Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ As Time Goes By ❯ Dancing To Disater In Three Quarter Time ( Chapter 6 )

WELL, HERE IS CHAPTER SIX.

I WANTED TO THANK EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED AND HELPED ME OVER THE WRITER'S BLOCK....*HUGS EVERYONE* YOU ALL ARE WONDERFUL!

After this chapter, things will start to darken up a bit. I hope that you'll stay with me through it.

AS TIME GOES BY

CHAPTER SIX

DANCING TO DISASTER IN 3/4 TIME

"One...Two...Three....One...Two...Three..Come on, count!" Mara whacked her head against her palm, exasperated. "I can't believe that you can keep track of five hundred sword repetitions but lose your place after three steps!" She cranked up the phonograph (On loan, courtesy of Tae)and stared at the young couple on the dance floor (actually, it was a dojo floor but she was in a pinch and had to make do with what was available. "Again. From the beginning."

"Aughh! You're worse than Kaoru!" Yahiko sniped as he took Tsubame by the hand and started repeating the dance steps. The young man looked like he was preparing for a lethal confrontation with an enemy long sworn for revenge, his normally handsome face twisted into a grimace, brown eyes sparking with concentration. "One..Two..Three....One...Two...Three..."

"Tell me why I'm doing this again?" Mara leaned over and hissed into Kaoru's ear.

"Because I asked you to." Kaoru smiled serenely as she watched her "prize" pupil step on Tsubame's toe for the eighth time. (All those years of insults, name calling and disobedience, and now....Ahhh....Revenge!.....I can die a happy woman) She had of course, jumped at Tae's suggestion that Yahiko and Tsubame learn some European dance steps for the upcoming party that the Akabedo was catering. Not only would the experience give her teaching assistant a well needed dose of humility (I can't believe that he stepped on her toe again.....The poor girl will have to be carried home!) but it also gave her the chance to learn more about western culture. She turned and quietly watched her friend as she gnawed her bottom lip in frustration.

"Tsubame, honey...How are you going to know where you're going if your eyes are closed?" Mara smiled tightly in the effort not to hurt the younger girls feelings. (Be nice. She's already been in tears three times...) "Remember, this is supposed to be a "pleasant" encounter...not a freaking death march....errr....sorry bout that (See! There she goes again.....). "Why don't we take a breather for a few minutes?" She muttered, rubbing her head in the vain effort to forestall a massive headache caused by two people with four left feet.

"If I were you, I'd find better dancers." Sano barked as he and another man walked into the dojo. "These two are hopeless....." He grinned as Yahiko lit off into another barrage of insults that ceased as soon as it began.

"Yahiko....your language....!" Tsubame looked up at her boyfriend, hands on her little hips and did her very best to glare (For the record, it didn't even come close to a glare, but we have to hand it to her for trying). Yahiko blushed and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "I'm sorry."

"Oh, you are so whipped!" Sano laughed and dodged a right hook from his younger friend.

"Sanosuke, he is simply trying to have good manners." Kaoru's voice was deadly sweat. "Why don't you emulate his example and introduce us to your friend." She stood and walked over to where the two men were standing, Mara followed as she rolled her eyes at the thought of another round of "Getting to Know Sano's Buddies..." (Hell, the last one tried to feel me up within three minutes of meeting me....)

"This is Edward Thornton, a friend of mine who works for a British shipping company." The tall, blond man nodded his head. Kaoru bowed. Mara didn't bother. (Impressive...he still has his teeth...Sano's taste in friends is improving)

"Thornton, this is Himura Kaoru and Mara Mogensen, two of the finest gals you'll ever lay eyes on." Sano finished the introductions in English, hoping that Mara wouldn't swat him for the last part.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Mara extended her hand and was pleasantly surprised when the Englishman took it and kissed it (Hello!).

"The pleasure is all mine, I can assure you." Edward smiled, ignoring the slightly possessive reaction of his friend. His blue eyes roved over the two women, sizing them up with practiced ease. (He was right, both are quite beautiful...ohhh...blue eyes...very nice....too bad she is happily married....now for the tall one.....) He started appraising her finer attributes until a rather tartly phrased comment brought him up short.

"Are you about finished?" Mara put a hand on her hip and waited.

"Just about." Edward quipped, ignoring the nudge from his friend.

"You want me to turn around?" This time the doctor's voice was almost venomous.

"Would you mind?" He laughed then ducked as a rather impressive right hook whizzed past his ear.

"Hey! You promised to behave." Sano growled, half mocking, half serious. He turned to Mara and shrugged, knowing he was going to catch an earful as soon as they were alone.

"I'm frightfully sorry, perhaps I can make it up to the lady?" Edward offered.

Mara laughed and shook her head. "No thanks, I think I'll pass."

"Hey! How bout us?" Yahiko walked over.

"Thornton...this is the punk and his girlfriend." Sano muttered, still wondering whether or not Mara was angry at him.

Edward graciously greeted the young couple, making sure to pay a kind compliment to Tsubame. Her response was typical, a squeak and a blush, then she was behind Yahiko, peering shyly at the tall foreigner.

"Mara, I think I'll go inside and check to see whether or not Kenji is up from his nap." Kaoru made a graceful if not quick exit, hoping that her friend wouldn't mind, wanting to get away from the foreigner with such appallingly bad manners.

"Of course he isn't up from the nap, your house is still standing." Mara pouted and turned to the Yahiko and Tsubame. "Okay you two, back to work......I promised Tae you two would learn the waltz by tomorrow." She looked over at the men. "And knowing my luck you two are just going to stand there and watch.

"Of course babe, that's why we came over." Sano smiled, his insincerity reaching an all new high.

"But Mara....."Yahiko's whine was stopped dead with a single glare.

"No butts about it...now move!" Mara started counting. "One...Two...Three....One...Tsubame......in order to dance you need to actually move sweetie. " She walked over to the girl and bent down, wrapping her arm around Tsubame's shoulder. The two talked for a moment, then Mara nodded. "Of course, I understand completely." She gave the Sano and Edward a lizard look, (As if this isn't hard enough!) then told Tsubame to sit down and watch.

"What...what are you doing?" Yahiko squawked as Mara grabbed his hand and put it on her waist.

"What does it look like?" Mara rolled her eyes as the blushing commenced. "Yahiko. Start counting before I get ticked..."

Yahiko gritted his teeth, cast his sweetheart a look begging for her forgiveness and started to count "One...Two...Three....One...Two....Three...."

"Look up at me." Mara titled his chin as they made their way around the floor. "Remember, during the waltz, the male dance partner should always be in control, leading the female. This is your chance to be in charge, you should enjoy it while it lasts." Mara's last comment caused Sano's companion to chuckle.

"Yahiko." Mara sighed as the younger man's face took on a tortured expression. "You're supposed to look like this is a pleasurable experience.

