AN: Well, I'm back from vacation…and I have a new chapter for you guys! Woo! XD For those of you who think that Battousai is beginning to get OOC…he's also changing during the course of this fic, so he'll end up OOC for what he's like in the series…but, if given the chance, this is how I think he'd develop in the series. ^^;;

Warnings: Sap. Actually, no, it's not as much sap as this could have been… Shounen ai, folks!

Still the Same to Me
Chapter Seven

Kenshin blinked when he was finally given back control, finding himself sitting in the center of his room, his sakabato resting comfortably against his shoulder. He didn't actually expect Battousai to let him have control.

/It's only so you can speak to Sanosuke, Kenshin. You know that,/ Battousai whispered. /He's worried about you, anyway./

Kenshin sighed and nodded, though he knew Battousai wasn't paying any more attention to him. He sighed again and placed his sakabato on the floor beside him. Closing his eyes, he tried to remember the conversation his other half had had with Sanosuke that night. He knew Sanosuke had meant it when he said that he loved Kenshin, but it was just Battousai's reaction that had bothered him. Was he really…jealous of Kenshin? Was Battousai truly capable of feeling such at trivial emotion?

"But why would he be jealous?" Kenshin asked himself, standing up. "He may seem to be fond of Sano, but it's just—not possible that he could have fallen for him, is it?" But Kenshin knew, deep down, that Battousai had fallen for the ex-fighter-for-hire. That would complicate things at the Kamiya Dojo, especially for Kenshin. Battousai wanted to become one with him, integrate their best and worst qualities—but did he want that truly for Kenshin's benefit or for his own? Did Kenshin really want to become one with the once cold-hearted murderer inside of him?

Sanosuke had said that Kenshin would be the same to him; that he wouldn't think of Kenshin any different despite whatever may happen. And that appeared to include what Kenshin would become if he and Battousai truly became one again. Battousai's intentions when it came to doing so seemed to be good ones. Maybe he wanted to do so because Sanosuke loved Kenshin, and he wanted to be on with Kenshin so Sanosuke could love him, as well….

But, Kenshin realized slowly, crossing his arms in thought, he knew it would be difficult, if not impossible, for him and Battousai to truly combine. They would always be separate, even in the tiniest ways, and Sanosuke (or anyone close to Kenshin and his other half) would notice when one or the other was more dominate, even though they would be so similar that there wouldn't appear to be a difference. Hopefully Battousai wasn't going to be half-assed about this sudden want to combine.

/Stop worrying about my integrity, Kenshin. I realized it would be best if we were to become one./

"And how would it be for the best?" Kenshin muttered aloud, leaving his arms crossed.

/We could protect those we love more efficiently. You wouldn't have to worry about me taking over at the incorrect times and hurt those we love. If…If we had never separated in the first place; if you never allowed me to create myself separate from you…we never would have lost Tomoe, or Kaoru./

Kenshin sighed and uncrossed his arms. "I do not doubt that, Battousai, that I most certainly don't…but would we have ever met such wonderful people like Kaoru-dono, Yahiko, and Sanosuke?"

/Tomoe would have let us wander around the country if we were doing so to atone for our—I mean, my sins. We could have met them. But Tomoe is part of the past, Kenshin. We can't keep living in the past. If we work to become one now…we'll be able to be happy. And that's what Sanosuke wants./

Kenshin managed a small smirk. "So you'll admit that Sano's wants and needs are important, will you?" he asked.

He could just feel the glare Battousai would have given him before he felt his other half sigh. /Sanosuke has grown on me, Kenshin. But he loves you; just as Tomoe loved you, not me./

"Tomoe loved us both, Battousai. Sano could grow to love you as well, if that is what you want," Kenshin responded with a small smile. "Do you want me to ask him if he could ever love you like he loves me when I go speak with him?" Battousai was silent, and then:

/He could never love me once he has you. He'll be content and will want nothing to do with me./

"Sano is different than Kaoru-dono, Battousai," Kenshin pointed out as a pang of guilt and sadness in his heart made itself known, "he is more open-minded and will probably grow fond of you, as well."

Battousai sighed. /Fine. Ask him if you want to, but I doubt he'd ever consider it. Speaking of Sanosuke, shouldn't you go speak with him now?/

Kenshin glanced outside, noticed the position the sun was in, and nodded. "He should be waking up now… Battousai?"

