Disclaimer: Saitoh, Sano, and Kenshin don't belong to me, although I wish they did...
Warning: Lime I guess.
Note: Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I'm glad someone is enjoying this story. I've always wanted to see if I could write a believable love triangle between my three fav rurouni guys, and I'm having a lot of fun with it. Thanx again for reading and I appreciate the input!
Chapter Four: The Proposal
Sano awoke groggily to the chirping of birds. He warily opened his eyes, knowing the sunlight he could already feel on his naked skin would sting if he opened them too quickly. Sitting up Sano took in his surroundings. He didn't know where he was for a
moment, then suddenly the memories of the previous night all came back to him. He remembered the feel of Saitoh raised over him, of being penetrated and screaming Saitoh's name. 'Hmph. At least he kept his word.' Thought Sano blushing. He could hardly believe he had lost his virginity last night, and if anyone would have told him it would be to Saitoh he would have punched them. But now it seemed almost perfect, like they were meant to be together. Still flushed Sano tried to sit up, and his lower torso began to throb with an internal pain he had never felt before. Sano cursed Saitoh under his breath for being so rough. But Sano enjoyed his roughness, and found he couldn't wait for the next time he could be with the cop.
Stepping out of bed gingerly he glanced over to see a small note next to his neatly folded clothes. He never expected Saitoh to be a person who would use such a flowery gesture, and grinning warmly he picked up the note. His smile quickly turned to an annoyed scowl as the read the words.
'Good morning ahou. Here are your clothes. Try not to break anything on your way out. - Saitoh.' Sano angrily crumpled the note and tossed it to the corner of the room. "Mean bastard. He could have at least said thank you." He then quickly dressed and headed wobbling for the door. On his way out he spotted a vase he had noticed as he came into Saitoh's living room last night. It was large and blue, with ornate pink lotus designs weaving around it. It was pretty. And expensive looking. A wicked grin spread over Sano's face as he 'accidentally' tipped it over with his foot. It fell to the floor with a thunderous crash before shattering into a thousand pieces. 'That'll teach that son of a bitch to treat me like that.' Thought Sano as he started to whistle and walked out of the house.
Kenshin woke up early and quickly folded his futon and got dressed. The dojo was silent, and no one was stirring as he made his way through the yard and out past the Kamiya gate. He wanted to see Saitoh and get back before any one noticed he was gone. Kenshin knew Saitoh always came into work early, and walked steadily through the almost empty Tokyo streets as he made his way to the police department.
Saitoh was sitting languidly at his desk smoking a cigarette when Cho stepped groggily into his office. The ex-Juppungatana had gotten very little sleep. He had to stay at the office all night to finish the reports Saitoh had dumped on him, and now he had to come in early to do the same. Normally he would be cranky and rude to the older man, but his lack of sleep just made him feel lethargic and unable to do more than just walk around and follow orders. He walked up to Saitoh's desk, and trying to stifle a yawn said, "Uh, boss, the Batto- I mean, Himura Kenshin is here ta see ya." Saitoh, for the first time since Cho came into his office, looked up from his paper. "Fine. Send him in." Cho nodded and bowed slightly as he left. Saitoh waited until a perturbed looking Kenshin walked in and closed the door behind him. Saitoh smiled at Kenshin's glare, and said with a smirk, "Is there something I can do for you?"
Still standing before the closed door, Kenshin gazed at the lounging Saitoh, and he could feel his anger rise up as he said, "Why?" Saitoh raised an eyebrow at the question and blew out a trail of smoke. "Why what?" Kenshin took a step closer to his desk. He didn't really know why he had come here. What Saitoh and Sano did in their own time wasn't any of his concern. Then why was the fact that they were lovers bothering him so much? "Why Sano?" It came out cold and accusing, reminding Saitoh of the Battousai. Smiling Saitoh rose from his desk, and walked around to the front to lean on the edge. He savored the intent look on Kenshin's face, and took another drag before saying, "Hn. I was wondering how long it would take you realize." Kenshin's glare narrowed. "Answer the question Saitoh."
The smile on Saitohs' face dulled as he finished his cigarette, crunching the remainder into an ashtray behind him. Kenshin waited patiently for Saitoh to finish. After what seemed like an eternity Saitoh finally said, "Why not?" Kenshin was taken aback.
"So you're just using him, is that it?" Kenshin couldn't conceal the anger lacing his voice, but Saitoh was unaffected. He returned Kenshin's glare without hesitation, his amber eyes burning into Kenshin's violet. This was bothering Kenshin more than it should be, and Saitoh knew it. No friend would go out of their way this much if they were just simply worried. Saitoh smiled again as he took a step towards Kenshin, making the ex-hitokiri back up a few steps to keep the distance between them equal. Still smirking Saitoh said, "Why does it bother you so much that I'm with him. Is it jealousy?" Kenshin's eyes went wide and he paused in his steps. It took the rurouni only a moment to recover before he answered. "No, I just don't want him to get hurt." Saitoh stood back and crossed his arms over his chest. "I think he likes being hurt... and I like hurting him."
