A/N: First update since 2014. It is now March of 2016. The good news: The story is almost done being written. It's only taken me over ten years. Kinda funny, too, because I notice Rurouni Kenshin is now on Netflix. We've come full circle.

This chapter: Aoshi needs reassurance and Kel has it in spades. Sanosuke and Kenshin spend some time alone together.

Chapter Twelve

Impala no-go, Sano a-go-go

Bobby was the first to greet Kenshin. He burst from the main doors of the museum in a flurry of energy and nearly tripped running to hug him.

"Kenshin!" He stopped short of plowing into him, but extended his arms like a toddler who wanted to be picked up by a parent. Kenshin welcomed him with a bright smile and happy laugh as they embraced.

"I missed you so much!" Bobby squeezed him firmly before releasing, "You gotta hurry and come in and see everyone."

Kenshin didn't get a word in edgewise as Bobby rattled off the last few weeks of work. He was pulled along by a wrist, as though to ensure he wouldn't dawdle, and provided the occasional response. Bobby babbled on, mentioning that he'd have to call Kel to come over since he was the only one not in today.

"And we're here!" Bobby pushed the door open and ushered him inside.

A small roar of greetings rose in simultaneous chorus. Jake was smiling as he gave a nod of recognition and welcome, Katsu nearly jumped in place from giddiness, and Hiru winked as though he knew something no one else did. Saitou gave him a pleasant nod, and by that point Kenshin felt overwhelmed in the best way possible.

"You guys are going to give him a heart attack at this rate." The voice was unmistakably Sanosuke, and the congregation around Kenshin seemed to fall away in favor of his presence.

Kenshin felt his chest ache at the sight of him, "It's good to see all of you. I hope you've been keeping them in line, Sano."

Sanosuke's ears perked at the shortening of his name and he moved forward, "Alright, smart guy, come 'ere."

Kenshin met him halfway in a tight hug that garnered another round of cheering. He breathed deep, drawing in the subtle scent of wind and leaves that suggested Sanosuke had been sitting on his balcony again.

Sanosuke wrapped him in his arms, bowing his head to rest his nose in the thick of his red hair. The sense of rightness was with him again, and it took all his willpower to prevent himself from scooping Kenshin up and retreating to his bedroom. He couldn't hog Kenshin to himself. Not just yet.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Jake interjected, "save the cuddling for after dinner. I've been slaving away in the kitchen all day and I'm not about to let it get cold in the name of overly long hellos."

Saitou spoke up, "I second this."

Hiru rolled his eyes, "You're just a ravenous wolf that wants to eat."

Kenshin watched the conversation degenerate into a friendly argument. Sanosuke and Katsu flanked him as they headed toward the kitchen. The others were not far behind.

It was a few minutes into lunch when Bobby's phone rang. He apologized, feigning mortification, and answered it.

"Are you here yet?"

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

If he wasn't there already, Kenshin was due at the museum anytime. Bobby had called him earlier and told him to 'assemble', like he was a comic book hero or something. So he was late and going to be much later from the looks of it.

Kel pulled the battery out of his car and set it on his workbench to deal with later. The old boat-on-wheels was due for a new one anyway. He lifted the brand new battery off the concrete of his garage and positioned it appropriately. It took him a minute or two to hook up the stubborn cables nice and tight.

Straightening from his hunched position, he held up his arms. He was covered in dirt and grease from the engine. A dirty but dry towel worked well enough for him to wipe his hands off. He sat in the driver's seat and turned the key. The engine cranked several times but refused to start.

"Dammit." Kel gave up and sighed, "It's the alternator. It's gotta be." The auto store several miles out would be closed by the time he walked there. He'd have to wait until tomorrow morning and hope they had a decent alternator in stock. Usually they had to special order parts for his car.

He selected Bobby on his contact list. It rang three times before Bobby picked up and asked him if he was there yet.

"I'm still at home."

"What? Why? Are you constipated or something?"

"My car is dead. Think it needs a new alternator."

"Did you replace the battery? Jake said it looked like it was on death row last time you two were going on about it."

"Yeah, just did. No dice."

"Hmm. Well, that won't do." Bobby's voice grew fainter as he spoke to whoever was in the room with him, "Who wants to go pick up Kel? His car is dead."

Kel could hear several people volunteer.

