A.N.- Hello again everyone! Wow, I can't believe the response I've gotten for last chapter. It became almost as popular in reviews as chapter 1! And because the response was so great, I've decided to post earlier just for all of you! This chapter as some of you may know, has been a long time coming for many readers of this story. That's right folks, the inevitable meeting has finally arrived. Pay close attention because in this chapter, you'll learn more of Shen and his background, his motives and his connection to Sanosuke. This chapter will definitely be the one to set the mood for later chapters. Also, more friends come to gather as the Kenshin-gumi finally reunite fully, and more SxM interaction for all of you who are missing it. So with that said, enjoy yourselves and let's see some more positive results!
Standard disclaimers apply.
Two of a Kind
Ch. 10- Dinner at the Akabeko
By: Ishimaru Amon
Great men are like eagles, and build their nest on some lofty solitude
The late afternoon sun was still warm out as Sanosuke walked through the semi-busy streets of Tokyo, arms loaded with wrapped gifts that he had just paid for and picked up. Fresh from China, except for the small detour to Okinawa, he had come back with expensive items that he had been told by close friends on the continent made excellent gifts. Several rolls of silk in various colors were packed into his large sack, as well as a book and the weapons he'd picked up in Okinawa. The rolls of silk he brought he'd taken to a local seamstress during the brief period he'd been avoiding Megumi.
He'd paid the people to have the silk woven into outfits that he now carried, ready to give to his friends as gifts from his worldly travels. Sanosuke was a gambling man, and he was willing to bet that the others (mainly Kaoru) had probably thought he'd forgotten about them. He winced as he was reminded of the tongue lashing he got from the swords woman about the sword he'd given to Kenshin. Kenshin of course had assured her that he wouldn't carry it around with him at all times like he used to with the sakabatou, and that he'd also refrain from using it except only in emergency situations.
He was close to the dojo now and could hear the chatter of voices coming from inside the residence, and he smiled, recognizing the voice of one genki ninja girl he knew all too well. Opening the door to the Kamiya residence, or was it Himura now, he still couldn't really remember which now applied, and making his way inside Sanosuke was greeted with the usual sight of Kenshin. The former rurouni stepped through the open shoji of the main room, smiling all the while as he approached Sano. The chatter could still be heard from the main room, letting Sanosuke know that everyone else was there as well.
"Welcome back Sanosuke. Would you like some assistance?"
Ever the polite man, Kenshin offered his help but a part of him knew that Sanosuke probably wouldn't accept it. So he was surprised when Kenshin found his arms filled with three wrapped packages, while Sanosuke kept a hold on the others. Looking up into the main room as he saw movement headed their way, Sanosuke asked the obvious.
"Everyone's here I take it?" Sensing the presence of the others as well, who no doubt caught sight of the taller man themselves, Kenshin smiled warmly and nodded.
"Hai. Misao-dono and Aoshi arrived within a couple of hours of your departure." Turning as they saw people begin to pile out of the main room, Kaoru with Kenji in her arms and Yahiko leading first, followed by the two aforementioned shinobi, Kenshin decided to make more small talk.
"So, how was your friend Katsu doing?"
"Doing fine. His paper is doing as well as it can, and he was quite pleased with the gift I had gotten for him during my travels." Sanosuke smiled at the memory of his friend's astonished gaze, as Misao made her way to them smiling cheerfully, followed by Kaoru, Yahiko, and Aoshi.
"Sano!" Misao's cheerful cry was still as bubbly as ever, though Sanosuke had quickly taken notice of the slight changes she'd undergone over the years.
"Oi, Itachi-musume!"
"Kencho-kick!" Sano was caught off guard as his head was suddenly introduced to the young woman's boot. Hissing in pain, Sanosuke rubbed the spot on his head where the kick had connected.
"ITAI! Oi, what the hell was that for!"
"That's for leaving without a word or a letter to us!" Misao whopped him once again for good measure. "And that's for calling me weasel!"
Sanosuke scowled at her and then at Kaoru and Yahiko who were trying and failing miserably to hide their snickers. Kenji was giggling playfully and reaching out to either the young woman or the taller man, as it was hard to tell with the two right in front of each other. The miniature Kenshin, whom Sano had quickly noticed didn't seem to get along too well with his Tou-san, had somewhat taken a liking to Sano. This had not been lost on either of his parents, both of whom Sano had caught with looks of hurt in their eyes at times, although Kenshin was much better at hiding his, while his wife practically wore them on her sleeves. His scowl soon left though as Misao made another gesture, this time gentler as she hugged him around the waist.
"It's good to see you again though." She pulled back to look at him, her cheerful disposition bringing the grin back on his face. "We were afraid we might not ever see you again, until Yahiko brought us your letter. Well at least I was, Aoshi-sama hasn't given any inclination to feeling the same."
At the name of the former okashira, Sanosuke looked up to meet the gaze of the man who not once but twice had fought against Kenshin, to the point where he'd even aligned himself with Shishio. Taking a step forward to stand in front of the impassive man, Sanosuke scrutinized him as he knew Aoshi had been silently doing to him. Sanosuke grinned again and held his hand out for a traditional western handshake.
"Shinomori." Aoshi glanced at his briefly before grasping it with his own, and giving it a firm shake.
