I'm going to scream really loud. Hang on…….Okay, thanks for waiting. I had four pages of this chapter written and then my stupid computer froze and I hadn't saved. So, on with try 2. It was really good so far, too. Anyway, the way I've broken up this chapter is each date will be told in its entirety to keep me from getting confused with switching back and forth. So, here we go and hope y'all like!

WARNING: OOCNESS ABOUND! (But that's when it's the most fun!)

The Reunion

Chapter 9: The Date

Megumi and Sanosuke

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Megumi walked next to Sanosuke in total silence. She didn't know what to say when she wasn't insulting him. To avoid starting an argument, she kept silent.

Sanosuke was struggling with the same predicament. Don't mess this up, Sagara. "Um, so how have you been today?"

Megumi smiled slightly. "Fine. And you?"

"Same, same. My head finally quit hurting from when Okaasan grabbed me." Sanosuke smiled and Megumi let out a giggle.

"You men were quite a sight that day. Three top fighters bested by a small old woman. We girls had a good laugh." She smiled warmly at Sanosuke and he wondered why he was ever mean to her. Granted it was all in fun, but she was ten times prettier when she was happy.

"Uh, Megumi?" Sanosuke stopped in the street and waited for Megumi to face him.

She did a good job of masking her surprise at hearing him say her name and turned slowly to face him. "Yes?"

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for picking on you all those times. I meant for it to be all in fun, ya know a joke. But I do take it too far some times and I'm sorry if I upset you."

Megumi softened her gaze. "Sanosuke, I'm sorry too if I've ever made you upset. Truth be told, I've never had a man challenge me before. I was always handed everything on a silver platter for so long by most men. Having someone who would actually challenge me good-naturedly was just what I needed. Thank you."

They resumed walking and Sanosuke spoke again. "Megumi, do you want me to quit teasing you?"

"No. I enjoy our daily routine. It's just that sometimes I wish we could have a serious conversation like the one we're having now. One where we can really say what we're thinking without the fear of someone making a joke out of it."

Sano nodded his head in agreement. "I understand. And I think you're right."

Megumi smiled at him. "Good then it's a deal? We'll still have fun, but be serious if one of us wants to be?"

Sanosuke returned the smile. "Deal."

He held out his hand to shake and Megumi did the same, but instead of shaking her hand Sanosuke turned it over and kissed the back of it lightly. Megumi looked at him, shock clear across her face.

"What's wrong, kitsune? Didn't think I could be sentimental?"

Megumi stuttered for a moment, took a deep breath, and tried again. "I just wasn't expecting it, that's all."

"I'm full of surprises." Sanosuke winked at Megumi and she smirked at him.

"We'll see, tori-atama."

They made it to the Akabeko where Tsubame greeted them at the door. "I've just finished setting your meals out. The table's all ready to go. Just make sure to leave through the back and put the key behind the stack of firewood. Have a nice night!" She scurried out the door, leaving the two alone.

Sanosuke spotted a glow coming from the back of the restaurant. "I think we're supposed to be back here."

He led Megumi to the booth at the back of the restaurant and Megumi let out a breath. "Oh, it's lovely."

Tae had arranged a small floral centerpiece with one tall candle on each side of the piece. Set around the booth were bouquets of varying sizes, shapes and flower types, each one adding to the ambience. Megumi and Sano sat down to have their dinner.

It was silent for a while until Megumi giggled softly. Sanosuke looked up puzzled and Megumi explained herself. "I just keep thinking about when Okaasan grabbed your hair. It was priceless. I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh."

Sanosuke chuckled. "No, it's okay. I can only imagine what we must have looked like."

The laughter died down and all was silent again. "Megumi, you don't say much about your family. Why don't you ever talk about them?"

Megumi looked right into Sanosuke's eyes. "It's kind of painful to talk about. I mean I wouldn't mind telling you about them, but tonight is not for sad stories. Let's just have fun and not think about sad things."

Sanosuke nodded. "Right. Just so you know, if you ever feel like talking, I'll listen."

Megumi reached over and squeezed his hand affectionately. "Thank you, Sanosuke. It means a lot to me."

They finished the rest of the meal in silence.

Sanosuke looked around the booth again. "It's so pretty in here it's almost a pity to leave."

