Blue Blood, Red Stain Chapter 7, a rurouni kenshin fanfic

Warmth.

She burrowed against it, sighing in the slumber she was slowly waking from, and when she opened her eyes, a sudden headache forced them shut again. She felt like hell. Groaning, she tried to roll over her back and found she couldn't. Cracking an eye open, she found out why.

The warmth her head had been resting against was a clothed chest, and a heavy arm draped around her snugly. Eyes now wide open in panic, she willed her brain to recall the events that brought her to this position.

Mika's birthday party.

Coconut bikini tops and grass skirts.

Swaying and singing and shots.

A lot of shots.

She cringed. She had never consumed that much alcohol before, and she instantly realized that this was what a hangover felt like. She was disappointed at herself, because she didn't think she could drink that much alcohol to the point of waking up using a stranger as a body pillow. She let out another groan when the throbbing in her temples intensified. The arm against her shifted.

"Megumi... are you all right?"

Cringe.

"Do you have a headache?"

Nod.

It wasn't until the man sat up that she realized how tangled they both were in bed, and much to her relief, still fully clothed.

"Here, drink this. I figured you might need it."

She squinted at the pills then popped them into her mouth before sipping from the water bottle he gave her. The liquid finally brought her to sober alertness.

"Sagara-san... thank you..."

He grinned at her, and she admired how handsome he looked with bed hair. She also found the fact that him looking so naturally comfortable in her bed a bit unsettling.

"Like I said last night, I'm at your service."

Ponder.

"How are you here?"

The fighter got leaned back against the headboard. "Well, Katsu had me karaokeing with some sponsors, and guess who was having a blast next door?"

Her face crumpled.

"By the time I saw you and your party, you were passed out, and I offered to take you and your friends home."

Embarrassed.

"I'm sorry for troubling you yet again."

Alarm.

"Oh, I have to get ready for work." Ugh, I don't want to go to work...

Sano looked at his watch.

6:30 a.m

"Can I get you breakfast? You'll feel a lot better from your hangover if you at least have some food."

"Please don't, you've already helped me so much." She gazed out the window. "It's as if you appear out of nowhere when I need help the most... I can't thank or repay you enough."

Sigh.

"For starters, how about we cure your hangover with some food? Then, you'll be in a better frame of mind while deciding where you'd like me to take you for our first date."

His persistence made her chuckle and wince.

"Plus, I promised your friends I'd bring you back to work in one piece, and you gotta make me look good. I'm probably a few phone calls away from being on the police's most wanted list."

Pound.

"How can you make me laugh at a time like this?" she asked as she furrowed her brow in pain.

She has no clue...

" Because your smile melts my joints, you're so beautiful."

He was rewarded with a blooming blush over her face, and he fought the urge to wrap his arms around her. He watched her look away as she carefully shifted off the bed to stand. She headed for the bathroom.

"I'm, um, going to get ready now..."

He heard his cellphone buzz.

A text from Katsu.

Are you alive?

Grin.
Very alive.

Sanosuke moved to the living room.

Oh? Did your evening go that well?

I don't take advantage like that, man. But, I hope my ranking went up.

Though the fighter was so incredibly tempted...

You better show at 8, Sano. I got several more promo events we have to discuss with the team so we can tailor your training around them.

Yes, boss!

And please get my girl's best friend to work if she's able. That outfit I had you wearing last night isn't just for looks, I want them to know you're a nice guy.

I'm already on it. And hey, I'm always nice!

Yeah, yeah. Don't be late.

Mkay. But maybe 15 or 20 minutes late.

Your ass better bring food then.

The fighter looked up from his phone and noted how neat and comfy Megumi's place was. He wondered how often she was able to just rest at home. He found himself wishing he could stay there with her.

-
After moving through a maze of alleyways and doors, Megumi found herself seated in front of a bowl of the tastiest hot rice porridge she's ever eaten. The fighter thanked the smiling grandma who brought his bowl over, and he earned a pat on his shoulder.

"Sanosuke-kun, you've grown much bigger since the last time you came to visit me! Are you eating well? And you even brought me a pretty customer! Is she your girlfriend?"

He smiled and shrugged. "I hope someday, 'Baa-chan," he said, briefly glancing Megumi's way.

The older woman leaned toward the doctor. "Please give him a chance, he's a good boy," she whispered loudly. It was the fighter's turn to blush.

Megumi smiled. "I'll take your recommendation into consideration, thanks."

They ate in comfortable silence. She noted that there were no other patrons around in this secret quaint hole in the wall, which was surprising considering how good the food was, it had to be a popular place.

"How do you know about this place?"

Spoonful.

"'Baa-chan and our foster mother go way back. I had to call her to make sure she was open at this hour, she usually only opens for lunch time these days. It's more of a favor, if you will. 'Baa-chan always fed Katsu and me growing up."

It wasn't lost on her that he had kept his end of their bargain regarding privacy. And with all his good deeds, it was hard not to favor the fighter as well. Even elderly people gave him a glowing recommendation.

He drove her to work and insisted on walking her up to the medical wing where she worked, telling her he had to show that he kept promises to her coworkers. When it was obvious that they recognized him as they walked down the hallway, he whispered in her ear, "They told me they would exact heavenly vengeance if you didn't come back to work."
Mika was first to call out to them. "Thank goodness, you're okay! And thank you for bringing her back to us! And good morning, Dr. Shirakawa!"

"It was a pleasure to keep my promise. So no need to call the cops on me, okay?"

A smile from the fighter had the nurse beaming in delight. Megumi rolled her eyes and smiled. Mika was fangirling again.

He followed her to her small office where she put her bag down.

Lowered voice.

Bow.

"Thank you again, Sanosuke-san, for everything."

"Please, the pleasure is all mine. I'd do it again."

Gaze averted.

"In fact... I would really like it if you relied on me more," he said, hand rubbing the back of his neck. "And perhaps... some more of your time."

Megumi felt herself caving in.

"Would another month suffice?"

Elated.

"I'd love another month!" A lifetime, even...

Her smile was demure when a small voice inside her told her to be careful.

She turned to reach for her lab coat when she felt his warm hand latch onto hers.

"Can I... could you let me hug you for one selfish minute?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper.

Quietly closing the door, she turned and walked into that familiar warmth she woke up against, and muscular arms engulfed her once again. She looked up at the clock that hung on the wall as he held her, feeling a sigh escape his chest, as if he'd been relieved of something. As her arms slowly clung to return his embrace, the light scent of his cologne mingling with the air she breathed, and a random thought back to her medical studies crossed her mind.

She had read that a 20 second embrace releases oxytocin in the brain, the same neuropeptide that made one feel good when one holds a newborn baby, the same one that makes a dog wag its tail in happiness when it sees its owner.

"When you're ready to let me help you, please let me know. I about died when you cried last night... it's hard on me not knowing how to take your sadness away..."

And with those words, Megumi sagged into a full lean against his chest. She willed herself not to cry. She remembered now. And this small favor he asked for was a lifeline of solace for her. He wasn't being selfish for this embrace, he was being a saint. She didn't want him to be a martyr, and his willing involvement would destroy his future, no matter how healing his touch was.

Despite this, she wished for the minute to never end.

Because she was only human.

-
After working 12 hour shifts for 2 weeks straight, Megumi was rewarded with a golden week off, and to her surprise, no on-call. She took this time to clean her apartment, do her laundry, and make a small grocery list. She was about to take a nap when Dr. Genzai called.

"Hello, Megumi, you're on speakerphone."

Smile.

"Hello, Dr. Genzai. Are you doing well? How are the girls?"

"Chatterbox dynamos! They even talk in their sleep! Anyway, would you like to visit us? The girls miss you."

Smile.

"Yes, that would be wonderful. When?"

Child's voice.

"Can you come now, pleeeease?"

She could hear the old doctor laugh in the background.

"Sure, Suzume! What would you like me to bring you?"

"Uuum... sweets and Sano nii-chan?"

"What?"

"And curry rice! Can you pleeease make us curry rice?"

She penned more ingredients on her grocery list.