"Sagara."
A brief quiet settled on the scene before it was broken by the sound of the front gate opening. Everyone looked up to see the good doctor Takani Megumi step in and quickly take notice of the scene she had just walked in on. Sanosuke and Aoshi had just finished shaking hands, in greeting she assumed, as Misao cheerfully gave her a hello and Kenshin and Kaoru promptly did the same. Smiling and walking forward, Megumi responded to their welcomes with her own response, and that's when she caught sight of the packages that both Kenshin and Sanosuke held. Curiosity getting the better of her, she pointed to them as she asked the question that everyone else had seemingly forgotten to ask.
"What are the packages for?"
Blinking a moment as realization set in, Misao, Yahiko, and Kaoru quickly took notice of the objects as well, and looked to both Kenshin and Sanosuke for clarification. Kenshin smiled warmly as he answered their silent questions.
"These are gifts Sano has gotten for us de gozaru yo."
While Yahiko and Megumi had been able to keep their cool about the gifts, Misao and Kaoru had reacted immediately, the former reaching to snag a gift from Sano who deftly side stepped each of her attempts. Kaoru meanwhile tried to get information from her husband, thinking Sanosuke might've told him what they were.
"Do you know what they are Kenshin?"
At his wife's hopeful and expectant gaze Kenshin continued to smile as he shook his head, indicating he did not. The group's attention was diverted to Sanosuke, who called for their attention while he had his free hand on Misao's head, the arm extended to keep her at a distance as she growled playfully and continued to try reaching the gifts.
"Oi! I'm hungry, so let's go already. I'll give you your gifts once we get there."
Sanosuke began heading for the gates as everyone followed him.
"Where are we going?" Misao questioned, not having been informed of the plans made once she and Aoshi arrived. Kenshin who was a couple of steps in front of her, turned his head still smiling.
"To the Akabeko, to celebrate Sano's return de gozaru yo."
Kaoru's eyes narrowed suspiciously as she eyed the former street fighter's back, as he led the group through the streets of Tokyo towards the restaurant, barely recognizing the fact that Megumi had fallen only a step behind him on his right side.
"Really? And who's going to pay for this I wonder?"
She had the sneaking suspicion it was her, and although she could afford it nowadays thanks to the students she'd manage to acquire over the years, plus her occasional teaching at the Maekaewa dojo, she didn't quite feel like being left out of the decision to go, especially if she was gonna be picking up the bill. The answer she received however, was not what she nor any of the group were expecting, save for Kenshin who answered her accusing question.
"Sano has said it is his treat de gozaru yo."
"WHAT?" Was the immediate response from all but Kenshin who smiled politely, Aoshi who remained impassive as usual, and Sanosuke who grinned smugly in amusement.
The reunited group made their into the Akabeko, which strangely wasn't very busy today, only to be welcomed by a cheerful Tsubame, who led them to their table after giving Sano a hug for his return. Sanosuke didn't miss the tell tale blush on the young girl's cheeks when she caught Yahiko's gaze. Yahiko for his part was smiling affectionately at the girl, although Sano could still see the blush on his cheeks as well. He'd have to remember to tease them about it later. He had to stifle a laugh at that, grateful to see that things hadn't changed too much during his travels. When he'd first come back, he'd been hesitant to think that things might've changed too much and that he had missed it. But the group still acted the same for the most part, although there was more maturity amongst most of them.
They were led to a booth big enough to seat all of them, Kenshin slipping in towards the middle, followed by Kaoru and Kenji who sat beside him. Yahiko sat on the edge of the booth on the other side of Kaoru, so that he could be free to move about should the young waitress need any help. Aoshi slipped in towards the middle as well, Misao settling in beside him. Megumi sat down next to Misao, with Sanosuke sitting beside her on the edge of the booth across from Yahiko, his back towards the entrance. Tsubame quickly appeared back with cups and a pot of tea, but Sanosuke prompted her for some sake instead. Tsubame went back to get the sake, while Kenshin decided to get more of the conversation started.
"So Sano, how have you acquired the money to pay for this?" At this question everyone eyed him suspiciously, as if already expecting the answer to involve gambling or something equally dishonest. Sanosuke just looked at them mockingly before grinning smugly.
"From a tournament in Mongolia." The groups expressions changed slightly at this. Kenshin, Yahiko and Misao held looks of interest, obviously wanting to hear the details. Kaoru appeared interested as well, while Megumi just gazed at him warily, knowing already that fighting would be involved.
"A tournament, really?" Yahiko asked him, only getting a nod in response as Sano was focused on Tsubame approaching the table with a jug of sake. Sano quickly reached up and relieved the young waitress of the alcoholic burden, setting it on the table and uncorking it. Kenshin sipped more of his tea before responding.
"Yes, I remember you mentioning last night about a tournament before you met that man, Hou." Everyone's attention switched between Sano and Kenshin, wanting to be filled in on the things that the two men had discussed. Misao was wide-eyed, wanting to hear the story more than anyone.
"Tell us more about the tournament, and this Hou guy."
"Alright, alright," he said passively, quickly drinking his cup of sake before starting the tale. Tsubame sat down next to Yahiko, apparently interested in the tale as well.
