title: At life's stake

author: kimera
archive: http://www.kimerascall.lima-city.de/
contact: kimerascall@gmx.de

fan fiction
series: Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki
Lovey Dovey-Challenge no. 3 by Nekktarinka

PG: 16
category: suspense

written: 03.02.2004

disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki, the challenge was originated by Nekktarinka.

Special warning: I'm no native, so eons of mistakes, misspellings and strange choice of words, adding I have sole knowledge of 
the German translation of the manga series, so my view might differ.

>There's no limit to fighting... or loving.<

~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ ~#~ 


At life's stake


Despite the cold, -and there were snowflakes dancing in the air-, Sanosuke Sagara, former member of the Sekihoutai, former 
gangster and still on the loose by reward for attacking a valued member of the patriots, took a deep draft of fresh air, 
brushed his eerie comb of spiky, dark-brown locks.
	»Finally back...« 
But this would never again be his home, as he stated with mixed emotions. Tokyo, capital of the quickly changing Japan, buzzing 
with life, eager to meet the new opportunities of a modern, western-dominated world. Even this far from the borders of the 
exploding city-districts he could hear the constant commotion.
Strange, considering Tokyo to be noisy and crowded, for it had been home nearly ten years.
	»Well, I'm not here for sappy sightseeing!«
He scolded himself with a tight smile. Since he left about a year ago, a promise on his lips and the feral, frantic howl of his 
archenemy and hated soulmate ringing his whole body, he had traveled the country.
Well, he had actually planned to leave Japan's shores to see the world but money never reached the amount for a passage to 
another shore but he didn't mind too much, following the birds form north to south had been a nice guidance as well.
He had shared the life of the poor, low people, peasants, fishermen, craftsmen, some weeks, helping out, earning a place to rest 
and some food till he gathered his few belongings to hike the dusty roads again, roaming the countryside far off from big cities 
and police stations with engaged headhunters.
He didn't intend to fight the authorities at this point of his voyage, another lesson his father had taught him.
	»But I damn wished some of that fucking Meiji asshole-patriots would chose my tracks to have a look at the devastation they 
caused.«
Years of civil war, of abuse, famine and samurai strives had rendered the people apathetic and in constant fear. They cared for 
their environment, the seasons, the harvest to survive, to raise their children without losing too many to hunger and disease. 
Barely living, every day a battle... 
Slowly his anger had subsided, the trustworthy companion since his childhood. 
Of course he still felt it, as strong as ever but far away, with those kind people who shared their meager meals with him, not 
caring for his past or his future, with no one in reach to blame and punish, things shone in a different light.
Day after day he found himself leading a life that maybe Kenshin had accomplished during his wanderings, calming down, attaining 
new skills, making friends.
And painstakingly slow, Saitou had become the stinging ache of his memory, a reminder that this year was designated to be a 
delay to their duel, maybe the last year of his life at all.
Right now, watching the landscape, listening to the silencing fall of snowflakes, he was at peace, realizing that he would have 
never stood a life like that, settling with a family and a modest occupation, holding back to avert danger and peril to his 
loved ones.
	»When I chose to follow my taichou, this option was over.«
He knew now for sure. 
Once a warrior, a warrior for ever.
	»You can keep control for some period of time but this won't last for long. I'd come to like fighting like there was no 
tomorrow, to surrender myself completely to every battle, to dare everything. My life's been on stake since my tenth anniversary 
and now I'm about to see my 21st. Quite impressing but I won't mind dying in the duel with a master and genius of his art.«

~#~

He sensed the strong, arctic ki like a bolt of lightning hitting his mind and soul. Setting aside his sack with his few 
belongings, blinking to brush away the snowflakes nestling in his long eyelashes, Sanosuke waited for the wolf of Mibu to show 
up.
There was no mistaking, this wasn't the ki of Gorou Fujita or Hajime Saitou... a feral bestiality, hardly controlled by a 
cunning lupine consciousness.
He shuddered when a ripple confused the mighty aura, tearing the reigns of the savage nature to wait for the order of the human 
part of the wolf's personality. 
There was less than before, the spiky-haired fist-fighter detected. It felt like the wolf had to struggle for its balance 
within, rejoicing both parts with their joint fate.
Blinking, he saw Saitou stepping into the secluded place close to the shed where he had left the infamous sword-fighter a year 
ago with the promise to return for their final fight. 
His archenemy, the invincible Hajime Saitou, former third captain of the Shinsengumi, had changed within this period. He was 
still haggard-looking, a slender, muscled, gracefully moving man, his amber eyes a deadly glare but the thin lips didn't smirk 
like they usually had done, ever so ready to reprimand the imbecile, mock the chickenbrain, taunt the roosterhead. Four stubborn 
strands still cast their spidery shadow across the lean face of a pale, ivory color but now Saitou sported a thick lock in pure 
white, combed from his forehead.
	»He isn't that old!«
Sanosuke felt confusion racing his rapidly clouding mind.
	»Damn, what happened to him? Old bastard looks so... exhausted! Drained.«
Saitou also lacked his common police attire, now clad in a black hakama and gi, no color enlightening his sinister, determined, 
drawn apparition. The mighty katana left its sheath as the former Shinsengumi performed his famous gatotsu stance, ready to 
strike with incredible force and tempo.
Sanosuke hit his knuckles together, testing the ground for his stand.
No talking to be needed anymore.
	»Fight.«

~#~

Both men rushed to meet, not a sound to leave their throats, no intimidating, no release to be found. They met with a crash, 
Sanosuke taking a long cut along his left arm to grab the sword by the hilt, turning with Saitou who switched to attack with his 
right fist. A second later, both men were fighting with their bare fists, hit, block, blow, punch, strike, beating each other up 
like frantic . 
Closeness, a sentiment they had lacked for a long time, only to be shared in a duel to the death, no rules left, no dedication 
to some future or other. Just desperation and pain driving their aching hearts and souls to hit over and over again, to sink 
teeth in sweating flesh, draw blood, tear apart cloth and skin, rolling on the ground, hissing, growling, snarling, baring 
fangs or strong teeth, both were alike, mud-covered, panting, grabbing garment to hinder escape.
Whenever they lost their breath, fainting for instances, this would not bring an end to their battle, too much pent-up misery 
and hatred had assembled.
Their vigor fading, several bones crushed, bruises and cuts covering their close to nakedness bared bodies, the wolf found a 
stone in his reach. With a desperate howl of triumph he started bringing it down on Sanosuke's throat, his temples.
Bleeding and dizzy, there was enough time left for the former Shinsengumi to get hold of his sword and adjust it to behead the 
unconscious young man, moaning lowly.
As Sanosuke opened his bleary eyes, the wolf was towering him, his left arm hanging limp due to broken bones, his right 
nevertheless pointing the shiny blade at the fist-fighter's neck.
	»Run out of luck.«
Sanosuke remarked groggily, smiling content.
	»It had been a worthy duel, after all.«
Saitou being frantic, desperate, passionate, giving the core of his mysterious being all out. 
Staring at him, the amber eyes ablaze, gasping, his mighty fangs bared.
	»Beautiful, just, pure, merciless hunter.«
	»I love you.«

