The first thing he was aware of was the scent of jasmine, a sweetness that was always been in the air when Megumi was near. Sanosuke stirred, opened his eyes, and gazed at the tumble of black hair over her face. Normally it would have seemed very strange to him to wake up with Megumi next to him, but somehow it felt natural to be lying here with her and he lifted his hand, brushing her hair from her face.

Her eyes opened and she stared at him in confusion. This couldn't be real-Sanosuke had been fading away and now he was warm in her arms, looking at her with a face full of love. It had to be a dream-a single moment to comfort her for the rest of her life when she woke to find him cold and still. Her arms tightened around him and he returned her embrace as strongly as his weakened body would allow. Her breath caught in her throat. He felt so real…. "Am I dreaming?"

"Maybe." He smiled a little. "Is it a good dream?"

"The best." She rubbed her cheek against his chest and knew suddenly, gloriously, that she was awake and that somehow he was going to live. The tears came then and Sanosuke held her and comforted her until she finally stopped crying and rested against him with her head on his shoulder.

"What happened, Megumi? I remember walking you back to the clinic…."

"You went to see your friend Katsu, and while he was out getting food, some men broke into his room. They thought you were him-they had guns…." Megumi shuddered. "I thought I lost you."

"I think for a minute you did," he said slowly. "I saw my mother…." Megumi's eyes widened and Sano kissed her. "Then I heard your voice. I even thought I heard you say you loved me."

Their eyes locked. "I do love you, Sano."

He caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. "I love you too, Megumi."