A/N: Next chappie!

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By early the next morning, Kenshin was shoving Sanosuke away from him and kicking his calf to get him to wake up. Sanosuke was a very sound sleeper, though considering the night before he wasn't surprised. He smiled when thinking about everything that went on. He was also very amazed at his own endurance though the encounter. In the early morning light, he looked tired and pale. He wasn't ready to get up...just like Sanosuke. Still, he kicked the man's calf.

"Sano-kun...please wake up. Before Sojiro walks in on us," he whispered in a rasped voice. Sanosuke curled at the air in his ear, but laughed at the same time. He reached over stretching his arm a top Kenshin's chest. His lips went to Kenshin's ear. "Please, Sano we have to..."Kenshin held his breath at the warm hand gripping his privates. "Sano?"

"I know, it's nearly five thirty."

"You need to get up."

"I need to sleep in."

"Not in my bed you don't," Kenshin stated. "You know how odd this would look?"

Sanosuke shrugged. "You were cold, I kept you warm," Sanosuke had Kenshin's slim body in his arms. "I did keep you warm didn't I?"

"I won't deny that," Kenshin's head rested on Sanosuke's shoulder. He wheezed a little, held the cough for as long as his body would let him. Sanosuke could feel the off breathing and laid Kenshin back on the bed.

"Maybe you should stay in bed today; they couldn't get you for that could they?"

Kenshin rolled onto his side and looked at Sanosuke very seriously before turning his head down. The spiky haired man cast a sad glance.

"Gomen, Sano-kun," Kenshin hugged his neck. "Go now, while you have the chance. I hear footsteps."

"Right."

Despite Sanosuke initial grogginess he bounded from the bed and collected his clothes. When he looked back at the emperor he was curled up comfortably in bed as though nothing had ever went on. Sanosuke's face drooped somewhat as he stalked out of the quarters and into his own. There was a dark shadow over his bedroom, a strange aura amidst the quiet. Sanosuke laid his things on the bed and waited. Shadows stretched every which direction not giving him a hint as to any life other than the whistling curtains. His eyebrows lifted up on his forehead. Though he didn't see anything out of place, everything felt wrong.

Just my...imagination...he thought as he climbed into his own bed. It was somewhat warmer than it should have been. His legs kicked around it, just to make sure. His eyes closed, but his ears opened wider. All sorts of odd sounds, squeaks, rattles, whistles, were enhanced in his eardrums. It wasn't like he was really looking for something in particular. Finally he went to sleep, and stayed asleep far longer than he imagined he would.

"Sagara-sama!" someone yelled toward him. His eyes snapped open abruptly. This was not Sojiro, nor was it Aoshi. Instead it was Kaoru looking furious with her arms crossed haughtily and her nostrils flared exceptionally large. "Wake up."

"What time is it?"

"You better get your butt moving or you'll miss Mass."

"Mass?"

"Sunday Mass? You know?"

"Yeah? So..." Sanosuke put his head in the pillow. "Why are you here anyways?"

"Because Shinomori-sama is not here at the moment. C'mon, get up. You look like you had a rut through the mud or something." Sanosuke blushed out of Kaoru's view. He worked to get his body up, but somehow he was more tired then when he went to go to bed. Then again, his adrenaline was rushing through his body.

"Kaoru?"

"Yeah?"

"Where is that Tomoe chick anyways?"

"Yukishiro-sama?"

"Yeah."

"Probably in her quarters. Why?"

Sanosuke went to the closet, and as he did Kaoru turned away. "By the way. Why are you still around? I mean, since you could probably leave soon. The snow is clearing up a little bit."

"Well, Kenshin has asked me to stay."

Sanosuke froze. "He...he has?"

"Yeah."