Megumi smiled as she looked around the booth as well. "All good things must come to an end. But, that's just so another good thing can begin."

Sanosuke stared at her. "I'd never thought about it that way before."

Megumi grinned devilishly. "That's why I'm the doctor and you're the freeloader."

Sanosuke returned the grin. "Cheap shot, I wasn't ready."

Megumi giggled and stood to leave. "Rule Number One if you're out with me: Be ready for anything."

They got outside the Akabeko and placed the key where Tsubame instructed. Sanosuke stood for a minute like he was trying to say something. "Megumi, would you like to take a walk?"

Megumi looked up into the sky. "That would be nice."

As they walked Sanosuke couldn't take his eyes off Megumi's hair. It was beautiful up, but it had always been such a fascination for him, that it wasn't right to put it up. He wanted to reach up and pull the chopsticks out but that would no doubt earn him a slap and a good tongue-lashing.

As they walked he gathered his courage and took hold of Megumi's hand. She tensed at first, but relaxed again and held his in return. They walked to the river and Sanosuke led her to a large tree to sit underneath.

Megumi leaned against the tree. "Tonight has gone better than I had imagined it would. I thought we would be fighting all night."

Sanosuke studied the water. "I thought the same thing. Glad we were wrong." He looked over at Megumi's peaceful expression and decided the moment was right. "I have something to give you." He reached into his gi and took out the small package he'd gotten her earlier.

Megumi took it with trembling fingers and unwrapped the tiny box. She opened it and gasped at the locket inside. "Sanosuke, how did you know? I've been admiring this for so long."

Sanosuke shrugged sheepishly. "Actually, I didn't know. But, it was the first thing that caught my attention earlier."

Megumi narrowed her eyes playfully. "How are you paying for it?"

Sanosuke feigned hurt. "What are you implying, Takani-san?" He paused and lowered his head dramatically then mumbled. "I'm chopping firewood for the next six months."

Megumi laughed. "Oh, Sanosuke. Thank you. Regardless of how you're paying for it, I love it."

She fastened it around her neck and scooted closer so she could lean her head on his shoulder. They just sat there for a while staring at the water. Sanosuke gathered his courage again. "If I did something forward right now, would you slap me?"

Megumi smiled a small smile. "Maybe."

"I'll take the chance." He tilted her head up and placed a small, chaste kiss on her lips. The small gesture sent tingles all over Megumi's body. Dozens of emotions flooded

her and she knew then and there that this was how it was supposed to be. She grabbed the folds of his gi gently and brought his head down for another more forceful, but just as innocent kiss. When they parted, Sanosuke cupped her cheek and she leaned into the touch.

"We should get going. You have to work tomorrow and so do I."

Megumi moaned in protest. "I don't want to." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Please just give me a few moments like this. No one's ever been this gentle with me and I want to take advantage of it."

Sanosuke smiled to himself as he returned her embrace. When she finally pulled away, he stood and helped her to her feet. "Let's get going."

As they walked along the streets, hand in hand, a few young girls came from an alleyway and started yelling at Sanosuke.

"Hey, Sagara! Want to have some fun with us?"

Sanosuke tried to ignore them.

"Come on, sweetie! Ditch the girl and come have fun with some real women!"

Megumi yanked her hand away and started to walk faster. Sanosuke jogged to keep up with her. "Megumi, I'm trying to ignore them. Please don't get angry with me because they're drunk."

Megumi turned to him with tears in her eyes. "I wanted tonight to be special, Sanosuke. I wanted it to be about us and just us. Instead, some of the whores you've visited have shown themselves. I figured it had happened, but seeing them is something I can't get over. I'm sorry. I can't do this." She turned and ran towards the dojo, desperately needing to cry to Okaasan.

Sanosuke turned and stomped back to the women from the alley. Megumi turned, ready to go back and apologize for her actions thinking she may have acted hastily, but saw Sanosuke walking back to the whores. She let out a pained sob and ran even faster for the dojo.

Sanosuke approached the women. "Why did you do that? I've never seen any of you before in my life and then you go and ruin the most important night of my life so far! What's wrong with you?"

One older woman with jagged teeth spoke. "Just trying to get some business. So, what do you say?"

