Author note: I. Have. No. Idea. Why. This. Chapter. Wasn't. Up. Sooner. But here it is – fashionably late. Part of this chapter was laughably easy to write. Another part almost consumed my soul. :|

This chapter: Saitou motivates Sanosuke, Bobby says too much, Hiru loses his temper, and someone makes the first move. We won't name names.

Chapter Eight

Threp Talk

"Don't let him get away, Sagara." Saitou's rude pointing made Sanosuke glower.

"Excuse me?"

"Himura. Don't let him get away. Granted, he is too good for a mutt like you, but he may be your only chance to get laid regularly for the rest of your life."

"You're crude, you know that?"

"I'm not crude, you're just too much a gentleman. You never used to be like that. That's why Katsu came to me instead of wrapping himself around your heels after you graduated; you changed."

"So you stayed icy-eyed and rough?"

"No, but I became that way. Matured into it. You matured out of it. Katsu likes rough personalities. Turns him on."

"Then why doesn't Hiru turn him on?"

"Hiru's personality isn't rough. It's obnoxious."

"Point," Sanosuke gave him that one, "but what I choose to do in whichever situation is none of your business."

"And yet if you let him walk out of your life every single one of us will deem you a true dumbass."

"What's so important about this?"

"Why are you angry?"

"I'm not angry, I'm just curious as to why my sex life, my personal life, and my decision to remain single has been of constant discussion here. Can you answer me that? Is it just the gossip mill, or am I really that fascinating because I haven't found anyone in life I feel remotely suited to?"

"Until now."

"Answer the question."

Saitou took a drag on his cigarette and exhaled a haze of smoke. They were outside and far enough away from the gallery he could get away with smoking. The cloudy air rose between them. Saitou's narrow eyes studied Sanosuke carefully. The man was angry, whether he admitted it or not, but he was angry at himself. He was angry, afraid, nervous, and falling in love.

"Because we're worried about you."

Sanosuke looked taken aback, "What?"

"That's the honest truth. You're the leader here, and you take care of everyone, but you almost never let anyone take care of you. Katsu is the only exception, but he can only do so much. We've seen you dodge offers to date, hardly getting to know someone, but then a pretty little model falls into your lap and you don't make a move? Pretty stupid if you ask me."

"I'm not that shallow."

"Idiot, of course you're not. You're too wrapped up in personality to fall for a pretty face. It's your fatal flaw."

"It isn't a flaw."

"It is if you wanna get laid."

Sanosuke glared again.

"Kidding." Saitou took another drag, "Partially."

"If you were in my shoes, what would you do?"

"The same thing I did years ago when I met Katsu; I let him know I was interested."

"And now you've got your happily ever after, right?"

"My life is near perfect because of him."

"Well good for you, jackass. The rest of the world gets to sit back and envy you."

Saitou's lips coiled into a wry smile, "You're the only one preventing yourself from being happy. I know you're picky; in a general sense you've never liked people, but on a personal level you've always led with the best side of yourself. Everyone here knows and appreciates that. It's why we stay."

"You are the last person I expected to hear this from."

"I don't know why. I'm the most honest person here."

Sanosuke stopped and thought about that, "Okay, another point to you."

"Listen, Sagara, you can make the fatal error of letting him go, or you can let him know you'd like to get to know him better. Then, after that you two can eventually start dating, have hot sweaty man on man sex, and finally realize you're perfect for each other. Then all that's left is being happy, which you are long overdue for."

"I am happy."

"Liar."

"No. I am. I love what I've done with my life-"

Saitou had cut him off, his voice so harsh Sanosuke had no choice but to keep silent, "You have no one to share your accomplishments with."

Their eyes met, and the longer they held each other the softer Saitou's expression became.

"Listen," Saitou flicked his cigarette away, "I'll put it in terms you'll understand. Clear as day; here it is. If you let Kenshin Himura go without making an effort, I will hunt him down, tie him up again and throw him back on your bed. I will continue to do this until you act. Until you do something about it."

Sanosuke, brow furrowed, stared in worry, "You're insane. And mean."

