Chapter Text
Kyo stood outside the hospital entrance and took a deep breath. He couldn't stop shaking. Last night had been a whirlwind of confusion. He had been overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding him. His senses were still abnormally keen, making it hard to process such an onslaught. He had flashes of beeping monitors, screams, cries, and blood. So much blood. His nose wrinkled as his breathing sped up. He plopped down on a bench to get himself under control. It wouldn't do Tohru any good to see him like this. The last thing she needed was to worry about him. An image of her terrified eyes flashed through his memory. He blinked to clear the tears that were threatening to come. He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Mr. Sohma? Are you all right?" He looked into the kind eyes of the nurse from the night before. She had her bag to go home and was obviously exhausted after her shift. Kyo nodded, not wanting to bother her. Why couldn't he stop shaking? She sat next to him and placed her hand on top of his. "I understand. It's hard for a lot of men to handle. You aren't used to the woman you love being in pain. And it's hard to see that much blood for the first time."
"It's not the first time. I've seen every woman I've ever loved bleeding in front of me." His eyes grew haunted, and he couldn't stop talking. Why couldn't he stop? "I watched my mom jump in front of a train when I was little. This wonderfully weird lady helped me later, but I couldn't handle it. I didn't want to admit that I loved her because she accepted me, so I ran from her. I saw her again when I was fifteen, right before she was hit by a car. I couldn't do anything to save her, and I never expected to meet her daughter or fall in love with her. When she admitted she loved me, I freaked out and ran again. Then she had an accident and fell. She was bleeding at the bottom of a cliff, and I couldn't do anything. I was helpless again last night. She was in pain, and I couldn't stop it. And I couldn't help him. I didn't even get to see him. He was taken away, and I was kicked out and told to go home. I got careless. I forgot that it was dangerous to love me. People only get hurt, and I can't help them. Why can't I help them?" He couldn't stop the tears that were falling on his lap. He took a ragged breath, ashamed of showing so much weakness.
The nurse squeezed his hand. He looked up into a pair of caring brown eyes. "I had no idea you've been through so much. No wonder you're scared. Can I tell you what I saw last night? I saw a woman who was terrified, except when she looked at you. You kept her grounded enough to keep going. Do you know that she has your picture with her?" He shook his head but couldn't stop a small smile from forming. That's so like Tohru. "She was scared after you had to leave. Every time she'd get overwhelmed, she'd look at your picture. She told me she could get though anything as long as she has you. You helped her more than you know." She stood up and gently pulled him to his feet. "Come with me." She led him to a room and sat him on a chair. A tray containing rice, miso soup, and tea appeared in front of him. "I expect that to be finished before I get back." He mechanically ate, dimly wondering where she'd gone. Why hadn't she left him alone and gone home? She must be exhausted. He looked up at the sound of a throat clearing. "Good. You've gotten some color back. I've just gone to their room. They're doing fine and are looking forward to seeing you." She glanced at the clock and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper. "Visiting hours haven't started, but I pulled some strings for you."
He sighed. "Why are you doing this for me? You should be home getting some sleep. Do you feel sorry for me or something?" He winced at how harsh he sounded. The nurse responded with a gentle smile.
"How can I feel sorry for someone as strong as you? I couldn't handle even a fraction of what you have. I'm doing it because I believe in love. It can be scary, and stories that say it can conquer all are fairy tales. But it gives people a reason to keep going. It might not be safe, but it's worth the risk."
Kyo smiled in response to her sincere expression. It was so like Tohru's. "Thanks for the reminder. I needed it." He stood up. "I think I'm ready now."
The nurse gave his hand an encouraging squeeze and led him down the hall. "It's time to see your wife and meet your son."