Alright! As I told most of you I'd try to update before I left, and look at that! I did! Well, this chapter's not as long as I'd like it. But there's really nothing more to add. My computer says it's six pages . . .but it doesn't seem that long. O well, anyway for me to add anymore to this chapter would probably cause the story to collapse. So you'll just have to bear with me. Let me tell you the next chapter is going to be a doozy! So at least I'll have a good while to think up ideas for it right? Well, enough talk . . .actually I often wonder if anyone reads this? I always do . . .O well, on to the chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin . . .but Sano is ALL MINE! I promise!
Chapter 20: Surprises by Day and Trials by Night
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Kenshin and Kaoru road back to their house after church Sunday morning. The ride had been completely silent and Kenshin kept glancing out of the corner of his eye to observe his wife. She was slightly paler than normal and her hands were messing with the hem of her dress nervously. 'Did I do something wrong? Maybe I forgot to tell her how pretty she looks today. No that can't be it . . .wonder what's bothering her.'
He debated these possible problems in his mind but none seemed to fit his Kaoru. She had never complained about anything, never asked for anything, or had ever wanted anything. She was the most unselfish woman he had ever met. He continued to watch her in silence until they arrived at their house.
He helped her slide off of the wagon and onto the ground. He eyed her cautiously before deciding it was useless and began to lead the horses into the barn. Kaoru stood there fingering the ruffles on her skirt.
She stared down at her hands. 'This shouldn't be this hard. Come on Kaoru it's not like he's never going to notice.' She watched his receding form disappear into the barn. 'What do I say? How do I say it?' She frantically racked her brain for the answers but none came. She was all on her own for this one. No one had ever given a lesson on how to talk to your husband. 'This should just come naturally . . .but I feel like I'm about to break into pieces.'
She looked up as he exited the barn. He looked at her confused for a moment.
'Why is she still outside? She's just standing there looking like she's lost. Did I need to do something else for her? She's never acted this way before what do I do?' Kenshin stood there helpless and Kaoru standing there staring back like a deer looking into headlights. (A/N I know that they didn't have headlights. But how else should I explain her look. Like a deer staring down a gun-barrel. Hey that works!)
He decided to drag the wagon into the barn. She obviously wasn't saying anything so what was he to do. He turned to go back into the barn when he heard a noise.
"Kenshin?" He had almost missed it because it was said so softly. He paused and turned his head.
"Yes?"
"Ummm . . ." Kaoru wrung the tiny article of clothing in her hands. "I need to tell you something . . ." She shifted nervously and Kenshin just stood there staring at her in disbelief.
She paused for so long Kenshin's mind began to panic. 'What's wrong? Why can't she just say it? If someone hurt her I'll beat his head in and rip his brains out. Actually if they thought to mess with her they obviously don't HAVE any brains. They should know I could rip them apart.' His mind thought up all possible scenarios. One after the other and none were comforting.
She saw him frown and she paused. 'I can't do this. He looks so angry. What if it makes him mad? This was hard enough to do without bothering him. Now he looks like he doesn't want me to talk anymore, Maybe I should just go inside. No that's not right I mean I can't just NOT say anything.'
The worst thing about this situation was that the more that Kaoru delayed the more aggravated Kenshin became. And the more Kenshin's face showed displeasure the more Kaoru delayed. So the two of them stood there Kaoru growing more reserved all the while and Kenshin was about to explode. Finally Kenshin gave up on waiting and exasperatedly threw his hands up in the air and turned to retreat into the barn.
Kaoru watched him in horror. 'NO!' he mind screamed 'DON'T GO! This wasn't supposed to be like this!'
"Kenshin I'm pregnant!" She shouted amazed at her own audacity. She stood there in shock and Kenshin wheeled around. "Oro?" He stood there his face in shock and stared at Kaoru in disbelief. When he finally found his voice he rushed over to where she was standing and cupped her face in his hands.