"You think my plans are harsh? Hiru feels the same. What kinds of things do you think are going through his mind?"

"Neither of you are going to do that or anything else to Kenshin."

"Oh we will, unless you act. We're not asking you to ensure you 'get the guy', we're asking you to try. If you don't, then you're less of a leader than I thought."

Saitou pulled out another cigarette and lit it. Sanosuke stared at him. He knew under all their arguments and disagreements he and Saitou were friends. Unusual friends, but friends nevertheless.

"Happy Brithday, Sagara. Hope you enjoyed my threp talk."

"Your what?"

"My threp talk. It was my present to you."

"What's a threp talk?"

"A threatening pep talk. Gets people off their asses, especially if you're like me – someone who will go through with the threat if the conditions aren't met."

"You are a dangerous man."

"Come by it naturally." He exhaled a long stream of smoke, his face clouded by the smoke but his eyes as intense as ever.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

The atmosphere of East Castle was nothing less than life-savings draining. Aoshi insistently paid for Kenshin's food, refusing to let anyone else pickup the bill. Their booth was a crescent, allowing them great conversational opportunities. Kenshin sat between a protective Aoshi and a laidback Sanosuke. Not surprisingly, Saitou hung close to Katsu, strategically seated at the end of the booth and away from Hiru, who had claimed the middle of the booth and promptly dragged Jake over to sit beside him. Bobby sat to the other side of Aoshi and across from Saitou, managing to contain his fanboyisms as he waited for Chou to return from the bathroom. Kel was seated between Katsu and Jake, acting as a third barrier between Saitou and Hiru.

Kel poked at the remainder of his food. Kenshin wondered why he hadn't eaten much.

"You are so picky." Hiru's words were directed at Kel, "This is a five star restaurant – I'm sure your cooking isn't that much better than theirs."

Kel mumbled something about nothing ever being as good as his grandmother's food.

"That must be a curse," Saitou interrupted, "to be raised by a woman who spoiled you with exceptional cooking. I bet nothing tastes good to you anymore."

As though acting in Kel's defense, Hiru snapped, "Hah! What room do you have to talk? With those cancer sticks hanging out of your mouth all the time you probably can't taste anything but smoke. You wouldn't know the first thing about fine dining."

"Neither would a whelp like you."

"Asswipe."

"Juvenile brat."

"Easy, boys. Easy." Katsu quelled them. For now.

Kenshin chuckled as Aoshi became the victim of Bobby's questions. To everyone's surprise, the questions were innocent and professional; not something they would have guessed from him.

Impressed, Aoshi answered all of his inquiries, and even staged a few of his own.

When Chou returned, the look he gave Aoshi was one requesting him to back off. Aoshi ignored him and purposely continued to converse with Bobby. Kenshin even dared assume his photographer was flirting a little just to irritate Chou.

"Tonight's going to be interesting." Sanosuke said it low, his water glass to his lips. His voice had been loud enough for Kenshin to hear, but quiet enough to maintain privacy.

Kenshin leaned closer to Sanosuke so he could hear him over the group chattering, "Happy Birthday, by the way. Sorry I didn't get you anything this year. It must have slipped my mind."

Sanosuke chuckled, "I'll forgive you this time. Next year I'll be a little tougher, though."

"I'll be sure to write it on my calendar." Kenshin was honest about that part, even if they were still jesting with one another.

"Heeru," Chou set his beer down, "why are you always eating salads and healthy crap? Haven't you ever heard of pizza? Or car-boh-hi-drates? I'd get sick of eating weeds every day."

Hiru glared at him - mostly for the way Chou insisted on pronouncing his name.

Bobby giggled, "It's because he was fat when we were kids."

"Hey!" Hiru snapped, clearly not comfortable with the topic.

"He was also really introverted and cried whenever he was under pressure. How he turned out like this I'll never know for sure. I think he just snapped one day and developed a second personality. Then it beat the first one into submission and now all it does is hide from the Hiru we know and fear today."