"And my classmate Saeko-chan told me her Mom made cookies for me, but Ayame nee-chan ate them all before I could try them!"

Groveling.

"I said I was sorry, Suzume-chan, I was really, really hungry, and I thought there were more in the bag!"

Megumi heard the groveling and frustration moving farther away.

"Er, I'm sorry about that. I was hoping you could make more cookies for them as well. Anyway, are you feeling up to it?"

Megumi was already picking out clothes to wear. "It might take me an hour to get the ingredients and then take the train there. But I'll be there."

Mischievous.

"You know, I could call Sanosuke-kun to pick you up."

Scheming Dr. Genzai...

"Hnn... how about you ask him to get the ingredients instead? That way it'll only take me 30 minutes to get to your house."

"Sounds good! We'll see you soon! And Megumi-chan, thank you... the girls told me they've been missing having parents lately... you're a blessing to us."
Chest ache.

"Any time, Dr. Genzai. I'll hurry over."

Megumi was a little out of breath by the time she got to Dr. Genzai's front gate. She struggled a bit to open the latch as she had two bags in hand, one from the girls' favorite bakery. After knocking at the front door, she noticed that it was open, and she let herself in, placing the bags down to place her coat on the rack and turned around to take off her shoes.

"Dr. Genzai, girls, I'm home!"

Foot falls.

"Welcome home."

Surprised at the voice, she turned quickly and nearly tripped at the step.

"Whoa there, steady now."

Strong hands held her in place, and she was met with smiling chocolate eyes.

Baffled.

"Hello, Sagara-san. How did you get here so quickly?"

Shrug.

Deep breath.

"Suzume-chan called me and said there was an emergency, but then Dr. Genzai took the phone from her and said there's no emergency and they just wanted me to bring some ingredients for food, so... I begged Katsu to reschedule a press conference, and Ryou cleared me to eat curry rice, so I ran to the grocery store by the gym to get the stuff on Dr. Genzai's list, then I drove here as fast as I could 'cause Dr. Genzai said you were cooking dinner..."

She looked at him incredulously.

Sheepish.

"I just really wanted to eat your cooking."

The fighter's youth showed in his unbridled eagerness, and she watched him take the bags she brought, smiling and even humming under his breath as she followed him into the kitchen where everyone was.

"Megumi nee-san!"

She gave the girls big bear hugs, including Dr. Genzai.

"It's great to see you again, everyone! Now if you want me to make food, you'll have to get out of the kitchen so I can start, okay?"

Sulky pout.

"But you just got here! Can't you play blindfold tag with us?"

Megumi jerked her thumb towards the fighter. "That's why you have Sanosuke nii-chan here."

Feigned hurt.

"Am I good just for children's entertainment?"

The old doctor laughed. "Among many other things. You are, after all, the only one here strong enough to carry both girls at the same time."

Whine.

"But I'm not good at blindfold tag, doc."

Megumi almost laughed out loud at the fighter as Dr. Genzai led them to the backyard, Sanosuke giving her a mouthed 'help me'. When they slid the patio door closed, Megumi rolled up her sleeves and got to work.

"I was told that your toil and tinkering have come to fruition."

Two armed men flanked the slender man who had imprisoned him and his wife.

"Show me, Dr. Takani, just how it works."

Quietly swallowing his fear, the doctor pointed to the acrylic rat cages on the lab table.

"Both rats before you have been given an oral dose of the serum, which by itself is harmless. However, when the serum is aerosolized," he said as he flipped a switch that let a powder blue gas permeate in the cage of the rat on their right, "it activates the poison, leading to cardiac arrest within a couple of minutes."

The rat keeled over.

"The serum has to be ingested first, with activation of the poison upon inhalation of the aerosolized serum."

Dr. Takani shivered at the maniacal laughter and look in the man's eyes. "How wonderful, good doctor! I think we should proceed with human testing."

He knew that this was the terrorist's end game, and he was being used as a tool for murder.

"I'm afraid it will take some time to figure out the substrate concentration for it to affect a human body, at least one that weighs 70 kilos. Please give me more time."

His captor turned and grabbed the gun of his guard and pointed it at the doctor.

Cower.

"You've wasted so much time already, just give them a heavy dose!"

Cringe.

"But sir, you said you wanted it to be undetectable! For that to happen, you will need the right concentration for the oral serum to work... please..."

One of the Caucasian guards sighed. "Mr. Takeda, there's not really a rush, and our targets weigh more than 70 kilos, and we've yet to get the info on the drop. It makes sense to play nice. Come on, give me back the gun."

The other guard shrugged. "Your worker ant will work better with honey rather than a stick. How about giving him the medicines his wife needs? Let's see how much quicker he'll work for us. Right, doc?"

Dr. Takani could only nod.

The slender man grunted in resignation as he handed the gun back to the guard. "I guess when in Germany, do as Fritz does. I expect no less than perfect from you, Dr. Takani. You're Japan's best, after all. Your wife can get her meds, but if you fail," he paused to smirk, "I'll take your daughter."

Jaw clench.

"Please leave my daughter out of this. I won't fail you."

Sneer.

"Good to hear. Now, we'll get out of your hair, you have a lot of work to do."

As she rinsed the last dinner plate off, Megumi let out a sigh of satisfaction as she placed it on the drying rack. Dinner took a while to get ready, but only a few fun minutes to be consumed. The kids and Dr. Genzai had seconds, and Sanosuke fourths. After tea with dessert, she helped the girls wash up and get ready for bed. After drying their hair, the fighter knocked on the kids' bedroom door, offering to read them a bedtime story. He caught Megumi's eyes and winked.

Tag team.

"Okay, girls, give me a good night hug. I still have to clean up in the kitchen so your grandpa doesn't have to."

Hugs.

"Will you stay the night, Megumi nee-chan?"

Warm smile.

"Do you need me to?"

Yawn.

"No, but it would be nice."

Thoughtful.

"Let me see what I have to get done, okay?"

"Mkay."

She caught him looking at her as if he wanted to speak, but then he turned to the kids and cracked open a story book. She left the room quietly.

In the living room, she saw the old doctor in his recliner chair, nodding off with a medical journal in his lap. She took the throw blanket on the back rest of the sofa and draped it over him, rousing him from sleep.

"Oh, did I fall asleep again? I guess I ate too much... thank you again for coming over and making delicious dinner, Megumi-chan. I better just go to bed. You can always stay the night," he yawned as he stood up. "In fact, if you don't stay, make sure Sanosuke-kun takes you home." He blinked sleepily. "Or you both can stay. You know where the futons and bedding are, just make yourselves at home."

Before she could comment on his last suggestion, Dr. Genzai ambled sleepily to his bedroom. She stood quietly for a moment, gazing at the wall clock. It was almost ten.

"The girls are sound asleep," he said quietly in her ear, making Megumi jump at his words in surprise.

"Goodness, you scared me!" she exclaimed in a whisper as she brought a hand to her chest. "You ought to have a bell around your neck, Sagara-san, you."

Grin.

"Oh yeah? Are you going to tie it for me?"

She suppressed a laugh. "If that happened, everyone would wake up."

He followed her to the kitchen. "What more do you have to do? Will you stay the night?"

She started stacking the baking sheets and mixing bowl by the sink. "You know, it's weird, I have what they call a golden week in hospital scheduling, and it's when you are given a week off and you're not even on call."

"That sounds great! What're you going to do with all that free time?"

Lost in thought.

"I'm not sure myself, it's almost strange to not have obligations or jobs to do... I'm kind of just enjoying the sweetness of doing nothing for now. I guess I can sleep in. Maybe read a medical journal..."

The fighter started soaping the soiled bakeware with the sponge. "Will you spend more time with the girls?"

Shrug.

"I can."

Probe.

"Will you tell Tae-san?"

Shake of the head. "Not yet, and please don't tell her. I'm not ready for her lofty ideas for entertaining her guests."

Chuckle.

Megumi started rinsing the soapy bakeware one by one when she felt the fighter shift closer to her.

"Would you consider letting me enjoy some of that sweetness with you?" he asked, taking the baking sheets and drying them with a towel.

Pause.

