DGM

More Than This

Chapter 8

Anger And Bliss

Kumari's eyes fluttered open and she stared at a wooden ceiling with a small fan attacked to it. She turned her head and looked around the room and found Kanda in the corner of the room. He was either sleeping or he just had his eyes closed. Shesat up and instantly regretted it. Her body burned and burned. She felt like screamming, but forced the scream back. It came out as a low growl though. Kanda opened his eyes and looked at her. Her pain was evident and she trembled furiously. "Lay down young lady. It may hurt, but for now you'll have to wait." Karlay aid, walking in with a few kids.

"Hello!"

"Um, hi." Kumari responded.

Kanda stood up and walked over to the bed. He sat in a chair and watched Karlay put a wet rag on Kumari's face. Kumari glanced at Kanda and frowned at his wounds. "Y. . Kanda, are you okay?" Kumari asked, voice rasp.

"You should be worried about yourself." Kanda retorted.

"I always worry about my friends more than myself. It's a habit. You know that." Kumari said.

"So that's his name. I've been trying to get him to tell me what it is for weeks. He refused to though. He's rather quiet. Which is strange for someone his age." Karlay stated.

"Weeks? How love have I been out?" Kumari asked, sitting up.

"Let's see.. . . two and a half months, but don't worry. You'll be fine and your friends are on their way. They should be here within three days. Until then you rest and get healed dear. You have some nasty burns. You have a sunburn, first and second degree burns, and you almost got a third degree burn. So moving around is out of the question. You are bedridden and no buts. You're in my care and I'm a doctor. You shall do as told." Karlay said sternly.

"Yes ma'am." Kumari responded.

Wow. She was just like Matron. Speaking of Matron, how would she react? "Wait! What happened? The invasion! The others. . how are they?" Kumari blurted out, worried.

"Fine. They're fine. They would've been here sooner to get you, but they had to quickly move and let the others heal. That's why Komui Lee and Bak Chan are coming. Apparently you'll be staying at the Chinese Branch for a bit. Now sit back and relax. You're injuries and your burns need to heal." a man told her.

"That's my husband, Fraydal. He likes to be called Fray though. Bythe way Miss, what's you name?" Karlay said.

"Kumari. Kumari Janco. Are you supporters?" Kumari asked.

"Everyone in town are." Fray replied.

"That's right! Everyone is. That's why there are no ak. . umas? Akumas! None here!" A little girl said cheerfully.

"I see." Kumari muttered.

Kumari read a book for the next three days as she laid in bed.. She felt stupid though. She couldn't even feed herself and she almost couldn't even read the book. So she was glad when Komui and Bak came. They immediately left and hopped on a train. It took about a week to get the the Chineese branch though. Then, Kanda, Komui, and Bak had to put some cream and lotion on her back, arms, legs, face, and so forth. It was bothersome. Although there were some spots she refused to let them go near because they were men. She was a woman. She wasn't worried about them doing anything since they are close friends and they're not perverted, but it was uncomfortable.

Kumari looked at the tall building as she walked through a small pond. Her feet still burned though. She had a hard time walking and most of the time KAnda had to carry her. She most likely had a few minutes left before she collapsed. So they hurried in and rushed to the infirmary. When they got there Matron and Wong immediately examined them Kumari was bombarded with questions as she went into a seperate room to put on more cream and then the lotion. She stayed in there for awhile until she took all of it off and was sent into the other room with the others. "Kumari! Kanda! Where have you been? We thought they sent you guys to a volcano or something!" Daisyia said, panicked.

"Tch. Ask the bitch."

"You're still mad Kanda? I told you I was sorry. It was not my fault. Besides, if it wasn't for me you would have been-"

"If it wasn't for you we wouldn't of ended up there!" Kanda shouted.

"Calm down you two. You still have to explain some things." Komui said, serious.

Kumari winced as she laid down. Nice cool air blew on her and she smiled. She hasn't felt this comfy in a long time. "Where were you two? Why is Kumari as red as a tomato? What happened?" Lavi asked.

"We were stuck in a desert. I obviously didn't take the sun so well. Then we were attacked by akumas. I used my innocence to create a sandstorm and when I deactivated it the storm continued. We got lucky and we were found by a bunch of supporters." Kumari told them.

"And because you couldn't take the heat I had to drag you along." Kanda said, grumpy.

