Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic: These Changing Times
This fanfic series takes place two years after the Revenge Arc ends, in an alternate RuroKen universe. (Only because I started it well before the manga ended ^_^;;) Eighteen-year-old Makimachi Misao comes to Tokyo to stay with Kenshin and Kaoru... and to put her own troubles behind her. A newly attentive Sagara Sanosuke is more than willing to distract her. Then a certain Oniwabanshuu onmitsu turns up in Tokyo to help investigate a wave of vicious armed robberies sweeping the city...
Comments and constructive criticism are always appreciated. But be warned: this fic meddles with what seem to be considered the tried-and-true romantic pairings in RuroKen (in case I didn't already make that clear). So if you read further, please be kind and keep an open mind! ^^;;
Note: for those who are new to the language, go to http://www2.netcom.com/~sakka/times/glossary.htm to get information on the Japanese terms and expressions used in this chapter.
Chapter 6 -- Midnight Ramblings
"I can't believe it!" Sanosuke smacked a nearby wall in frustration. "We've been asking around for hours, and no one saw a damn thing last night." He began mimicking the polite, concerned tone affected by most of the shopkeepers and residents he and Misao had interviewed. "'Nothing unusual.' 'Oh, no, I didn't see or here anything.' 'No, everything was normal last night.' Either they're all lying... or they're too frightened to tell us what they really saw. Stupid cowards." He wearily rested his forehead against the wall.
Misao leaned back against the wall next to Sano. "It's possible they are telling the truth," she said. "We're already pretty sure we're not dealing with your normal variety of yakuza. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd managed to thoroughly conceal their presence at the Akabeko last night."
Sano turned to face the young onmitsu. She was staring ahead at nothing in particular, wearing that same thoughtful, focused expression he'd seen at the clinic that morning when they were discussing the robberies. The air around her fairly crackled with the force of her concentration. Sano smiled affectionately, his eyes softening.
... if her fellow Oniwabanshuu could only see her now...
His frustration dissolved as he watched her ponder the events of the evening. She was still leaning against the wall, one leg cocked, its foot pressed against the stone surface. She frowned, crossing her arms just below her breasts. She bounced her foot against the wall once... twice.
Then, in typical Misao fashion... she lost her patience.
"Mou!" she wailed, shoving herself away from the wall and stomping around in a circle. "I can't figure it out! If no one will talk to us about this, what are we supposed to do next? Wander around Tokyo hoping we'll run into the thieves? I mean, we have nothing to go on... not even the vaguest clue!"
"You're right," Sano responded, stifling a grin at her more characteristic outburst. He walked up to Misao, laying his hand on her shoulder. "I think we've done all we can tonight. Maybe we should wait until Shinichi gets back to Yahiko... or Tae and Tsubame-chan are well enough to tell us what happened. I'm sure tomorrow we can talk to them... they must have seen or heard at least one thing we can check out."
"What if Saitou gets to them first?" Misao grumbled. "I was really hoping to get the jump on him this time."
"We still might. He's so obsessed with finding that police leak that it may leave us an opening," Sano said. He squeezed her shoulder. "In the meantime, there's only one thing left for us to do..."
Misao looked up at him in puzzlement.
"Celebrate the start of our partnership," Sano said, his brown eyes twinkling. "Come on... I'll buy you a drink in honor of our first investigation together."
Misao knew she should go back to the doujou and to bed. She could almost hear Okon and Omasu scolding her --
... going out drinking alone with him... and in your fighting clothes! Misao-chan, it's just not ladylike...
Silently ordering her "conscience" to shut up, she pressed her lips together and shook her head, averting her eyes.
Sano's smile faded. Che. She's backing off again... just when I thought we were getting somewhere...
"... call that an invitation?"
Sano stared at her in astonishment. "Oro?"
Misao nearly burst out laughing at his Himura-like expression of confusion. "You're holding out on me," she sniffed, folding her arms. "I know you still have that sake from the Aoiya... and all you offer me is one measly drink of some cheap swill." She yawned dramatically. "How boring..."