~#~

	»It's so quiet.«
A slightly puzzled voice echoed in the wolf's aching skull.
	»Oh, so quiet.«
	>What did you expect, fool? Rejoicing crowds?!<
	»This is a duel to the death... like before...a decade ago... when we were out to help and protect. Proud men with honorable 
intentions. A strict code of justice.«
Even their laborious panting had ceased, looking at each other, waiting.
For the final strike.
As easy as cutting tofu... 
Smoothly separating muscles, sinews, suntanned flesh, shiny bones, veins....
Covering the muddy ground with crimson puddles of blood, soaking the unruly dark-brown strands.... 
Making those unbelievable big, bitter-chocolate-colored eyes close for ever.
End this haunting nightmare of yearning and retaliation.
The human nature of the wolf trembled, unable to finish his task, to kill an equally untamed, high-spirited, wild creature.
Sanosuke's cocky and brash behavior might have easily deluded the superficial spectator, never a natural born hunter. 
There was nothing evil about him, not the slightest trace... worst of all, he could understand the motives of his younger 
archenemy far too well.
A low, aggravated growl of his feral nature rose to his throat, the gritted fangs, stained with blood, the jaws gnashing 
audibly.
	>Do it!<
The beast ordered.
	>We need to move on! Free yourself from that useless, selfish burden! There's still justice to wield out, your oath demands 
it! You're hesitating without a cause!<
The wolf calmed down a little, meeting the human part who had suffered so much.
	>See, he awaits death from your hand. Remember, he promised you to fight like the Bakumatsu wars, so he knew about the 
outcome. Survival honors the winner.<
	»Stop arguing.«
The human hissed.
	»I know about all your reasons and there's none to be found to stop me from killing him. But still, I won't do it!«
Thus stated, his shoulders sank.
The sword withdrawn Saitou turned away to gather the sheath, suppressing a grunt of pain. One or two ribs at least broken, his 
right leg injured... 
	»Nice.«
	>Damn.<
	"Saitou?"
A cough followed the shy call, very unlike the usual jovial, brash, amiable tenor.
	"What... are you doing?"
	»Oh, shut up!«
Limping, the former officer cut a branch off to support his broken left arm.
	»Again...«
Exhaustion rendered him grabbing for a sturdy trunk, swallowing nausea down.
	"Hey... where are you going, 'jime?"
Shuffling, a stifled curse.
	»I'd better get going before that damn fool sticks to my heels.«
The human part staggered, the amber fire flickering meekly.
	"Just wait, please, okay?"
Spatting to the ground, more coughing.
	»Yes, some hits to your ribs, too.«
	>Move on!<
The wolf commanded.
	>I'll get you to safety. Just keep on walking. I'll get you out of trouble. Like usual.<
	»So sour... so angry... and I'm tired. Of it all.«

~#~

	»Uhhhh«. 
Despite his appearance Saitou could really kick ass, as Sanosuke stated, his face contorted with a bitter grin. But something 
had been amiss, like his catching of the famous katana. Even Kenshin never had the chance to block the gatotsu, especially with 
bare hands.
	»He's getting away!«
The roosterheaded fighter judged the distance, with a low grunt of impatience stumbling forward in a hurry.
	»I asked him to wait for me, but noooo!, not Mr. Aku Soku Zan, no time for the fools, right?!«
Slipping on the treacherous ground, Sanosuke bolted to reach out for Saitou's back as support, causing them to reel till the 
former wolf of Mibu achieved a panting rest at a trunk, a sniggering fist-fighter hanging to his neck.
	"Sorry, man, didn't mean to jump at you like that."
An untarnished smile beamed from the soiled face, the chocolate-colored eyes blinking merrily.
	"Get your paws off me!"
Saitou roared, carefully relying on the punch of his right arm, causing Sanosuke to stagger backwards, irritated.
	"Com'on, Saitou, calm down, alright? I just want you to stay a moment longer. Just a moment, okay?"
The fist-fighter turned serious, baring his open hands to give proof of his peaceful intentions. Muttering profanities, he sank 
to his knees to rummage in his sack, mumbling to himself, shooting up with a triumphant yell, he solemnly presented a small 
package, covered with layers of smooth, thin paper.
Suddenly intimidated, he averted the amber stare, his cheeks rosy. He cleared his throat nervously, an impish grin mocking his 
attractive features. 
	"Uh, Saitou, you know, about.. about your anniversary...alright, I don't know the precise date, but the heck!.. uh.. well... 
damn..."
Finally lifting his gaze, he smiled sadly.
	"I made this for you. Please... please take it."
And to his own amazement, he bowed lowly, to show his respect and adoration, to wait for Saitou to collect his gift. 
Staring at the ground, his back starting to ache violently, his view clouding from dizziness, but he refused his body a rest.
	»I desperately yearned for his respect and I failed but I won't let him walk off without knowing my high regard for him. I 
can stand it as long as it takes.«
Cold fingers touched his warm palm, snatching the little package. The thin layers of paper danced slowly to the ground.
Everything remained quiet, like nature holding its breath.
Time passed on.
A low snarl.
	"Help me with that."

~#~

	»I should have rushed off... «
He didn't want to accept a gift from that cursed fool, stupid rooster with his stamina and his ridiculous ideas, bowing before 
him.
	»If you're valuing me that high, why did you... rape me?«
	»Why can't I just kill you?«
	»Extinguish my weakness, the only soft spot in my armor...«
Picking up the small package, flipping off the covers with his thumb, he found a beautiful stone of amber color, delicately cut 
and engraved.
	»Justice.«
Glowing on his open palm, taking the warmth of his bodyheat.
	»Damn you. Do you think I go for jewelry? That I care for such vanities?«
He felt like tossing it away, cutting it in halves...
	»I made this for you.... did he? Why? Fool... how was he to fasten the chain around his neck with just one hand left?!«
	"Help me with that."
He ordered coldly, sticking the stone right under the nose of the roosterheaded fighter.
	"Okay... so you take it?" 
Beaming with delight and relief, Sanosuke readily came to aid, carefully adjusting the chain around the hunter's neck. Instead 
of stepping back, he kept the close distance, his mighty hands tenderly cupping the angular face of the wolf, studying the 
traces of time.
	"You know", he whispered in distress, "that I can't apologize for causing you so much pain. I needed you to fight me so 
desperately, that I rather risk everything than living on without you taking me serious."
Leaning in, his forehead connecting with Saitou's, he continued softly.
	"But still, I'm... ", choking, he hoarsely finished his sentence,"...not over you."
	"So what?"
The wolf snarled, hurling him off.
	"What else do you have in store? Double suicide? Some sappy confession?! You're so despicable weak! Don't you think I heard 
your sniffing and weeping that night?! Your foolish prayers?! If you have to regret something, don't do it or act the way you 
intended!"
Taken aback, Sanosuke gaped.
	»I was just about to confess my love... why has he always to act like a complete asshole?!«
	"Hey, I wasn't finished yet, you old bastard! You're still a damn prick! How about you shutting up..."
Sanosuke's eyes widened as a sudden, sharp pain raced his body, leaving him to shiver violently. Without warning Saitou had 
pinned him to a tree, his famous katana resting to the hilt in flesh and wood.
	"Oh damn..."
The roosterheaded fighter managed to cough before blood filled his mouth.
Saitou slowly limped to him, tossing the sheath carelessly away, looking into the beautiful eyes which haunted his nightmares 
with their loyalty, virility and loving care.
	»You don't have to speak, don't have to say the words, little rooster.«
Slowly, his cold fingertips ran Sanosuke's cheek, tracing the lines and curves.
Their breath mingled, condensing in the cold air to sprinkle their lips.
	"Don't follow me, Sagara. It has to end here. Good-bye."
There was no reason to close his eyes, no argument to taste the coppery saliva, a flaw of willpower and self-control.
Nevertheless, he kissed the beautiful, brash, reckless rooster until Sanosuke fainted.