"I didn't tell you to. You did so of your own free will. So blame yourself for that Kanda." Kumari responded.

"You were in a desert? For how long?" Bak asked.

"Two days, but the heat was insane. Kanda actually saved my life since he carried me around." Kumari answered.

"And you're still burnt?" Lenalee asked.

"Yup. It stinks too. I can barely move without causing agony. I can't even walk either. Since I didn't have a shoes I had to walk on the hot sand bare foot for the most part." Kumari said.

"How about you Kanda? How do you feel?" Tiedoll asked kindly.

"Fine."

"You're not gonna get much out of him. He won't speak. He's still mad for some reason." Kumari informed.

"So, if you were in the desert for one two days then what were you doing for the last two and a half months?" Komui asked.

"Out cold. Kanda woke up over a month ago, but I just woke up a little over a week ago." Kumari said.

"Is that so? Hmmmmm. . . . . Kumari, sit up." Matron ordered.

"Why?"

"Just do so." Matron responded.

Kumari did as told and Matron gently took off her shirt and Kumari covered herself with the blanket. All the boys turned around except a few perverts. Matron examined her back closely and had on some ointment so not to really hurt her because of the burns. Kumari bit down on a cloth in her mouth to keep from screaming. Matron found a tiny bites on her back and legs. Some on her stomach and chest. She left for a minute and took out a syringe with medicine in it. She came back out and gave it to her, but she put the needle in her neck. Kumari grabbed the closest thing to her which was Kanda's hand and squeezed it really, really, really hard. You could hear it crack and possibly break. Kanda looked at her with some kind of worry as she passed out and leaned forward. Kanda caught her and wrapped the blanket around her and let her lay down.

Matron stared at Kanda. "Were you on a rock?" Matron asked.

"Yes."

"I think I know where you were. Take off your shirt. I need to make sure yu didn't get any bites like her." Matron said.

Kanda did as told, for once, and let her exmine her back, arms, stomach, chest, neck, and legs. He had a few bites himself, but not as many as her. She gave him the same shot, but he didn't pass out. "Watch it!" Kanda barked.

"Did she fall asleep on that rock?" Matron asked.

"Yes."

"Did you?"

"No."

"You were still bleeding while you were on that rock, right?"

"Yes."

"Her?"

"A bit."

"Just to make things clear, you two didn't. . . have. . . you didn't intercourse, did you?"

"Hell NO!"

"Ok. That's good. Good." Matron said, walking out.

Lavi and Allen snickered as they hid their faces under their pillows. "Shut up!" Kanda shouted.

Kumari woke up and turned on her side. ONce she felt the sunburn sting she laid on her stomach. After awhile she laid on her back. All day she tossed and turned as everyone left. She was the only one left in the infirmary and it was lonely. She didn't know what to do. She had no way to distract herself. The pain seemed to get worse as the days dragged on. She didn't eat as much and she tried to sleep. She felt like weeping, but blinked the tears back. She was stronger than this. She could handle it. She could.

When night fell and the moon rose. Matron and Wong went off and she was alone. She sat up and walked to the window. She could tell almost everyone was sleeping. It was really silent. And dark. She lit a candle and put it in a holder. She opened the door and peered at the empty halls. Slowly and quietly she walked out of the room and dawdled around the building. She didn't know what she was searching for. maybe comfort or reassurance. She was completely unsure. She just had to go on a walk. Everything was just rushing by her. The days, the conversations, everything. It has been like this since she came back to the Order. Then it seems like Kanda hates her. She is trying, but all they ever do is yell at each other.

"Kumari? what are you doing out of bed?"

Kumari turned around and looked at Allen. "Hey Allen. I just needed to. ... think. Walk around and stuff." Kumari told him.

"I know how you feel. I always wake up in the middl eof the night and have to walk around. Like now. I guess it's good to get air. To think things through before they all get jumbled up in your head." Allen yawned.

"Yeah."

"So, what are you thinking about?" Allen queried.

"Yuu."

"Huh?"

"Kanda. Yuu Kanda? I guess using his first name gets complex." Kumari said quietly.

"Oh yeah. He's not mad at you. He just seems like it. Around you that is. When you're not around he is calm, tranquil as he can be, himself. You know?" Allen said.

"That means he is mad at me." Kumari said.