"Well...it's not!" Yahiko sputtered as he lost count and lurched against the taller woman.

"I know that." Mara growled between clenched teeth as her toe took another hit. "I don't understand Yahiko, I know that you have more than enough coordination to do this....what's the problem?" She stopped dancing and looked at the young man for a moment. "Is it the whole "touchy-feely" thing that you're uncomfortable with?"

Yahiko nodded, wishing that the dojo floor would open up and swallow him.

"I see...." Mara stepped away from him and tried to figure out what to do.(I'm not going to force him to do this...) "Yahiko, in your culture, a man doesn't touch a woman unless they are a "couple" right.?" The young man nodded and glanced at Tsubame, who ducked her head and went scarlet.

"In western culture, it's different. There's touching ....and then there's "touching". Does that make any sense?" She groaned and looked over at the two men, wishing that she could wipe their smug faces across the dojo floor. "Any help would be greatly appreciated !"

"My help is gonna cost ya." Sano grinned.

"You really are shameless." Mara shook her head. "Fine! One dinner at the Akabedo."

"Three dinner's, and you have to go gambling with me on Saturday." (That's right...aim high!)

"Hey, don't flatter yourself, buddy! Two meals and a new set of dice...final offer."

"Done." The two shook hands. Edward stifled a laugh.

"It looks like the two of you do "business" on a regular basis."

"You have no idea." Mara rolled her eyes. "Come on, let's do this."

"You think you can handle it?" Sano swaggered over to where she stood and slowly put his hand around Mara's waist and drew her close. He inwardly smiled at the faintest glimmer of apprehension that danced across the woman's face, only to be replaced by a steely expression that his friend favored when she was nervous.

"I think I'll manage." Mara said dryly. (If you stop looking at me that way)

"We'll see." Sano whispered against her as they began moving in time with the music.

(Well, I'll be damned...old rooster head actually knows what he's doing!)Yahiko stared, slack jawed as the former gangster moved across the floor, guiding the woman in his arms with an easy grace that Yahiko wold have thought his friend incapable of.

"Now...look at the way Sanosuke is leading Miss Mogensen." Edward walked over to the younger man and pointed. "See....when he wants her to move, he exerts slight pressure on her waist to indicate the direction." Yahiko nodded as the pair gracefully changed directions. "Remember, the man always leads the woman. He is in control. Just like in life."

"Why does the man always have to lead?" Tsubame asked quietly. "It doesn't seem fair."

"Tsubame, this is only one type of dance. There are other forms where the woman's part is more....aggressive." Mara called out as Sano executed another turn.

"Really?" The girl looked up hopefully. "Do you know any?"

Mara nodded and looked away for a second. "I do...but I think we should focus on the waltz for the time being."

"Oh come on Mara! Show us!" Yahiko rocked back on his heels, enjoying the "trapped" expression on the doctor's face as she shook her head. He leaned over to the Englishman.

"I'll bet you five bucks that she doesn't have the nerve to show us." Edward looked at Mara carefully, and nodded. "We have a wager then."

"I don't think it's a good idea. Besides, I'm sure that Sano isn't familiar with dances like that. Right?" She looked up and Sano and gave him a look. (Please just say yes and let me get out of this!)

"I'm sure that I could pick up the steps easily enough." Sano laughed at the doctor's murderous expression. "It's a shame that you're so uptight, we could show these kids a thing or two."

Mara froze. "I am not uptight !" Sano's hand tightened against her waist (Oh no? You're strung as tight as a bow) and brought her closer, pressing her against his chest. Mara quickly looked down at the floor, trying to get her heartbeat under control, then gasped as she felt Sano's breath against her ear.

"I think you are." Sano teased. "Trust me babe, you're just not the aggressive type." He suddenly released her and chuckled as she stumbled away from him, blushing furiously. "Don't you agree Thornton?"

Edward watched the interplay silently. (What is he thinking ?) "It would seem so." Mara's head snapped up at the comment and her eyes sparked angrily.

"Oh, really?" (Yeah, like you have any idea what I'm like, you tea sipping dork!)

"It's nothing to be ashamed of Miss Mogensen. Proper modesty and timidity in a female is an admirable trait." Edward smiled sweetly, knowing that his reaction was just the thing to goad the tall woman past her shyness.

"That's the truth!" Sano's low laugh grated on Mara's ears "And that's what we have here. One very well trained female, a perfect little lady." He spit the words out, trying to ignore the almost hurt expression on his friend's face, once again trying to distance himself from her, resorting to the barbed, sharp word play that had served him so well when he felt himself getting too close. He had enjoyed dancing with her more than he wanted to admit, the graceful way she moved, the feel of her body against his own, seeing that smile that he had grown to cherish. (What was I thinking.....being this close to her is a mistake....)

"Why are you doing this ?" Mara's voice was quiet but Sano could feel the undercurrent of anger developing. He set his jaw and just looked at her. (Just get angry at me....it will make things easier....)

"C'mon Sano, knock it off." Yahiko muttered. While he enjoyed seeing Mara riled up as much as the next person, the teasing was becoming almost mean spirited and two against one odds weren't fair. "Don't worry about it Mara, you can show us another time."

"No." She sat down and took her shoes off. "I'll show you now." Mara glared at the two men and stood up, tying the bottom of her tunic in a knot. (I don't know what your deal is Sagara, but you have managed to really piss me off!)

Sano swallowed, not expecting this reaction. "Come on, I was just kidding."

"Really?" Mara snapped as she walked towards him. "You sure fooled me."

"Mara, I don't think this is a good idea." Sanosuke muttered "Look, I didn't mean to..."

"I think you did." She regarded him skeptically (You always pull something like this...Why?)

"Tsubame, despite what Mr. Edward told you, women also have the ability to lead, to be in charge, even the most "uptight" woman has power."

She started slowly moving, showing Sano the basic dance pattern, a variation on the Cha Cha. He watched for a moment then stepped towards her carefully, still unsure of what she was planning. Mara shook her finger at him and pivoted out of his reach, her hips swaying right past his finger tips . "Without the woman, there is no dance." Mara moved closer to Sanosuke, finally allowing him to take her by the waist. "He touches me because I permit it." She smiled darkly at her companion and put her hands on his shoulders, nodding as he drew her body closer to his own, all the while moving rhythmically. "He leads me because I allow myself to be led." She smiled as Sano's grip on her waist tightened and rocked her pelvis slightly against him (Let's see how you deal with that one.....) To his credit, Sano didn't miss a beat, opting instead to spin Mara away from him before he changed the dance step entirely. (Fine...you want to play games...) He was waiting for his friend to become flustered as his hands crept lower onto her hips, as the dance steps became faster and harder, slowly beginning to imitate another more primal dance that he was more than familiar with. It didn't happen.