Disgust at the comment flashed in Kenshin's eyes, and Saitoh chuckled. "I think the real issue here is your obvious affection for the ahou." Kenshin willed his face to stay emotionless, even at the accusation. "I feel nothing for Sanosuke but friendship." A mocking laugh escaped Saitoh's lips, and stepping closer to Kenshin he said, "Stop deluding yourself Himura. It's obvious you're in love with him." Kenshin was shocked at the words and unconsciously took another step back. Saitoh's smile turned predatory as he came closer to the red head, savoring the look of surprise on his feminine features. "If you felt something for him, you should have acted sooner. To hesitate is to lose. I thought you of all people knew that." Kenshin gasped as he felt his back hit the hard wood of the door. Saitoh stepped closer, and before Kenshin could react he was pinned against the wall with Saitoh's arms on either side of his head. The ex-hitokiri tried to keep his calm as he said, "I-I don't love him. I just don't want you to do to him what you did to me."
Saitoh drew in closer, so close he could feel Kenshin's slightly rushed breath on his skin. He took in the red head's scent, conjuring old memories of the revolution. He then leaned into Kenshin's ear, earning a slight shudder from the smaller man."I don't believe I ever heard you protest." Said Saitoh hotly. Kenshin moaned as he felt Saitoh's tongue run along the crest of his ear, and he tried to turn away but was blocked by Saitoh's strong arms. Then Kenshin realized he didn't want Saitoh to stop, and felt guilty for such selfish thoughts. He swore he'd never let Saitoh touch him again when the Meiji era had begun, and up till now he had kept his oath. But the old feel of the taller man pressed against him and his masculine scent rising from his skin brought Kenshin back to the days when he was hitokiri; when he was Battousai the Manslayer. He could feel himself start to lose control, and tried desperately to keep the killer inside him at bay. Kenshin tried again to push Saitoh away, and Saitoh stood back to look into Kenshin's violet eyes that were slowly fading to gold. His voice somewhat strained Kenshin managed to say, "I can't do this again Saitoh. I'm different now. I won't allow myself to fall into your arms ever again."
"But you can't help it. Just like that ahou you have a dangerous attraction to power, except I think your attraction is for a different reason." Saitoh paused to let his words sink in, then continued. "Instead of being a masochist, you're afraid of hurting someone weaker than yourself; namely women." Kenshin gave Saitoh a confused glare. "What do you mean?" 'Himura really has no idea what he has been doing. Or more correctly, not doing.' Thought Saitoh. Coming in close to Kenshin's face again, he said in a whisper, "It's why you still haven't made a move on that Kamiya girl. You're afraid of scaring her off because of your more... rough tendencies. You've become so accustomed to pain that it has become a source of pleasure for you. You like to hurt others, Battousai. It's time you come to terms with who and what you really." Kenshin's eyes are almost pure gold as he glares up at the officer with furrowed brows. "And what am I Saitoh?"
"You are a killer. A wolf who surrounds yourself with sheep in hopes of curbing your murderous tendencies. But no matter how hard you try, you can't help but seek out other wolves to ease your suffering. That's why you came to me today; that's why you came to me during the revolution." Kenshin lowers his gaze, his eyes hidden behind his red bangs. Saitoh can sense the change in his demeanor, and smiles when he realizes that Kenshin Himura has been replaced with Battousai the Manslayer. The ex-Shinsengumi kept smiling as he placed a finger under Kenshin's chin, lifting his face to meet his own. Saitoh saw the reflection of his own amber eyes mirrored in that of the small rurouni, and he lowered his lips to Kenshin's, and said just as their lips met, "That's much better." and kissed him passionately. At first Kenshin didn't return the kiss, but found that old habits died hard and began to kiss Saitoh back with fervor. Saitoh was pleased he was able to draw out the Battousai, and reveled in the fact that he was one of the rare few who could.
After several moments the men withdrew from each other, both panting for breath. Saitoh was the first to recover, and bent to get another kiss when Kenshin stopped him. "Wouldn't you consider what we're doing unfaithful Saitoh? Not only do you have another male lover, but I also thought you had a wife." Saitoh scowled at the interruption. The Battousai always knew just how to get under his skin at just the right moment. "They have nothing to do with this. This is strictly between you and I." A wicked grin spread over Kenshin's face. "I think they'd be of a different opinion."
Saitoh smirked at Battousai's games, and refused to rise to the bait. "If you must know Battousai, my wife is dead." Kenshin's eyebrow raised. "Sorry to hear that." Saitoh brushed off the apology. He didn't need the man's pity. "She lived a good life. I have no regrets." Kenshin nodded. He should have known Saitoh wouldn't need to be reassured of anything. "Then what of Sanosuke?" Saitoh turned his head with a 'hmph'. "This relationship between you and I is far beyond what that ahou could ever comprehend."