One of Hiru's eyes visibly twitched, "My darling cousin, while you are cute, you're not cute enough to get away with that. I advise you shut up before you dig your grave any deeper."

Bobby, having been drinking a little, continued to giggle, "Did you know Hiru was a bed wetter until he was 12? And that-" Sanosuke's hand was suddenly across Aoshi's chest and covering Bobby's mouth.

Hiru practically lunged across the table, but Jake, having been prepared, held him about the waist and more or less in his seat.

"That's it! You little backstabbing cunt of a man! All this after I've had you under my protection for the past eight years because you have NO ability for self defense and would have been kidnapped, molested, or worse if I hadn't been there!"

Bobby drank his beer calmly.

Kenshin was starting to understand why Hiru fainted when he became angry. The table was rattling, shaking their glasses and plates as though an earthquake were setting in.

"Hiru, calm down." Jake's superior strength started reeling the blond back little by little, but the temper continued to rage.

"How dare you ignore me! Let go of me! Someone's going to teach that loose-assed, childish punk a lesson and it's going to be ME!"

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

"You alright?" Jake wrapped one arm around Hiru and rubbed his shoulder and arm.

"No." It was deadpan, but the look on Hiru's face told him he was a bit sorry and ambarassed.

Sanosuke was chuckling as he came out of the restaurant and descended the stairs, "Well, we can come back. We just can't let Bobby drink here anymore."

They all stood outside the building chatting in the crisp air. Bobby hung slightly behind Chou for protection from his still angry cousin who had gotten them kicked out with his temper tantrum. Aoshi stood like an iron guard dog at Kenshin's side, Sanosuke noted. It was an amusing sight.

"Hey," Jake leaned down and whispered into Hiru's ear, "if you want to go back I can drive you." He kissed his temple. Jake was nearly always politically correct when they were in public places. To be given a public display of affection from him made Hiru's anger disperse a little.

"It's alright." Hiru weaved his arm around Jake's, "We can still go with everyone to the bar."

"As long as you're sure."

"I'm sure." Hiru gasped quietly, "Look at Sanosuke." Jake did, but discretely. He found Aoshi again distracted by Bobby, who was still a little buzzed from his measly one and a half beers. To the side, Sanosuke was leaning over listening to something Kenshin was telling him. It almost looked like they were sharing terms of endearment. Jake felt himself heat a little, looking away as though he had been peeping.

Hiru elbowed him happily, "They're just talking. You don't have to get all flustered. I just wanted you to see how sweet they look together. Kenshin's so short compared to Sanosuke."

Jake smiled that time, resting his cheek against Hiru's hair, "They do look good together."

"Ah, there's our ride." Saitou flicked his cigarette to the curb and ground it with the toe of his shoe. He opened a door to the escort van for Katsu, helping him inside. They were supposed to have a limo, but sadly there weren't any available.

Their vehicles were left in the vast parking lot of Castle as they were taken to a bar of Katsu's choosing. Normally Sanosuke would have been granted the honors of deciding location, as it was his birthday, but Katsu had hidden agendas. They went to a more upscale bar. It was elegant and refined compared to the bars Kenshin had visited in the past.

The high tables and stools were surprisingly comfortable, and they had pushed four tables together and gathered around. Their proximity was close, but no one seemed to mind.

Kenshin's thigh was against Sanosuke's, and he was realizing the warmth radiating from him was normal. Even when they had slept side by side, not touching, Kenshin could feel heat from his body. Being small and thin, he loved to be near sources of heat. As the night stretched on they shared drinks and expressed their opinions on certain ones. Kenshin felt the warmth in his face from one-too-many sips of a large variety of alcoholic beverages, combined with the drinks he personally had. He was tired but felt good.

Sanosuke had surely ingested over three times what he had and was only slightly buzzed. Kel looked tanked after an hour and he refused to even taste anything more, slumped against the tabletop for support.

"You're tolerance is still low, Kel? Even after all our drinking excursions." The gentle edge to Sanosuke's voice lulled Kenshin. He was listening to the conversations around him, and the miserable sounding groan Kel gave in response to Sanosuke, but more and more his eyes were falling shut. He was unbelievably relaxed.