Completely flummoxed, Sano said the first thing that came into his head --
"How the hell did you know I hadn't drunk that sake yet?" He knew it was a stupid question, but her response caught him off guard. She's good at that... keeping me guessing... the little weasel!
Misao reached up and tapped him on the nose. "Trade secret," she grinned. "So... you gonna cough up the good stuff, or am I going home?"
"You win," he said, laughing and throwing up his hands. "Where are we drinking? My place?"
"Nope. I have a much better idea," Misao said cheerfully as she started down the street, pulling Sano along with her.
...............
"All right! Name your roll and place your bets!"
A chorus of different numbers rang out from all around the packed gambling hall.
"Double-six!"
"Four and five!"
The man taking bets glanced over at Sanosuke and Misao. "Your wager?" he said, his eyes roving over Misao in her skimpy ninja gear.
Misao sat up straight, her expression comically solemn. "Snake eyes!" she announced, holding up two of her kunai for emphasis.
The men surrounding them laughed heartily. "Oi, Misao-chan... you'd better put those away before you hurt someone," one of them said with a broad grin.
"Daijoubu, daijoubu," Misao said, her words slurring a bit as she waved the hand holding the kunai. The men sitting across from her backed away. "I'm a well-trained 'mitsu... no need to fear. Ne, Sano?"
"Sou, sou," Sanosuke agreed, draining his sake cup. "Very well-trained. Misao-chan, how much'r we bettin' this time?"
Misao set her kunai down, much to the relief of the other patrons. "Hmm... how about 100 yen?" she said, stroking her chin.
Everyone around her face-faulted.
"B- but... that's too much! No one here can cover that... if you win again, you'll break the bank!" the bet-taker protested.
Misao glanced at Sano. "Ne... what d'you think, Sano? Should we let 'em off the hook?" she asked, holding out her empty sake cup.
"Ahh... what the hell," he replied, tipping the sake jug sharply until Misao's cup was filled, then re-filling his own. "We're almost out of sake anyway. This'll be our last bet..."
"Wakatta," Misao said, slapping down a handful of coins. "Twenty yen! You losers should be able to cover that, right?"
"Hai, hai," the moderator grumbled. "All bets are closed! Winner throws." He handed the dice to Misao, leaning over a bit as he did so. Sano tightened his grip on his sake cup.
Trying to look down her shirt, eh, yarou? Better back off... or I'll kick your ass!
Misao hesitated, turning to her companion. "Sano?" she said with a radiant, slightly lopsided smile, holding the dice out to him.
Her action elicited several envious sighs from the other gamblers. Puffed with pride, Sanosuke returned Misao's smile and patted her hand.
"I appreciate the gesture... but let's not mess with success," he said, winking at her. "Gambatte yo, Misao-chan!"
"All right! Here I go!" Misao gulped the last of her sake and set the cup down forcefully. Wiping her mouth with the back of her free hand, she leaned forward and threw the dice into the middle of the ring formed by the gamblers. They rolled to a stop, each showing a single black dot. The hall erupted with cheers and shouts.
"Yatta!" Misao shrieked, throwing her arms around Sano. "That's our tenth straight win! We're rich!"
Sanosuke returned her embrace self-consciously. Even in his drunken state, he was aware of the many eyes upon them. "Omedetou," he said, unable to resist the urge to give her slender waist an extra squeeze before releasing her. "It was all thanks to your luck... so the money's really yours."
"Dame, dame, dame!" Misao shook her head vigorously. "You shared your sake with me... so I'm sharing my winnings with you."
Sano rubbed the back of his neck, feeling slightly sheepish. "Iie, Misao-chan... it's not really the same --"
Misao cut him off by pressing a finger gently against his slightly open mouth. "It's decided," she said in a low voice, slowly running her fingertip down the center of Sano's lips and letting it rest briefly against his chin. "So stop arguing and take it, 'kay?"
Her flirtatious touch sent pleasant little shivers through him. "I give up," he murmured, knowing the sake was probably responsible for her provocative behavior... but basking in her attention all the same.
Then Misao stood up, wobbling a bit. "Oi... I'm ready to collect, so hand it over, mister!" she said loudly, pointing at the bet-taker. He rolled his eyes and handed Misao a sack filled with coins and bills.