"And what of your training? Father Katsu would think it a sin," she said, grinning.

"I'd train harder if I knew there was something to look forward to. Like that date."

Giggle.

"That again. Well, seeing as I do need to repay your kindness back, what would you like to do for this date?" she asked as she stood on her tiptoes to place the dried baking sheets on the top shelf of the cabinet. Her back felt very warm all of a sudden as the fighter's hand reached out from behind her to help place the bakeware on the shelf.

"There you go."

She remained still after putting her arm down, willing her heart not to beat so fast at the proximity of the fighter, concern rising as the heat against her back remained in place.

"Thank you, Sanosuke-san."

Silence.

She forced herself to turn around, only to find herself caged against the kitchen counter and his arms.

"Sanosuke-san?"

It was hard to meet the intensity of his gaze as she peered into his eyes, slowly closing as he rested his forehead against her shoulder. "I wish you'd just let me do things for you without you having to think of paying me back, Megumi-san."

Sigh.

She watched him stand to his full height, noting the muscular broadness of his shoulders, the chiseled features of his face, and the heat in his gaze.

Searing.

She had to look away.

Low timbre.

"Megumi-san," he said, "forgive me for being too forward..." The gentle press of his fingers scorched a path from her cheek to her chin, leaving her to watch the fighter's brown eyes fall on her lips."You must know... what kind of power you have over me," he whispered, lowering his hand to his side. "And how I wish for you to see me as a man, enough of one for you to want to go on a date with, not because it's some kindness to repay, or out of pity."

She felt guilty for making him feel that way. "I'm sorry," she said, her eyes couldn't fall on anything but his chest. "You're a very good man, Sanosuke-san."

Sigh.

"But not enough for a date?"

She noted a hint of whining, like his seriousness eased a bit.

"A date implies being in the public eye... and you're so famous - "

"Says the woman who has the entire male hospital population captivated by her charm."

Wide eyes.

"Who told you that?"

Pout.

"The security guard, the custodians, the first five patient rooms by the rehab wing and the entire physical therapy department."

Her jaw dropped. "What?!" She brought her hands to her mouth to silence her shock. "What did they tell you?" she whispered, quickly realizing that these are the people she would encounter on the way up to her office in the hospital.

"It's easy to be friendly with all those people when I see them to pick you up. That is, whenever you let me. They tell me things."

Frustrated sigh.

"I just work there, Sanosuke-san. I go to work, I work hard and I go home. That's it. I'm not trying to make waves."

It was the fighter's turn to sigh. "Yes, we know that, and that's what makes you more alluring, men can't help but admire and be attracted. And that's what I'm up against."

He took two steps away from her, as if to buffer his jealousy with distance.

"The only allies I have are all the nurses you went to Mika-san's party with, including Mika-san."

Megumi turned to the sink to fill the electric pot with water. Astonished at the boldness of his words, she felt a soft ache for him. Her refusal to get him involved had spawned a seed of inferiority within him. She turned the pot on.

"Sanosuke-san, define 'a date'."

Blink.

He moved to her side, watching the pot heat the water with her.

"It's when we spend time getting to know each other, like at a restaurant, or going places."

Soft smile.

"So if we spend time together doing anything, then wouldn't you consider those dates? Like... the times you drive me home, stopping by a restaurant to eat, going to a bookstore?"

Pause.

"When you put it that way..."

"Sanosuke-san... don't you think that you being here puts you at a much greater advantage than all these other guys you think are vying for my attention?"

Boil.

She turned off the pot and reached for the tea pot. Quietly, the fighter handed her a tea canister.

"You already have my attention... and... I'm afraid you'll want more," she commented, placing tea leaves in the tea pot. Sanosuke took the kettle and poured the water into the pot.

"I know it's exclusivity you want from me."

The fighter blushed and nodded.

Pause.

"But... I'd like to make a confession..."

Tea cups.

"I'm new to all this. I've never had a boyfriend before."

Sanosuke's eyes grew wide. "Seriously?"

Chuckle.

"Yes, seriously. I've been asked on dates before, none of them interesting enough to repeat. And I'm too busy."

She found a tray and placed the tea pot and cups on it. He wordlessly took the tray and walked towards the patio. Megumi paused by the living room to take the throw blanket from the recliner. She found the fighter in the small enclosed sun room, sitting on the small sofa. Once she was seated, he poured the tea, serving her first.

"I'm... I'm still surprised that you've never had a boyfriend... how have you been single all this time?"

She giggled as she sipped her tea. He followed suit.

"They must've been intimidated."

"Oh? Why would they be?"

Shrug.

"I don't know... I mean, you're this beautiful woman, with lots of brains and that's why you're a doctor... it's hard for a lot of guys' egos to have something on the table that could match what you have."

Sip.

"And what would you consider a man has to have for him to be a match for me?"

Sigh.

"I guess having good looks with brains like yours... someone strong so he can protect you... and having money wouldn't hurt..."

"Hnn..."

Another sip.

"Men really do think differently from women..."

Head tilt.

"Well, what would you like in a man to consider dating him?"

He watched her face as she leaned back against the sofa.

"He'd have to be kind, honest and loyal..."

Triple check.

"Behaves himself well with people around him, including kids..."

Check.

"Is considerate and thoughtful..."

Check and check.

"And is at least my age or slightly older than me."

Ch-

"Wait, what?"

Megumi laughed quietly.

"What does age have to do with it?"

She smiled at her tea cup. "I was told that women are two years older in matters of the heart than men. So if they were at least a couple of years older, then they'd be even in terms of mental maturity." She folded her knees to her chin.

The fighter let out a long sigh, grabbing the blanket she brought and draping it over them.

"I'm not that young, Megumi-san. If anything, I'm very old-fashioned." He watched her brow arch in disbelief that he began to chuckle at himself. "At least that's what the ballroom jii-chans tell me."

They let a comfortable silence pass between them, sipping tea, lost in their thoughts.

"Sanosuke-san... in the past... you had accused me of stealing something of yours."

Recollection.

"Yes. And sad for me, you refuse to give it back... but, I actually don't mind if you keep it..."

She set her cup down. "You... know things about me no one else knows... I've never let a man into my home before, and I've never been held by a man while sleeping before. And you've done that for me. Twice." She brought a hand to her eyes to hide her embarrassment, the fighter could see the tip of her ear turning pink. He wanted to tell her he'd do it again in a heartbeat.

She took a fortifying breath. "I have... family circumstances that make it... undesirable... to be in a relationship with me. I'm not allowed to discuss it... and it will leave the other person wanting more than I can give right now."

Sanosuke stared blankly into the night for a while. Megumi thought that he was perhaps coming to terms with his pursuit of her being fruitless.

"You said 'right now'... does that mean it's possible later on?"

She gave him a questioning look.

"If it was only a matter of time, do you think I could eventually earn your trust enough to tell me?"

Pause.

"The necessary answer is no."

"Ouch."

Ache.

She closed her eyes. "I'm sorry..."

Silence fell on them again.

"Will... will you allow what we have now to remain?"

Megumi found it a little difficult to breathe, just like how difficult it was to respond, like baring an ugly scar that had been hidden for so long to light.

"For my own selfish reasons, yes... but only if you allow it as well... your consolation has been like a life vest for me... and I am the worst for grabbing hold of it and taking advantage of you for that. It is why I try so hard to keep a distance, because I know I can swim through all this. But when you are given respite from years of swimming, even if it's just to float for a while... words cannot describe the relief... and I cannot give you back the expectation you deserve. I'm so sorry..."

A long silence followed. The fighter's brows furrowed in thought, taking all her words in.

"You hide behind a different name. You don't like being in public. You work multiple jobs and yet you live a simple life."

Megumi's heart sped up.

"If I had to guess, you either have a debt to pay, or someone's extorting money from you... am I close?"

Tears welling up.

She unconsciously hugged her abdomen in quiet horror at his razor sharp perception, making her want to flee.

Ice filled veins.

"You said it was 'necessary to say no'... Is it because you don't want me to get involved?"

She shook her head, making her tears fall. "Please, don't," she whispered. You'll get hurt...