"Come on, Heeru, just try some!" Chou waved a shot in front of Hiru's face.

Hiru's nose scrunched, "No, thank you. I'm quite fine."

"Do you ever drink?"

"Of course he doesn't. That'd fall under fun." Bobby leaned against Chou, his cheeks rosy from inebriation.

Hiru emitted an irritated noise, "Do you have any idea how many calories are in booze? A lot."

Chou snorted, "Oh, right. You're afraid you'll git fat, just like when you were a kid."

"Leave him alone, Chou. If he doesn't want to drink he doesn't have to." Jake got up, taking his empty glass to the bar for a refill of water.

Kenshin sighed happily. The more time he spent the more he wanted to stay with these people. They were rowdy but cared about one another. It was like having a family. Kenshin had never had a proper family. No mother. Just the man who adopted him. No pets growing up, either. He loved his father dearly, but he admitted to himself a long time ago it had been lonely more often than not.

Sanosuke's voice spoke quietly near his ear, "You can lean against me. You look like you're going to fall over like that."

"I'm just a little tired." Kenshin admitted.

"Did you want to leave?"

Kenshin shook his head and took him up on the earlier offer, leaning against his shoulder, "I don't mind waiting for the others. This is nice."

Silently, Sanosuke agreed. The slight weight against him was grounding, and his drinking slowed.

"What the hell?" Hiru's voice was quiet but drenched in something that was a cross between anger and surprise.

Kenshin tilted his head up. They all followed Hiru's gaze to see Jake at the bar. A shapely woman with long hair was chatting him up. Kenshin knew enough about Hiru to understand he was probably the overprotective jealous type. It was no surprise when Hiru set his glass of water down and made his way over.

The woman laughed at something Jake said, but her smile lessened when she met Hiru's blazing green eyes.

"Oh shit." Sanosuke's curse was mumbled, but Kenshin still heard it. He felt it, too. The vibrations from his chest tickled his skin.

"Think we should stop him?" Chou asked everyone at the table.

"No." Saitou answered first, "I want to see what happens."

They all sharpened their ears and listened.

Hiru stepped partially between Jake and the woman, hand coming up to rest on his boyfriend's arm as he stared at her, "Pardon me, but he's with me – so I'd really appreciate it if you'd stop flirting with him so blatantly. Better yet, don't ever talk to him again. I'm sure you think he's a real catch and let me assure you he is. In fact, he's everything he appears and more, which means he's far too good for a skank like you."

Kenshin couldn't help but smile when he felt the shake of Sanosuke's body as he gave a disbelieving laugh.

The woman left, of course, but it was the following conversation between Jake and Hiru that was the real entertainment.

Jake picked up his fresh drink and stood, "You're a real hothead, Hiru."

"Mmm, a hothead that isn't letting you get away."

"Not even if I'm an old man?"

"Not even that will stop me."

Bobby chirped, "You're not that old, Jakers! You're only…" He stopped to think, as though doing math in his head. The alcohol was clearly having an effect on his cognitive functions.

Hiru and Jake rejoined them at the tables, intently waiting for Bobby to continue.

"Yur only," the kid slurred a little, "like 39 or 40 or something."

Kenshin found the expression on Jake's face to be the most interesting. Surprise and worry creased his features.

"I'm not 40." Jake's arms were crossed on the table before him.

"I knew it." Hiru took a drink of his water, "Your body says you're 30. There's no way you can be any older than 35 at most."

"M'no-no-no," Bobby leaned forward, "he's older than that. He told me so once."

Hiru, curious, looked at Jake and asked, "Jakers, how old are you?"

Jake appeared uneasy. He shifted awkwardly, brow furrowed. He looked like he'd be stoned to death if he answered truthfully.

"Guys… I'm 48-years-old."

Saitou was the first to react with a snorting laugh. Katsu punched him in the ribs.

Hiru gave Jake a hard stare, "You lying sack of dog shit."