Sanosuke glared at them. "No. The answer to women like you has always been no and will always be no. I've never visited a whore and I never will. That woman I was just with is a hundred times the woman any of you will ever be. I don't want some used up leftovers. Sorry, ladies." He sarcastically drawled out his final sentence and made his way to the dojo, needing to make amends with Megumi.

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Aoshi and Misao

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Misao kept her head lowered as she walked next to Aoshi. She had been so bold as to take his arm when they were leaving Tae's house, but now she was wondering what the heck she had gotten herself into. What if he doesn't want me to touch him? But if I pull away, I won't have this opportunity again and he might feel like I changed my mind about him. Should I be selfish and hang on? But, what if it's making him uncomfortable? I don't want to make him uncomfortable… And on and on the ninja girl's thoughts went.

A sudden stop jolted her from her inner musings. "We're here, Misao." Misao glanced up to see an old fisherman smiling at her.

"So, you're Misao, are you? Tae has told me all about you. Says you're some sorta ninja." The old man smiled a toothless smile at her. "Well, any friend of Tae's is a friend of mine. I sell Tae her fish for the restaurant. Name's Jeb."

Misao looked at him slightly puzzled. "Jeb's not a Japanese name."

Jeb let out a chuckle. "Nope. I'm American. Traveled when I was younger and met a pretty little Japanese girl, much like yourself. Married her and settled down here. Anyway, enough yakking. You and that young feller need the boat. Tae put your food down in the cabin below deck. It's not a big boat so I'm sure you'll be able to find your way around. You kids have fun. Bye!" He got off the boat and waved as the two sailed off into the river. (A/N: Jeb. [snicker] Couldn't resist. The voice he had in my head wouldn't let me give him any other name.)

Misao looked around as she and Aoshi stood on the deck of the boat. It really wasn't big, but it was new and clean and decorated very nicely. Misao and Aoshi headed below deck and what they saw took Misao's breath away.

The food was set on a European style table. Small, but elegant in design. Rose petals had been strewn about the floor and a few on the table just to continue the theme. Small candles lined the walls of the cabin casting a soft and somewhat haunting glow in the room.

Aoshi pulled Misao's chair out for her, always the perfect gentleman. Misao sat down and watched with a smile as Aoshi sat himself down opposite from her. "Aoshi-sama?"

Damn, it's that voice again. "Yes, Misao?" Just stay in control, Shinomori.

"Do you like how it's decorated? I ask because I've been thinking about incorporating some Western furniture into the living quarters of the Aoiya. With Japan opening it's borders, don't you think it would be wise to have the Oniwabanshuu comfortable using Western furniture as well as understanding Western customs and etiquette?" Misao looked at Aoshi expectantly.

He stared back at her, stoic as ever, when inside he was thinking, 'What the heck?' "Well, Misao, I do think your idea is a good one. If you're asking if I like Western furniture, I'd have to say some."

Misao didn't want to talk business tonight, but it was the only thing she could think of at the moment. "I see, Aoshi-sama." She pursed her lips, obviously thinking about something. "I'm rather partial to their beds."

Aoshi almost choked on his tea.

"Their beds are made high off the ground, soft mattresses, lots of pillows, that's what I want." Misao pretended to not notice Aoshi's dumbfounded expression. One point for me!

Aoshi didn't know how to react so he calmly started to eat his dinner. Misao followed suit and a comfortable silence fell over the room. Misao kept glancing up to find Aoshi looking at her warmly. However as soon as she would look up, he'd look down and his expression would become as icy as ever.

Once they had finished, Misao followed Aoshi up onto the deck. She went around to the other side and found a Western style loveseat with overstuffed cushions. Next to it, sat a large piano. "Aoshi-sama! Over here!"

Aoshi almost smiled when he heard Misao squeal with delight. When he rounded the corner, he found her running a hand along the keys of the piano and he knew what she was remembering. Shikijo, with all his muscle and strength still had the gentle and nimble touch needed to play the piano. And play beautifully he did. He taught Misao how to play as well, but with her short arms she couldn't reach all the way across, so he would play as one hand and she as the other.

"Aoshi-sama, do you know how to play?" Misao kept looking at the keyboard, but Aoshi heard the hope in her voice.

"I know a little. I was never as good as Shikijo. Or you."

