Standard disclaimers apply. I do not own ELT's "Fragile". I only own the translation of the original Japanese lyrics. The lyrics are those in italics.

A/N: Thank you for all the reviews – You guys are awesome! So now we know the entire story, and I am pretty sure most of you should know that the udon couple who apologized to Megumi in chapter 6 was the owner of the burned down house. Alright, now that we've got the main plot done…

This chapter contains a lemon, so please don't read it if you get uncomfortable with it. You've been warned, so I don't want to receive flames. Flames will be used to roast the rooster! LOL! I am kidding, I am kidding! Ok, ok that was evil of me. –shudders at an enraged Sano glare- I know you're gonna kill me, Maddi! LOL!

A big Thank You to DemonSlayer205 for your help on this chapter; I really appreciated it, and can only hope that I wouldn't disappoint you.

As for those who like lemons, enjoy and don't forget to review!


Title: Six Months in Heaven

Chapter 8: Fragile

"Megumi…"

Her name whispered on his lips was barely audible, as it drifted across the distance between them to reach her with a tingling sensation. His presence sent vibrations reverberating through her from head to toe, delicious stirrings of bottled-up emotions escaping the confinements of her heart.

"Sanosuke…" She called out again, her tears still flowing freely from those twinkling orbs, reaching out to him with a shaky hand. "I…I finally can see you…" Those words were whispered with heartfelt gratitude.

Their eyes held, and Megumi suddenly felt light and buoyant, as if all the weight has been lifted off her shoulders in an instant. He was so close, so real…it was simply unbelievable. All the memories of their shared past came back to her in a flood, threatening to drown her with its bittersweet mental taste.

Before he could do anything, she had stood up from her position on the bed, running over to him as fast as her legs could manage, as if he would disappear with the slightest delay. With a sudden look of realisation forming on her face, she stopped abruptly before they came into contact. Breathing lightly as if fascinated yet scared, she raised her hand slowly to touch his face. Her fingertips brushed against coolness, solid despite her initial fears. The contact sent minute jolts of electricity straight to her heart from her fingertips, and the indescribable joy felt by both were expressed in the next moment in the form of a tight, crushing embrace.

"Megumi…" It sounded so good to call her name again, and knowing that she can hear him. "I missed you so much…It has been too long…" His chocolate brown eyes shone with unshed tears, giving them an ethereal appeal in the darkness.

Tightening her grip around him, she buried her face in his strong, chiselled chest, nodding in agreement as she sobbed with happiness. "I am sorry, Sano…I am sorry…"

"Don't say that." He cut her off with firmness that he didn't know he could manage with the whirlwind of emotions raging in his mind. It was surreal; the feeling of knowing she could see him as well as he could see her. "I never regretted it."

He did mean it with every bit of his heart; dying for her, waiting for her for almost a century was all worth it in exchange for this moment right now. For her, he would remain a mere memory of the past willingly, having begged to remain in the living world even as his soul got reincarnated. A wry smile graced his features when his thoughts went back to the time when he was Zanza, the time when he was so proud, confident and full of zest for life. He thought he was pretty invincible, until she crossed his path. Everything he thought he lived for somewhat paled in comparison to her, and for her, everything else can be thrown away without a second thought.

Yes, that is how unique she is to him, this very woman in his arms.

"Sano…How can you not hate me for taking so much away from you?" She cried, clinging onto him as if her life depended on him. Right now, he was her life buoy in the middle of the choppy ocean. Her heart was so tight with emotions; it felt as if it might just give out if she didn't do anything to relieve it. Hugging him tighter to her, she felt his love for her; powerful and unconditional, warming up the depths of her heart. This was so right and assuring, and for the first time in her life, Megumi felt that nothing was capable of putting her down.

I always hurt you with such silly little things

Conversations are just pointless

Words only get in the way; they are so useless

I can't tell you even though I love you,

And that thought is depressing

"Well, I should apologize actually…I made you seem crazy." He admitted with an underlying tone of amusement, though his eyes were filled with emotion. "That's pretty scary…a crazy kitsune."