~#~

	"So, how come you found me out there?"
Bandaged and neatly tucked in several blankets, Sanosuke questioned his brother of choice, the famous painter Tsunan Tsukioka; 
to his old friends of the Sekihoutai, Katsu.
	"A note."
Katsu presented a scrap of paper in between his fingers, patting the impatient right hand of his best friend with a frown. 
	"Down, Sano, and stop fidgeting like a toddler. You'll have to rest and sleep. Don't stress yourself, he's already gone. 
Probably back to hell." 
He added with a sour grin.
	"You know...?"
Suddenly, Sanosuke's cheeks felt very hot, earning a patronizing frown of his elder brother.
	"Do I look like a common moron to you? How can anyone miss your immature infatuation for that brute?! Makoto? Please, bring 
me the soup!"
Blinking, the roosterheaded fist-fighter, ready to defend his love, refrained, trying to place, 'Makoto' when a door opened to 
the secluded room of the little house Katsu owned.
	"Here you go, master. Should I render another service?"
A frail looking, tiny boy asked politely, his eyes as blue as the ocean, the shiny strands of hair escaping the scarf on his 
head of an auburn color. 
A beautiful child.
	"No, thanks, Makoto. Please see to the prints, they might need some fanning."
	"This I will." 
Earnestly, the boy bowed to shut the door without a sound.
	"Damn, Katsu, who's that? A pupil?"
Sanosuke blurted out, blinking.
Katsu shrugged noncommittally.
	"Better staying with me than in a brothel. He's a gaijin's bastard."
With a cold, stern expression, the painter hissed.
	"At least that's what people call him. But they will pay respect to him, for that I will make sure."
The somber looking young man vowed.
Smiling, Sanosuke sank to his futon again. 
So there was no urge to find someone to share his brother's life, he had accomplished this task on his own.
	"Nice chap." 
He mumbled, yawning.
	"Sleep, Sano."
Katsu ordered, placing a mocking peck on his brother's forehead, confusing the unruly strands. 
Guarding the younger man's slumber, he carefully cleaned the blade of the sword.
Someone like the famous wolf of Mibu without his katana? 
This was all messed up...

~#~

One month later.

Sanosuke shouldered his sack, embracing Katsu and caressing the soft cheek of a blushing Makoto.
	"I'll let you know about things, Katsu."
He promised, smiling encouragingly.
Since there was still a high reward on his head, his departure had been without question. Regarding his destination, things were 
crucial, of course.
Katsu had briefed Sanosuke about the events and rumors after his sudden 'voyage' to the countryside. Astoundingly, Saitou had 
not managed to silence every member of the gangsters' organization which spread the news about his true identity and 
whereabouts. This proved to be the prefect opportunity for several politicians to get rid of a mighty, clever and stubbornly 
righteous fighter. So backup was no longer provided, the demission of the police forces announced.
No one left to trust or rely on to.
Kenshin had interfered, to no result at all. Some of those fine-clad 'pillars'" of a new Japan had threatened his pregnant wife 
to make him surrender. 
Of course they had done whatever was left to do, withstanding, protesting... 
But they had a tomorrow to live for, people to protect, Sanosuke had stated calmly.
So Saitou was again the hunter, on his own, chasing and charging, secretly searched for to be killed.
	»They must still fear for his knowledge, his cunning, his skills.«
	"It's been just a matter of time."
Katsu had reminded him.
	"The mighty don't want to be remembered their past. All their dirty secrets have to disappear."
So, where would someone like Saitou hide away to nurse his injuries? 
A place where he would be safe and no one else dared to enter?
A forsaken, cursed, feared part of the country...
	"Well, see ya both some time!"
Sanosuke waved good-bye, smiling enthusiastically.
He knew the hideout, he felt for sure.

~#~

	»Two hours... at least a dozen deadly traps this far...« 
Sanosuke wiped his forehand with his bandaged wrist. 
Hospitality didn't go along with the wolf of Mibu.
Well, he had passed the lot of them and he was convinced to master everything in his way, just because he wanted it. 
There was no limit to his willpower... and obstinacy.
	"Heyho, anyone home? I have some tasty sake with me and a little soba for....the wolfie!"
He finished his call remarkably modest in decibel rates. Cracking a very careful smile, he blinked into amber stars of sulfurous 
rage, attentive not to inhale too deeply, for a razorsharp blade was kissing his delicate skin at throat's level.
	"Hi 'jime."
Sanosuke fluttered his long eyelashes charmingly.
	"Long time no see. Hey, guess what I found sticking in my shoulder when I woke up in the woods? Remember that piece of 
junk?"
In slow-motion he patted the sword fastened to his hips.
The wolf stared into his eyes, untarnished from his jovial chatter, like a statue. Or maybe not. 
There was definitely something odd about the former officer, the way his lupine eyes lacked to blink, the strange weapon resting 
in the palm of his left hand, seemingly sliding from somewhere beneath his sleeve...
	"What do you want, fool?"
Finally Saitou spoke, a hoarse roar, growling like an animal, struggling with the effort to pronounce syllables correctly.
	»Damn, he's been on his own a little too long!«
Sanosuke frowned, studying the elder sword-fighter with sorrow.
The usual attire was gone. Now the wolf of Mibu sported a dress resembling Aoshi's ninja-uniform, black, about skin-tight 
fitting, adjusted with straps to calves, joints and torso, black like a nightmare's shadow, especially the strange blade 
nipping at the fist-fighter's jugular.
	»Concealed weapons and Saitou: a pair that doesn't match...«
	"Answer!"
A blow met the younger man's jaw, shaking his stand.
	"What the fuck...?!"
Blinking and fending dizziness off, Sanosuke stepped back, wiping a trace of blood from his lips. 
Now there was the time to become angry, to let go the frustration and stress of his long journey to the secret hideout at Mount 
Hiei, the lost castle of Makoto Shishio.
	"Damn, you bastard, what's wrong with you?! Have you gone nuts in here? Too much chatting with the loonies?? Getting 
paranoid on your old days?! Fuck!" 
Spatting, he reached out to encircle their surroundings with a brash gesture. 
	"I'm here for you! No one's been following me, I'm not about to drag your ass to any fucking Meiji-dickhead, and I'm fucking 
tired! Can't you just act a little more civilized?!"
	»There!!«
A sparkle of sardonic amusement, Sanosuke was sure of it.
	"Come on!"
He continued with a conciliatory tone.
	"I'm here to check out if you're doing well, alright? Why can't we just empty a jug of sake, munch the soba I bought for you 
and talk a little? You know, like ... friends?"
Ice blocked the amber flames of uncertainty, freezing the angular features to a loathing mask of arrogance.
	"Leave."
The wolf snarled haughtily, baring his fangs menacingly.
	"No way."
Sanosuke crossed his arms stubbornly.
A low hiss, a dangerous glare flashing out of sulfurous suns.
	"I'll make you." 
And with that, the black, volcanic blade cut along his sternum, from collarbone to his navel, a swift, fluent motion, almost 
like a caress, a bloody demonstration of affection.
Sanosuke gnashed his teeth, sensing droplets running his skin downwards, his bandages fluttering to his feet. His lower arms 
hurt where the blade had cut through, demonstrating his stubborn determination to stay at whatsoever costs.
	"I'm not leaving you." 
He repeated huskily.
	"But I rather prefer you kissing me than skewering me once again."
And Sanosuke reached for his wolf.

