Title: Locks of Love

Author: Kenshin's Soul

Summary: Kenshin and Sanosuke are vacationing in Hawaii until they met someone who would change their life forever. An AU Sano and Kenshin yaoi fic.

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I love Ruroken! I don't own it, darn it, but Watsuki-sensei does.

Thank you, Dutchess Murasaki, my wonderful beta reader.

thoughts

( )-- sounds a person makes

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"Whew! I thought we'd never get back to the motel!" The doctor exclaimed.

Everyone nodded, feeling exhausted from their relaxation at the tub and also from walking.

Jessica gasped, "Look at that!" The men turned heads their towards the ocean. Before them was a stunning liquid golden molten sunset, slowly sinking into the horizon.

"…It's beautiful…so different from Japan…" Sanosuke huskily said as wrapped his arms around Kenshin as they stood there watching the sunset. Kenshin placed his face against Sanosuke's chest and sighed deeply.

"Yes…same here…different than it is in United States…Hawaii is so incredible and stunning and it never fails to show its beauty."

"How poetic, my husband." The woman cupped her husband's face before she laid a kiss on his lips. "Aishiteru."

"Aishiteru mo, my sweet wife."

Kenshin and Sanosuke watched the exchanged between the American couple. They smiled at each other, leaning towards each other to share a deep kiss.

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"Mmmm-mmmm…this dinner is so delicious tonight! It really hits the spot, huh?" Sanosuke patted his flat stomach.

"Yep, it certainly is. I think I'll just kick back and relax for a change." Kennie said.

The music flowed in the air. Kenshin decided he wanted to dance.

"Sano? Do you want to dance?"

"I like to, koishii, but why don't you ask Jessica instead?" he answered in Japanese.

Kenshin looked at the delicate woman. She looks like she wanted do something other than just sitting there doing nothing. The redhead smiled. He got up and walked over to where Jessica is sitting and gave a slight bow.

"May I have this dance, Jessica?" Kenshin offered his hand.

"Hai, I would love to." She placed her smaller hand into his.

The woman placed her arms around Kenshin's neck and laid her head on his shoulder.

"I had no idea you're shorter than me but it feels nice this way."

Kenshin nodded his head silently, smiling at her. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist.

"Oh, your hair is so gorgeous, Kenshin! I don't think I'll ever stop touching that. It's so soft and silky. And you said this is your natural hair color?" She intertwined her fingers into his fiery locks as Kenshin nodded his head to her question. This doesn't bother the redhead at all. "Sanosuke is so lucky to have you."

"He is and I'm very lucky to have him, too. I couldn't ask for a better life-mate and soul-mate."

The woman sighed against Kenshin's neck. She gripped his neck tighter as if she is afraid of letting go.

"Jessica? Are you okay?"

"N—how do you say? Eh-ya?" Kenshin nodded. "Iya, my friend. I'm not well."

The redhead stopped dancing, looking into the sad green eyes. "What do you mean?" He searched her now tired delicate features.

She snuggled closer, and then looking at him. "I'm dying of cancer. I'm on a vacation so I can try and enjoy life at its fullest. I've only have a few months to live."

Kenshin stood there, muted. In answer he buried his face into her neck, his hair curtaining his face. He couldn't hold back the choke in his throat, tears stinging his eyes. He felt so extremely bad for having such a long beautiful hair while she's probably having none but just a wig. He pulled back.

"Jessica-san, I'm sorry to hear. I-I-I didn't know, I -----" she placed her finger on his lips.

"Don't feel sorry for me -- onegai." She placed her hand at the back of his head to move it against her shoulder. She knew he would be crying. She stroked his hair as he calmly cries. She knew she's right about Kenshin, he is a sensitive young man.

"Oi, what's going on over there?" Sano queried.

"(sigh) I think my wife just told Kenshin that she's dying of cancer."

"Nani? I-I didn't know. You couldn't tell by looking at her."

Kennie chuckled softly. "Jessie wears a wig and it makes her look very healthy looking." He looked at the dancing couple, with sadness aching his heart. "My wife is very attached to your Kenshin."

"Hai. He seems to do that just about everyone he meets. Even though we're no longer living in the age of swords back in Japan but Kenshin's name is very special. His kanji means 'Heart of Sword' or "Sword-Heart". I can imagine he'd make a great swordsman in the centuries past. Here's the interesting part, he's a master of the swordsmanship – this is without using a real sword but with a shinai. But you can also tell he got a great big heart."

"Wow, a master? Hai, I agree with you, he does have a big heart." He looked at the redhead with awe.

"I don't want to be rude and all but how long does Jessica will live?"

"Only a few months."

Sanosuke was quiet.

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Aishiteru – I love you

Aishteru mo – I love you too

Hai – yes

Iya – no

Kanji – chinese character

Koishii – darling, sweetheart

Nani – what

Oi – hey

Onegai – please

San – Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss

Shinai – wooden sword