disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin

I walked home from the bar briskly. It was late out probably past one. The streets were dark except for the weak dim street lights at the corner. I passed by a brick building covered with graffiti. The building was "Mono Bank & co." but someone had spray painted over the sign to read "Mama Rank". At the bottom of the wall was a swirl of blue spray paint in the shape of a bear paw. I smiled. That was Kamatari's signature.

"Creative." I mused to myself.

"You like my work Kaoru?" I heard a playful voice say behind me.

Speak of the devil. Kamatari walked soundlessly form the shadows of the alley behind me. I raised an eyebrow at his attire tonight, black skintight leather pants and a dark pink shirt with a matching skintight jacket naturally paired with a pair of black combat boots like my own.

"Very nice job tonight. I'm sure Mono Bank & co. will appreciate that tomorrow morning." I said chuckling.

Kamatari grinned at his work. "You think so, chica?"

"I know so." I answered smugly.

Kamatari gave me a look. "Aren't you in a good mood tonight?"

I grinned.

Kamatari walked over to me before stopping short, and wrinkled his nose. "Chica I can smell your drinks from here."

I frowned. "I'm not drunk."

"Of course not, chica. You're just unnaturally giddy."

"I'm not Kamatari."

"I know Kaoru. I didn't give you a phony ID to shack up at the bar every night you know." Kamatari said steely.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine, I won't go to the bar for another-"

"Month." Kamatari finished.

I opened my mouth to say something. "That's-"

"Perfectly fair since every night you do go out, my night is spent worrying about you."

I gritted my teeth. "I'm not a child."

"That's not what I think but I can't let you get busted by a cop or some bastard who can't keep his hands to himself if you get wasted,again."

"Are you scolding me?" I asked incredulously. "I only got wasted that once cause I wasn't paying attention, it's not going to happen again. It's like you don't even think I can take care of myself anymore."

"No, chica. I know you can take care of yourself. God everyone knows that. But I am the only who worries, chica." Kamtari explained.

"Good." I replied. Kamatari is like my big brother figure. He's the closet thing I have to family.

A limousine passes by us on the street and quickly disappears around the corner. We both stare after it, wondering.

"What's it like to be off of the streets, Kamatari?" I asked. He's the only gang member I know who came from a family with good money; however, he was disowned by his own parents when he admitted his gay sexuality.

He sighs heavily, tiredly. "It's not that fun, chica. Not at all…"

I grab his shoulder. He locks his hand to mine. "Once on the street,"

"Always on the street." He finishes.

I squeeze his hand. I wonder what it's like to know what you're missing after you've already lost it. I look at Kamatari's forlorn face.

I don't want to know.