Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin or any of it's intellectual or otherwise property.

Chapter Thirteen

Progression

"How have things been with Sagara?"

Kenshin elbowed Aoshi playfully, "You ask me that every other week."

"Have I intruded on your personal matters?"

"No, Aoshi. I just find your concern endearing." Kenshin put their empty plates in the sink, "And it is going very well. Sano and I have decided to make it official."

This didn't surprise Aoshi, and he remained passive as he disassembled his camera and plugged it into his laptop, "Congratulations."

"You sound thrilled."

"This is how I always sound."

"I'm teasing you." He sat next to Aoshi on the couch. The apartment was dimly lit and modestly furnished. Aoshi had few belongings, and the ones he did have were purely functional. The one exception was his photography. Photographs decorated his walls, but the awards he had been honored with over the years were never in sight. They were boxed and stored in a closet or storage shed somewhere. Kenshin had wished they meant more to Aoshi, because he had always been proud of him.

"Are you opposed to it?"

"No." Aoshi started his pictures downloading and moved to put away his other gear.

"I'm glad. I was worried it bothered you."

"It did at first, but I now understand it was a Sanosuke Sagara from my past that I feared you were becoming involved with. That Sagara was juvenile, hot-headed, and as stubborn as they come. He was a thug, and no one thought he'd amount to anything."

"And what about now?"

"I can still see the Sanosuke Sagara I knew, but he has grown out of his bitterness and left his childish tendencies behind. It makes me wonder what transpired, because someone with a skull as thick as his generally doesn't grow out of such emotional trauma without psychiatric assistance or a personal epiphany."

Kenshin's face overwrote his happy smile with confusion, "What do you mean trauma?"

Aoshi looked at him and there was sharpness visible in his gaze, "I'm surprised you don't know, considering how much time you've spent together these past months." He turned to his laptop and launched an internet browser and began typing into a search bar. It took him a few minutes, but he found what he was looking for and turned the display to Kenshin.

A news article, dated well over ten years ago, was labeled with bold lettering across the top.

Revolutionary Artist, Sagara, found Dead in Home, Brutally Murdered.

Kenshin picked up the computer, careful not to pull the camera cable, and began reading.

Sagara, a famous oil painter, was found dead in his home, also known as the Sagara Art Gallery, late Saturday evening. His body and home were badly burned. Authorities reported initial DNA tests would confirm or deny if the body was actually Sagara's, as an official ID could not be drawn at the scene due to the poor condition of the corpse.

Kenshin scrolled lower, reading through the rest of the report, until he found a section with updated details.

Local officials followed an anonymous report and found the missing head of Sagara. Mounted on a metal pole and tied to one of the city's statues downtown, it is believed an extremist who disagreed with Sagara's political messages is responsible for the public display.

Kenshin stopped scrolling, "I…" One of Aoshi's hands settling on his shoulder drew his attention from the screen.

"Sanosuke never spoke of it with anyone when we were in school, but everyone knew. It was all over headlines for weeks. I imagine it is a difficult subject for him. Do not be offended that he has yet to mention it."

Kenshin returned the laptop to the table, "I'm not upset. Anything but. Actually, I'm very proud of him. He's very strong, in body and will. I never once suspected something like this was in his past."

"He never liked people pitying him. It is probably why he doesn't speak of it. In our early years, elementary school, Sanosuke was your average child. It was only after his father's murder that he spiraled out of control."

Kenshin sighed and cast his eyes across the room as the revelation soaked in, "I feel obligated to mention what I've learned to Sano, but I don't know how to broach the subject. I can't keep quiet as though I'm still ignorant. What if he tells me months or years from now and I've known all along? I'd feel as though I had been deceitful."

"Ask Katsu. I'm sure, as his closest friend, he would carry the best advice."

"That's a brilliant idea. I'll do that." Kenshin brought his eyes to the computer as Aoshi filtered photos. There were hundreds, taken from the last several weeks. There was a house among them Kenshin didn't recognize, but in the gravel driveway sat an old black car next to Aoshi's Camaro. He found himself smiling as he plunked the pieces together. To further affirm his suspicions, photos of Kel in the background flashed momentarily on the screen. Finally, the photo-flipping stopped on one in particular. It was a bust shot of Kel. His hair was up in a messy ponytail, bangs swept to one side and being tucked behind an ear just as the photo was taken. What made Kenshin's heart melt was the soft, happy smile on Kel's face. The background was a home interior, and it was obvious the photo had been taken from a sitting position. Kenshin imagined it was on a couch with Aoshi seated near Kel. It made sense, as did the ever-so-slight blur to the photo. It had likely been an accidental photograph. But it was still beautiful.