"Bobby, it's alright. Nobody needs to drive all the way out here. I'll fix my car tomorrow morning and be over when I'm over."

"Aw," Bobby sighed, "You sure?"

"Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow. Hold down the fort for me."

"Will do."

They said their goodbyes and ended the call. Kel exhaled and set his phone on the seat. He must have sat there for a good fifteen minutes before he finally moved. At the very least he could get his old alternator out and maybe check all the fluid levels.

The process went easily enough, but once the alternator was out and his fluid levels were attended to Kel found he wasn't so easily released from his productivity stint. He began the process of replacing his tires. His new ones had been sitting around for a few months and he hadn't gotten around to installing them. The old tires were begging for retirement, and Jake had scolded him on several occasions about the dangers of driving on balding tires. As though he didn't know.

He felt his lips tug into a fond smile at the thought of Jake's constant concern over him, but stopped when his bottom lip threatened to crack. It was cool and dry out, and the autumn air was wreaking havoc on his skin.

A low rumble drew his attention away from the last tire. He wondered if someone was using his lot to turn around. Aside from Jake, he rarely had visitors. He walked to the front of his garage, crowbar in hand, and watched the sleek shape of a sports car stroll into his drive. He'd seen the car before, but seeing it now, at his house, confused him.

It passed beneath the canopy of overhanging trees. The red, orange, and golden yellow leaves were half fallen and dappling the gravel drive in a haphazard pattern. The car looked very out of place on Kel's rustic property and may very well have been the most modern thing present.

The car eased to a stop and the halo headlights flicked off. The door opened and Aoshi stood, making the car look even lower to the ground than it really was.

There was a period of silence where they both stared at one another, as though waiting to see who would speak first. Figuring he'd been started at enough in his life, Kel broke the silence.

"Are you lost?"

Aoshi was stone-faced, "I'm here to pick you up."

Kel considered this, looked him up and down, then half-turned to examine his garage. He would have to finish his project later. He faced Aoshi once again.

"I wasn't expecting you so I'm a bit filthy. I'll need to wash up."

Aoshi nodded.

Kel put his tools aside and pulled down his garage door and locked it, "Would you like to come in while you wait? I don't have coffee but you're welcome to any of the tea. I can make you a cup if you'd prefer."

Aoshi followed him to the front door, "I would like that."

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

The ride felt alien to Kel. The Camaro was smooth and modern, not at all like his late 60's Impala. His beast of a car was clunky and needed new… well, everything. But he loved it, and now he was missing it. He fidgeted for what felt like the millionth time.

"You can adjust your seat if that would make you more comfortable."

Kel stopped fidgeting, "Sorry, I'm just… not used to things like this."

"Things like what?"

"Nice things."

Aoshi's quick exhale almost seemed like a cocky snort, "I would define that smartphone of yours as nice."

"It was a gift from Jake. I didn't have much of a choice." Kel thumbed the screen even though it was off, "This is probably the newest and nicest thing I have."

"That's an expensive gift. You two must be good friends."

"He's my closest friend. Him and Sanosuke."

"Mm," Aoshi nodded, "how has Sanosuke been?"

"I haven't been in much lately so I can't give you a personal opinion, but Katsu says he mopes. Given all I know about him, I'd say he's most likely depressed. He misses Kenshin."

Aoshi accelerated past a semi to slip into safer territory beyond it, "Kenshin misses him."

Kel nodded but remained silent. He liked the silence.

"I have a request."

Kel tried to gauge him but couldn't, "Hm?"

"I intend to remain in town for the duration of Kenshin's vacation here, but I have little desire to spend another night at that museum. Would you be receptive to a guest at your home? In return, I will drive you wherever you need to go, be it the museum during the day, or the auto store for parts."

Curious, Kel asked, "Is there something wrong with the museum?"

"No."

He was missing pieces to understanding Aoshi, but he was tired and so skipped to answering the question, "I have a guest room you can use. I'll have to put clean sheets on the bed but other than that you're welcome to it."

"I appreciate it."

Kel propped his arm on the door and leaned his cheek on his hand, "Does it bother you that they've become so close in such a short amount of time?"