Yahiko and Tsubame watched as the couple moved silently across the dojo, neither partner making any sound as their bodies twisted and shifted against one and other. Yahiko almost felt as though he was intruding on a private, even intimate encounter until he looked up at Mara's face. (She and Shinomori would make a perfect pair) The woman's eyes were icy and remote as she moved, her expression at best spoke of a detached amusement as she regarded her partner. Sano's face almost mirrored her own, except for his eyes which had darkened with emotions that the younger man didn't even want to hazard a guess at. (He's as surprised as I am....)

Edward grinned. "You didn't think she had it in her." Yahiko shook his head as Mara leaned back into a dip, her dark hair nearly brushing the floor. "That, my young friend is the true power of the fairer sex. They always keep you guessing." He smiled at Tsubame's gentle questioning face. "Yes, little one, even you will learn to use your mind and body to the greatest possible advantage before too long." He watched Mara as she moved, his eyes roving over the woman's lithe, strong body, finally resting on her perfectly composed, albeit frosty expression. (This one is exceptional.....I wonder if Sanosuke has any idea what type of creature he's dealing with)

Sano was at the moment considering the exact same thing. He had been amused when Mara had accepted his challenge, now.....he internally groaned as the woman's hip brushed seductively across his thighs, the action threatening to reveal just what an impact her behavior was having on him. He looked down at her and his eyes narrowed at the impish expression in her grey eyes. (You did that on purpose!)

"Don't do that again." Sano gasped quietly.

Mara brushed up against him again, this time lingering the contact. "Don't do what?"

"You know damn well "what" I'm talking about." Sano growled between the smile he had plastered on his face.

"What's wrong Sano? Can't handle it?" Mara whispered as she leaned closer to him, her lips inches from his own. "Don't tell me that an uptight, well trained, perfect little lady, is making you uncomfortable." She pulled away and smiled, her features now taking on an almost glacial expression.

Kenshin was at that very moment walking into the courtyard, bucket of Tofu in hand. He looked up and smiled as Kaoru and Kenji walked out of the house towards him.

"How was your day dear?" He leaned over and kissed his wife, careful to avoid his son's hands, hands that were fond of pulling his hair. Kenji tried anyway and managed to snag a few of the fiery strands.

"Mommy's going to let me watch!" Kenji was bouncing up and down in anticipation.

"What are you going to watch?" Kenshin inquired, as he deftly transferred the tofu bucket to Kaoru and placed Kenji on his shoulders.

"Yahiko's smashing toes and Mommy said I could watch." To Kenji, the chance to watch anything being smashed was a rare and wonderful occasion, one that merited serious bouncing.

Kaoru laughed at her husband's questioning expression. "They're trying to learn a dance. Mara agreed to try and teach them." Kenshin walked to the entrance of the dojo and peered inside for a second, then quickly stepped back, his face going red.

"Kaoru, are you sure this is a dance that they should be learning?" Kenshin peered inside again and gave his wife a rather serious expression. "I don't think that either Tsubame and Yahiko are old enough to be....."He looked back inside and covered his mouth with his hand. "No....they are definitely too young...."

"What are you talking about?" Kaoru muttered until she too took a quick peak inside the dojo. "What on earth?" Kaoru dropped the bucket, which Kenshin thankfully caught at the last second and stormed into the dojo.

"Sagara Sanosuke! What in the name of the greater Gods do you think you're doing?" Kaoru marched over to where the tall man was now standing, his face red with embarrassment.

"Hold your horses Missy...." He lifted his arms up, hoping to appease the woman's infamous temper before he met the working end of a wooden sword "We were just dancing and....."

"I know what you were doing Sano, and it was most certainly not the waltz." Kaoru put her hands on her hips and waited. "Do you have any idea what Tae would say to me if she knew Tsubame had been exposed to your......indecency?"

"Hey! Why are you picking on me?" Sano's face was now flushed in annoyance. "She started it!" He pointed to a very composed and contrite looking Mara. Kaoru looked at her friend for a second before she gave in to her urge to twist Sanosuke by the ear.

"I can't believe you would blame this on her!" (Twist, Twist) "I would think you would have learned your lesson.!"

"Owww! Dammit Mara, I need a little backup here!"

"I'm sorry Kaoru." Mara looked away, her eyes radiating with false regret and staged remorse "Yahiko was having problems with the counting, so I asked Sano to help me. He refused unless I took him to dinner and bought him a new set of dice."

"Hey! We shook on that arrangement!" Sano thundered.

Mara sighed and continued. "After a while the men started telling Tsubame that a man should always be in control of the woman, leading her in her actions." This remark caused Kaoru's eye to twitch and both Kenshin and Sano backed carefully away. "So I mentioned that there were dances where the woman took a more assertive role in what happened. I wasn't going to show them or anything, but Sano and his friend started teasing me and telling me that I was uptight..."

"Now, now, Miss Mogensen, you will recall that it was only Sanosuke who made such a thoughtless remark to your person, I on the other hand reminded you that modesty was an admirable trait in a woman." Edward tried to keep a straight face as the tall woman nodded, playing along with him.

"Yes, I suppose that you were looking out for my best interests."

"Of course." Edward nodded piously "I am after all, a gentleman."

"If you're a "gentleman" than I'm a horse's...." Sano growled.

"As I was saying.." Mara cleared her throat and continued her "confession". "I'm afraid that I gave into the pressure and tried to teach Sano a basic dance step from South America. I just wanted Tsubame to know that we woman are not the helpless creatures that some men (she directed a rather nasty glace in Sano's direction) think we are."

"Dammit woman, that's not how it happened!" Sano walked over to Mara. "You...you.... acted all shy and then....you didn't....and what about the way that you were....you know.."He glared at her. (You know exactly what I mean....grinding yourself against me....driving me crazy on purpose!)

Mara just looked at him with wide, grey eyes. "You know what?" (Let's see if you have the balls to continue this topic of conversation....)

Sano blinked. Looked at Mara. Blinked again. (Stay calm, knocking a woman out is bad.....very bad.....)

Mara looked at Kaoru and smiled . "I'm sorry that things got out of hand. I promise that it will never happen again." She walked over to Tsubame and helped the younger woman stand. "Did you learn anything today ?"

The look on Tsubame's face as she nodded was almost wicked. "Oh yes, lots and lots." She fluttered her eyelashes at Yahiko and took him by the hand."Come on dear, I think you need to walk me home now."

"O..okay....sure."Yahiko nodded sheepishly as he was led out the door.

"I'm afraid that I need to get back to the clinic. Edward, would you be a darling and walk me to the street?"

"It would be an honor, madam." Edward bowed and offered her his elbow. Mara shyly took it and made her way out the door, pausing long enough to wink at Sano. (That's what you get for calling me uptight...)

Sano nearly took her out then and there, but remembered that Kenshin and Kaoru weren't too keen on the whole "assault and battery of a female houseguest" thing and decided to wait until he could properly avenge himself on Mara. He simply leaned close to her and whispered. "You are one dead doctor."