Misao smiled gently at him. Suddenly, she wasn't sixteen and a child. She was much older, wiser and mature than anyone had ever thought she was. She sat at the piano and Aoshi took a spot on the loveseat. Misao began to play her favorite song softly. Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, just as Aoshi had said. Then, she began to speak to Aoshi.

"You know Aoshi-sama, the reason I act the way I do is because that's what everyone wants and expects of me. I've always been 'little Misao-chan, the great Okashira's granddaughter.' I could never be me, who I really am. I'm not a child, I'm not helpless and I'm not as untouchable as everyone thinks. Nor am I stupid. I know more than most women my age. Maybe I don't know how to be a beautiful and graceful wife, but I know 15 languages, I can play 4 different instruments, I know customs for all the countries I know languages for, I studied higher academic levels than most schools teach and I am more than anything else a ninja. I possess a level of grace and agility due to my training that most women will never achieve and I'm proud of everything that I am." She nodded her head at Aoshi with a small smile on her lips.

Aoshi listened to her playing, not knowing what to think about all that she had said. Of course she wasn't like other women, but did she think that made her less than they were? Aoshi could never be with a normal woman. They bored him with their limited skills and intelligence. But then again, being around ninja women who knew so much more than the average person didn't help much.

Misao finished her song and came to sit next to Aoshi. "Would you play something, Aoshi-sama?"

Aoshi looked at Misao and couldn't refuse. "I don't know how to play much. I know part of one song by heart."

Misao leaned forward, elbows on her knees, chin set on her fists as she listened. He started playing 'Fur Elise.' Coincidentally, it was Misao's second favorite song. She listened enraptured, as he played halfway through the song. He got stuck and Misao went to sit next to him on the bench. He watched fascinated as Misao's hands expertly played the next part of the song.

"I could never remember that part, Misao."

Misao saw an opportunity and stood behind Aoshi. "Place your fingers on the keys, Aoshi-sama." He did as he was told and Misao took a very deep breath. She reached around and laid her small hands atop his larger ones and played the rest of the song with Aoshi. When it was finished she placed her hands on his shoulders to push herself upright. "There you go, Aoshi-sama. The rest of the song."

Aoshi was in turmoil. Misao had been pressed completely against him through the whole ordeal and now his head was filled with Misao and the feeling of soft curves lingered on his back. What is she doing to me? On top of all that, she has soft hands. How can a ninja have soft hands? Gods, if it keeps going at this rate she'll have me doing something we'll regret by the end of the night.

Misao sat on the loveseat and was completely surprised when Aoshi came to sit next to her. Usually he would have kept his distance by staying on the piano bench. She gazed up at the sky and never noticed Aoshi studying her.

Aoshi was getting uncomfortable. He wanted to sit next to Misao, which surprised even himself. But, he didn't want to get too close so he had himself scrunched on one side. He finally decided that resting his arm along the back of the seat was his best choice. Turned out it was a bad choice if he wanted to keep his distance.

Misao's hair was right in front of his hand. He tentatively began to play with a few locks that had fallen over the back of the seat, hoping Misao wouldn't notice.

Misao felt the smallest of tugs at her hair and realized what Aoshi was doing. Not wanting to stop him, she didn't give any indication that she knew. However, the more Aoshi played with her hair, the more tired Misao became. Her eyes finally drifted closed and within minutes her breathing evened out.

In her sleep, she shifted so that she was leaning against Aoshi, her head on his chest, the rest of her curled against his side. Aoshi got ready to push her away but noticed her deep breathing and realized she was asleep. He smiled softly and played with her hair more bravely. Misao woke up but didn't move, didn't open her eyes and didn't allow her breathing to change. Aoshi slowly moved his hand from her head, down along her arm, rested it atop her hip and brought his other arm around to embrace her lightly. He rested his head atop hers and whispered in Gaelic, Misao's favorite foreign language. "Chuckey ar law, a storin." (A/N: Okay, spelled phonetically since Gaelic is tricky in its true form and no one would have ever figured out how it's supposed to sound unless they know Gaelic. Translated, this means 'Our day will come, my little treasure.')