Sanosuke pulled out nice white clothes for the Mass, not that he really wanted to go. But since he was with Kenshin he was forced to go. He remembered trying to when he was young, and being forced to go with Sozo. Often times he drifted off into someplace that he wasn't being lectured. But then, others would argue that was with just about anything that he did. He wouldn't disagree. But then, there was something that was different about Mass that made him feel somewhat out of place. Yes, he believed that there was a God, and yes, he certainly wanted to got to heaven. But he wasn't sure that it was necessary that you have a man preach in your face that all your life was a sin, not that he also wouldn't disagree with that about his own. But those with certain beliefs; Kenshin he felt most of all. Why would a man like that be the kind to be lectured? What had he done except serve those who asked to be served? Wasn't he the chosen one by God? With divine right?

"Sanosuke?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you listening to me?"

Sanosuke finished buttoning his shirt and ran his fingers through his hair to make it flatten nicely.

"Here, use a brush like a human should," Kaoru said handing it over. Sanosuke examined Kaoru wholly. She was dressed nicer than most days. Her face was made up nicely, her dress was perfect, and she seemed very pristine that day compared to most.

"Thanks."

"C'mon now. Kenshin's been waiting."

Sanosuke shoved his feet into a pair of shoes and followed her out.

"What do mean: 'he asked you to?'" Sanosuke questioned.

"Well," Kaoru rolled her head around. "There is a certain way these things works. Kind of like a mating ritual except, well...not as primitive," Kaoru got nervous quickly when it came to explaining palace ritual to him. "You see, Kenshin has found me, adequate and because of that he's asked me to stay. He'll probably do it with at least three or four other women. Tomoe most likely. After that, things will get more serious than just a general overview."

"I see. So, we're getting carnal then?"

Kaoru blushed. "Why on all days do you have to say it that way?"

"It's true isn't it?" Sanosuke couldn't help but laugh at the whole situation, even if it wasn't funny in the least bit.

"Well, you don't have to put it that way," Kaoru shook her head. They were near the throne room. "Carnal. You're so primeval."

"Would you prefer fuck better?" asked Sanosuke.

"Where did you learn all these?"

Sanosuke laughed. "Where did you? Finishing school?"

"That's none of your business Sagara-sama," Kaoru huffed.

"It's none of yours either, but you don't see me complaining."

Kaoru stopped short of the throne room where there was a gathering of people out. Sanosuke lowered his head. He didn't like how the royals did their mass either. It wasn't just to go to the church and to pray and praise the man who created you then get yelled at by the preacher. No; it had to be segregated by the hierarchy, something that he totally disgusted. But then, there was nothing that he could do. Once they entered, they were greeted by other people. They were somewhat distraught when they didn't see Kenshin immediately.

"Kamiya-sama," Enishi cooed from afar. "You look lovely."

"Thank you Enishi-sama," Kaoru curtsied. "Where is His Majesty?"

Someone put a hand on her shoulder. She turned back to note Kenshin had arrived as soon as she said something. Kenshin was smiling brightly, no hint of imposition in him like there was the night before.

"Did I worry you Kaoru-dono?" he asked coming forward. If anything it was his wardrobe that was the most constricting. Sanosuke wasn't sure how many layers he wore, but he could tell that Kenshin was about to keel over in the heat. "No need; now, we must be off or we will be late."

"Your Majesty?" Sojiro was right behind him trying to interject in some way. "You look weary."

"I'm perfectly fine," said Kenshin surely. "Now come, all of us."

They started out the door. There were commoners looking out at the collection of royals and then bowed respectively towards them. As they did, Sanosuke couldn't help but feel somewhat displaced. He stumbled on his way looking at all the faces, seeing Shigure most clearly. They looked up at the royals, Shigure with as much disdain as he could muster. The snow began to fall again. Sanosuke kept his head down until he made it to the church. Once there he was seated next to Kenshin. He looked back; there was still something off about the day. He bit his lip and turned forward.

"Sano?" Kenshin whispered.

"Hm?"

"Are you alright? You seem tense."

"I am."

"If it's about..."

"Iie. Not that. I just....something doesn't seem right to me."