Mara smiled. "Bring it on."

One Week Later (And Boy.....What A Week It Was!!!)

"Kenshin....I know that you made a vow not to kill...." Kaoru took her husband's hand in her own and looked at him with beseeching blue eyes. "But don't you think....just this one time.... that you can make a tiny, little exception to the rule?"

Kenshin looked at his wife....and then seriously considered her proposal for a minute. "I still think that we should make Sano clean this one up."

"You and I both know that he'd probably drop her on her head !" Kaoru shook her head. "No, he's still riled up about the "jacket incident" it's just too dangerous."

Kenshin looked up at the maple tree where the bound and gagged form of Mara Mogensen was kicking for all she was worth. He sighed heavily and started climbing up to where Mara had been bound to the tree. He finally reached the limb where the woman was tied and couldn't help but laugh at the condition the normally meticulous doctor was in. She was covered from head to toe in bird droppings, her hair a rat's nest of tangles and knots. (I can't believe it....he actually sprinkled birdseed all over her body) It was the birds that had given away the location of the missing doctor. He and Kaoru had become suspicious when a huge flock of sparrows started dive bombing the maple tree with startling frequency, that and the way that Sano had been avoiding this area of the courtyard, had led the former assassin to suspect that something was up. (The something in this case being a someone...)

Kenshin sighed (I've been doing that a lot this week) and started to untie his wife's friend. He waited until the last to ungag her, knowing that the first remarks out of the woman's mouth would be of a well.... "offensive nature". He was right. Mara sat there and cursed for a good three solid minutes until Kenshin carefully (Please don't bite me....) covered her mouth with his hand and shook his head.

"Why don't we get you down from here before you continue?" Mara nodded and carefully made her way down the tree, slipping several times on account of the bird poop that covered her shoes. By the time she jumped to the ground she was beyond furious, her normally pale features splotched with color. "That no good, inbred, son of a....."

"Mara, would you like to go take a bath....it seems that you're....rather....uhh....dirty." Kaoru managed to croak before she and her husband started cackling. She glanced at Kenshin and shook her head

"Birdseed!"

It was all he could gasp as he leaned against the tree, tears streaming from his face. A part of mind (the nice rurouni) quietly reminded him that a good friend would not laugh at another's misfortune, especially when this woman had a temper nearly as bad as his wife's. Kenshin tried to cover his mouth, but that made the laughter sound all hissy, causing his sweet wife to giggle hysterically. He looked at Mara and shrugged (Sorry...) before he bent over and really let it go.

Mara glared at her "friends" for a moment, then started walking and didn't stop before she came to the river bank. (I really should just let myself drown....that would save him the trouble....) She looked about to see whether or not there were any people around, realized that she didn't care, took a flying leap and jumped in feetfirst. A the cool river water went over her head she closed her eyes and cursed the day that she had ever met one Sagara Sanosuke.

Atop a quiet hill, a man was saying goodbye. He carefully put the mortal remains in a box, lowered it into the ground, and solemnly started shoveling dirt into the hole. (I can't believe you're gone....we've been together for so long....people assume that we're inseparable....) He paused and wiped a tear away from his eye. (Why did it have to happen to you.....of all the things I love in this world...it had to be you....you were with me through thick and thin....good times and bad.....and she had to destroy you.....) The man sat there, a living embodiment of grief, as he contemplated a life, a terrible shallow existence...so consumed was he in his sorrow, that he failed to look up as a figure approached through the trees.

"Sano!" Yahiko bellowed as he pushed the pine limbs aside. "Where in the hell are you?" He looked over to where his friend was kneeling and swore (I swear this kook will drive me crazy!) "Sano. C'mon, It's time to go." He tugged at his friend's shoulder. "Dammit man, pull yourself together!" He knelt down in front of the tall man and shook him violently. "It's only a damn jacket! You can get another one!"

"Only a jacket?" Sano looked up with tear filled eyes....."Only a jacket?" He shoved Yahiko away. "It was more than that.....it was MY jacket !" He paused and looked fondly at the little mound at the base of the Gingko tree. "I'll never forget you."

"Oh, will you please give it a rest ?" Yahiko muttered as he pulled the tall man away from his "shrine" and down the hillside. (As much as I hate to admit it, Kaoru's right...this is the only way to put a stop to the madness....) The two men reached the dojo just as the sun was setting. Kenshin and Kaoru stood by the gate, each wearing the pre-agreed upon look of sorrow.

"Oh Sano, We're so sorry for what happened. I can't believe that Mara would do something so drastic in retaliation for the little incident at the clinic."

Sano nodded grimly.

"That's why we are going to help you exact the proper revenge on her." Kenshin said quickly, thankful that his red bangs covered his face as he told his first real "whopper" of a lie. "All you need to do is go and wait in the storage shed until she comes home. Leave the rest up to us." He chuckled in what he hoped was an "evil" manner and led his unsuspecting friend to the shed.

"Thanks Kenshin, you're a real pal." Sano patted the smaller man on the back. He slowly entered the dark shed, trying to see where he was going, when he was suddenly shoved from behind and landed face first in Mara's sopping wet lap.

"Hurry! Lock it !" Kaoru screamed as Kenshin slammed the door shut and Yahiko threw the lock down, trapping the two inside. (Finally! Some peace and quiet at the Himura household!)

Sano pounded on the door. "Is this some sort of joke? You can't leave me in here with her, not after what she did!"

Kaoru pounded right back. "Yes we can, you moron! You both are stuck in there until you either kill each other or make things right, do you understand me?" She kicked the door viciously for good measure then grabbed her husband by the gi and dragged him inside before Sano's heartrending pleas got the better of him.

"Now look what you got me into! I hope you're happy with yourself." Sano snarled as he leaned against the locked door.

Mara's reply was a little hard to understand ."Mffff ....snnnn....hlllp!" She tied to kick Sano but couldn't see where he was.

"What was that? Oh....wait....You're gagged! Thank the Gods for small blessings!" Sano sat there for a minute then banged his head against the door in frustration. (I can't believe that they are going to just keep us locked in here......I bet Kenshin will be out in a few minutes...)

Three Hours Later

(I can't believe it!....He's seriously going to leave me in here, with HER for the night! He's got a lot of nerve pulling this , especially after I saved his spindly white butt time and time again ) He ignored the voice in the back of his mind that rather cattily reminded him that the times he had "saved" his friend were very few and far between. Sano sighed and nudged what he assumed was Mara's leg. "I don't suppose you have anything to eat?"

She didn't respond (Oh yeah.....the gag thing...I probably should help her off with that) "Mara...hey!" He nudged again, waiting for a response. "Doc?" This time the nudge was more like a kick.

"Mnnnnph!" Sano reached out and tried to figure out what he was touching. (Let's see....hip...tummy....oops!) Mara jerked away. (Moving right past that part.....face...okay...)He reached around and tried to untie the woman's gag, his effort hampered by the wet mass of curls that were tangled in the knot. He pulled at the mess, wincing as Mara made a noise that sounded like she was in pain.

