I've Waited Long Enough

by Ione-Sama

This is their dance; he antagonizes her, she spits fire at him-it's their dynamic. But something's changed. The words she speaks, the things she does and the way she looks at him when she thinks he doesn't notice-it's changed him and he realizes he's no longer satisfied with just this-their playful banter. He wants more and he's waited long enough... (Rated M for later chapters!)

7. Dreams & Possibilities

A/N : Hey Sanoxmegumi fans! Sorry for the long wait but I hope I made up for it by making this a super long chapter; just a few things to take note of there's gonna be a lot of sort of back-and-forth with Sanosuke and Megumi's relationship so even though it may seem like their all mushy one minute and then fighting like cats the next, it's all a part of their relationship development and how they are both trying to work through and reconcile their feelings for each other. Hope you enjoy!

Note: "Italics" represent Megumi's dreams

Over the next few days, Megumi was prescribed bed rest and light activity under Dr. Gensai's instruction. At first, she was tempted to protest but as soon as Karou, Kenshin and Sanosuke all ganged up on her, the lady doctor-quite exasperated-gave up. However, to insure she would adhere to his instructions, Dr. Gensai left her under the watchful care of Karou and Kenshin at the Kamiya Dojo.

Therefore, resigning to her temorary "house arrest" Megumi took up residence in the spare room that was just at the end of the hall across from Yahiko's. The first day, she spent restlessly pacing her room (she was supposed to be resting in bed) and then by the second day, she begged and pleaded with Karou to let her assist in the kitchen. Karou relented at length but only allowing Megumi a small bowl of green beans to snap; she wasn't allowed to touch anything else. The older woman huffed but couldn't completely conceal a smile at her friend's giggles and sparkling eyes.

On the third day, she accompanied Karou to the back courtyard where they set to hanging out the laundry that Kenshin had washed so diligently that morning. Megumi sat on a low stool with the basket of laundry at her feet, handing each wet article of clothing to Karou who then proceeded to hang them up on the line.

"This is really frivilous; I am perfectly capable of standing on my own two feet to hand you the laundry, Karou-I could even hang the garments with you!"

Karou giggled and turned an innocent sunshiny smile to Megumi, wagging her finger playfully at her. "Now, now miss Megumi, I promised Dr. Gensai that Kenshin and I would take good care of you I can't be allowing you to over-exert yourself now then, can I?" She pressed her fingers to her lips, attempting to surpress a giggle as she turned back to the clothes line. "Besides, even if Dr. Gensai hadn't given me specific instructions, Sanosuke's threatening glares are enough to scare anyone into doing what he says; I don't ever want to find out what it is to be on his bedside." Her laugh quivered slightly as she shook out one of Kenshin's yukata's and spread it out over the line.

At the mention of Sanosuke, Megumi's curiosity was piqued, however she tried to play it off. "Oh honestly, now I've got the rooster head giving orders about my healthcare? that's more than a little frightening when he can't even keep himself out of a fight for one week." She couldn't help but chortle at the hilarious irony of her's and Sanosuke's roles being reversed.

"It's only because he's worried about you, miss Megumi; to be honest...I've never seen Sanosuke so frightened as he was the day he brought you here when you had fainted-the poor man was practically out of his mind with sick worry." Megumi's lips curved downward in a sympathetic frown.

Megumi eyed her curiously. "Was he-was he really that worried?"

Karou smiled sadly, nodding. "Mmm, he was; I've never seen that kind of fear in his eyes before-to be honest I think a part of him thought-that he was going to lose you."

Megumi gasped, her wine-colored eyes widening. Then she looked away, a painful expression etching her beautiful features. "...poor Sano; I feel terrible for worrying him like that..."

"-miss Megumi..." Karou smiled warmly at her companion. "You really care about Sanosuke, don't you."

Megumi deadpanned. "What?! -Why-I just-O-of course not! I mean-that is not like that I mean not in that way! It's-It's Sanosuke for heaven's sake! I could never be that way with him. Oh karou, you really are too much, ohohohohoho!"

Karou shook her head, not believing a word Megumi spoke. "Why ever not? Sanosuke may be a bit rough around the edges but you and I both know he's a good person! one of the best!"

"Oh it's not that I don't think that, it's just-It's Sano I mean he's-well for goodness' sake, he's a ruffian and a brawler-a gambler and a drinker and-he's only nineteen, Karou! he's still just a boy!"

Karou scowled. "Oh he's not a boy, Megumi; Sanosuke's the farthest thing from a boy, he's a man and you know it! So he's younger than Kenshin or even me but still, his age has nothing to do with whether he's a boy or a man!"

Megumi pressed her lips together pensively. "There's a full five years gap between us, Karou-you can't tell me that you can simply overlook it-anything beyond friendship with Sano is just-not a good idea and-"

Karou claped her hands together excitedly. "So you have thought about it!"

