![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
And tomorrow...
I go back to work.
Bleh.
At least the middle room is (mostly) cleaned up and although I haven't found the dead thing, it does smell better.
And tonight we had to go to one of our friend's father's visitation. It wasn't a big surprise, he's been ill for quite a while, but still. And his mom isn't doing well, either. So...
So, here's the next installment of Reprise. Oh, yeah, had to edit the last entry, not sure why I thought I went through to Chapter 13...
Chapter Thirteen: A Kiss is Just a Kiss, Maybe
With Hiko keeping Yahiko busy and Rika making a meal with the women, Saitou knew he would have better access to Kenshin and Sano. His men were already out tracking Yukishiro so he knew it was only a matter of time before he knew where he’d gone.
‘Ahou, is he asleep again?’ Saitou stood at the door looking at the two men.
‘Yeah, Rika’s drugging him. At least this way he’s resting.’ Sano was still gently rubbing Kenshin’s head, he knew it wasn’t much but needed all the physical contact he could get. ‘Besides, at the moment he’s confused as to why he’s with Shinsengumi. I don’t want him waking up and throwing a fit. I told him it was just you, but…’
Saitou came in and sat down. ‘Then I’ll talk to you here. You didn’t ask any other questions, and I know that you had some.’
Sano looked down at Kenshin, his lips tight. ‘You know, I really don’t want to do this. You let all of us think you died, it took Kenshin months to heal and now all of this is happening.’ Sano shrugged. ‘Yeah, I got questions. I just don’t want to ask them right now.’
Saitou sighed to himself. He knew he had hurt the younger man and trying to force the issue at this particular moment wouldn’t help.
‘Ok, but I’m going to need you to work with some of my men later. You know Himura’s habits and how he might react to different situations. I’m going to need you to work with me so we can figure out exactly what happened.’
Sano sat with opened mouth. ‘You have to be kidding! Why would I work with you!!’
‘Sano.’
Both men looked down at Kenshin who was blinking his eyes, trying to focus on the other man. A sudden flash of gold told them both that Battousai was in control.
‘A boy and a woman. Going out of Kyoto. Turned corner. Sweet smells. Wagon.’ His eyelids fluttered and then closed again.
***
‘Boss, you been beatin’ on this guy for three days. Why don’t you just kill him, already?’
Yukishiro Enishi turned and glared at his underling. ‘If I had wanted him dead, I could have done that the minute I had him. No, this is punishment and then I’ll kill him. He has to suffer, as I have suffered.’ He turned and leaned over the back of Kenshin, listening to his breathing.
‘You don’t deserve any happiness, Battousai. You need to wander, lost, alone, homeless, without friends. You deserve this pain and anything else that I do to you.’ Enishi had been telling this same litany as he beat Kenshin slowly and methodically. All of his men had been giving him a wide berth, they weren’t too sure how sane he was and one man had already died because of misinformation he had delivered.
Just then Hitaki walked in hurriedly. ‘Yukishiro-san, we have a report that the police are starting to search Kyoto.’
Yukishiro stood up and cursed. ‘Where are they starting?’
‘Near where we first caught him.’
‘Kuso. Start pulling our operatives out.’ He glared down at the kneeling Kenshin. ‘Make sure this one doesn’t go to sleep. I’ll be back. And when I do, Battousai, you’ll scream and die.’ He hit him again with a clenched fist, making Kenshin rock forward.
Kenshin had managed to ignore everything, concentrating on just breathing as the fists had struck him, over and over again. He knew that Enishi was furious because of the lack of reaction, but also knew the longer he was in his control, the more difficult it would be to get away. Listening to what he muttered over and over into his ear as he beat him was harder than the beating itself. Plus the fact of having had no food or water, except what had accidentally splashed in his mouth the couple time he had passed out, was making it even harder.
***
‘That’s why. He’s going to give you snippets of information he won’t give to the rest of us. I need you to listen to anything he might say and then tell me. Unless you want to just sit here and do absolutely nothing.’ Saitou gazed at the other man, knowing that this was the only way to keep him occupied without hurting his pride. Later he would get him involved more fully.
‘All right. I guess that makes sense. But you realize that I don’t know how the Battousai reacts to these kinds of situations and that’s where all the information’s coming from.’ Sano frowned down at the sleeping man and then at Saitou.
‘Hn. I’ll worry about that. You worry about this.’ Saitou leaned over and grabbed Sano’s chin. He had decided that the ahou should be as confused as possible, it would keep him off-balance but thinking. Keeping his eyes fixed on the younger man’s, he kissed him gently but firmly. ‘Now, keep watch.’
Saitou left a stunned Sano behind him, not smirking until he had closed the shojo behind him.
Chapter Fourteen: A Parting of the Ways
Sano sat stunned after Saitou left. What the hell was that all about! He looked down at Kenshin, thankful that he was still sleeping. He didn’t want any misunderstandings; the one time Megumi had flirted with him a little too much still lingered like a bad dream in his mind.
***
As Sano walked through the gate at the dojo, a whirlwind hit him and slammed him against the wall.
‘Ay ya! What’s wrong with you!’ Sano looked down at his lover and froze, because the eyes that looked back at him were furious and gold.
‘What were you doing with Megumi? I saw you going with her. Tell me!’ The growling voice definitely belonged to the Battousai and Sano swallowed nervously, blinking down at the smaller man.
‘Kenshin, she just wanted me to walk her back to the clinic and then I moved some supplies for Dr. Genzai. That’s all. Come on, you know that the fox-lady just teases.’ Sano slowly wrapped his arms around his smaller lover, suddenly realizing they were taking their relationship to another level. He had never seen him like this before.
‘She had that look in her eyes. I don’t like it.’ The Battousai was calming down, Sano was relieved to see more violet in his gaze.
‘Well then, I guess we’ll just tell everyone that it’s hands-off, hmm? Are you willing to do that?’ Sano looked down at him gravely, waiting for his reply. They hadn’t been sneaking around but they also hadn’t been blatant about their relationship, either.
Kenshin looked up at him and slowly smiled. ‘Yes.’ The relief in his eyes was all Sano needed, as he pulled him closer and kissed him as hard as he could.
‘Kami, I’m glad! Now we won’t have to pretend anymore. I mean, everyone sort of knows, now they’ll be sure.’ Sano buried his hand in Kenshin’s hair while Kenshin nuzzled under his chin, sighing happily, and they just stood there, at rest.
***
No, having Kenshin upset like that would not be a good idea, especially in his current condition. And why would the Wolf kiss him anyway!
Meanwhile, Saitou had talked to Chou and found out that Yukishiro had left Japan. Where his base was he didn’t know, his contacts at the moment were clueless. But that would change. There were still the rest of his organization to ferret out and hopefully they would be able to capture more of his people and learn more that way.
Saitou went back to his house, wondering what the ahou had thought about that afternoon and how he would react to him now. A smirk crossed his lips; he would bet that it wasn’t something that he would immediately tell his lover.
Rika walked in to check on Kenshin and found Sano dosing beside him.
‘Sano, if you’re that tired, just lie down and take a nap.’ Her soft words caused Sano to jerk as if he’d been shot.
‘Kami! Don’t do that!’ Sano looked down at Kenshin who hadn’t even wiggled.
‘Listen, Sano. I need to talk to you and you need to listen and think about what I say before you say anything.’ Rika looked gravely at Sano who swallowed and then nodded.
‘OK. Why do I have the feeling I’m not going to like this.’ Sano looked a bit frightened.
‘Because you’re not.’ Rika sat down and gazed pensively at Kenshin. ‘Has he said anything about his time of being captured yet?’
‘Just enough to let us know where he was caught. And he did that as Battousai.’
‘I was afraid of that. Sano, I’m going to take Kenshin to my home…’ She held up her hand as Sano started and opened his mouth. ‘And I’m going to ask you to stay here until I send for you.’
Sano was shaking his head no, his eyes wild and breath coming quickly.
‘I know that you don’t want to let him out of your sight at the moment, but I need him to open up and talk, and I’m pretty sure that he won’t do that here. At home I’ll have more control and he’ll feel freer to let go.’
Sano jumped up and stood with clenched fists. ‘And what if that bastard shows up there?! What will you do then?! No, Kenshin’s wandering by himself was part of this problem in the first place! I’m not…’
‘Sit down and shut up.’ Hiko walked in and forcibly sat Sano down with a thump. ‘People in the next country can hear you!’
