Chapter 17:- Shizune's discovery
[Later that day]
Kenshin had borrowed the hospital's kitchen to make cream stew for Kana. When he brought it to Kana's room, he noticed Kana talking to Akane with a concerned expression.
"What's wrong, mom?" Kenshin asked, putting down the pots of stew and rice.
"Ken-chan! You were attacked last night?! And you... Akane-chan said that you nearly d..... died! Why?! Why are you so....." Kana's eyes were welling up with tears but Kenshin hugged her, while gently patting her head. Akane joined the hug as well.
"Mom," Kenshin said, wiping Kana's tears. "I'm okay, aren't I? I'm your son. I'm not gonna die so easily. Nee-san just assumed I was fatally wounded. I have a new jutsu don't I? The one I used to bring you back? With that, I'm invincible. So don't worry."
"Hey I was just worried! I didn't know you could do that. And besides, you've made the stew again right? Come on, serve us some." Akane said, blushing softly at the mention of her assuming that Kenshin would die.
"All right all right." Kenshin served some stew and rice in a plate and began feeding Kana.
"Mmmm! This is amazing! Ken-chan's stew is the best!" Kana said, happy to finally be able to eat some proper food. Akane watched intently, internally wishing to be fed like this as well. 'I guess I'll ask him to feed me–' Akane's thought was interrupted by Kana asking for a second helping. This by itself wasn't surprising but when she looked at Kenshin she could see a hint of sadness in his eyes. Although Kana was too absorbed in savouring the taste of the food.
Once Kana was done eating, Kenshin was about to take away the dishes but a nurse stopped him. "Sir you can let me handle that. The stew you made, everyone loved it. It's the least we can do." The nurse said, taking away the dishes.
"Mom, is it okay if I go out for a bit?" Kenshin suddenly asked to which Kana simply nodded. Akane was curious about why he would suddenly want to go out and followed Kenshin out. "Ah kids, they're so sweet. Always worried about each other. Maybe it's time I stop acting like a baby with Ken-chan and act like a proper mother. My disease already took most of his childhood from him. I should at least let him enjoy his teenage years, while he still can." Kana said to herself after Akane had left.
"If that's the case then you should rest more. Your body is recovering extremely fast and you should be able to walk in a week." Shizune said, suddenly entering the room.
"Ah Shizune-san! What brings you here so suddenly?"
"The hokage wanted to see Kenshin-kun. So I came for him. Do you know where he went?" Shizune asked, sitting down beside Kana.
"I'm not sure but he did say something about going out. Akane-chan went after him for some reason." Kana replied calmly.
"All right, thanks, Kana-san." Shizune got up to look for him.
[On the hospital's rooftop]
Kenshin was standing on the roof, gazing at the village when Akane suddenly came up to him and stood beside him. "Hey."
Kenshin noticed her but didn't say anything.
"What's wrong? What happened all of a sudden?" Akane asked, clearly concerned.
"It's nothing." Kenshin shrugged but Akane wasn't buying it.
"There's always something behind nothing. You used to say that in our past life. Come on, tell your nee-san." Akane implored, holding his hand tightly.
"It's just... Today was the first time in nearly five years that mom asked for seconds. She began losing her appetite after the second year of her disease. She used to eat a lot, thrice what you ate last night. But ever since she got sick, she began eating less and less. And she couldn't eat more than a single plate after the third year of her disease. This was the first time since then. It just..... it reminded me how close I was to losing her, just two days ago." Kenshin said, his sadness evident in his quiet tone.
"Look at me." Akane cupped his face, making him look at her. "It's okay now. Mom is recovering. She'll be back on her feet soon. So cheer up for her. And besides, you can't explain our relationship to her with that gloomy face, can you?" Akane said, smiling warmly.
"Nee-san... Thank you." Kenshin said, putting his hands over hers and then kissing her. The world around them seemed to fade away in front of their secret love but that secret wouldn't be a secret for too long.
After a minute or so, Kenshin pulled away from the kiss but felt someone's presence on the rooftop. When he turned his head he saw Shizune standing there, a mix of shock and confusion in her face.
[Shizune's POV]
After Kana told me that Kenshin and Akane went out, I went to the hospital's reception and asked if she saw them leave. But the lady at the reception said no. So I thought maybe they went to the roof. And when I got to the roof, I was shocked to see what was happening.
'What! They.... they're k.... kissing?! But... they're siblings, right?! This is wrong!' I thought as I saw Akane and Kenshin kissing on the rooftop.
'They... they're not..... calm down Shizune. Take a deep breath. I shouldn't act recklessly. They're both valuable assets for the village. I need to be careful.' I told myself as Kenshin noticed me standing there.
I forced a nervous smile and approached them carefully. "H... hey, Kenshin-kun, Akane. Tsunade-sama wanted to talk to you. D.... don't.... don't worry, I won't tell anyone. I'll let you guys have your privacy. Just.... be careful, okay? I'd appreciate if you went to her right now, Kenshin-kun. But if you want to..... you can take your time." Despite my efforts, I constantly stammered while speaking because of my nervousness. And I was blushing furiously.
I couldn't believe that I stumbled upon something so intimate, something..... forbidden. Although incest, to be specific marriage between close family members wasn't exactly illegal, it was strictly frowned upon. Even the Hyuga clan, which used to be very protective of the main family's bloodline, had to refrain from this because of societal pressure.
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