Not much writing before hand for this one, i just want to get this chapter up for you guys.

Thanks to all my reviewers and my regulars:

Kitsune-Blue

samuraiduck27

Sessinu girl

And thanks to a new reviewer:

Black Cherrie: thanks for your review and I hope you continue to follow this story.

DISCLAIMER

Co chan does not own Rurouni Kenshin or its characters

Chapter 6

The evening passed by with very few incidents, but of course because it was the Kenshin-gumi there was bound to be at least one and it went like this. The girls had all gone to the washroom and the waiter graciously offered to show them where it was. They gracefully declined his offer and continued on there way, his eyes kept on them absorbing their beauty greedily. At this point Kenshin got up and walker over to him.

"Keep your eyes and offers away from my woman," he said icily.

The waiter turned to meet a pair of amber eyes. Sano got up and edged towards Kenshin. Aoshi remained in his seat.

"I...I....wasn't looking at her, I was looking at the taller one," he replied nervously.

When Sano heard this he started towards the man, cracking his knuckles menacingly.

"I mean the taller one is nice but I think the small, thin one is more my type."

As soon as he uttered these words Aoshi's kodachi was at this throat his blue-green eyes piercing. Kenshin and Sano were stunned by this reaction form who they thought was a calm and controlled man.

The moment the girls stepped out the guys were back in their seats so fast that the normal eye wouldn't pick up the movement. Too bad for Aoshi that Misao's training in the Oniwabanshu made her above average in such areas. Many questions would come later on.

From then on the night went fairly smoothly. The group were entertained by some Western singers and were very pleased. They left the restaurant soon after to have a walk along the river. Megumi and Sano walked ahead and said they would go to the dojo because Yahiko would be wondering where everyone was. Misao and Aoshi also excused themselves and left. Kenshin and Kaoru continued walking hand in hand. They walked in silence, enjoying the pleasant presence of one another. Then Kaoru stopped and, releasing Kenshin's hand, walked to the riverside of the path. Kenshin looked at her questioningly.

"Kaoru, what's wrong?"

He walked up behind her.

"This is where you left me, when you went to face Shishio," she stated.

He paused, "I remember."

He looked at her and saw that she was trembling.

"On that day I thought my heart had stopped Kenshin. It hurt so much to see you leave," she said sniffing slightly.

He continued walking towards her and put his arms around her, pulling her to him.

"Kaoru, leaving you was the hardest thing i ever had to do," he whispered.

"Even harder then fighting Shishio?" she questioned.

He laughed, "much harder than fighting Shishio."

He turned her around and wiped the tears from her cheeks and smiled.

"I promise you this Kaoru, I will never leave or do anything to cause you so much pain again. I love you and it remain so for the rest of my days."

At this he kissed her. She rested her head on his chest and they stood embracing each other.

Meanwhile in a tree nearby Misao and Aoshi sat watching the ongoings. 'I'm glad that they're finally happy," Misao thought.

"I think its time to go," she stated sleepily.

Aoshi nodded. Misao then went to jump but slipped, Aoshi caught her easily.

"You're too tired to get back to the dojo in one piece," he stated.

At that he cradled her against his chest and set off. She complained at first and said she was fine but soon gave up her argument. By the time he got back Misao was curled up, fast asleep.

While they were on their way back Sano and Megumi had long since arrived back at the dojo. They walked in and called out to Yahiko but instead they found a note.

Gone to Akabeko

Been invited to stay the night

Be back tomorrow

Yahiko

They both sighed and went outside to sit on the landing. They sat and looked at the stars, holding hands. After a time Sano scooped Megumi up and sat her on his lap. Surprisingly she didn't make any coy or smart remarks. She instead looked up into his eyes and smiled. He bent down, but his hand to her cheek and kissed her. When they pulled away she sighed and leant against him. He put his arms around her protectively and the both drifted off.

This was how they were found when Aoshi came through the gate with Misao softly snoring. He crept past them to put MIsao to bed. He took down her hair and carefully wiped the make-up off her face. She stirred a little when he kissed her forehead. He then loosened her kimono and tucked her under her blankets.