Kenshin changed tracks, "How's the relationship thing with Kel going?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Aoshi continued his photo-flipping and the image of Kel disappeared.

"Oh, don't be shy. You spend a lot of time with him. I would think you two would have moved beyond silent conversations and into actual ones with words and everything by now. Maybe even more than that…?"

"He is a gracious host and I owe him my gratitude, but since you insist upon rudely poking your nose into both our business I'll inform you that we've never shared a bed."

Kenshin shrugged, smiling at Aoshi's defensiveness, "Give it time."

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Jake rolled his shoulders at the conclusion of their sparring session, "Good lord, am I getting slower or are you getting faster?"

"I hope the latter." Sanosuke took a long drink from his water bottle and wiped the sweat from his face with a small towel.

"Ditto." Jake stretched his arms above his head and sprawled on the matted floor of the gym.

Hiru spoke up from behind them, "Come on, boss man, it's my turn to have a go at you."

Sanosuke looked to Jake, "Can't even catch my breath today, can I?"

"That's how I feel every single day with him." Jake's smile faded to consideration and then mild embarrassment, "I meant that in a completely innocent way but I guess it transfers to not so innocent things, too."

Sanosuke laughed, "I'm not going to forget that one anytime soon. Alright, I better go entertain your boyfriend while you recover."

"Good luck."

Sanosuke faced Hiru at the center of the room and sank into a defensive stance. Hiru, clad in a long-sleeved performance shirt and sweatpants, initiated the first attack.

Sanosuke was accustomed to Hiru's Tae Kwon Do and the insane speeds with which he kicked. The force was enough to knock the average person off their feet easily, and Sanosuke recalled some of their first sparring sessions that had left him with bruises up and down his arms, legs, and sides.

Hiru's offense wasn't a crutch for poor defense, either. He was a flurry of movement, and Sanosuke often likened him to a tornado. Small but intensely dangerous. Regardless, he still had to harass him.

"You getting slower, Ru-ru?"

Hiru backed off momentarily, "At least I'm not getting uglier, like you."

"Jeeze, you're mean." He blocked a right kick with his forearm.

"Better shape up. Isn't Kenshin on his way here now?" Hiru spun into a low sweep, but Sanosuke jumped. Hiru was on his feet with his defense up instantly to block several strikes.

"He is."

"I'm surprised he hasn't moved in yet. He spends most weekends here, after all."

"Yet you're still here more. Always running the water and eating my food. Jeeze, Hiru, you're such a mooch."

Sanosuke registered the change in Hiru's expression as it flashed through a moment of hurt before it cracked like a bolt of lightning into fury. He heard the beginnings of a fierce roar and saw the rotation of Hiru's body before everything went quiet and dark.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Sanosuke woke with a wheezing groan, feeling like he'd spent an hour butting heads with a train. He opened his eyes and regretted it; even the dim lighting of his bedroom nook seemed intense.

"I'll turn that off." The light vanished.

"Kenshin?" Sanosuke opened his eyes again, slower this time.

"Right here. How are you feeling?" Kenshin's slim frame came into focus. His hair was tied back, as it nearly always was, and the cross shaped scar was like a beacon in the dark.

"Kinda hellish, to be honest." He turned his head and cringed. His neck felt stiff.

"Careful. You have extensive bruising."

"Augh, feels like my vertebrae are cracked. How long have I been unconscious?"

"A couple hours."

"Wow! I mean… wow. I've never been knocked out before."

"Katsu said as much. He's at the hospital right now with Hiru. Jake is there, too."

"What? What happened to Hiru?"

Kenshin chuckled and shook his head, "His foot is broken from rendering you unconscious."

"Seriously? Is it bad?"

"I haven't heard yet. Do you know why he kicked you so hard? The damage seems a little excessive for a friendly bout."

"Uncertain. We normally don't play too rough. But that last kick was so fast I guess I didn't see it coming." He moved to sit up and Kenshin assisted.

"I need to check you for a concussion."

"Wonderful." Sanosuke prepared for the light flashing in his eyes. It wasn't as bad as he was expecting.

"You are concussed."

"So this is what it feels like." He leaned over and kissed Kenshin's cheek, "Hello again, by the way. Sorry I didn't greet you at the door like a gentleman."

Kenshin smiled, "I understand. You needed your afternoon nap."