"I understand your feelings," said Kenshin. "There is something misplaced today. I wouldn't worry so much. Think about it. The Christmas season is about to begin; we can surely look forward to that can't we?" said Kenshin. Sanosuke rolled his shoulders. "By the way, how is your head?"

"Hm?"

"From last night," Kenshin stated. "The fight."

"Oh. fine. I forgot about it."

He touched his face. Hidden neatly underneath his hair was a bruise where he had been slammed into the ground. He sucked in a breath. Something was really wrong. He glanced back awkwardly to the doors of the church. There were still some elderly coming in.

"That's good."

"What about you?" Sanosuke said back.

"You act like it was my first time," Kenshin laughed. "Most certainly fine Sanosuke, that I am. I must say that I felt I was going a bit too hard on you, that I was."

"Yeah right. You couldn't hurt me in a million years."

Kenshin tilted his head to the side.

Mass had begun. The preacher began with a prayer and then he began his preaching. He walked a steady pace stopping every so often in front of a podium. Sanosuke was most focused on the stained glass windows behind the priest. It mesmerized him and drowned out the sounds of the preacher's strident voice, though some yelling came through. He was shocked back to reality when there was a ruckus from the pews. He looked back, but was nearly too late when punched out of the way.

"You won't have her!"

Sanosuke glanced up momentarily to see Shigure pull a knife from his robes. He grabbed out as the man reached for Kenshin. The emperor was either too dazed or just plain out of it not to notice there was a hand grabbing toward him.

The stained glass watched many things that day, including but not limited to this man's attempted regicide, but also Sanosuke's work at hand. As he was told to, he protected Kenshin to the bitter end, not that there was one. He merely fought Shigure tooth and nail until help came. Not even then was it enough. By the end of it his face as terribly beaten at and there was a knife stabbed in the pew seat inches from Kenshin's thigh. The emperor himself never moved an inch, only watched as Sanosuke saved his life.

"You won't take her!" babbled Shigure as he was wrestled to the ground. His hands firmly gripped Sanosuke's arms. "You won't take her. She doesn't deserve this!"

"Shigure-kun," the priest, Shougo, addressed. "Who?"

"Run Toki!" Shigure's glance went to Kenshin. "You killed her! It's your fault! You're a murderer!"

"Give him to us Sagara-sama," a guard was up on Sanosuke. The spiky haired man grabbed Shigure by the collar and drew him to his feet.

"When?" Sanosuke asked. "When will she die?"

Shigure started to laugh. "You took her already," he poised his head toward Kenshin. The man was still looking into his Bible. "You hear me don't you! They already took her! And it's all your FAULT!"

Guards took Shigure into custody, but as they did:

"Let him go."

"Sire?" one of them asked. "He tried to..."

"Let him go," Kenshin commanded fiercely. "He didn't do anything that was not humanly wrong."

"Sire, he tried to harm you."

"That bothers me not," said Kenshin. "And release Toki-dono. She has done nothing other than have free will," Kenshin stated.

Shigure's face faltered and he looked like he was going to smile, instead: "Don't give me that!" he roared. "You're a weakling. Useless. Hypocrite! Make up your mind of what you want of us! You can't run a country when you keep changing you mind."

"Oi, watch it," the guards pushed him around a little.

Sanosuke, on the ground still recovering, wiped blood from his lip and attempted to rise. Kenshin rested a hand on his shoulder. The Bible in his lap slipped off disregarded. He was not angered, nor upset.

"Shigure-kun, I know not what to say to please you-"

"It's not about pleasing," spat the man, "it's about doing the right goddamned thing," he was shoved around a little more. Kenshin pushed the guards to release Shigure feeling reasonably safe.

"Then what am I doing wrong, so that I can make it right."

Shigure, before God and all His witnesses, had his jaw slack a little.

"Listen," he said quietly. Kenshin's fists tightened, but they slacked soon afterward.

"Please Shigure-kun, go home and be happy;" Kenshin said "can you do that?"

