back around her shoulders. From there, he got to his feet and unsteadily walked towards the door. His steps were unsteady not only from weakness, but because the medicine Megumi had given him was still wearing off. Either way, he felt as if he needed to learn to walk all over again.
Soujiro slide the door aside just enough to peek out in the hall. It was nothing but silence. Once he knew he wouldn't be apprehended by anyone, he opened the door all the way and exited down the hall cautiously. He moved quietly down the hall to find his original room he had occupied just the other day. He bit his lower lip as he opened the door to it and found it still in completely disarray. He remembered more clearly what took place. Everyone had been here within moments of his near death experience. He stepped in and closed the door behind him and sighed as he closed his eyes. He then clasped his hands over his face as he recovered his memories and fears. Maybe the shukuchi was possible, but not without paying a high price.
…I was dead….
He then put his hand over his chest and remembered more clearly that his heart had stopped. It had stopped beating for several minutes. He hadn't ever imagine his body would quit on him like that. He thought he had been the most fragile as a helpless child yet he had never suffered anything like this. If his heart was meant to give out, it should have happened when he beaten senseless by his family, when they had broken him. Yet somehow, he was weaker than he ever was.
I may remain this way after all…. More helpless than when I was a child.
He felt grieved. He was losing his identity. The Tenken was truly dying. As of now, his heart was weak and performing the shukuchi had probably done permanent damage to it.
He lowered his head to conceal his misty eyes and went to rub at his sleeves trying to stay warm. Instead of his sleeves, he found Avaron's wrap around him still around him. He reflected a moment on what she had done for him despite his failing strength. It led him back to recalling more of the previous night's events. Megumi had brought him back to life and she had continued fighting to get Soujiro to hold on to the life given back to him. It wasn't just her he remembered. Soujiro had been surrounded by everyone. Kenshin and Koharu had played a part in saving his life. Their voices is what kept pulling him back to the present... And the promise he had made her.
It was their strength that saved him, not his own and even now, he was thriving from that strength. Just the previous night, he had been chanting Shishio's words that he had once lived by. In that brief moment, he had been desperate to prove his strength. Looking back over the pass few hours, he saw how foolish he had been, and how Shishio's words sounded even more foolish. He was alive because others, including a particular twelve year, had been strong.
Things are completely turned upside down for me... What used to confuse me makes the most sense now.
Once he gathered his composure, he walked across the room towards the shattered door leading outside and carefully stepped around the debris. He didn't realize how much he needed the fresh air until he finally tasted it in its purest form. The moment he stepped into the sunlight, he closed his eyes to breathe as much of it in as he could. When he opened his eyes, he was met with rays of the sun despite it being cold and fresh snow still on the ground. He stood there a moment to take it in. It was quiet and the untouched blanket of snow added to the stillness of the air. Birds had migrated so that not even their songs could fill the air to make it more cheery. He only had the rays of the sun while they lasted until the next storm and the crisp wind to liven his spirits. He looked around for the others but saw they were no where to be seen, nor their voices heard. It almost seemed too quiet.
He took a careful step out on the porch to get a better view of the sun and saw it was positioned towards the center of the sky, but already onto the second half of the day.
They must be finishing lunch. It's the only explanation for the quiet.
With that in mind, Soujiro bundled the wrap more taut around him as he tread down the porchway. He wasn't sure how much time overall had passed since arriving here, but he realized he had actually seen little of the place he was staying in. He argued that if he were to make it his home, he should be able to freely walk about it.
He eventually found the others as expected finishing their lunch and talking more animatedly now. Everyone was present, even Sano. Though, he knew Kenshin must not be in the room. Soujiro was keeping himself concealed and planned to sneak by the others. The task would have been much more difficult with Kenshin around.
"His lunch is getting cold, what's taking him so long?" Kaoru questioned from the other side.
Soujiro cringed regrettably at hearing her voice. Only because this was her family home. He knew she was suspicious of him and it probably hadn't helped that he caused destruction to her home. If she welcomed him at all, he figured, it had to have been because she wanted Koharu to feel welcome. Whatever Kaoru's feelings towards him, he knew he needed to try and show her and her home more respect.
"Maybe he decided to eat out," Yahiko began his teasing.
"You and I both know that's not true. He's not as heartless as you!"
"Exactly. He wouldn't want your feelings hurt so he's using his errand as an excuse to-"
"Why you-I'm going to make you train extra harder today…little Yahiko!"