"Look, your hair's all caught. Sorry!" Sano fumbled around for a few more seconds, until he finally managed to untie the wet strip of linen. He pulled away and waited for the woman next to him to launch into a tirade that would make a Japanese sailor blush.

"Thank you." (I'm sorry, come again?) Sano's eyes widened at the gentle response, wondering if Mara was delirious or something. He leaned down and put his hand on what he hoped was her forehead. (Dammit babe, you're freezing...) He muttered a curse and tried to help the woman sit up, forgetting that he had , only hours before, sworn on the grave of his dearly departed jacket that he would never have anything to do with her again.

Mara leaned against Sano and tried not to move. She was still trying to get over the whole "being tied up in the maple tree and attacked by birds" incident, and wasn't quite sure why Sano was suddenly being so nice to her. She closed her eyes when he helped her sit up then hissed in pain as he touched her raw, sore wrists and tried to pull away.

"Would you please just hold still for a second?" Sano whispered as his finger brushed over the badly bruised and broken skin. "Is...this from the rope ?"

"What do you think?" Mara snapped as she scooted as far away from his as possible."You tied the damn knots."

(I didn't mean to hurt you.....) He frowned and sat back, wondering if an apology was in order and if it would do any good to try and settle things with his "former" friend. (No, it'll probably just make things worse....) Sanosuke sighed and leaned back against the wall, counting the seconds until someone took pity on him and opened the damn door.

"Kenshin." He froze, spare blanket in hand, knowing that he was caught. "Yes, Dear?"

"What are you doing?" Kaoru growled softly in his ear, her lips barely brushing over his warm, sensitive skin. She smiled slyly as her husband's reaction to her, (What is it about you and your ears?) amused that he was (for the third time) trying to sneak "supplies" to the exiles in the storage shed (You are the most gentle, wonderful man....)

"I...I...was..." Kenshin closed his eyes as she slid one arm around his waist and started placing hot, open mouthed kisses along the side of his neck. (What was I doing?) He sighed as her hand darted inside his Yukata, her slender, strong fingers caressing the scar tissue that ran along his left side, then went lower....Kenshin dropped the blanket.

"Mara ?" Sano groaned in annoyance as another thud echoed through the dusty storage shed. "What in the hell are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Mara muttered as she felt through the contents of another container. (I'm freezing my ass off...that's what I'm doing!) She grinned as her hand finally found something that felt like fabric.

"I wouldn't know....on account of it being pitch dark in here!" Sano managed before he sneezed again. "Would you knock it off.....Achoo!......the dust is....Achoo!.....driving me crazy!" He sniffed, eyes watering from allergies, then groaned as another round of sneezing commenced. (Why me? What did I do in my last life to warrant this type of punishment?) He was right in the middle of a sneeze, when something very cold and wet hit him squarely between the eyes.

"Shit!" Sano snarled as he tried to get away from what ever it was that Mara had thrown at him. "Knock it off!" He was about to chuck the soggy item back at where he assumed Mara was when he realized what was in his hand.

"Mara."

"What?" He could hear the sound of wet clothing being peeled off, landing on the floor with a plop. (Sagara, now is the time when a smart man stays quiet....)

"Is....is this your shirt?" (I never listen to myself)

"No, It's Kenshin's! Of course it's my shirt!" Mara's voice still sounded icy.

"Why?" Sano stopped before the rest of the question came out. (Why are you stripping in the middle of a storage shed with me sitting here ?)

"Your allergies...wipe your face with the shirt...it should help." Mara muttered as she tried to get dressed in what she assumed was a worn out kimono.(How typical.....it's too small....)

Sano looked into the dark void for a second, then gingerly put the wet cloth to his face, sighing with relief as the cold fabric eased the sting from his eyes and nose, allowing him to breathe easier in the dusty room.

"Thanks....this helps." he mumbled

"Yeah, sure." Mara gasped as her fingers groped at the bottom of the container, looking for something to tie the kimono with. "No problem" (Ah-ha!) She grabbed what she thought was a piece of fabric, and nearly had a heart attack when something under it moved.....then squeaked.

"Oh Kaoru....." Kenshin moaned as he slowly started to untie the sash around his wife's slender waist. "I've been waiting for this......wanting this so badly...." He tilted his head and kissed her passionately as his hands began to wander underneath the fabric of her robe. (You're so beautiful.....I've almost forgotten what an incredible body you have....) Even with the passage of time, and the birth of a child, her figure was not the soft, pliant shape that was favored by fashion....it was the body of a warrior, toned and muscular. As Kenshin ran his hands gently up her taunt stomach, he paused for a second, his violet gaze becoming almost haunted as he silently lamented the loss of their little one. Kaoru reached up and tenderly cupped his scarred cheek (I know.....) before she drew him down against her warm body, soothing the lingering hurt with gentle kisses, banishing her husband's guilt with the sure and steady pressure of her hands as she caressed his chest, torso and back. (I'm here......I'll always be here for you.....) Kenshin closed his eyes as he ran his fingers through her dark, perfumed tresses, savoring the delicate scent of Jasmine coupled with the musky undertones that were uniquely her own.(I'm home...you...are home....forever) This was the magic of the woman lying in his arms, the ability to drive away pain, guilt, remorse and sorrow with a mere touch, the hint of a smile. (I'll never understand what I did to deserve you....)

Kaoru moaned, her finger tips digging into the tight muscles of his shoulders as she savored the feather light caresses of Kenshin's kisses as they made a trail from her mouth....down the side of her neck, pausing to gently lathe the hollow of her throat with his tongue....then down....(Yes !) Her back arched as Kenshin took one of her nipples in his mouth, suckling gently until the tip was throbbing slowly, an erotic counterpoint to the frantic pace of her heart. (I've missed this...your touch.....Oh, Kenshin, it's been far too long....) She moved under him, grinding her hips against his hard arousal, showing him without words what she needed, no....wanted more than anything. (Touch me.....love me....) She could feel Kenshin's possessive expression as his hand deftly made its way down her belly until it finally rested in between her slightly parted thighs. As he started to touch her, she opened her mouth and....

"AUGHH !!!!!"

Kenshin blinked and looked down at Kaoru. (That scream didn't come from my wife.....) He shook his head, trying to clear the passion induced haze that was permeating his mind, making normally sharp senses dull with pleasure. The sound of a woman screaming filtered through the bedroom again, the tone desperate. Kaoru sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest. (Oh no!......What have I done?) The angry, masculine rumble that followed only confirmed her fear. (Mara!) She looked up at her husband with a horrified expression. (He's snapped!)

Kenshin stood up and threw his yukata on, hoping that he had enough time to try and save his wife's friend before she met...well, whatever fate the ex-gangster had in store for her (I can't believe that he would harm her!) His eyes narrowed as the screaming began again, this time there was a frantic, hysterical edge to it.