Rika sighed. ‘Sano…’
‘Sano.’ Kenshin had awoken with all the noise going on but had waited to hear what was going on. He was so tired, Sano was upset, but he knew that getting out of here was the right thing to do.
‘Kenshin…’ Sano looked over at him with a sinking feeling in his stomach. ‘You’re going to go, aren’t you.’
‘Listen,’ Hiko sat down beside them. ‘Shadow can’t stay here much longer, so far we’ve been lucky, she hasn’t had a breathing attack and with a private room she can get away from everyone. But sooner or later, our luck will run out. Besides, at home, once my baka deshi recovers enough, she can worm all of his secrets out and get him back onto an even keel.’
As Hiko talked, Kenshin slowly reached for Sano’s hand and grasped it.
‘Sano, it’ll be all right. No one will know where we are. Please, trust me.’ Rika looked at him, then sighed. ‘I’ll sent a note the minute he’s well enough for you to come, OK?’
Sano’s voice was choked as he said, ‘Like that helps.’
‘Ahou, while the Battousai recovers, you can help try and locate Yukishiro’s men here in Japan. It’ll keep you busy and time will pass quickly.’ Saitou stood at the door, his eyes narrowed and frowning.
Sano just sat holding Kenshin’s hand, his shoulders hunched against the rest of the group.
‘Think about it.’ Rika accepted a helping hand from Hiko as they began to leave the room. She shook her head and slid the door shut, motioning the two men to follow her.
‘Well, that actually went better than I thought it would. I hope Kenshin can make the effort and throw in his two sens worth.’ Rika rubbed her back and frowned at Hiko. ‘And you’re right, I really need to get back home. The walls are starting to crowd me a bit.’
Saitou looked at them. ‘I could jail Sanosuke until the three of you are gone. It might be the only way, you know. He’s thinking emotionally, not rationally, at the moment.’
‘We’ll wait. Hopefully it won’t come to that.’
**
Sano sat, stunned for the second time that day. How could they expect him to stay here. Hiko was good, but he couldn’t be expected to guard Kenshin day and night! He suddenly realized that Kenshin was still looking at him, his eyes clear but tired.
‘Sano, I heard what they said…’
‘No, I’m not letting you…’
‘Listen to me.’ Kenshin cut him off. ‘Hiko’s better than I am, no one knows where Rika lives and she’s right; I need to talk about what happened.’ His eyes slid away briefly before gazing back at his lover. ‘I need to do this. And I need you to help me watch Saitou. I don’t trust him to do the job for me, if he finds out Japan isn’t being endangered. You will.’
Sano sat bolt upright, his mouth hanging open. ‘You trust me that much?’
A slow smile bloomed across Kenshin’s face. ‘Of course.’
Sano sighed deeply. ‘Damn. I’m going to have to work with that bastard, aren’t I.’ And it wasn’t a question.
Kenshin almost laughed, remembering at the last minute his sore ribs. ‘Yes, I’m afraid you are. Now, come here and hold me, I’m going to miss you dreadfully.’
Sano lay down and carefully took the smaller man in his arms, pillowing the redhead on his chest. ‘It’s going to be a very long few weeks.’
‘Hai.’
Chapter Fifteen: On the Road Again
The next few days were very busy for everyone at the Aoiya. Between the Oniwabanshuu and the Secret Police, it was determined that the main core group of Yukishiro had fled the country but that some of the lesser fry were still around to catch.
The party from Tokyo went back; vowing to return after the month Riku had stipulated was up, to see Kenshin and bring him back home with them. Yahiko had learned several moves for Hiko and so had new things to practice to keep him busy, even if Kaoru was disapproving of the mixing of styles.
Between one night and the next morning; Hiko, Riku and Kenshin were gone, leaving Sano with Saitou, who wasn’t too sure what was going on with the Wolf of Mibu.
Sano had gotten up that morning, wondering what stupid thing Saitou was going to assign him to for the day.
“Better not be with Chou. I’m tired of wandering around Kyoto with that Broomhead,” Sano though as he quickly ate his breakfast and took his dishes back out to the kitchen. He then went looking for Saitou.
‘Oi, old man! How about something today that’s interesting.’ Sano walked into the den and stood looking down at the desk Saitou was sitting at. ‘I’m tired of following Chou around,’ he grumbled.
‘Ahou, I’m trying to teach you some basic police routine.’ Saitou looked at him, his eyes narrowed more than usual.
‘Why the hell would you do that!? I just want to catch the bastards who had Kenshin! I don’t want to make a career out of it!’ Sano rocked back and forth, his hands shoved into his pockets.
Saitou sighed and sat back in his chair. ‘Why not, you’re actually somewhat good at it. It would be a steady job and you could support yourself…’
Sano stepped back, his eyes wide. ‘Oh no, I don’t think so. Why the hell would I work for the Meiji Government?! You have lost your mind!’
Saitou pursed his lips. ‘Sit down, Sanosuke.’
Sano sat down, mainly because he was so surprised that Saitou would call him by his name.
‘Look at this logically. I know that the Battousai told you to keep an eye on the operation here, because you’ve come up with several good ideas that have produced results. I just think you need to take it all to the next level. Learn the basics, apply them and you can protect the people around you. That is what Kenshin preaches all the time, isn’t it?’
Sano sat there, stunned by what the man had said. ‘How… how did you know what Kenshin…’ He didn’t seem to be able to get all of his thoughts together.
‘Ahou, it’s nothing that I wouldn’t do. And even though we have caught several of the lower ranked men, it looks as if Yukishiro isn’t going to turn up anytime soon. But there are other things to do here. It’s going to be at least another two weeks before you’re going to get to go see Himura.’
Sano’s eyes narrowed on the cop. ‘How do you know that? Do you know where he is?’
‘No, but Shadow said she would probably send for you before the month was up. It’s been almost two weeks since they left, I figure that anytime in the next two weeks should do it.’ Saitou sighed. ‘As I said, you have a talent for this; let’s see if you can expand on it. You can’t keep brawling the way you did before, times are changing, ahou.’
Sano sat, looking down at the floor, biting his lower lip. ‘I… I guess I haven’t been thinking past catching those guys that had Kenshin.’ He looked up and gazed at Saitou seriously. ‘You really think that I could do this?’
‘Ahou, I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t believe it. You have to believe it to make it happen.’
The two looked at each other and then Sano dropped his eyes again, a slight flush running over his cheekbones. ‘Ok, I have to admit I have enjoyed some of what I’ve been doing. And the pay’s been pretty good so far, too.’
‘I’m sure that the shopkeepers are thankful, ahou. You’ve actually been paying instead of mooching for a change.’ Saitou leaned back in his chair and smirked at the boy. ‘Go follow Chou around again today, but this time pay attention to what he does. I want you to tell me tonight what he did that you think could be done differently or better.’
Sano grinned impishly. ‘I bet Chou won’t be real happy about it, though. He bitched and moaned the last time I followed him around!’
‘Go, ahou. Chou’s waiting for his orders outside,’ tossing him a note. ‘Try not to drive him absolutely nuts today. Remember, you’re watching.’
Sano grinned even more broadly as he left. ‘Yeah, yeah.’
Saitou waited until Sano had left and then smirked to himself. ‘Yes, and you’ve taken another step away from your old life.’
Chapter Sixteen: Tea and Sympathy
It hadn’t been too hard to get back to the small village where Rika lived. She had cheated that night, making Sano say his goodbyes before he fell asleep, unknowing that his tea had been drugged as well as Kenshin’s. It had been a simple matter to just walk in, pick Kenshin up and leave. Rika was sure that everyone heard about it in the morning when Sano woke up, but by then they were almost home.
The first day back was spent relaxing and sleeping; Hiko was still not happy about the night of walking Rika had done, even several rest stops, but she simply laughed.
‘Go bother the boys. I’m sure they’d like to have some time with you. Miku and I will just sit here and relax.’ She nuzzled her youngest’s hair. ‘Is Kenshin still asleep?’
‘Yes, every time he starts to wake up, I feed him some more tea and send him back out. Sooner or later, he’ll start fighting me but until that happens…’ Hiko shrugged and turned to go outside. ‘I’ll be back in later to check on you both.’
‘Go, go. Your wife is fine.’ Himoni pushed by him and grinned at them all. ‘She’s having a light meal and then a nap.’
Hiko nodded and went out to where his sons were playing in the yard. Looking around, he wondered how all of this had happened to him but was confident that in a few weeks, he’d be able to go back up on his mountain to some peace and quiet.
