It's Good To Be Home
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Rurouni Kenshin characters.
Chapter 5
Kenji stared at the man from behind his mother. He inched away from Kaoru and came closer to inspect Saitou. Saitou looked down at the little boy with a mixture of thoughtfulness and curiosity. Kenji prodded the katana that hung by his side. Kaoru wasn't sure what to make of the situation. She felt relieved when Kenshin came back with Sanosuke and Megumi in tow.
Sano watched as Saitou lit a cigarette and carefully blew out the smoke away from Kenji. 'I wish he'd show me that kind of consideration,' Sano thought.
Kenshin bent down to pick up his son, "I see you met Kenji, Saitou. I hope he wasn't a bother."
Saitou took another puff and blew smoke in Sano's direction and smirked at Sano's frown, "Not at all. My oldest son was the same way at this age." The latter part he said idly.
Kaoru, Yahiko and Megumi reeled at this information. Saitou has children? Sano grinned at their expressions. He than briefly entertained the idea of Saitou Jr. being the terror of the schoolyard. Dressed up as a miniature policeman, scaring the other children into proper conduct. Sano shuddered at the thought.
Saitou turned to Sano; "We have some things to discuss, ahou."
Sano shrugged, "I really don't feel like talking to you today, cricket face."
Saitou gave a deadly smile, "Hn, than I hope that your stay here has been pleasant. Considering that either you leave again, or you will be arrested."
Kaoru frowned, "What is he talking about, Sano?"
Sano sighed, "I'll explain it later. All right, Saitou, we'll talk."
"I knew you could be reasoned with," Saitou smirked.
Megumi looked curiously at Sano; he said to her, "I'll talk to you guys about it later."
Sano started to follow him when Saitou stopped and without turning around said, "You too, Himura. I need to speak to you."
Sano frowned at Saitou's back. So, that was the bastard's plan. It was to get Kenshin involved, too. Like hell he was going to let Saitou get away with this.
When they were alone, Sano started cursing.
"You pointy-eyed bastard! I told you I didn't want Kenshin involved!"
"Ahou, I heard you. Besides, Himura can make his own decision."
Kenshin noticed Sano's raised fist, "Oro! It's all right, that it is! Sano, let's just hear what he has to say."
"Actually, Himura, Sagara has already agreed to work for me." Kenshin looked over at Sano, who hung his head low, not wanting to meet his gaze. Saitou continued, "I'm here to fill him in the details. First, however, I want to know. If Japan needs your assistance, will you help?"
Kenshin met Saitou's gaze, "Of course, I will."
Sano could not contain himself, "Damn it, Kenshin! Haven't you've already atoned for your sins! What about Kaoru and Kenji? You have a family now!"
"Sano," Kenshin said softly, "They're the reason I would do it, that they are."
Sanosuke's shoulders slumped, "Fine," he than rounded onto Saitou, "But if he does help, than he's with me, got that?"
Saitou shrugged, "Hn." He proceeded to light another cigarette.
"So, what will I be doing?"
"You have connections. You will be my eyes and ears in Tokyo's underworld. No one would suspect you. You'll be undercover, sort of."
Sano's eyes flashed, "Wait just a minute! I'm not giving up my buddies for the damn government!"
Saitou sighed, "I'm not interested in your friends' petty gambling rings. I'm talking about Opium dealers and so forth."
"Oh, well, than, that's fine. Hey! What will I be paid?"
Saitou gave him a figure; Sano's eyes widen. It was enough to pay for rent and he won't rake up another outrageous tab at Akabeko.
"Whoa. When do I start?"
Saitou puffed on his cigarette; "I'll be generous. You may start beginning next week. Mind you, never to expect me to give you any more exceptions. Is that understood?"
Sano gave him a mock salute, "Yes sir!"
Saitou blew smoke in his direction one more time and before he left, he said, "Do not be late, ahou." There was an underlying warning in his tone.
"Bastard, who does he think he is, ordering me around like that?"
"Oro, Sano, he's now your employer."
"Oh, crap."
"I wish you didn't agree to help him, Kenshin. I already feel like I just made a deal with the devil."
Kenshin laughed, "Saitou has that effect on people, that he does."
Kaoru, Megumi, Yahiko and Kenji cautiously approached them.
"Is that psycho cop gone yet?" Yahiko asked. Saitou terrified him.
"Yeah, he is."
