Chapter 3: Sano the Bouncer

Sano (Kenshin)

Kyo (Samurai Deeper Kyo)

Sagara Sousuke (Full Metal Panic)

Kiba (Wolf's Rain)

Arima arrived early to help Kenshin set up the dojo for the meeting. 

"Quit twitching," Kenshin advised him as they set out the refreshments.

Arima blanched, "It's that's obvious? I'm just nervous. What if nobody shows?" The anxiety drew lines across his brow and showed in his eyes.

"I'm more worried about how you think you going to handle all the bishounen who will show up," quipped Sano, grabbing a sandwich off the tray as Arima walked by him. "It's not like they're easy to control when you only have one or two in the room."

"I said no weapons," Arima replied, none too gently slapping away Sano's fist from grabbing another one.

"Hey!" Sano complained, "Kenshin said you'd feed me if I helped."

Arima glared at Kenshin, but Kenshin turned away, preoccupied by cleaning a nonexistent spot on the polished wood floor with his big toe. "You need someone checking for weapons, Arima. You don't really think they'll leave them home, do you? I mean, have you ever even seen Kyo or Sagara Sousuke without weapons?" he responded seriously. "Sanosuke is really an excellent bouncer and he works cheap."

Sano grinned, pushing his shaggy black hair out of his eyes. "All the food and sake I can eat and drink."

"No sake," Arima said, hands on his hips and eyes flashing.

Sano paled, "You've invited all the bishounen here and you aren't serving any sake? Are you a fool?" The sharp tone in voice echoed in the hall.

Arima's steel eyes glared at the tall ex-fighter for hire. "Not one single drop, and if you're working this event, it's your responsibility to make sure none gets in, agreed?"

Sano stood silent, contemplating a room full of angry and thirsty bishies and not a drop of alcohol between them. It's gonna' be ugly, he thought. Arima's insane. "And if I take the job? Whatcha' paying me with now?"

"Kenshin and I will take you out tonight- all expenses paid." Arima offered, watching Sano's eyes light up. Geez, the big guy is so easy to manipulate, Arima thought. No wonder he's a favorite bishie among the fanfic writers. He'll do anything if you offer him the right lure.

Sano's eyes narrowed and he stared at his best friend for confirmation. If Kenshin agreed, then he'd take the offer. "Food, drink, and gambling?" he negotiated, "and you're okay with that, Kenshin? You're willing to explain to Jo-chan so she won't be mad at me tomorrow for dragging you off?"

Kenshin sighed. Kaoru had agreed last night that it was worth the cost whatever it might be to restrain jerjonji's writing about the Kenshingumi. He was sure she'd understand that a night out with Sano was part of the cost, even if he came home with a pounding headache and much lighter pockets. He thought about appealing to Sano's sense of loyalty, but it'd be faster to just agree now that Sano had the germ of the idea in his thick skull. "It's okay with Kaoru. But you're to keep out all weapons and all sake, or the deal's off."

Sano bowed. "Agreed, but man, Arima, you sure don't know how to throw a party. No booze, no girls, and a room full of smelly men! What's with that?"

"It's a business meeting, not a party, Sano. This group gets distracted so easily without us giving them a reason to forget why we're meeting. Otherwise, nothing will get decided."

 "Oh, something will be decided alright, Arima Souichirou, and without the sake, they'll probably decide to meet somewhere else!" Sano grinned at the thought of an early mass exodus and the night ahead. There was no way the bishounen was staying too long if Arima wasn't serving anything to drink.

Arima frowned. "Just the same, Kiba will be assisting you in checking the guests for weapons and contraband. His nose will be very effective."

Sano snorted, "Wolf-man himself? He'll be effective as long as a whiff of a flower doesn't fill his nose. One sniff and he'll be off running." Sano reached out and helped himself to a bowl of chips.

"Yeah, but his nose is effective, that it is, Sano," Kenshin said gently rebuking him. "And you will need help if everyone arrives at once."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Kenshin," Sano replied, stuffing his mouth with a handful of chips.