"I'm not little!"
Soujiro ended up smiling hearing them argue with each other. He liked hearing what was considered normal for these people. It was just another day in the Kamiya dojo. That's how he wanted it to be.
It was about that time, he slipped passed them to continue his walk and enter back in the house so he wouldn't run into them. It's not because he didn't want to see them, but he could only imagine the lectures the others had prepared for him for what he had done to himself, and to Kaoru's home. If anything, his little stroll would lead to him being more relaxed and ready for when he finally had to face them.
Soujiro eventually found himself in the actual dojo where Kaoru trained her students. He explored the wide open room and approached the wall where Kaoru had the rules listed and the principles she lives by and taught. "The sword that protects…." he whispered. He then laughed to himself. "Anyone can say that to justify what they're doing is for good. I know what she means though." He turned his attention to the bokken lining the walls for her students to freely use during their training sessions. He stared for a moment before starting to reach his hand out to the sword to grasp.
He then lowered his hand and quickly stepped away as the door to the room was opened. He turned to see a momentarily confused Yahiko staring back.
It took him a moment to realize it was Soujiro. He had tasted death just the night before, been operated on and left incapacitated up until now. Yahiko could barely wrap his mind around how it was possible for Soujiro to be moving about freely already.
"Hey, you're up," Yahiko finally managed to say happily. "I can't believe it. Wait until everybody sees." He started to turn around and announce Soujiro's presence to everyone, but then paused. He turned to face towards Soujiro again. "Wait, are you…okay?" He wanted to make sure.
Soujiro nodded with a smile. "I'm as well as I can be."
"What are you doing in the dojo?"
"It is a little strange, isn't it? I shouldn't have trespassed. Forgive me." He gave a short bow and started to exit the room.
"No, no! I didn't mean it that way." Yahiko blocked him from leaving. "You're welcomed here any time. In fact, it would be an honor if you stayed and watched today's lesson. I'm sure we could all learn something from you too."
Soujiro was perturbed by his eagerness for wanting him to stay. Clearly, Yahiko was passionate about his swordsmanship and had come to admire and respect Soujiro's swordsmanship. But the boy had also witness Soujiro do terrible things in just the short time they became acquainted. He wasn't sure how staying here had ended up easing the boys apprehension. Megumi and Kenshin had made him aware how Koharu had been relating all the good things Soujiro had done throughout their journey together. Soujiro also made them aware Koharu wasn't giving the full story. Megumi's only reply was, "If Koharu doesn't hold anything against you, why should we?" Soujiro didn't know how to argue that.
Soujiro was also forgetting the grief he had ended up expressing in front of everyone when he thought he killed Koharu. He had involuntarily revealed a side of him no one thought he possessed. It had caused Yahiko to be the first to stand up for him. His respect and admiration for Soujiro had only grown since.
"I'm not your instructor, nor anybody else's," he reminded Yahiko. "Even if I was, I'm in no position to be teaching anyone."
"No, you're mistaking my intentions. It couldn't hurt for you to just watch. Eventually you could even join us." Yahiko walked passed Soujiro and retrieved a bokken off the wall. He held it up to Soujiro. "Kenshin told us you've been training in secret and that you were actually progressing in your recovery. You just keep pushing yourself too hard. Kaoru knows how to pace her students so that never happens. She can help you get back on your feet too." Yahiko continued speaking. This was nicest he ever heard of Yahiko speak of Kaoru. "You would become such an inspiration to her and her students as you recover your strength back."
"You sound so sure." Soujiro eventually took the bokken from Yahiko and held it with familiarity like it had always been his own sword. He looked back at Yahiko. "Are you suggesting I should become her student?"
Yahiko nodded nervously because he didn't want to end up insulting him. "It's no question that you're already an incredible swordsman, but I believe she can still help you in your recovery. She was able to train and help a prodigy sumo wrestler gain his confidence back. You should give her a chance to try and help you too."
"Really?" Soujiro was impressed. Maybe he shouldn't have sounded that surprised. Shishio was able to teach Soujiro skills Shishio himself would never be able to do. Kaoru was far from being a sumo wrestler yet she was able to teach one. He was interested how that must have worked out.
He lowered the bokken as one of Kenshin's last words came to mind.
You have to trust we'll help you now and further down the road.