~#~

Hadn't he warned the damn rooster over and over again?
	>End his miserable existence now!<
The wolf within roared impatiently.
	>He can chitchat with ash-guy down the gutters of his cursed castle!<
His left with the deadly blade went for a lethal cut but his right hand, iron-clad, directed the force into the void, yelling 
in desperation. 
Ever since 'that' day he was torn, battling within, no rest, no peace in his proud soul anymore, getting weak, becoming 
fallible, hesitating. 
A disgrace to everything he had lived up to.
	>You miserable fool!!<
The wolf howled as the roosterheaded fighter took the opportunity to grab both wrists, initiating a lethal dance, finally 
succeeding in hammering Saitou's left repeatedly to a wall, breaking the delicate joints of his sliding sword.
The volcanic blade shattered, its remains disappearing in the dark abysses of Shishio's former fortress.
Hissing, the sole wish to survive drove Saitou to withstand, fighting, biting, yelling, spitting, kicking, struggling like a 
madman in a frenzy but Sanosuke never gave way to the wrists he had captured.
Gasping, trembling from the laborious efforts both men eyed each other, measuring the remaining strength up.... 
When Sanosuke unexpectedly let go off Saitou's feared left, caressing along the shiny, ebony strands kept back from the forehead 
(less the four notorious locks) to untie the simple strap. Slowly, calming combing their thick beauty to Saitou's shoulders, 
studying the nervousness arising in the elder man, leaning in to touch the forehead with the white streak, he whispered 
seriously.
	"Remember our fight at Katsu's when you told me, you're wasting your time with a fool who can't protect himself? Now I can 
take care of myself. So, please!"
Breathing a feathery kiss to the split lips.
	"Please, 'jime, stop running from me. 'cause I won't leave you, ever."
Blinking to meet the shock-frozen amber glare, he grinned impishly.
	"Guess what, I've fallen in love with you, big bad wolfie. Ridiculous, no da?"
He sensed the desperate attack, blocking the mighty left punch to pin the hissing, swearing, slender man to the wall, covering 
insults, threats and protests with his mouth, holding the sword-fighter tight.
The wolf gave in, again intoxicated by the familiar, enticing, mysterious, spell-casting taste of his very own rooster, yelling 
at his feral part to damn shut up already.

~#~

They became quiet, their lips drinking air and energy from each other, their fingers entwined, another exchange of power and 
determination. Very slowly, their heartbeats refrained from hastening away, returning to a cautious pace, daring both men to 
withdraw some minute inches, to study an equally searching pair of eyes.
	"Say..."
Sanosuke broke coarsely the silence, flashing a grin.
	"How about a bath? We could both do with a little refreshment, eh, old mantis-face?"
Saitou glared at him, vexed, hissing an insult, nevertheless releasing the fist-fighter to lead the way to a cavern with a 
small waterfall.
	"Damn, that's fucking freezing cold!"
The spikyhaired man complained, shuddering and fervently rubbing his right hand, a bold scout into the dark waters.
A disapproving look commented on his remark while the wolf of Mibu undressed to his loincloth, easily entering the cold pool, 
in a businesslike manner washing off the remnants of their fight.
Grimacing, Sanosuke reluctantly let go of trousers and his beloved jacket, using the pastime to inspect the weapons Saitou had 
left at the side. Strange items indeed: not including the sliding blade, there was an iron device to the right hand and wrist, 
armor to his torso, the straps at calves and joints bore small pearls of metal...
A set of daggers at the meager waist-line.... the wolf of Mibu definitely prepared to kick ass!
Finally stepping into the icy water, Sanosuke could not help but stare in wonder.
Last time he had seen Saitou in full glory of his naked self, the ivory slender body had looked untarnished by time and the 
lifestyle of its owner, but now, there were scratches, bruises, scars...a lot of them. 
The right thigh missed a patch of flesh and about Saitou's left arm... He knew, he injured the elder man during their last 
fight, but this...
	"Stop gaping, idiot." 
The former Shinsengumi snarled, the amber stars ignited.
	"I don't need your damn pity."
With a low moan of impatience, the roosterheaded fist-fighter hit the surface of the water, causing several pillars of 
sparkling beads to spray.
	"Kami-sama, 'jime, loosen up, please?! It's me, damn it! I don't think there's anything in this world, you can't snarl or 
stare down, so why, for Heaven's sake, should I feel pity for you?!"
	"Then stop leering at my ass, you perverted chickenbrain!"
Storming off, Saitou left his private bath to collect his clothes and weapons, disappearing in the shadows with a wink.
	"Oh damn...."
Combing his eerie mob of dark-brown hair, Sanosuke grinned agitated.
	"The harder they come..."
Another challenge, the definite challenge of his life, to conquer the heart of the never-tame-able wolf of Mibu.

~#~ 

There was something about that damn foolish, chickenbrained, cocky, obnoxious, bragging runt he just could not stand at all!
Heading up a secret path to his secluded hideout within the maze of caverns in the mountain, Saitou growled irritated.
	»So stubborn... too damn clever for his own good... far too nosy... and his fucking stamina!! Adding no sense of 
self-preservation, for he will die if he follows me around like some stupid puppy!«
A low grunt of disapproval escaped his throat, the wolf's part of his nature doubting that he would ever be able to kill the 
rooster. So, lacking the usual option to rid a dangerous nuisance from his life, the human part could not bring up a solution 
they both could accept... 
The wolf yearned to hunt on its own, free of limits, sole its code of honor and justice.
The human within could not trust anyone, especially including a man who had done him so unspeakable wrong, but... 
This tiny, nagging 'but' kept the gruesome wolf of Mibu nervous. 
It was reasonable to rely on backup, he was in need of information, supplies and civilization.
	»I can't accomplish my task on my own. Not anymore.«
To be correct about it, there had been others all the way, the spies, the informants, the ninja, an army of valuable sources, 
various people who were in need of his justice.
Now he could barely imagine the faces of his wife and their sons.
	»But I swear to the Gods, I'll bring my justice. There will be no one like me when they are grown up and they won't need a 
wolf.«

~#~

Sanosuke gnashed a curse, laboriously breathing. This place was definitely some kind of hell, all confusing with alike-looking 
caverns and tunnels, plus he was tired and hungry, getting impatient and grumpy.
	"Damn, Saitou, where are you?! This is getting pretty boring!"
He yelled infuriated, smashing a wall with his crossed fists.
Maybe not a good solution to hammer his way through, but at least he felt relieved.
To a small degree.