"You're pregnant?" He could barely breath. She nodded her head slowly. Kenshin faltered for a moment. He stood there dazedly and turned and began to pace in front of her. He stopped and cupped her face again. "Really?" She nodded. He paced again. Stopped and put his hands on her shoulders lightly. "You mean . . .you're going to have a baby?" She giggled slightly.
"That's generally what being pregnant means Kenshin."
"Yes . . .yes . . . I suppose you're right." He stood there unable to think or speak. He was going to be a daddy! Was this real? Finally his face broke out into a full-fledged grin.
"I'm going to be a daddy!"
"Yes, you are." Kaoru reassured him.
"We're going to be parents."
"Mmm hmm!" Kaoru smiled. He began to pace excitedly in front of her.
"That means I'll have to make a crib. Oh, and we'll have to expand our house. Of course it'll have to sleep in our room at the beginning but eventually it can sleep in it's own room. Oh, I can teach it to ranch and to ride horses and-"
"Umm Kenshin?" Kaoru asked giggling. "Why don't we just get through HAVING the baby first. Before we decide to teach it to use a lasso."
"You know what?" Kenshin moved up next to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "That sounds like a good idea to me."
He leaned down a kissed her softly lingering on her silky lips before raising his head. "I love you." He whispered. Then he turned and walked off toward the barn.
"Where are you going?" She asked confused.
"To get started. I have so much to get done."
"Kenshin, it'll be nine months."
"You mean I only have NINE MONTHS? I'm more pressed for time than I thought." With that Kenshin took off at a run into the barn.
Kaoru shook her head and smiled. This was going to be an interesting adventure for sure!
* * * * * * * * * *Three Weeks Later * * * * * * * * * * * *Kaoru woke with a start. 'No, please not this.' Her mind screamed. She slid her feet silently to the cold wooden floor and fled from the room. She swung the front door open and was quickly hit with the chilling wind as she hobbled down the steps. The wet grass whipped against her ankles as she fled from the tiny building. She ran until she felt the bitter bile rise up in her throat. She choked as she emptied the contents of her stomach. She stood hunched over as she tried to calm her nerves.
Megumi had told her this would happen. And after three weeks of nothing Kaori thought that Megumi had been mistaken and that everything would go smoothly. 'I need to give Megumi more credit.' She thought woebegone at the fact that her throat had constricted again. She lurched forward and dry heaved into the grass. She waited for a moment before attempting to straighten up but as soon as she lifted her head she regretted it. Her body began to reject everything inside her stomach. After several times of dry heaving she just stood there clutching her stomach.
Tears welled up in her eyes and she shut them tight to keep them from spilling over. 'I can't cry. It's not that bad. Everything will be ok.' She opened her eyes again staring at the ground when she noticed the shadow looming behind her. She tilted her head to the side to see what it was and was met with the sympathizing eyes of her husband.
Kenshin walked over to her and handed her a cup of water, which she took gratefully. She sipped from it a bit before handing it back. He wrapped his arms around her waist in order to bring her up next to him. She allowed him to embrace her she was too exhausted to tell him to go back inside or reprimand him for getting up.
He rubbed soothing circles on her back with the palm of his hand. Kaoru thought the illness had passed but then she felt her body begin to reject the water as well. She quickly put her hands on Kenshin's chest and pushed away turning so her body could displace the water. A tremor ran through her body and she tried hard to swallow away the bad taste in her mouth but to no avail.
Kneshin took her hand and gave her the glass again. "Just rinse." He said softly and Kaoru did so. Eliminating the bad taste. He then slid his arm around her waist and began to lead her back. She let him guide her until she noticed that all the blankets they owned were now laid out on the ground. She looked at him confused. "There's no need for you to have to run in and out all night long. We'll just stay out here." She wanted to protest he needed to sleep. Not to be babysitting her all night long.
Before she could say anything he put a finger up to silence her and he tucked her in. Smothering her body with the blankets then he too slid in next to her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back into his chest and closed his eyes.