"One-hundred fifty yen. You can count it, if you want."
"Nah... I trust you guys," Sanosuke said, taking the heavy sack from Misao. "It's nice to be on the winning end for a change. Ja!"
Several protests rose from the crowd as the pair headed for the door.
"Oi, Misao-chan... don't leave yet!"
"Misao-chan... roll once for me!"
Misao turned with an apologetic smile. "Gomen, minna... my agent here says it's time to quit," she said, glancing mischievously at Sano. "I'll come back some other time and play with you guys, ne?" She flashed a dazzling smile and blew kisses at the gamblers, who laughed and roared their approval.
Sanosuke tugged on her braid. "I hate to drag you away from your adoring public..." he teased.
"All right... we're going... ja!" Misao called as she followed Sano out the door.
...............
The shadowy figure waited patiently outside the clinic window, watching as the old doctor looked in on his sleeping patient. The woman was sleeping soundly, though her breath appeared to catch occasionally... likely from the pain of her broken ribs. The doctor nodded with satisfaction and slid the door shut behind him.
The watcher glanced around quickly to make sure the guards the police had sent were still out front with the old man. An instant later, he opened the window and slipped through, approaching the room's occupant on silent feet. She didn't stir as he stood at her bedside and stared down at her, studying her black eye and swollen lip. He frowned behind his mask, remembering her defiant eyes... her fierce refusal to give him what he demanded the night before...
Her spirit should be broken by now... like the others... but I have to be sure...
He pushed a tendril of her long brown hair behind her ear, leaned down and whispered --
"Wake up... Sekihara Tae."
Tae murmured something unintelligible, turning away from him in apparent protest. He stroked her hair again, repeating his command, his lips accidentally brushing her ear.
Her good eye fluttered open, then widened in shock. Before she could draw breath to scream, he clamped a gloved hand tightly over her mouth.
"Don't worry, Sekihara-san... I'm just here to deliver a message." He smiled coldly as he felt her tremble. She's terrified. That's good. "Next time we visit you... we expect you to cooperate fully. If you give us trouble again, the young girl pays the price. Do you understand?"
She nodded, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
"Oh, and one more thing... it would be in your best interest to tell the police you don't remember anything about last night. That blow to the head must have made you forget. Tell your nosy friends the same thing."
She shook her head violently, her expression as clear as words. They won't believe me...
His eyes blazed, and he tightened his grip over her mouth until she moaned in pain. "They had better believe you," he hissed, "or you'll answer to me. Now, if you want to be left alone... you'll keep quiet until I'm gone. All right?"
She nodded again, a few tears trickling down her cheeks. He released her and silently crept to the window, peering over the sill. A guard now stood in the alley, but he was a good distance away from the window. The intruder easily swung himself out the window and onto the clinic roof, making no more noise than a cat. He crouched for a minute as the guard glanced curiously down the alley. The moment the guard turned away again, he leapt onto the roof of the next building and disappeared into the shadows...
Back in the clinic, Tae lay alone in her bed, still shaking with terror. Oh, father... Tsubame-chan... what am I going to do? If the police can't protect us, then...
For a brief, hopeful moment, she thought of Sanosuke and Kenshin. But when that evil man had warned her against talking to her friends, she was certain he meant the spiky-haired fighter and the diminutive swordsman. Besides, Kenshin had Kaoru and their growing family to consider now... those monsters would most certainly target them all if she brought Kenshin into this. That left Sanosuke... and even with his great strength and formidable fighting skills, Tae doubted he could handle this by himself.
Despite the pain from her ribs, she rolled over, burying her face in her pillow to muffle her renewed sobs.
It's best if I do as they say... for everyone's sake...
...............
"I can't believe how well we did tonight!" Misao chortled gleefully, weaving slightly as she skipped beside Sanosuke, who was whistling a cheerful melody. "D'you know how much we can buy with all that money?" She rubbed her hands together greedily. "I can hardly wait to go to market tomorrow! We should have a feast... maybe with Tae-san and Tsubame-chan, if they're well enough... to cheer them up... ne, Sano?"
