A/N: I'm officially abandoning my fic, 'Winter Vacation'. I am extremely grieved that my story sucked and kept on going in circles. However, There is a good side in everything. I have an idea one better, much longer and more interesting Sano/Sayo, Aoshi/Misao/Sano fic. Thank you, And I hope you like my story. Please review! I have school now, but I'll really really appreciate it if you review and give me inspiration to write better and longer chapters. And, thank you, Desi, for pointing that out. I didn't know there was such story: Had I known I never would have started Winter Vacation. To the Author of Vacation, I am SOO sorry!! Please forgive me. I didn't know!

This fic is about all of the pairings in Rurouken.

Please, READ AND REVIEW.

Main couples: Kenshin/Kaoru, Aoshi/Misao/Sano, Sano/Sayo, and Sano/?? At the end. You'll have to read to find out! Ohohohohohohohoh! And, yeah, Yahiko and Tsubame are there too!

Short Summary: Consists of angst, romance and confused hearts, as well as lifelong friendships.

Quote of the day: I'm sorry. I don't ask of you to understand, but the Sekihou Tai is something very special to me. Kenshin, next time we see each other, I may have already become a criminal. And if you would then strike me with your sword, I wouldn't mind at all. -Sagara Sanosuke

CHAPTER 1: Sagara Sanosuke: Who am I.

RECOMMENDED SOUNDTRACK: Sanosuke/Sayo theme, 'Her most beautiful Smile'

Sano's POV

Sake.

Money.

Gangster.

Me.

Who am I?

Is it true that I only have two reasons in life? Drinking and gambling? Why do I have evil imprinted not only on the mere fabric of my clothing, but the very blood that runs in my veins? Do I not have a better reason why I should live? Must I always rely on Kenshin to help in battle?

Am I.

Am I not strong enough?

Am I not strong enough to help my friends, those who care for me, those who with open arms welcomed me into their family? Am I not as independent as I like to think I am? Do I get helped more than I help?

Am I just trouble with legs?

Am I just trouble with.

Am I just.

Am.

Words fade.

So does life.

Will I let my friends fade? Will I let my dreams fade? Will I let myself fade?

I don't want to fade.

Sayo. I miss you so much.

END OF SANO'S POV

It's been two years since Kenshin put a stop to the madness and chaos in Japan. Kenshin still hadn't proposed to Kaoru yet, Sano was still his normal self, and Megumi moved in with Dr. Genzai to help take care of the kids because Genzai Sensei was growing weaker.

Misao, Aoshi and the rest of the Oniwabanshuu were doing great; Aoshi was stopped staying in the temple that much. He went out by himself, but still didn't speak a lot. Misao rounded up new members of the Oniwaban all over the world, and was still the kawaii ninja girl everyone knew.

"NANDATO?! What the hell are you talking about, Jou-chan?" Sano's yelps were heard all through the dojo, and Kenshin sighed. "I already paid you!"

"You paid me a quarter of what's supposed to be paid, Sano! You really should control yourself, you know. Tae-san's been nice enough to extend your payment, but don't expect that from me!"

"B-b-but Jou-chan!"

Kaoru smirked at him and trotted off to Kenshin. She watched Yahiko training, and corrected him here and there to Yahiko's annoyance.

"Oi, busu, must I suffer?! It's Christmas Eve for Chrissake!" He groaned. Kaoru just hit him on the head with her bokken. "OW! Busu!! Nande su ne?!"

"What's the matter?! What's the matter?! I'll tell you what's the matter!!" She pulled on his ears and dragged him to a corner where Kenshin can't hear her. "It's two years, Yahiko. Two damn years."

".What's two years?"

Sanosuke heard this conversation and smirked to himself. 'Naïve boy.' Kaoru sighed and stalked away.

"What's her problem?" Yahiko asked.

"You don't get it, do you, Yahiko-chan," Sano teased. Yahiko groaned and punched Sano in the ribs. "Itai! Nandato?! You're getting stronger, Yahiko- CHAN!!"

"Urusai ne." Yahiko snapped.

*

It was five in the afternoon and Sano was sitting in the temple. No one knew where he was right now. And he wanted it to stay that way. Looking around again to make sure no one's there, Sano took a book from under the altar. He opened it and took a dainty pink handkerchief. Memories flashed before his eyes.

Sano yelped. "Itai!!" Sayo sighed. "You might want to stay still if you don't want me to hurt you."

He was bruised, and Sayo helped him. She was carefully adjusting the handkerchief around his wrist.

"I'm okay!! You do not have to do this!" Sano protested.

"I want to. It's my duty."

END OF FLASH BACK.

SANO'S POV

A single tear fell.

Then another.

And another.

Sagara Sanosuke, weeping?

Hah.

That's not possible.

But yet, here I am, crying.

Because of a handkerchief.

But. I miss you. Sayo.

Inner voices.

I hate inner voices.

Why?!

You love her, but its time to move on.

Shut up.

You need to know who you are.

SHUT THE HELL UP!

Sano scowled and folded the handkerchief neatly again. He stood up and walked out the door.

*

A/N More to come! Please, R&R!