~#~

Cowering over maps and moving pebbles carefully, Saitou planned his strategy to wield his justice again. 
There were still some people left who asked for the support of the infamous wolf of Mibu, partly to build a new nation, of 
course to their own benefit, too. He was a handy weapon, after all.
A sour grin crossed his haggard features.
	»They mistake me for a dog. But I am the wolf, master of my own destiny.«
Nobody escaped his justice.
	"Nice decoration... and so sparsely of it. Can we now have soba and sake?"
Sanosuke stepped into the circle of light the oil-lamp cast.
	"Get lost."
Saitou snarled, lacking vigor and interest.
Why should he bother anyway? 
That thick-headed, damn imbecile would not listen, neither to ratio, nor to good manners.
Squatting next to him, he felt the vivid, chocolate-colored eyes rapidly racing the map, consuming the information laid out.
Most people considered the spiky-haired brawler by his side to be dim-witted and slow thinking (if at all) but Saitou knew 
better. 
That moronic twerp of Battousai had been right about someone else for once: Sanosuke was to be trusted and relied on and he got 
down to the main facts, although his methods were slightly odd.
	»There are few limits to the result of his contemplation, and it never ceases to make me wonder...«
The former officer hid a very unlikely smirk.
Strange, that he had come to enjoy being with someone he could not predict at any precise second.
	"You're quite in it again, eh?"
The roosterheaded fist-fighter stated finally, scratching his nape thoughtfully.
	"Well..."
Rising up, he hit his knuckles enterprisingly.
	"I will now see to dinner. Didn't drag that damn soba all along the way without having a nip of it!"
Not sparing a glimpse at the younger man who made himself known to the small cooking spot the wolf had arranged, Saitou 
concentrated on the task ahead.
Nearly a year had passed, the gangster organization was history, of course, but there were others, watching out for him and he 
had made them wait for his final visit! 
	»Tsk tsk.... bad manners.«
	"Say..."
Busily heating water while carefully placing the jug of sake, Sanosuke went on.
	"What happened to your arm? Looks like an explosion?"
Glaring at his makeshift map, the wolf considered to remain silent, growling inwardly at the itching injury.
Alright, it had been broken. And sliced. And torn. And spiked with splinters. 
The bones became weak, the sinews thin and crippled, the skin marked.
It hurt.
He didn't care.
Being alive meant triumph over his foes, stitching himself up a proud sign of independence.
And losing his formidable, undefeated gatotsu-style?
Well, there had to be some changes, adaptions to his current situation, yet he would still be invincible, hunting, charging, 
taking down.
	"I'm just curious, old chum."
Humming along merrily while preparing a meal, the confident, velvety voice charmed the wolf's ears.
	"But why didn't you take the opportunity to settle down and live with your family? You know, like Kenshin, war's over and 
all? Go home to your little wife and... let's see... three boys, that's right?"
Sometimes he missed smoking, the sharp twang of nicotine biting his senses, bitter-pure poison of ratio ruling the wolf's part 
of his nature. 
Since he had to rely on this beast-like intuition and strength, he could not turn back time, become his former self again, the 
honored, feared former third captain of the Shinsengumi who got everything he wanted by the mere possibility of a deadly glare.
Being an outlaw meant to return to his roots, the pure source of his invincible, straightforward character, accepting the lead 
of the wolf.
	"Hey, are you listening to me? Now, what's about your family, hu?"
Balancing with a teapot and two cups of different style, the fist-fighter crossed the distance easily, truly interested in the 
matter of question.
	"None of your business."
Saitou growled, frowning. Smelling the aroma of freshly made tea mingling with the odor of food, his stomach started to ache, 
accompanying his left arm.
	»Shut up!«
He hissed.
	«I won't listen. All is vanity, lack of discipline and concentration.«
	"You know, no one is an island."
Sanosuke stated, setting out dishes, arranging the soba with little jars of sauce and spiced vegetables.
	"Witty."
The wolf snarled on reply.
	"You made that up on your own?" 
His voice sour with acid and bitterness.
	"Nah, heard it somewhere but's true. Now, come, join me, have some sake and cheer up, will ya? I'm not pestering you about 
your family or your arm, okay?"
An inviting gesture directed the sword-fighter to move over.
Reluctantly, Saitou made his way, since it would have been shamefully ridiculous to persist on staying. 
Quickly, his cup was filled, the noodles served, a friendly smile greeting his cold, despicable frown.
He knew he was hungry, but no way a public display would come to happen!
	»Just a little soba and some tea... definitely no sake!«
Counting on the sparse loads, he avoided the inquiring chocolate-colored eyes on intent, ever so ready to return to his work of 
plotting and planning.
Silence fell upon the pair of them, a sad, disturbing lack of sympathy and trust.
Finally setting his bowl aside, Sanosuke cleared his throat, proposing slowly.
	"Listen, I didn't come to torture you with my presence. I know I wanted you to hate me and I guess, somehow I succeeded. So, 
if you tell me there's someone who takes care of you, I'll be leaving."
	»An easy escape... a little white lie to end everything....«
The wolf snarled and growled but the human part refused to delude himself: there was no one guarding him although there might be 
hundreds watching him with hatred and fear.
He had not cared... before. A warrior prepared to die in every battle he encountered, every war he took part in.
	»But I'm still here. I won. I survived... does it matter? Now?«
Justice never ended, the Meiji still had to improve. 
	»So I am a cleaner now, getting rid of the Bakumatsu rubbish....«
Maybe he should have a little rest... those thoughts were in vain and despicable melodramatic.
He rose to his feet without a word to his younger companion, followed a small passage to a huge crossing with a makeshift 
bridge of ropes, to get to a small plateau with a comfy shaped small cavern. Not even caring to give out a warning, he cut off 
the ropes, causing Sanosuke to whirl around for support on the other end of the fathomless abyss.
Expecting the young man to curse and insult instantly, he was deceived once more: Sanosuke turned and left in silence.