Sanosuke's vision blurred and he swayed, "Ugh."

"Easy." Kenshin stood at the bedside, letting Sanosuke lean into him.

"I feel tired."

"That would be the concussion."

"Hold me?"

"Of course." Kenshin cradled Sanosuke's face against his chest, "I'd accuse you of being a baby, but most people wouldn't be able to sit up after the degree of assault you underwent. Katsu told me Hiru is a competition kick boxer and ranks fairly high. He said he's shocked your neck isn't broken."

"Feels a little broken. Hurts. Think I'll live?"

"I have the utmost faith in you."

"D'aww."

Kenshin's phone rang.

"Hello?" He answered, "Yes. He's been awake for a couple minutes. He is most certainly concussed."

Sanosuke listened to the conversation as his eyes dipped shut and he felt his thoughts drift. He was so tired. After a few minutes a quiet beep signaled the call ending.

"Sano," Kenshin pushed him upright, "I can't let you fall asleep."

Sanosuke made a quiet noise of acknowledgement.

"We can go down to the kitchen and get you something to drink if you'd like."

"Carry me?"

"Something tells me you wouldn't like being slung over my shoulder."

"You're right. I might puke with how I'm feeling."

"I can help." Saitou stepped around the corner.

"Ugh! No! Nooooo! Kenshin, hold me and don't let him near!"

"Oh, Saitou. I thought you'd have gone with Katsu." Kenshin smiled, running his fingers through Sanosuke's hair.

Saitou's eyes opened to slits, "He's a big boy. Thought I'd stay out of his hair for a little while so he could attend to Hiru's needy tendencies. In the meantime, I thought I'd offer my assistance."

"That's very nice of you." Kenshin looked down, "Sano, wake up."

Sanosuke snorted awake, "Wuz juss restin' my eyes."

"Let's go downstairs."

"Kay."

Sanosuke didn't move.

Kenshin looked at Saitou and received a salute.

Sanosuke groaned as he was hefted bridal style. His head flopped onto a rigid shoulder that was far too broad to be Kenshin's.

"Noooooo…" He whined weakly but didn't open his eyes.

"Sagara, you look like someone painted the side of your face and neck purple, blue, and black." Saitou directed his next words to Kenshin, "Has he looked in a mirror yet?"

"Not yet."

"Probably for the better."

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

"Oh my god." Sanosuke rubbed his temple that wasn't bruised in attempt to tame his headache. He set the hand mirror on the tabletop and squinted against the lights. The entire right side of his face hurt and his vertebrae ached all over. The bruising was severe and dappled him from his temple to the middle of his neck.

"You guys sure Hiru kicked me? I feel like I was hit by a truck. Sure looks like I was."

Saitou did his version of a tame laugh, which was more of a snooty snort than anything.

Kenshin poured a cup of tea for Sanosuke, "Jake said you spun two and half times before hitting the mats."

Saitou's eyes closed and his lips bowed into an amused smile, "What did you say to the kid, Sagara?"

"Augh, let me think. We were joking around with each other. Normal teasing and whatnot. He said something about Kenshin being here a lot so I sarcastically said he was here more. Then I called him a mooch or something. Last thing I saw was his angry face. I don't even remember hitting the floor, let alone being kicked."

Saitou laughed out loud that time, "Must have struck a nerve. It is highly likely he simply reacted without thinking. He seemed pretty horrified afterward and Jake had a hell of a time convincing him to leave your side to be taken to the hospital. Fortunately, Kel was nearby and heard Hiru's mortified wailing. He managed to calm the hysteria."

"For as terrible at handling stress as Kel is, he's really awesome at calming others down." Sanosuke cringed as though he'd received a minor electric shock, "My neck feels not right."

"You look a little off. Maybe we should have sent you along. At the very least you may need a chiropractor."

Kenshin turned and poured tea for Saitou, who thanked him, and set the teapot aside to place his hands on either side of Sanosuke's neck.

"What's happening?" Sanosuke feared moving.

Kenshin sounded deadly serious as he spoke, "Sano, your neck is indeed out of alignment. I'll need you to trust me and be sure to remain relaxed. This may hurt a little due to your bruising."

Saitou smirked.

Sanosuke whispered, "Oh no."

"I'm going to move in three… two… one…"

Sanosuke's neck emitted several loud cracks as Kenshin twisted his head in a swift motion. The pain was sharp and immediate; something shifted, but in the following moment relief flooded him.