"Then he means nothing to you?" Kenshin was fairly certain of the answer, but asked it anyway. He wanted to hear it from Saitoh's own mouth. "He is merely an amusement. Lively and over eager." The words cut into Kenshin's heart. Even as Battousai he still felt for Sano, and he dreaded what his friend's reaction would be at his so called lover's words.
He had little time to ponder it though as he felt Saitoh's hand run up his side, sending shivers of pleasure up his spine. It had been so long since he'd had intimate contact with another, and found himself melting into Saitoh's caress despite his harsh words.
Kenshin wanted to be mad with Saitoh; wanted to push him away and rebuke him for merely using his friend for sex, but his body was betraying him. He reacted to everything Saitoh did, moaning and gasping for more as he felt Saitoh's long fingers untie the sash of his hakama. The wolf's hands deftly untied the knot, and Kenshin felt the fabric slip from his waist and fall to the floor around his ankles. He was already aroused, and wrapped his arms around Saitoh's broad shoulders as the taller man lifted him up off the ground, bracing him against the wall. Kenshin wove his legs around Saitoh's slim waist, and he tensed as he felt the policeman hastily remove his belt.
With his back against the wood, and the familiar feel of Saitoh's slim form pressed so close to him, Kenshin was brought back to the days of the revolution. He remembered how they would usually meet in some back alley, neither saying a word as they quickly undressed. Then Saitoh would back him against the wall, just like he was doing now, and he would thrust himself savagely into him, making him scream in pleasure and pain. Their moans would reverberate through the blood stained streets of Kyoto, and no one could discern if someone was in extreme ecstasy or being savagely murdered. Afterwards they'd go their separate ways, never speaking of their physical relations in the heat of battle. If anyone had found out, they would have both been executed for treason. Thinking back on it Kenshin was surprised Saitoh never tried to kill him during their love making, and was even more surprised that he hadn't tried it himself.
These and many more memories flooded his mind as he felt Saitoh push into him. He moaned at the familiar sensation, and silently pleaded for Saitoh to keep going. Saitoh didn't need to be told twice
With one last push it was over, and Kenshin moaned at the sensation filling him. Saitoh still held Kenshin against the door, not wanting to lose the warmth still surrounding him.
Kenshin's eyes returned to his normal violet, and he motioned for the taller man to withdraw himself and lower him back to the ground. Saitoh did so reluctantly, and Kenshin stood against the door, retying his hakama as Saitoh pulled up his own pants.
When Saitoh was done clasping his belt, Kenshin said, "So, does this mean you'll leave Sano alone?" Saitoh scoffed as he withdrew another cigarette. Kenshin wondered idly why Saitoh hadn't died from smoking so many of those things. "Of course not."
The sharp reply made Kenshin bristle. Saitoh noticed the rurouni's displeasure, and he said with a smirk, "Do you want to make a deal?" Kenshin cocked an eyebrow, wondering what the ex-Shinsengumi was up to. Seeing he had Kenshin's attention, Saitoh continued. "I'll leave the ahou alone, and never touch him again, but under one condition."
"What?" Saitoh smiled darkly. "I want one more duel with the Battousai." Kenshin's eyes went wide at the request. "And what if I say no?"
"Well then, I guess you'll just have to stomach seeing the man you love with someone else." Kenshin's heart ached at the words, and he averted his gaze. The last thing he wanted to do was fight Saitoh again, but the thought of Saitoh using Sano was just as bad. Did he really want to take the chance of getting killed just so he could have Sanosuke once and for all? The hitokiri in his heart was elated at the prospect of finally beating Saitoh, but the rurouni part of his consciousness found that it was pointless to have another duel, no matter what the reason. But he knew that Saitoh would just end up hurting Sano the longer he stayed with him, and Kenshin couldn't bear seeing his friend unhappy. Making his choice, Kenshin slowly nodded his head, making Saitoh's smile broaden.
"Hmph, you're too easy. Very well. Meet me two days from now in the bamboo forest on the outskirts of town. We'll meet there at midnight, and settle the old score dating back to the revolution once and for all." All Kenshin could do was nod as he turned to open the door. He could feel Saitoh smiling with satisfaction behind him, and he tried to keep his anger at bay as he walked past an office full of confused and frightened policeman. Stepping outside he made his way back to the dojo, trying to come up with an excuse for his disappearance, and for the duel that lay only two days away.
A/N: Well, there you have it. These guys really get around don't they? I tried to make it as calm as possible, but with Saitoh it's a little hard (no pun intended). But anyway, I think there's only one more chap coming up. I also might write a separate story about Kenshin and Saitoh during the revolution, so look forward to that, though it might be a while before I write it. Thanx for reading and hope to hear from ya!