Mornings After

by hye kyo

Disclaimer: Nope, RK isn't mine…

Author's Notes: Okay, people please read this! It was my wrong not to have stated in the first place that Tomoe and Enishi aren't related, so I am sorry. For those hoping to have a more thickened plot by making them related I apologize. That's precisely the reason why I didn't give Enishi any surname. Anyway, I have a new phone now and my life's back to normal. I just finished doing my letter of intent and my resume and I hope that things will work out fine for me as I try to seek a field placement in this world. Okay, so there.

Anyway, before I forget, I remember saying last A/n that humor would be coming back come chapter 15, no I was wrong. Make that 16, and especially 17 and yeah 18. had I done those chapters? Yea…and nay…hahaha…

Thanks a lot and go press that review button okay?

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Chapter 12: false alarm

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Kenshin smiled at her as she came. He waved a hand, opened the car door and said, "How was your day?"

Kaoru looked at him, puzzled. He was extremely happy today. "Did anything happen to you?"

Kenshin shook his head, "You're asking weird questions. Let's go, I'm starving."

Kaoru stared at him. Maybe something good happened today. Maybe he had seen Tomoe again, got back with her and is pulling through the plans of engagement. Maybe that's why. She couldn't think of any other reason.

"Let's go," Kenshin repeated as she didn't move from her spot.

Kaoru forced a smile. The meeting with Megumi and Misao earlier hadn't sunk in soon. Now it's making its appearance. She's beginning to feel weird talking with him like this.

"Kaoru," Kenshin said, beckoning to the car, "Let's go."

"Y-yes," she finally said.

---

"She seemed weird," Misao commented. She turned to Aoshi.

Aoshi looked back at her and said, "How? How can you say so?"

Misao pondered for a while and then scratched her head, "I don't know. There was something."

"Something?" Aoshi brushed a stray hair from her face, tucked it neatly behind her ears and said, "Maybe you're just being too observant."

Misao shrugged, "Maybe. I just couldn't help but notice."

"Does your brother know you already knew about it?"

She shook her head. "He'll know eventually."

Aoshi turned to the counter, and took a drink from his glass, "It's getting late. I'll bring you home."

Misao smiled, "Okay. Sometimes let's eat out with Kaoru, maybe you can tell me what you think about her."

"I know her already."

"No, I mean, what you think about her becoming weird about my brother."

Aoshi smiled, "I know her. I can tell she doesn't have any of that towards your brother. You're overreacting."

Misao laughed, "Maybe. I guess I'm just stressed with school."

"Yeah, yeah. So now we have to get you home. You need some sleep."

Misao hugged him, "You're the best."

---

He adjusted the rearview mirror. He knew something was up with Kaoru, the way she was silent tonight. He turned to her as the traffic light turned red, "Are you feeling well?"

Kaoru took a sharp turn towards him and asked, asked in a way as if something had just dawned on her, "Say, do you have anything you want to tell me?"

Kenshin frowned. He shook his head.

Kaoru looked at the window.

He glanced at her. Was something wrong with her? Or with him? He knew he was rather silent these past days, due to Tomoe's return. But he had told himself he'll try to act normally with Kaoru. And now that he's trying here was Kaoru asking him what is happening with him.

"If you have anything you want to tell me," she murmured, her face turned towards the window, "You can always tell me you know."

Kenshin thought of smiling and of saying something but realized that indeed there were things left unsaid between the two of them, things he thought should be left unknown. He was now wondering if he was doing the right thing.

---

"You don't have to fetch me Thursday night," Kaoru said as Kenshin pulled the car into a stop. Dinner had been fine, though a bit awkward. Kaoru couldn't say anything. She wanted him to open up, but no matter how much she tries he just clams up. Well, she really has no right whatsoever to know about it.

"Why?" Kenshin asked, he was becoming worried. There was no hint of her knowing anything about Tomoe. There was no need really to tell her about it. He had decided he'd marry Kaoru. And no matter what happens, he would keep his promise. Even if it might hurt.

"I'd be doing some overtime…you know, I'd been late for several mornings." She forced a smile. Okay, she needs to tell him there is nothing really.

"How is your car?" Kenshin asked, he looked straight at the empty road leading to her apartment.

"I've been at the repair shop the other day. They say it might take some time. It's rather old."

"Why don't you have it changed?"

She shrugged, "I still have to save some more."

Kenshin turned to her and was about to say something when Kaoru quickly unlocked the door, pushed it open and slipped out. Kenshin followed.

She closed the door and looked at him, the car forming a small but great distance between them, "I think I can manage to free some time before lunch this coming Friday."

He remembered and nodded.

"I think around eleven, it wouldn't take that much time would it?"