He was still the same old Sanosuke whom she lost her heart to. She looked up into his amused face and gave a mock reproachful look, before pulling his face down to hers for a kiss. The first kiss they had in this life. It was everything a first kiss should be; sweet, chaste and overwhelmingly romantic.

I'm not yet used to saying "my dear"
but for your sake, I can say it right now
If you could stay smiling by my side,

I wouldn't need anything else

"Sorry for making you wait for so long." She whispered against his lips, breathing in the masculine scent that clung onto him. He smelled so different from Shunichi, who was always fresh and smelled of Calvin Klein. Sanosuke, on the other hand, was all masculine and arousing, with no hints of artificial fragrances on his body at all. The natural and delicious scent from him left her craving for more desperately, and it suddenly made her relate kissing Shunichi to a 24-hour convenience stall; you cannot always get what you want, but enough to meet basic needs. They drew apart slowly, returning to the tight embrace they were in before.

"Hold me, Sanosuke."

He complied instantly.

"Tighter…" She whispered, pressing her body ardently against his. "Tighter, please."

He complied, driven more by instinct than her words.

I tried too hard to appear calm

Smiling even when I had no reasons to

Another lonely night comes along,

And loneliness attacks me.

Running a hand through her raven locks, he laid his chin gently on the top of her head, smiling to himself at the way their bodies fitted so well in an embrace, like they always did. She was so perfect, so wondrous in every way possible. Inhaling the fresh scent of lavender lingering on her raven hair, he closed his eyes and revelled in the addictive feel of her slender frame held protectively in his arms. How could he ever bear to let her slip away from him again?

By now, her tears had ceased falling, leaving behind a film of moisture in her eyes where steely determination shone through. Raising her eyes to meet his, she whispered softly.

"Kiss me, Sanosuke."

It was something the Megumi a lifetime ago wouldn't have said. His eyes widened in surprise, looking at her standing right in front of him with her eyes closed peacefully, an anticipating smile lighting up her face.

Easing Megumi away from him gently, Sanosuke placed his lips over hers, coaxing her mouth open before slipping his tongue in to explore more of what she had to offer. She tasted like Nature itself, clean, pristine and yet highly addictive with its elaborate simplicity.

The initial defensive curl of her tongue against his at their first contact, and her strangled gasp at the sensations it evoked, soon gave way to temptation and the stirrings of tingly pleasure that burst out in small sparks in her lower regions. He ran the tip of his tongue against the roof of her mouth, while digit-tickling her sensitized nape to elicit a moan of pleasure from her. Her eyes were still closed, her hands buried in his brown spiky hair, impatiently tugging every now and then for more of this delicious treat. His tongue's movements, deliberate and tender, were driving her insane with every single action.

"Sano…" She whispered, unknowingly sending tingles up his spine with the way her "Sa" sent her heated breath out to mingle with his. It was so needy, innocent yet erotic at the same time.

So beautiful…so perfect…mine. He smiled, feeling a tinge of regret pierce his heart. A century ago, their love might be looked down upon by the society, frowned upon by the upper class and scoffed by the lower. There was so much he wished to do with her then, but due to the circumstances, both hid their feelings in a silent conspiracy, instinctively using their bickering to conceal their feelings.

"Shhh." He hushed, before returning his attentions to her mouth, his body skilfully steering their connected beings to the bed. The sensations coursing through Megumi's veins were so intense; her legs were shaking with the effort to stand properly while all her mind could register was Sanosuke worshipping her mouth with the magical ability that was unique to him and him only.

She felt her back come into contact with the soft mattress of the bed as he gently eased her into a comfortable lying position, and instantly reached out for him, making a whimpering sound at the back of her throat. He laughed, a deep, throaty laugh as he reassured, "Patience, Takani-san.", gaining a growl of frustration from the woman. "Give me a second."

"Touch me, Sanosuke."