We'll help you…
Did he already have something like this in mind for me? He thought as his eyes wandered the room.
If it had been Kenshin's plan to train him under Kaoru, he was wise to keep that a secret. Even just a few hours ago, Soujiro would have scoffed at the idea. He probably still would have had it been Kenshin mentioning this to him now. Even so, Soujiro had tasted death because of his where his pride got him. He might not have been given a second chance to start his life over, but a chance to continue the one he had now and make better use of it. It also stemmed from his point of view of the matter. He could see it as losing his second chance, or being given one. He was still somewhere in the middle because there was much he desired to have that he wasn't going to be allowed to have whether he lived through it or not.
He looked back down towards the bokken meditating on what Yahiko had said.
Soujiro's eyes widened and he stepped back in time to raise his sword to counter Yahiko's strike from the bokken he retrieved for himself. There was a loud clack of wood that echoed in the room from Soujiro blocking the attack. He then shifted his gaze at Yahiko while still resisting the attack. Yahiko already had a lot of trust to know Soujiro would block the attack on instinct.
"What do you say?" Yahiko asked with a smirk. He was trying to prove the confidence he had in Soujiro already.
Soujiro turned the attack back on Yahiko and thrust his sword off and stepped forward. Yahiko had barely blinked when he saw Soujiro's sword staring him between the eyes, and he was left wide open.
Soujiro was the one smiling now and started to open good mouth to reveal his answer.
"No! Absolutely not!"
Both Yahiko and Soujiro lowered their bokken and turned to see Koharu already storming the room and then charge. She had tears, angry tears as she darted and then threw herself into Yahiko and pinned him to the ground. "Are you out of your mind? Do you want him to die?" She had thought Soujiro must have been accepting a dual with Yahiko.
"Koha-" Soujiro tried to raise his voice authoritatively before he was made to cough again.
"I'm trying to help him!" Yahiko argued. "Lighten up!" He tried to shove her off but she would not relent.
"At what cost?" She violently shook him. "He shouldn't be up and you're trying to make him fight!"
Soujiro, left without the ability to yell at her, lay the bokken next to him and tried to pull Koharu off. She became like an angry cat he was trying to pull off someone. He finally secured his arms around her waist trying to reprimand her. "Koharu he was just-Ugh!" Soujiro grunted out loud when Koharu accidentally struck her elbow in his chest in her struggle to keep Yahiko pinned. Soujiro collapsed on his side as he started back into his first series of coughs since waking up. His disease had never left him, but it nearly seemed as if the symptoms were brought to life again.
She at once froze and paled in the face at what she had done. She clambered off Yahiko when she started to think the worst all over again. "Sou. Sou! Why didn't you just play the music box?"
Yahiko sat up in alarm and was vividly reminded of Soujiro's condition as he was left to cough into his sleeve. Specks of fresh blood were seen on his sleeve. Yahiko started to move to get help until Soujiro raised his palm and shook his head as he continued to recover on his own. He closed his eyes trying to contain the coughs and then worked on his breathing.
The others did ended up hearing the commotion anyway and rushed in to find the three of them on the floor. The worst was assumed of Soujiro and Yahiko seeing their bokken on the floor. They all started to assume what Koharu had assumed. Megumi started to take the lead in checking on Soujiro but slowed to a stop when Koharu started speaking again.
"Sou. Sou." Kohau continued to whimpered and clutched at his wrists. He finally was able to meet her gaze. Her tears were now streaming in her regret and she shook her head as she tugged at his sleeves near his shoulders. She wanted to embrace him, but couldn't bring herself to knowing she had just hurt him. She attempted to bow to apologize but instead ended up collapsing into him nearly pulling his garment loose. "I did this to you."
"Koharu." He tried to whisper sternly. He hunched over towards her as she continued to pull at his sleeves while leaning into him. It wouldn't be so bad if he didn't have an audience. He also didn't want to grab her in any way because he was afraid of the others attacking him in someway if he dealt with her too harshly. Koharu was used to him shoving her off, but the others would take it as abuse, he thought.