Kenshin drifted. He knew that he had been moved and that Sano was no longer there but just couldn’t get up enough energy to do anything about it. In the background he could hear happy voices and so continued to drift, only occasionally waking up to drink whatever was given to him.
Later that day, Hiko came into his room and stood gazing down at him.
‘Ok, baka deshi, time to start waking up. You’ve slept almost eighteen hours, you need to get up and eat.’
Kenshin frowned in his sleep, becoming more awake and starting to feel the pain in his back and ribs.
‘Yes, it’s going to hurt, but get up anyway.’ Hiko knelt down by him, and carefully started to raise him into a sitting position.
Kenshin’s eyes snapped open as he gasped, ‘Stop!’
Hiko held him still, watching as Kenshin struggled to control his breathing. Finally, he nodded and Hiko finished sitting him up. ‘More pain than you expected?’
‘Hai, but not moving since yesterday probably has something to do with it, that it did.’ Kenshin sat and just quietly breathed for another long moment.
‘I can carry you to the outhouse or do you want to try and walk?’ Hiko was nothing if not blunt; Kenshin shrugged just the tiniest bit.
‘Walking would be better, but I’m not sure how far I’ll get at this point.’
Hiko helped him stand up and together they made the trip there and back. Kenshin was dead white by the time he sat back down on his futon, his hands shaking from exertion.
‘Himoni will bring you your supper. Eat all of it, baka deshi. Then maybe Rika will be in to see you.’ Hiko stood up, shaking his head. ‘And we’re all going to want to hear just how you let your guard down enough that you got caught.’
Kenshin’s head was bowed just enough so that his bangs shaded his eyes. He said nothing but briefly Hiko’s hand passed gently over his hair before he turned to leave.
‘Oh yes, and all the children, especially Tomohiro and Masaki, want to see you. But I think tomorrow will be soon enough for that.’
Even as Kenshin opened his mouth to speak, Himoni came in with his tray. ‘Out, out. Let the man eat in peace. You can badger him tomorrow!’
‘So, you are still here with Rika, Himoni-dono?’ Kenshin smiled at the older woman.
‘Hai, hai. Someone has to make sure everyone gets fed and the place is clean. But right now, I want you to eat as much of this as you can and drink all of the tea. Hiko will be back to help you back to the bathing room and then you can sleep some more.’ Himoni’s eyes twinkled at him, a grin on her face.
‘Will you sit and talk to me for awhile? I would like to hear how everything and everyone has been doing, that I would. It’s been a few years since I was last here.’ Kenshin began to eat slowly, listening as the old woman recounted the last few years.
‘And you, you have found a home, I hear. You are happy there?’
‘Aa, happier than I probably deserve.’ Briefly, a flash of… something crossed his face. Himoni said nothing, simply smiling calmly.
As he finished the tea, Hiko walked in.
‘A bath, and then back to bed. The next few days are going to be boring for you. Tomorrow I’ll let you sit with Shadow; she’s not going to be doing anything for awhile either.’ Hiko pushed the tray toward Himoni and helped Kenshin to stand. ‘How do the ribs feel?’
‘Better, Sho. I can actually take a decent breath of air without coughing.’
‘You always did heal quickly, baka deshi.’
Himoni watched as they walked out the door, ready to take the tray to the kitchen and then to go tell her mistress what she had learned talking with Kenshin. Now that he was gone, she frowned; he wasn’t the same wanderer from before. She just hoped that Rika could mend whatever was broken in him.
Chapter Seventeen: When a Rika Washes Her Hair
It had been a peaceful three weeks, Rika hadn’t pushed Kenshin to talk, letting him heal and play with her children. But now she knew that things must move or Kenshin would bury what happened to him too deeply and it would affect him the rest of his life. And since he hadn’t made any move to talk to her, she knew that it was up to her.
‘Tell Kenshin that I’ll be out back and that I’ve washed my hair, Himoni.’ It had taken most of the morning to wash it as once it was unbraided; it reached almost to the ground. Hiko had made a chair for her to sit in so that the whole length could be combed out without getting it tangled again. It was her favorite trick, to make someone sit behind her, comb her hair and empty their soul.
Himoni chuckled. ‘I wondered when you were going to do it. I’ll tell him, I think he, Tomohiro and Masaki are talking or whatever.’
Himoni walked around to the front of the house. Hiko stood there, watching as the three practiced. Kenshin was still stiffer than he wanted to be and so the boys were more than a match for him.
‘No, stop! Remember where your feet are! Again!’
Himoni walked up to him. ‘Rika is waiting for Kenshin. How much longer are you going to keep him?’
‘Baka deshi, it looks like it’s your turn to comb out Shadow’s hair.’ He smiled evilly at the two boys. ‘I guess I’ll have to take over your spot.’ The two grinned back, used to his ways.
Kenshin stepped back and sheathed his sakaboutou. ‘All right. I’ve been wondering when she’d get around to me.’
Hiko looked over at the smaller man. ‘You’ve been avoiding it; she’s just gotten tired of waiting for you to come to her. Now, go.’
Kenshin shrugged, he knew that he’d been avoiding any mention of his time in Enishi’s hands. But now he was more confident that he could talk about it. As Kenshin walked around toward the back of the house, Hiko watched him, his face expressionless. Once he was out of sight, he turned and looked at his adopted sons.
‘How would you two like to go on an errand?’
As Kenshin walked into the back of the yard, one hand was rubbing his side where one rib still troubled him and the other rubbed his forehead.
‘Nervous, Elder Brother?’
He stopped and looked at Rika. ‘I can’t say I’m looking forward to this, that I’m not. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to talk about something like this.’ Kenshin continued toward her, walking around so that all he could see was a mass of hair. ‘And you’ve let your hair get even longer, Little Sister.’
‘Yes, even Hiko’s becoming annoyed with it. I’ll have to trim it back up to my knees. Now, start combing.’
For awhile, Kenshin just sat and combed out parts of her hair, smoothing it, and the familiar sense of peace began to steal over him.
‘Talk to me, Elder Brother. I know that more went on than what you’ve dropped in idle conversation.’
Kenshin sighed. ‘Aa. Enishi is still full of hate and I’m not sure that he’s entirely sane. He made me kneel and then as he hit me…’ His voice trailed off and Rika could feel him tense up.
Nothing was said for awhile and then Kenshin started again. ‘Mostly, he just told me over and over again what he would do to anyone I loved; that I didn’t deserve to have any happiness; that I should wander, alone and friendless the rest of my miserable life, or at least until he ended it.’
Rika could hear the pain in his voice. ‘And do you agree with that? Or do you think everyone you know would be better off without you? You can’t keep everything bottled up, Elder Brother, sooner or later you’d be just like him.’
Kenshin’s hands jerked a bit, and then went back to combing. ‘Aa. But it was very hard, toward the end, I really don’t remember anything except for the pain. I think that’s when I allowed “him” to just take over. And that’s not good, either.’
‘You were faced with a life or death situation. You coped. What’s wrong with that?’
‘Because, my coping involved turning myself off. I ignored my friends, went back in time, sought help from an enemy, or at least a non-friend. That doesn’t make me any more sane than Enishi.’
‘And that’s what really scares you, doesn’t it.’
Kenshin looked down at his hands. ‘Hai.’ He just sat, tears starting to form in his eyes. ‘I don’t want to be out of control like that ever again. I’d rather die.’
Rika smiled to herself. ‘And that’s the difference between the two of you, Elder Brother. I don’t think you have to worry about it; you seem to have made peace with yourself, since the Battousai only pops out in extreme situations. And he wasn’t violent, just controlling. Remember that.’
Kenshin rubbed his eyes. ‘He… I struck out at you.’
‘A normal reaction. And Hiko said later that he was surprised that you hadn’t struck harder, just enough to try and knock the cup out of my hand. So, even not all there, you were still in control to some extent.’ Rika looked over her shoulder at him. ‘All done with my hair?’
‘Hmm. Are you going to cut it now or braid it back?’ Kenshin smiled quietly at her, he felt better for telling her his feelings and knew that now he could face everything that had happened.
‘No, Hiko’s the only one…’
‘Hiko’s the only one what, Shadow?’ Hiko walked out of the house.
‘That can cut my hair, of course. About knee length, please.’
Hiko grinned and with one flick of his sword, Rika’s hair was shorter.