"I-" Megumi sighed heavily. Setting the wet garment aside, she settled on the stood slowly, her hands clasped in her lap. "-I can't let myself think about it, Karou-I can't let my mind even attempt to blur those lines, it's-it's too risky and with Sano and I, it'd never work anyway."

"But what makes you so certain, miss Megumi? I know you feel something more for him, you can deny it all you want but I've seen the way you look at him when you think no one notices; the look in your eyes Megumi is not the look a woman gives someone who's "just a friend" no matter how you try to manipulate it."

Megumi raised a hand to her face, her eyes closing as she grimaced. "-I always thought that our bickering was more than enough to disguise it and fool everyone."

"Well it is-that is if one isn't looking too closely like I do; I'm a bit of a nosy woman, I admit it!" She laughed sheepishly then.

"You don't understand, Karou; you think it's Sano's drinking or his gambling or his fighting and yes, I don't like those things but-the drinking and gambling is part of who Sanosuke is-and as for his fighting-you won't believe this but he's been fighting for me. Apparently people have been saying terrible things about me and that idiot's taken it upon himself to-fight for my honor." Megumi scoffed but smiled warmly at the memory of when she'd first learned of Sano's fighting for her.

"Megumi-that's the most amazing, wonderful and romantic thing I've ever heard! Sano's been getting into fights and all for you?! Oh! How is that not reason enough to let him know how you feel?!"

"Oh Karou I just-can't! How would I go about that I mean do you have any idea how utterly ridiculous and absurd I'd sound? he wouldn't believe me anyway! He'd think I was making it all up or worse, he'd take me completely seriously only to tell me that he doesn't feel the same and then everything between us would be ruined! -He'd never speak to me again and you don't understand how much that-" Her voice broke at the end and Karou was astonished to see Megumi fighting back tears. "-That would kill me Karou; I couldn't bare not having Sano come to my clinic every day just so I can bandage up his hand even though a part of me is so annoyed at his repetative violent antics, I still get to see him every day! and if things were ruined, I-he'd never want to come back let alone speak to me...I never thought I'd say this but-not having Sanosuke Sagara in my life would be worse than the days I spent in captivity to Kanryuu; I'd rather live those days all over again than live knowing that Sanosuke existed and wanted nothing to do with me." She ended her impassioned speach just as a lone tear slipped off the end of her midnight lashes and trickled down her cheek.

Karou's own tears threatened to spill over at how tragically beautiful Megumi's feelings were towards Sanosuke. She wished with all of her heart that her friend would just swallow her fears and leap at her chance at happiness; if anyone deserved it, it was Megumi most of all and Karou wanted nothing more than to see her completely happy.

"I just-I want things to stay the way they are. Because then, there's no risk of losing what I have; I know it's cowardly but I just-I can't lose him, Karou." Her voice quivered as she looked at Karou pleadingly.

Karou laid a hand on Megumi's arm. "I understand, miss Megumi-but I really don't think you'd lose Sano either. It's your decision though and regardless, you need to be ready to chose and you're not right now and that's completely understandable."

"Oi! Missy! Where ya at you got three starvin' men in here and there's no grub!"

Both women turned towards the obnoxious sound of Sanosuke's voice coming from inside the Dojo.

Megumi rolled her eyes and Karou just shook her head, laughing. "We'll be right there! Just hold your pants on, you freeloader!" She clenched her fist as they made their way inside. "I swear with how much that idiot eats me out of house and home, I don't know what possess me to keep feeding his stupid face!"

Megumi couldn't hold back a genuine laugh just then as they walked through the shoji entrance and spotted Kenshin, Yahiko and Sanosuke lazily lounging around the table, just near the kitchen.

At the beautiful sound of her laughter, Sanosuke immediately perked up and his eyes flew to her as she sashayed into the kitchen behind Karou. The two women were whispering amongst themselves and in response to a hushed remark from Karou, Megumi laughed again, flipping her hair gracefully over her shoulder as her dancing wine eyes chanced to connect with his. Sano held her gaze steadily with his intense chocolate brown stare and at the moment a light pink hue touched her cheeks, she looked away but not before he caught a shy, sweet smile pass over her lips. Sano couldn't supress the rougish grin that errupted on his lips-he didn't know why but somehow and for some reason, he had an effect on the foxy lady and it was poignant. He didn't fully understand it but he liked it and every day he saw her, he hungered to see it more and more.

Soon, the women had gotten dinner on the table and the group gathered round in early evening to enjoy the meal and relax. At length, Megumi grew a little drowsy and excused herself to sit outside on the engawa for some fresh air. Karou offered to make her some cinnamon tea and the older woman thanked her kindly as she exited.