Jake shook his head a little, "I'm serious."

"No. There is no way you are two years shy of 50 looking like this."

Jake was momentarily at a loss for words, "I don't know how else to convince you."

"Gimme your license."

Jake pulled his wallet from his back pocket and produced his driver's license. Hiru's eyes gave a long scrutinizing stare down of the plastic. After nearly half a minute he finally set it down. He appeared thoughtful.

"You're 20 years older than I am." Hiru bit his lower lip, eyes narrowed, "You're two decades older than me."

Jake looked very concerned as he lowered his eyes shamefully, "I told you I was old."

Hiru shook his head, still finding it hard to believe. Jake was incredibly fit and youthful. It was very misleading.

"I understand if that's too much of an age difference for you."

Hiru snorted, "Don't be ridiculous. Age is just a number. And besides – you're stuck with me."

Happy with the results of the conversation, Kenshin closed his eyes and listened to the group dynamic play out. They were much tamer now that things were winding down.

Aoshi even spoke a little, which was surprising considering it wasn't in response to anything. The alcohol must have been getting to him a little.

Chou looked one drink away from passing out, and Katsu was practically sitting in Saitou's lap napping.

Sanosuke caught Saitou looking at him and darted his eyes up to meet his. He received the silent message sent his way. It said, "Better act soon, before your chance is gone."

Sanosuke rolled his eyes, fingers rotating one of the cardboard coasters on the table. Kenshin moved, shifting into a more comfortable position that had him leaning more and more of his weight against Sanosuke.

Sanosuke prevented himself from sighing; he really, really didn't want to approach the topic with Kenshin. Buzzing from alcohol or not, he was too shy.

As though able to read his mind, Saitou slid a full glass of beer towards him. Sanosuke gave him a look that thanked him sarcastically. He drank the entire glass in a few minutes. Then he drank a second and third one. By then he was feeling more relaxed, but he blamed it on the fact he was starting not to care about anything.

"Time to go, children." Saitou stood, picking up a nearly passed out Katsu bridal style. Katsu muttered something incomprehensible and curled up. He was not a short or dainty man, but heavy-boned and moderately muscled. Regardless of his structure, Saitou held him as though here were weightless. Kenshin remembered how strong Saitou was from their first encounter together. While he was tall, he was also lanky and thin, but behind that image was a great deal of power.

Sanosuke helped Kenshin to his feet, and together they walked outside, lingering behind the others. Staggering a little, Sanosuke managed to compose himself before he fell. He was a few ticks past buzzed by now.

Kenshin dozed a little on the ride back. They dropped Jake and Hiru off at East Castle to retrieve the Jeep and by the time they rolled into the drive it was nearly 3 in the morning. Everyone was either exhausted or wired. Bobby was wired. Saitou looked exhausted, and Kel was perhaps the most sluggish of all. Katsu was long gone, and Saitou didn't even bid them goodnight as he retreated to their room.

Hiru and Jake had beaten them back, as Jake's Jeep was parked perfectly parallel in the drive. Chou took ten steps in the door and draped himself on the nearest piece of furniture, which was a chair. Bobby grumbled at him about not sleeping there, and after some tugging at long arms he had him following.

Sanosuke set a hand on Kel's shoulder, "Stay the night, K, I don't want you driving. You didn't eat very much so there isn't a lot in you to absorb all you drank."

Kel, glossy-eyed and a bit wobbly, nodded. He looked beyond drained and a little sad.

"Will you show Aoshi to a room?"

Kel nodded again and ambled towards the hallway.

"Himura." Aoshi's tone was all Kenshin needed to hear.

"I'll be fine, and I'll see you in the morning. Or afternoon. Sleep well."

"Likewise." Aoshi followed after his escort, but was uneasy leaving Kenshin alone with Sanosuke.

"Alright." Sanosuke yawned, "I don't know about you but I feel like I could sleep for a week."

"I'm right there beside you." Kenshin mirrored his yawn.