/What is it?/

"Thank you for allowing me to speak with Sano. You know how much that means to me, that you do," Kenshin whispered.

/You're welcome,/ Battousai muttered grudgingly, causing Kenshin to smile to himself. Slowly he pulled himself off the floor, dusted himself off, and grabbed his sakabato, putting it where it belonged. Battousai would be mad at him if he were to leave his room without his sword. One day, Kenshin hoped, they would both be able to live without a sword attached to their hips. Until that day, Kenshin knew, he would have to wear it.

"Kenshin! You're up!" Yahiko cried as Kenshin walked out of his room. "I was just gonna come get you! Soujiro made breakfast already. WE thought you and Sano weren't gonna get up."

Kenshin smiled warmly at Yahiko. "Well, I'm sure Sano is still sleeping, that I am, so go wake him up, will you?"

Yahiko grinned, an evil glint in his eye. "This is gonna be fun," he cackled as he walked off towards Sanosuke's room. Kenshin's smiled softened as he turned towards the dining area of the Dojo.

Soujiro was sitting calmly at the table, his smile still permanently on his face. "Good morning, Himura-san. Did you sleep well?" he asked cheerfully.

Kenshin sat across from him. "I could have slept better," he responded, his smile still in place. "How was your night?"

Soujiro looked vaguely surprised before he shook his head. "Like you, my night could have been better."

"DAMNIT, YAHIKO!"

Kenshin suppressed a snicker as Yahiko dragged Sanosuke into the room by his feet. Yahiko was cackling as he let go of Sanosuke and ran behind Kenshin for protection. Sanosuke sat up, rubbing the back of his head, wincing every now and then as he glared at Yahiko. "That hurt, you wise-ass," Sanosuke muttered.

Yahiko snickered and took a seat next to Soujiro, grabbing a dish and a pair of chopsticks. "Kenshin told me to wake you up."

Sanosuke glared at Kenshin before his eyes widened in shock. Kenshin managed a small, apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Sano. I didn't realize he'd drag you into here in order to wake you up, that I did not," was his sheepish reply.

Sanosuke waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry 'bout it, Kenshin…" he muttered, muffling a yawn as he did so. He grabbed a dish and began picking the food and rice he wanted. "Who made breakfast?"

"Soujiro did," Kenshin answered, deciding to try a bite of the food. He had been hungry. To his surprise, the food was rather good. Yahiko and Sanosuke were digging in while Kenshin kept an eye on Soujiro. The young man was often difficult to read, but now there seemed to be some other emotions within him.

Kenshin glanced at Yahiko. The boy seemed to be all right. Finally, his gaze landed on Sanosuke, who was eating at a slower pace than Yahiko. He noticed how dark underneath his eyes were. Had he been staying up to keep an eye on Battousai, or had he been unable to sleep last night? Sanosuke glanc3ed at him, swallowing whatever he had in his mouth before muttering, "Are you alright, Kenshin? You haven't eaten that much."

Kenshin blinked at Sanosuke before smiling sheepishly, returning to his food. "I'm all right, Sano, that I am," he responded cheerfully, "I'm just not that hungry."

Sanosuke managed a small nod before offering what was left in his bowl to Yahiko. "Want it, brat?" he growled.

Yahiko stared up at Sanosuke warily. "Even if I wanted it, Sano, you wouldn't give me it, anyway."

"Now, now, you two. No fighting," Soujiro reprimanded, however his tone was too cheerful for Yahiko and Sanosuke to take him seriously.

Kenshin just shook his head. "Don't worry about it, Soujiro. They won't hurt each other." He blinked when Sanosuke's bowl was suddenly under his nose. "Oro?" he murmured, glancing at Sanosuke. Relief flashed in his eyes.

"Do you want it? You didn't get a lot of the food, Kenshin," Sanosuke responded, smiling at Kenshin. A soft blush appeared on Sanosuke's cheeks. "If you don't want it, I'd understand."

Kenshin smiled warmly at Sanosuke, reaching over to lightly pull the bowl out of Sanosuke's hands. Their fingertips brushed and that just made Sanosuke blush harder. "Thank you, Sano. Are you sure you don't want the rest of it?" Kenshin studied Sanosuke's facial expression, blushing slightly himself once Sanosuke nodded. He was so sweet.