‘Better, it was starting to get very heavy.’ She reached around and after dividing and braiding both sides, she combined it all into a single braid. Tucking it under her gi, she turned around and looked down at the mess on the floor. ‘You are going to clean this all up, Elder Brother? I’m not really in any condition to do that.’
Everyone started to laugh, and Kenshin went for a broom, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
‘Sneaky, Shadow, very sneaky.’
‘Why, thank you, Hiko. I assume you sent the boys after Sano?’
‘Hmm.’
The two shared another grin and walked back into the house for some tea.
Chapter Eighteen: The Boys Introduced
Sano had been busy, Saitou had pretty much left him alone, taking his reports and not hesitating to tell him when he was wrong, as well as when he was right. Sano found that he enjoyed the give and take, Saitou made him think. But always in the back of his mind was, “Why did he kiss me?”
He had just gotten back from working a lead that seemed to be going nowhere when two boys showed up at Saitou’s.
Saitou gazed at the two. ‘Tomohiro and Masaki. You two have grown. I take it Himura is now ready for visitors?’
Tomohiro shook his head. ‘Iie. Only Sano. Shadow’s still working on him, he’s better but…’
‘Shadow thinks he’ll sleep better with Sano there.’ Masaki grinned a bit at an embarrassed Sano.
Sano flushed as Saitou smirked. ‘Yes, well. Perhaps some introductions are in order. The roosterhead is Sagara Sanosuke and these two are Hiko’s adopted sons, Tomohiro and Masaki. How old are you two now?’
Tomohiro smiled. ‘I’m eighteen and Masaki is fifteen. We’re the ones who go out and sell Hiko’s pottery; I was in Kyoto a couple of months ago. ‘Course, since he uses a pseudonym for his work…’
Sano grinned at them. ‘Come on in, you can tell me embarrassing Hiko stories, I’ll tell you embarrassing Kenshin stories.’ Chattering, the three went in, Saitou following, his eyes narrowed and thoughtful.
“Looks like I need to work a little faster.”
The two boys convinced Sano to start out the next day. ‘For one thing, we can’t be seen leaving together. The other is that we have supplies to pick up, we brought some of Hiko’s pottery in for trade.’
‘And you still have a report to give me, remember. He’ll meet up with the two of you tomorrow. Just leave when you normally would and he’ll catch up. Now, Chou will get you back to your inn, we think it’s clear but…’ Saitou looked at them coolly. ‘My greetings to your parents, let us know when the rest of us may come up and see everyone.’
The two boys bowed politely and Tomohiro said, ‘Hiko said just another week. Ken-nii really is much better. And Rika is resting a lot.’
‘Hn.’
The boys left and Saitou turned and sneered at a glowering Sano. ‘You don’t agree, ahou?’
‘Man, it’s been better n’ three weeks! What do you think?!’ Sano stood, cracking his knuckles. ‘Here, let me give you my report…’
Saitou moved closer to Sano, making him start and back away.
‘What’s your problem, teme?!’
‘My problem is that you’re leaving in the middle of an investigation.’ Saitou circled the boy, as Sano tried to keep his back to a wall, trying to guess what Saitou would do next.
‘Yeah, one that’s going nowhere! There hasn’t been a decent lead or arrest all week! You know that as well as I do. Besides, maybe Kenshin has something more to add now.’
Saitou stopped circling. ‘Good, you’re still thinking, ahou. All right, give me your report and then get some rest.’
Sano shivered, he felt as if he had dodged the bullet on that one. After giving Saitou his report, he walked out of the room, keeping an eye on him as he left.
Saitou frowned. He would have to go up before any of the rest of the group. There were still issues that he needed to work out with not only Kenshin, but Sano as well. Maybe away for here would be better for all involved, although he wasn’t sure how Rika would take to having her space invaded.
That night, Sano almost drove everyone insane. He had gone to the Aoiya to let them know what was going on and found Saitou in wait for him when he got back.
‘Baka! Who told you to tell them anything!’ Saitou glared at Sano who glared right back.
‘Listen, teme, they’re my friends as well as Kenshin’s! We were private, and if I had taken off without letting them know, you would have heard about it!’
Saitou suddenly grabbed and slammed Sano against a wall. ‘And maybe I already had plans to deal with that, ahou! You need to ask before making decisions that affect just more than you! Get packed!’ He pushed the younger man down the hall.
Sano rubbed his shoulder and glowered at the other man. ‘You keep secrets, that’s what you get!’ A growl was his only answer. He quickly put his few belongs into his carry sack, then turned and glared at the other. ‘Now what?!’
‘Now, you get to sleep outdoors. It would serve you right if it rained all night. But sooner or later, the boys will pass by where I put you. Just don’t wander away and get lost.’
Sano flushed. ‘Hey, I’m getting better! And what about food?’
Saitou smirked. ‘I should let you go hungry. But here,’ he tossed a package to him, ‘This is your breakfast. Eat it during the night and you’ll go hungry tomorrow. As far as I know, it’s not that far to where Rika lives, so you can wait until you get there for anything else.’
Sano looked at the package and then at the Wolf.
‘You knew that I was going to do this.’ Sano swallowed and then said softly, ‘Am I so easy to read?’
Saitou sighed. ‘I’m older than you, I have more life experience. Of course I knew that you would be impatient. Don’t worry about it. Now, follow me, and try not to make so much noise.’
Saitou picked up another bundle as they walked out the back door. When Sano looked as if he was going to comment, Saitou glared at him. After walking in what Sano came to realize were circles, Saitou finally stopped just outside of Kyoto and sat down by a tree just far enough off the road so they would not be seen.
‘We’ll wait here.’
‘We! You’re not going to see Kenshin!’
Saitou stared up at the fuming roosterhead. ‘Sit down and relax, ahou. No, but I thought I would keep you company for awhile.’
‘Oh.’ Sano felt silly as he dropped down beside the older man. ‘Sorry.’
‘Hn.’
After a bit, Sano said quietly, ‘So, what happens when I go back to Tokyo with Kenshin? Do you still have work for me that I can do there?’
‘Yes, actually. In fact, if you could get Himura involved, it would be even better.’
‘I don’t know that Kenshin would go for that. I could ask but…’ Sano shrugged.
‘Play on his “protect others”. It might give him incentive.’
Sano jerked away. ‘I’m not going to “play” on anything! What’s right for me might not be right for him.’
‘Whatever.’ Saitou leaned back on the tree, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. ‘I have another question to ask you before I head back.’
Sano moved uneasily, hearing something in the other’s voice that hadn’t been there before.
‘What?’
‘Two questions, actually. Why didn’t you tell Himura about our kiss and what did you think about it?’ Saitou didn’t move but watched as Sano jumped up and moved away from him.
‘One, I’ve already had Kenshin upset when someone else flirted with me and I’m not going through that again and two, you kissed me, I didn’t kiss you.’ Sano stood, his back to the man.
‘Hn. Well, that answered one question. Try the other.’ Saitou stood up very slowly and quietly, not letting the younger man know what he was doing.
‘I… I haven’t really thought about it. I don’t want to, either.’ Sano turned and then gasped as Saitou grabbed him by his arms.
‘Maybe I want you to think about it. Besides, I think you’re lying about that.’ Saitou pulled him closer.
Sano tried to pull back. ‘I’m in a relationship with Kenshin! What the hell are you trying to prove?!’
Saitou smirked at the boy who strained backward from him. ‘Just this…’ Keeping his eyes on Sano’s, Saitou slowly moved his face toward the totally flustered boy.
‘No! Let go of me, teme!’ Sano’s eyes got bigger and bigger as Saitou pulled him closer.
‘This…’ Saitou whispered as he slowly pressed his lips to Sano’s, making the other gasp. He slowly worked his lips on Sano’s, then as they softened and parted, he kissed him deeply and thoroughly. By the time he was through, Sano was grasping his jacket and lost to the world. ‘Yes, this…’
Sano looked up at him, dazed. Slowly his eyes cleared and something began to grow in them.
‘Let go of me,’ he said very quietly.
Saitou blinked and let go.
Sano looked at him. ‘You bastard. Just stay away from me. And from Kenshin. Go back to Kyoto and just stay the hell away from me, you fucker!’ Sano snarled at Saitou, his fists clenched and more furious than he had been since the battle with Shishio, both at Saitou and at himself. He turned and sat down, ignoring the Wolf.
‘But you will think about this, nevertheless, ahou.’ And with that, Saitou faded into the woods, leaving a thoroughly shaken Sano behind.