"This is all because of me. I should have never stolen from you! You could be a thousand miles away from here by now and in good health still. I wish I had just left you alone from the start. I only add to your pain." She continued to cry and hold onto him more tightly. ""You died," Koharu reminded him. "You died right in front of me. I didn't think you were going to come back. You're such an idiot! …I want to hurt you. You deserved to be hit just this once." She was crying out all her emotions and thoughts at the same time. She was angry at him, she was angry at herself. She wanted to hit him, she wanted to embrace him. He could nearly feel all those emotions with how she was holding on to him. Her grip was tight like she would never let go, but her knuckles jabbed hard into his sides where he knew it was going to bruise. It was a strange, painful love Koharu was expressing. Having been a victim of suppressed emotions, he decided to let her release these emotions before she held them in for too much longer.
After Koharu let our her feelings towards him, he risked speaking. "Koharu, you're acting like your blow did as much damage as the shukuchi. That's what nearly killed me. You can't hurt me, let alone kill me," he reminded her.
Koharu shook her head in disbelief. "You're in this condition because of me," she cried into him.
Soujiro rolled his eyes. He leaned into her and whispered sternly: "That's enough. You look pathetic." He then pulled her balled hands from off his clothes so he had a bit more freedom to move and to sit up from her. Koharu knew by his tone to not speak to further upset him. She waited for him to make her sit up, but found he was allowing her to remain with him. He kept his hand rested on her shoulder and looked towards the others staring down at him. Kenshin was still not to be seen. Sanosuke's mouth had parted seeing how Soujiro tenderly dealt with Koharu. Kaoru was surprised but inwardly touched by what she saw. She had witnessed Koharu's trust and affection for Soujiro, but not the reverse. To her, it had seemed Soujiro was only tolerating Koharu and her clinginess. Megumi was probably the least surprised by it.
Soujiro swallowed nervously before he spoke up. He kept his eyes on the floor as he spoke. "I'm the one that needs to apologize. I've been careless and inconsiderate."
"That's an understatement," Sanosuke sneered. "You took down a wall last night," he exaggerated. "You lied and fooled everyone into thinking you were dying, and took advantage of the ones who actually care about you…. You know the Meiji is looking for any reason to throw you in a real prison and you're just-"
"None of this concerns you," Soujiro spat as he shot his eyes up at him. "You weren't here and none of the words I'm saying are directed to you so you have no reason to speak."
"Hey, I saved your ass as well so you better-ow!" Sanosuke yelped when Kaoru pinched his ear tip and yanked him down to her height. "He's trying to apologize and you're just making it more difficult. Let him speak!"
Soujiro tilted his head in surprise to see Kaoru intervene for his sake. Kaoru let go of Sanosuke and nodded to Soujiro. "You were saying?"
Soujiro took a moment before continuing. "For me, The answer for everything has always been to be stronger…and what do you to get stronger? You train. If you're scared, you make yourself stronger than your fears. That has always been the answer, the truth for me. It's always worked. Be strong or die. It's all I know how to be. It's all…I know…to be better and to get better." He tried to get them to understand. He then chucked even though his eyes remained heavily on the ground. "But I see now it's is killing me." He slowly raised his eyes towards Kaoru. "I'm sorry for what I did. I'll make it up to you someday." He then looked towards Megumi. "You saved my life. Thank you. Thank you both for your hospitality and generosity.." He gave a bow of his head. He would have given a proper bow if Koharu wasn't still clinging to him.
Megumi acknowledged his apology with a smile and a nod and approached him first. "We're happy you're still with us. You still need rest though and shouldn't be out here."
Soujiro was already bored thinking about it. Koharu finally sat away from Soujiro when Megumi started to help him back to his feet. "You must be hungry. Let Koharu take you back to your room. Kaoru's students will be arriving soon so I'll prepare your meal for you."
At the sound of food, Soujiro was reminded how hungry he still was. Even more, he still desired solid food, but couldn't bring himself to specially request it after the trouble he's already caused. He only nodded thankfully. "Hai…thank you."
It was on his way back to his room that Soujiro realized he wouldn't be returning to his room…his original room at least. He had liked having access to the outside world, especially on a day as such. He yearned to feel the sun after what he had been through the last few days.
Instead of returning back to his room, he came to a halt in the main living area in the center of the Kamiya home with the heated stove. It wasn't the warmth drawing him, but the door leading outside.
"Sou?" Koharu questioned. "Are you okay?" She was under his arm. He didn't need her support but had long learn the importance of letting her feel needed. Even so, he let his arm fall off her shoulders as he approached the door and slid it open to let in the light. "Sou, no!"