"Well, I was broke during most of my traveling, sleeping outside most of the time and doing more sight seeing than much more of anything really. When I got to Mongolia, I had learned more about how to use the Futae No Kiwami," at this part a snort was heard from Megumi, showing she was not at all pleased with that part of the story. Everyone else said nothing, although there was some amusement on some of their faces. Sanosuke glanced at her out the corner of his eyes, and Megumi felt some satisfaction at knowing she could still get under his skin so easily.
"Anyways," he said with emphasis before continuing,"I had wanted to test my new ability, and I'd found out in a tavern that a fighting tournament was being held. I'd heard that there were going to be some top fighters from other parts of the world competing, so needless to say I was interested. I managed to get in, and the competition was fierce. A lot of the guys were O.K. fighters, but some of them were GOOD, and the further I got in the tournament, the harder the fights became. Of course you weren't allowed to kill your opponent, so it was fun for the most part. However there was this one guy, he was tall and very built, a little bit taller than me actually, and he didn't really seem to agree with that rule. He killed several of his opponents."
At this Sanosuke paused to drink some more sake, Kenshin and Yahiko joining him. The others were silent, but it was apparent that they all could tell where the story was going, and how they felt about this particular person Sanosuke spoke of. After a couple of more drinks Sano continued.
"Well, I narrowly won my bout in the semi-finals. That was a really good fight. So I ended up fighting this guy in the final match. It was the toughest fight I had fought since I fought Anji. I beat him in the end thanks to the Futae no Kiwami, but by the time it was over I was so tired and injured that for the next couple of days I just rested. I felt good inside though, knowing I had gotten stronger, and the prize I won wasn't too shabby either."
"So what did you win?" Kaoru asked the question on everyone's mind.
"Well, after I spent two days practically laid up, I got a few good sized bags of gold and silver coins, and a medallion that I keep in my bag with the rest of my stuff." Misao and Tsubame were enthralled by the tale, while Kaoru and Megumi were more surprised by the amount of money he had won. Kenshin calmly placed his empty cup down, only to see Kaoru quickly refill it.
"And I take it that you met Hou after this, ne?" At Sanosuke's nod, Misao quickly became excited by the promise of another tale.
"So who is this Hou guy?"
"Hou-sifu is an old man I met after I won that tournament. He saw me fight during the tournament and offered to train me. I spent a year and a half at his home learning a style he had developed during his own travels around the world. I still cringe thinking about carrying those buckets of water from a river 2 miles away, and up a lot of steps to his home. I thought it was pointless at first, some of the stuff he had me doing, but by the time I left I felt stronger than I ever had in my entire life. I told Kenshin about him last night while we were outside talking."
Kaoru and the others looked to Kenshin who affirmed the statement with a nod. They then returned their gazes to Sano who began picking up the wrapped gifts he'd brought with him. He began looking at them before handing them out to their respective persons, until he got to Tae's. After looking around the restaurant briefly, he then directed a question to Tsubame who received her gift with a quiet word of thanks.
"Oi, where's Tae? I got a gift for her too." Blinking for a moment Tsubame then responded with more fervor.
"Oh, she went out to the market to get some more ingredients. She's only been gone for maybe an hour or so, so she should be back soon."
With that she unwrapped her gift, along with the others who were equally as astonished as she was. Kaoru was shocked as her gift was a kimono of dark violet color, with golden embroidered cherry blossom designs. Tsubame received a light blue kimono with white lotus designs. Misao's was a sea green color that was littered with golden floral and stem patterns. Megumi was simply speechless as she unwrapped her gift of a silver colored kimono with a golden crane design, the bird's body beautifully sewn on the back, with the wings outstretched reaching around the sides to the front of the garment.
Megumi looked up in awe, only to see Sanosuke looking at her with his trademark grin, though the look in his eyes told her differently. There was a greater seriousness in his gaze, as if he were holding his breath awaiting her approval. Absently he heard the other women's opinions of their gift.
"Kirei!" Tsubame exclaimed, while Kaoru looked over her gift as well.
"So that's why you asked me about our sizes. I thought you were trying to be funny. Arigato gozaimasu, Sano."
Tsubame and Misao followed her example, murmuring their thanks as well as they continued to admire their presents. Sanosuke nodded in acceptance at their thanks, but still kept his focus on Megumi, who was looking at the kimono with a sense of fondness, as if being given a rare and beautiful treasure. She looked back up at Sano, and smiled at him, murmuring her thanks even though she was sure he could see the redness of her cheeks. Kenshin, Yahiko, and Aoshi, all of whom had silently been watching and admiring the ladies' gifts, began unwrapping their own.
Kenshin and Yahiko found their gifts contained outfits as well. Kenshin held up a red gi, similar in color to his own hair, only this one was embroidered with a gold dragon design. The white hakama pants were new and unstained, no rips or tears that were sewn up like with his former wear. Yahiko held up his gi as well, a dark blue gi with a white dragon design, complete with grey hakama pants. Yahiko let out a long whistle as continued to admire his gift, while Kenshin thanked Sanosuke for the thoughtful gesture. Aoshi thanked Sanosuke for his gift as well, a Japanese translated copy of Sun Tzu's Art of War. Honestly, he hadn't expected to be given a gift from the street fighter, but he tried not to let his surprise show.