"Kenshin, Go!" Kaoru urged, as she also tried to dress quickly. Kenshin bolted from the bedroom and nearly collided with Yahiko in the hallway. The young man was bare from the waist up, eyes still hazy with sleep.

"It's that damn jacket!" He muttered as he stumbled out the front door and crashed into Kenshin. "What? Are we too late?"

Kenshin just stood there for a second, then he groaned and covered his eyes. Kaoru whimpered at the sight of her husband's pain, her heart full of guilt for putting her dear friend in such a position. "Oh, Kenshin, I'm sorry....I didn't realize...."

Mara was clawing at the door wildly, her fingernails scraping bit of wood off in her desperate attempt to escape. "Please! Somebody open the damn door!" She screamed, throwing her bruised shoulder against the unmoving wood, over and over again.

Sano picked himself up of the floor and shook his head groggily (I can't believe she knocked me over!) He had been minding his own business, wiping his face with Mara's damp shirt, when the doctor had started shrieking hysterically, and without so much as a "watch out!" had run right over the top of him. He stood up and tried to calm the terrified woman, wondering what had managed to transform the normally cool person into a screaming ninny.

"What in the hell is wrong with you?"

"Rats!" She panted as she leaned against the door, eyes wide with fear. "This shed is crawling with vermin!" The sound of a squeak coming from the corner nearly undid her. "Help me please!" She turned back and started beating on the door with all her strength. (Rats...why did it have to be rats....I could handle a snake, or spider no problem....but rats....ugh!)

"Mara, Kaoru keeps this place spotless, there are no........Hey!" Sano jumped as he felt something skitter across his foot. He backed up and bumped into Mara. "Something ran across my foot just now!"

"See! She pointed blindly at the dark floor. "I told you!" She kept pounding, hoping that some kind soul would show mercy on her and let her out before she lost her mind.(I'm locked in a small, dark room with a man who hates me and rats crawling all over the place!) "This is your fault!" She snarled at the shape next to her (Sano). "If you hadn't tied me up, this wouldn't have happened!"

"My fault!" Sano yelled "You know damn well what caused this...you ruined my jacket!"

"That stupid jacket was already in tatters and you know it....beside, you had it coming!"

"Oh really?" Sanosuke shoved her against the door. (My jacket didn't have it coming, you little...)

"Who snuck into the clinic and changed all the labels on my medicinal herbs?" Mara pushed right back, sending the startled man straight into a pile of boxes. "You could have killed someone with that stupid little prank, you....you moron!" She smiled grimly as Sano started sneezing violently from the dust.

"Give it a rest sweetheart!" Sano leaned out and kicked Mara's legs out from under her, chuckling as she landed on what he assumed was her butt. "Nothing happened to your stupid patients which is more...Achoo! Achoo!..than I can say for my lucky dice! I searched the river for three hours...Achoo!....Now I'll never do well at the tables." He groaned as Mara's knee connected with the small of his back.

"You were never lucky at the tables.....I did you a favor!" She snarled as Sano's elbow jabbed her in the ribs. "Oooff!"

"I can't believe it !" Kaoru whispered in a dazed voice. "All that screaming.....over a stupid rodent?" Yahiko gave her a side glance (Like you would do any better) before he staggered back to bed, cursing all the way.

"Kenshin." She walked over and took her husband by the hand, tugging him in the direction of the house.

"Kaoru, don't you think we should let them out?" Kenshin paused, as the sounds of screaming intensified "It just seems cruel."

Kaoru looked at him with a hungry expression. "Cruel? You want cruelty, dear man of mine?" She leaned up against her mate and softly whispered "Just think about what you were about to do when we were interrupted." Kenshin's eyes widened as his wife lightly cupped his right buttock and gave it a discreet little squeeze. (Point Taken!) Violet eyes turned golden as he swept Kaoru into his arms and marched back into the house.

Early the Next Morning

(Hey, how did this get here?) Sano lifted up the corner of an old and patched blanket and peered into the dark room. The light that was filtering in was still weak and thready, indicating that dawn was still some time away. (Just a little longer and I will be outta here!) He looked around, wondering where the other occupant of the storage shed was, wondering suddenly why he even cared.

(Doc, what are you doing up there?) He thought, half amused - half saddened by the sight of Mara sleeping in the far corner perched on top of several boxes. (She's worse than Kaoru when it comes to rats) Sano stood up, cursing softly as stiff muscles in his butt and legs protested the sudden movement, and crept over to inspect the teetering rat proof tower. It was still quite dark in the room, but he was able to clearly see that the sleeping woman was in sad shape, freezing cold and barely decent, her too small kimono doing little to hide her body from him.

Sano stood there for a moment, realizing that he was almost eye level with Mara's still face, frowning at the blue-white pallor of her complexion, the dark circles that had formed under her closed eyes, her pale mouth, slightly open. He carefully reached out and cupped her face, trying to soothe the almost painful expression, praying that she wouldn't wake up. She was ice cold and he could detect the barest hint of a shiver as he tucked a loose strand of hair back behind her ear.

(Oh Mara.......) Sanosuke leaned closer, his warm breath dancing skittishly across the surface of her cold skin. (I didn't mean for this to happen....) He glanced down to her hands and winced at the rope burns that marred the finely boned wrists, the faint bruises on her ankles, echoing that fact that he had, in his attempts to get even, harmed a person that he had grown to care deeply about. (It was that damn lesson, that's what started this mess....) He remembered the expression on her face when he had mocked her about being uptight, pushing her away roughly, letting her stumble, laughing at her. It was no surprise that she had retaliated, and in the most unlikely manner, proving once again that there was more to her than met the eye. (You tried to apologize to me that night.....) Mara had been almost desperate to try and explain that her behavior to him had been inexcusable, the way she had moved against him with her hips and legs, an unworthy reaction on her part.

He closed his eyes, hating himself for what had happened next, knowing that his response had been fueled by a nasty combination of alcohol and a very sharp lecture from Kaoru. (She told me that I was the last thing you needed....that you deserved better....) Still in pain from the remarks, he had hurled the worst sorts of insults at his friend, insinuating that she was nothing more than a slut that used her body to get what she wanted from men, a tease, a lying manipulative bitch. (Kaoru was right....you do deserve better)

By the time he was sober, it was too late to try and apologize. Mara had become icy and silent, unwilling to stay in the same room with him, let alone try and work things out. The week had progressed, taunts and pranks had become more and more malicious until he had, when he realized that she had changed the symbol on his jacket to say "STUPID" instead of "wicked", roughly hauled her up the maple tree, tied her up and left her to the mercy of the birds and the weather. Sano looked at her poor wrists again and groaned. (Once again, I've fucked up.....there's no way in hell Mara will ever want anything to do with me again....not after what I called her, after I hurt her...) He was about to move away when he realized that Mara was shivering violently in the predawn chill, her features taking on an almost unhealthy pallor.