‘Oh Kami, Kenshin…’
Bleh.
At least the middle room is (mostly) cleaned up and although I haven't found the dead thing, it does smell better.
And tonight we had to go to one of our friend's father's visitation. It wasn't a big surprise, he's been ill for quite a while, but still. And his mom isn't doing well, either. So...
So, here's the next installment of Reprise. Oh, yeah, had to edit the last entry, not sure why I thought I went through to Chapter 13...
Chapter Thirteen: A Kiss is Just a Kiss, Maybe
With Hiko keeping Yahiko busy and Rika making a meal with the women, Saitou knew he would have better access to Kenshin and Sano. His men were already out tracking Yukishiro so he knew it was only a matter of time before he knew where he’d gone.
‘Ahou, is he asleep again?’ Saitou stood at the door looking at the two men.
‘Yeah, Rika’s drugging him. At least this way he’s resting.’ Sano was still gently rubbing Kenshin’s head, he knew it wasn’t much but needed all the physical contact he could get. ‘Besides, at the moment he’s confused as to why he’s with Shinsengumi. I don’t want him waking up and throwing a fit. I told him it was just you, but…’
Saitou came in and sat down. ‘Then I’ll talk to you here. You didn’t ask any other questions, and I know that you had some.’
Sano looked down at Kenshin, his lips tight. ‘You know, I really don’t want to do this. You let all of us think you died, it took Kenshin months to heal and now all of this is happening.’ Sano shrugged. ‘Yeah, I got questions. I just don’t want to ask them right now.’
Saitou sighed to himself. He knew he had hurt the younger man and trying to force the issue at this particular moment wouldn’t help.
‘Ok, but I’m going to need you to work with some of my men later. You know Himura’s habits and how he might react to different situations. I’m going to need you to work with me so we can figure out exactly what happened.’
Sano sat with opened mouth. ‘You have to be kidding! Why would I work with you!!’
‘Sano.’
Both men looked down at Kenshin who was blinking his eyes, trying to focus on the other man. A sudden flash of gold told them both that Battousai was in control.
‘A boy and a woman. Going out of Kyoto. Turned corner. Sweet smells. Wagon.’ His eyelids fluttered and then closed again.
***
‘Boss, you been beatin’ on this guy for three days. Why don’t you just kill him, already?’
Yukishiro Enishi turned and glared at his underling. ‘If I had wanted him dead, I could have done that the minute I had him. No, this is punishment and then I’ll kill him. He has to suffer, as I have suffered.’ He turned and leaned over the back of Kenshin, listening to his breathing.
‘You don’t deserve any happiness, Battousai. You need to wander, lost, alone, homeless, without friends. You deserve this pain and anything else that I do to you.’ Enishi had been telling this same litany as he beat Kenshin slowly and methodically. All of his men had been giving him a wide berth, they weren’t too sure how sane he was and one man had already died because of misinformation he had delivered.
Just then Hitaki walked in hurriedly. ‘Yukishiro-san, we have a report that the police are starting to search Kyoto.’
Yukishiro stood up and cursed. ‘Where are they starting?’
‘Near where we first caught him.’
‘Kuso. Start pulling our operatives out.’ He glared down at the kneeling Kenshin. ‘Make sure this one doesn’t go to sleep. I’ll be back. And when I do, Battousai, you’ll scream and die.’ He hit him again with a clenched fist, making Kenshin rock forward.
Kenshin had managed to ignore everything, concentrating on just breathing as the fists had struck him, over and over again. He knew that Enishi was furious because of the lack of reaction, but also knew the longer he was in his control, the more difficult it would be to get away. Listening to what he muttered over and over into his ear as he beat him was harder than the beating itself. Plus the fact of having had no food or water, except what had accidentally splashed in his mouth the couple time he had passed out, was making it even harder.
***
‘That’s why. He’s going to give you snippets of information he won’t give to the rest of us. I need you to listen to anything he might say and then tell me. Unless you want to just sit here and do absolutely nothing.’ Saitou gazed at the other man, knowing that this was the only way to keep him occupied without hurting his pride. Later he would get him involved more fully.
‘All right. I guess that makes sense. But you realize that I don’t know how the Battousai reacts to these kinds of situations and that’s where all the information’s coming from.’ Sano frowned down at the sleeping man and then at Saitou.
‘Hn. I’ll worry about that. You worry about this.’ Saitou leaned over and grabbed Sano’s chin. He had decided that the ahou should be as confused as possible, it would keep him off-balance but thinking. Keeping his eyes fixed on the younger man’s, he kissed him gently but firmly. ‘Now, keep watch.’
Saitou left a stunned Sano behind him, not smirking until he had closed the shojo behind him.
Chapter Fourteen: A Parting of the Ways
Sano sat stunned after Saitou left. What the hell was that all about! He looked down at Kenshin, thankful that he was still sleeping. He didn’t want any misunderstandings; the one time Megumi had flirted with him a little too much still lingered like a bad dream in his mind.
***
As Sano walked through the gate at the dojo, a whirlwind hit him and slammed him against the wall.
‘Ay ya! What’s wrong with you!’ Sano looked down at his lover and froze, because the eyes that looked back at him were furious and gold.
‘What were you doing with Megumi? I saw you going with her. Tell me!’ The growling voice definitely belonged to the Battousai and Sano swallowed nervously, blinking down at the smaller man.
‘Kenshin, she just wanted me to walk her back to the clinic and then I moved some supplies for Dr. Genzai. That’s all. Come on, you know that the fox-lady just teases.’ Sano slowly wrapped his arms around his smaller lover, suddenly realizing they were taking their relationship to another level. He had never seen him like this before.
‘She had that look in her eyes. I don’t like it.’ The Battousai was calming down, Sano was relieved to see more violet in his gaze.
‘Well then, I guess we’ll just tell everyone that it’s hands-off, hmm? Are you willing to do that?’ Sano looked down at him gravely, waiting for his reply. They hadn’t been sneaking around but they also hadn’t been blatant about their relationship, either.
Kenshin looked up at him and slowly smiled. ‘Yes.’ The relief in his eyes was all Sano needed, as he pulled him closer and kissed him as hard as he could.
‘Kami, I’m glad! Now we won’t have to pretend anymore. I mean, everyone sort of knows, now they’ll be sure.’ Sano buried his hand in Kenshin’s hair while Kenshin nuzzled under his chin, sighing happily, and they just stood there, at rest.
***
No, having Kenshin upset like that would not be a good idea, especially in his current condition. And why would the Wolf kiss him anyway!
Meanwhile, Saitou had talked to Chou and found out that Yukishiro had left Japan. Where his base was he didn’t know, his contacts at the moment were clueless. But that would change. There were still the rest of his organization to ferret out and hopefully they would be able to capture more of his people and learn more that way.
Saitou went back to his house, wondering what the ahou had thought about that afternoon and how he would react to him now. A smirk crossed his lips; he would bet that it wasn’t something that he would immediately tell his lover.
Rika walked in to check on Kenshin and found Sano dosing beside him.
‘Sano, if you’re that tired, just lie down and take a nap.’ Her soft words caused Sano to jerk as if he’d been shot.
‘Kami! Don’t do that!’ Sano looked down at Kenshin who hadn’t even wiggled.
‘Listen, Sano. I need to talk to you and you need to listen and think about what I say before you say anything.’ Rika looked gravely at Sano who swallowed and then nodded.
‘OK. Why do I have the feeling I’m not going to like this.’ Sano looked a bit frightened.
‘Because you’re not.’ Rika sat down and gazed pensively at Kenshin. ‘Has he said anything about his time of being captured yet?’
‘Just enough to let us know where he was caught. And he did that as Battousai.’
‘I was afraid of that. Sano, I’m going to take Kenshin to my home…’ She held up her hand as Sano started and opened his mouth. ‘And I’m going to ask you to stay here until I send for you.’
Sano was shaking his head no, his eyes wild and breath coming quickly.
‘I know that you don’t want to let him out of your sight at the moment, but I need him to open up and talk, and I’m pretty sure that he won’t do that here. At home I’ll have more control and he’ll feel freer to let go.’
Sano jumped up and stood with clenched fists. ‘And what if that bastard shows up there?! What will you do then?! No, Kenshin’s wandering by himself was part of this problem in the first place! I’m not…’
‘Sit down and shut up.’ Hiko walked in and forcibly sat Sano down with a thump. ‘People in the next country can hear you!’