~#~

Slowly enjoying every draft of hot sake, Sanosuke contemplated his current situation.
He had found his wolf, but his meant-to-be-lover had changed into a tired, suffering ghost, barely moving along due to his 
supernatural dedication.
Nothing else.
  »Did I do this to him? If I hadn't raped him that night, would he have killed every last gangster? Still be in charge of the 
secret police, well-known and feared?«
But this happened to be Hajime Saitou, the wolf of Mibu! 
No way he could be... that human...
	"This is not what I intended, damn!"
The spiky-haired fist-fighter cursed somberly, sighing in a deep, confused manner.
	"He is not himself, and I miss him! I won't take this shit!"
Swearing, he emptied his cup in one rush, getting to his feet.
Well, if that old sneaky, arrogant, sly bastard of wolf happened to be human, by bad luck maybe, he definitely had to take a 
rest sometime, to fix himself up, to hang out a little.
	»We actually never saw him relaxed but he was not always around.. he made us feel like it, but...and Saitou knew how to 
manipulate people for his own good, no doubt about it!«
The thrill of hunting, thwarting plans, discover conspiracies, defeating the enemies of his country, wielding his justice...it 
kept the wolf going restlessly, Sanosuke opted.
But everything was amiss now, and he had to take the responsibilities, as a friend, a warrior, a lover and an aggressor.
	"I'll set things straight again!"
He grinned fiercely at the ambiguous choice of words, crossing the cavern.
There had to be another path to get to that plateau, and he would find it!

~#~

Someone was with him... he felt inclined to get up at once, to be on alert, every muscle ready to react... but a strange apathy 
had captured his mind and soul, leaving his tired body to take care of itself.
	"I fucking hate climbing down a rope, man."
The notorious roosterheaded fist-fighter grumbled, sinking to his knees next to the supposedly sleeping man. 
Which could not be true, Saitou sleeping in presence of another human being?!
	»But he had, remember? Before... «
	»Yeah, before I raped him.«
Sanosuke stated calmly.
Too exhausted to keep up his mask, the wolf had been resting in his arms.
	»Does he still have faith in me? To protect him?«
The younger man wondered.
Carefully, he crawled over to the sleeping frame, curled together like the animal he was named after, his face hidden beneath 
loose, shiny strands of ebony hair. 
Spooning tenderly, Sanosuke stroke lightly along the left arm, to sigh deeply while entwining their fingers, snuggling close.
	"Damn, old man, your bone won't heal properly and you're suffering a fever."
Breathing a soft kiss into the damp nape, he swore.
	"Tomorrow, we'll find a doctor and fix it, leave everything to me, 'jime. I won't let you be hurt by anyone, I promise."
Did he chuckle or was it just his imagination, wishing he could chuckle in his apathetic state?
The reckless rooster, the constant chickenbrain-no-clue-at-all-brawler offering safety and assistance to him?!
	»But this is all of no importance... need to rest...«

~#~

Waking up he sneezed some spiky strands out of his eyes, shaking like a dog, to blink and yawn... and stare agape. 
Getting up like a jack-in-the-box, he swore fiercely, frowning. 
	»Where the hell did that damn wolf go?!«
Why couldn't he just once stay put and trust him?!
Climbing the rope with extra speed, he rushed through the maze of tunnels, smelling something strange... was Saitou cooking?
Finding the other man in the huge cavern, he felt like immediately hitting some common sense right into that damn thick skull 
of that self-conceited asshole...  
When he noticed the strange items at the fireplace, boiling water, straps of cloth, needles, the odor of scents... and blood.
	"What the fuck...?!"
He called out alarmingly, finding Saitou with a heavy cut on the left wrist, a bowl filled with blood by his side.
The sword-fighter looked exhausted, the amber eyes gleaming with feverish fire, the right hand about to tighten the strap along 
the upper arm.
	"Damn, Saitou..."
Kneeling by his side, the spikyhaired young man whispered.
	"You're not about messing yourself up with that stuff...?!" 
But he knew of course that there was no mistaking.
The wolf growled lowly, pale, concentrating on his task, banning the pain from his consciousness with all his might.
Slipping out of his beloved jacket, wrapping it to a tight cushion, Sanosuke placed it beneath Saitou's head at the wall.
	"Listen, I never did that shit, alright, so you..."
Swallowing hard.
	"... you have to stay awake. I'll do it, you stubborn old bastard, but just don't pass out, 'kay?"
Tenderly, he brushed some ebony strands from the pale cheeks, feigning a smile of self-assurance.

~#~
                                
Watching the young man fixed on his task, serious and calm, working with care and growing confidence, he did not see the urge 
to talk. He pointed out when this was needed, but that silly, bugging rooster accomplished fairly well on his own, cleansing the 
infected arm, sensing the state of his broken bones, crushing them again and adjusting the lot with a security in every gesture 
Saitou did not expect.
	»No clumsy, mighty paws... «
He felt all worn out, his strength slipping away, his refusal to show his pain costing him dearly.
	»I've done so much on my own, never been injured that badly, but since last year...sometimes I wonder if he is friend or foe 
to me...«

~#~

Catching the fainting man, Sanosuke let out a low moan due to his relief. It was getting on his nerves to handle and tend to a 
man who suffered in complete silence whereas he usually used to mock and taunt him, smirk and hiss.
	»At least now he is normal!«
Cradling the slender frame on his lap, he wrapped his jacket around the wolf, slowly combing through the ebony hair.
This was comforting to him, calming his uproaring anger down, to why that old fart had to force him into it? 
Revenge?! 
Simple cruelty? 
Another challenge?
So maybe he was right and there was no medical aid in close distance but anyways, this was intentional cruelty!! 
He just hated to cut down to the bones, the smell of narcotic herbs in his nostrils... a nightmare!!
	»Would you rather watch while some moron butchers me slowly, pretending to be a doctor?«
The slightly amused, hoarse voice bristled in his ears... but Saitou still rested on his lap in a worn-out slumber.
	"When you wake up, old cricket-face, I want you to talk to me!"
Caressing the pale skin, the fist-fighter whispered.
	"I don't care what it takes, but you will! I'm getting buggers in here, without your taunting and mocking!"
Grinning helplessly.
	"That's how much I miss you."