"It's all right, Koharu. I'm not going to fall asleep." He was already on his knees holding on to the door for support. Just as he was getting to enjoy the fresh air, Koharu tried to force the door shut.
"Shut this door now!"
"Don't!" He yelled and immediately had to turn away to cough into his fist.
Koharu bit her tongue both in her guilt she has made him yell and cough and that he was still being as stubborn as every. Once he recovered, he closed his eyes and rested it against the door to take in the breeze that was blowing.
He heard Koharu let out a childish grunt and stomp away. He figured she was going to go tell on him. He almost stopped her by reminding her that he wasn't supposed to be left alone, but in the end, he just didn't care. A few minutes was all he wanted. He had closed his eyes for only a moment before his attention was briefly directed outside when he saw Yahiko hurry down the main entrance towards the gate of the dojo and open the gate to let Kaoru's students in. He watched Yahiko lead them into their class and drew the attention of a boy who looked to be the youngest in the class. The boy even stopped briefly to meet Soujiro's gaze. He tried to smile to acknowledge the boy, but by that time, he had already started to follow the others to class.
I must look terrible, Soujiro guessed. He stared like I might be a ghost. He touched his face and then the ends of his hair with a slight tug and ended up pulling an unfair clump of his dark hair. It remained in his hand until he completely opened his palm and it was carried off in the wind. Thin, pale and losing hair…. He despaired.
"Foolish boy! Don't you ever learn?" Megumi's voice erupted in the air. She carried his lunch in and slammed the tray on a nearby table to show her disapproval. "Close that door at once and come sit by the fire."
Soujiro suddenly let out a soft laugh. He wasn't trying to make anyone upset but how they reacted to his disobedience was far different than how his family had treated him. He almost liked getting a reaction out of them. Megumi in particular. It was becoming more like home that way. He had been stubborn and testing their limits like a disobedient child. Something he never dared do as a child growing up with the family he had. Those now watching over him were getting mad at him for completely different reasons. Reasons that they should be.
"This isn't something to laugh at," Megumi said pointedly.
"Forgive me," Soujiro said. He only made himself more comfortable against the door as if to keep trying her patience. His arms were crossed as he gazed into the outside world. "How long have I been here?"
"A month, why?"
A month! Has it been that long already? He closed his eyes and breathed in the cool crisp air and let his breath out as he let his head rest back against the door frame. "Could you do a month without the sun?"
Megumi slowly stood from sitting his tray down with a more sympathetic gaze towards him. Koharu was just now returning. She hadn't left to tell on him after all, but to retrieve his blanket so he could at least be warm while breathing in the fresh air he craved. Her expression after Soujiro spoke seemed to help her just realize how long he had been confined to his bed. Even though his last room had access to the outside world, it had to stay shut because of snowstorms. Even when he could open it, the sun wouldn't be shining in like it was now. Both Megumi and Koharu could sympathize and were sorry to have been perhaps a little too strict on him. Megumi retrieved the blanket and approached Soujiro herself.
Soujiro opened his eyes towards his shoulder when Megumi placed the blanket over his shoulders. He saw her sincere care and worry for him. He has at first been annoyed by it, but had gradually come to see it for what it really was. How she looked and cared for him was only something he had experienced with Yumi but not even to this extent. He wouldn't have dared let someone feel pity for him as the Tenken.
"No. You're right. It's important for you to get some sun too." He started to turn to face her which allowed her to reach pass him and close the door. He set a bitter gaze back at her but knew not to fight it.
"You are weak," she reminded him. "Eat by the fire first. You'll be surprised how much strength will return once you eat. Then, I'll feel better letting you get some sunlight. Deal?"
Soujiro consented.
He had thought he had a big appetite but by the time he felt full, he had only taken a few bites. It was solid food, including cooked rice and vegetables. His stomach had gone weeks without consuming a solid meal so that it took less bites than normal to sustain him. As promised though, Megumi let him sit by the door to soak in the sunlight and also gave him a warm drink. Once he was settled, he was already dozing off to sleep feeling content with a full stomach and the rays of sun shining on him. He about nearly let himself fall asleep. He would have allowed it. Megumi was there to watch over him now. Sanosuke had walked in a few times but then complained about the cold and Soujiro letting out all the heat and eventually left. By the time Soujiro had peace and quiet and would have fallen asleep, a overcast of clouds had blotted out the sun again and it was time to close the doors. He was to finish his drink by the fire and then return to his room to rest. Megumi had recommended to continue instructing Koharu if he was not in the mood to sleep. Koharu was already excited to show him what she accomplished on her own while he had been recovering. When he decided to come sit by the fire, she gathered her work she had done in her room and brought it to him. As she would typically do, she rested against his back with her arms resting affectionately around his neck while he checked her handwriting skills. He had long given up in trying to tell her to not ever hold him like that. In fact, he had become so accustomed to it, he hardly got annoyed by it anymore.
