Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Rurouni Kenshin Fan-Fic - GOJOU	By : KikueMugen Category: Rurouni Kenshin > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 10110 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I am NOT the owner of Rurouni Kenshin or its characters, nor do I receive monetary PROFIT from the humble fan-fiction, "Gojou".

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
Words you may not know

*Ronin – Masterless samurai.

*Chazuke – Green Tea poured over rice.

*Hashi – Chopsticks.

Saitou rolled over lazily in his big western bed and thought that it was much too early to start the day. It was still dark outside, and he didn't feel as though he had any rest at all last night. The meeting with Cho about Horie went long, and when Saitou finally got to bed, it was later than when he originally planned to retire for the night. To top the night off, what little sleep he managed to get in was interrupted by his past in the form of a dream that woke him, leaving him in his present melancholic state of mind.

Ever since Sano barged into Saitou’s life, Saitou’s present state was becoming increasingly peaceful. Saitou’s past didn’t seem to trouble him as much as it used to. Before Sano, dreams kept Saitou from rest, and the sudden flash backs interrupted his clarity during the day. Often, only sake would quench Saitou’s past that disturbed his mind so severely. However, recently, Sano kept him occupied and his mind preoccupied. Saitou had finally concluded that Sano was good for his life.

Nevertheless, the fact that Saitou was becoming dependent on Sano for peace of mind did bother Saitou. Was Saitou using Sano as an escape from his horrid past of murder, killing and death? Why was it that his thoughts seemed to revert back to the darkness when Sano was not around? So many questions loomed in Saitou’s mind about his own needs and desires.

Saitou turned his head and looked at the empty space in his bed next to him that Sano occupied just a night ago. Even the thought of Sano comforted Saitou and his heartbeat slowed down considerably, when only moments before, his chest tightened with anxiety when the dream was still fresh and not yet faded.

“Is this love?” Saitou whispered to himself in the darkness. “Why have I taken so long to feel this way? Why is this happening with Sano?” Saitou sighed, as he let his thoughts embrace the handsome young man who seemed to be in love with him.

How many young men, just like Sano, had Saitou thrust his sword through? How many were there that would never know what it is to love and be loved, because Saitou had cut their lives short on the tracks of their youth? Sano could have been a dead man if Saitou had been in a different mood that day Saitou first laid eyes on Sano. Sano still wore the scar on his right shoulder, where Saitou’s sword penetrated. Now it seemed that the young man was penetrating Saitou’s heart. Could it be truly happening?

It all became clear to Saitou as the myriad of similar thoughts and questions bombarded his mind. Sano was Saitou’s final chance at life. Saitou had taken so many lives, which left him feeling like there was nothing left except the menial, servile existence he was obligated to live out for the government until he was unable to do so any longer. Sano was fast becoming Saitou’s refuge; his sanctuary for peace of mind, body, and spirit.

As the dawn approached before the sun made its appearance over the horizon, Saitou’s room flushed with the morning hues of reflected color through the slats in his window. “This has to be love,” Saitou said to himself as he finally decided to get out of bed and fix a pot of tea. “What other explanation can there be for these thoughts and emotions?” Saitou asked himself shrugging his shoulders at the same time.

“Ahou,” Saitou grunted while he went to prepare the breakfast ocha.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin had been busy fixing breakfast before the sun rose. He thought it was the least he could do for Aoshi before Aoshi’s brutal train ride back to Kyoto. In a sense, Kenshin wished that he could pick up and leave with Aoshi, but Kenshin’s life had changed dramatically since he began living at the dojo. A part of Kenshin was very grateful for the change, but there was still the other part of him that remembered the days spent as a wandering *ronin, when, during that time, Kenshin didn’t have to answer to any one.

Kenshin scooped hot rice into a couple of bowls when he suddenly said, “I want to make sure you are well fed before you catch your train out this morning, Aoshi,” Kenshin said even before Kenshin turned to look at the shinobi standing at the kitchen door. “Come, sit and eat with me,” Kenshin nodded.

Aoshi walked over to the informal chabudai next to the fire pit that was located in the middle of the floor, and seated himself. Kenshin brought the bowls of hot rice over, and sat it down with the rest of the food he had already prepared earlier.