Megumi had settled herself in one of the rustic rocking chairs out on the engawa and reclined back easily as she watched the sun disappear over the horizon. Soon, fireflies began to appear, twinkling and fluttering over the grass of the open fields and Megumi breathed in deeply. This would most likely be the last warm day as mid September was fast approaching. Just then, it dawned on her; a conversation she'd had with Kenshin last year had brought up the discussion of the earliest revolution days and the beginning of the Meji era. At one point, Kenshin had briefly mentioned part of Sano's past and it came up that Sano had been born right as the revolution broke out. That had been on the 18th of October as Megumi remembered and consequently that meant Sano's 20th birthday was coming up-in October! Megumi's eyes widened and she leaned forward pensively in her chair. Where did that come from?-I can't believe I actually remember. Well I-that means it a little less than a month away so I have-

A heavy soft warmth settled around her shoulders, startling her. She looked up to find Sano draping a warm blanket around her shoulders, his face nearing hers as he tucked it around the front of her, ensuring she was completely warm. "It's gettin' a bit chilly out; thought you could use a little warming up."

"Oh! S-sano I uh-thank you." She thanked him softly, gripping the blanket in her fingers to pull it tighter around her.

Sano settled himself on the floor next to her, one leg outstreched with the other bent at the knee supporting his elbow as he chewed casually on a fishbone. "It's been awhile since we've been able to relax like this, hasn't it? It seems like every time we turned around there was either enemies needing their asses kicked or patients needin' care-it sure feels good to not have anything to worry about for once."

Megumi hummed in agreement, nodding softly.

Sanosuke gave her a sideways glance. She was unusually quiet and pensive and he wondered what could possibly have her so distracted. "Hey Fox-are you feelin' okay?"

"Hmm? Yes of course...I'm just-lost in thought I guess." She lowered her head, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ear as she looked away from Sano.

Sanosuke eyed her closely; he wasn't buying it; she seemed much more absorbed in her own thoughts than usual and her uncharacteristic stillness, unnerved him. He closed his eyes thoughtfully, then fluidly rose to his knees and leaned into Megumi, carefully inspecting her face.

"S-sano what on earth are you-"

"Are you sure you're feelin' alright-Meg?"

Her eyes widened at how close he was now to her-then they softened at the endearing name he used only for her and she fought to hold back the heat rising up to her cheeks. "Yes. I'm alright...really...Sanosuke."

She said his name again.

The sound of it rolling from her lips in such a soft lilting tone caused his heart to race and heat to spread through his body. "-you're pretty quiet tonight, Kitsune; it's not like you you know."

Megumi glanced at his profile; his strong handsome features stood out against the soft glow of the lantern. The copper flecks in his dark brown eyes looked almost golden from the angle at which the light hit them and Megumi was breathtaken at how it gave the illusion that his eyes were literally aflame and glowing.

"You know I-I'm really thankful that you're doin' better, Foxy." His words broke softly through the silence that had settled between them. He turned warm affectionate eyes on her than and his lips curved upwards in that handsome melting smile she'd only seen once before. "I really don't think I could've taken it if something bad had happened to you-then who would I have had to take care of me when I got hurt?"

She scowled at him but her eyes sparkled with a smile. "You would have been far worse off, that much I am certain of! It seems I'm the only one that can descently handle you-it's still difficult and unpleasent but I can manage; it's a good thing too because you'd most likely put Dr. Gensai into an early grave!"

Sanosuke laughed softly-a deep rich throaty laugh that sent shivers down Megumi's spine. "-So-you think you're the only woman who can handle me, huh?"

Her cheeks reddened.

He was giving her that devilishly roguish grin again-the one that made her go impossibly weak in the knees inspite of herself.

"H-honestly, Rooster you twist innocent words into the most-explicit, inappropriate-sensuous meanings it's-completely shocking and uncooth!"

He snorted. "Oh really? Now did I say that I was trying to be-sensuous? I wasn't saying anything of the kind, Kitsune-" He moved in closer until his nose was nearly brushing against hers. "-you're the one that brought up sensuality-not me."

His hot breath ghosted across her cheek, causing the stray tendrils around her face to flutter.

Her throat tightened.

Her mouth went dry.

Her cheeks flamed the deepest crimson and damn it all to hell, her pupils dilated at the moment the word sensuality left his lips.

I can't-breathe. He's way too close for comfort, I can't-oh God, can he see right through me? is he reading my thoughts right now?! Oh dear Kami-sama, I have to get away from him-I don't know how much longer I can stand his-n-nearness, I've got to get out of here n-now!

Her eyes shifted up to Sano's-and his were on fire-the most intense flaming heat that she had ever seen in the eyes of any man but his was by far the most dangerous because it was the fire the spoke of only one emotion-passion. She gazed at him almost paralyzed and then her wine orbs drifted involuntarily down to his mouth where his lips suddenly parted and he uttered her name. "-Megumi-"

She thought she would die at the tantalizingly irresistable sound of his deep timbered voice but thankfully, it was also enough to jolt her senses awake and without even thinking, she bolted up, causing the chair to topple over as she backed away from him.