After everyone got their thanks out of the way, the group once again lapsed into conversation while they waited for Tae to return so they could begin their meal.
Tae watched as the nice elderly man at the vegetable stand wrapped up her purchases. She pushed back the groan that was threatening to escape her lips as she was loaded down with more things to carry. She couldn't believe that she had let their supplies get this low, she'd never been this inattentive before, especially with her business. But lately it seemed as if she had become a bit negligent, as if her attention was divided. Luckily the supplies hadn't gotten dangerously low, and she'd had enough to tide the restaurant over while she went out and got more.
Of course going to the market could be a hassle at times, especially when you had to buy a lot of things. She was used to it though, it wasn't the first time in all her years of being a restaurant hostess that she had gone through this type of situation. It had simply been awhile. Inwardly, she knew just who it was that seemed to occupy her thoughts lately. She was willing to bet that Tsubame had caught on as well. The young girl, despite her mild mannered appearance, could be very attentive to things.
Lei Shen. He had continued to intrigue her ever since there first meeting close to a week ago. At first she thought him as a stoic and serious man, but he had quickly proven that to be a misconception. His flirting had caught her off guard, though it was quite different from the other experiences she'd had. Men found her attractive, that much she knew, but none of the prospects ever worked out. All of the men that she had accepted offers of courtship from seemed to be more interested in her family's business than in her.
Why else would a woman her age still be single? But Lei Shen just seemed different. Even though he was a man who was more than capable in combat, at least from what she had seen during their first meeting, he carried himself with a humility that she found strangely attractive to her. He was polite, and charming when he wanted to be, and was merely content with her company. He had saved her life, and not asked anything of her, not expected any repayment. Tae had tried to offer him a free meal the day he first set foot in her establishment, but he had politely refused, insisting that she owed him nothing, because it was his duty to carry out such tasks.
Shen was secretive though. She did not yet know about him, what his business in Japan was, or what his life in China was like before he came here. Tae had tried asking him, but someway he had skillfully managed to evade her questions, and she had the sinking feeling that he was hiding something from her. Maybe something he kept hidden from everyone. It wasn't the type of feeling you get from a suspicious person, or even like a feeling you get from someone who was ashamed. It was more the vibes a person who has been wronged or is missing something, and did not trust other people anymore would give.
Tae was an intuitive woman, and her intuition was telling her it was more likely than not the latter. His eyes sometimes held a twinge of sadness in them that she had faintly caught flickers of a few times during their meetings. It was as if he used his charm to keep her from prying too deep into him. And for some reason that she was still unsure of, the thought that he didn't completely trust her saddened her. They had spent ample time talking of her life, or rather she had spent time talking about it while he contentedly listened, or asked a question that she would deem wasn't too forward.
Tae had spoken of her family, of the restaurant that had been started by her father and then handed down to her. Of her twin sister, Sae, who owned a similar restaurant in Kyoto, and who had spoken of a man she had begun to spend her time with for the past year in her letters. Tae sighed in frustration, she simply wanted to know more about him, wanted him to trust her more. Yet a part of her was hesitant. What was the point of getting attached to him if he would only be leaving? She didn't know much of what he did for a living, and she didn't want to think of him as a brute of a man that fought for a living. He just didn't present that sort of image, unlike a certain other man she had known once.
Lost in her own thoughts, Tae didn't see the figure that was standing in front of her until she bumped into him. Staggering back she felt two hands grab her and steady her, keeping her from falling onto her butt and spilling her groceries. Preparing to mutter an apology, Tae was stunned into silence as she noticed the subject of her thoughts was also the person she'd bumped into. Shen held her with a steady grip and smiled politely at her, reminding the hostess to do the same. As he released her and stood back at full height, Tae realized that he was dressed nicely in his typical Chinese mandarin suit, only instead of this one being red like the one he'd worn the night he'd helped her, it was a purple one with golden trim. Shen held out his hand to her, still smiling at her as if they were old friends.
"It's quite crowded out today, ne Tae-dono?"
"Hai, it is Shen-san." Tae could feel the blush in her cheeks as she realized he'd probably caught her staring at him. Stepping back, Tae bowed while uttering a soft sumimasen. Shen just waved off her apology as he motioned to the objects in her arms.
"Allow me to carry that for you, please."
"Iya, Shen-san, you're probably busy and I wouldn't want you to be going out of your way for me." Reaching for the bags, Shen ignored her reply as he relieved her of her burden.
"Nonsense, I'm unoccupied for the moment and I was heading to your establishment to eat, so it would not be out of my way."
He turned his head still smiling at her, as he stepped aside and allowed her to lead the way to her restaurant. Tae smiled back in appreciation as she started on her way with Shen following close behind. As they walked, Tae kept stealing glances at him as they made small talk, mostly about her day. And to Tae's surprise, Shen didn't change the subject when she'd asked about his day, replying that he'd only did some training and that he'd found the whereabouts of an old friend of his. Tae was grateful that he was finally showing signs of trusting her a bit more, and she'd had the instinctive urge to inquire as to the name of his friend, but she thought better against it. Tae returned her attention back to where they were walking, seeing the restaurant as they got nearer and nearer.