When it was about time to return to his room, Megumi dropped the hint for him by collecting his few dishes. It only made him uncomfortable because not only had Megumi become his doctor, but she seemed to be taking up the role as a nurse. He tried suggesting Koharu taking the dishes, but Megumi insisted he finished looking over the homework Koharu was so eager to share with him.
It was at that moment Soujiro heard footsteps approaching from down the hall and lifted his gaze to see Kenshin. Megumi and him crossed paths as she was carrying the dishes away and she paused before Kenshin to relay the news about Soujiro and how he was doing. She then carried on her task as Kenshin continued his way towards Soujiro. "I'm glad to see you're away and moving around already."
Soujiro lowered Koharu's homework on his lap and tried to sit straight, but Koharu resting her weight against him made it difficult to sit straight.
"It's all right. You don't need to sit straight for me," Kenshin started.
"You've been missing all afternoon." Soujiro didn't ask a question, but he might as well have. His eyes then focused on a extra sword Kenshin was carrying at his side, but was wrapped up in cloth. Soujiro at once knew what sword it was that was covered, and obviously Kenshin wouldn't have thought him dumb to think otherwise.
Kenshin gave forth a guilty smile and held forth a small box, a bento box to be exact that was wrapped in decorative cloth. "I wanted to keep today's meeting a secret but it would be a little heartless if I did. This is a gift for you from them. I paid a visit to the Ohara family." He held the bento box up more clearly.
"What?" Soujiro questioned. "Why do you still have her sword?" He was getting angry now knowing that the sword had never been returned to her, which is precisely why Kenshin had rather kept his errand a secret.
"With all the storms we've been having, it hasn't been safe to travel. Plus, it wouldn't have looked good leaving the dojo right away after promising to watch over you. Miss Avaron understood that. I saw an opportunity this morning while you were still asleep to take it to her."
"Why do you still have it?"
"I was able to talk to Avaron a bit. She wouldn't even acknowledge I had the sword. All she wanted was to ask about your well-being. Of course I told her. Eventually her delay in returning inside her home grabbed her aunt's attention and she came out. She realized I was there on your behalf and asked about your welfare as well. It made it more difficult to be able to return the sword discreetly."
Soujiro was stun. "Honoka asked about me?"
Koharu laughed softly and said: "Even Avaron's own family knows they cannot do better than y-" Soujiro elbowed her side to quiet her.
"Ow!" She whined even though she still kept her arms around him. She retaliated by giving him a playful choke hold, which he ignored.
"Yes, she seemed about as worried as Avaron.…I told them how we nearly lost you but you pulled through with great determination and surprising strength." Kenshin than added another nervous smile. "Her aunt thinks we're your family now, and that this is your family home...I had to give an explanation how we know each other and why you're under our care."
Soujiro raised a brow. "She thinks I'm related to you?"
"Actually, I gave the impression that your related to Miss Kaoru."
That is a bit more believable. "Don't people know her pretty well around here? Wouldn't it be obvious to them I'm not from around here?"
"Yes, but I'm sure Kaoru would allow other family members to visit and stay. I told them you're a imperial soldier that had to take a leave of absence until you overcome your illness and that Kaoru was the closest relative and in the best position to care for you. She took to the information very well." Kenshin noted as he looked back on the conversation. She had even questioned her niece why she never mentioned Soujiro was a soldier. Avaron had acted along with Kenshin and said that Soujiro was not one to brag about his status to impress others and that he had refrained from telling her at first too.
Soujiro's face blushed. "What you've done is made her think I'm a somebody."
Avaron came from a family with a strong military background and had a strong reputation with the Meiji it seemed. Honoka had just been thrilled that someone was taking an interest in her niece and for once wasn't affected by her reputation. Honoka wouldn't have dared hope that a soldier would show an interest. Soujiro wasn't exactly a soldier, but if he could earn the trust of the Meiji, he could easily out rank a soldier one day. Much of the Juppongatana already had a measure of control over some government officials, including Chou. Kenshin didn't exactly mislead Honoka into thinking Soujiro was someone less.