"Better?" Kenshin ran a hand through mussed brunette hair in a futile attempt to tame it.

Sanosuke heaved a sigh, "Holy crap."

Saitou chuckled, "That was delightfully disgusting."

"I feel like the vice squeezing my head just disintegrated." He looked up at Kenshin as he wrapped an arm around him and tugged him close, "You're a little miracle worker if I've ever seen one."

"Yes," Saitou strained his tea leaves, "where did you learn how to do that?"

Kenshin sat on Sanosuke's offered leg, "My father taught me."

Saitou looked suspicious, "What, exactly, does your father do for a living?"

"Well, I suppose you could say he goes from one hobby to another as he masters each one. He's a swordsman and martial artist, a photographer, a masseuse, a chiropractor, a potter, and I think right now he's started on computer programming. Honestly, he has too much time on his hands."

"Will we get to meet your Renaissance man of a father? Or is it too soon in your friends with benefits relationship? After all, you're not fooling anyone."

"Alright, Saitou," Sanosuke glowered, "you can stop harassing us now. We decided to make it official."

Saitou's mouth widened into a broad smirk, "Who all have you told?"

"Just you. Happy, ya big mean wolf?"

"I'm ecstatic. Be sure to tell Katsu next."

Kenshin laughed weakly, "Well, I may have already spilled the beans on that front. Sorry, Sano."

Sanosuke made a considering noise, "No harm done. What did he say?"

"It's about damn time."

"Yeah that sounds like Katsu."

The kitchen door swung open and Kel appeared just inside the threshold, keys in one hand and canvas tote filled with groceries in another.

"Welcome back." Saitou's eyes slipped shut as he drank his tea.

Sanosuke couldn't turn his neck much, but he waved to let Kel know he was trying, "Everything go ok at the hospital?"

Kel looked sympathetic as he sighed, "Yeah."

They allowed him his usual pause.

"Hiru is getting a cast. I've got Aoshi in the car waiting so I can't stay, but I picked up some stuff for you guys since Katsu never made it to the market today." Kenshin stood and headed over to assist.

Sanosuke smiled, "You're awesome, man. I ever tell you how much I appreciate you?"

Kel shook his head, as though flattered, "Every week or so I think."

"Good, because it's all true. Did Aoshi drive again?"

"No, we brought the Impala. I felt like driving and he only put up a minor fuss when I requested it."

Kenshin chuckled, "He feels indebted to you. Says you never let him pay for anything so driving and paying for the gas is the only way he feels useful."

"That's nonsense. Don't let him fool you. He helps out around the house all the time. Yesterday he did all the laundry. Can't tell you how weird that was for me."

Saitou snorted, "Can't imagine. Another man seeing your underwear? Scandalous."

Kel rolled his eyes, "I'm not accustomed to cohabitation like most of you are. This is very unusual for me."

Sanosuke cut in, "Is Aoshi pretty easy to bunk with? He probably feels overwhelmed here, but you two have a few things in common."

"Introverts, yes. And he's been very easy to get along with for the most part."

Kenshin turned from putting groceries away, "Most part? Has he said anything rude to you? He does that sometimes without thinking first."

"It's alright. I find he's very blunt and honest. It's actually refreshing to speak with someone so straightforward."

Sanosuke smiled, "Glad that's going well for you guys. Will you two be back tomorrow?"

"Jake asked if I could come in and help out with lunch and dinner since Hiru will probably need assistance with some things. So we'll be in around ten in the morning if that works for you."

"Sounds perfect. Thanks for picking stuff up. I'll cut you a check when I'm less scatterbrained."

"No rush. Take it easy." Kel's phone beeped and he checked the text, "That's Aoshi. I'll see you guys later."

"Have a good night." Kenshin waved from the fridge.

"You, too." Kel turned and left; the kitchen door swished shut behind him.

It was fifteen full seconds before Saitou broke the silence.

"Have they had sex yet?"

"Last time I prodded, Aoshi said no." Kenshin sounded almost giddy as he continued, "And he's growing ruder about his responses."

Saitou's chuckle was dark, "He must be getting frustrated."

Sanosuke seemed confused, "Am I missing something?"

"Yes. Welcome to the matchmaking club. We're trying to hook Aoshi up with Kel. It has been slow going." Saitou fixed him with a mischievous smirk, "We'd resort to more aggressive tactics but Kel is a special case. We can't scare him as he'll flee, and we can't use subtlety because he's too sharp. We simply have to remain observers, lining up as many opportunities for those two to be alone together as we can, and let nature take its course."