It took a moment for the fighter to relax the fists he had unconsciously clenched. He reached out to wipe a stray tear from her cheek.

"Please don't cry," he whispered, kneeling down before her. "It's my fault, Megumi-san, that you're feeling like this."

She shook her head as a mirthless laugh escaped from her throat. "How is that even possible?"

His huge frame enveloped her smaller one in a snug embrace. "Because I fell for you, and now you're burdened with having to sort your feelings out."

Tighter.

"But it's not something I can control... and to be honest... I'm not sorry that I did."

He could feel her breath shudder against his chest. "So please, let all of this be on me, Megumi-san. I'll be okay if this is all you can give me. I won't ask for anything you can't give. I want to be useful to you, so take advantage of me, however you need me. Just... please... let me continue having the privilege of being your life vest."

Teary sigh.

"Sanosuke-san, that's not fair to you. It would be like taking a beating everyday. I want you to be happy and get what you give in return. I can't..."

He let go of his hold and wiped her tears once more. "But that's what I do for a living, I'm built to take beatings."

Megumi smiled sadly, shaking her head. "I'm no sadist."

"If it means I can do this for you, then I'm a card-carrying masochist. I promise I won't let you hurt me more than I can take... I choose this, and I take responsibility for it."

She closed her eyes, pained at his kindness when she felt so undeserving. "You won't hold it against me if I can't return your feelings? I'm afraid of how this might affect you... your job, your relationships..."

He let out a sigh and took her hands in his. "If anything, this will make me a stronger and better fighter... because you told me that if I get hurt, you'll take time away from me, and I want every second with you. Please, Megumi-san... let me have this... I'd come running to you for the chance at any time you're willing to give me... Would you... could you give me some of your time every day?"

Megumi opened her eyes and met his, both afraid and vulnerable now that the wall of indifference she had erected was slowly crumbling. Going through mental anguish alone for years was neither sustainable nor sound mental health.

Nod.

Neither was guilt.

"Sanosuke-san, I'm sorry... you don't have to do this."

"For what? Don't think I don't get something out of this as well. My choice, remember?"

Hesitate.

It won't be enough for you...

"There are plenty of other -"

"Women, I know. You're the one I want."

She felt his thumb caress the back of her hand, and she found it ironic that the same hands that could pummel a man unconscious are the ones holding hers so gently. This man went from being a mere acquaintance to something more than a friend, and she couldn't wrap her head at how quickly that happened. He knew things even Tae didn't, and guilt gnawed at her insides for that. She needed to lay some groundwork. She watched his pinky finger wrap around hers.

"What now... where do we go from here... I don't know how to define this."

"Uhm... a symbiotic relationship?"

Sad frown.

"I'm more of a parasite in this situation, I'm afraid."

"I don't know about that. You and I both get hugs out of it. Isn't that a symbiotic relationship?"

The corners of her mouth lifted a bit. "It's not that simple."

"So let's keep it simple. You already know how I feel... the way I see it, you're driving this bus, and I'm just a happy and willing passenger. So call the shots."

She found his metaphor absurd that it made her smile wider. She took a cleansing breath.

"Sanosuke-san, while I am willing to spend time with you... you have to keep me a secret."

She felt the grip on her hands tightening.

"Who else knows about your money issue?"

Pause.

"...Only Dr. Genzai."

He consciously loosened his hold. "Even if you don't tell me if either of my guesses is right, would you ever let me help you get out of that situation?"

Her gaze fell at their linked hands as she shook her head gently, the fighter committing the lines of her neck and jaw to memory, the urge to hold her close again magnetic, if just to lessen the dull ache in his chest.

"You holding me will be more than enough, Sanosuke-san."

Reluctant sigh.

"If you say so... man, you sure could pack a punch to my ego." All I want to do is protect you...

"This is the beating I don't want you to take... It's never too late to back out."

The fighter saw her shiver and he got up to stand, pulling Megumi up with him. "I can easily take beatings for hugs. Let's head back inside, it's getting colder out here. Are you staying the night?"

She looked at her watch. "Oh, I didn't know it was already this late..."

"I can drive you home if you'd like," he said as he opened the sliding door with her hand in his.

"Dr. Genzai said we can stay over, we just have to get the futons and covers out."

He smiled at the idea, liking the word 'we' from her lips. "Sounds good to me."

They went their separate ways in the house, the fighter securing the doors of the house, Megumi checking on the girls one last time before going to the spare bedroom which the older doctor made into a study. She was in the middle of pulling the first futon out of the linen closet when Sanosuke plucked it out her arms.

"It's okay, I can do this for you."

Smile.
"I take it you've spent a night or two over here."

"Yep! Sometimes Dr. Genzai and I stay up too late chatting when he brings the sake out, it's almost guaranteed I'm staying over."

She took out the blankets and pillows and started putting fresh pillow cases over them. "It's interesting how he and you have been friends for so long it seems."

Sanosuke fluffed a pillow and grinned. "It turns out that Dr. Genzai and my foster mother knew each other back in middle school."

Pleasant surprise.

"I learn something new everyday."

Like how both of them have a spare toothbrush and a change of clothes tucked away in a closet.

How neither of them liked too much icing on cakes.

How they both disliked horror movies.

How some movies make them cry.

"Which one is it for you?" she asked, drowsiness heavy on her eyelids, lying supine and snug under her covers, her futon next to his.

The fighter yawned audibly. "Let's see... 'Grave of the Fireflies' did it for me... some water leaked out of my eyes when I saw 'The Lion King'... what about you?"

She rubbed at her eyes. "Steel Magnolias... it's an American movie... I saw it with the nurses you met at Mika-chan's party..."

A dull ache settled over Megumi's chest as the movie reminded her of her own mother, and she could feel anxiety mount, her breathing rate increasing, cold waves rushing through her veins. She tried to distract herself, looking at the blades of the fan that hung on the ceiling, the crown moulding, the shadows cast against the ceiling from the light post outside the house. Recollection of her parents' abduction and slavery stole control of her diaphragm.

Control yourself...

Square breathing.

Slow down, heart...

Sanosuke turned to face her in his futon, noting the tightness of her brow, eyes shut tightly, as if she was praying fervently.

"Megumi-san, give me your hand."

Slightly startled, she complied and let her hand emerge from under her blanket, holding her breath as she counted off in her head.

Hold four seconds...

His warm hand covered hers, and she let out her breath.

Threaded fingers.

"It'll be okay... I'm right here," he said.

Her thoughts ran the same track of what-ifs once again, despite knowing she wouldn't have clear answers.

If I just knew where to find them...

Can I do it without them being harmed...

Can they make it through alive from all this...

She opened her mouth but couldn't utter a word, unable to voice the melancholic realization that the beatings they had discussed earlier go both ways.

She felt the pad of his thumb rub gently against the back of her hand once more. The moment she regained control of her lungs, she opened and kept her eyes on the ceiling fan, vision blurring.

"Thank you, Sanosuke-san, for being here," she whispered, a tear spilling from the corner of her eye.

Tightened grip.

"Always."

Megumi woke up to a barrage of text messages, mostly from her hospital group.

"Bad news flash, guys! They're cutting the funding for medicines for most of our pediatric oncology patients!"

"What?! But why?"

"Reimbursements from insurance companies have been dragging, they keep delaying the payments, and hospital overhead keeps increasing for these patients..."

"That's not fair! The patients do have insurance! It's one thing of they had none, but they actually have it!"

"OMG, I've taken care of all of them for months, they can't stop treatment now!"

"They said they only have 3 weeks left before they turn them out of the hospital..."

"Is there anything we can do?"

Megumi sat up and thought, then started texting.

We'll have to find the money ourselves... three of the families on the oncology floor have both parents working second jobs to pay for hospital bills.

"This is cruel to our patients! I had to find out from one of the mommies, she was absolutely devastated!"

Megumi's jaw clenched. She and Dr. Kubo poured their care, expertise and acumen on managing the patients, and her heart echoed her nurses' cries.

Type.