He was always so playful; it infuriated and amused her at times. True to his word, she felt his hands on her skin again, loving every second of the sensations he evoked with his touch. His touch, which only he was capable of, bordered between pleasurable and slightly painful, caused by the blisters and scars and also the passion that lies behind. He was already undressed; he always did before he undressed her. It was a small gesture from him, but it made her feel special and happy. It was a little detail that showed her how mutual the relationship is, how he makes the special effort not to make her feel used at anytime. Which girl would want to feel as if she was being used for mere pleasure?

She could feel him rubbing circles on her shoulder, before her spaghetti strap top was eased off her heated body, causing her to shiver involuntarily at the sudden assault of cool air. The rest of her garments followed quickly, aided by her cooperative movements as he removed them.

"Kirei…" He whispered hoarsely, staring down at her exposed form. This felt different from when he almost made love to her in the seventh room, where she was confused and upset, for she was looking back at him this time. Her eyes, always twinkling with wisdom, were slightly glazed over with love. Her scent was even more magnificent; she smelled of the rich, luxurious cocoa butter, the moisturizer she lathered on her skin before she went to bed every night. A faint blush graced her cheeks, tugging at his heart strings ever so tenderly.

Leaning down to place kisses on the creamy expanse of skin, he smiled, loving the way she responded to every little kiss, nip or lick that he bestowed upon her body. "Umai. So delicious…" He whispered seductively, inhaling the creamy fragrance of cocoa butter that clung on to her, only to smile against the porcelain skin when she arched her back in contentment. Every touch from him evoked powerful sensations in her system, while her chest rose and fell with the effort of bringing in more oxygen to her hazy mind, arousing him further. She was still the same old Megumi he loved and lost; only that she was even bolder and more confident in this life.

Distracting her with his mouth, his fingers travelled south to lavish his attentions on her lower regions, sending her into paradise with his long, skilful digits. Stroking and thrusting rhythmically, aided by her natural lubrication, watching her writhe and gasp in rapture. "Sano…Sano…" Her words were barely coherent as she cried out with pleasure, giving Sanosuke an indescribable sense of pride. She appeared exceptionally beautiful with her eyes closed, skin flushed with a film of perspiration over it and a mesmerizing smile clinging onto her lips.

He's the only one capable of this…Megumi thought, taking a few deep breaths as she gradually came back down to reality. Her heart constricted with affection, before cheeky ideas started forming in her head, eliciting a small smile from her that went unnoticed by him. It's time to return the favour…

Pushing him over so he was lying on his back, Megumi took advantage of his momentarily shocked state to lean over him, her hair cascading down from the side in a ebony waterfall. "You are more delicious." She whispered back breathlessly, the seductiveness of her voice matching his with equal power, before planting butterfly kisses over his face. He was a flawless masterpiece, and every physical scar found only served to heighten her passion for him. The scar on his right palm seemed even more prominent than before.

"Megumi…" He started, only to have her cut him off with a determined glint in her eyes.

"I want to do this, Sano." She replied simply.

Sanosuke sighed gently, relaxing and taking a step back to let her do whatever she liked with him. This was what he loved about their relationship, for even back in the Meiji Era, they shared a relationship that was mutual. There are times when they knew they had to give and take, but at the end of the day, the fulcrum always shifted back to the equilibrium point. As a trail down his body was marked by her silky lips, Sanosuke closed his eyes, basking in her loving ministrations.

As he lost himself in the sensations she was creating with her slender hands, satisfaction bloomed like a flower in his heart. The wait was worth it; it felt as if hundred years did not go by at all…it was as if they were stuck in a timeless frame. The memories were still fresh, like how he first met her at the gambling den, the time when they visited Izu together, how he tried to peep at her when she was at the hot spring, how he went to 'have his wounds treated' on Tanabata night…and many more. To him, each and every one of these memories was too precious, and with every passing day spent with her only added more to the album in his heart.