"How long has this been going on?"

"Since the first weekend Aoshi stayed with him."

"And that doesn't seem a little early to you?"

"Not at all."

"I… wow. You know what? I'm not touching this one."

Kenshin draped his arms around Sanosuke's neck and kissed his cheek, "Everything will be fine."

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Lying naked in bed, Sanosuke let his thoughts focus on the moment. Kenshin was snug at his side, tucked in but not seeming ready for sleep.

"You're looking much better."

Sanosuke inhaled long and deep at the sensation of fingers combing through his hair, "How's the bruising?"

"Dark. Rampant. Severe." Kenshin smiled at the way Sanosuke chuckled, "But you look alert and focused now."

"Earlier kinda feels like a haze." He turned as Kenshin leaned closer and their noses brushed. Even smiling caused his face to ache, but another dose of painkillers had taken the edge off his suffering. Now it was easy to return the kiss Kenshin instigated. His arm curled around Kenshin's middle, fingers pressing gently into his skin and relishing the smoothness.

Kenshin led the kiss in a slow, careful dance. Sanosuke's wide mouth was pliant and accepting. When they parted their motions synced as their foreheads came together.

"I spoke with Katsu yesterday over the phone. He told me some interesting things, but encouraged me to ask you about the specifics."

"Specifics?" Sanosuke's brow knit, "Where is this conversation going?"

"Ah, I'm afraid I have some confessing to do before I ask anything. I told Aoshi we planned on making it official soon, and he let some information about you slip that you hadn't yet revealed to me yourself."

Sanosuke's eyes drooped and he sighed, "My father."

"Yes."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you months ago."

"No, don't be. That's not something I expect anyone to divulge easily. It's your decision to tell me, but when I asked Katsu about the situation he told me I shouldn't be hesitant or afraid. He said in this area the history isn't a secret."

"True enough. His death was a big deal in the community. My father was trying to change the world through art. You know - get the message out that things need to change and that every single one of us is responsible to make it happen."

"Sounds like he walked through life with great purpose."

"Yeah." Sanosuke moved, rolling over so he was above Kenshin, "My father's death, and the fact his killer was never apprehended, left me bitter for years. Katsu could tell you all about it. Wasn't the best period of my life, I'll say that."

"What helped you out of that bitterness?"

"I…" Sanosuke's composure faltered but a moment later his face broke into a gentle smile, "this is going to sound strange, but… I received a letter. One of those pay-it-forward or feel-good things I guess. I never thought much about that kind of stuff until that letter changed my life."

"Ah, I know exactly what you speak of. I've been part of those programs. If you don't mind my asking, what did it say?"

"Well, it said many things. It was not overly long – so a modest letter, but the content was rich. Whoever wrote it must be very wise, I imagine, because the author spoke of trials, of changes, of politics, of religion or lack of, of freedom and equality, and even life itself. It made me realize that my hatred and bitterness made me exactly what I hated. There was no full signature, and the return address was from a university. It was only signed… Rurouni."

Kenshin felt his skin tingle.

Concern welled in Sanosuke's eyes, "Are you okay? You just went… a little cold and pale."

"Sano…" Kenshin felt breathless, "I wrote that letter."

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Hiru traversed the concrete path to the front door slow and easy on his new crutches. His cast was bright green, which reminded him and everyone else of his eyes. A big, sloppy signature of Bobby's name was across one side. It had been done while Hiru was sleeping and he still wasn't sure what to make of it. Jake was at his side carrying a duffel bag of belongings. Behind them the familiar grr-grr-grrrr-grrrrr of Kel's Impala crept up the driveway. It stopped with a rickety rocking motion, which drew their attention. They had never seen the car 'misbehave' before, but when Kel got out of the passenger side it all made sense.

Aoshi had driven the Impala and was no doubt not accustomed to its handling.

"Whoa," Hiru murmured but his voice rose a moment later, "I don't think I've ever seen anyone besides you drive that car."

Kel grabbed a messenger bag out of the backseat and turned to Hiru, "Aoshi wanted to learn how to drive manual. He's been driving us everywhere for the past couple days."

"Yeah?" Hiru looked briefly at Aoshi as he stood up out of the low riding car, "Where all have you two gone? Anywhere fun?"

"Mostly the auto store or here, but we did drive around some empty parking lots and hit a few back roads." Kel opened the trunk and Aoshi began assisting him with the crock pot and other dishes.