"Kenshin, Sanosuke, you two have a lot of explaining to do!" Kaoru tried to keep her voice leveled as to not frighten her son.
"Oro?"
"Don't you 'oro' me, Kenshin!" Kaoru yelled, "I want an explanation and I want it now!"
"Saitou made us a deal," Sano spoke up. The others looked at him, amazed.
"A deal?" Megumi asked, that didn't sound promising.
Sano sighed, "He's the reason I can stay here. He made that arrest warrant disappear."
"But," Kaoru looked confused, "What does Kenshin have to do with this?"
Kenshin cleared his throat, "He, uh, asked for my assistance, should the need for it arise. I, uh, agreed to it."
There was a sudden, deathly silence.
Kaoru's voice was a deadly whisper, "You did what?"
Sano looked at the others, "I think we should leave them alone."
Kenshin gulped, "Sano, please, help me out here!"
Sano shook his head and grinned wickedly, "If you recall, Kenshin. I didn't want you to get involved. You did that all on your own."
Kenshin glanced meekly at Kaoru, "Oro!"
Yahiko took Kenji's hand, "Let's go to Dr. Genzai's."
Kenji nodded and looked over at his parents. Kenji may be young, but he knew well enough that at times like these, it's best for the grown ups to be alone. He and Yahiko left the dojo yard.
Megumi silently followed Sano. They began walking with not particular destination of where they were going. After awhile, Sano spoke up.
"Fox lady?" Sano stopped for a moment; "Can I ask you a personal question?"
Megumi hesitated, than said, "Sure, what is it?"
"Have you decided yet on that proposal?" Sano got right to the point.
Megumi bristled, "I'm not sure how that is any of your business!"
Sano glared, "You said it was alright for me to ask the question."
Megumi's expression softened, "I'm sorry." She sighed, "I don't know."
Sano nodded, "Hm, waiting for something or someone else, perhaps?"
Megumi gave him a sly smile, "Maybe."
"I have something for you."
"Something for me?" Megumi was surprised.
"Yeah, but it's back at the dojo. I'll have an easier time explaining everything when you see it."
Megumi's curiosity was aroused. "Let's head back now," she said impatiently.
"I don't think Missy's finished with Kenshin yet," Sano glanced apprehensively in the direction of the dojo.
"It's been about a half hour, I think it'll be fine." She smiled mischievously, "Are you afraid?"
"Of the Missy? Hell yeah!"
When they reached the dojo, evening was setting in. Kenshin and Kaoru sat alone together in the dojo, deep in conversation. Sano was relieved to see that Kenshin wasn't hurt too badly. He felt partly responsible for Kenshin getting involved. No one could blame Kaoru for being upset.
Sano went to his room silently and pulled out a box. He went back outside and found the fox gazing at the stars. She looked over at Sano as he joined her. Wordlessly he gave her the box.
Curiously she looked it over. The box itself was breathtaking for it had painted scenery. She tried to open it and frowned, it was locked.
Sano laughed at her frown. Why did she look so damn cute like that? He produced a small key. Megumi reached for it and Sano held it away from her.
"Hey!" She protested.
"The scenery on the box is the mountains of Nepal. It was so breathtaking." Sano closed his eyes in memory. He and Kai decided to trek through, although it was quite dangerous, it was worth it. Sano continued, "Kai painted that box with you in mind."
"Me?" Megumi wondered.
"Yeah, apparently I spoke of you a lot." Megumi blushed at the revelation. Sano continued, "So he wanted to make something special for you. Now, depending how this conversation goes, I'll give you the key, all right?"
Megumi nodded, "Yes."
Sano nervously put his hands in his pockets, "I loved travelling, it was adventurous, I met a lot of interesting characters. Many of them women," there was a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Megumi felt a stab of jealousy. "Anyway, despite it all, my thoughts always went back to one person. You."
Megumi breath hitched. She nodded at him to go on.
"I wasn't sure what this meant until I was in Arabia. I met a woman, a dancer. That book I was reading earlier was a gift from her. She reminded me of you, her long dark hair, her coyness and temper." He smiled.
Megumi huffed; she wasn't sure if she liked being compared to a dancer.
Sano noticed her look, "Fox, she was a good person. I could have fallen in love with her."
"What do you mean 'could have'?"
Sano stared at her for a moment. His stare was intense, but she couldn't look away.
"I can't fall in love when I'm already in love with someone else."