This love hadn't come easy, and they both knew it deep in their hearts. Unlike some others who were lucky to be blessed by love so naturally, they had to fight for theirs. They had countless differences to overcome, had their own clashing personalities to work on, the society's discrimination and too many more. She had been guilty of it too. There was a period of time when she actually found herself waiting, waiting stupidly for Sanosuke to morph into a man whom the Takani family would have gladly approved of, whom the society would have deemed fit for a doctor to marry. It was only when he came back from the battle with Shishio Makoto did she fully realize that what she needed was not a status, but a heart which loves her. People, regardless of calibre and status, all come to an end one day. Life was too short to be wasted, and it was when she saw him in Kyoto, did she throw her foolish thinking and expectations to the winds and embraced her feelings.

"Megumi…" A low guttural groan escaped him as she bent down to drag her tongue over the chiselled planes of his chest tantalizingly, the strong vibrations emanating from his chest reaching her soul through her tongue.

Megumi had been terribly jealous of Amakusa Sayo, when she heard about the brave, self-sacrificing girl from Kaoru. Sanosuke did not talk about her at all, not to anyone else, including Megumi. She couldn't bring herself to hate Sayo, not when they both share a love for Sanosuke, not when Sayo was the reason why Sanosuke was still with her. But she wouldn't deny the sadness biting at her heart. She was heartbroken then, but she never showed it. It was just typical of the two of them to hide feelings and thoughts under a façade of indifference, but Megumi couldn't help but wish how she could be there to take the bullet for Sanosuke. She would have done it, like what she told Kaoru when Kenshin came clear with his past and Himura Tomoe's death. But for now, nothing mattered anymore. Really, nothing else mattered when she is with him. Just the feeling of togetherness was enough to last her for a lifetime.

Her hand moved over him faster, pushing him closer and closer to the edge before she abruptly stopped to earn a glare of annoyance from him. "Patience, Sagara-san." She said softly, her tone set between amusing and condescending as she watched him grimace and fidget with the sudden loss of arousing contact. His expression changed into one of surprise as she climbed on top of him, her long, shapely legs straddling him before she tugged gently at his shoulders for him to reverse their positions.

Sanosuke inhaled sharply as he felt her hands on him, tracing the strong, defined contours of his back, his shoulder blades and his nape, while her soft, delicate body pressed itself close to him, giving him a distinct feel of her desire for him and all she had to offer. She was so sure of this, and he could feel every bit of her determination. Escalating rapidly into a timeless dimension of love, Megumi knew deep in her heart that this was no fantasy; she truly belonged to this man and vice versa.

"Love me, Sanosuke." She murmured, her voice a little higher than usual with her hungry need. All she knew then in her clouded mind was the pressing need to get closer to him. "Finish what we started the other day…Show me how much you love me."

Shaking his head slowly, Sanosuke pressed himself back against her to redefine his love and burning desire, teasing her with a bit of pressure. She was wrong; physical love could never truly express all the love from him, and neither could it transcend time like his emotions did. He shook his head not to deny her of the pleasure she craved from him, but to tell her of the greater love that resided deep within his heart.

"Aishiteru, Megumi." He whispered in her ear, his tone heavy with emotions, kissing along the shell of it as he expressed himself using words, a method he was never too comfortable with, but nonetheless powerful.

How was he going to face what the future holds, now that he had fallen in so hopelessly deep? Sanosuke brushed the nagging thought aside, to focus on this woman whom he worshipped with his heart, his five senses, his mind and body.

He brought her close to him, exploring her mouth with his once again as he settled himself comfortably between her legs, spread widely to accommodate him. Reaching up to cup a breast in his large hand, he marvelled at the way it fitted snugly. It was as if she was made for him, created for him and him only. She must have been thinking the same thing, for she smiled up blissfully at him, before reaching down between them with her free hand to guide him to where she needed him, where a dull ache was begging for relief. A questioning look from him was erased by a determined nod from her.