"What do you mean?" Kenshin asked.
"Nevermind…it doesn't matter anyway," he said as he stood. "Just make sure that sword is given back to her soon. Don't let another month pass by before it's done." He started to turn away to return to his room.
"Soujiro, wait."
Soujiro let out a exasperated breath thinking Kenshin might start to correct or lecture him. He knew he was still struggling to show gratitude towards Kenshin.
Kenshin only held up the bento box and walked up to pass it along to Soujiro.
"Avaron made this for me?"
"Actually I have reason to believe Honoka did. She's the one who gave it to me."
Soujiro had started to take hold of it, but then refrained. He lowered his hands. He didn't blame Honoka fully. She wasn't just desperate but he knew he had given her reason to show his interest in Avaron. Without much choice, he followed her from Kofu and let her aid him. His feelings had only grown from there and he had let it happen so quickly. Looking back, he had been careless and selfish. He had imagine while he was with her that he would be long gone from this place in a few short day days. He had wanted to make the most of his time with her. The last thing he expected was that a few days later he would become Kenshin's prisoner. Now Honoka believed he had roots here and that he had come by his life honestly. He felt like by accepting the gift that he was only digging a deeper hole for himself. He couldn't give the life she desired him to grant for Avaron.
Sou, why aren't you taking it?" Koharu was getting impatient. "I'm sure Avaron played a part in it too."
That didn't make it any easier to accept the gift.
He finally shook his head and stepped away. "I can't accept it. Return it with the sword."
"Sou!" Koharu yelled. "After all she's done-"
"Koharu, you're not going to understand and I don't have to explain it to you." He looked back at Kenshin. "Give it back. I don't care how heartless it comes across. Avaron should at least understand." She will now. He turned to face Koharu. "I'm going back to my room. If you wish to continue to be schooled by me, you'll not bring this up again. It's done." Without giving her a moment to think on it, he continued onward and returned to his room by himself. He didn't want anyone trying to change his mind. When he knew Koharu wasn't following him, he entered his room and promptly shut the door behind him. If Koharu wanted to keep the peace between them, she had to let this go at once.
She only stood by Kenshin, her face turning a blooming red. Kenshin thought in a moment he might actually see steam coming out of her ears. He jumped when she snatched the gift from his hands. "I'm not going to let him squander this! He deserves to be happy, despite what he thinks."
Kenshin shook his head. "That's not what it is. This isn't some attempt to punish himself." He didn't seem nearly as infuriated as she was. In fact, he could relate to such feelings. "He's only acting this way because it's that hard of a decision for him. He's protecting her. "
"I think he's doing her a favor." A new voice inserted.
Koharu and Kenshin turned to find Sanosuke causally leaning against the wall behind them. How long has he been there? Koharu thought bitterly.
Sanosuke had returned eventually just after Kenshin arrived and the room was made cozy and warm by the fire again. It wasn't shocking that Soujiro hadn't acknowledge his presence when he entered the room. Yahiko was still with Kaoru finishing up their class together and Megumi had not yet returned.
"Nobody asked you."
"I'm not saying it because I despise the kid. If anything, it shows he has a brain. He can't promise her anything. He's at the mercy of the Meiji now. Every decision he makes will have to be run passed them."
"But he's not putting her in danger, right?" She looked to Kenshin to support her. "He doesn't have to cut her out of his life."
Kenshin's face remained serious and it took him a moment to meet Koharu's gaze. "I won't lie to you…There is risk. You should know that better than anyone. The moment your existence was made known to the Meiji, it became Soujiro's weakness. Avaron was already nearly arrested for helping him. It was attacking you two that finally brought him down."
"The Meiji is no longer targeting us though." Koharu crossed her arms, daring the others to argue it. "There's nothing to fear anymore."
"Except the Meiji's enemies. And believe me, they have many," Sanosuke uttered the last bit under his breath. "Soujiro may well also have unknown enemies within the Meiji. Shishio killed a lot of people and used Soujiro to do it. They won't want to kill Soujiro right away, they'll want to make him suffer just as they have."