We need to find out a figure. How much they need to keep treatment going until the insurance companies pay up, and how long until they pay. Tell Dr. Kubo, and arrange a meeting with the hospital coordinator. We need to find out what we're allowed to do to keep the patients afloat... we have to think bigger... because if we have no patients, they will close this oncology wing.

Text silence.

She knew panic reverberated through their silence, but they had to understand what the stakes were. She sat back and remembered that she wasn't home, noting movement and snoring under the heap of blankets next to her futon.

She smiled at the heap and quietly got up, tiptoeing to the kitchen to get breakfast ready, finding Dr. Genzai already there boiling water for tea. They both agreed to let the rest of the household sleep in, their voices just above a whisper. While Megumi prepared breakfast, she disclosed her concerns about work.

The older doctor groaned. "It's getting worse and worse every year. Insurance companies aren't physicians, they don't manage our patients, and yet they are forcing our hands on how we practice medicine." He started setting the table.

"I have to do something, Genzai sensei... with treatment, those kids have a fighting chance."

Dr. Genzai sighed. "Unless you know several people with deep pockets, maybe you can hold a fundraiser... something out of the ordinary and exciting. I hear they often get bored with all that money weighing their pockets down."

That made Megumi chuckle. "What a nice problem to have."

"Kubo and I have been around a while now, and there have been patients there who became very prominent members of society after their recovery. I would ask the hospital coordinator to seek them out, see if they're willing to help."

"Who needs help?"

Both doctors swung their gazes at Sanosuke with Ayame and Suzume in his arms, still waking up.

"Don't you guys want to sleep in more?"

Grin.

"That was my plan, but these princesses found me and woke me up."

The fighter carefully settled each child in a chair, Suzume eyes opening wider.

"Megumi nee-chan, your cooking smells so good... today is gonna be a good day!"

She couldn't help but smile at how cute the girls were, Dr. Genzai laughing at them as they thanked him for the juice he served.

Sanosuke took it all in, the warmth and laughter of family at the table, the delicious food they ate, all the while Megumi making sure there was enough food for seconds. And because he was who he was, he had thirds and fourths.

After breakfast, Dr. Genzai encouraged his guests to stay and make themselves at home, which the fighter declined, much to his young peanut gallery's disappointment. He crouched down to meet the girls' eye level.

"If I don't show up to the gym, Katsu nii-chan will string me up and make a punching bag out of me. Last time I was late, he made me run around the track until he got tired of looking at me. If you're good, Genzai sensei will let me know, and I'll come over then."

Whisper.

"Maybe with Megumi nee-chan. Deal?"

Chorus.

"Deal!"

"What about you, Megumi-san? Would you like a ridehome?"

"If you don't mind, I would appreciate it. Let me get my things."

Sequential dings.

"Whoa, I knew you were popular, but that's a lot of messages."

Megumi grimaced. "There's trouble in hospital paradise, I'm afraid."

"Care to share?"

Sigh.

"The pediatric oncology floor might close down if we can't get the insurance companies to pay for the medicines."

Indignant.

"Man, that's not right. They're kids. They're the future."

Megumi sighed in her seat.

"Is there anything I can do?"

Side glance.

"If you can sell 500,000 pastries at a thousand yen each, that would probably help."

"The only thing I know how to bake is a potato."

Fingers fidget.

"I have to go find out what they're willing to let us do to raise money, and supposing we miraculously do so, how long it'll keep the oncology wing open."

Red light.

"Does this mean you'll be working while on your golden week?"

Head against headrest.

"I suppose I am, in a non-medical capacity."

Lull.

"You know... Katsu's really good at that kind of thing. He knows so many people. Maybe he can help?"

Deep thought.

"Maybe..."

Megumi finally looked at her text messages and one particularly caught her interest.

Green light.

"Actually, Sanosuke-san, may I have you drop me off at the hospital?"

"Part of me wishes you can just chill and relax. But, your wish is my command."

"Thank you so much."

He caught her smiling at him.

Dazzled.

Oh, what that smile does to me...

Long after he dropped her off and went back to the gym seated on a bench, taping his hands, the fighter was still riding on that high, his grin staying on despite the grueling drills his trainers threw at him.

The nurses' break room was turned into a fundraising war room, complete with clipboard and paper for taking notes, and an open box of chocolates.

Dr. Kubo dug through the box for a dark chocolate piece, his brow furrowed.

"So you're telling us we can't use the hospital's own facilities to hold a fundraiser?" he griped, popping the chocolate piece in his mouth and then gnashing his teeth. "We're raising money for the hospital!"

"I'm sorry, Kubo-sensei. As much as I want this to happen, the CEO denied my request to hold it at the pavilion. I'm just as frustrated as you all."

Mika was about to lose it. "We just want to give these kids a chance, Shingo-san! What can you let us do?"

The hospital coordinator took her glasses off and pushed her fingers against the middle of her brow. "The CEO told me that we can raise the funds however we want, as long as it's legal and doesn't cost us over a hundred thousand yen."

The two nurses in either side of Mika leaned forward, sighing in frustration.

"Please give us a figure to work with, and how long that can last us," nurse Nitta said.

Rustle of papers.

"Based on last month's revenue review, we will need about 15 million yen-"

Unison.

"Fifteen million!"

"And that's just the cost of medications alone."

"How long can 15 million last our patients?"

The coordinator flipped another page.

"About a month."

Dr. Shirakawa broke her silence. "Do you think we will get paid by the insurance companies by then?"

Coordinator Shingo turned on her tablet and swiped across the screen. "Just yesterday, we were paid about 5 million yen, and that covered salaries for the nursing staff. Believe me, our billing staff has been working overtime, and just today Dr. Kubo did several peer-to-peer reviews with the insurance companies. Our efforts are working, but they are dragging their heels."

"Can we sue them?" asked the older doctor. "These medicines have been clinically proven to induce remission, they otherwise wouldn't have been approved by the drug administration."

"I have a meeting with our legal department after speaking with you all. We have to make sure it won't cost us more money to get what we are owed. We have jumped through every hoop they make us go, hoping we give up. I mean, do they even know what it's like to have cancer? Or have their own child have cancer? I will help our legal team throw every book at them for reimbursement, but we all need them to buy us time. I know it's difficult, but please know we are trying to do everything we can."

A cell phone alarm went off.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll be meeting with the hospital attorney now," she said, giving them a bow.

They quietly watched her leave the room when Mika ran out to the hallway.

"Shingo-san, thank you for being on our side!"

The coordinator bowed to her again. "I will do my best."

When Mika walked back to the room, Dr. Kubo got up from his seat.

"I better go do another peer-to-peer review before rounds. If you ladies need me, I'll be in my office. And please, hold back on the sweets for me, all this stress eating will make me gain more weight, which will give my wife the excuse to roast me over an open fire."

Chuckling agreement.

His younger colleague waited for the door to close behind him before speaking to the nurses.

"Ladies... I need to know which of you are single."

Confused looks.

"Well, that would be all of us except Mika-san, she's got a boyfriend."

Mika held up a peace sign.

"Okay. Now, who among you like to dance?"

Hands up.

"Mika-san... remember during the summer of 2007, we had two patients in the ER, who accidentally slid off a slippery pole-"

"And one of them turned out to be my cousin, yes!" She looked at her fellow nurses. "She, um, works as an exotic dancer."

Oohs and aahs.

The doctor nodded.

"She will be an important resource for us. I know we're not just helping the kids on the pediatric oncology unit, ladies... this is also a matter of job security. So I need to know how far you're willing to help the kids and yourselves."

The nurses looked and mumbled at each other.

Nods.

"We're all in, Shirakawa-sensei."

Huddle.

The doctor took a deep breath. "Ladies, let's face it. Most of the people with deep pockets in this city are men. Now, think big money... beyond food and clothing, what is one thing they love paying for?"

"Entertainment?" Mika chimed.

"What kind of entertainment?"

Gasp.

"The racy kind," answered nurse Nitta, who looked like she was thunderstruck.

"Exactly. So tell me again... if you had complete control over your anonymity, and you know how much money can pour out of the patrons' pockets... would you still be willing to do this?"

