(Although I don't think this story deserves an R rating I'm giving it one anyway. As that old saying goes, 'better to be safe than sorry'.)

Sunlit Horizon

"Where are we going, Kenshin?" Sanosuke asked, hands in pockets as he walked casually down the wide road beside his friend. It was a nice day to get out and wander around the area, but Kenshin had a better idea.

"Gambling." The answer was short and spoken with satisfaction, yet, to Sanosuke, it held a great deal of humor. He began chuckling, quietly at first, but it soon opened into a lively laughter.

"Kenshin and the Dice of Devastation!" He shook his head in amusement at the memories of their past failures. Kenshin laughed tenderly and smiled warmly up at him, but suddenly stopped to look over his shoulder at Canyon who was following from a distance.

"Sano, why is he..."

"Lonely," Sanosuke said with a sigh as he halted his strides a few paces in front of the older man. Kenshin's bright eyes blinked with curiosity.

"He's lonely, Kenshin. He hates being left behind." The brown haired man said as he waved for the horse to come over. Canyon's ears perked up and he hurriedly trotted over to his owner in a flurry of enthusiasm.

"Oro!" Kenshin moved over several yards, making room for the horse as he danced in circles around Sanosuke, nuzzling his shoulders and chest, and neighing with delight. Kenshin could now compare the size difference between the two. Kenshin himself didn't even reach the Clydesdale's shoulder; the horse was nearly nine feet tall. How Sanosuke mounted him, he wasn't sure. The dismount was simple, either jump or drop carefully to the ground.

The horse calmed as Sanosuke stroked his neck and held his muzzle firmly in one hand. The personality traits of Canyon were easy to see; he was a giant puppy. The horse was always happy to greet his human partner, ready to fight if his assistance was required, and he retained great affection and loyalty towards Sanosuke.

Their relationship had a beauty to it.

IOIOIOIOIOIOI

Kenshin moaned softly with an inhale and rolled over as he indistinctly realized he had been using his arms as a pillow, thanks to their continued protests that tingled in pain. The warm surface his cheek came in contact with happened to be the second feeling he acknowledged, right before the terrible pounding in his head demanded attention.

Dissatisfaction passed through his parted lips in the sound of a groan as he stretched his legs out and finished with a small yawn.

"Finally up, hm, Kenshin?"

"Oro!" Kenshin jumped as his heart threatened to leap out of his chest. His eyes slowly focused as he looked up to meet the smooth features of Sanosuke's face. The young man was giving him a smile of slight surprise and admiration, and he had no idea why.

"Oro?" Sanosuke questioned, raising his eyebrows.

Kenshin blinked and realized it was Sanosuke's leg the scarred side of his face had rested against. He sat up, keeping his balance as his headache hit him full force, and looked around for any other signs of life.

"Sano," Kenshin smiled mischievously, "Orororororoooo!"

Sanosuke barked out a laugh and fell back onto his elbows for support. They smiled at one another for a few moments, admiring the sleep still heavy in their eyes as it sparkled and revealed deep brown and bright lilac marbles.

"Kenshin," a voice called from outside, "Breakfast is almost ready!"

"The missy is up already, hm?" Sanosuke asked, watching Kenshin sigh and then rise.

"Hai, she has grown up, Sano, as has Yahiko."

"Has her cooking improved?"

"Bleh, Yahiko and the others may think so, but..." Kenshin wriggled his shoulders comically to show his opinion.

"But you liked it better the old way, right?" Sanosuke chuckled. Kenshin smiled softly as he tied a tan sash around his hakama.

"That I did. It was... different. Perhaps that's why we always put up with you, Sano, because you were different."

"Hey, hey," Sanosuke sat up, "What do you mean 'put up with'?"

Kenshin merely laughed teasingly as he exited the training room where they had fallen asleep the previous night.

"Yeah," the tall brunette shook his head and released a happy sigh, "Put up with."

IOIOIOIOIOIOI

"Come on Sanosuke," Kaoru called cheerfully as she ran across the bridge, "Hurry up and get Kenshin over here!" She stopped and waved a hand, gesturing for them to move faster.

"She's gotten pretty." Sanosuke observed, a slight pain ebbing his strong tone.

"Yes, Miss Kaoru has become quite popular with the men in town, and not just for her appearance." Kenshin walked casually along, watching his sandaled feet take each step.

"How's Megumi?"

Kenshin stopped suddenly, head bowed and eyes watching the ground. Sanosuke's eyes moved and watched the form briefly before he stopped and turned to face him. The only movement from the samurai was the slight flowing of his hair as the Wind brushed it delicately.

"Kenshin?"

Thin shoulders jerked once, then a pause, and Kenshin quickly brought his face up, smiling.

"You haven't seen her in quite some time, why don't we stop by?"

Sanosuke frowned. That smile was forced. It was painfully obvious. Kenshin may have been able to fool others with his emotional blocks, but not Sanosuke. Kenshin opened his eyes as he heard slow footsteps and looked curiously into concerned cinnamon orbs.

The tall male stopped a few feet short of Kenshin.

"We're not comfortable talking about them, are we?" Sanosuke tipped his head to the side.

"No," Kenshin returned his eyes to the ground, "We're not." Never before had he felt so worthless compared to Sanosuke. It was as though the man had somehow aged faster and became older than him. It was a feeling he had around his master, Hiko.

Sanosuke lifted a hand and placed a finger beneath a narrow chin. The swordsman blinked his eyes open as his face was lifted.

"Perhaps..." Sanosuke's brow furrowed in wonder, "We should find out why."

Kenshin remained still as a set of lips descended on his. The shock it brought was minimal, the gift was welcomed, and despite the youth of the action it brought a feeling of greater companionship. Inhaling deeply between a small break in their contact and allowing a familiar hand to run through his hair and rest at the nape of his neck, Kenshin found enough courage to lean closer. He shivered into the warmth and slowly began responding to the lips moving soundlessly against his. He didn't pull away; he had no urge to do so, but merely brought a hesitant hand up and placed it upon a firm chest.

Sanosuke slowly broke the connection and observed Kenshins tranquil expression.

"Sano..." A whisper of breath escaped parted lips. Time seemed to have slowed down for them, allowing Kenshin to bask in the sensation of fingers dancing across his cheek.

Their noses met with gentleness an angel would envy, and a set of clouded eyes met a strong willed pair. Moments passed as the two men stood close, oblivious to the rest of the world.

A firm hand rubbed Kenshin's back, sending warmth quivering throughout his being. He barely registered the next movement until a hot mouth was on his neck spreading gooseflesh along his arms and legs from the stimulation. Before it was allowed to escape, Kenshin fought back a moan by biting his lower lip. Teeth brushed his skin and nibbled affectionately; managing to elicit a pleased gasp from the now aroused Kenshin Himura.

"Sano," Kenshin pulled back and gazed at a calm face, "I think... I think we know why."

Sanosuke smiled at the panting man and raised his eyebrows, "Surprised?"

"Hai," Kenshin nodded.

"Me, too." Sanosuke downcast his eyes. It wasn't until moments before they kissed Sanosuke had thought of the possibility they could be more than friends. After possibly the most important thought registered, everything seemed to fall into place. He had been blind to the odd stares they used to receive and the constant cat calls from his friends. It never occurred they could be in love and not realize it.

It seemed ridiculous.

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