(Dammit babe....you're gonna get sick!) For a moment, Sanosuke hesitated.....then carefully picked the sleeping woman up, cradling her trembling body next to his warmer one. She felt so thin....so light....so....fragile in his arms, her milk white complexion contrasting sharply against the light copper hue of his skin. He pulled her closer without thinking, hissing softly as her ice cold cheek pressed up against the crook of his neck. (And it's all my fault...) Taking care not to wake her, Sano carefully made his way back to where his discarded blanket lay. He started to kneel...then froze when he realized that Mara had awoken and was peering up at him with her unreadable dark grey eyes.

"I...you...umm." He swallowed tightly, anticipating a scathing rebuke for being so forward. "You were cold and I..." Her response nearly floored him.

"Oh Sanosuke, I'm so sorry."

Sano looked at Mara with a stunned expression, his confusion growing as he detected the tell tale shimmer of tears in the woman's eyes. (What are you talking about?...I'm the one who should be apologizing!)

"Don't....." He muttered as he carefully set her down. "You don't need to say anything."

"I didn't know...." Mara's forced her apology past chattering teeth. "I didn't know it meant so much to you. I promise I'll replace your jacket." She pulled away slightly and gazed up at the dark haired man, mistaking his surprise for disdain. "I don't want to lose you over this..."

"Lose me?" Sano's eyes widened with disbelief. "What in the hell are you talking about?"

"Your jacket meant the world to you and I had to go ruin it...." Her apology was cut short.

"You mean more to me than that jacket ever will." Sanosuke's voice was gruff. He looked away for a moment, struggling to contain the unspoken sentiment

"But you said that..." Mara choked back a sob, remembering the way he'd shouted at her...how angry his hands and face had seemed as he'd hauled her up the tree. (That you'd never forgive me...that we were no longer friends...that I wasn't a woman you could trust) She closed her eyes as she recalled the hurt, betrayed expression on his face when she had placed all the blame on him, and her own feelings of mortification when she overheard Kaoru lecturing Sano for being too forward, surprised that her friend had such a low opinion of the man when it came to his interaction with women.

"I was angry." Sano reached down and covered Mara's thin hand with his own. "And said some terrible things to you....things that I wish I could take back." His mouth tightened into an thin, bitter line. "You didn't deserve to go through that....." He brushed his fingers over the rope burns, wincing as he felt the broken flesh. "....you didn't deserve to go through this either. I hope that you'll find a way to forgive me for being such an ass." Sano released her hand and tried to step away, then gasped when she threw her arms around him in a fierce embrace.

"Only if you can forgive me for what I did to your jacket." Mara whispered, hoping that Sanosuke couldn't see the bright red flush that was creeping up her neck.

"Now, that's a tough one...." Sano groused, still mildly annoyed the he had unwittingly walked around town all day with "STUPID" emblazoned on his back. He sat down on the ground, taking Mara with him. "I suppose." His face broke into a crafty smile. "As long as you give me back my lucky dice."

"I'll give you back your dice as soon as you help me re-label all my herbs at the clinic." Mara laughed.

"We have a deal then." Sanosuke impulsively hugged Mara, beyond thankful that they had somehow managed to patch things up between them, stunned that the restrained woman allowed him to touch her in such a manner....let alone sit on his lap. They sat there for a minute, until Mara started shivering again. She looked down at the kimono she was wearing and nearly fainted from embarrassment, now seeing in the dim light, just how revealing it was. (Oh my freaking hell !) Mara quickly crossed her arms while trying to pull the thin fabric over her knees, avoiding eye contact with the man on whose lap she was currently sitting like her life depended on it.

Sano looked away from her as she tried to cover herself, aware that she was embarrassed, not wanting to add to her discomfort by staring at the woman's long shapely legs or the way that the opening of the kimono barely covered her chest, revealing a generous amount of cleavage, the dark fabric highlighting her pale.....absolutely.....perfect..... breasts..... (Stop it!) Sano took a deep breath and reached for the discarded blanket. (Gods! What am I doing?) He carefully wrapped the threadbare fabric around her, hoping that she hadn't noticed his reaction to her, berating himself for his lack of control. (After the shit I pulled, I'm lucky that she wants anything to do with me!)

"Thank you." Mara mumbled, thankful for the warmth of the blanket and the modesty that the thin, worn fabric afforded her. She glanced up at Sano and was dismayed to see an uncomfortable, almost painful expression on the man's face. (Is he still upset.....?) She tentatively touched his arm and realized that it was not much warmer than her own (Perhaps he's cold?)

"Here, we can share." She started to wriggle out of the blanket, before strong hands clamped down on her, effectively trapping her.

"No!" The words came out more harshly than he intended. Sano shook his head and tried to lighten the tone of his voice. "You're freezing....just stay put." He looked away and wondered what would happen if he just tore the door down. (Anything's better than sitting here with a half naked woman on my lap...)

"Hey!"

Kenshin sighed and rolled over, spooning up against the warmth of Kaoru's back. (Go away......I'm still sleeping....) He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close, and savored the silky texture of her long, dark hair as it slid across his face, the motion both comforting and arousing at the same time. A small nagging voice in the depths of his still sleepy mind whispered that there was something that needed to be taken care of, but Kenshin for the life of him, couldn't remember what it was. Kaoru turned, seeking a closer embrace from her husband, finding it as she snuggled against Kenshin's chest, a small contented smile settling on her lips as she drifted deeper into sleep.

"Kenshin!"

A rapping sound tore through the gauzy silence, causing his eyes to open, albeit regretfully. He looked up and realized that it was midmorning. (I've slept in!) Kenshin carefully slid out of Kaoru's embrace, kissing her a couple of times for good measure, then quickly dressed. (I need to get the fire going.....then there's breakfast....I wonder what Kenji is up too....it's far too quiet....) He stopped, eyes widening as he remembered just why it was so quiet this morning. (Oh, they're going to kill us!)

"Kenshin!" He could hear Yahiko's voice in the hallway. For some reason it sounded strained. " I need your help.....it's .....oh shit!....just hurry!" He opened the door and nodded, noting the strange almost embarrassed expression on the younger man's face.

"They must just be miserable! It was cold last night." He shook his head, regretting that he had not managed to sneak a blanket to them after all. (I was "distracted") A well satisfied smile danced across his lips as his mind replayed the end results of said distraction.

"Uh...I think they've managed to find a way to keep warm." Yahiko muttered (That's the understatement of the year) He led the older man out to the courtyard and paused, wondering what the best way to handle this new development was.

"Yahiko." Kenshin's voice was no more than a whisper. "Is....is the shed....moving?"

He nodded, face grim. "Rocking is more like it."