Rika sighed. ‘Sano…’
‘Sano.’ Kenshin had awoken with all the noise going on but had waited to hear what was going on. He was so tired, Sano was upset, but he knew that getting out of here was the right thing to do.
‘Kenshin…’ Sano looked over at him with a sinking feeling in his stomach. ‘You’re going to go, aren’t you.’
‘Listen,’ Hiko sat down beside them. ‘Shadow can’t stay here much longer, so far we’ve been lucky, she hasn’t had a breathing attack and with a private room she can get away from everyone. But sooner or later, our luck will run out. Besides, at home, once my baka deshi recovers enough, she can worm all of his secrets out and get him back onto an even keel.’
As Hiko talked, Kenshin slowly reached for Sano’s hand and grasped it.
‘Sano, it’ll be all right. No one will know where we are. Please, trust me.’ Rika looked at him, then sighed. ‘I’ll sent a note the minute he’s well enough for you to come, OK?’
Sano’s voice was choked as he said, ‘Like that helps.’
‘Ahou, while the Battousai recovers, you can help try and locate Yukishiro’s men here in Japan. It’ll keep you busy and time will pass quickly.’ Saitou stood at the door, his eyes narrowed and frowning.
Sano just sat holding Kenshin’s hand, his shoulders hunched against the rest of the group.
‘Think about it.’ Rika accepted a helping hand from Hiko as they began to leave the room. She shook her head and slid the door shut, motioning the two men to follow her.
‘Well, that actually went better than I thought it would. I hope Kenshin can make the effort and throw in his two sens worth.’ Rika rubbed her back and frowned at Hiko. ‘And you’re right, I really need to get back home. The walls are starting to crowd me a bit.’
Saitou looked at them. ‘I could jail Sanosuke until the three of you are gone. It might be the only way, you know. He’s thinking emotionally, not rationally, at the moment.’
‘We’ll wait. Hopefully it won’t come to that.’
**
Sano sat, stunned for the second time that day. How could they expect him to stay here. Hiko was good, but he couldn’t be expected to guard Kenshin day and night! He suddenly realized that Kenshin was still looking at him, his eyes clear but tired.
‘Sano, I heard what they said…’
‘No, I’m not letting you…’
‘Listen to me.’ Kenshin cut him off. ‘Hiko’s better than I am, no one knows where Rika lives and she’s right; I need to talk about what happened.’ His eyes slid away briefly before gazing back at his lover. ‘I need to do this. And I need you to help me watch Saitou. I don’t trust him to do the job for me, if he finds out Japan isn’t being endangered. You will.’
Sano sat bolt upright, his mouth hanging open. ‘You trust me that much?’
A slow smile bloomed across Kenshin’s face. ‘Of course.’
Sano sighed deeply. ‘Damn. I’m going to have to work with that bastard, aren’t I.’ And it wasn’t a question.
Kenshin almost laughed, remembering at the last minute his sore ribs. ‘Yes, I’m afraid you are. Now, come here and hold me, I’m going to miss you dreadfully.’
Sano lay down and carefully took the smaller man in his arms, pillowing the redhead on his chest. ‘It’s going to be a very long few weeks.’
‘Hai.’
Chapter Fifteen: On the Road Again
The next few days were very busy for everyone at the Aoiya. Between the Oniwabanshuu and the Secret Police, it was determined that the main core group of Yukishiro had fled the country but that some of the lesser fry were still around to catch.
The party from Tokyo went back; vowing to return after the month Riku had stipulated was up, to see Kenshin and bring him back home with them. Yahiko had learned several moves for Hiko and so had new things to practice to keep him busy, even if Kaoru was disapproving of the mixing of styles.
Between one night and the next morning; Hiko, Riku and Kenshin were gone, leaving Sano with Saitou, who wasn’t too sure what was going on with the Wolf of Mibu.
Sano had gotten up that morning, wondering what stupid thing Saitou was going to assign him to for the day.
“Better not be with Chou. I’m tired of wandering around Kyoto with that Broomhead,” Sano though as he quickly ate his breakfast and took his dishes back out to the kitchen. He then went looking for Saitou.
‘Oi, old man! How about something today that’s interesting.’ Sano walked into the den and stood looking down at the desk Saitou was sitting at. ‘I’m tired of following Chou around,’ he grumbled.
‘Ahou, I’m trying to teach you some basic police routine.’ Saitou looked at him, his eyes narrowed more than usual.
‘Why the hell would you do that!? I just want to catch the bastards who had Kenshin! I don’t want to make a career out of it!’ Sano rocked back and forth, his hands shoved into his pockets.
Saitou sighed and sat back in his chair. ‘Why not, you’re actually somewhat good at it. It would be a steady job and you could support yourself…’
Sano stepped back, his eyes wide. ‘Oh no, I don’t think so. Why the hell would I work for the Meiji Government?! You have lost your mind!’
Saitou pursed his lips. ‘Sit down, Sanosuke.’
Sano sat down, mainly because he was so surprised that Saitou would call him by his name.
‘Look at this logically. I know that the Battousai told you to keep an eye on the operation here, because you’ve come up with several good ideas that have produced results. I just think you need to take it all to the next level. Learn the basics, apply them and you can protect the people around you. That is what Kenshin preaches all the time, isn’t it?’
Sano sat there, stunned by what the man had said. ‘How… how did you know what Kenshin…’ He didn’t seem to be able to get all of his thoughts together.
‘Ahou, it’s nothing that I wouldn’t do. And even though we have caught several of the lower ranked men, it looks as if Yukishiro isn’t going to turn up anytime soon. But there are other things to do here. It’s going to be at least another two weeks before you’re going to get to go see Himura.’
Sano’s eyes narrowed on the cop. ‘How do you know that? Do you know where he is?’
‘No, but Shadow said she would probably send for you before the month was up. It’s been almost two weeks since they left, I figure that anytime in the next two weeks should do it.’ Saitou sighed. ‘As I said, you have a talent for this; let’s see if you can expand on it. You can’t keep brawling the way you did before, times are changing, ahou.’
Sano sat, looking down at the floor, biting his lower lip. ‘I… I guess I haven’t been thinking past catching those guys that had Kenshin.’ He looked up and gazed at Saitou seriously. ‘You really think that I could do this?’
‘Ahou, I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t believe it. You have to believe it to make it happen.’
The two looked at each other and then Sano dropped his eyes again, a slight flush running over his cheekbones. ‘Ok, I have to admit I have enjoyed some of what I’ve been doing. And the pay’s been pretty good so far, too.’
‘I’m sure that the shopkeepers are thankful, ahou. You’ve actually been paying instead of mooching for a change.’ Saitou leaned back in his chair and smirked at the boy. ‘Go follow Chou around again today, but this time pay attention to what he does. I want you to tell me tonight what he did that you think could be done differently or better.’
Sano grinned impishly. ‘I bet Chou won’t be real happy about it, though. He bitched and moaned the last time I followed him around!’
‘Go, ahou. Chou’s waiting for his orders outside,’ tossing him a note. ‘Try not to drive him absolutely nuts today. Remember, you’re watching.’
Sano grinned even more broadly as he left. ‘Yeah, yeah.’
Saitou waited until Sano had left and then smirked to himself. ‘Yes, and you’ve taken another step away from your old life.’
Chapter Sixteen: Tea and Sympathy
It hadn’t been too hard to get back to the small village where Rika lived. She had cheated that night, making Sano say his goodbyes before he fell asleep, unknowing that his tea had been drugged as well as Kenshin’s. It had been a simple matter to just walk in, pick Kenshin up and leave. Rika was sure that everyone heard about it in the morning when Sano woke up, but by then they were almost home.
The first day back was spent relaxing and sleeping; Hiko was still not happy about the night of walking Rika had done, even several rest stops, but she simply laughed.
‘Go bother the boys. I’m sure they’d like to have some time with you. Miku and I will just sit here and relax.’ She nuzzled her youngest’s hair. ‘Is Kenshin still asleep?’
‘Yes, every time he starts to wake up, I feed him some more tea and send him back out. Sooner or later, he’ll start fighting me but until that happens…’ Hiko shrugged and turned to go outside. ‘I’ll be back in later to check on you both.’
‘Go, go. Your wife is fine.’ Himoni pushed by him and grinned at them all. ‘She’s having a light meal and then a nap.’
Hiko nodded and went out to where his sons were playing in the yard. Looking around, he wondered how all of this had happened to him but was confident that in a few weeks, he’d be able to go back up on his mountain to some peace and quiet.