“I hope the *chazuke I prepared for you will see you though part of your train ride to Kyoto. You can add what you like to it,” Kenshin instructed as he pointed to the other food on the chabudai with his *hashi.

The two men sat eating in silence for a few minutes. While Aoshi packed his carry bag earlier he thought on Saitou’s advice. Aoshi knew now that if he heeded Saitou’s advice last night about being aggressive in pursuing Kenshin, probably things would have turned out differently between the two of them.

Kenshin broke the silence as he sipped his ocha and said, “Aoshi, please know that you are welcome to stay at the dojo when you return to Tokyo.” Kenshin took a breath and held it for a second as he tried to decide whether he should continue to speak his mind. “It would please me if you did, that it would,” Kenshin said hoping that he did not cause Aoshi to become uncomfortable.

“Don’t you think that it would be better if I did not see you again?” Aoshi asked being a little confused by Kenshin’s invitation.

Kenshin sighed. It was obvious that he was disappointed in himself for giving into his weakness and being so verbal and obvious about his feelings.

“We never know what the future holds for either of us. Danger awaits you back in Kyoto and I may never see you again if you should meet your end. I would like to think that although we chose not to travel down one road, perhaps there is another road for us.” Kenshin looked at Aoshi intently to give him something to think about. “How shall we know that road if we end our journey here and now?”

Aoshi narrowed his stare on Kenshin, still trying to understand what was being said between them. “Himura-san, I am not sure what you are trying to say to me.”

Kenshin was trying to be careful; knowing that both he and Aoshi were sensitive at that time, and saying the wrong thing would do more harm than good. Aoshi will soon be miles away and a misunderstanding would only mean ruin.

“To be honest with you,” Kenshin smiled, “I am not sure what I am trying to say either, but I can tell you that I do not want to live the rest of my life without having you be a part of it in someway.”

“Hmn,” Aoshi nodded in agreement. “I don’t what that either. Perhaps we can agree to find another road together?”

It was Kenshin’s turn to nod, but this time, he did so with a feeling of relief. “Hmn, I would be most pleased if we would agree to that.”

Aoshi was very pleased as well. “Then I will be looking forward to seeing you again when two weeks pass.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It went against Cho’s nature to have woken so early in the morning, but working undercover had no special privileges. Cho was forced to adapt to whatever time necessary to maintain his connection with the people he was assigned to survey.

Cho caught a glimpse of Horie approaching the carriage. Cho quickly hopped down off the driver’s seat of the carriage and opened the cab’s door.

“Good morning boss!” Cho bowed and offered the syndicate leader a cheerful greeting. “It looks like good weather and a great day ahead!”

“It certainly is a bright day, thanks to you, Cho,” Horie replied. “Seldom do I receive a greeting as splendid as yours.” Horie patted Cho on his shoulder and laughed out loud.

Cho secured the cab with Horie in it and headed toward the storefront as he whistled a tune during the short trip there.

It didn’t take too long before Cho pulled up to the storefront, hopped off the driver’s seat of the carriage and trotted over to open the cab door. Horie stepped out and invited Cho in to join him for ocha before the workday began.

Both Horie and Cho froze as soon as they walked through the noren. Immediately, they drew out their hidden weapons, not sure if whomever that was responsible for what they both saw before them was still in the building. The shop was in disarray! Everything that was set up the day before had been toppled over and laid in a jumbled mess on the floor.

Where were Horie’s men? There were two men left here to guard the shop after the meeting last night. Horie signaled Cho to check the back room as Horie continued on his way to the second floor. He listened carefully for any sign of movement. Hearing nothing, Horie checked the rooms to the left. All clear. He walked quietly to the stairs leading down to the storefront and continued past it to check the rooms to the right of the building.

Cho quickly rushed the stairs after he made sure that no one was in the building below. Cho nodded an, ‘all clear’ to Horie. With Horie in the lead, they both headed toward the last room. The boards under their feet creaked and the men halted in their tracks. Horie listened again, heard nothing beyond the creaking boards, and then continued.