The nurses started chatting amongst themselves, rather animatedly, to the doctor's surprise.

"Okay, no joke, that's been like one of my closet fantasies, is to learn how to dance like I'm hottest woman in the world!"

"O M G, same here! I've texted my cousin about it, and she said she'd totally teach me! We can ask her to teach us as a group!"

Furious texting.

"I mean, we do have some money that Shingo-san said we could use."

Amused.

"You ladies are a lot more amenable to this idea than I thought."

Grins.
"Shirakawa-sensei, none of us could think of a better plan than this, and believe us, we all FaceTimed each other about it."

Mika squealed. "My cousin said she'd bring her friends with her! She just needs to know where and what time to meet."

The doctor nodded. "Ask the head of physical therapy when their last patient appointment is for the day. We can use their space for our... education." She noticed that the girls were diligently taking notes down. "As for anonymity... we will need to ask for female security guards manning the security cameras if possible, as well as their confidentiality. Get clearance from coordinator Shingo. We will also need for Mika's cousin and her crew to have access to the PT area."

Scribbling.

"She will want to know what we're planning, so please tell Shingo-san that it will be a 'medical' revue of sorts... as Nitta-san had said, the racy kind. I'm willing to bet money she will look away as long as the hospital name isn't mentioned on the fundraiser."

Nods.

"As for the venue and donors... I will have to make a few calls. I have the week off, so I can do some footwork. Please know that all of us have to be prepared to work after hours, and it will be physically demanding. Speak up now if you cannot commit to this, no one will fault you for doing so."

Silence.

"Well then... Mika-san, when can your cousin meet us?"

"She just texted me, she said as early as this evening."

"Excellent. Please decide amongst yourselves who will speak to the head of PT and to coordinator Shingo. And one more thing. Ask her to look up every pediatric patient who received treatment from our hospital since the 1960s. We need to find out how they're faring now, and if they're willing to say something nice about our cause."

When no one said a word, Megumi looked up from her clipboard to find her nurses wide-eyed with admiration.

"Shirakawa-sensei, you... you're like a general... I will follow you to any battle and hospital for the rest of my life!"

Cheers.

The doctor winced and put a finger over her lips. "Keep it down, ladies! Hold the adulation for when we actually get the money. And as far as any of us are concerned, we are mere workers here. What we do after hours, please keep it the utmost secret. And no, don't even let Dr. Kubo know."

Whispered salute.

"Yes, general!"

Smiling eye roll.

"Please keep me posted, I'll let you know what our prospects are as soon as I am able to secure them. Message me around seven tonight, I can meet you back here if you'd like, should our teachers want to start our education then," she said, nodding at Mika. "Well then, I'll be taking my leave."

Standing ovation.

She mouthed the word 'stop' as she made her way to through the door.

Tae was getting dressed for another day at the restaurant when her phone rang.

"Hello, bestie! Are you coming by today?"

Giggle.

"Actually, I'm calling in all my favors."

"Oh? And what's the occasion?"

"I need to raise a lot of money for my pediatric patients so they don't lose their cancer medications."

"Goodness, it seems we have a lot to talk about. Over a cappuccino and scone?"

"I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

After explaining the situation to the proprietor, Tae's gaze swept over the interior of her restaurant. "How big of a place do you need? I mean, we were able to squeeze Katsu's party in here before..."

Throat clearing.

"Tae... the thing is..."

Murmurs.

"Oh..."

Pause.

"Oh!"

Kasumi watched Tae get out of her seat, hurry to the reception table, and return with some paper and pens. Quietly, she drew a layout that partitioned the main dining hall into six even spaces. "This is just assuming that you need room to move for any, um, provocative moves."

Shrug and a smile.

"Assuming. I don't even know what they'll make us do. But, if what I've seen is true during my last performance here..."

Tae squealed and grabbed her shoulders. "You are going to make so much money!"

Kasumi had to pause during all the giggling her best friend was doing. She knew Tae loved making money, but to see her this excited was laughable.

"Wait, how would you partition it?"

"With shoji doors!"

Kasumi leaned back in her seat. "But how would they stay upright?"

Tae pointed to the ceiling. "Look closely at the metal frame above us. If you look past the light fixtures, the frame actually has tracks on it that allow for shoji doors to slide smoothly."

Astonished.

"Did you know about them before you bought the restaurant?"

Beam.

"That's what sold me on it! I could rearrange anything the way I want it!"

Kasumi smiled affectionately at her good friend. "You're brilliant as always."

The proprietor blushed. "Stop, Kasumi, or Kachuchin-tan will get super jealous because I'll fall in love with you!"

They had a good laugh at that. Wiping some tears, Tae looked at the layout again. "How will you get donors to come?"

Grin.

"And that's yet another favor. I need to speak with Katsu-san, if that's okay."

Wave off.

"Hon, that's not a favor. If anything, you'll be doing his gym a favor."

"And how might that be?"

"Because I'm going to send you there to deliver him and his people some food! Don't you think Sagara-san would be happy with that?"

Gaze down.

Tae's brow quirked. Her nose smelled development.

"So... have things... gone anywhere with Sagara-san?"

"...For him, yes."

High pitched squealing.

"Calm down, Tae, it's not what you think... I still struggle to understand it..."

Still.

"What don't you understand? Do you want to talk about it?"

Sigh.

"I think I'm not a very good person."

"You're sitting here trying to raise money for kids with cancer, and you're not a good person? Honey, I think you need more food, your blood sugar is too low, you're not thinking straight."

Cappuccino.

"Let me put a lot of sugar in that, Kasumi."

Block.

"I'm thinking straight enough, but..."

Freshly baked scone.

"I feel like I'm using him, Tae... At my weakest, he offered a helping hand, and I desperately took it..."

Sip.

"What's so wrong with asking for help? You just asked me for some."

Frown.

"That's different. That's for the good of many people."

"And it's not justified if it's only for the good of one person?"

Guilt.

"Who, might I add, is responsible for the care and health of so many patients, notably the future of Japan?"

Lips pressed tight.

Hand over fist.

"Kasumi-chan, ever since I've met you, all you do is give and give so much of yourself, you even spoil me when I don't deserve it."

Loving eye roll.

"Even when you're so tired."

Sigh.

"So please, sweetie, I need you to allow yourself to reach for help. You don't know how many people would jump at the chance to do so. Like, if I stood up right now and said out loud, 'Kasumi-chan needs help!', they'd come running in here in a heartbeat."

Tiny smile.

"Ah, there it is! That's it, make it bigger!"

"Stop."

Happy sigh.

Texting.

"I'll be sending some food for you to take, and you can have your fundraising way with my man. Please give Sagara-san a hug for me, okay?"

Laugh.

"This coming from the woman who gave him permission to climb all over Mt. Kasumi."

"Oh sweetie, hush. Hugs from a man hit differently compared to yours truly."

One of the servers came by with a big takeout bag. Tae reached out to her friend for a bear hug, enjoying the happy sigh they both let out.

"Still warm, all the same," Kasumi murmured.

Tae giggled. "Kachuchin-tan just pinged me, he's expecting you. And he'll tell me if Sagara-san gets my hug, so no tricks!"

Kasumi looked at the ceiling, wondering if the Fates had it hard for her, it made her laugh.

"Yes, mother. I will deliver."

Loud heavy metal music wailed from the overhead speakers inside Sekihou gym. After reading a text from his beloved, Katsu was grinning.

Reply.

And with the trick he's about to play on his prized fighter and best friend, he was the Cheshire Cat personified. He walked over to Ryou who stood by the cordoned mat area, watching Sanosuke take conditioning hits to the abdomen with a bamboo stick. After a tap to his shoulder and a whisper in his ear, Ryou blew a whistle and motioned for the trainers to stop the drill. Their fighter looked slightly confused.

"We're going to switch it up today, Sano. Let's get another 25 blows in with the stick, then we switch to the pulley weights. How do your arms feel?"

Sanosuke wiped the sweat off his brow with the collar of his shirt. "I can still raise them to wipe my face off, that's a good sign."

His head trainer laughed. "Well then, I'll get the weight on, see you in a few."