Sano stopped whistling. "That's a pretty good idea," he said. "Let's ask Genzai-sensei if it's okay first... then I'll help you shop."
"Yoshi!" Misao bounced with excitement. She then drew herself up as straight and tall as she could, intoning, "Of course... it doesn't mean everything is solved... we still have a job to do... ne, Sano?"
He grinned and nodded in reply.
Misao suddenly looked stricken. "Maybe we shouldn't be partying... maybe we should be more serious until the criminals are caught... maybe we'll offend people if we're having fun... ne, Sano?"
The ninja girl now looked to be on the verge of tears. Sanosuke sighed, scratching the back of his head. Shouldn't have let her drink so much... talk about mood swings...
"Daijoubu, Misao-chan," he said, tapping her under the chin. "We have to keep our spirits up, right? I don't think anyone can blame us for that."
Misao's eyes brightened. "Sou desu ne," she said, her cheerful energy restored. She smiled up at him. "You always say just the right thing," she said, cocking her head. "It's like you know me better 'n anybody..."
Before Sano fully grasped her last comment, she was off again, bounding down the street. "C'mon, slowpoke... race you to the corner!" she yelled over her shoulder.
"No fair... you had a head start!" Sano protested as he sprinted after her.
...............
He was about to drop to the street when he saw two figures headed his way. A girl was running down the street, so fast her long braid stretched out nearly straight behind her. It whipped around when she turned her head to shout taunts at her pursuer, a tall man with spiky brown hair carrying a medium-sized sack over his shoulder. Despite his load, the tall man was gaining on the laughing girl. As they drew closer to the building upon which he crouched, he could hear their breathless banter --
"... give it up... rooster-head! Told'ya I could... out-run you... in my battle... gear..."
"... not over yet... you little... weasel!"
With an extra burst of speed, the man overtook the young woman. "Caught you!" the man crowed victoriously as they both slid to a halt directly beneath the observer's rooftop perch. He flattened himself against the tiles, silently cursing their timing.
Panting, the girl conceded, "... a tie... not bad... must be those long legs of yours."
The man grinned down at his companion, who had bent over to catch her breath. "So... what do I win?" he said.
She looked up at him. "Nothing... it was a tie... remember?"
"So we should both get something, then," he said, gazing down her. "I know what I want..."
She straightened, blushing at his provocative tone. "I'll just bet you do," she began, then stopped abruptly.
The watcher's stomach lurched as he realized the girl was staring directly at his hiding place on the roof...
...............
Misao squinted up at the roof of the low building next to where she and Sano were standing. She responded to Sano's puzzled stare by putting a finger to her lips.
I may be drunk... but I still know when I'm being watched... just wish I could see a little clearer.
She backed up several paces, then took a flying leap toward the rooftop...
...............
As the girl soared through the air toward him, he could tell she would easily make the jump... thereby discovering him. He could not allow that to happen.
Frantically, he slid his hands over and around the tiles in front of him. Relief flooded his body as he found what he was seeking...
...............
"Misao-chan, what the hell...?" Sanosuke sputtered as he watched her leap into the air, straining her body toward the edge of the roof. She smiled triumphantly as her left foot met its tiled surface...
... then gasped as it skidded across the small stones and debris lying there...
The hidden man smirked as he watched her fall.
...............
"Misao!"
As Misao toppled off the roof, Sanosuke raced toward her, his arms outstretched. He caught her, but the momentum of her fall knocked them both to the ground.
"Ouch!" he grimaced, gently rolling her off him and sitting up. "Didn't anyone ever tell you not to go jumping on buildings when you're drunk? Wha'cha do that for?"
Misao didn't respond. She lay motionless on her side, her eyes closed. Sanosuke felt as if a cold hand had closed around his heart.
Gods, no... she can't be...
He rolled her on her back and gently patted her face. "C'mon, Misao... snap out of it," he whispered urgently. "Come on, babe... answer me..."
She groaned, turning away from him. "Go 'way," she mumbled. "Feel terrible... need to rest..."
Sanosuke let out a long, relieved sigh. "I think it's about time we call it a night," he said.