Kenshin drifted. He knew that he had been moved and that Sano was no longer there but just couldn’t get up enough energy to do anything about it. In the background he could hear happy voices and so continued to drift, only occasionally waking up to drink whatever was given to him.
Later that day, Hiko came into his room and stood gazing down at him.
‘Ok, baka deshi, time to start waking up. You’ve slept almost eighteen hours, you need to get up and eat.’
Kenshin frowned in his sleep, becoming more awake and starting to feel the pain in his back and ribs.
‘Yes, it’s going to hurt, but get up anyway.’ Hiko knelt down by him, and carefully started to raise him into a sitting position.
Kenshin’s eyes snapped open as he gasped, ‘Stop!’
Hiko held him still, watching as Kenshin struggled to control his breathing. Finally, he nodded and Hiko finished sitting him up. ‘More pain than you expected?’
‘Hai, but not moving since yesterday probably has something to do with it, that it did.’ Kenshin sat and just quietly breathed for another long moment.
‘I can carry you to the outhouse or do you want to try and walk?’ Hiko was nothing if not blunt; Kenshin shrugged just the tiniest bit.
‘Walking would be better, but I’m not sure how far I’ll get at this point.’
Hiko helped him stand up and together they made the trip there and back. Kenshin was dead white by the time he sat back down on his futon, his hands shaking from exertion.
‘Himoni will bring you your supper. Eat all of it, baka deshi. Then maybe Rika will be in to see you.’ Hiko stood up, shaking his head. ‘And we’re all going to want to hear just how you let your guard down enough that you got caught.’
Kenshin’s head was bowed just enough so that his bangs shaded his eyes. He said nothing but briefly Hiko’s hand passed gently over his hair before he turned to leave.
‘Oh yes, and all the children, especially Tomohiro and Masaki, want to see you. But I think tomorrow will be soon enough for that.’
Even as Kenshin opened his mouth to speak, Himoni came in with his tray. ‘Out, out. Let the man eat in peace. You can badger him tomorrow!’
‘So, you are still here with Rika, Himoni-dono?’ Kenshin smiled at the older woman.
‘Hai, hai. Someone has to make sure everyone gets fed and the place is clean. But right now, I want you to eat as much of this as you can and drink all of the tea. Hiko will be back to help you back to the bathing room and then you can sleep some more.’ Himoni’s eyes twinkled at him, a grin on her face.
‘Will you sit and talk to me for awhile? I would like to hear how everything and everyone has been doing, that I would. It’s been a few years since I was last here.’ Kenshin began to eat slowly, listening as the old woman recounted the last few years.
‘And you, you have found a home, I hear. You are happy there?’
‘Aa, happier than I probably deserve.’ Briefly, a flash of… something crossed his face. Himoni said nothing, simply smiling calmly.
As he finished the tea, Hiko walked in.
‘A bath, and then back to bed. The next few days are going to be boring for you. Tomorrow I’ll let you sit with Shadow; she’s not going to be doing anything for awhile either.’ Hiko pushed the tray toward Himoni and helped Kenshin to stand. ‘How do the ribs feel?’
‘Better, Sho. I can actually take a decent breath of air without coughing.’
‘You always did heal quickly, baka deshi.’
Himoni watched as they walked out the door, ready to take the tray to the kitchen and then to go tell her mistress what she had learned talking with Kenshin. Now that he was gone, she frowned; he wasn’t the same wanderer from before. She just hoped that Rika could mend whatever was broken in him.
Chapter Seventeen: When a Rika Washes Her Hair
It had been a peaceful three weeks, Rika hadn’t pushed Kenshin to talk, letting him heal and play with her children. But now she knew that things must move or Kenshin would bury what happened to him too deeply and it would affect him the rest of his life. And since he hadn’t made any move to talk to her, she knew that it was up to her.
‘Tell Kenshin that I’ll be out back and that I’ve washed my hair, Himoni.’ It had taken most of the morning to wash it as once it was unbraided; it reached almost to the ground. Hiko had made a chair for her to sit in so that the whole length could be combed out without getting it tangled again. It was her favorite trick, to make someone sit behind her, comb her hair and empty their soul.
Himoni chuckled. ‘I wondered when you were going to do it. I’ll tell him, I think he, Tomohiro and Masaki are talking or whatever.’
Himoni walked around to the front of the house. Hiko stood there, watching as the three practiced. Kenshin was still stiffer than he wanted to be and so the boys were more than a match for him.
‘No, stop! Remember where your feet are! Again!’
Himoni walked up to him. ‘Rika is waiting for Kenshin. How much longer are you going to keep him?’
‘Baka deshi, it looks like it’s your turn to comb out Shadow’s hair.’ He smiled evilly at the two boys. ‘I guess I’ll have to take over your spot.’ The two grinned back, used to his ways.
Kenshin stepped back and sheathed his sakaboutou. ‘All right. I’ve been wondering when she’d get around to me.’
Hiko looked over at the smaller man. ‘You’ve been avoiding it; she’s just gotten tired of waiting for you to come to her. Now, go.’
Kenshin shrugged, he knew that he’d been avoiding any mention of his time in Enishi’s hands. But now he was more confident that he could talk about it. As Kenshin walked around toward the back of the house, Hiko watched him, his face expressionless. Once he was out of sight, he turned and looked at his adopted sons.
‘How would you two like to go on an errand?’
As Kenshin walked into the back of the yard, one hand was rubbing his side where one rib still troubled him and the other rubbed his forehead.
‘Nervous, Elder Brother?’
He stopped and looked at Rika. ‘I can’t say I’m looking forward to this, that I’m not. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to talk about something like this.’ Kenshin continued toward her, walking around so that all he could see was a mass of hair. ‘And you’ve let your hair get even longer, Little Sister.’
‘Yes, even Hiko’s becoming annoyed with it. I’ll have to trim it back up to my knees. Now, start combing.’
For awhile, Kenshin just sat and combed out parts of her hair, smoothing it, and the familiar sense of peace began to steal over him.
‘Talk to me, Elder Brother. I know that more went on than what you’ve dropped in idle conversation.’
Kenshin sighed. ‘Aa. Enishi is still full of hate and I’m not sure that he’s entirely sane. He made me kneel and then as he hit me…’ His voice trailed off and Rika could feel him tense up.
Nothing was said for awhile and then Kenshin started again. ‘Mostly, he just told me over and over again what he would do to anyone I loved; that I didn’t deserve to have any happiness; that I should wander, alone and friendless the rest of my miserable life, or at least until he ended it.’
Rika could hear the pain in his voice. ‘And do you agree with that? Or do you think everyone you know would be better off without you? You can’t keep everything bottled up, Elder Brother, sooner or later you’d be just like him.’
Kenshin’s hands jerked a bit, and then went back to combing. ‘Aa. But it was very hard, toward the end, I really don’t remember anything except for the pain. I think that’s when I allowed “him” to just take over. And that’s not good, either.’
‘You were faced with a life or death situation. You coped. What’s wrong with that?’
‘Because, my coping involved turning myself off. I ignored my friends, went back in time, sought help from an enemy, or at least a non-friend. That doesn’t make me any more sane than Enishi.’
‘And that’s what really scares you, doesn’t it.’
Kenshin looked down at his hands. ‘Hai.’ He just sat, tears starting to form in his eyes. ‘I don’t want to be out of control like that ever again. I’d rather die.’
Rika smiled to herself. ‘And that’s the difference between the two of you, Elder Brother. I don’t think you have to worry about it; you seem to have made peace with yourself, since the Battousai only pops out in extreme situations. And he wasn’t violent, just controlling. Remember that.’
Kenshin rubbed his eyes. ‘He… I struck out at you.’
‘A normal reaction. And Hiko said later that he was surprised that you hadn’t struck harder, just enough to try and knock the cup out of my hand. So, even not all there, you were still in control to some extent.’ Rika looked over her shoulder at him. ‘All done with my hair?’
‘Hmm. Are you going to cut it now or braid it back?’ Kenshin smiled quietly at her, he felt better for telling her his feelings and knew that now he could face everything that had happened.
‘No, Hiko’s the only one…’
‘Hiko’s the only one what, Shadow?’ Hiko walked out of the house.
‘That can cut my hair, of course. About knee length, please.’
Hiko grinned and with one flick of his sword, Rika’s hair was shorter.