"No. He just doesn't know how to react. After everything that has happened over the years and knowing that you're alive. . .that's a lot to take in. He seems to really care about you. But this is Kanda. He doesn't know how to express himself." Allen told her.

"I know. I know Kanda is like that, but we keep arguing. I just want everything to be like it used to, but it never will. I'm not sure if that's good or bad." Kumari mumbled.

"Give it time Kumari. I bet he really, truly cares and he is finding a way to-"

"You're too kind for your own good kid. Maybe that's why Lenalee likes you." Kumari stated.

Allen blushed. "You know?"

"It's not that hard to tell you're dating. How you did start is beyond me. You're too innocent and shy. lenalee is always being followed by her brother and all that crap. How you're going to get away with it is a mystery." Kumari said.

"Shhhh! Komui has ears everywhere!" Allen hissed.

"Allen, thanks."

"For what?" Allen asked, confused.

"Talking to me. It was a short conversation, but I needed some kind of comfort. At least you gave me encouragement. Now, I'm going to. . . shit." Kumari fell to her knees and the candle went across the floor.

Allen kneeled down and put his hands on her shoulders. "Are you okay?"

"My feet burn. I can't walk anymore." Kumari said.

Allen looked calm, but was panicking. How was he suppose to get her back to the infirmary? That's all the way across the building! "Move beansprout." Kanda growled.

Kumari looked up at Kanda. He bent down and pick her up gently and Kumari put her arms around his neck because she almost fell. "Kanda?" Allen asked.

Kumari gazed into his eyes. Kanda started to walk off and Allen sighed. Kumari leaned on him, but said nothing. She held onto him and his hold got tighter and tighter. He wasn't touching any of her sunburn and he knew that. That's only because of what she was wearing. "Did you hear the-"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry. I don't like talking behind you back. I shouldn't of said anything. Please don't be mad." Kumari said

"Stop apologizing. That's all you ever do." Kanda told her.

"Kanda? Sor. . I mean, alright." Kumari muttered.

"Why are you calling me Kanda?"

"You kept telling me to." Kumari replied.

"Sicne when do you listen to what I say?" Kanda asked.

"Always have, but I didn't always follow every direct command. I am a human being afterall." Kumari mumbled.

Kanda stared at her. Was she blushing or was that sunburn? Kanda's lips formed a firm line. "It's not like I enjoy calling you Kanda, but I thought you would be less angry at me. I just want to make everything right again, but it's hard when you're leavinng me alone." Kumari said.

Kumari put her head on his shoulder and sighed. She could feel is soft, silky hair and it reminded her of clouds. "Kumari. . . . . .I am. . . . trying to help. I'm just blind sighted by my anger." Kanda uttered.

Kumari almost jumped out of her skin in joy when she heard her name. Kanda actually admitted it he was helping. That he was trying. Her heart swelled and she smiled. Her hands moved to his chest and gripped his shirt. "Then I should try a little hard if we're not reaching each other." Kumari replied.

"Why were you out of bed?" Kanda asked after a few silent moments.

"I wasn't tired."

"That's not what I meant and you know it." Kanda said with something in his voice.

"You always leave the infirmary. So I can do the same without a lecture from you." Kumari told him.

"I'm different. I heal better and faster. I can take care of myself and don't need anyone's help. And there's no way in hell I'm staying there with the baka usagi." Kanda responded.

"No one?"

Kanda seemed confused by her question, but he found out what it was. "Giving an exception to you and Lenalee. Sometimes."

Kumari's body tingled then started to burn. Kanda saw her pain and he walked a little faster. "Kanda?"

Kanda continued to stare at Kumari and walk back towards the hospital. "You'rre worried."

Kumari looked into his eyes. How did he know that? She was positive she masked that at least. "So are you. Why?" Kumari responded.

"You can't even walk. Of course I'll be. . . . .worried about. . . .you." Kanda stuttered.

Kumari giggled as he almost choked on his words. "You're nicer than you make everyone think. Just be yourself Kanda. Like you used to. You can trust me just like I can trust you with all my secrets. Remember?" Kumari told him.

Kanda opened the door and put Kumari in her bed. He made her sit up and take of her shirt, and cover herself up with the blanket, to put the cream on. "Thanks Kanda"

"For what?"

"You know what for." Kumari said.