"Yeah, I think so." He smiled. "Call me when you get home tomorrow night."

Kaoru just smiled. She probably wouldn't call. She turned towards the building.

"Kaoru," he called. Now he's beginning to feel guilty.

"Hn?" she asked, without turning to see him.

"Good night."

She nodded and continued walking. Something was starting to hurt in her chest. Maybe she was just feeling tired.

---

Kaoru sighed. How long had she been sighing? She picked up the papers, looked into the tray and started recording the file numbers of the compact discs.

"Kaoru-san," Tae knocked at her cubicle wall.

She looked up, "Yes?"

"I have a favor to ask you," she said. She sat on one of the leather chairs propped in front of Kaoru's desk.

"Yes Sekihara-san." She looked at her attentively, placing the papers back in a folder.

"Could you go upstairs and make sure Seta-san has read the reports?"

"Reports?" Kaoru asked, "The reports yesterday?"

"Yes," Tae smiled.

Kaoru stood up, gathered the cluttered trays on her desk on one side and asked, "What do I do particularly?"

"Make sure he knows the details. He'd be making a presentation this afternoon."

"Really? What presentation?"

"A monthly report. It's a collated report on all the departments."

Kaoru nodded, and said, "Sure. I'd be going now."

Tae couldn't help but grin.

---

"Is Seta-san—"

The secretary, who Kaoru now knew is called Matsuda-san, grinned and walked her to the door.

"T-thanks," Kaoru looked at her puzzled. She pushed the door open and found him walking back and forth rehearsing something.

He turned and his serious face suddenly brightened up, "Kaoru-san!"

"Good morning Seta-san," she bowed. "I just came to make sure you—"

"Really, Tae-san is such a worrywart." He brought his hand to the back of his neck and looked at his watch.

Kaoru smiled, "She's just worried about you sir."

"Soujiro," he said, "Didn't I tell you to call me Soujiro if it's just the two of us?"

Kaoru forced a smile.

"Anyway, what time is it?" he looked at his watch again, "I haven't had anything this morning and I'm beginning to feel hungry."

"Should I go call the cafeteria and ask them to bring you something to eat?" Kaoru gazed at him and for the first time noticed how tall he was. He was probably just the same height as the redhead.

"No, there's no need. I've already called, their pancakes are really good but they don't have them today," he noted.

"Too bad."

"I have an idea," he said turning to her, "Why don't you just accompany me outside. I'm craving for some blueberry pancakes."

"But," here it goes again. "Sekihara-san might—"

"Tae-san asked you to make sure I read the reports right? It doesn't make a difference if you do that here or outside."

Kaoru could only look tentatively at him.

---

Kenshin hurried. He thanked Kami for finding a parking space quickly. He killed the engine, slipped the keys in his pocket and unceremoniously went out. He hurried to the café.

He found Tomoe sipping coffee at a table near the counter, it was almost hidden. Her hands poised as she brought the cup to her lips. He waved at her as she saw him.

"I'm sorry, I was caught up in traffic."

Tomoe smiled, beckoned him to sit and said, "It's okay. Have you had breakfast?"

He shook his head. He gestured to the waiter and asked for a cup of café Americana and a bagel.

"I'm sorry to have called you early," Tomoe said as she toyed with the spoon.

"It's alright," he said. Why was he fidgety? He shouldn't have asked for a black coffee, he might get more fidgety.

"Aren't you busy?"

"It's fine I'm telling you," he assured her. Actually there were paperwork needed to be done. But they could wait. Tomoe can't. And besides he's hungry.

"Really," she murmured, looking down on her lap, "You just don't know how this means to me."

Kenshin smiled. He tried to calm himself but to no avail.

---

Soujiro opened the glass door for her. "They have good pancakes here," he murmured which made Kaoru smile.

Kaoru walked in and turned to Soujiro as he entered too. "Where do we sit?"

"Upstairs, it's quieter upstairs," he said and led her upstairs.

Kaoru looked around. It was a cute place. She didn't know Seta-san has a flair for cute things. She liked the homey feel and the smell of freshly brewed coffee was soothing. She followed with her eyes a waiter carrying a wooden tray. He stopped in front of a couple at the far end. There was something familiar with the man.

"Kaoru," Soujiro motioned for her to follow.

She kept her eyes trained at the man. From where she was she could only see his back, his hair, his long red hair. Red? Something in her chest cringed.

"Here," Soujiro took a seat in one of the tables at the balcony.

Kaoru turned to him and smiled, took a seat too and stared the man below. She could still see his back.

"What will you have?" Soujiro had gestured for a waiter who was now waiting.

She shook her head, "Ah…don't worry, I had breakfast."