Tae opened the half opened door further, and entered as Shen followed her in. They could hear lively chatter as Tae directed him to the kitchen in the back, showing him where he could set the groceries down. Tae thanked him for his help as they made their way back out of the kitchen, and he bid her words of welcome as the two looked up to Tsubame who was calling out to Tae, as the young girl made her way towards them. Tae greeted the girl who was like a surrogate daughter to her, while Shen noticed a very familiar sight at a table in the direction the waitress just came from. Shen's eyes widened in the slightest, before he suddenly broke into a jog towards the aforementioned table. He could faintly hear Tsubame gasp and Tae call his name as he pulled his right arm back, and launched an open handed blow to the back of the man with spiky brown hair.
Sanosuke was sitting at the table laughing with his reunited friends as they continued to quickly get back into their usual routine of teasing and poking fun at each other. Tsubame, who was sitting at Yahiko's side, stood up as she noticed Tae come out of the kitchen, making the announcement that the woman had returned. While Kenshin and the others looked up to see the sight of Tae leading a foreignly dressed man back out of the kitchen, Sanosuke continued to polish off his sake, listening as Yahiko informed the others that said man seemed to be the focus of their female friend's attention lately.
'This should be interesting.' Sanosuke thought while staring into his cup as Kaoru, Megumi, and Misao seemed to take interest in Yahiko's words of the foreign gentleman. Kenshin and Aoshi suddenly tensed at the sound of Tae's voice and instinctively reached for their weapons, which they'd both left back at the dojo, as they both took notice of the gaijin rapidly approaching. Yahiko noticed Kenshin and Aoshi's sudden movement, and quickly caught sight of the man rearing his arm back to take a swing at a seemingly unwary Sano. Being the only one who brought his weapon, which he hardly went anywhere without, Yahiko reached to unleash the sakabatou, moving to retaliate as Misao quickly whipped kunai from out of the inner portion of her uniform.
They didn't get their chance however, as Sanosuke suddenly slammed his cup down and stood quickly, whipping around and grabbing the man's hand with his own just before the attack could hit. Kaoru and the others were stunned, as the two men just looked at each other for a moment before speaking, both looking intent and serious.
"It's been a while Sanosuke-san."
"Che, I'd thought it was you."
Suddenly breaking into grins, the two men began chuckling as they embraced like long lost brothers. Kenshin, Aoshi, Yahiko, and Misao slowly lowered their guards as they took in the confusing sight. The men's chuckling went on as they continued speaking, unaware of the confused looks on not only all of the group's faces, but also on Tae and Tsubame's, who were just now getting to the table.
"So when did you get here in Japan?"
"I arrived a few days ago. Truth be told I didn't expect to bump into you here today." Their talk was interrupted as a surprised Tae attempted to find out just what exactly was going on.
"Sano-san, it's great to see you back in Japan. Do you and Shen-san know each other?"
Sanosuke blinked for a moment at Tae's question before turning his attention to the rest of the group, taking in their bewildered expressions. All except for Aoshi and Kenshin, who'd quickly regained their composure, yet still kept an unwary gaze on the man who appeared to know Sanosuke. Yahiko too, had relaxed, and although he was confused at the scene, he still kept a hold on the hilt of his weapon. Sano grinned sheepishly as Shen did the same, and Shen answered for him.
"My apologies to you and these people here, I didn't mean to startle all of you."
"Yeah guys, calm down, this guy is a friend I made while I was China."
At hearing that the strange man was a friend of Sano, the group relaxed completely and Yahiko let his hand release it's grip on the sakabatou, while Misao replaced her kunai back into her uniform. Tae let go a sigh of relief and Kenshin's infamous smile was back on his face as Sanosuke offered Shen a seat with the group. Shen graciously accepted the offer as Tae and Tsubame quickly moved back to the kitchen to retrieve food for the group.
"So, Shen-san is it?" Kenshin questioned, remembering Tae address him with that name. Quickly remembering his manners, the Chinese man stood and bowed formally as he introduced himself to the group.
"Sumimasen for my lack of manners. My name is Huan Lei Shen, I am a friend of Sanosuke-san's from China."
"Sou ka, it is nice to meet you, de gozaru yo." Kenshin replied as Shen once again took his seat with the group, which was where Tsubame was just sitting moments before. Kaoru frowned as she addressed the gaijin.
"Did you have to put us all on edge by attacking Sano?"
"Ano, my apologies for the incident. I merely wanted to see if Sanosuke-san was still on his toes. It's our little way of greeting each other actually."
Shen replied while grinning and rubbing his head, a trademark the others couldn't help but think reminded them of their spiky haired friend. Megumi frowned also from her place beside Sanosuke as she spoke to Shen.
"Couldn't you have just called out to him in greeting like the average person?" Shen looked at Megumi as if silently wondering if she was serious, before he began chuckling again.
"I could have, but then it wouldn't have been any fun now would it?" Shen then grinned at his friend, who joined in the moment as he laughed with him.
"Baka's." Megumi muttered before she finished off her cup of tea. Despite their light laughter, Sanosuke heard her and responded as Tae and Tsubame re-appeared from the kitchen, both armed with two trays of freshly prepared food and more tea to drink.