~#~

Being stretched out, comfortably cozy and warm... now his senses were on alarm within a blink. 
This was definitely unusual!!
Trying to move his knees up to his chest, a tight ball ready to strike, a gentle but firm hand on his thigh made him froze 
instantly.
	"Relax, Saitou, it's me. Here, have some soup and your darn soba."
A bowl became visible before his eyes, strangely dizzy.
	"Ah, wait a sec!"
The amiable, velvety voice asked. Accompanied by a rubbing motion, cleaning the wolf's eyelashes to polish the amber stars with 
an indignant glow of utter peril, Sanosuke came to his view, offering food, shelter and help.... how disturbing!!
	"Checked on your arm."
Turning away, the young man chewed on a twig dangling lazily from his lower lip.
	"Looks pretty nice to me. Although..."
Catching the hunter's gaze, he stated seriously.
	"I don't think it will work out like it was."
A low grunt of annoyance, Saitou rose to lean at the wall, dismissing the bad news as irrelevant.
He'd find a solution, no worries. 
He always had.
Eating in silence and surprisingly hungry, Saitou finished his rural meal, as skilled with his right hand as with his left.
Inside the cavern, no daylight provided, he had lost his timing, he realized angrily. 
How could he become so imprudently careless? 
Again, things were slipping out of his control because of HIM!!
Lulling his senses, pampering his body, enticing his mind... to trust, to rely on, to sympathize...!!
He had dedicated his life to justice. 
His justice, fired as an arrow of ice, a bolt of lightning into the darkness, a journey to hell on a one-way-ticket!
	»I need to be sharp as a diamond, without compassion or regret, doubts, bonds of family or friends, untarnished by 
sentiment, as cold as the uncaring stars!«
He repeated to himself, but this sutra just demonstrated how far he had strolled away from his destined path.
Because of him... it's him, always!!
Without a warning he went for Sanosuke who, taken aback, hardly managed to keep the strong canines from his jugular.
Initiating a circling motion, both men entangled, spinning, hissing, growling, cursing, desperately fighting to gain different 
goals: Saitou to make his nemesis pay dearly, while Sanosuke held on to his beloved wolf.
Kicking, struggling, laboriously breathing... their duel lasted astoundingly long, but finally Saitou gave in, breaking down, 
coughing, writhing with spasms of overworked sinews and muscles.
Turning the wolf over to rest on a side, Sanosuke cowered over him, snarling in a mock tone similar to Saitou's.
	"You ever telling me shit about discipline and temper again, mantis-face..."
Then, he pinned the sword-fighter with the back to the ground, straddling on the lean hips, striking along the torso, from 
collarbone to abdomen, massaging the convulsive contortions away.
Eyeing each other, the younger man slowly ceased to run his hands across the sturdy chest, frowning disdainfully. 
	"Damn, Saitou, don't give me that look! I won't force you into it ever again, alright?! Fucking shit!"
In a switch of moods, now the fist-fighter rose rapidly to storm off, muttering insults under his breath, speeding up till he 
reached the surface, taking deep drafts of cold air in, mixed with the dew of a chilly morning.
	»Why do we always have to fight? Why do I make him lose his temper? Damn, why did I cause him so much pain... enough to hate 
me?!«
Well, fleeing would absolutely not help matters.
Sanosuke stored his raging sorrow and blame away. 
The stubborn wolf would find another means to get into trouble for sure... 
Slowly he wandered back, his mighty fists securely pocketed.
	»I'll have to be true, to be honest and spill out my needs, stop fussing around like some damn brat! After all, it's the 
famous wolf of Mibu, he can handle everything, right?«

~#~

He felt sticky, the smell of blood in his nostrils, the coppery taste... 
It had to come off quickly, or the lupine part of his personality would take over again... 
Damn, how he missed his cigarettes!!
Undressing, he entered carefully the small pool, ignoring the cold, cleaning his pale, raw skin in a businesslike manner. 
Diving, he combed his long strands, wrinkling his nose in disgust. They almost touched the blades of his shoulders, too long 
already. 
Whirling around, he caught the fist-fighter watching him, rather ogling, a mocking smirk embellishing the already attractive 
features. Casually leaning in to a wall nearby, Sanosuke made no attempts to leave any privacy for the sword-fighter who glared 
with gnashing teeth.
	"Stop your leering, chickenbrain, or I'll choke you right away!"
He threatened, ready to leave the arctic waters to grab his sword, back again and make a point by stabbing that ghastly grinning 
idiot!
	"I'll get you a towel."
The fist-fighter ignored his poisonous glance, snatching a cloth from a niche, offering his assistance.
Now backing up would be prudent, but cowardly, accepting reckless and surrender to that fool's whims....
With a low grunt of anger, Saitou left the water, allowed the younger man to drape the towel around his slender frame, stepping 
back politely.
	"What's up with you?!"
The wolf snarled impatiently.
	"Need an invitation?!"
Blinking, Sanosuke gaped until his shock-frozen brain worked the fitting answer out, by kissing the infernal smirk of Saitou's 
face. Parting reluctantly, he tenderly dried the ivory skin, showering teasing kisses to wait for the sword-fighter's reaction.
Saitou tilted the pointy chin to meet his sulfurous glare, keeping his quiet, his thumb striking tenderly the lower lip. 
With a minute sigh, he straightened up, the usual scowl darken his face.
	"Listen, fool, this is no game, no challenge. If you ask me, I might answer you but I won't leave my path of justice, the 
fate of a lost warrior from a decade which is not popular anymore. There's no future with me, Sano."
He finished seriously.
The fist-fighter smiled, a strong, sly beam of confidence and recklessness.
	"You know that I'm a warrior, too, and I ask you: For my birthday, from now to the end of my life, will you love me like I 
love you?"

~#~

He knew the question, all along, he feared his own answer. 
	»But I can't condemn him to die on my path of justice! He's beautiful, virile, amiable, strong, loyal, confident, honest...«
Saitou felt his chest tighten, a band of iron suffocating his heart, his lungs, his throat alike.
	»Get your act together, you fool!«
He admonished himself.
	»If you love him that much, shove him off!! Like your family!! There's only one solution to spare them, keep the evil you 
fight from them!!«
His jaws cracked audibly, trying to mouth his reply... alas, his lips did not part.
	»This is humiliating!! You call yourself a warrior?!«
A shrill shriek echoed his mind bitterly, stinging like a shower of iron pins.
The adorably beautiful chocolate-colored eyes tinted with merriment. A flirting wink danced across the smirking smile, watching 
the final battle within the deep confines of the human-wolf.
There was no telling anymore which part spoke on his behalf, and actually, Sanosuke did not care. He bent over, cupping the 
haggard cheeks with his strong hands, cracking a mocking grin. 
	"Damn, old man, I'm absolutely capable to take care of my awesome ass, so stop worrying, will ya? Now, gimme some 
mind-reeling kiss already!!"
A low growl of anger escaped the still sore throat as the wolf attacked, pinning his lover to the wall, uncaring for the 
shivering cold racing his skin, securely wrapped in two strong arms, holding him tight.
Extinguishing the curse on his lips: »love you, 'jime.«

~#~

Sanosuke yawned, scratching his eerie mob, looking out for his lover, already up, as usual while preparing breakfast, 
working-out with his newly designed weapons.
Two weeks since his arrival, and not that amazingly to someone as close to him as the fist-fighter, the invincible Hajime 
Saitou was up-spirited again, his cunning, fast, arrogant self ready to strike like lightning, about to purify the world.
	"Morning, 'jime."
Sanosuke crossed the distance, leaning over to kiss the scowling man on a cheek.
	"This smells delicious... the food, too!"
He grinned smugly, waiting for the usual banter-like ruffling of his mob of strands, to counter with an affectionate stroking 
of the shiny, ebony strands flowing along the strong-willed face of his lupine lover. He had never dreamed of Saitou giving in 
to his plea to wear his hair open on private area.
Another yearning still was left unanswered: no love-making.
Sulking, Sanosuke chewed thoughtfully. 
Well, he couldn't blame Saitou for that, but yet... he wanted so desperately to make up for it! 
To prove the sword-fighter's decision to be correct.
	"Tell your blood to flush up to your chickenbrain again!"
The said wolf snarled, impatiently baring his canines.
	"Today, we're heading for Kyoto. There are some favors to pay..."
A dangerous glint sparkled within the sulfurous flames.
	"Alright."
Sanosuke agreed, sighing.
	"We can make out later." 
He flashed a leering grin.
	"Horny fool."
Saitou muttered, rolling his eyes.

