DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own or claim rights to anything in this story other than the computer this was typed on, the house that it was written in, and the idea form which it was created.

CHAPTER 5 Playing with the Fox

The sun had set and Sanosuke had just barely returned, form escorting our friend from earlier in the evening to the chief official. We sat around the table like every other night talking, only tonight the dinner dishes still sat on the table. Kenshin and Karou side by side, Yahiko to Karou's left and Sano to Kenshin's right, I sat directly across form Kenshin and to Sano's right. It was a cheerful evening and despite my earlier encounter we all seemed relatively relaxed. Sano most of all; he sat with his back against the wall, eyes shut, and his Gi hanging open, exposing his muscular torso.

"You know Megumi," Kenshin smiled, "you sure have a knack for getting in trouble."

"I said the same thing," Sano said, opening his eyes, "you know what they say…great minds think alike."

Everyone laughed, but I stared mesmerized by his eyes; coffee colored with yellow flecks. Somewhere deep in his eyes I could see that he too had a troubled past, or maybe it was the scars that lined his well toned abdomen; which ever one it was I couldn't help but eye him, watch him, study him.

"…umi," my head snapped up in the direction of the noise, "…Megumi," said Karou.

"Huh," I felt my face grow warmer.

"Is there a reason you are so quiet this evening," Kaoru asked, "is something bothering you?"

"No, I'm sorry, I was just thinking," I said blushing. oh, I hope I wasn't making it obvious that I've been watching Sanosuke.

"I should take care of the dishes," I said getting to my feet.

"Let me help you," responded grabbing a stack of plates and following me to the kitchen. Alone in the kitchen we, washed the dishes and made idle small talk.

"So, how long have you and Kenshin been together," I asked.

"We've been married almost a year now," she said her face growing pensive, "he's been living here for six years and we've been romantically involved for two."

"I'm happy for you," I said a sad smile on my face, "I hope that one day I can find the love you have for each other."

"Well judging form the way you've been watching Sanosuke all night I'd say you've found an available candidate," my face turned scarlet red as Karou giggled like a school girl who had just heard the big secret.

"I don't know Kaoru…" I started.

"Megumi, don't deny the obvious, I know I'm hard on him, and I know he's a little rough around the edges, but you never know, if there is one thing Sanosuke is full of other than his pride that is, is surprises."

I blushed but said nothing, all I could do is think I have always been fond of surprises, maybe I could have some fun here. Kaoru then turned silent and continued to help with the dishes, "thank you," I said handing Kaoru the last dish to be dried, "for talking to me, and letting me stay here, and being my friend, I appreciate it."

"Anytime Megumi," she said smiling, "now if you excuse me I'm going to bed I've been feeling tired and run down for a few days, and some extra rest would do me some good."

"Good-night, Kaoru-chan," I smiled and watched as she walked out of the kitchen and kissed Kenshin on the forehead, before departing to her room.

Yahiko had long gone to bed, and now it was just the three of us left to chat idly. "If you would excuse me," I said causing both Sano and Kenshin's eyes to pop open with a start, "I'm going to take a trip to the bath house."

Kenshin nodded, "I'm going to join Karou in bed."

Sanosuke chuckled to himself but Kenshin either didn't notice or didn't care he just turned on his heal and headed off to bed. Sano remained leaning against the wall, his eyes closed, and his perfect body still exposed. It was dark but the cool night air was calming, it felt safe and welcoming. I wasn't gone long but in the time I was gone apparently Sano had turned out the lights and was ready for bed. I made my way slowly back up the path to the dojo where I would go through the kitchen and to my bed or so I thought. I stood on the back porch for a moment, silently staring up into the night sky, taking in the thousands of twinkling stars that were shining down on me from the heavens.

"Beautiful, aren't they," I nearly jumped a foot out of my skin upon hearing Sano's voice. He chuckled, and with a smile he said, "There is no need to be so jumpy."

"I thought you had gone to bed," I muttered.

"And leave you out here alone," he questioned, "I think not."

"And what's that supposed to mean," I fired back.

"No need to get so worked up," he sniggered, "I just stand by what I said earlier, you have a knack for trouble." wow, she's even more beautiful when I get her worked up

"I'm not defenseless you know," I sighed.

"But you know you want a big strong man to protect you," he smiled devilishly.

"And where do you suppose I find one," I questioned slyly, as I walked through the kitchen door leaving Sanosuke standing alone on the porch. I know right where you could find one, and I'll be sure to point him out to you in good time, but first I want to play with the fox a bit. After glancing up to the stars, he turned in for the night, for he needed his rest in order to play with the fox a bit.

AUTHORS NOTE: so how is it coming along? Are you enjoying it? I sure hope so… any suggestions are welcomed... and I will try my best to incorporate your ideas into my story so please R&R!!!!