"Oi, ease up kitsune, we were just getting reacquainted. Besides, Shen knew I'd react anyway."
That earned Sano a tug on the ear as Megumi scoffed and flipped her hair over her shoulder in her usual casual manner, while Tae and Tsubame carefully set the food out on the table. The two ladies filled bowls of miso soup and steamed rice for everyone, as Kaoru quickly grabbed the tea pot and filled Kenshin's cup, and then her own while Kenshin gave his thanks. As she was setting it back on the table, Misao reached over and followed her lead, filling Aoshi's cup and then her own, smiling gleefully when Aoshi acknowledged her gesture with a nod to show his gratitude. When Misao moved to set the tea back on the table, it was quickly picked up again as Tsubame used it to fill Yahiko's cup, both blushing a bit as Yahiko mumbled his thanks to her.
Sanosuke was grinning from ear to ear, ready to tease, but it disappeared as everyone watched Megumi grab the pot and fill his cup and her own as well. Megumi ignored the looks coming from everyone, but took a moment to glance at Sanosuke to see his reaction, and was fairly pleased with herself to see him look at her stunned, and then smile at her muttering a thank you. Shen watched each interaction and smiled pleasantly as he watched the displays of friendship and affection amongst the group. The scene reminded him of a time not long passed when he'd had someone who showed him those same displays as well, and the thought brought a twinge of sadness at his eyes for a brief moment. Sano looked at his friend and barely caught sight of the emotion in his eyes, which did not go unnoticed by Kenshin as well.
Shen was in the midst of reaching for the pot of tea to pour himself some when two slender hands took the object in their grasp. Shen watched with a slight look of surprise as Tae filled his cup, smiling at him as she did so. To everyone else, the gesture looked normal enough, but only those who were paying close enough attention (which was just about everyone) noticed the blush in Tae's cheeks when Shen returned her smile and nodded his head, and they knew that the gesture was more than mere politeness from the young hostess, and maybe even the Chinese gentleman as well. Sano catching the moment, decided to have some fun at his friend's expense.
"Oi, you sure do clean up quick don't ya Shen?"
Sano was grinning as he made the statement, meaning it to be a tease, but as he caught sight of the sadness that came back to his friend's eyes he instantly regretted saying it. This time Tae caught sight of it, as well as everyone else, and she had the sudden urge to place her hand on his shoulder in comfort, getting the feeling that whatever Sano was talking about was a subject that was best left unmentioned. As Megumi discreetly elbowed Sano in his side, Kenshin seemed to share her feeling and was about to change the subject when Shen suddenly smiled politely, all trace of sadness gone. Adopting a mock look of innocence, Shen silently agreed to play along with his friend as he responded.
"Why Sanosuke-san, whatever do you mean?" Seeing that his friend either had gotten over the statement, or disregarded it, Sano grinned again and went back to teasing him.
"Don't act all innocent with me Shen, the blush on Tae's cheeks just then told me you two know each other outside of the restaurant." Kaoru seeing Tae's reaction to Sano's teasing remark, decided to join in as well as she addressed her oldest friend.
"Yes Tae-san, from what Yahiko and Tsubame have mentioned, you've been quite taken with this man. You know it's still not too late to settle down and have some young ones."
Tae's blush increased ten-fold as her entire face reddened, while Shen almost choked on his tea, Yahiko grinning as he patted the man on the back to help clear out his esophagus. Sano glanced sideways at Kaoru and grinned, as she returned it with her own, while Tae moved her hands back and forth furiously, trying to clear up the little misunderstanding. She'd known Kaoru since they were both kids, and knew that the younger woman had a penchant for teasing people close to her, yet she couldn't believe Kaoru had said that.
"Iie. It isn't like that at all Kaoru-chan. Shen-san saved me from a mugging a few nights ago, that's all." Tae purposely left out the part about him also visiting the restaurant once a day everyday after that, much to the gaijin's relief. Hearing Tsubame gasp at the mentioning of the event, Yahiko glanced up to Tae as Sano and Kaoru too, got serious for a moment.
"You were mugged Tae-san?"
"Hai. Fortunately Shen-san was nearby and heard my cries for help and intervened. Nothing was stolen and I wasn't hurt too badly thanks to him." Tae then introduced Shen to everyone, starting with Kaoru and Kenshin, then moving to Misao, Aoshi, and finally Megumi.
"Oi, who mugged you?" Sano asked, all playfulness gone for the moment. Sensing the underlying tone in Sano's voice, Shen responded before Tae could.
"Just some Yakuza thugs looking for a quick score. Don't worry Sanosuke-san, I took care of them."
"I should've known. Those men who the police brought to the clinic the next morning, you caused their injuries didn't you?" Megumi asked looking at him.
"Aa, it was me. Trust me, those guys were lowlifes, they had it coming to them."
"And you thought it was me." Sanosuke muttered toward Megumi, who heard the comment and glared back at him.
"I told you I was sorry tori-atama."
"Maa, maa, let us calm down Sano, Megumi-dono." Kenshin quickly defused the situation. Picking up his chopsticks, Kenshin prepared to eat as he decided to switch to a lighter topic. "So Sano, you said that you and Shen-san met in China. Tell us, how did the two of you meet?"