"Yeah that sounds like stuff you'd enjoy." Hiru continued on his path, "Meet you guys inside."

Jake briefly surveyed the interaction between Kel and Aoshi, his eyes flicking between them, before he returned to his post watching over Hiru.

Aoshi looked up and at Jake's back. He liked Jake, but lately he'd felt put off by his presence.

When they were alone and out of earshot he turned to Kel, who was locking the trunk, and felt no shyness when he spoke.

"Is there something I should know about Jake?"

Kel looked up at him, the smile that had been in his eyes fading, "What do you mean?"

"The way he looks at me, as though he is suspicious of me, is concerning. I harbor no ill intentions toward him. Any insight you can provide would be appreciated."

"He's my best friend. He's just overprotective. Once he knows you better I'm sure he'll stop. He'll even like you."

"Not many like me even after they've known me for some time."

"I don't like many people even after I've known them for years, but I like you. Jake will like you, too. Trust me." Kel motioned his head toward the museum and Aoshi fell in beside and a few paces behind him.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Kenshin set the table as though he had done so for years. Sanosuke entered with Katsu in tow tugging on his arm and hopping along with excitement only barely contained.

"Kenshin!" Katsu abandoned Sanosuke and near glued himself to Kenshin's side, "Tell your boyfriend he is being unreasonable!"

Kenshin smiled at Sanosuke, eyes bowed shut as he very sweetly said, "Sano, you're being unreasonable."

Sanosuke sighed and crossed his arms while looking at Katsu disapprovingly, "Starting to think I should adopt a dog so at least someone will always be on my side."

"The dog would prefer Kenshin." Katsu's grin was playful.

"You're probably right."

Kenshin's eyes opened and his head tilted up as Sanosuke drew closer, "What are you accused of being unreasonable for?"

"Alcohol."

Katsu's shoulders slumped as he sank into a chair, "I wanted to have champagne and wine and beer, but Sanosuke wants tonight to be clean for some unholy reason."

"I just want to have a nice night where everyone is sober and sane."

"I concede," Katsu raised his hands and sighed, "but you can't blame me for trying."

"I know what you were plotting. Trying to get Aoshi to loosen up."

"Augh," Katsu grabbed at his chest in mock pain, "you found me out. Spare me, please!"

"Anyone else in on your scheme?"

"Nay, fearless leader. It was but I!"

"Good." Sanosuke leaned down and kissed Kenshin on the cheek, "Missed you this morning."

"You were sleeping so soundly I didn't have the heart to wake you."

"Katsu took care of that, heartless as he is."

"Ha ha." Katsu stood, "I'm going to get ready for what should be yet another amazing meal. I suggest you two do the same. And no hanky panky in the kitchen."

Sanosuke rolled his eyes dramatically, "Yes, mum."

When they were alone, Kenshin stood on his tip toes and urged Sanosuke to bend down so they could kiss. After a brief smooch, Kenshin rubbed their noses together and suggested they retreat upstairs for a little while.

Sanosuke agreed and it wasn't ten minutes later they found themselves naked in bed together. The door was locked and the blinds had been pulled shut in haste. Sanosuke even locked the balcony door for good measure.

Kenshin was unhurried despite his passion. He pulled Sanosuke in again and again for kiss after kiss and was mindful of the bruising as he seated himself on the open lap. Prolonged skin on skin contact gave way to the slickening of their bodies with sweat.

Panting, Kenshin relinquished their connection and pressed at Sanosuke's shoulders gently. The easy pressure had him relenting and searching Kenshin's face.

"Does it hurt your neck to sit like this?"

Sanosuke swallowed, "A little."

"You should tell me when it does. We can try it with you sitting back."

They did, and it was easier. Sanosuke found himself looking up, mesmerized by the movement on top of him. Kenshin's hair was loose around his neck and shoulders, like spools of impossible to contain silk. Caught in this moment he was beyond striking. Stray hairs were stuck to his cheeks, damp with sweat, and his mouth was open and panting as they moved together.

When they were both lax with satiation, Kenshin curled up beside him and emitted a pleased sigh.

"This," Sanosuke drew a deep breath, "is perfect."

"Mm." Kenshin agreed and snuggled in.

And if the world ended then, Sanosuke would drift into oblivion knowing happiness and love.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

6.5.2016

A/N: I only have plans for one more chapter so things may soon come to a close. I don't normally say things like this out loud or online, but lately I've been very depressed. Lots of heavy stuff. Didn't know what else to do with myself or life so I retreated into the fandom world.