‘Better, it was starting to get very heavy.’ She reached around and after dividing and braiding both sides, she combined it all into a single braid. Tucking it under her gi, she turned around and looked down at the mess on the floor. ‘You are going to clean this all up, Elder Brother? I’m not really in any condition to do that.’
Everyone started to laugh, and Kenshin went for a broom, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
‘Sneaky, Shadow, very sneaky.’
‘Why, thank you, Hiko. I assume you sent the boys after Sano?’
‘Hmm.’
The two shared another grin and walked back into the house for some tea.
Chapter Eighteen: The Boys Introduced
Sano had been busy, Saitou had pretty much left him alone, taking his reports and not hesitating to tell him when he was wrong, as well as when he was right. Sano found that he enjoyed the give and take, Saitou made him think. But always in the back of his mind was, “Why did he kiss me?”
He had just gotten back from working a lead that seemed to be going nowhere when two boys showed up at Saitou’s.
Saitou gazed at the two. ‘Tomohiro and Masaki. You two have grown. I take it Himura is now ready for visitors?’
Tomohiro shook his head. ‘Iie. Only Sano. Shadow’s still working on him, he’s better but…’
‘Shadow thinks he’ll sleep better with Sano there.’ Masaki grinned a bit at an embarrassed Sano.
Sano flushed as Saitou smirked. ‘Yes, well. Perhaps some introductions are in order. The roosterhead is Sagara Sanosuke and these two are Hiko’s adopted sons, Tomohiro and Masaki. How old are you two now?’
Tomohiro smiled. ‘I’m eighteen and Masaki is fifteen. We’re the ones who go out and sell Hiko’s pottery; I was in Kyoto a couple of months ago. ‘Course, since he uses a pseudonym for his work…’
Sano grinned at them. ‘Come on in, you can tell me embarrassing Hiko stories, I’ll tell you embarrassing Kenshin stories.’ Chattering, the three went in, Saitou following, his eyes narrowed and thoughtful.
“Looks like I need to work a little faster.”
The two boys convinced Sano to start out the next day. ‘For one thing, we can’t be seen leaving together. The other is that we have supplies to pick up, we brought some of Hiko’s pottery in for trade.’
‘And you still have a report to give me, remember. He’ll meet up with the two of you tomorrow. Just leave when you normally would and he’ll catch up. Now, Chou will get you back to your inn, we think it’s clear but…’ Saitou looked at them coolly. ‘My greetings to your parents, let us know when the rest of us may come up and see everyone.’
The two boys bowed politely and Tomohiro said, ‘Hiko said just another week. Ken-nii really is much better. And Rika is resting a lot.’
‘Hn.’
The boys left and Saitou turned and sneered at a glowering Sano. ‘You don’t agree, ahou?’
‘Man, it’s been better n’ three weeks! What do you think?!’ Sano stood, cracking his knuckles. ‘Here, let me give you my report…’
Saitou moved closer to Sano, making him start and back away.
‘What’s your problem, teme?!’
‘My problem is that you’re leaving in the middle of an investigation.’ Saitou circled the boy, as Sano tried to keep his back to a wall, trying to guess what Saitou would do next.
‘Yeah, one that’s going nowhere! There hasn’t been a decent lead or arrest all week! You know that as well as I do. Besides, maybe Kenshin has something more to add now.’
Saitou stopped circling. ‘Good, you’re still thinking, ahou. All right, give me your report and then get some rest.’
Sano shivered, he felt as if he had dodged the bullet on that one. After giving Saitou his report, he walked out of the room, keeping an eye on him as he left.
Saitou frowned. He would have to go up before any of the rest of the group. There were still issues that he needed to work out with not only Kenshin, but Sano as well. Maybe away for here would be better for all involved, although he wasn’t sure how Rika would take to having her space invaded.
That night, Sano almost drove everyone insane. He had gone to the Aoiya to let them know what was going on and found Saitou in wait for him when he got back.
‘Baka! Who told you to tell them anything!’ Saitou glared at Sano who glared right back.
‘Listen, teme, they’re my friends as well as Kenshin’s! We were private, and if I had taken off without letting them know, you would have heard about it!’
Saitou suddenly grabbed and slammed Sano against a wall. ‘And maybe I already had plans to deal with that, ahou! You need to ask before making decisions that affect just more than you! Get packed!’ He pushed the younger man down the hall.
Sano rubbed his shoulder and glowered at the other man. ‘You keep secrets, that’s what you get!’ A growl was his only answer. He quickly put his few belongs into his carry sack, then turned and glared at the other. ‘Now what?!’
‘Now, you get to sleep outdoors. It would serve you right if it rained all night. But sooner or later, the boys will pass by where I put you. Just don’t wander away and get lost.’
Sano flushed. ‘Hey, I’m getting better! And what about food?’
Saitou smirked. ‘I should let you go hungry. But here,’ he tossed a package to him, ‘This is your breakfast. Eat it during the night and you’ll go hungry tomorrow. As far as I know, it’s not that far to where Rika lives, so you can wait until you get there for anything else.’
Sano looked at the package and then at the Wolf.
‘You knew that I was going to do this.’ Sano swallowed and then said softly, ‘Am I so easy to read?’
Saitou sighed. ‘I’m older than you, I have more life experience. Of course I knew that you would be impatient. Don’t worry about it. Now, follow me, and try not to make so much noise.’
Saitou picked up another bundle as they walked out the back door. When Sano looked as if he was going to comment, Saitou glared at him. After walking in what Sano came to realize were circles, Saitou finally stopped just outside of Kyoto and sat down by a tree just far enough off the road so they would not be seen.
‘We’ll wait here.’
‘We! You’re not going to see Kenshin!’
Saitou stared up at the fuming roosterhead. ‘Sit down and relax, ahou. No, but I thought I would keep you company for awhile.’
‘Oh.’ Sano felt silly as he dropped down beside the older man. ‘Sorry.’
‘Hn.’
After a bit, Sano said quietly, ‘So, what happens when I go back to Tokyo with Kenshin? Do you still have work for me that I can do there?’
‘Yes, actually. In fact, if you could get Himura involved, it would be even better.’
‘I don’t know that Kenshin would go for that. I could ask but…’ Sano shrugged.
‘Play on his “protect others”. It might give him incentive.’
Sano jerked away. ‘I’m not going to “play” on anything! What’s right for me might not be right for him.’
‘Whatever.’ Saitou leaned back on the tree, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. ‘I have another question to ask you before I head back.’
Sano moved uneasily, hearing something in the other’s voice that hadn’t been there before.
‘What?’
‘Two questions, actually. Why didn’t you tell Himura about our kiss and what did you think about it?’ Saitou didn’t move but watched as Sano jumped up and moved away from him.
‘One, I’ve already had Kenshin upset when someone else flirted with me and I’m not going through that again and two, you kissed me, I didn’t kiss you.’ Sano stood, his back to the man.
‘Hn. Well, that answered one question. Try the other.’ Saitou stood up very slowly and quietly, not letting the younger man know what he was doing.
‘I… I haven’t really thought about it. I don’t want to, either.’ Sano turned and then gasped as Saitou grabbed him by his arms.
‘Maybe I want you to think about it. Besides, I think you’re lying about that.’ Saitou pulled him closer.
Sano tried to pull back. ‘I’m in a relationship with Kenshin! What the hell are you trying to prove?!’
Saitou smirked at the boy who strained backward from him. ‘Just this…’ Keeping his eyes on Sano’s, Saitou slowly moved his face toward the totally flustered boy.
‘No! Let go of me, teme!’ Sano’s eyes got bigger and bigger as Saitou pulled him closer.
‘This…’ Saitou whispered as he slowly pressed his lips to Sano’s, making the other gasp. He slowly worked his lips on Sano’s, then as they softened and parted, he kissed him deeply and thoroughly. By the time he was through, Sano was grasping his jacket and lost to the world. ‘Yes, this…’
Sano looked up at him, dazed. Slowly his eyes cleared and something began to grow in them.
‘Let go of me,’ he said very quietly.
Saitou blinked and let go.
Sano looked at him. ‘You bastard. Just stay away from me. And from Kenshin. Go back to Kyoto and just stay the hell away from me, you fucker!’ Sano snarled at Saitou, his fists clenched and more furious than he had been since the battle with Shishio, both at Saitou and at himself. He turned and sat down, ignoring the Wolf.
‘But you will think about this, nevertheless, ahou.’ And with that, Saitou faded into the woods, leaving a thoroughly shaken Sano behind.
‘Oh Kami, Kenshin…’