At this, Shen and Sanosuke both shared a grin at the memory, letting them know that the event held some humor between the two men.
"Well, we sort of bumped into each other when I was on my way from Mongolia." At this, Shen playfully raised one eyebrow.
"Bumped into each other? I don't remember there being any bumping Sanosuke-san. You threw a punch at me if I recall." At this everyone went wide-eyed and glanced between the two, both with smug looks on their faces.
"Oi, what was I supposed to think when I saw you leap out of some trees and throw some daggers into that guy's legs? That doesn't really qualify as a friendly face in my book."
"Well if you'd have simply asked first, you would've known then the guy was a criminal." The group sat listening to the two men playfully argue. Getting back to their meal, Shen continued after swallowing a mouthful of rice. "Anyways, the matter was quickly cleared up and I escorted Sanosuke-san down to my home province in China. Afterwards, Sanosuke-san and I became partners and started working together."
"WHAT!" Was the unified response amongst the group, save for Aoshi who said nothing, and Kenshin who let loose an oro or tow.
"Wait a second," Megumi responded as she reached over and tugged on Sano's face, much to the taller man's discomfort. "You mean to tell me this man 'here' actually worked?" At Shen's nod, with a smirk as well, Megumi let go and settled back in her seat, ignoring the growl coming from Sanosuke. "Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day." Kaoru and Yahiko nodded their heads in agreement, as Misao, Tae, and Tsubame snickered at the scene between the two bickering friends.
"So Shen-san, tell us, what is your profession?" At this Tae's giggling stopped as her attention focused on the topic at hand, waiting to hear the answer so she could learn more about the man she hardly knew anything about. Shen was silent for a moment to finish chewing before he swallowed and responded.
"Bounty hunting." Yahiko looked confused, along with Misao, both having never heard of such a profession.
"Bounty hunting?"
"Hai. China is a big place, where there are many dangers, some of which the authorities may be ill-equipped to handle. If a criminal is a threat the police cannot handle, then the government may deal with it by placing a sum of money, or bounty, on the criminal. The more dangerous the criminal, the higher the bounty. Bounty hunters are people who are normally quite skilled in some form of weapon's training or self-defense, and they chase down and catch or sometimes kill the criminal, or in some cases criminals. Bounty hunters usually work alone, although it's not unheard of for there to be a team of them, and they almost never associate themselves with law enforcement. It help keep the criminals they chase in the dark about who they really are."
Shen finished explaining and took a sip of his tea, Sano following suit.
"Remind you of anything guys?"
Kenshin, Kaoru, Megumi and Yahiko each nodded their heads, reflecting on the memory of when Kenshin was confronted and asked by the government to go after Shishio, who was planning his takeover of the country. Misao and Aoshi seemed to catch on as well, Tae and Tsubame acknowledging the memory also. Tae thought that she would be happy to know more about Shen, but now she couldn't help but worry slightly over him as another memory struck her.
'Shen-san said that he was here on business. Is he after someone?" Tae was drawn away from the thought as Kenshin spoke again.
"It sounds like a dangerous profession de gozaru yo. How long have you been involved in it?"
"A long time Himura-san. I started at the age of 15." Misao went wide-eyed as she leaned forward.
"Really? How old are you now?" Shen chuckled at the girl's question before responding.
"26. As I've said, I've been doing it for a long time, so I am used to the danger."
"You must be a skilled fighter than." Kenshin responded looking at the man, whom he noticed seemed to be studying him for a moment.
"You could say that. I was trained to fight long before I became a hunter."
"Oi, no need to get shy Shen. I helped you in China on some of those jobs. You guys should've seen him, he actually made a guy piss himself once!"
At Sano's indecent comment, Misao and Yahiko stared at Shen, unable to believe he had done that. Kaoru groaned while Megumi snagged Sano's ear and gave it a tug, getting a patented yelp from him. Tae suddenly felt even more uncomfortable towards Shen, unable to believe that the man with a smile almost as polite as Kenshin's could be capable of such an act. It was already difficult to believe his line of work. Shen just chuckled at the memory of hunting one of the triad's bodyguards.
"Please Sanosuke-san, let us not dwell on memories of the past hmm?" Sano rubbed his ear when Megumi let go of it, and agreed to move onto other matters. Remembering a question he'd been meaning to ask, Sano decided now would be a good time to ask it.
"So, what brings you to Japan? I doubt you came all this way to visit your old drinking buddy."
"Well that was part of it Sanosuke-san. But you're right, I didn't come here to visit. I came here for a hunt of course."
"Che, I should've figured as such. Wait a sec, who are you hunting?" Seeing Shen hesitate for a few moments, Sano began to grow uneasy. "Oi, don't worry, the people at this table are good friends of mine They can be trusted."
Shen was silent for a moment, before he nodded his head in acquiescence.
"Well, when I first received the letter asking me to come here, I had thought my target would be the legendary hitokiri of Japan, the Battousai."
At this, the entire table froze, and Kenshin's eyes never left the China man. Kaoru, with a sleeping Kenji in her lap, took a firm hold of Kenshin's gi underneath the table, while Tae had her hand over her mouth, praying in her mind that wasn't the case. Sano was the only one to respond, as the conversation seemed to limit itself to just he and Shen.