"You're in love with m-me?" Megumi stammered.
Sano nodded slowly, "Yeah, fox, with you." He took a deep breath, "I- I want to know that behind these games we've been playing, that there's something more. If there is, than I want to stop playing games and do something about it."
Megumi stepped closer to him, "I want to stop playing games, too."
"I need to know exactly how you feel about me."
"It's hard for me to say it."
He nodded, "I know, but I don't want any doubts." He reached out and touched her hair.
Megumi took a deep breath, " I-I love you, too, Sano." She couldn't believe that she voiced it. It felt so good.
He hugged her tightly and after releasing Megumi, he gave her the key. Megumi eagerly took it. She opened the box and gasped. It was a beautiful ring with intricate designs. She was surprised that it fit perfectly on her finger.
Sano grinned as she looked at it admiringly. Than his grin slowly faded, "Fox lady?"
"Hmmmm?" She had a dreamy look on her face.
"What are you going to do about the other guy?"
"Other guy?" Megumi gasped, "Oh! Tetsuo? He's a decent man and a good friend. He'll understand."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, didn't I explain to you that the marriage would have been one of convenience? He isn't in love with me, so his heart will not break. Really, Sano, were you that concerned?"
Sano laughed, "Nah, it's just that I didn't want you to feel guilty or something." He held her close for awhile. They heard sniffling and looked over. Kaoru, Kenshin, Yahiko and Kenji were watching them from the dojo.
"That...was...so..romantic!" Kaoru sniffed, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
Sano glared, "How long have you been there?"
Yahiko shrugged, "Long enough."
"We should celebrate," Kenshin said, "Tomorrow night, we'll have Dr. Genzai and the girls over and make it special."
Kaoru clapped her hands, "That's a good idea, Kenshin!" She looked at Megumi and Sano, and turned to the others, "Well, let's go in and plan, leave the two love birds alone." She winked at them as she ushered the others back into the dojo.
Sano looked at Megumi; "They are so weird."
Megumi laughed and wrapped her arms around his waist. They sat down and gazed at the stars, wondering what the future holds for them and their friends.
The End
A/N: There will be a sequel to this story. So, if it doesn't seem quite complete, that's why. I hope you enjoyed it!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Rurouni Kenshin characters.
Chapter 5
Kenji stared at the man from behind his mother. He inched away from Kaoru and came closer to inspect Saitou. Saitou looked down at the little boy with a mixture of thoughtfulness and curiosity. Kenji prodded the katana that hung by his side. Kaoru wasn't sure what to make of the situation. She felt relieved when Kenshin came back with Sanosuke and Megumi in tow.
Sano watched as Saitou lit a cigarette and carefully blew out the smoke away from Kenji. 'I wish he'd show me that kind of consideration,' Sano thought.
Kenshin bent down to pick up his son, "I see you met Kenji, Saitou. I hope he wasn't a bother."
Saitou took another puff and blew smoke in Sano's direction and smirked at Sano's frown, "Not at all. My oldest son was the same way at this age." The latter part he said idly.
Kaoru, Yahiko and Megumi reeled at this information. Saitou has children? Sano grinned at their expressions. He than briefly entertained the idea of Saitou Jr. being the terror of the schoolyard. Dressed up as a miniature policeman, scaring the other children into proper conduct. Sano shuddered at the thought.
Saitou turned to Sano; "We have some things to discuss, ahou."
Sano shrugged, "I really don't feel like talking to you today, cricket face."
Saitou gave a deadly smile, "Hn, than I hope that your stay here has been pleasant. Considering that either you leave again, or you will be arrested."
Kaoru frowned, "What is he talking about, Sano?"
Sano sighed, "I'll explain it later. All right, Saitou, we'll talk."
"I knew you could be reasoned with," Saitou smirked.
Megumi looked curiously at Sano; he said to her, "I'll talk to you guys about it later."
Sano started to follow him when Saitou stopped and without turning around said, "You too, Himura. I need to speak to you."
Sano frowned at Saitou's back. So, that was the bastard's plan. It was to get Kenshin involved, too. Like hell he was going to let Saitou get away with this.
When they were alone, Sano started cursing.
"You pointy-eyed bastard! I told you I didn't want Kenshin involved!"
"Ahou, I heard you. Besides, Himura can make his own decision."
Kenshin noticed Sano's raised fist, "Oro! It's all right, that it is! Sano, let's just hear what he has to say."