Misao's heart skipped a beat. She wanted to jump up and down, but she was pretending to sleep. Oh, Aoshi-sama. Speaking in Gaelic for me? Ooh, I want to kiss him right now, but that would ruin everything. I'll just behave myself and wait it out.

Misao waited a few more minutes and then began to let Aoshi know she was waking up. As predicted, the hands moved away from her and Misao shivered slightly at losing their warmth.

"I'm so sorry for falling asleep, Aoshi-sama. I guess I was tired from all of today's excitement. It takes a lot out of a girl to get dressed up." Misao smiled brightly at Aoshi.

"Wait here, Misao. I'll be right back." Aoshi disappeared into the cabin and came back

holding the music box he purchased for Misao. "I bought you a gift."

Misao's eyes lit up. "Oh, Aoshi-sama. I feel guilty now. I didn't buy you anything." She put on a small pout and Aoshi shook his head at her.

"I don't need anything. I wanted to get this for you." Misao blushed under his gaze.

She unwrapped her gift and bit her bottom lip to keep from squealing when she saw the music box. "Aoshi-sama, thank you so much. It's beautiful."

She opened the top and listened to the song it played for a few seconds. She closed it back up and reached over impulsively to hug Aoshi. "Thank you, again."

She leaned back and giggled at Aoshi's panicked expression. "I won't bite you know! It was just a thank you hug! Don't get so worried about it!"

Aoshi quickly regained his composure and stared out at the water. "We're back at the dock, Misao. We should go back to the dojo."

Misao nodded and followed Aoshi back to the dojo, not speaking the entire way. When they reached the gates, Misao tugged gently on his sleeve. He turned to look at her and she reached up to hug him again. "Thank you for a wonderful night and thank you again for the music box." She kissed his cheek and went inside.

Aoshi watched as Misao walked inside the gates and then wondered what was going on when he heard a woman crying. Misao took off running for Okaasan's room. Aoshi started to follow but Misao put up a hand. "Girl stuff. It's nothing dangerous."

Aoshi nodded and went to meditate in the dojo while Misao went inside to talk to Megumi.

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Kenshin and Kaoru

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Kaoru utilized Okaasan's flirting techniques the most. She held on lightly to Kenshin's arm, just enough pressure to let him know she was there. She kept her head lowered demurely and didn't speak unless Kenshin spoke to her.

Kenshin looked worriedly at Kaoru. Why isn't she saying anything? I hope I didn't upset her in some way. "Kaoru-dono? Do you feel all right? You've been very quiet tonight."

"I'm fine, Kenshin. I just don't have much to say." She smiled brightly at him and returned to watching her feet as they walked.

Kenshin looked again at the map his mother had given him. "I didn't think Okaasan would send us out this far."

Kaoru remained passive and silent at his side. Kenshin had finally had enough. "Kaoru-dono, you're making me worry. Would you please tell me why you're being so quiet?"

Kaoru let out an exasperated sigh. "Kenshin, I'm fine. I just haven't had much to say. I'm sorry. I'll try not to be as quiet."

Kenshin smiled at her, but the concern was still evident in his eyes. "Sheesh, Kenshin! I'm fine! You're such a worrywart! Just relax."

Kenshin went back to reading the map and led Kaoru a few more steps into the woods. "This must be it."

The food lay on a blanket in the grass, the area completely secluded due to the trees. A patch of wildflowers grew to one side and a small creek ran next to it. The tops of the trees opened just enough to let the moonlight in. Kenshin groaned inwardly. Don't be too obvious, Okaasan.

He sat down on the blanket and Kaoru sat next to him. He briefly wondered if Kaoru was involved in choosing the spot, but one look at the wonder on her face and he dismissed the idea.

Kenshin began eating and Kaoru tried to eat, but was too distracted by the package Kenshin had been carrying all night.

"Kenshin, can I see your package?" She didn't realize how naughty that sounded until Kenshin spit out a mouthful of water.

"Excuse me, Kaoru-dono?!"

Kaoru blushed heavily. "I mean, can I see what's in the package?" She pointed at the item to avoid further confusion.

Kenshin smiled his rurouni smile at her. "Sessha bought you a gift, Kaoru-dono. I don't know if you'll like it, but go ahead and open it to see."