Ryou left the gym for the weight room when he saw Katsu talking excitedly with a delivery person holding a takeout bag. The manager took notice.

"Ryou, come here, quickly!

As he got closer, Ryou was surprised to find the same pretty lady in the exquisite black kimono who performed at Tae's restaurant for them months ago.

"Ryou, remember her? This is Shirakawa Kasumi-san, my girl's best friend. She's here to deliver food from Tae's restaurant."

Ryou's mouth watered. "Oh man, you're a God-send, thank you!"

"Kasumi-san, this is Satonaka Ryou, trainer extraordinaire."

Polite bow.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Satonaka-san."

Ryou hid his smirk as he bowed back. It's no wonder Zanza was bonkers for this lady. She was so easy on the eyes.

"By the way, Kasumi-chan, if you don't mind me asking... how much do you weigh?"

Wide eyes.

"Huh?"

Ryou watched Katsu lead Shirakawa-san to the weight room and followed, the trainer scratched his head in confusion.

"Sano needs some help with weight training, and we need weights that lean toward the... unconventional."

Arched brow.

"You need me to be the weight?"

Charming grin.

"Precisely! May I have you volunteer?"

Pause.

"Only if you help me with my fundraising event."

Compromise.

"I'm at your beck and call."

Suspicious.

"How exactly am I supposed to be the weight?"

"Let us show you. Right this way, please."

By the time Katsu started pointing to the pulleys and the suspension device, Ryou finally understood what he was up to and shook his head at just how crazy his manager can be when it comes to playing pranks on Sanosuke.

Sanosuke walked off the mat with a towel over his head, wiping off the sweat. He made his way down the hallway to the weight room only to find Katsu standing a few feet by the door with a fresh shirt and what looked like a wet towel in hand.

"Everything okay, Katsu?"

"Yes! Everything is peachy!"

Creeped out.

"Dude, you're exuding suspicious slime from your pores."

"Please, even that makes me look good. Take this and wipe yourself down well before putting this shirt on. I've got a surprise for you."

Uh oh...

"Aw man, what is it now, Katsu?"

"Just do as you're told, and you'll be rewarded with culinary delights from Tae's restaurant."

The fighter did as he was asked with a toothy grin. "Sweet! I love their food!"

Katsu stopped at the door to the weight room and gave him another knowing grin. "Do your best in there, Sano. And do not drop the weight, you hear me?"

Annoyed.

"Okay, okay!"

Sanosuke noticed Ryou speaking to someone, his back towards him. "Hey, Ryou, what's going on?"

When his trainer moved his body out of the way, Megumi's face came into view, and the fighter was taken aback.

What a surprise, indeed.

"Hey Sano, today Shirakawa-san agreed to be the weight you'll be lifting today. She's barely 70 KG soaking wet, so this drill is going to be easier for you weight-wise. So to compensate, you'll be lifting to complete fatigue."

The doctor gave her a shrug and smile, a shy wave of her hand to tell him hello reminded him of a school girl. Sanosuke prayed he wasn't blushing too hard.

But she's way too hot to be a school girl!

Ryou proceeded to outfit her with the vest harness and buckled her torso and legs in, and Sanosuke waited for her to be turned around to get attached to the safety harness before quickly wiping down his face, arms and chest under his shirt once more, frustrated but grateful to Katsu that despite wanting to see him squirm wicked-manager style, he was sensible enough to give him this opportunity to be with the object of his affection without smelling like a total sweat rag.

Megumi studied the buckles over her chest and abdomen, and her eyes followed the lines that led to the pulleys. "Just how high will I be suspended in the air?"

The trainer squinted in thought. "One and a half, maybe two meters in the air?"

Eyes widened.

"Don't worry, Shirakawa-san. Zanza's never let weights slam down before, right, Sano?"

Having Ryou use his stage name made him cringe a little. She looked a little scared.

"I promise I won't let anything hurt you."

She peered at the pulleys once more before looking into the fighter's eyes. "Then I'll be in your care, Sagara-san. I trust you," she said, a small smile over her lips, her words held no hesitation, and it made his chest and face burn.

The trainer led her to stand in position over a duct tape X on the floor. "On the count of three, Shirakawa-san, you'll be suspended in mid air, then Sano will take over from there. Ready?"

Nod.

On the third count, Kasumi watched both men pull on the suspension lines, and it took all her courage not to let out a shriek as her body went up, horizontal and face down. She thought she had no acrophobia, but she was proven wrong with every foot of air she ascended, quietly gasping at the height. She watched as both men placed the cable handles against tethered hooks bolted to the floor, and Ryou clapped his hand against Sanosuke's shoulder.

"Remember, slow descent, quick pull. Tap that button with your foot when you can't pull anymore, we'll get the cables off her. You good?"

Sanosuke nodded.

The fighter had not looked at Ryou once since seeing Shirakawa-san, his eyes glued to her suspended form. With this level of focus, Ryou knew she would be safe. He gave him another pat on the shoulder and pulled the creeper mat on which Sanosuke had to lie on, facing up, as a mechanic would to inspect the undercarriage of a car.

"I'll be right outside the door," Ryou whispered.

The fighter nodded again. As his trainer walked away, he called out to her.

"I'm going to start now, Kasumi-san."

Shaky voice.

"Okay."

After grasping the cable handles off the hooks, he let her down slowly, making sure the descent was smooth, stopping her until her face was just a few inches from his, her eyes no longer wary.

"I have to pull you up kind of fast, okay?"

Nod.

He heard a muffled yip when he pulled on the cables, his brow furrowing at the sight of her eyes shut tight at the sudden climb.

"Are you hurt? I'm so sorry," he said as he let her down slowly once more, mentally cursing Katsu for putting her up to this.

Bravado.

"Don't be," she said, voice just above a whisper. "I just found out I'm a tiny bit afraid of heights." Her hands gripped at the buckles in front of the vest.

Inhale.

Pull.

Suppressed squeal.

Pause.

"Should I stop? I don't wanna scare you."

Descent.

Exhale.

"It's okay, Sagara-san... it'll be like immersion therapy. I'll get used to it soon."

Inhale.

She shot up again, this time willing her neck to relax more to lessen the whiplash she knew she would suffer. Sanosuke was incredibly strong.

"Talk to me then. Like, what's the weirdest thing that's happened to you at work?" he asked as he let her down slowly, her eyes looking up in thought as she bit her lower lip, and he wanted nothing more than to release that lip from her bite and cover it with his own. She was so close now, all he had to do was flex his neck to accomplish that.

"So... I once pulled out a dead cockroach from someone's ear canal."

Shock.

Pull.

"Yikes! Are you serious?"

Giggle.

Descent.

"He thought he was going crazy because he could feel something moving in his ear, then dismissed it because it stopped, but when he tried to clean his ear with a Qtip, he noticed something that looked like an insect leg on the Qtip, so he went to the ER."

The fighter's face crumpled. "If I didn't have to keep you from launching to the ceiling, I would be rubbing my arms at the thought, that's so freaky."

That earned him a laugh.

Five inch distance.

He could see the crinkle that the corners of her eyes made when she smiled, and her long lashes that made her eyes all the more captivating to behold.

Inhale.

Pull.

Gasp.

"Sorry, Kasumi-san."

Smile.

"It's okay, I'm getting used to it now. I just have to pretend like it's a little rollercoaster."

Exhale.

Descent.

"Are you not tired? It can't be easy to lift an adult person."

Blink.

"I'm not trying to brag, but I'm more worried that you weigh too little, considering..."

She appreciated him leaving the sentence unfinished.

You've carried me home twice to know...

"I confess my schedule makes me forget regular mealtimes, and l only get food when my stomach is very angry at me, or when somebody puts the food right in front of me and I have the time to eat."

Frown.

"I don't think Lifevest-san likes that report."

Wide eyes.

Five inch distance.

She remained silent when he pulled her up, Sanosuke feeling her retreat into her own thoughts.

Exhale.

Descent.

He let her drop less than an inch away from him, their heads nearly touching, her face turned away.