Kanda washed his hands and looked at the clock. It would be pointless to try and sleep now so he was stuck staying up now. He put her in a chair in front of the window under the air conditioner to cool down. Kumari felt ultimate bliss for the first time in a long, but something was missing. Kanda put a chair next to her and sat beside her. "You aren't going to bed?" Kumari asked.

"You would get up again if I left." Kanda stated.

"Have you seen Chester?" Kumari queried.

Kanda twitched. He hated that dog. He always barked at him. He was annoying. Kumari's question was answered by a bark. They turned their heads to look at Chester on a bed, waiting. "Lenalee told me you said she was a strong woman. Was it because Leverrier was in the building?" Kumari questioned.

"Mostly."

"She is strong. Stronger than most I've seen. In fact, I would say she is stronger than me. If not for my ability then she'd be-"

"You're not weak. I've only seen you weak, beatened, and vulnerable once. Thatwas when they invaded and when they sent us to the desert." Kanda told her.

"I'm glad you think so, but I'm a coward. All those years ago I should've come back." Kumari said.

"It's okay to be afraid." Kanda stated.

"You're never afraid. You refuse to let anyone see you afraid. You're the perfect leader because no matter what, you won't leave anyone behind. You'll help them and so on." Kumari responded.

"I never let anyone see me afraid. That's different." Kanda retorted.

"So you do feel fear and you do get scared?" Kumari half mocked.

Kanda looked at her smile. It was different from the ones she had been giving everyone since she came back. This smile was a real smile. She was really happy. Kanda got up and started a lukewarm bath for her. "Get in."

"Kanda-"

"Get in now." Kanda ordered.

"Turn around then." Kumari said softly.

"It's not like I haven't seen you-"

"That was different! Totally different. That was years ago anyways." Kumari said, beet red.

Kumari got in the water and her body shivered. The water felt nice and it soothed her. She moved her hair to the right side of her head and Kanda grabbed a sponge and washed her back gently. Kumari let him help her so she wouldn't strain her body doing so, but it was a little embarassing. She was just glad no one was around. Lavi would never drop the subject. Lenalee would definiately tease her. Tiedoll, Daisyia, and Marie. . . . . .Marie would be fine. The other two. .things would go overboard.

Kanda turned around so she could get dry and dressed. When she nudged him he looked at her then picked her up. He put her on the bed and took care of the bath. When he was done he sat down in a chair beside the sun would be up soon. He could tell. "Kanda, is there something I remind you of?"

"A flower."

"What kind?" Kumari asked.

"Lotus."

"That's your favortite kind of flower. Actually, the only flower you like." Kumari said.

"Why?" Kanda asked.

"Huh? Oh, you were going to tell me what I reminded you of, but we ended up getting attacked by all those akumas. I could never get that out of my head and I needed to know. Even if you changed you mind. You. . . you remind me of the sun and the moon Kanda. You should understand what I mean. Unless you forgot what I told you." Kumari replied.

"I remember." Kanda stood in front of her. "Yuu."

"Hmm?"

"Stop calling me Kanda." Kanda told her.

"But you said. . . .Yuu. If that's what you want Yuu. I just want to make you happy." Kumari mumbled.

Kanda bent down so they were eye to eye. Kumari's face went red because of the closeness. She gulped and he just stared. "You said something about secrets earlier." Kanda said.

Kumari nodded. "I got one for you to keep then." Kanda told her.

"Eh? Since when do you just give secrets away without an arguement?" Kumari asked.

"Now apparently." Kanda said.

Kumari gazed into his eyes and all pain vanished. She felt at ease and secured. No worries. No despair. Nothing but serenity and tranquility. She waited for something, but Kanda said nothing. He just stood there in front of her. Then, he jerked. Kumari's eyes widened when she noticed her was kissing her. She didn't fight. She didn't make him move. No. She didn't want him to pull away. She wanted everything to be this blissful for the rest of her life. So she kissed back and the sun setted beyond the horizon.

Kumari closed her eyes and Kanda pulled away. She touched her lips and beamed. "You have no idea. . . . .how long I've waited for that Yuu." Kumari whispered.

"I love you." Kanda confessed.

Kumari opened her eyes and a few happy tears fell. He actually said it. He admitted it. She thought she was going to have to do so. "I love you too Yuu."

The End. Hope you enjoyed it. Please review. Thanks! Yan Luna4373