Upon entering the room they found two men down in pools of blood. Cho walked over and examined the bodies along with the stagnant scarlet liquid they laid in. “Must have taken place late last night by the feel of them.”

“Damn it,” Horie muttered, “I know very well whose responsible for the attack.”

“What kind of shit-head would have the balls to sneak in here last night and do this?” asked Cho.

Horie sheathed his short blade and returned it to its hiding place behind his back, “Serizawa Noboru.”

“Who the hell is that?” Cho asked, even though Cho knew that Serizawa was the current leader of the existing drug ring in Tokyo. Although investigators knew of Serizawa’s involvement in drug distribution in Metro Tokyo, they had not yet gathered enough data to bring charges against him.

Horie turned to face the inquiring young man. “I am not sure if I can trust you to know details just yet. Let me say, that Serizawa is in the way, and by the looks of things here, he’s thinking the same thing about us.”

“I think I can figure the rest out for myself and I won’t ask for the details,” Cho said as he sheathed his blade as well.

Cho already knew that the two men that were killed a few days ago had been Horie’s doing. Now, Serizawa’s group was retaliating.

“Anyone here?” A voice from the shop called the two men’s attention from the building’s second level.

Horie recognized the voice and shouted, “Up here, Mr. Fujita!”

Saitou didn't take long finding Horie and Cho hovering over Horie’s two mutilated men on the floor. Saitou looked around the rest of the room, panning with is eyes and then back down at the men.

“Your men?” Saitou asked Horie.

“Hai,” Horie nodded.

“It seems that they were caught off guard. By the looks of the slash patterns, I’d say Serizawa and his bulls are on to you,” Saitou said, and then he asked, “You and Serizawa ever had a run in before?”

“Nothing worth mentioning… but I did do some preliminary work just to let Serizawa know it’s time to let the ‘big boys’ take over here in Tokyo. There is no room for child’s play,” Horie chuckled and repeated what he had just said. “NO ROOM for child’s play!”

“Well, it looks as though Serizawa’s ‘grown up’ and doesn’t plan on moving aside so easily,” Saitou said.

“Forgive me, Mr. Fujita. I failed to introduce you to one of my new men. All of the present men have arrived from Kyoto, but Cho-san here, just recently signed on as our carriage driver, and he is quickly becoming more of an assistant to me.” Horie held out an introductory gesture toward Cho.

Saitou faced Cho and bowed. “It is good to make your acquaintance. I am Fujita Gorou.”

Cho bowed in acknowledgement to the introduction. “I reckon it’s good to meet you, Mr. Fujita.”

Saitou turned his attention back over to Horie with advice. “I suggest you get this mess cleaned up quickly before the authorities get wind of it and start an investigation. Your men are from Kyoto and will not be reported missing until a later time. Take advantage of that and rid yourself of any indication of what took place here.”

“And the bodies?” Horie asked.

“Box them up and be sure you conceal them well. That is the drawback of being located in the city,” Saitou said. “There are too many eyes that will very well report you to the authorities here if you should seem too suspicious."

“I understand,” Horie nodded and then turned to Cho with orders.

“Cho, drive out to the inn and inform Mitsu-san of the situation. Have her notify the men and bring them here. I will prepare the bodies for transport."

“Hai...” Cho nodded and then bowed toward Saitou, “...Mr. Fujita.”

Saitou bowed and watched Cho exit the room.

“I have an appointment I must keep, but I will stop by again soon,” Saitou said as he stepped over the bodies, being careful to avoid the blood pools.

Horie nodded, “Hai.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Arigatou gosaimasu,” Aoshi bowed and looked at Kenshin for the remaining time they had before Aoshi boarded the train. “If things go as expected I will see you in two weeks.” Aoshi paused, not really knowing how to phrase what he needed to say, but made an effort anyway. “Himura-san… if I should not return, for whatever reason…” Aoshi paused again, holding back the desire to take Kenshin into his arms and hold on for just a moment.

“Aoshi,” Kenshin interrupted. “You must not speak that way. I will see you again, if not within two weeks, then in the soon to come future.”

Aoshi lowered his head and nodded. Then he said just above a whisper, “You are right as usual, Himura-san. I will plan on seeing you again.”