"I didn't mean to overstep, Megumi-san. I'm sorry," he whispered. His arms strained to keep her there, until she finally peered into his apprehensive eyes.

Blink.

"There would be many reports Lifevest-san wouldn't like, I'm afraid," she whispered back.

Inhale.

Pull.

He regretted his comment, watching her face become reticent as she vaulted upwards. He wanted to put his past minute self in a choke hold.

Exhale.

Descent.

"Sagara-san, are you hungry?"

Relieved grin.

"I'm always hungry." For you and other things...

Grateful for the subject change, he watched her reach into her jean pocket and opened a small plastic pouch.

"If you promise not to choke and chew while lifting me, say aah..."

Five inch distance.

"Aah."

Honey roasted peanut.

Chew.

Groan.

"That's so good right now, I could eat a jarful of that."

Inhale.

Pull.

"I can feed you one until you get tired, or the bag runs out."

Murmur.

"I want you to feed me forever."

Squint.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear that."

Sigh.

Descent.

"Honey roasted peanuts are the best thing ever."

"Oh."

She readied another peanut for him and smiled, her eyes on his mouth with her hand waiting to drop the peanut in. His muscles were burning now, though not as badly as the need to touch her skin.

Five inch distance.

Inhale.

He opened his mouth and caught the peanut, pleased that it made her happy to feed him.

Pull.

If all weights treated him like this, he wouldn't mind weight training at all. Though if it was Megumi he had to deal with, he might literally go nuts if he had to see her without being able to touch her.

Exhale.

Not when he's experienced the warmth and softness of her skin.

Descent.

Not when he was a contained fire begging to consume more.

He gripped at the cable handles tighter. He had to remind himself that Ryou was just outside the door.

"Kasumi-san... will you let me feed you as well?"

Five inch distance.

Inhale.

"Hn?"

Peanut.

"Oh... like this?"

Chew.

Pull.

Exhale.

"No, I mean, yeah, if that's what you wanted... but what I'm saying is... I just... wanna make sure you don't weigh any less than what you do now."

Thoughtful.

"Can I play you rock-paper-scissors for it? I have a lot of fundraising to do."

Descent.

Chuckle.

"But you still have to eat!"

Five inch distance.

Inhale.

"There's just so much to do..."

Peanut.

Chew.

Pull.

"You can eat and work at the same time, right?"

Hesitant.

"Y-yes?"

Descent.

Exhale.

"If I brought the food to you, would you eat it then?"

She was already thinking of how that could possibly blow their cover for the fundraiser.

"What does your schedule look like this week?"

Clueless.

"Uh... I'm supposed to have a press conference-"

Five inch distance.

"And more sponsor meetings..."

Inhale.

Peanut.

Chew.

Pull.

"I don't really know times and dates, I'm sorry. Katsu just calls and tells me to show up when and where."

Descent.

Exhale.

"I'll have you know that I'm rather good at playing rock-paper-scissors."

He grinned at that.

"Good enough to beat me?"

Five inch distance.

"Third grade school yard champ."

Inhale.

Peanut.

Chew.

"What does the winner get?"

Pull.

Grin.

"Whatever she wants."

He laughed despite his straining.

Descent.

Exhale.

"Well, when I win, I want hand-fed meals for a week."

Five inch distance.

"And your presence at my next fight."

She giggled at his confidence.

Inhale.

"Then I guess you'd better enjoy this, because this will be the only time you get hand-fed, Mr. Lonely."

Peanut.

Chew.

He smirked at the challenge as he pulled on the cables, launching her with more force than usual, earning him a squeal of surprise. After about twenty more repetitions, they had agreed to several more rock-paper-scissors games, with every reward leaning towards the fighter's advantage.

As she was vaulted yet again, she could see the sheen of sweat from his brow reflected by the lights above, he had to be tired from lifting her. She reached for a small handkerchief in her pocket as he let her down smoothly.

Five inches.

His eyes widened at the contact of the cloth over his forehead, dabbing the sweat off his brow.

"I think you should let me down now, Sagara-san. The cables are shaking, and I'm out of peanuts."

Nod.

"You'll have to be on top of me until Ryou unhooks you, okay?"

"Okay."

Sanosuke's arms strained to let her land gently on top of his body, again wishing he could hold and keep her there. He felt her sigh against his chest. Tapping on the button by his foot, an air horn sounded, and within seconds Ryou was unbuckling Megumi from the harness.
Without the weight, the fighter let the cables go and his arms went limp against his sides, leaving him to watch Ryou help her upright herself.

Katsu chose this time to walk in and whisk the doctor away.

"Good job, Sano! If you'll excuse us, Kasumi-chan and I have matters to discuss. See you after your shower!" She couldn't say goodbye fast enough at the speed with which his manager led her out the door.

The fighter was not pleased. Ryou was about to help him get up when Sanosuke sat and stood up.

"Hey, you okay?"

Grumble.

"He couldn't give me a few seconds to thank her, what the hell?"

Ryou handed him a towel. "Once you've showered, you can crash their meeting and thank her then."

The fighter's ire died. "Right. You're right." Sanosuke thanked him for being so level headed.

Not until the fighter left the weight room did Ryou heave a relieved sigh. He may not have noticed it, but Sanosuke lifted a good 25% more repetitions for this drill compared to his previous workouts, adjusting for the weight. After he put the cables and creeper away, he found himself smiling. Love is a powerful, scary force.

After taking a whirlwind scrubdown in the shower and getting dressed, Sanosuke hurried to Katsu's office and found his manager in front of the computer looking at his schedule, with the doctor jotting down notes on the sofa.

"Oh hey, Sano. Thank you for not smelling like a wrestling mat. Since you're here, let's recap this week's schedule."

Click.

"In an hour, you have a press conference at the Maple Hotel. That's the one we had to reschedule, and it's to promote the fight on Saturday. Just so you know, Sano, today is Monday."

The fighter looked at his manager incredulously at the reminder and snuck a glance at Kasumi, a suppressed smile barely containing the tug at the corners of her lips as she kept typing on her cell phone.

"The photographer from Watari jii-san's onsen asked if you'd fill in for one of their sports apparel models who broke his ankle. I already said yes for you, the shoot is at noon tomorrow. He'll be calling us where to meet, he still doesn't know where it'll be."

"Okay..."

"I just got a call from Yamashita jii-chan, and he would like for you to make and appearance at the his electronics store's anniversary, and that'll be on Wednesday early evening. Oh, Kasumi-chan, Yama-jii wanted to ask if you'd play for him on Thursday at seven."

"Note taken."

The manager rattled off more meeting and interview times, but as soon he heard that they'll be held at the gym, Sanosuke stopped paying attention.

"Kasumi-chan, please let me know ASAP the date and venue, we can plug your fundraiser info in for this fight's promo and the next, I've also sent the photographer's info to you."

Katsu paused, noting Sanosuke's gaze glued to Kasumi who continued to type notes. "And Kasumi-chan, please send a copy of those notes to Sano's phone. If looks could earn a PhD, he'd already have one from Kasumi University by now. I'm sure he didn't get a single thing after I've said your name."

The comment made her look up at Sano, who looked away in embarrassment, ears pink at the tips.

Giggle.

"Actually, Katsu-san, the venue will be at Tae's restaurant."

The manager sighed happily. "My day keeps getting better and better. Thank you for choosing her restaurant."

"Um, she actually made the decision for me."

Smirk.

"That's my girl. Well then, when you've finished making your deliveries, please have one of the trainers drive you home, or wherever you need to be. And thank you again for stopping by to deliver the food, I'll personally give my thanks to your best friend," Katsu said as he stood up, putting his suit jacket on and winking at Kasumi. He pat the fighter on the shoulder. "Food's in the break room when you're ready."

They watched him saunter off, whistling. Turning his attention back to her, Sanosuke stepped closer to Kasumi, who was now standing up.

"Um, thank you for helping with my training today."

Warm smile.

"You're welcome, Sanosuke-san."

She watched him make a fist and flash a dashing grin. "So are you ready to hand feed me my next meal?"

He loved the sound of her laugh.

"Ready?"

She nodded as her gaze fell on his fist.

Unison.