Before Sanosuke knew it, Kenshin was plopping onto the plush surface of his bed. Clad only in a pair of silk pajama bottoms and a t-shirt that belonged to Bobby, Kenshin curled into a cozy ball. He heard Sanosuke changing just beyond the wall. For some reason the sound of fabric sliding over skin relaxed him.

The bed shifted when Sanosuke eased onto it. Kenshin stretched out, making room for him.

"You know," Sanosuke eased onto his back and sighed, "you could take one of the rooms if you wanted, instead of sharing. I know I tend to hog most of the space."

"Mmm," Kenshin hummed, "but then I wouldn't be here to honor Katsu's request."

"Oh no. What did he ask?"

"Just that I keep doing what I'm doing; getting you more sleep."

Sanosuke breathed a laugh, "You have been doing a good job of it."

Kenshin sighed, the warmth of Sanosuke's body already lapping at him like a gentle tide. The sheets billowed around them as Sanosuke snapped them up. They fell, pushing a breeze from toes to fingertips. It was refreshing, sobering them both a bit.

Sanosuke pulled the blanket over them as well, lying back and realizing tomorrow would probably be his last chance to say anything to Kenshin. His last chance to prevent Saitou from carrying out his threat. The jerk.

The alcohol failed to be enough to lessen his anxiety, but he had to choke it down. Or suck it up. His brow furrowed. Why did all of this suddenly sound sexual?

Beside him, Kenshin laughed quietly, "What are you thinking about?" Sanosuke looked up as Kenshin propped himself on an elbow. His eyes were heavy but interested.

Sanosuke studied the youthful face, wondering how old he was. He figured that was as good an answer as any.

"Just wondering how old you are."

Kenshin's smile was angelic, "I'm 30."

"You taking lessons from Jake?"

Purple eyes rolled in a playful manner, "I know, I know. I look much younger."

"I didn't think you were older than me."

"To be fair, I didn't think you were younger than me."

Sanosuke smiled, "I do look a little aged, don't I?"

"Nothing too dramatic." Kenshin ran his fingers through Sanosuke's hair, "You'd look younger if you weren't as stressed."

"You sound like Katsu."

"He's right about you."

Sanosuke closed his eyes for a moment before he opened them halfway, "How so?"

"You overwork yourself."

"Funny - I've been really lazy lately."

"It's your birthday. It's one of the days you have an excuse to be lazy."

"Mmm," Sanosuke didn't have a decent response, "stop doing that."

"Doing what?"

"Teasing me." He captured the hand in his hair and brought it to rest over his heart. Kenshin felt the steady beat, signaling Sanosuke was relaxed and at ease.

"Sorry."

"I'm sorry, too."

"For what?"

"Not being able to tease you back. I'm really quite drunk right now, even if I don't seem like it. If I were to try and tease you now I'd be really bad at it. I figured I'd save you the awkward situation."

Kenshin smiled, "I find it difficult to feel awkward around you. Although, I imagine we should take into consideration that when we met I was naked and tied up."

Sanosuke groaned, "And I am so sorry for that. I'll deduct Saitou's pay for a month. That'll teach him. Here, I'll make it up to you. Torture me any which way you want. Punch me, tie me down – have your way with me, just keep in mind I'm too drunk to get it up."

Kenshin had started laughing halfway through the playful dramatics, "You don't need to punish Saitou. He was rough, but I don't regret what happened. I met you and your interesting staff, after all."

Sanosuke's exhaustion was pushing through, "Alright, I suppose that's fair, but I mean it when I say don't be afraid of asking for anything."

"Can I ask for something right now?"

"Mmm," Sanosuke's brow furrowed, "yes, and I'll grant your wish now, dear master, so long as it doesn't require me to stand."

"I wouldn't dream of putting such strain on you."

"Then ask away and thou shalt receive."

"I'd like a kiss."

Sanosuke's brain doubled back, reset itself, and the realization dawned on him. He didn't have to make a move. It had just been made for him. The hilarity of the situation almost made him laugh, but common sense told him now was not a time to be laughing. He beat back his amusement in favor of composure. It was very difficult.