“That is better, Aoshi! Please tell Misao to send some sweets along with you when you come again,” Kenshin said through his big ear-to-ear smile and squinty-eyed grin.

Aoshi’s attention was sidetracked pass the crowd when he noticed Saitou walking toward he and Kenshin.

Saitou passed the two men, but in passing bumped Aoshi with his shoulder and spoke quickly and quietly as he pretended to recover from the collision. “I’ll see you on the train,” Saitou said, and quickly walked over to the train and boarded.

“Himura-san,” Aoshi sighed with a definite look of regret on his face.

Kenshin placed his hand on Aoshi’s arm and firmly gave it a squeeze. “I know, Aoshi,” and nodded.

Kenshin watched Aoshi board the train and knew that it would take a few days for the emptiness he was feeling to dissipate.

Once on the train, Aoshi looked up and down the aisle for Saitou and saw the wolf on the mid-car platform leaning against a door with his arms folded in front of him. Aoshi approached Saitou, lifted both brows, with a ‘what’s up’ expression on his face.

Saitou stood erect, away from the door he was leaning on and said, “Prepare yourself. Two of Horie’s men were killed last night.” Saitou uncrossed his arms. “It appears to have started sooner than we anticipated.”

“Hai,” Aoshi responded and stepped past Saitou to cross the coach to the next compartment.

Saitou proceeded in the opposite direction, exited the train and headed for his carriage in waiting where he saw Kenshin trying to flag down a jinrikisha.

“Himura!” Saitou shouted and gained Kenshin’s attention. “My carriage is over this way if you'd care for a ride.”

Kenshin trotted over to Saitou, “Arigatou gosaimasu,” I will take you up on your invitation, that I will.”

Before getting into the carriage Saitou asked Kenshin, “Where to?”

“Kamiya Dojo!” Kenshin called out to Saitou’s driver.

The men took seats opposite from one another. Saitou noted Kenshin’s mood and shook his head from side to side. “By the look on your face I take it you and Aoshi let the opportunity slip by the both of you,” Saitou said, as he fished a little.

“It will be okay, in time,” Kenshin replied and realized that his missing Aoshi must be apparent on his face for Saitou to pick right up on it.

“Ever since I’ve known you, Himura, there had always been ‘something’ you battled with inside of yourself.” Saitou lit a cigarette and watched the smoke he exhaled slowly escape through the window next to him. “This time, there is no difference, is there?”

Kenshin sat quietly in his seat and allowed Saitou’s words to work its way into him while the carriage rattled and rolled over the bumpy road. His body bounced on the bench and his emotions were doing the same internally.

It was obvious to Saitou that Kenshin was listening to him speak, so Saitou took advantage and went on. “It seems like nothing has really changed for you, Himura, far as I can see.” Saitou pulled another puff of smoke into his lungs and exhaled. “Your actions still sicken me. You talk about never taking up your sword to kill people, yet you are killing yourself.”

Still no response from Kenshin, except that the knuckles on his fists that lay upon his lap were turning white due to the force of his clenched fists.

“You say you consider the people around you, yet they continue to hurt, because you are unhappy and your unhappiness is sensed by those that care for you.” Saitou continued to speak his mind. “At this rate, Himura, everyone dies, including the ones you care for. Even if you never see Aoshi Shinomori again, you cannot lie to Kaoru about your unhappiness. It is you who is denying her the experience of your happiness.”

The carriage pulled up to the dojo’s gate.

“Saitou,” Kenshin said finally looking up from his clenched fists and locked onto Saitou’s golden eyes. “There is truth in what you say and I am working through it. This situation with Aoshi may very well be what is needed to break the cycle I find myself returning to over and over again.”

Silence.

“Will you stop in? Sano would appreciate seeing you,” Kenshin invited as he stepped out of the carriage’s cab.

“I have been going before dawn, I could use the break,” Saitou stepped out of the cab as well. He walked over to the dojo gate with Kenshin hoping that Sano was indeed there at the dojo.

The two walk past the gate and when Kenshin turned to shut the gate he suggested, “You can check to see if Sano’s in his dorm room, and I’ll see if he’s near the main house. If I find him, I’ll send him over.”