After he left her room he fetched a spare blanket and covered Sanosuke and Megumi. He decided that he would go to bed also seemings as there was no point waiting for Himura and Kamiya to return. Last he saw they looked fairly comfortable where they were. He smiled, it seems like everything was finally going right for the group and he was glad. He wouldn't admit it but he considered the Kamiya Dojo as his second home and enjoyed all their company very much. He was very glad that Misao had befriended these people for they were all kind and caring. They loved her almost as much as he did and he found it comforting. He turned his back on the yard and went to his and Misao's room.

It was much later on that Kenshin and Kaoru walked in through the gates, grinning happily. They saw Sano with Megumi and laughed quietly at the irony of it. They walked inside and found Yahiko's note. They both mouthed 'Tsubame' then both of them went to get changed into their yukata's. when they had changed they went back out to the yard and found that Sano and Megumi had finally gone to bed. Sano had actually woken up and a similar thing to Aoshi. He then retired in the main practice hall.

Kenshin and Kaoru sat on a bench near the gate of the dojo, looking at the stars. Kaoru was cuddled up to his side with Kenshin's arms around her. They stayed outside for a further hour and then retired to their rooms.

Megumi awoke with a start, panic running through her body. She quickly got up and ran through the dojo to everyone's consecutive rooms. She quietly opened the shoji to all of them and peered inside. When she was sure that everyone was safe she went to the practice hall and slumped against the wall. She looked at her shaking hands and a sob escaped her. The smell of smoke still lingered in her nostrils. She had lived that so long ago and lost her loved ones. She would never lose them again. Megumi then gave in to her overwhelming sorrow and wept. Unbeknownst to her was a person quietly observing.

Sanosuke jolted up at the sound of footsteps hurrying around the dojo. They then slowed and approached the place where he sat. the figure appeared in the doorway and then entered. It was Megumi but not the Megumi he had left that night. Her breaths were being taken in sharp and quick gasps. Her small frame was trembling and her hair was hanging in clumps in front of her face as she slumped against the wall. He watched quietly as she sank to her knees and then decided that she had been alone for quite long enough and quietly walked over to her.

He placed his hand of her shoulder and felt her jump. She turned to him, her eyes showing alarm but also full of tears.

"Megumi..." he sat down next to her.

She slumped into his arms and sobbed quietly. He stroked her hair in an effort to calm her. After a time she ceased her crying and looked up at him.

"Care to tell me what's wrong. You don't get stirred up very easily," he stated.

"Just memories that have resurfaced," she replied. "I thought I smelt smoke and it was so hot, I thought that... I thought," she broke off shaking.

Sanosuke squeezed her tightly, "nothing like that will ever happen to you again. I won't let it, I promise."

She looked at him in surprise, "what are you saying Sanosuke?"

He gulped. "I'm saying that I want to always be here for you. In times like these I just want to be able to protect you," he explained.

When Sano looked into her eyes, he saw not the usual scornful look in her eyes but something else. Something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"I...I..." but he was cut off by Megumi's lips on his own.

"Kimi wo aishiteiru Sano," she said.

He looked at her in wonder.

"Aishiteiru? But how could you love someone like me?" he questioned.

"And pray tell what is wrong with you?" she asked.

"I'm an ex-gangster, I gamble...,"
"Not very successfully."

"..I drink a bit..."

"That's an understatement."
"..and I eat everything I can get my hands on."

"Sounds about right, MWAHOHOHO."

"Well if it does then why do you?" he asked wide-eyed.

"Because you left out the most important things."

"Like?"

"For one, your good looks," as she said this he blushed.

"Also your loyalty, kind-heart, willingness to lend a hand and you also have a sense of humour believe it or not," she finished.

"How can I deny compliments like that," he said grinning.

"But anyway I think you need more sleep so I'll walk you to your room," he said getting up.

He held out his hand to her, "umm Sano do you think I could stay here with you tonight. I don't want to be alone, not tonight,"

He smiled and ruffled her hair playfully, "no problem. Don't mind sharing a futon do you?" he asked.

"As long as it's just for sleep I'm fine with it," she huffed.

They both climbed in and Sano put his arms around Megumi. She sighed and with that they both drifted off to sleep.