He frowned, "Go ahead."

"It's okay," she said, trying hard to smile.

"Well then," Soujiro turned to the waiter, "We'd both have blueberry pancakes."

Kaoru turned to him, "I can't—"

"And cappuccino. Make that two." He grinned at her, "At least try it."

Kaoru nodded meekly and smiled again. Her jaws are beginning to hurt from smiling. Soujiro was giving extra instructions to the waiter so she turned back to the man and thought hard.

Red hair. Where had she seen that red hair before? She strained her neck to catch a glimpse of his face. And when she did the thought finally struck her. Kenshin.

Kaoru felt her heart beat faster. So Kenshin is here, who is he with? She turned to the woman across him. Kaoru could perfectly see her face, and just seeing the way she moves her hand she quickly knew who she was. So Kenshin was with Tomoe.

Funny to be at the same place at the same time. Kaoru felt the cringing in her chest once again. It was the same feeling she had last night. She was overworked. She needed some rest.

"Kaoru-san," Soujiro's voice came through her thoughts, "Are you okay? You paled suddenly."

Kaoru quickly shot him a surprised look. The feeling in her chest was becoming more prominent. "H-ha?"

Soujiro stood up, walked over to her and asked, "Is there something wrong? How do you feel?"

She slowly turned to the couple below. Kenshin was laughing and so was Tomoe. He was happy. She turned back to Soujiro and felt her chest hurting, like it's going to explode.

"Kaoru—"

"Could we," she swallowed hard, not really understanding what she was feeling, "Could we go somewhere else?" She couldn't understand her reaction.

Soujiro was puzzled but nevertheless said, "Okay, let's go." And the he asked nothing and helped her on her feet.

---

"Are you okay?" Soujiro asked her. They were sitting at a bench near the building. He looked at her, concern registering on his face.

"Y-yes," Kaoru forced a smile. She was wondering why such reaction came from her. the cringing in her chest was still there but barely noticeable. She took a deep breath, "I'm sorry."

Soujiro smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder, "It's okay."

"A-ah…" she tried to laugh but her throat was dry.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

She suddenly look at him, and it took her a while before finally saying, "It was nothing…really."

Soujiro nodded, accepting her demise of the subject. He took a deep breath, stood up and looked at the building, "It's nice to look at it…from here."

Kaoru turned to him and then to what he was talking about. She nodded. "There's nothing really, I just…I don't know why…"

Soujiro turned back to her, held out his hand and said, "Alright, but if there's anything you want to talk about, I'd be willing to listen. You know where to find me right?"

Kaoru was relieved. Finally she nodded and smiled, this time it was real.

---

Kenshin looked at his mobile phone. It was eleven in the evening and Kaoru still hadn't called. He dialed her number, not wanting to wait anymore.

After a couple of rings she finally answered, "Hello?"

"Kaoru," Kenshin said. He leaned deeper into his pillow.

"K-Kenshin?" there was a pause and then, "Why did you call?"

He frowned, "I told you to call me right?"

There was a long stretch of silence. "I forgot about it."

He nodded to himself. Something was wrong. Something definitely was wrong. "How was your day?"

"You, how was your day?" she didn't mean it to sound accusing, but it went out of her mouth that way.

Kenshin was taken aback by the sudden sharpness in her voice, "I-it…It was fine…"

She cleared her throat, "Good."

"I see…" now he doesn't know anything to say.

"Good night," she suddenly said, "I'm sleepy."

"Okay." And he heard the click. There was something wrong.

---

Kaoru was already at the lobby by the time Kenshin arrived. It was Friday and it was eleven in the morning already. Kaoru walked over to him.

"Come on," Kenshin said, trying hard to smile.

Kaoru nodded. What does she have to feel?

---

"Good morning," Dr. Akai greeted them as they both took a seat. She offered them coffee to which they both declined.

"How are you?" the doctor asked Kaoru.

Kaoru nodded and smiled, "I'm fine." She turned to Kenshin.

Kenshin has a subdued face. He seemed to be deep in thought.

Kaoru frowned to herself. Maybe he was hoping there had been miscalculations. Maybe she was hoping for that too. But she doesn't like the look on his face.

"Well," the doctor stood up, went over to a metal drawer and draw out a brown envelope. She unwound the cover and slipped out a couple of papers, "Well Shimoto-san, the last time you were here—"

That caught Kaoru's ears. "Wait, Shimoto-san?"

That caught Kenshin's ears too. "What do you mean Shimoto-san?"

There was confusion in the doctor's face. She looked at the label of the envelope and then spilled the contents on the table.

Kaoru saw the form she had filled out the last time she was here. It was correct. That form was the exact form. The other forms were hers and Kenshin's too.