“Very much appreciated,” Saitou said, bade Kenshin a good day, and walked on over to Sano’s room on the other side of the dojo’s compound.

Kenshin headed for the main house and spotted Sano exiting the bathhouse drying off his hair. “Sano!” Kenshin shouted across the back garden between the main house and bathhouse.

Sano cringed at Kenshin’s holler. “You don’t have to shout so loud, Kenshin. I’m sensitive to sound at the moment.” Then he tried to explain his reaction at the sound of Kenshin’s summons. “One too many sake serving with Cho last night,” Sano said as he approached Kenshin. "I thought maybe a cold soak in the bath would bring me back to the land of the living.”

Kenshin chuckled and said, “Well, Miss Kaoru will not be in till this afternoon. She is spending time with Miss Megumi, so there is no rush to get tasks done. Why don’t you go back to your room and lay a bit. Drink a lot of liquids to cleanse your system. You’ll be feeling better in no time, that you will.”

“Thanks Kenshin, “Sano said as he turned around and headed out to his room to try his best to rid himself of the hangover.

Kenshin deliberately didn’t tell Sano about Saitou’s visit. Kenshin thought it would be a good surprise for Sano, being that Sano enjoyed being with Saitou so much. With that thought, Kenshin sighed deeply and thought on Saitou’s words in the carriage ride over to the dojo. Deep down Kenshin knew that Saitou was right about his situation with Aoshi. It was a little difficult to swallow, but Kenshin received the lecture this time without argument. It’s time to stop pretending and face the facts.

Kenshin sighed again when Sano took the turn around the dojo and left Kenshin’s sight. He knew that at least Sano would be feeling better sooner than he would.

“SHIT!” Sano screeched out loud when he slid his door open and saw Saitou standing off to his side.

“I’m simply amazed you are capable of reaching such high notes, Sanosuke,” Saitou said.

“Damn it, Saitou, you’re going to send me to an early grave,” the startled young man said as he held the side of his head with the palm of his hand.

“By the looks of you, I’d say you’re already half way there. What happened last night?” Saitou inquired.

“I’d rather not talk about it,” Sano said and stepped over to his futon that was still not put away and sat down on it.

“You go off one night alone and look what happens to you, Ahou!” Saitou shook his head and walked over to the door and attempted to leave.

“Hey, wait a minute,” Sano was instantly right back on his feet. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going back to work, it is obvious you are not in the mood for talk right now,” Saitou said glancing at Sano with the side of his eye.

“Wait, don’t leave…” Sano took a hold of Saitou’s arm to keep him from sliding the door open. “I don’t want you to go; not just yet.”

“Why shouldn’t I leave?” Saitou questioned.

“Look, I’m sorry… I feel like shit right now, but I know you can make me feel better if you stay awhile.” Sano used his begging puppy-eyed routine as he looked squarely into Saitou’s eyes along with giving Saitou’s sleeve a tug.

“I don’t appreciate you keeping my men out drinking when they’re on duty,” Saitou said, ignoring Sano’s flirty behavior.

“Oh, so Cho told you, huh?” Sano murmured.

“First off, Cho didn’t get to my place until past the hour we had agreed to meet. Secondly, we took longer in the meeting, because Cho’s mind was blurred from the sake you two consumed before the meeting,” Saitou complained.

“Fuck you, Saitou! Are you trying to blame me for Cho’s irresponsibility?” Sano snapped back loudly. “I didn’t twist his arm to stay after dinner and drink himself incompetent… ya― know? Why the hell are you getting on my case? Shit, you were the one who was meeting with other men in your home when I’m not there. Maybe you’re feeling guilty after whatever happened between the two of you last night, so you’re trying to pin it on me, huh?”

“You moron, as I told you before, and I’m telling you again… ‘I do my job.’” Saitou reminded Sano.

“Yeah right, but how well do you do it, is what gets me crazy. How the hell do I know that nothing’s going on between you and Cho when you don’t answer my question about other guys in your past?” Sano crossed his arms before him and took a step back.

“Who told you that you can know anything about a person by knowing his past? Hmmm? What damn proof would my past give you about my having that kind of relationship with Cho now?” Saitou asked in a serious tone not wanting to have to talk about his past.