~#~

He was beautiful... admiring the slender frame in a black gi and hakama, the ebony strands flying free, the amber eyes burning 
with sulfurous rage, an arrogant smirk flashing the bright canines while he moved faster than a blink... 
Sanosuke, providing back-up, smiled in bliss.
Saitou looked at ease, enjoying his vocation, sizzling with thrill and mock remarks, even a merry twinkle glittered in his 
unusual eyes. 
Swift and fast, the deadly encounter passed, a proof to the wolf's visit... and the message would travel even quicker.
	"Hey!"
Playfully whirling an ebony strand around his index finger, leaning on one shoulder of the fearsome hunter, Sanosuke winked 
charmingly.
	"What about lunch? I'm starving!"
Brushing the younger man off, the sword-fighter adjusted his custom-made weapon, keeping up a steady pace to leave the city.
Goodnaturedly Sanosuke followed, a few steps back to make sure nobody felt inclined to meet the ancestors untimely, speeding 
up, when Saitou left the main road.
	"Say..."
Joining the hunter's side.
	"Where are we heading, 'jime?"
Curiosity itching his nose.
	"You'll see."
The wolf smirked mockingly.

~#~

A distant place, very remotely and as Sanosuke knew for sure, expensive... very expensive.
They had been welcomed, lead to a separate bath-house, assistants had massaged and washed them, providing every personal 
service you could ask for.
As a honorable guest, of course.
The food had been rural, strict to the samurai-code, yet delicious and plenty, so Sanosuke sprawled on his futon, saturated in 
almost every aspect. Watching Saitou by his side taking care of their weapons, he rose to reach over and caress an ivory cheek.
	"Thanks, 'jime, this is ... really amazing!"
He flashed a shy grin.
A thin, ebony brow crooked tauntingly.
	"So you don't want to unwrap your gift?"
The hunter stated in a deadpan voice, storing the weapons away.
It took the message several seconds to be deciphered correctly, then, with a stifled exclamation of bliss, Sanosuke flung 
himself on the sword-fighter, showering kisses and caresses while undressing the wolf. Straddling the other man, Sanosuke got 
rid of his own garments, simply draping a blanket over their entwined bodies, studying the amber eyes in the warm light of a 
solitary candle.
	»I'll make love to you, my beautiful hunter, the whole night long. I'll melt away your resistance, I'll nurse your wounds. 
 I'll do whatever makes you happy, smiling, at ease.«
He bent low to explore the ivory, slender body with every patch, to memorize the foreign landscape like a map to his own 
destiny. After a while, carefully, Saitou joined the younger man's enthusiastic but patient study of his lover's body, caressing 
tenderly, massaging aches and sorrow away.
Keeping each other warm, cozy, secure, trustfully slipping into slumber to wake again, share chaste kisses, delicate gestures 
of affection, snuggling close to listen to synchronized heartbeats, drinking air from generous lips...time moved on, unnoticed 
by them.
Morning blinked through the sliding-walls when Sanosuke, finally, dared to strike boldly along the wolf's scrotum. 
They were at ease, so maybe.. 
Amber stars focused on chocolate-colored seas.
	»Please!«
Mouthed the spiky-haired fighter, mists clouding the sea.
	»Please, I'm begging you to grant me your trust. Allow me to make love to you wholesome, from within and without.«

~#~

Of course, he knew this imploring question was to be asked and he had his answer ready. 
Reaching out with his right hand, the left arm still to no use at all, he cupped a rosy cheek, inspecting the spiky-haired man, 
listening to the upspeeding sound of heartbeats.
	»There's only one way to meet his courage and dedication.«
The human part had negotiated back in the cavern, watching the roosterheaded fist-fighter sighing in his sleep.
	»To surrender completely to lust... to jump into the current and let it be your guide. No limits, no restrictions, no bonds, 
no retreat. How do you feel about it?«
The wolf's lupine nature growled lowly, a serious of impatient, sultry sounds.
	>If you need that badly to be fucked, then go ahead already! Feel like his prey, maybe you remember being a hunter 
afterward! We'll see how he acts if he gets power beyond belief... focus but don't tell me, you're killing him if he mistreats 
you!<
Another argument but the decision had been made.
	"Go on." 
The hunter whispered, closing his infamous eyes to surrender to desire.

~#~

He had known the art of intercourse by Saitou... and by desperate means of challenge.
Now, the wolf beneath his body, entrusted to be loved properly, Sanosuke had to regain his composure first, once again kissing 
and licking his way along the graceful, ivory frame, he focused on his senses, closing his eyes determinedly. Adapting to pulse 
and breath of his lover, he adjusted his movements, caressing, massaging, enthralling, slowly increasing tempo and desire.
No fighting for domination, strangely enough, but now he held the lead, listening to the minor moans softly leaving Saitou's 
throat, handling and bending the man according to his carnal lust.
In a gush of undeniable hunger, Sanosuke dove into the slender body, mingling their saliva on the upper end simultaneously, 
initiating a rolling, rocking, whirling motion. 
There was no resistance whatever he advanced to, the wolf accepted his demand, writhing in intense pleasure, gasping for air, 
the ebony strands glistening with powdery beads of sweat.
	»He's so charming...«
Enchanted, Sanosuke could not refrain from trying and succeeding repeatedly till at last his notorious stamina wore out, and he 
sank exhausted next to his lupine lover, embracing the other man tightly.
	"I love you, 'jime."
He whispered hoarsely, seeking shelter at the hunter's neck, sticky with sweat and fluids. 
He'd never ever forget his 21st birthday!

~#~

Getting up after a silent interlude at the bath house, Saitou sat next to the sleeping frame of his lover. 
He could leave now... the roosterhead being into oblivion of bliss, happy to the utmost possible... 
There was still some small part in his mind demanding his solitary path into the darkness. The joint majority of human and wolf 
refused to listen, simply caressing an eerie mob of dark-brown locks.
A companion along the journey, someone who finally made him feel loved... he had never expected to live that long, to be that 
lucky, he even denied himself the sake of hope.
While watching the fist-fighter, said young man woke up, sleepily getting up by working his fingers along Saitou's torso, to 
slip on his lap, greedily kissing the wolf, drinking his saliva, moaning audibly in desire.
Patting the lithe spine of his lover, Saitou broke the kiss, scolding Sanosuke tauntingly. 
	"Mind your manners, rooster. We're not at home! Your constant horny tantrum shames the other guests."
Rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand like a child, the fist-fighter yawned, intentionally rubbing the older man's groin.
	"Com'on, 'jime, just for breakfast, okay? How am I supposed to stay with a sexy stud like you and not crow?"
He winked mischievously.
	"Ah."
The wolf chuckled.
	"So it's the call of nature! Well, one for the road, but you'll carry the luggage!"
Stifling the mock complaint, the wolf joined the rooster once again.
Once a lover, a lover for ever.

~#~ The end ~#~

thanks for reading!
kimera