Aoshi latched onto the shift in conversation as though he'd been expecting it, "I would say it goes beyond that. Yes, it does bother me. Himura is a close friend. One of only a few, and so I acknowledge I may be overprotective of him. But it doesn't change the fact they suffer from what appears to be a Romeo and Juliet attraction. That alone garners skepticism regarding the nature of their developing relationship."

"I agree, but in this case there isn't anyone I'd rather see Kenshin spend the rest of his life with. Sanosuke will treat him with utmost respect and love and Kenshin will never take advantage of him. You have nothing to worry about."

"You sound certain."

"Maybe it sounds a bit arrogant, but I am. I understand Sanosuke, and I have common ground with Kenshin. In other words, I relate strongly to both of them. They're perfect for each other."

"Hm." Aoshi left it at that and focused on driving. He found it difficult to agree, but he wondered if his past experiences with Sanosuke tainted his opinion. It was easy to see Sanosuke was not the same man he was ten years ago, but Aoshi found his mind stuck on memories. Perhaps he needed to see more of this matured Sanosuke before he let his worries overtake him.

"So," Kel broke the silence, "has Kenshin resigned yet?"

Aoshi mentally hesitated but didn't spare him a glance, "You'll have to ask him yourself."

"Now I don't have to."

Intelligent.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Kenshin met Kel at the door with a smile, "It's good to see you again."

"You look great." Kel stopped short of the threshold, surprised when Kenshin leaned forward and hugged him around the neck. Inside, Sanosuke and Katsu stopped in their tracks as they tried to pull their jaws off the floor.

Kel was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond, but his arms came up in a moment or two and returned the warm embrace. Kenshin was light but pliant against him, and it made the hug casual at the same time inviting.

"Thanks for texting me so much. You kept me company on some rough days and it was very nice to pick up my phone and read your messages."

Kel nodded, "I'm glad. You're a great conversationalist."

They parted but Kenshin held Kel's wrists, "You have a sophisticated vocabulary."

Kel felt his cheeks warm, "Thank you."

"I'm glad you took Aoshi up on his offer and I apologize that we forgot to call and warn you he would be stopping to get you on his way here."

"Oh." Kel seemed surprised, "I'm glad he was on his way here anyway. Honestly, I thought you had called him for a special trip. That makes me feel a little less guilty."

Aoshi appeared beside him, "I will be staying with Kel for the duration of your visit."

Kenshin's face lit up in a sweet smile, "That's wonderful to hear, but Aoshi I'm curious to know – is it because you're afraid of Bobby?"

Kel looked up at Aoshi, having not considered something so bizarre.

Aoshi's eyes turned forward and he stepped past, "It would be foolish not to be cautious around someone whose constitution is primarily condensed mischief."

Kenshin saw Kel crack a smile.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

The evening progressed well. Dinner had been at East Castle, as though to erase their prior visit from the record. Bobby remained sober, Hiru remained calm, and their dinner was exceptional. Kel still picked at his food, eating enough to sustain but leaving more than enough for a second meal. His food was boxed and promptly given to Jake.

They skipped bar hopping in favor of a walk through a local park. It was beautiful in the evening, albeit brisk in the fall. Sanosuke kept his pace slower for Kenshin's shorter strides and they conversed about local shops and attractions to potentially visit.

Jake seemed to be the center of Hiru's world and was also kept company by Bobby who had a spring in his step as usual. Katsu and Saitou were not far behind. Making up the tail was Aoshi alongside Kel.

"Hey you two," Hiru called to them, "you can come up here and be a part of the train. You don't have to be the antisocial caboose."

Kel sighed, as though the effort to stage a reply was too much.

"Leave 'em alone, Ru-ru," Bobby teased, "they're bonding in their own language."

Aoshi said nothing and Kel felt equally as disinclined to speak.

By the time they had walked several miles Katsu was growing closer to Saitou signifying his energy level drooping. They headed back to the museum not long after and played a few rounds of cards which Aoshi, with his poker face, won by a narrow margin over Saitou and Jake.

"That was a fun evening." Kenshin slipped on his nightshirt and joined Sanosuke on the couch. Stillness claimed the night and the bedroom balcony was alight with lanterns that played light off the shifting leaves. There were less and less leaves on those branches as the days marched on and winter drew closer.

"Yeah, it was nice to get out again. Haven't done that since the last time you were here." Sanosuke set his laptop aside after checking his email.

"Waiting for a message?"