"Please, Sano…" The emotional need for him to complete her was almost drowning Megumi, and all she could think of was him. "We've waited too long…"

Everything began from the moment we met

There are days when we hurt each other too

I'll bring the thought of wanting to be with you

Into the unknown future

Gazing into her mesmerizing orbs, bounded by the enchanting magic in those eyes, he pushed forward slowly. Both gasped at the sensations and emotions their first intimate contact ignited, before the pain of their past and the beauty of the moment led to tears welling up in their eyes. Neither knew themselves to be so empty, and only when this empty spot is filled did they acknowledge the earlier presence of the painful void.

Ai ga…afureteimasu. Megumi thought, the sheer romantic power of those words sending a flood of warmth in her. She never believed how "ai" could go with "afureru" like she heard so often in love ballads, but it appears that she was wrong. She was cynical then, with the lack of spiritual fulfilment. Overflowing love…this described perfectly what she felt in her heart at the moment. It was giving, taking, intense and all she could see when the words flashed across her mind was his face.

Their bodies flowed together until they became perfectly meshed halves with no gap to define them separately. Two opposites coming so well together; man and woman, lock and key, black and white, North and South poles of the magnet. They were meant for one another, each being an irreplaceable half of the other. A single tear escaped the confinements of her eye, rolling down the side of her face to seep into the covers underneath her. Their fingers interlaced, onto to have their pressure on each other's hand increase with everything bit of tantalizing friction they felt in their joining.

Just like this, just like this, I fell in love with you

I am truly, truly very happy

Should you suffer any setbacks from now

I will still hold on tightly to your hand

She offered all of herself willingly as he did with her, joining and finding the paradise in the act of love that was as primitive as the earth, and as old as time itself. Words were completely forgotten as they reunited for now, no matter whatever the future has in store for them.

There was no sound other than their increasingly labored breathing and the erotic whispers of flesh on flesh. Their eager bodies found a rapid and furious rhythm as they revisited the love they shared a century ago, revelling in the comfort each other provided. Her beauty in all of its natural glory underneath his body, her hair fanned out behind her, her gasps and expressions called forth by carnal pleasure, her effort to keep her trembling lower limbs apart for him, were threatening to sweep Sanosuke away into the vortex of gratitude, need and desire.

All he could feel and think was Megumi, her face, her ravishing beauty, her sensual voice, her scent and every thing about her. It was the same for her as she felt him touching the depths of her emotionally-starved soul repeatedly, rapidly plunging into a scorching, fiery passion that could not be deterred by any obstacle, even time and death.

Everything else was forgotten in the face of the ultimate display of love and affection. Sex could not compare to this in any single way; this was love at its finest, sacred and beautiful.


They lay side by side, fingers interlaced as they looked up at the ceiling, spent but blissful. She shifted in her position, and their eyes met for an instant before both broke into weary smiles.

"Thank you." He said simply, reaching up with his free hand to brush stray strands of hair away from her face. She looked radiant, glowing with her natural beauty.

"Kochira koso." Megumi replied sincerely, gazing up into his eyes.

She would believe that it was a dream if it wasn't for the remnants of her ecstasy earlier on coursing through her body in little tingles of electricity. There was a surreal quality to it; it was unbelievable how things had turned out. A few weeks ago when she first shifted into the house, she'd have laughed out loud if someone told her how she'd sleep with a very loving ghost. Now, with the memories of the past freed, every breath she took felt like a blessing, and to meet Sanosuke after so many years was enough to send tears welling up in her eyes with the thought of it. They had been separated by life and death, and till today, as she lay beside him on the bed, Megumi was jolted to reality as rationalism cut through the hazy fog of passion in her head.

What are we going to do from now?

How about Shunichi?

What about me and Sanosuke?

She didn't have the answers, and neither could she think of the answers as she felt his lips grazing over her ear ever so sensually…

She would leave it to Fate.


To be continued…

A/N: My first ever lemon scene! I love cocoa butter moisturizer. LOL. I hope this turned out well…please review!


Glossary:

Kitsune - Fox

Kirei – beautiful

Aishiteru – I love you

Ai ga…afureteimasu – Love is...overflowing

Kochira koso – Me too