Kenshin stared, white faced. (What am I supposed to do?) He looked back towards the house and prayed like crazy that his darling wife would keep on sleeping until he could....well.....settle things down. (Kaoru was so positive that they'd work things out....) He grimaced as sounds drifted across the courtyard. (I'm pretty sure this isn't what she had in mind)

"Well?" Yahiko nudged him. "Do something!"

"Do what?" Kenshin hissed "It's not like I can go just open the door!" The two men gingerly tip toed closer to the building, faces crimson as the moaning and shouting grew more distinct.

"Sweetheart, be patient.....these things just can't be rushed!"

"Come on....give it to me it!" Yahiko covered his mouth, mortified that a woman could be so...vocal.

"I can't!.....I'm not ready yet....hold on.....!" The shed rocked violently.

"Wow Sano, I'm impressed...you really know how to move!" Mara sounded breathless.

Kenshin looked away, trying to control a nose bleed.

"I know....it's a gift !" The man's voice was smug.

Kenshin took a deep breath, and summoning all the courage he had, knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Mara's voice rang out, sweetly.

"Go away, can't you tell we're busy?" A masculine tone grumbled, before the "noises" started up again, this time in earnest.

"Um.....perhaps...yes...perhaps you two could....um.....stop for a moment?" Kenshin ventured.

"Geez, at least go get a room somewhere!" Yahiko snipped. Kenshin nodded his head in agreement. (Preferably before my wife wakes up and kills you both...)

"Why don't you join us?" Mara called out, her voice low and sensual sounding. "I'm sure we could improvise." Sano chimed in "Hey! Good idea...I've never tried it that way before!"

"The more the merrier!" Mara gasped as the sound of something slamming up against the wall reverberated. "Where's Kaoru? I know she'd get a kick out of this!"

"Now wait a minute!" Kenshin yelled, eyes glowing (Don't even go there!)

"Eww!" Yahiko shook his head, trying to dispel the rather creative images in his mind.

"Stand back." It was the voice of doom. Kenshin and Yahiko turned slowly, knowing that the two occupants of the storage building had mere moments to live. Kayima Kaoru , bokken in hand, advanced on the locked door, a vision of impending destruction. She lifted the lock and raised her weapon, eyes narrowing in fury. (I'll teach you to mess around in my storage room....)

She flung the door open and leapt inside, her battle cry ringing out.....then stopping abruptly....then......much to the surprise and relief of her husband.....changing into laughter. Kenshin scrambled into the room, not sure what he would find, thankful that carnage had been avoided.

Sano was crouching in front of a make shift goal. Mara, who was for some reason wrapped up in a blanket, had what looked like a ball (actually it was her tunic tied up to look like a ball) next to her. She smiled wickedly and kicked it, laughing as Sano made a flying leap, and tried to block it. He barely missed it as he slammed into the floor, causing the poor building to rock from the impact.

"Ha! Score's tied." Mara crowed, jumping up and down.

"No fair!" Sano chucked the ball at her, his deep voice warm with humor. "They distracted me." He pointed at Kenshin and Kaoru, then stood up, brushing his backside with his hands. He walked over and put his arm around the blanket wearing woman, pleased that their plan had worked so well.

"I think that we were the ones distracting our "friends". Mara winked at Yahiko and laughed. "Am I right?"

"You perverts!" Yahiko screeched as he tried to tackle Sano, wrestling the ball away from him. "Kenshin nearly had a heart attack with all the racket you were making."

Kenshin stammered something unintelligible then turned to his wife. "Good morning dear." Kaoru smiled and took his hand in hers. "Good morning." Kenshin embraced her, thankful that the day was off to such a good start.

"Well...." Kaoru proudly looked at the tall couple "It looks like my plan worked perfectly." (And Kenshin was so concerned....ha!)

"Oh, yes." Mara nodded as she and Sano carefully edged towards the door. "What would we do without such wonderful caring friends?" (You all are dead meat...)

"You guys are the best!" Sano agreed, a wide smile lighting up his face (Just a few more feet.....)

"I just hope you two learned your lesson." Kaoru loftily added, so content in her triumph that she failed to notice the unholy gleam that danced in Mara's eye as the woman nodded.

"I think we did." Mara turned to Sano and nodded (Now!) The two of them leaped outside, slamming the door behind them, locking it securely. "Don't you agree?" She turned to Sano, her smile radiant as the whines, screams and protestations got louder from the storage room's new occupants.

Sano nodded as he gazed at his friend. She was dusty, had the beginnings of a black eye and was currently wrapped up in an orange threadbare blanket, bare legs sticking out, her hair a mass of tangles. "I do."

___________________________________________________________________________ ___

I DON'T OWN KENSHIN.....PLEASE DON'T SUE (There isn't anything to sue for...*snif*)

__________________________________________________________ ____________________

COMING UP IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.....

Across a snow white expanse, two warring armies stand poised for battle. Their commanders, stern and tall pace behind the conscripts, each striving to overcome his adversary with as little carnage as possible. This is war...plain and simple, the usual contrivances blasted away by a bleak, late winter blizzard that has draped the landscape in a colorless blanket and chills both the hands and minds of the battle weary combatants.

"Ready..." The first commander shouts, his deep voice ringing out over the barren ground. His men crouch low...their hands tightening on their weapons of war. "Aim..." Soldiers on both sides wince with brutal anticipation. "FIRE!" With primal screams, the invaders rise up as a whole and tear toward the defending army's embattled fortress, their battle cries congealing the blood of their adversaries.

_______________________________________________________________________ _______

RESPONSES TO INDIVIDUAL REVIEWERS....(THANKS AGAIN!)

Carter - Thanks for taking the time to read this story. I really appreciate it!

Midori - I'm glad that you liked the top scene and found the WTJC reference. Thanks for reviewing! (I'm so excited to work with you on the WR!!!) YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

Kitsune - Lemons? Hmmm....We'll have to see. I'm afraid that I don't have enough experience under my belt. (I would hate to write something that leaves you all in therapy)

Fujifunmum - Thanks for all the reviews! (And letting me know that the chapters were switched) I'm flattered that you like my writing style. And yes, you are right...the entire Kenshingumi DOES need group therapy. (This chapter hopefully gives them a chance to hang loose)

Benjamindover - *hugs* Thanks for the review. You are way too kind. I can't wait to see another chapter of Incognito! I appreciate your support!

Ice Angel - I'm glad that you like the plot. Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Mad Melma - Well...Did you like the make out scene I did for you? *cringes*

Camila- Yes, They will eventually meet.

Imbrium - *High fives* What would I ever do without you? Not only are you a super writer, reviewer and cheerleader...but a very good friend. Thanks for all your support!

Firuze - *Hands a Garcia hardbound poetry book to her friend* Thank you for everything. You are a soul sister and an example to me. I'm glad that you appreciate the more "mature" characterizations.

Marstanuki - Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.

____________________________________________________________________ __________