She lay there staring out across the field unable to sleep or rest. Her body ached from the illness and she could do nothing to ease the pain. She finally closed her eyes and resorted to trying to calm her breathing. She listened intently to her husbands breathing and soon she heard his breaths become shallow and slow letting her know he was sleeping again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Kenshin woke for the 7th time that night as he felt his wife's body slip from beside him and heard the patter of her feet rush away from the mat. He kept his eyes closed knowing that if she knew he had awoken each time she got up she would want him to sleep inside. And there was no way he was letting her face this alone.
Soon he heard her steady steps approach once again and felt her now cold body slide in beside him. This time she cuddled up next to him and buried her face into his chest. He wrapped his arms instinctively around her back to secure her in place.
He felt her tremble and shake beneath his arms. 'She's cold' He thought momentarily before the truth hit him. 'No, her body's shaking from exhaustion.' He worriedly rubbed her back to sooth her pain until he felt her shivers lessen and her breathing calm.
A few minutes passed and he knew she was asleep. 'Hopefully she'll stay that way.' He thought with worry. He looked out at the horizon. 'Only a few more hours until daybreak. Perhaps, once I'm sure she's sleeping soundly I can carry her inside so she can rest without the sun awakening her.' He closed his eyes briefly before reopening them.
With careful movements he lifted his wife from the blankets and carried her softly inside. He tucked her into the bed and after pacing a soft kiss on her head he closed the door.
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There you go! Hopefully that will tide you over about a week maybe more. Once again, I know I promised a long chapter but it just wouldn't work with what I had to work with. Trust me I revised this chapter like a million times making sure that I didn't need to add anything or take anything away. I hope you all enjoyed it! On to my lovely reviewers whom I admire so much!
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Shiomei- (bows repeatedly) I know, I know it was waaay too short. This one wasn't much better. Though I'd like to think it was. Yes a filler chappie, but it needed to happen. Hmm, as for Kenshin reacting what do you think I tried to keep him as IC as possible . . .but perhaps I've failed miserably. *sigh* Where's her family you ask? Bwahahahahahahahaha . . .ha. Umm, I wasn't planning on having Tomoe in the story because I can't necessarily think of an evil enough role for her. (I don't particularly like Tomoe if you haven't noticed.) The next chapter will be . . .depressing as far as I can tell right now. I have it all written out in my head. Just not on paper . . .heh heh. Actually the next chapter should be really sad and will probably upset a lot of people but I'm trying to make this story believable so it has to happen. But seeing how you're nodding in crazy approval I trust you will not be too upset. Lol! Peru? That;s awesome. I'll be sure to look you up if I ever go there! That would be great times seeing how I don't have any friends that like animes. Isn't that unbelievable? Pretty sad. And I'll try not to fall for those Argentinean guys. *wink*
Chocoberry- Don't worry I'll do my best to make Sano happy! *blushes* Thanks for the compliment. I really don't deserve it though. Hehe. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Mz. Amber Eyes- Yep! Glad you like my quick updates! Though it'll be a while before I update again. Sorry you're confused hopefully this chapter cleared things up for you a bit. If you have any more questions just e-mail me and I can get back to you sooner that way. I know Sano's a sweetheart! He's so cute! *sigh* if only I could find a spiky-haired hunk like him. (goes off to daydream) Hope you liked this chapter!
Sequel x Kira Yamato- Kira, you're not stupid . . . when I write sometimes you have to read between the lines a lot. Makes you think a little more. Lol! AND GUESS WHAT SEQUEL! YOU WERE RIGHT . . . hehe. Yes Argentina should be fun and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll see you guys when I get back . . .well sort of.
Moonsilver- Guess this chapter takes care of your question huh? Lol! No I didn't write anything, but that's because this is a PG story, anyway so you can just read between the lines . . .lol! Hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you when I get back!
Half_Breed_fox- Hehe answer your question? Hope this is a good enough chapter to tide you over!
Lanse- Hehe hint or not, you always inspire me! I loved your latest chapter . . .I felt so honored to be mentioned in your fic in an author's note. *blushes* you sure know how to make a girl feel special! Thanks a lot! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Darky- See I updated! I can't take a labtop with me because I don't own one . . .*sniff sniff* I'm so flattered you really like my story! (holds right hand in air) I promise if at all possible I will finish this fic and I will never take it from the site! Heheh. Hope you liked this chapter!