"But it isn't, ne?" Smiling, Shen shook his head, releasing the tension and unease that was building within Sanosuke.
"Iya, Sanosuke-san. It is not the Battousai." The entire table seemed to sigh with relief, glad to avoid what would've seemingly been a dangerous confrontation. Kaoru and Tae especially looked relieved, and Shen didn't miss the group's reaction, though he dismissed it as just them worrying over someone who was a friend of one of their friends. He quietly went back to the last of his meal, everyone else doing the same as he wondered why they seemed to react so strongly to the thought of him hunting such a man.
'Is this Battousai really that dangerous? Makes me even more disappointed I couldn't hunt him.'
As the meal began to wind down, and everyone's unease began to disappear, Sano suddenly remembered that he still didn't know who his former partner was hunting.
"Well, whoever it is, I feel sorry for the poor bastard." He then looked up at Shen, staring at him directly as he remembered the way they parted back in China. "Just take it easy, on the guy and on yourself, ok? After what happened back there in China, I wasn't sure if you'd be the same again."
Shen smiled, the sadness returning to his eyes again, as Tae and Tsubame gathered everyone's crockery before disappearing back into the kitchen, Tae tossing back a worried glance at Shen. Everyone wondered what Sanosuke meant by that though, and it brought up a new question that everyone wanted to know the answer too. However the look in Shen's eyes made them think that whatever happened was a touchy subject.
"Do not worry Sanosuke-san. Although I have not forgotten what happened, I have learned to accept it and move on. Besides, the one I'm hunting is said to have fought alongside the Battousai at once, so I'll be sure to be on guard." Shen then stood, laying some currency on the table as payment for his portion of the meal, before finishing his statement. "It should be interesting, hunting this Zanza person."
Sanosuke stiffened and a few of the others gasped, the uneasy feeling returning in full force at the revelation. Megumi looked at Sano with concern in her eyes, but Sanosuke didn't notice as he kept his gaze directed at his empty cup. Shen turned and smiled, bowing politely as he got ready to take his leave.
"Masaka, it was a pleasure meeting all of Sanosuke-san's friends and conversing with all of you. Please, give my regards to Tae-dono."
With that Shen walked away from the silent group and out of the restaurant, Tae and Tsubame returning a few moments after. Looking at the money on the table, Tae realized Shen had left, and noticed everyone unusually silent. Moving to say something, Tae was stopped suddenly as Sano reached in his pocket and handed her a small sack. Tae blinked for a moment, staring at Sano, who confirmed what she was thinking.
"That's for the meal, and to settle my tab. If it's not enough, let me know and I'll pay off what's left."
Tae opened the bag and found it full of gold coins, each one gleaming in the light the lanterns gave off. Tae glanced from Sano to the gold coins, and gingerly took one in her hands to make sure it was real. With his hands in his pockets, he and the rest of the Kenshin-gumi were preparing to leave when Tae suddenly fainted. Tsubame gasped and called out to her as Megumi quickly made her way to the hostess, checking to make sure she hadn't bumped her head.
'Che, perfect way to ruin a good day.' He thought as he scooped the woman up and carried her into one of the rooms upstairs.
Meanwhile, Shen walked casually down the street, his arms folded behind his back, a habit he'd picked up from his sifu. His mind was a blur of thoughts as he left the restaurant. Tae seemed strangely uneasy when she found out what it was he did for a living, but he knew that she had been somewhat curious as to what he did, and he'd figured she was just worrying about him. The others seemed that way as well, both when they thought he was going after the Battousai, and when he'd told them his target was Zanza. The thought touched him more than he'd care to admit, but he couldn't let himself get close to Tae, or she to get close to him. He enjoyed her company, and her cheerful and friendly demeanor was very pleasant to be around, but he couldn't let it go further than a mere friendship. Not after what happened back in his homeland.
Remembering the tragedy that had befallen him, Shen placed his right hand over his heart, closing his eyes as he saw the beautiful vision in his mind's eye.
'You are still with me, forever. Aren't you, Mai Ling?'
Reopening his eyes and folding his hands back behind him, he quickly set his mind back on the task he'd been hired to complete. He would have to find this Zanza, the man who'd fought alongside the hitokiri Battousai. However, he'd have to pay a visit to another old friend of his, and he hoped that the man he'd respected as a fellow predator was still as much a tiger as he once saw him as.
To Be Continued...
Wow! Almost 15 and a half pages! Hope you guys enjoyed it. I can't wait to know what you all think, so leave me a big, juicy review. I'll appreciate it very much. But don't go anywhere, because there's so much more to come, as more things are revealed, including more S&M moments! Til next time, ja.
Japanese Text:
Sumimasen- I'm sorry, formal version
Kunai- Misao's weapons of choice. Sharp daggers that she hurls at her opponents.
Okashira- title given to the leader of the Oniwabanshu and other ninja/spy groups.
Iya- No, plain form.
Iie- No!
Kirei- Beautiful
Shinobi- another word for Ninja
Itai- Ouch
Itachi musume- weasel girl
Kencho kick- A patented move of Misao's she'd learned during her tutelage of Kempo under Hannya. Meaning demon bird kick, it is a simple yet powerful straight jump kick.