"Hai," Misao said, her eyes still closed. "Oyasumi..."
Sano chuckled, shaking his head. "Oi, baka... you can't sleep here," he said, grabbing her by the shoulders and sitting her up. "And I can't carry you and the money at the same time. Can you walk?"
Misao gave him a bleary smile. "Think so," she said thickly. "Help me up..."
He stood up, pulling her with him. The minute she put her weight on her left leg, she yelped.
"Chikusho... must've twisted it..." she muttered darkly as she leaned against Sano. "Stupid, stupid..."
Sano stroked her hair soothingly. "Don't worry about it," he said. "I have an idea." He leaned over and picked up the money sack, handing it to Misao. "Can you hold that all right?"
She nodded, wrapping her arms around the sack. Sanosuke then scooped her up and began walking toward Kamiya Doujou. Neither of them noticed the soft thud of someone landing on the ground behind them, or the sound of light footsteps as the shadowy figure headed in the opposite direction...
...............
"Sano... can you put me down for a minute?"
The world was spinning around Misao, making her feel weak and trembly. She felt Sanosuke slowly lower her to the ground and take the sack from her.
"Are you feeling sick, Misao-chan?" His concerned expression was touching.
"Yeah..." she replied, smiling wanly. "Not only do I feel sick... I feel like an idiot."
Sanosuke gave her that sly half-smile of his. "So you drank too much... it happens. Next time we'll both know better..."
She nodded, taking slow, deep breaths. Now that the heavy sack wasn't pressing into her gut, she felt a lot better. "Sano, is there any way you can handle that bag? It's really hard for me to hold it."
He considered it for a moment. "I can do it... if you'll lend me your sash," he said.
Under normal circumstances, Misao would have smacked him silly for making such a suggestion. But at the moment, she couldn't care less how improper it was. Without a word, she untied the sash and handed it to him. She held her sleeveless top shut and watched as Sano tied the ends of her sash around the top of the sack, making a large loop. He then hoisted the loop diagonally over one shoulder, allowing the bag to hang at his side.
"Nicely done," she said as he picked her up again. "I never knew you were so inventive."
He opened his mouth to make a teasing reply. Their eyes locked.
Everything stopped.
Sanosuke almost forgot to breathe as he silently... longingly... stared at Misao. Her blue-green eyes were warm with affection... her cheeks flushed from the sake... her lips curved into a slight smile.
It was the perfect opportunity.
Misao contentedly gazed up at Sano. He'd been so kind to her... she had to think of some way to thank him for it. Maybe she should treat him to lunch or something...
While she was mulling this over, she idly wondered why he was no longer smiling at her. She finally got a clue when he began lowering his head toward hers. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest.
He's... he's going to...
Before her sake-fogged brain had a chance to finish the thought, he was kissing her.
Sano knew this was probably Misao's first kiss... and he didn't want to frighten or repulse her. So he kept it clean -- closed mouth, light pressure. It had been a long time since he'd experienced such chaste contact -- yet it aroused him far more quickly than his encounters with more practiced women ever had. It took every ounce of control he possessed to keep the kiss simple.
For a brief, panicked instant, Misao considered pushing Sano away... but the urge was quickly obliterated by the sensations that surged through her in response to his kiss... comfort... need... hunger... power. She could hardly think... didn't want to... all that mattered was this moment, these feelings. She raised her head slightly, pressing her lips more firmly against his, clutching his jacket with one trembling hand.
Her innocent response nearly shattered his restraint. They had to stop... now... before he couldn't. He pulled away slowly, brushing her lips once more before withdrawing completely. He opened his eyes.
Misao was still gazing up at him... eyes wide, mouth slightly open, breathing heavily. The slight flush on her cheeks had deepened to scarlet. Her right hand remained fisted in his jacket, while the left clutched her own shirt closed. He couldn't help smirking a bit.
Well... I'll let you ponder that for awhile, my little weasel...
"It's time we got you home," he said in a deep, slightly husky voice. As he began walking again, Misao rested her head against his chest, lulled by the warmth of his body and the steady thump of his heart.
By the time Sano reached the doujou, she was fast asleep.
-- End of Chapter 6 --