"Actually, Himura, Sagara has already agreed to work for me." Kenshin looked over at Sano, who hung his head low, not wanting to meet his gaze. Saitou continued, "I'm here to fill him in the details. First, however, I want to know. If Japan needs your assistance, will you help?"
Kenshin met Saitou's gaze, "Of course, I will."
Sano could not contain himself, "Damn it, Kenshin! Haven't you've already atoned for your sins! What about Kaoru and Kenji? You have a family now!"
"Sano," Kenshin said softly, "They're the reason I would do it, that they are."
Sanosuke's shoulders slumped, "Fine," he than rounded onto Saitou, "But if he does help, than he's with me, got that?"
Saitou shrugged, "Hn." He proceeded to light another cigarette.
"So, what will I be doing?"
"You have connections. You will be my eyes and ears in Tokyo's underworld. No one would suspect you. You'll be undercover, sort of."
Sano's eyes flashed, "Wait just a minute! I'm not giving up my buddies for the damn government!"
Saitou sighed, "I'm not interested in your friends' petty gambling rings. I'm talking about Opium dealers and so forth."
"Oh, well, than, that's fine. Hey! What will I be paid?"
Saitou gave him a figure; Sano's eyes widen. It was enough to pay for rent and he won't rake up another outrageous tab at Akabeko.
"Whoa. When do I start?"
Saitou puffed on his cigarette; "I'll be generous. You may start beginning next week. Mind you, never to expect me to give you any more exceptions. Is that understood?"
Sano gave him a mock salute, "Yes sir!"
Saitou blew smoke in his direction one more time and before he left, he said, "Do not be late, ahou." There was an underlying warning in his tone.
"Bastard, who does he think he is, ordering me around like that?"
"Oro, Sano, he's now your employer."
"Oh, crap."
"I wish you didn't agree to help him, Kenshin. I already feel like I just made a deal with the devil."
Kenshin laughed, "Saitou has that effect on people, that he does."
Kaoru, Megumi, Yahiko and Kenji cautiously approached them.
"Is that psycho cop gone yet?" Yahiko asked. Saitou terrified him.
"Yeah, he is."
"Kenshin, Sanosuke, you two have a lot of explaining to do!" Kaoru tried to keep her voice leveled as to not frighten her son.
"Oro?"
"Don't you 'oro' me, Kenshin!" Kaoru yelled, "I want an explanation and I want it now!"
"Saitou made us a deal," Sano spoke up. The others looked at him, amazed.
"A deal?" Megumi asked, that didn't sound promising.
Sano sighed, "He's the reason I can stay here. He made that arrest warrant disappear."
"But," Kaoru looked confused, "What does Kenshin have to do with this?"
Kenshin cleared his throat, "He, uh, asked for my assistance, should the need for it arise. I, uh, agreed to it."
There was a sudden, deathly silence.
Kaoru's voice was a deadly whisper, "You did what?"
Sano looked at the others, "I think we should leave them alone."
Kenshin gulped, "Sano, please, help me out here!"
Sano shook his head and grinned wickedly, "If you recall, Kenshin. I didn't want you to get involved. You did that all on your own."
Kenshin glanced meekly at Kaoru, "Oro!"
Yahiko took Kenji's hand, "Let's go to Dr. Genzai's."
Kenji nodded and looked over at his parents. Kenji may be young, but he knew well enough that at times like these, it's best for the grown ups to be alone. He and Yahiko left the dojo yard.
Megumi silently followed Sano. They began walking with not particular destination of where they were going. After awhile, Sano spoke up.
"Fox lady?" Sano stopped for a moment; "Can I ask you a personal question?"
Megumi hesitated, than said, "Sure, what is it?"
"Have you decided yet on that proposal?" Sano got right to the point.
Megumi bristled, "I'm not sure how that is any of your business!"
Sano glared, "You said it was alright for me to ask the question."
Megumi's expression softened, "I'm sorry." She sighed, "I don't know."
Sano nodded, "Hm, waiting for something or someone else, perhaps?"
Megumi gave him a sly smile, "Maybe."
"I have something for you."
"Something for me?" Megumi was surprised.
"Yeah, but it's back at the dojo. I'll have an easier time explaining everything when you see it."
Megumi's curiosity was aroused. "Let's head back now," she said impatiently.
"I don't think Missy's finished with Kenshin yet," Sano glanced apprehensively in the direction of the dojo.