Sanosuke was quite startled by her sudden reaction but he was rendered even more confused when she frantically backed away from him, toppling the chair in the process. He stood to his feet then, confusion and bewilderment flashed through his eyes as he watched her wine-colored irises widen in surprise, longing and panic mixed together. She appeared very dishevled and unsettled by something; was it him? had he said something that had upset her? -or was it his nearness that suddenly had her all wriled up and distressed? Man-I can see every inch of her trembling! What the hell has gotten into her? "What's wrong?" His voice took on a very gentle tone; something inside him said to move with caution or else he'd scare her off.

Megumi was trembling all over and she could scarcely catch her breath. Oh god-oh god I-c-can't breathe-!

Sano's eyes darkened to a deeper shade of brown as he watched her closely.

"I-I'm sorry, Sano I-I think I've been up and about too much today maybe-thank you for the blanket-and for keeping me company but I'm going to-go lie down."

He nodded but there was obvious concern lining his countenance as she bid him goodnight.

Catching his worried expression she mentally chided herself. Damn it, I'm scaring him again and making him worry. At this she reached out a hand and laid it on his arm-the heat of his russet skin caused her to shiver. "-Don't worry, Sano please-I promise I'm just tired. I'll be better tomorrow."

"-You better be 'cuz I'm comin' to check on you tomorrow and if I find you weak and lazin around in bed, you're gonna have to answer to Zanza." He flashed her a devilish grin and winked playfully.

She scoffed but smiled in return as she waved goodnight before disappearing inside.

# # # #

She tried to pull away and move past him, but Sano stood firm, blocking her path.

"Move out of my way, Sanosuke-please I don't want to have to ask you again."

"Well too bad-'cuz I ain't budgin' Meg-"

His fingers burned hot delicious trails up along her jaw line to her cheek where his hand rested momentarily as he gazed deeply-and heatedly-into her eyes. "You keep trying to ignore it but-I know you want it-just as much as I do." He breathed huskily near the shell of her ear and she couldn't supress a whimper that escaped her lips, betraying her secret longing for his touch.

"Please-I can't-"

Sanosuke took her by the shoulders and turned her around to face him. "-Look in my eyes then-and tell me you don't want me."

She hesitated but then his strong arm came to wrap possessivly around her waist, pulling her against him while his other hand came up and gently grasped the back of her neck, turning her face upwards to meet his.

His eyes were on fire-the most beautiful enthralling fire she had ever seen and the tone of his voice caused every cord of her heart and soul to tremble. "-Tell me-I want to hear you say it, Megumi."

She shook her head dumbly, paralyzed by his fiery passionate stare. "I-I can't."

A rougish smile broke out on his lips than as he drew her face closer to his, closing the gap between them. "Then. Tell me-what you want. What. Do. you. Want. Megumi."

Her breathing grew rapid and shallow as his lips drew nearer and nearer to her own. At the last second, he paused only an agonizingly few inches away, his hot breath caressing her lips.

"-Say it."

She let out a shaky breath than uttered in an agonizing whisper, "-I want-you."

And his lips crashed against hers before the last word had scarcely left her lips. His arm wound tightly around her waist-almost painfully-but she didn't care-she didn't care because it was the most deliciously captivating 'pain' she had ever felt in her life.

He waisted no time and pressed his tongue to the seam of her lips, demanding entrance.

She whimpered, letting her mouth fall open and he plundered every inch of it with his tongue-lingering at certain moments as he tasted her.

She nearly died of pure ecstasy at the sensation of his tongue coursing through her mouth and her legs buckled beneath her.

Sanosuke caught her around the waist, holding her more firmly as he continued to shamelessly explore her mouth. Growing more fervent and heated, Sano pressed Megumi up against the wall, trapping her with the weight of his own body as he pulled back just enough to look at her.

Her cheeks were flushed and glowing, her lips were red and slightly bruised and her eyes were wide and bright with lustful hunger.

"-that's it. I'm not doing it-anymore-meg; I can't keep-pretending like there's nothing between when obviously-"

"S-sano I-I-" She was gasping and panting.

"-I want you, Meg-I-I need you-"

"I-Sano maybe we should wai-"

He shook his head adamently, pressing his forehead to hers. "No-now. Please-I can't wait anymore, I need you-all of you." He whispered hotly against her neck and Megumi couldn't refuse anymore; she was coming undone.

"-Then-stop wasting t-time-have me!" She gasped as she wrapped her legs around his waist, trying desperately to get as close to him as she could.

Sanosuke let out a devilish chuckle followed by his roguish grin as he pressed himself against her; her arms and legs wrapped around him even tighter and he couldn't resist the temptation to let his hand slide tantalizingly upwards along the back of her knee, then to her thigh and then-

Megumi flew up in bed with a gasp.

Her wine eyes blinked several times as she looked about the room and discovered she was still at the dojo, in her own bed-and alone.

Her heart was racing painfully and her quickening pulse throbbed in her neck and wrists as she tried desperately to slow her heavy breathing.

What in Kami's name...? Was I-dreaming?