He crossed his fingers and Kaoru slowly and gently unwrapped the picture. She put a hand to her mouth and a few tears escaped her eyes as she stared at the picture. "Oh, my. Kenshin this is beautiful. Who painted this?"

"Koinosuke Yuasa. I understand he was a former student of your father's."

Kaoru blinked hard against the tears. "Yes. He only stayed on for a few months, but he was at the dojo almost daily. Doing sketches, talking about philosophies with Father. He sort of adopted my dad since his own died when he was still a baby."

Kenshin smiled as Kaoru reminisced. She finally put the painting down and swiped at her eyes. "I'm sorry I made you cry, Kaoru-dono."

"Kenshin, don't apologize. It's more happy and nostalgic tears than sad ones. I love it. Thank you." She smiled at him and resumed eating, stealing glances at the picture every now and then.

When the food was gone, Kenshin leaned back on his hands to look up at the sky. Kaoru drew up her knees and did the same. "Can you name some of the constellations, Kenshin?"

(A/N: Forgive the author's faded memory of astronomy. That was a blow off class senior year of high school and that was six years ago. Sorry for wrong info!) Kenshin squinted up into the sky. "Well, the only one I was taught was the Big Dipper." Kenshin pointed up at the constellation.

Kaoru nodded. "Look, I'll show you some others." Kaoru began pointing out several star patterns to Kenshin, patiently guiding him until he actually saw it.

Kenshin looked at Kaoru in amazement. "How do you know all these?"

"Koinosuke. When he went to our school, he would sit outside with me when I was still really little and teach me about the stars. He would make up stories about each one and I remember laughing till my sides hurt sometimes. He had quite an imagination." She paused for a moment. "I don't even remember the stories now. But when I was little I would tell my dad the story the next day and be able to recite it word for word after hearing it only once. My dad used to joke and tell me I should be a 'professional rememberer.' I used to get so mad at him when he'd say that." She faked a little girl voice. "'Daddy, I am not going to be a professional rememberer! I want to do what you do and you are not a professional rememberer.'" She smiled over at Kenshin.

He was smiling a true smile at her. One of the few she had seen since he came to live with her. "Kenshin, why do you hide yourself from us?"

The question caught him off guard. "Sessha doesn't hide anything, Kaoru-dono."

"Don't lie to me. You never talk about your past. No one asks because we want to respect your privacy, but we've all opened up to each other over the past two years. All except you. You still keep it all locked away."

Kenshin sighed. "My past is dark, Kaoru-dono. I don't want to expose all of you to that."

Kaoru grit her teeth. "Kenshin, we all accept you. We don't mind if your past is dark. We want to know you. The real you, not this façade you've created." Kaoru slapped her hand to her mouth. "I didn't mean that, Kenshin. Well, I did, but not that you are a fake. Just that you hide the real you."

Kenshin stood and helped Kaoru up. "I think it's time to leave."

Kaoru felt tears sting her eyes. "Kenshin, I'm really sorry. Please don't be mad at me."

Kenshin felt guilty as soon as he saw the pain in her eyes. "Kaoru-dono, I'm not mad at you. I'm angry with myself. No matter how much I want to be honest with you all, I just can't. You, more than any of them, deserve to know the truth since you're the one who's taken care of me these last two years. But I can't bring myself to say anything."

Kaoru nodded in understanding and picked up her picture. Kenshin gently took it from her and offered his arm again. They walked back to the dojo in total silence. They saw Megumi go running inside from down the street. A few feet behind, Sanosuke dashed inside yelling for her to wait and listen to him.

Kaoru gave a quick glance to Kenshin and went running after them, Kenshin close behind.

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(Getting Story Back in Order)

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Kaoru and Kenshin were greeted with Megumi screeching at Sanosuke to leave her alone

forever. Kaoru went up to Megumi and pulled her into an embrace, glaring at Sanosuke. Kenshin pulled Sanosuke into the dojo to talk.

Kaoru led Megumi into Okaasan's room when the old woman opened her door and ushered them inside. Megumi latched onto Okaasan's yukata and started crying loudly. "How could he do such a thing?"

That's the only phrase they could make out through the muffled speech Megumi was giving. Okaasan asked Kaoru to go prepare some tea while she tried to calm Megumi.

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"What happened, Sano?" Kenshin knelt across from his friend and waited patiently.