Koishii Sweet- Your tears moved me so I just had to update before I left. Not to mention all the threat notes I received . . .J/K! This way it'll only be about a week before I update again! That's good right? Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Nikki-Himura- YOU'RE WELCOME! YOU'RE WELCOME! He he! I love being able to respond to my reviewers and I love it when other authors respond to me! I think it makes the story a team project you know? Lol! Here's the next chapter I hope you liked it!
Me, Myself, and I- Ouch . . .that boy needs a good beating. (hands over giant club) Next time you see him just thwack him over the head. That outta teach him *winks* hehe yea I definitely will need the protective shield that keeps me from harm in this next upcoming chapter . . .it's going to be . . .bad . . .well sort of . . . maybe all of my reviewers like being in anguish . . .I doubt it. Lol! I'm ticklish too so don't worry too much about it. Just find someone who's more ticklish than you and you'll have a good ole time. Take my best friend . . .she's the most ticklish person in the entire universe! Lol! Well hope you liked this chapter! I'll see you in a week! Adios!
Ginny-cry- And the answer is . . .Pregnant . . .you so didn't see that one coming did you? (Sarcasm drips onto the floor) heheh I need to clean that up. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Silver Eyes Bright- You ingenious! I can't believe you guessed it! Lol . . .actually I pretty pathetic when it comes to 'surprises' but at least it makes you happy! Right? Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Allin656- Hope you liked what happened! Sano and Megumi huh? Well a lot has to happen before it happens you know what I'm saying? Lol! Hope this will tide you over until next week!
Animemistress419- Heheh yep it'll be great! I'm so glad you liked the last chapter! Hope this one pleases you too!
Hioga-chan- Yea I know! I mean she's right on the ball! (sarcastic grin) anyway thanks for reviewing and I'll see you guys in a week! Well, write you guys . . .or type . . .never mind. Lol!
Tintin-chan- Yea the last chapter was by far not the greatest ever but you have to have dome of those kinds of cahpters you know? Lol Kaoru have a pet neame for Kenshin hmmm . . .ok I'll make a deal with you when she expresses her felling for Kenshin I'll give him a pet name! Though I don't know which on yet . . .hmmm. I'll think of one. Don't worry Kenshin and Kaoru won't break up. I tried to make this chapter longer and it was I'm pretty sure. So, anyway I hope you enjoyed it and I'll see you in a week!
Mirage- Yay! I'm glad you like my story! That makes me happy! Hope this update will hold you until next week!
R.T Kaida- Hahahahaha! That's so funny! Well, I guess you'll just have to wait and see . . .don't worry it'll come soon enough! Kk hope you liked this chapter!
Kenshinobsession- Hehe yep she's pregnant! Hope you liked the scene! I tried to make it interesting. And I'll try not to get writers block really I will, you'll have to stay on my case though . . .if I start having writers block you'll have to beat me over the head with a wet noodle got it? Ok good! Hope you liked this chapter!
The Evil Witch- I'll try to have a good time! I'm sorry you're not having fun but just look forward to New Zealand! Yaya for you . . .Boo for me . . .well, I'll see ya in a week!
Mishorou Mie- You weird? Hah! You should try to just havea NORMAL conversation with me . . . all my friends call me 'freak' isn't that sad . . .you're probably like what friends? Lol! Well, I'll be back in a week hope this chapter hold you until then!
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Well, everyone . . .I guess this is goodbye . . .I'm really going to miss you guys! If I get writer's block I give you all the permission to harass me endlessly by e-mails! Hopefully that will not happen. But if it ends up being 14 days and I haven't updated . . .umm I'm back really I am . . .I'm just probably having a hard time getting the chapters out. So yea, anyway love all you guys! Thanks for all of your encouragement. I'll see you all in a week with the latest chapter. Remember to REVIEW! Later!
~Kairi7~