Oh...god.

The vivid memories of her dream were fresh in her mind and as each frame replayed itself, her cheeks tinged a deeper red and the hot ache in the pit of her stomach spread even futher.

She'd just had a very real...and very erotic dream of Sanosuke Sagara.

She ran trembling fingers through her midnight tresses as she threw back the covers and attempted to stand on shaky legs. How could I have-why-?

Her hand drifted from her hair to her cheek and then slender fingers drifted downwards to wrap around her throat as she worked to massage the hot unsettling sensations out of her skin and muscles. "My god I-where did that even come from..."

"Megumi-"

She heard his voice; hot and breathy just as it had been in her dream and she gasped. Moving towards her chest, she decided on a light rose-colored kimono and dressed quickly. She glanced momentarily at her smock but decided against doning it. It's far too warm out for that today and besides... after t-that dream-I don't think I could h-handle anything so stifling. Glancing at her reflection in her looking glass, she decided to pull her hair up off her neck and secure it in a loose chingon. After gathering her doctor's bag, she hurried out and down the street to the clinic.

# # # #

After a failed attempt at convincing Dr. Genzai to let her return to work, a crest-fallen Megumi reluctantly left the clinic and wondered through the streets. A few townspeople were about as the market booths were opening for the day and for a few hours, Megumi wondered aimlessly among the different booths, browsing the merchants' wares. She became so engrossed in her own thoughts that she didn't notice Karou approaching her.

"Megumi? What on earth are you doing up and out so early in the morning?! aren't you supposed to be still resting?"

"Oh hello, Karou I-I couldn't sleep anymore honestly, I thought I'd just get out for some fresh air-"

"You seem-distracted is everthing alright, Miss Megumi?"

Megumi hesitated for a long moment; her cheeks tinged a bright red as the memory of her dream that morning came back to haunt her. "Karou? have you ever-have you ever had-dreams that were so real and life-like, you could swear that they really happened?"

Karou pressed an index finger to her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm...well to be honest, I haven't had dreams for awhile but I guess the one I remembers most was when Kenshin left for Kyoto and every night-I'd have this horrible nightmare that he'd be fighting Shishio and suddenly, he'd be cut down-by shishio's sword and-I h-have to admit all the blood and the s-sound he made when he was dying-it was all far too real." She clutched the collar of her kimono tightly as her eyes tinged with sadness.

"Yes I can-only imagine how frightening that must have been." Megumi said sympathetically.

"Have you been having life-like dreams, Megumi?"

The older woman again hesitated. "W-well-huhh. Okay I'll tell you but I swear, Karou if you tell Sir Ken or Yahiko or anyone, I will never ever speak to you again, understood?!" The older woman was earnest and Karou sensed this was more serious than a random dream.

She laid a comforting, reassuring hand on Megumi's arm. "Miss Megumi, you have my word but I hope you would already know that without me needing to promise you."

Megumi smiled gratefully and let out a shuddering breath. "Alright. Well it was-it was about-well I'm not even sure where it started or if the dream even had a beginning but all I know is that-I was in it and-so was-the rooster head."

"Eh!? Sanosuke was in your dream?!"

Megumi grabbed Karou and shoved a hand over her mouth. "Keep your voice down, you ninny!"

Karou nodded mutely and once satisfied she had calmed down, Megumi continued.

"I think it happened at the clinic...or was it my house? I'm not even certain but...it was..." Her face fell as she worked to find the words and courage to continue.

"Megumi? It's alright, you can tell me."

"Karou, we kissed."

Karou's eyes widened to saucers but she didn't make a sound.

Megumi sighed, a sweat drop appearing as she continued. "But it wasn't just that it was-it was the most-hot, erotic dream I've ever had in all my life, Karou! He had me-pinned with his body and the way he was talking to me it was-s-so-" Megumi rubbed at her neck self-consciously as she recalled the heated encounter. "It was like his voice was reaching inside me and-awakening feelings and sensations that-I've never felt before in all my life and it was so-real! " She shivered but it wasn't an unpleasent feeling.

Karou eyed her-the hint of a bashful yet knowing smile playing on her lips. "Megumi! I-I mean I suspected that you felt something for Sano but I had no idea it was this strong, this-intense!"

Megumi shook her head as the two women were coming up to the gate of the Kamiya Dojo. "No, that's just it, Karou I-I don't know where this even came from! -I mean yes I-as much as I really hate to admit it, I do-feel something for Sano but this? I don't even know if I could ever-if I would ever go that far with him-I mean I can't even imagine us-I just don't think we could ever even-"

"You can't fathom him ever feeling the same way you do, much less persuing a courtship with you." Karou finished for her.

"-Exactly!" Megumi breathed, surprised.

Karou nodded empathetically. "I-I know the feeling-" She bit her lip pensively.

"Sir Ken?" Megumi wore a teasing smile as she eyed her friend.