"A kiss?"

Kenshin nodded.

"That I can do." He leaned up, switching their poses so he had Kenshin beneath him, "What kind of kiss, my liege?"

"Any kind."

Sanosuke leaned down, their noses almost touching, "So be it."

The distance between them evaporated. Sanosuke's lips fell on his mercifully. The pressure was enough to cement the connection to memory, but gentle enough to remain chaste. Kenshin nudged the slightest bit and the kiss became a joint effort. The heat rolled off Sanosuke and smoothed onto his skin, which in turn broke the ice. If he hadn't been intoxicated before this certainly ensured it.

Sanosuke rose a little higher when a hand threaded through his hair, fingers tight against his scalp and pulling just enough to make goose bumps rise all over his arms and legs. He braced himself over Kenshin with an arm, their mouths still discovering one another in a manner that was testing and curious.

Kenshin practically melted; Sanosuke's broad, hot mouth kissing him senseless made his head swim. Their lips parted for a moment, a breath shared, but Kenshin didn't let it end. He pulled, urging Sanosuke to continue. Unashamed, he moaned open-mouthed against Sanosuke, finding his vocals made the man's heart beat harder.

Their lips crashed sloppily some moments, but it didn't seem to matter. When they broke at last both could hear the intensity in their slight panting.

Kenshin blinked vacantly, eyes looking but not really seeing. He touched Sanosuke's face, guiding him, leading him down.

Sanosuke diverted, instead kissing the corner of his mouth. It was sweet.

Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps this unusually strong connection he harbored for Sanosuke, but Kenshin felt no guilt for tilting his head in offer.

Sanosuke looked through half-lidded eyes at the pale expanse of neck spread before him. He mentally cussed in amazement. It seemed wrong to accept, but he also felt it would be rude to refuse the gift. Swallowing, he leaned in and kissed over the graceful curve of Kenshin's jaw. From there he eased toward the neckline, planting one kiss after another until he ended at the thin collar. There, he sucked.

Kenshin breathed, heat spiraling to his groin. The sensation was surreal to his foggy mind. His hands rubbed and scratched at Sanosuke's back and shoulders. He squirmed a little, trying to scoot closer and further beneath him.

Sanosuke read him, hooking a hand behind his knee and pulling him up under his body. He closed his legs comfortably around Sanosuke's middle, sighing at the hand that rubbed along his thigh before returning to the mattress for support.

"Sanosuke." His voice sounded rushed and needy. He bowed his head, leading Sanosuke back up and into another kiss. His red hair was mussed, disentangled from the tie and indulged by Sanosuke's large hands.

He twined his arms tighter around Sanosuke's neck, legs now sliding up and down the length of his sides in a restless manner. He was worming and fidgeting as they kissed, fingers constantly tangling and untangling in the thick material of Sanosuke's shirt.

They broke for air sometime later. Sanosuke breathed a curse, bowing his head and swallowing. Kenshin could guess what the curse had been for, but he preferred to have a concrete explanation. He wrapped his legs around Sanosuke's hips and pulled him down. The erection he suspected pressed against his inner thigh.

Sanosuke hissed, face buried above Kenshin's shoulder in the pillows. He felt less embarrassed upon feeling Kenshin in the same state.

"Guess you're not too drunk after all."

Sanosuke laughed, exhausted but tense, "It's a surprise to me."

Kenshin pressed against his shoulder, easing Sanosuke onto his back so he could have the upper hand. They kissed again.

Kenshin had shed them both of clothing by the time he thought to pause and ask, "Is this alright?"

Sanosuke nearly died, "God, yes."

Kenshin smiled at the enthusiasm. The almost pained look on Sanosuke's face as well as the stuttering breathing told him enough.

It had been a long time since this man had last been engaged sexually.

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1.8.2012

11.20.2014

I hope everyone had a happy new year. Here's hoping 2012 is better than 2011.

Next chapter: Kenshin sports new accessories, Sanosuke is precious, Aoshi has an unexpected run-in, and we all get to know Kel a little better thanks to Kenshin.