"How does he make you feel?" The two were camped out in Megumi's bedroom with boxes of Chinese takeout, tubs of facial masques, and bottles of nail polish scattered on the carpet. You've Got Mail was on TV but the two young women were only half paying attention. They had spent the day catching up on each other's lives as they shopped and went to the spa.

Megumi went back to the events of the past week.

Her irritation at being called his fiancée…

Sano's lips on her cheek…

Sharing the feeling of profound amazement at the history of the Sagara home…

Sano holding her close when she had been scared of Notaro…

Walking with him at the market, impressed at his easy rapport with and kindness to the vendors…

Sano being completely at home in the kitchen; of being pressed back against the kitchen counter as he smelled her hair…

Sano trembling as he held her after the horse incident; his careful hands as he bandaged her wrist…

Sano saying he cared for, carrying her cradled in his arms across the field; snuggling against him as he pointed out stars and constellations, telling legend after legend in a low, husky voice…

Sano tucking her into bed and kissing her goodnight…

"He makes me feel…" safe, cherished, protected, wanted, beautiful, desired, happy, loved…

"…alive."

~O~O~O~

When they came downstairs for breakfast the following morning, a vase of peonies was on the dining table. Hikaru dove forward but before she could open the envelope nestled among the lavender flowers, Megumi plucked the card from her hand.

"I believe this is mine." Hikaru made a face and sat down to serve herself some breakfast. In even script, the note read:

I dare not risk your heart's memory in my absence. -SS

Taking pity on her friend, Megumi let her read it.

"Hmmm, he's got nice handwriting." Hikaru observed. "Rather an unusual way of saying 'remember me,' don't you think?"

Megumi drank from her glass of fresh juice and didn't comment.

Hikaru was disappointed to find out that she would already be gone when Sano returned.

"I really want to meet him! Promise me I'll be at your wedding."

"I think it's a little too early to be saying that but sure."

Megumi dropped off Hikaru at the hotel where the convention was being held on her way to the University. She felt especially light-hearted that morning and knew it was because she had come to terms with her feelings toward Sanosuke. She wished he were in town so she could tell him already. Her parents were coming home the following day but she wanted to tell Sano first before she told them that she didn't need her one month – that she was ready to be Sano's fiancée. Fiancée. She smiled at the thought. She had no regrets that she hadn't dated other men. Through the years she had always had an idea of what kind of man she wanted. It almost left her reeling to discover that the young man she had known for years met all her requirements.

Megumi wasn't under the illusion that there would never be any disagreements between them, or that everything will be smooth sailing, but she knew that they would be able to work through them. In the past few days he had shown himself mature and responsible in ways that she had not thought him capable. It was as if blinders were lifted from her eyes. He wasn't changing for her, rather, it was as if she was waking up from a dream to realize that her childhood impression of Sagara Sanosuke was incomplete and before her was a wonderful young man who wanted her in his life.

He had said the cared for her and that he wanted her, that she was his choice. But did he love her? Megumi knew the answer was yes.

~O~O~O~

"Megumi-san, good morning."

"Hello, Mi—I mean, Jirou-san."

"I would need your help today, if you can spare me the time."

"Of course, Sir. What do you need me to do?"

"As you're aware, my research is on ancient Japanese medicine. I'm currently on the subject of the legendary Spiders Web opium. I'm sure you've heard of it?"

"Yes. It was a powerful substance which only used half of the opium of the regular dose but was four times as powerful. It was developed sometime in the Tokugawa Era."

"Very good. I knew you were the perfect person to help me."

"Thank you but I don't see how what little I know about it is helpful to your research."

"Your mentor, Dr. Genzai tells me you are good with catching minute details, understanding intricate formulas, and performing complex calculations beyond anyone else he has met. He says you are exceptional. I would like to believe that it is a gift."

"I am humbled by Genzai-sensei's assessment of my abilities but I simply do what I have been trained to look for and recognize—"

"Regardless, Megumi-san, I want your skills, your talent." By this point Megumi was already impatient. What did the man need her for? Historical research on this opium he seemed so interested in was something any of the students could do. "We will recreate the Spiders Web formula."

Megumi gasped. "Mr. Yamada, that was a legend, there's no record that it was a real substance."

"I understand your argument, Megumi-san, but I have researched it extensively and believe it was real."

Megumi was beyond wary now and treading carefully. "May I ask why this fascination with the substance?"

"My research lends credence to my theory that opium has properties that are very beneficial as a prescription drug. If certain traits can be isolated from the other highly addictive properties of the substance, there is great prospect that it can be used to replace the manufactured ingredients that are used for pharmaceutical use today. Imagine medicines that are of a more natural formulation, my dear Ms. Takani."

~O~O~O~

An unknown number flashed on the house phone's display. Maybe her parents were calling from their hotel in Hong Kong. Megumi picked up on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Megumi." The way he said her name sent a thrill through her.

"Hi, Sano!"

"How are you doing?"

"I—" I miss you. "I'm bored without you around to tease and entertain me." She said instead. Sano chuckled at the other end of the line.

"I'll just have to work harder when I get back, huh?" Megumi smiled and adjusted the phone against her shoulder as she slid into bed.

"What time is it there?"

"It's 3:15 in the afternoon. It must be past 11:00 over there."

"Uh huh." She replied in the affirmative. 'Scuse me." She yawned. "Tell me about Antwerp."

Megumi listened as Sano told her about his meetings, the various businessmen he met, and the surprise of most at him not needing an interpreter. He talked of perfectly everyday things that shouldn't have been making her feel as content and satisfied with life as she was at that moment. She burrowed deeper into her pillow and hummed into the phone to let Sano know she was still listening.

"Now I want to hear about your day." Silence. "You're asleep, aren't ya?" No answer. "I don't know if I find it sweet or concerning that this is the second time you've fallen asleep on me." A pause. "Scratch that, that's actually pretty hot." Sano laughed quietly. "I'm glad you're asleep, I probably would have gotten a slap for that." The bedclothes rustled as Megumi moved in her sleep.

"Sweet dreams, Kitsune."

Hello, my loves! Updates may be a little more spaced out after this. Enjoy reading! As always, my thanks to everyone who's reviewed. (^^,)