Karou blushed furiously. "I-I guess it's no secret how I feel about Kenshin...but I still can't fathom that he'd ever find me attractive, much less look at me the way I look at him, you know?"

"Believe me, I do know, Karou." Megumi sighed heavily as she linked her arm with Karou's and the two women entered the courtyard together. "We are one and the same, you and I; two strong, beautiful and independent women bound by the shackles of our tragic fates!" Megumi sighed dramatically eliciting a giggle from Karou; Megumi had always had a flare for the dramatic arts and Karou wondered at times why she hadn't relinquished her medical persuits in favor of a career in theatre; she's positive that Megumi would have been just as proficient an actress as she was a doctor.

Just then, their lively conversation was interrupted by a loud raucus coming from inside the Dojo. Peels of high pitched laughter mingled with boystrous happy shouting could be heard as the shoji flew open and Yahiko came flying out with none other than Sanosuke-with Ayame and Suzume flung over each shoulder-hot on his heels. At first glance, it appeared that Sanosuke was furious with Yahiko as he shouted obscenities and name-callings after him but the bright mischevious sparkle in his chocolate brown eyes portrayed his boyish excitement. "You get back here you little pipsqueak! that was my rice ball and you stole it!"

"Yeah well we all know you're gettin' fat enough as it is, the way you eat Karou out of house and home, ya big freeloader!"

"What did you call me?!"

"You heard me! Freeloading, mooching chicken head!"

"Shaddup ya pipsqueak; I'll go tellin' Tsubame at the Akabeko that you're sweet on her!"

"I am not sweet on her!"

"Are too! look at you're face all red; you liiiiiiike Tsubame and I'm gonna tell her"

"You better not! 'else I'll tell Megumi that you just make up excuses to go see her all the time!"

"What'd you say?!"

Just then, both boys came around the corner again and spotting a laughing Karou and a considerably flush-faced Megumi, skidded to a hault just as Sano had Yahiko by the collar.

Both Ayame and Suzume were cheering wildly and clapping their hands. "Yay! you got him, Uncle Sano, you got him!"

"Yay, Uncle Sano!"

"You bet I did!" Sano grinned broadly as he gently set both girls on solid ground, though they somewhat protested by clinging fast to his mop of russet hair.

"Well, well you all seem to be getting into plenty of trouble with me gone! Where is Kenshin, I left him in charge!"

"Aw Com'on Missie, we're not doin' anything bad; 'sides Kenshin is out back doing laundry and well these two yaywhos weren't lettin' him so I just offered to watch 'em for awhile."

Karou rested a hand on her hip and sized Sano up skeptically. "Really. You offered to watch the children while Kenshin did housework?"

Sano grinned broadly again, his trademark fishbone bobbing up and down between his teeth. "Yep! That I did, Missie; see? betcha didn't know I could be responsible now, did you?!" He pointed triumphantly at her, winking playfully.

Karou shook her head but conceded, taking the girls and Yahiko inside. "Well at any rate, it's time to get lunch ready so go help Kenshin finish up!"

"Uh seriously? Missie I don't do laundry."

Karou glared at him over her shoulder. "Well considering you eat and at times, sleep here for free, laundry is a small price to pay-so move it!"

He held his hands up in surrender. "Alright already, take it easy will ya! Jeeze, everyone get's so worked up over nothin'."

Just then, the handsome ex-fighter noticed Megumi for the first time, standing a few paces away from him near the courtyard gate. She hadn't moved since she and Karou had first come upon the roudy bunch and he was curious as to why she hadn't moved or spoken a single word; on a normal day, the fox would have been the first one to scold them for their boystrous antics-not Karou. "Hey there, Vixen; I didn't expect to see you so early-figured you'd still be resting-"

He trailed off when he caught Megumi's nervous aura mixing in the Autumn air and his brows furrowed as he noticed her eyes fixated on the ground, avoiding him. "O...kay, um Kitsune what gives? You're not sayin' anything and-you haven't even acknowledged me. Come to think of it, it feels an awful like like you're ignoring me-" He stepped towards her when suddenly her head flew up and shock-filled eyes collided with his chocolate orbs.

"S-sorry!-I mean I-ahem! Sorry I was thinking of something else just now." Her eyes still wouldn't fully meet his but she seemed a bit more alert than before.

"Alright well-you're up and about early, you must be feeling better than, huh."

She nodded absently. "Yes I'm-feeling some better."

"You must have gotten a hella good night's sleep then."

Last night flooded her thoughts and her cheeks flamed an obvious red, her pupils dilating. She cleared her throat, embarassment evident in her body language as she quickly moved past him without meeting his quizzical stare. "Uhhh...well I believe Karou needs help with lunch!" And with that she disappeared inside, leaving a very baffled Sano in her wake.

# # # #

The day drew on, and Megumi only grew more and more mysterious and withdrawn by the minute. She spoke little at lunch that afternoon and several times throughout the rest of the day, Sanosuke noticed her disappearing for relatively long periods at a time, only to return several moments later, seemingly calm but with a mildly disheveled appearance.