/He never acts like that with me…and you think he could love me as much as he loves you?/ Kenshin blinked at Battousai before shaking his head. He wasn't going to have a conversation with him now. Slowly, Kenshin began eating what Sanosuke had offered him, taking his time. He wanted to enjoy the food before Battousai took over again. Somehow he was going to have to get Sanosuke alone. They needed to talk…but how to get Sanosuke alone without seeming rude?

"Kenshin…I want to talk to you after breakfast," Sanosuke muttered softly, excusing himself and heading off to his room.

Kenshin blinked, his chopsticks still in his mouth. "Alright," he agreed, turning back to his food. Why couldn't Sanosuke wait? The quicker they got around to talking, the sooner Battousai would have control. Did Sanosuke want that? Or was he desperate to hear Kenshin again? Kenshin shook his head lightly. It didn't matter; he couldn't delay their conversation just because he wanted to have control again.

Once Kenshin had finished he excused himself, thanking Soujiro for the meal as he did so. He turned to head off in the same direction as Sanosuke and was shocked to see him standing in the middle of the hallway, leaning against the wall.

"How long do you have until Battousai takes over again?" Sanosuke asked, not even looking up at Kenshin. Kenshin sighed.

"Not long, I'm afraid," he responded truthfully. "He'll probably take over again once we're talking, that he will."

"I see," Sanosuke muttered, turning to Kenshin. "You…heard me when I told him I—loved you, right?" he asked, his eyes wide.

Kenshin nodded. "And I believed you," he whispered. "Sanosuke…as much as I like you, as well, the chance that I'd allow myself to have a relationship is low. I do have feelings for you, Sano, it's just that I'm afraid you'll die just like Tomoe, that I am."

"So…there's no chance you'd be willing to be with me?" Sanosuke asked, looking away.

"I'm sorry, Sano, I truly am, but…I've lost one lover, and I—well, Battousai and I—we killed her. I don't want the same to happen to you," Kenshin answered truthfully. "I realize that people like myself and Battousai are a danger to those we love. Already I'm putting you in danger because you're a friend of mine."

Sanosuke nodded, pushing himself off the wall. "Even so, Kenshin…maybe one day you won't be afraid to love me back…" he muttered, talking towards Kenshin. "Battousai wouldn't be afraid to, would he?"

"Battousai would not be afraid to love you back, but he wouldn't also be me, remember?" Kenshin reminded him softly. "Battousai doesn't understand what he feels anymore. He's been without a heart for so long he forgot how to use one, however… Sano, he's starting to use his again. You can help him—he already has an interest in you."

Sanosuke blinked. "He does? Heh… I thought he was just trying to mess with my head."

Kenshin shook his head. "Battousai is serious in everything he does or says. Could you find it in you to love him as you do me?"

"He is just another side to you, isn't he?" Sanosuke countered, smirking. "He may not act as—cute—as you do, but he's still another side to Himura Kenshin. Even though he can get on my nerves, I've found myself trying to help him. I want him to have a heart, Kenshin. I want to see him happy just as much as I want to see you happy."

Kenshin nodded, smiling at Sanosuke. "You have a good heart, Sano," he said, hugging Sanosuke. "You'll be good for both Battousai and myself."

Sanosuke blushed and hugged Kenshin back, running his fingers through Kenshin's hair. "If you say so, Kenshin," he whispered.

"I know so, Sano," Kenshin whispered back. Battousai cleared his throat in the back of Kenshin's mind, causing Kenshin to sigh. "I must go now. Battousai wishes to have control again, that he does."

"Before you go, Kenshin…" Sanosuke began, pulling away from Kenshin, "let me do something, first." And before Kenshin could utter an "Oro!" Sanosuke's lips were on his own in a clumsy, rushed kiss. Kenshin lightly kisses back, understanding that he should let Sanosuke have this time to know his feelings were returned. When they broke apart Kenshin smiled before closing his eyes.

Battousai opened his eyes, looked up at Sanosuke and growled, pulling himself out of Sanosuke's arms. "Just because I like you," he muttered, "doesn't mean you're allowed to get sickeningly sweet with me." And with that said, he stormed off, leaving a chuckling Sanosuke behind. He had to go keep an eye on Soujiro.