"Sanosuke," Kenshin said in a warning tone before he would say too much. He looked back at Koharu. "Soujiro's only concern is that the people he cares about aren't put in danger and used against him. He also doesn't have to worry about you as much because he can trust you'll be safe here. Avaron would be a more vulnerable target if he made his relationship with her more open and known.
Koharu was becoming disheartened. Unlike what Soujiro thought of her, she was starting to understand. She looked towards the gift meant for her adoptive brother and held it less possessively. "So this is it? This really is his life now? The Meiji and nothing to look forward to but a brat of a sister in a home where he's constantly made to feel unwelcomed," she glared at Sanosuke.
"I'm not saying that either. Look," Kenshin said as he got down to get height. "You told us Soujiro tried to do the same with you. He gave you every opportunity to not come with him. He told you the risks…yet nothing deterred you from staying with him. You decided he was worth the risks that came from befriending him."
Koharu nodded in agreement. She had made up her mind from the beginning to stay with him and fought it if he said otherwise. There was never a doubt in her mind.
"He doesn't want her to have to make that decision so he's making it for her," Megumi said as she reentered the room. She saw the present meant for Soujiro and put together what had happened. "He won't ever admit it but he's more like you than he wants to admit," she said to Kenshin.
"In a way, I also put my friends here at risked," Kenshin ageed. "Each of them have been directly or indirectly affected from my past because people have wanted to hurt me or use me. The friends I have bravely have stuck by my side even when I tried to push them away like Soujiro is doing. Despite the risks and what they've already suffered from knowing me, they've never abandoned me. They don't give me the option. In fact, it took me too long to realize how much I've come to mean to them."
"We all gave him a hard time," Sanosuke smirked and approached Kenshin to smack his upper back. "And he knows never to pull a stunt like that again, right?" He pulled Kenshin in a playful headlock.
"That I do," Kenshin added with a nervous smile.
Koharu chuckled as she watched Kenshin feebly tried to escape Sanosuke's hold. She felt she was starting to understand what Kenshin was saying. "So…Avaron needs to know he worth it?
Kenshin chuckled at her wording while still stuck in Sano's hold. "She needs to decide that he is."
"Either way, your brother will learn over time that he isn't as alone as he thinks," Megumi assured. "I won't speak for Avaron, but I'll speak for us. Whether Soujiro likes it or not, he's stuck with us... Including Sanosuke. Don't worry, he's just putting up a front. Apart from me, Sano was the first to try and persuade Soujiro to come here. Deep down he cares. I know that better than anyone."
"Really?" Koharu asked as she turned to face Sanosuke. "You tried to help Sou?"
Sanosuke had just released Kenshin and tried to keep to a stone cold face. After a moment, he caved and tried to shrug it off. "I knocked him out with a kick. That's when I knew he was real trouble."
"You what?" Koharu barked angrily.
"The point is he tried to help too," Megumi added trying to keep to a positive smile.
Koharu glowered a moment longer at Sanosuke before she relaxed it. She looked back at the gift. She trusted Avaron and more importantly Soujiro trusted her. Within the first few seconds they met in Kofu, he had to decide to trust her and she came through for them. She ended up risking everything for them. At that time, Avaron was their only friend and ally. While Koharu could be possessive of her adoptive brother, she saw how much Soujiro enjoyed the attention and that someone was so keen in taking care of him. That was something she could never really give him.
What if she does decide friendship with Soujiro is too risky? I'll always have him and others to protect me. But she has no one to protect her…. And if something ever did happen to Avaron, I just know Sou's heart wouldn't be able to take it…. She stood there in contemplation trying to figure out a solution. Her mind was already going as far as fleeing the country.
Megumi stepped forward and gently took hold of the bento box in Koharu's hands. "One step at a time. He can't do much until he's healed. Let's just focus on that and then the next step."
"What about the food? It'll go bad."
"I'll make sure he gets it. We can brew him some tea later and bring it to him in a different dish. That way, no one's feelings will be hurt and the gift is serving its purpose. Sound good?"
Actually, that's an easy, simple solution. Koharu clasped her hands in approval. Then we can tell Avaron Sou loved it. Not that he's given up any future with her….
"Don't keep him waiting," Megumi encouraged. "Keep showing him what you've been learning on your own while he's been resting. I'm sure he still wants to keep teaching you...I just advise you not to bring this topic up again. It isn't something to be rushed anyway."
Koharu nodded in agreement. That's best…one step at a time.