"Yeah," he sighed, "I've got this really picky artist I've been in communication with. He makes these nature settings and his insane stipulations have put our schedule behind by nearly a month. In that time we filled what was supposed to be his space with another artist and he is not happy about it. I'm just about ready to let Hiru handle it his way but I'm hoping it doesn't come to that."

"Still have one last tether on the war hound, then?"

Sanosuke chuckled, shoulders shaking, "What a great way to phrase it." He looked at Kenshin, glad to see a content and borderline sleepy smile on his features. Something caught his eye and he paused, staring.

"Are you alright?" Kenshin felt mild unease as Sanosuke's brow creased into something akin to stress and curiosity.

"Your face." He touched the pads of his fingers to Kenshin's left cheek, "Are you hurt?"

Kenshin turned his head away, eyes closing as he smiled bittersweetly.

Sanosuke felt like he'd overstepped a boundary, "I'm sorry." His hand fell away, but Kenshin caught his wrist in a swift snap of his hand. The strength of the grip surprised Sanosuke, but it gentled a moment later.

"Don't be." Kenshin pressed his face into the wide palm, rubbing against the calluses, "You merely caught me off guard." His eyes opened halfway but he did little more than stare at the floor.

"Kenshin," Sanosuke rubbed his thumb over the contour of his face, "it feels like you've been scratched. Did you cover it with makeup?"

Kenshin nodded, lifting his head as he lowered Sanosuke hand to his chest, "I'm afraid I'm not quite as you've come to know me and now that I consider it I feel unintentionally dishonest for not telling you sooner."

Sanosuke swallowed, "I'm not sure I follow."

He watched Kenshin reach for the glass of water on the coffee table and dip the hem of his shirt in to dampen it. As he raised it to his face he began wiping away the thick application of makeup. Twice more he wetted his shirt and returned to cleansing his face.

"There," Kenshin sniffed as he let his shirt fall, "now you see me." He was still smiling.

Sanosuke studied the large, cross shaped scar across his cheek. Its deep grooves gave way to theories, and Sanosuke touched them without thinking to ask. He wasn't shunned, and as he examined the markings he noted the difference in age between them. Two separate incidents had caused the blemishes to meet at their centers. The scar tissue was pink, standing out in stark contrast to his skin.

Sanosuke's features eased and he moved his hand to cup the base of Kenshin's skull. He pulled him in until their foreheads met.

"Habit for you to cover it up, isn't it?"

Kenshin made an affirming noise, "I never would have been hired had I let it show."

"Shallow business, that modeling gig."

"I resigned."

The two words made Sanosuke pull back and stare at Kenshin, "Yeah?"

Kenshin's face seemed to fall, "I'm tired of hiding behind makeup and photo editors. I'm ready to work on my own terms, not the contractual obligations I've been chained to for years now."

Sanosuke smiled, "I'm really glad to hear that. Nothing worse than having to go back to a job you dislike. Have you considered anything yet?"

"Freelancing. It's what Aoshi does with his photography business. I spoke with him about it, and he said I would be free to accept or decline any offers."

"Your phone will be ringing off the hook, no doubt."

Kenshin smiled at that, "You think so?"

"Yeah, I do. And you know what?" He pulled Kenshin closer again and traced the scar, "If I hired you I'd want you just as you are now. No makeup and no photo editing."

Kenshin's laugh was refreshing, "I wish everyone felt the same."

Sanosuke rubbed noses with him, "Don't ever feel like you've been dishonest for something like this. We all have scars, but they're not important. They don't define us."

Kenshin's chest felt momentarily heavy, flooded by an overwhelming surge of emotion, before his heart became seemingly weightless. He buried his fingers in the soft fabric of Sanosuke's shirt and guided him until their mouths meshed. It was a brief connection, and Kenshin parted enough to speak.

"When you say things like that you truly seem beyond your years. You are not what I imagine bystanders expect."

Sanosuke's mouth quirked at one corner, "I could say the same about you. You look petite and fragile, but your grip is like a vice. You're pretty strong."

Kenshin's face dissolved into an apologetic nervousness, "Sorry about that."

He turned one of Kenshin's hands palm up, "And I noticed quite a while ago that you have calluses on your hands. What kind of athletics are you into?"

"Nothing special, really. My father instilled in me diligence so I have maintained an active lifestyle since being adopted."