"It's been about a half hour, I think it'll be fine." She smiled mischievously, "Are you afraid?"
"Of the Missy? Hell yeah!"
When they reached the dojo, evening was setting in. Kenshin and Kaoru sat alone together in the dojo, deep in conversation. Sano was relieved to see that Kenshin wasn't hurt too badly. He felt partly responsible for Kenshin getting involved. No one could blame Kaoru for being upset.
Sano went to his room silently and pulled out a box. He went back outside and found the fox gazing at the stars. She looked over at Sano as he joined her. Wordlessly he gave her the box.
Curiously she looked it over. The box itself was breathtaking for it had painted scenery. She tried to open it and frowned, it was locked.
Sano laughed at her frown. Why did she look so damn cute like that? He produced a small key. Megumi reached for it and Sano held it away from her.
"Hey!" She protested.
"The scenery on the box is the mountains of Nepal. It was so breathtaking." Sano closed his eyes in memory. He and Kai decided to trek through, although it was quite dangerous, it was worth it. Sano continued, "Kai painted that box with you in mind."
"Me?" Megumi wondered.
"Yeah, apparently I spoke of you a lot." Megumi blushed at the revelation. Sano continued, "So he wanted to make something special for you. Now, depending how this conversation goes, I'll give you the key, all right?"
Megumi nodded, "Yes."
Sano nervously put his hands in his pockets, "I loved travelling, it was adventurous, I met a lot of interesting characters. Many of them women," there was a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Megumi felt a stab of jealousy. "Anyway, despite it all, my thoughts always went back to one person. You."
Megumi breath hitched. She nodded at him to go on.
"I wasn't sure what this meant until I was in Arabia. I met a woman, a dancer. That book I was reading earlier was a gift from her. She reminded me of you, her long dark hair, her coyness and temper." He smiled.
Megumi huffed; she wasn't sure if she liked being compared to a dancer.
Sano noticed her look, "Fox, she was a good person. I could have fallen in love with her."
"What do you mean 'could have'?"
Sano stared at her for a moment. His stare was intense, but she couldn't look away.
"I can't fall in love when I'm already in love with someone else."
"You're in love with m-me?" Megumi stammered.
Sano nodded slowly, "Yeah, fox, with you." He took a deep breath, "I- I want to know that behind these games we've been playing, that there's something more. If there is, than I want to stop playing games and do something about it."
Megumi stepped closer to him, "I want to stop playing games, too."
"I need to know exactly how you feel about me."
"It's hard for me to say it."
He nodded, "I know, but I don't want any doubts." He reached out and touched her hair.
Megumi took a deep breath, " I-I love you, too, Sano." She couldn't believe that she voiced it. It felt so good.
He hugged her tightly and after releasing Megumi, he gave her the key. Megumi eagerly took it. She opened the box and gasped. It was a beautiful ring with intricate designs. She was surprised that it fit perfectly on her finger.
Sano grinned as she looked at it admiringly. Than his grin slowly faded, "Fox lady?"
"Hmmmm?" She had a dreamy look on her face.
"What are you going to do about the other guy?"
"Other guy?" Megumi gasped, "Oh! Tetsuo? He's a decent man and a good friend. He'll understand."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, didn't I explain to you that the marriage would have been one of convenience? He isn't in love with me, so his heart will not break. Really, Sano, were you that concerned?"
Sano laughed, "Nah, it's just that I didn't want you to feel guilty or something." He held her close for awhile. They heard sniffling and looked over. Kaoru, Kenshin, Yahiko and Kenji were watching them from the dojo.
"That...was...so..romantic!" Kaoru sniffed, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
Sano glared, "How long have you been there?"
Yahiko shrugged, "Long enough."
"We should celebrate," Kenshin said, "Tomorrow night, we'll have Dr. Genzai and the girls over and make it special."
Kaoru clapped her hands, "That's a good idea, Kenshin!" She looked at Megumi and Sano, and turned to the others, "Well, let's go in and plan, leave the two love birds alone." She winked at them as she ushered the others back into the dojo.
Sano looked at Megumi; "They are so weird."
Megumi laughed and wrapped her arms around his waist. They sat down and gazed at the stars, wondering what the future holds for them and their friends.
The End
A/N: There will be a sequel to this story. So, if it doesn't seem quite complete, that's why. I hope you enjoyed it!