When evening came around, the group settled in the main room to play a round of Japanese daminos and once again, Megumi quietly excused herself and left the room. Sanosuke watched her intently, his eyes following her until she disappeared behind the shoji, sliding it shut. A few seconds later, the door opened again and Karou came in with the tray of green tea and crumpets-a novelty Western sweet-and set about serving everyone. Sano stood to his feet and sauntered lazily over to her hand crouched down at her side. "Hey, whats goin' on with Megumi?"

Karou looked up at him as she set out the teacups and plates. "Why do you ask?"

"You haven't noticed?! She's been actin' weird and closed off all day!"

"Keep your voice down, Sano." Karou whispered harshly but Sano's voice-though subdued-was even harsher and etched with worry.

"Honestly what the hell is goin' on around here!? She hasn't said a single word to me since she's gotten here; not even a snide remark or any attempt to pick a fight and that doesn't bother you?"

"She's-she's going through some things, Sano and please don't antagonize her, just give her some space."

"Seriously. Are you kiddin' me?! I'm her friend-at least I'm supposed to be-and I thought she knew that; she should be able to talk to me about anything and you're telling me to just 'give her space'?"

"Hey Karou! Hurry up with the tea and treats, will ya?" Yahiko called.

Karou glanced back at the rest of the group who were gathering around the table, readying for another game. Karou nodded and smiled than gave Sano one last careful look. "Sano please just-be considerate. Please. For Megumi." She cautioned him and than turned her attention to her guests.

Sanosuke stood there brooding. He didn't like all this secrecy that was suddenly floating around the place; secrets made him nervous especially secrets between friends. "...Screw this." He muttered to himself and he slipped out of the room determined to go in search of his missing fox. She can hate me if she wants but I ain't gonna just stand by and leave this alone when something is obviously wrong-the last time I left Megumi to herself, she damn near stabbed herself with a dagger-yeah, that ain't happenin' again.

After a lengthy perusal of the rest of the Dojo, Sanosuke decided to try out back-and he was in luck. He rounded the corner and discovered Megumi leaning heavily over the well, vigorously splashing her face and neck with icy cold water she'd drawn out of the bucket. Her back was mostly faced away from him but he still had a partial view of her profile which depicted a very flustered Megumi with partially damp hair as she splashed her face again, administering several light, rapid smacks to her cheeks, muttering. "Stupid, stupid, stupid woman *smack, smack* get ahold of yourself already.

*Smack*

*Smack*

*Smack*

" -shake it off, it's nothing. You can kick this, Takani you're tougher than this!"

*Smack*

*Smack*

*Smack*

*Smack*

She shook her head vigorously than leaned her palms heavily on the edge of the well as she whispered to herself. "-Damn it."

Sanosuke watched the display in complete bewilderment; he had never seen Megumi act like this and it was starting to scare the hell out of him. "-What in bloody hell, Meg-?"

Startled, Megumi whipped around, her arm catching the drawing bucket, sending it and it's remaining contents crashing to the ground.

Water splashed up drenching the hem of her kimono as the rest puddled and muddied around her feet but she didn't notice as she fixed frightened eyes on her unsuspecting companion.

"-Sanosuke-" She'd been found out-at least partially. She wasn't sure how long he'd been standing there or how much of her rant he'd heard but it was evident from the look of shock and confusion on his face, that he'd seen enough to know that there was something definitely wrong with her.

"You're wet. You're face is red, you're hair's a mess and-" his eyes traveled down the length of her body to the drenched hem of her kimono and her soaked, muddied feet. Meeting her eyes again, he shook his head. "What on earth is goin' on with you, Doc?"

So he hasn't caught on yet...yet.

"I uh-I just needed some air I was feeling a little-stifled I guess."

He shook his head, taking a step towards her. "No that's not what I'm talkin' about-I'm talkin' about how you've been acting skittish, closed off and all mysterious ever since I got here this morning."

She eyed him carefully as she tried to think up a plausible answer but nothing was coming to mind. She decided instead of incriminating herself further by mindless ramblings and excuses, it was better for her to just remain quiet and see what he would do.

"You barely even said hi to me...and when I first saw you, you looked all hot and bothered, your face was all red and you were-I don't know, actin' all-awkward."

She didn't answer him but she kept her eyes on his which meant she was listening so he figured that at least was a good sign. "Are you gonna say anything or do I have to force it outta you, Meg?" He took another step towards her, now only half a foot of space stood between them as he watched her eyes and waited for an answer.

Megumi fiddled with her fingers.

Gnawed nervously on her lower lip.

Her eyes flickered from his face to the ground and then back up again.

She still didn't have any answer to give him that he would believe so she dropped her hands and looked away dejectedly. "I'm just-dealing with some personal things right now, Sano-so I'd really appreciate just some time to myself, ok?" She went to move passed him but didn't get far when he suddenly grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

"Don't."