"I'd just be pretending," he was loud this time, trying to convince others around him to be the same. "That's not how to go about life."

Kenshin up turned the corners of his mouth. "Find your happiness," he replied. His eyes shifted to the guards. "Take him to his home and no where else, am I clear?" he asked them sternly. His eyes twirled to Sojiro who was distraught by the whole situation but holding it in.

"Yes Sire," one bowed his head and took Shigure by the arm. Once he was escorted out the church doors Kenshin picked up his Bible and reseated himself. He careful removed the knife and handed it to Sojiro. After that, he helped Sanosuke to his feet and asked him to sit. Up front, Shougo looked about the patrons very unsure at first. He watched Kenshin search for his page, and then nod his head a little.

Shougo began pacing a little.

"Sojiro-kun," Kenshin whispered. "I want you to not interfere with this at all, understand."

"Your Majesty, if I may?" he asked. Kenshin nodded. "This is absurd. He almost took your life."

"Because he was scared, and angry. Because he was in love," said Kenshin. He turned the page. "Love has no sane understanding; surely you must understand this concept."

"Of course but--"

"We'll finish this conversation afterward. I wish not to interrupt Shougo-dono anymore."

Sojiro bowed his head. "Hai Your Majesty."

Upon returning back to the palace, the ruckus was amidst. Once the attack had ensued the entire edifice went into a frenzy trying to make sense of it all. Kenshin didn't answer any questions only smiled. He pursued on his conversation with Sojiro who pleaded for him to reconsider. Obviously out ranked and out reasoned, Sojiro grumbled until he walked away and followed the monarch's order.

Once Kenshin finished with that he followed up by going down to Sanosuke's room where he was being tended. The man vehemently fought with the doctor; the apprentice, Megumi, the most. Kenshin made his entrance. The two bowed to him and moved out of the way.

"You were brave," Kenshin said. "Very brave."

"It's my job."

Kenshin's eyes slithered away. "I don't know what else to say to you. I'm grateful."

Sanosuke held his tongue. There was so much that he wanted to say, but he held it in and let slip out: "It was my honor Your Majesty."

Kenshin turned his back, but then looked back over to Sanosuke unable to veer his eyes from the man. Megumi continued to attend to his small wounds. He winced like a child and whined to get away from her. Kenshin chuckled and sat down. There was no where else he wanted to be other than close to Sanosuke.

"Your Majesty?" Gensai asked.

"Hai?"

"Was that the man?" he said. "The one that attacked you?"

Kenshin's eyes strode to Sanosuke, unsure as to how to approach this. If he said yes then he would condemn Shigure, and if he said no, then there would be suspicion to the attack as well as heightened security that he didn't want.

"It was not, I don't believe."

"I see."

"I wouldn't worry so much. The original attack may have been a mercenary."

"You think so?" Gensai questioned.

"It's plausible." Was all that Kenshin answered.

He left after that, not leaving a hair of his existence. Worse was that Sanosuke was unable to find him, not even in the darkest crannies of the palace. Then again, he wasn't wanting to disturb Kenshin so much. The man needed his space as much as any man should. By nightfall, things were unreasonably quiet. Sanosuke strode through the halls to lamplight that was being burned out. The snow was starting again. He shivered.

One last time, before he retired to his own bedroom, he entered the emperor's chamber, curious as to where he might be. Nothing was out of place, so he assumed that maybe Kenshin had just merely took off as he often did. Toward the arena, as he thought possible. Though he couldn't necessarily battle, he could get in good practice.

Sanosuke strode to the window turning up the lamplight. As he did, he caught a glimpse of the small piece of what looked to be painted clay on the table. He picked it up and examined it. There was an ashy smell to it. He set it back down and looked out the window, though he only saw the awning underneath it. He shivered more at the snow. After that, he walked back into his room. He didn't noticed who was laying in the snow beyond the window.

A/N: Who? Hm...heehee till next time, KenSan out!