"Himura-san and Kamiya-san?" the doctor shot them a puzzled look.

"Yes," they answered in unison.

"I was the one who called you right?" the doctor asked Kenshin. She was beginning to get baffled herself.

"Yes," Kenshin said.

"Well," the doctor sighed, "I think there had been a mix-up."

Kaoru smiled, "It seems."

The doctor looked at the other sheet of paper, it was the result of the pregnancy examination. She looked at the end and found the signatory. "So you are not Shimoto-san?"

Kaoru shook her head. She turned to Kenshin who was gazing expectantly at the doctor.

"I…I think we need to do another pregnancy check," she suggested.

"Why?" Kenshin asked. What was he feeling right now? Why does he feel like he was beginning to hope that the findings were wrong?

"The records were all mixed up and I couldn't tell exactly—" she went back to the drawer, pulled out another envelope, the one labeled Shimoto, and foraged through the contents. She picked out a sheet, the results of the pregnancy check and looked at the signatory. She sighed, "As I've thought."

"It'll take just a couple of minutes. I'm sorry for the inconvenience," she said as she gestured for Kaoru to follow her in another room.

Kenshin nodded and smiled, "Don't worry."

---

Kenshin fidgeted in his seat. So what was he feeling? He looked at his watch and then at his phone. There was a message. It was from Tomoe. He shouldn't read it, at a time like this. He shouldn't. Would that be like infidelity?

Nevertheless he read it.

---

Kaoru stared expectantly at the doctor who continued staring at the screen. Several tests were administered, including the use of the commercial pregnancy test pack. She didn't know what came out, only the doctor knew. Now they were having the ultrasound. Kaoru was beginning to worry. She turned to the doctor's assistant who was nervously waiting by the door holding a file folder, which she assumed was hers.

"Miki," Dr. Akai beckoned to her assistant, "Bring me the folder."

Miki meekly handed her the folder and quickly took a step back.

Kaoru was puzzled with the way Dr. Akai and her assistant acted. She felt the tension and the irritation in the doctor's voice.

"Doctor?" she murmured.

The doctor turned to her, "Let's see Himura-san now."

Kaoru frowned, the doctor's face was indescribable.

---

Kenshin looked at Kaoru, asking her what had happened. Kaoru only shrugged then turned to the doctor as she sat in her swivel chair.

"So?" Kenshin asked. It had taken them a really long time.

Kaoru noticed Miki standing by the door. She was looking down on her feet. Kaoru had the feeling that they were bound for a surprise.

"I apologize," the doctor suddenly said. She looked at Kenshin and then at Kaoru.

"What do you mean?" it was Kenshin who spoke first.

"I'm sorry for keeping your hopes up," the doctor said, "I made a wrong diagnosis."

Kaoru's eyes widened. She had been expecting this, from the moment she knew that the files were mixed up to the moment they were doing the tests. But even though she had been expecting it, she was still surprised after hearing it.

"Excuse me?" Kenshin who was now glancing at Kaoru asked.

"Kamiya-san is not pregnant unfortunately, I was wrong in saying that she was," the doctor spread a couple of sheets on the desk, "The results were accurate but we got Kamiya-san's and another patient's files mixed up."

Kenshin only looked at her, not knowing what to say.

"I apologize Himura-san—"

"—Don't worry." Kaoru had said it before she even thought of saying it.

Kenshin turned to her, "Kaoru?"

Kaoru smiled. And smiling was the hardest thing for her to do, "It's okay. Doctor, remember when you told me about a patient's files getting mixed up with another? I was kind of thinking something like this is bound to happen…" She laughed.

The doctor tried to smile, "Ah…don't worry, Kamiya-san is healthy and is of the childbearing age…she wouldn't have any problem with it…"

Kenshin leaned back on his seat. What was he feeling?

"I apologize," the doctor said.

Kaoru smiled at the doctor, shook her head and turned towards the assistant who was now glancing at them. She smiled at her when their eyes met.

"Well…" Kenshin stammered, "I guess…"

"We'll took our leave," Kaoru finished it for him. She stood up and smiled at Dr. Akai once again. The doctor shot her an apologetic look to which she quickly shook her head and smiled.

Kenshin nodded and bowed as he followed Kaoru.

---

A/n: So that was a hard chapter to write…Anyway, what do you think of it? I haven't replied to most reviews yet but I'd finish them as soon as I'm done with my deadlines. By the way, I've come across the Girl's Guide to Fishing and Hunting by Melissa Bank. It was a good read, light yet weighted…hmm…anyway, it has nothing to do with my fic…

Go ahead, what are you waiting for? Go press that button! Thanks so much!