"Kenshin, I messed up. I admit I hurt Kitsune's feelings, but I didn't mean to and now she won't let me explain."

Kenshin prompted Sanosuke to continue. "Well, we were walking back to the dojo. We had a wonderful time out. Things were going great. These whores ran out from an alleyway and started trying to get some business. Megumi thought I had already visited them before, so she pulled away thinking she had just seen women I had been with. She started running and I went back to the women to set things straight. Apparently, Megumi turned around to apologize but saw me walking back to them and thought I was going to go see them for the night. She misunderstood and it's partially my fault for turning around to go talk to them, but she could have stopped and listened."

Kenshin nodded. "Don't worry. Kaoru and Okaasan will calm her down soon and then you can speak with her."

Sanosuke lay on the dojo floor and sighed. "The night was perfect up until that point."

They heard the gate creak open and looked up to see Misao go running for Okaasan's room. Aoshi was about to follow thinking there was trouble, but Misao put up a hand and he headed for the dojo.

"What's going on?" Sanosuke told his story one more time.

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Misao walked into Okaasan's room just as Kaoru came in with the tea. Megumi sniffled a few more times and finally got her breathing under control.

Okaasan rubbed her back soothingly. "Now, dear. Tell us what happened so we can help fix it."

Megumi took a deep breath to help even her breathing again. "We were walking back when these women of ill-repute started yelling at Sanosuke. I guess he's a customer of theirs, so I pulled away. I knew he visited those kinds of places, but seeing them was so painful. I started running, then thought better of it and decided to go and apologize to him, but he was walking back to them." Megumi's voice broke on a sob. "He was going to visit a whore after we had such a wonderful night together."

Kaoru asked gently, "Have you heard his side yet? I'm sure Sanosuke wouldn't do something so horrible."

Misao leaned in closer. "I don't think he would do that, either. Maybe you just

misunderstood."

Megumi dabbed at her eyes. "I'll listen, but I want you guys to stay with me."

Kaoru and Misao walked over to the dojo and found all three men looking pensive. They looked up at the women and a chorus of 'uh-oh' swept through their heads. The women were still in their lovely kimonos, but their faces were battle-ready.

Misao and Kaoru spoke simultaneously. "Sagara, Okaasan's room, now."

Sanosuke stood and left the dojo.

He entered Okaasan's room and felt terrible once he looked at Megumi's red-rimmed eyes and the betrayal written across her features. "Listen, Megumi. I wasn't going to visit them. I was going back to put them in their place. Yes, I should have been more worried about you, but I didn't think about that at the time. The only thought I had was letting them know they were nothing compared to you."

Megumi softened her gaze and Kaoru and Misao got dreamy looks in their eyes. Sanosuke motioned for Megumi to follow him outside and she did. Kaoru squealed when they were gone. "Why can't Kenshin say things like that to me?!"

Misao whined. "I know. Aoshi-sama would never say anything that romantic."

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Sanosuke looked Megumi in the eye. "I wanted to say something else, but I only wanted you to hear it."

Megumi met Sanosuke's gaze and nodded. "Megumi, I have never visited a brothel, whore house, house of ill-repute…whatever you want to call it. I've never visited a whore ever in my entire life."

Megumi's eyes grew round. "You mean you never…you're a…" She trailed off and Sanosuke shuffled at the ground with his foot then nodded slowly.

Megumi's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Sanosuke. I wish I could say the same…"

Sanosuke shushed her and pulled her into an embrace. "Megumi, the past is the past. None of that was your fault, do you understand me?" He felt her nod against his shoulder. "I won't let anyone hurt you like that again. Trust me."

Megumi pulled back and met his eyes. "I do trust you."

He gave her a quick kiss and pulled her in for another hug. "Forget the past. Life begins for both of us now."

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A/N: Awww! Anyone else get cavities from that? My dentist bill's gonna be high! Anyway, I liked it! OOCness and all the sugar were just what I wanted to write for this chapter. Yes, our other couples are still iffy. You didn't think I'd end it there did ya? There's so much more fun to be had with this! But I've always thought Megumi and Sanosuke were too obvious to stay apart for long, so they got together pretty quick. All right, hope you liked and please review! Pretty please with sugar on? Hugs & Kisses!