Sano lowered his head being at loss for words. “Damn it, Saitou… How can I hate you, and love you at the same time?”

That statement from Sano had Saitou at loss for words as well. Saitou’s mind quickly reflected back on his early morning thoughts when he asked himself if it was truly love that he was experiencing with Sano. Saitou had never felt closer to anyone in his life, and he never wanted to be with anyone the way he wanted to be with Sano.

Saitou looked at the young man standing his ground as they exchanged heated words. There had been too much of that in his past. There were way too many misunderstandings and too many painful moments. It couldn't be that way for he and Sano.

Even though Saitou didn't want to leave, he thought it would be the best thing to do and let things cool down between them. Saitou reached for the door, but Sano again reached out and caught his arm. Saitou peered with his golden wolf-like eyes at Sano.

“I need to get back to work,” Saitou said.

“Please… don’t. Not like this—not this way,” Sano’s voice began to quake.

Saitou took a hold of the hand that was hindering him from leaving and pulled it loose from his arm. He turned completely toward Sano, and with his other hand grasped Sano behind the neck and pulled the young man into his arms until Sano’s body pressed firmly against Saitou’s frame. In the same motion, Saitou pressed his lips against Sano’s mouth and quickly slipped his tongue between Sano’s lips.

Sano immediately, literally, clung onto Saitou and dug his fingers into the material Saitou was wearing as though his life depends on it. He did not want to let Saitou go, not for a moment. Sano received Saitou’s deep kiss, and then forced his tongue past the tongue that invaded his mouth to return Saitou’s kiss.

The kiss was different this time for the both of them. They stood together tightly entwined in each other’s embrace, but as intense as it was, Saitou took a hold of Sano’s shoulders and broke the lock. Sano open his eyes and saw Saitou’s piercing, intense stare.

“Sanosuke, I must go,” Saitou spoke to Sano softly. “I need to get back to my tasks.”

Sano took a deep breath and sighed, “I want you to need me, Saitou. I know you want me, but it won’t be right between us until you need me.”

Saitou had never thought of it that way. Sano’s request stunned Saitou. Saitou never given much thought about needing anyone. Had that been the emotions he was trying to get a handle on earlier this morning? Could it be that needing someone was part of loving?

Not knowing how to respond to Sano verbally, Saitou kissed the young man again, and then held him close. Saitou took a handful of Sano’s damp hair between his fingers, and pulled Sano’s head back and kissed Sano’s neck. “Tonight, Sanosuke,” Saitou spoke between gentle bites up the side of Sano’s throat. “Come to me tonight and we’ll be together.”

Sano pushed Saitou from him and looked at Saitou with his big brown eyes wide open with excitement and asks, “The whole night? Do you want me to spend the night with you, again?” Sano’s hopeful smile spread excitedly from cheek to cheek.

“Hmn,” Saitou nodded, that would be fine, if you wish.

Saitou slipped on his shoes and almost expected Sano to catch his arm before he opened the door. This time, the sunlight peeked through lighting up Sano’s room as Saitou let himself out. Sano followed and shut his door behind them.

Sano walked with Saitou until the dojo compound’s gate and the men embraced with their eyes.

“Hey Saitou?” Sano tilted his head to the side and grinned shyly.

“Sanosuke?” Saitou raised an eyebrow giving Sano his attention.

“I’m sorry about earlier. I’m just hung over and I get crabby in this condition,” Sano feeling more sorry than he was admitting.

“We’ll discuss it later tonight.” Saitou smirks, not wanting to have to deal with apologies right now. He turned and walked toward the gate, stopped and turned around. “Sanosuke?”

“Hai?” Sano raised his head.

“I know you just took one, but… “Saitou grinned craftily, “take a bath before you come tonight.”

“Shit Saitou, of course I’ll take a bath, sheee… Who do you think I am?” Sano questioned in an irritable tone as he shook his head.

“Sanosuke Sagara,” Saitou said and laughed. “That is why I’m mentioning it.” Saitou turned and walked out the gate.
- 17
- 18
- 19
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Rurouni Kenshin Fan-Fic - GOJOU