She looked over at him; he was looking straight ahead but his expression was so serious and his eyes looked somewhat pained and angry.

"Don't tell me you're dealin' with something personal and then just walk away and tell me to 'give you some time-the last time I left you to yourself, you left us and nearly killed yourself; if I hadn't been there, you would've too so don't got tellin' me I gotta leave ya alone when the last time I did I damn near almost lost you."

Megumi gasped and her eyes widened in shock.

She couldn't believe his last words. "-I damn near almost lost you."

Did she really mean that to Sano after all?

Could Karou have been right all along?

Of course, they were friends but she'd never considered herself as particularly dear to him; not like Kenshin or Karou or Ayame, Suzume and Yahiko. She'd always assumed that their friendship was more of a casual nature and that had suited her just fine...well until rescently, that is.

But looking at Sanosuke with so much seriousness in his eyes and so much depth behind his words, she was suddenly beginning to doubt everything she had ever thought she knew of him, before; everything she'd previously thought about Sano, suddenly didn't seem to fit him at all and she wondered where she'd gone wrong and how she could have been so blind as to miss it.

But deep down, she knew that it was her frivolous pride and perhaps he had been right before; when he'd said she put on airs and looked down on people at times, he was probably right.

She felt ashamed and deflated at this new realization and she couldn't help but wish that the ground would just open up and swallow her whole, hiding her away from his prying gentle eyes that always seemed to see right through to her soul. She hung her head repentently, her wine eyes shielded behind the curtain of her bangs as she resigned herself to the reality that there was no hiding from Sanosuke Sagara, ever.

But then, she could never fully bring herself to want to.

"I'm not tryin' to pry, Meg. And I know everybody's got their own secrets and their own ghosts to deal with but...you gotta understand that because of our-history; the way we first met and then when you just up and left and almost got yourself killed-it affected me. And it still does."

Though still holding onto her hand, Sanosuke pointedly kept his back to her, keeping his face hidden and she knew it was on account of the fact that expressing his feelings was something Sanosuke hardly ever did and consequently, it was extremely hard for him. She didn't mind and listened patiently and intently.

"I don't like you goin' off by yourself. Anywhere. Whether it's day or night, really doesn't make any difference to me, I just plain don't like it. I know you got patients to see to during the day and I know you can take care of yourself, I don't doubt that. I know you hate it when I always insist on walkin' you home every night but at night is the one time that I can't reason away that something could happen to you. You hate it, I know but believe me, if I could have my way, I'd be escortin' you everywhere you went and I know you'd hate that a lot more so believe me, you've got it easy with just havin' me as a nighttime escort."

She couldn't help but smile as she listened to him express how much he hated her going anywhere without him; it was like a paranoid mother hen who had to constantly have her chicks in her line of sight at all times, or else she'd peck them as punishment. Only with Sano, it seemed sweeter and more endearing somehow.

"I don't like it when I don't know where you're at because then I have this feelin' that I can't get to you and that drives me insane because if something goes wrong, I know that I won't be able to get to you as fast as I would be if I actually knew where to find you-but I know that I can't always know where you're at and-it's hard on me-but I just try to remind myself that you're strong and you're a sneaky little vixen so you'll be able to get yourself out of most anything if I'm not there-but that doesn't mean I'll stop protecting you just because I know you can take care of yourself; I'll always protect you, Meg whether you like it or not and you can hate me if you want but-you can't hide from me like you're doin'. You can't do that, Fox because that's the one thing that I absolutely cannot stand is seeing you and knowing something's wrong but all you do is keep running away and hiding from me-I need to protect you."

Megumi's breath caught in her throat and her heart skipped several beats when she heard how earnestly Sano expressed his need to protect her.

"I mean, we're friends-and I thought that well-I thought maybe I meant more to you than maybe Kenshin or Yahiko-"

Megumi felt a lump rising in her throat and turning around, she stepped up behind him and laid a hand on his shoulder.

Her heart fluttered and her cheeks tinged a bright red when she felt his muscled back relax against her touch. "Sano-you are-my very best friend."

It was Sano's turned to be surprised. His heart thrilled uncontrollably in his chest and he slowly turned to gaze at her over his shoulder. "-You-you really mean that, Kitsune?" His voice was hesitant yet there was hope radiating in his chocolate brown eyes and Megumi's heart swelled even more with budding affection.

Damn him...Damn him and his eyes. She hated how just a look from him could make her insides melt and her knees weaken. She closed the distance between them and rested her cheek against his broad back, reveling in the security she felt as his warmth radiated from his body and spread to hers. "-Of course I mean it, you idiot-I won't hide anymore. Promise." She uttered just loud enough for Sanosuke to hear and the warm wide grin that spread across his lips said that he was satisfied-but the gentle squeeze he gave her hand that was still clasped in his own told her that he was still just as worried about her.

She smiled ruefully as she thought knowingly to herself; Some things will never change...