"Saitou did call you feisty, and coming from him that says a lot. Hmm," he considered answers as he turned the palm this way and that, "I can see you've spent a long time doing whatever it is you've done to get them this tough. I'd say Hockey but I have a hard time seeing you body checking much larger opponents. Nah, if anything you'd use speed to your advantage since you're so swift."

Kenshin watched Sanosuke's eyes as they scanned his palm with an analyzing fascination.

"I bet you're into swordsmanship."

Kenshin's face lit up as Sanosuke looked at him and smiled, but he tamed his shock and melted into a smile, "You're very perceptive."

"It's not as hard to guess when you already know someone in the arts. Saitou is also into that sort of thing. He's pretty good from what I hear, but kinda a ruthless jerk at times. Crosses over into his sparring, too." Sanosuke made a disgruntled face at that last bit.

"You two spar?"

"Not so much anymore, but we used to. I mostly spar with Jake and Hiru nowadays. Jake has studied three different styles of martial arts in his lifetime. You could ask him for the names of the styles – I can never remember."

"Speaking of those two, and not to change the subject or anything, but do you feel their relationship will last?"

"Great question," He paused and drew a breath, "I'd say it has a good chance. Jake is a patient and tolerating guy. Someone like Hiru is perfect to liven up his life."

"Katsu said the same thing to me regarding us."

"No surprise. Seems everyone is scheming to get us together, but something tells me we don't need their help."

Kenshin's smile was delicate, dipped in fondness, and said more than any words he could muster, "I agree."

Their fingers intertwined, Sanosuke's dwarfing Kenshin's, "Sorry I'm a little awkward when it comes to stuff like this. I'm much better at taking my time and writing things out, as you probably gathered through our texting, but I think I've got a few things figured out now. I know you're only here for the weekend, but I'd like to keep seeing you."

"Sano, you've seen me naked in broad daylight and we've had sex. You don't need to be so formal."

"I suppose I don't, do I? But I'd feel better about this if it's done openly." He sighed as though at peace with everything, "Kenshin, I can't ask you what I'd really like to. At least not this early on, but I do want you to remain in my life so we can see if we're as compatible as I feel we are."

Kenshin reached up, tugging one of the long red tails of Sanosuke's headband, "I can tell you right now how compatible we are, but I understand your hesitations and logically I agree with you. But matters such as this aren't always logical, so I would like to propose something a little more… modern."

"You have my attention."

"Good," Kenshin brushed their noses together, "because I'd rather not have us tortured trying to resist temptation. I suggest we be intimate friends until we both can agree to something more."

"Mr. Himura." Sanosuke's smile was wide, "Are you asking me to be your booty call?"

Kenshin laughed, "I imagine that is accurate, albeit far less eloquent phrasing."

"I like the way you say it, though. Kinda catchy. Intimate friends." Sanosuke leaned in, "I accept your offer."

They sealed it with a kiss.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

"I have been unfair in my judgment of Sagara."

Startled, Kel nearly jumped out of the Camaro. Aoshi had been quiet the entire ride until now.

"I apologize."

"It's fine." Kel breathed, "Just testing to make sure my heart is still working, right?"

"Do you require examination?"

"Anyway," Kel wasn't sure if Aoshi was serious or being flirtatious, "what do you mean by what you said before?"

"As I said, I have been unfair in my judgment. I judged Sagara on his past, despite how much he's changed. You may very well be correct in your deductions, and I am glad to have heard your feelings on the matter. Himura, more than anyone I know, deserves someone who will make him happy. I hope Sagara treats him as well as you seem to believe he will."

Kel looked at the road and sighed, "I guess time will tell."

"Indeed."

They fell into another period of silence, and as Kel began to drift into his own thoughts Aoshi spoke again.

"What kind of name is Kel?"

Kel's brow furrowed in slight insult, "It's short for Keller."

"Your parents named you Keller? Unusual."

"It's my last name."

"Ah." That made more sense.

Kel steeled himself, knowing what came next.

"What is your first-"

"Don't ask me that."

Aoshi apologized again.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

4.13.2016

Next Chapter: Everyone tries to play matchmaker

A/N: If anyone is still out there - I send you thankful waves. I'm sticking with this story until the end. After ten years there's no reason to stop now. *throws confetti in the air and blows kazoo*