title: Journey to the west 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: romance written: 08.02.2004 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. Dedication: This is to all of you out there, desperately wishing I would stop meddling with a foreign language and their favorite series, and to all the fans of Sano X Saitou-yaoi who do not consider Sano to be a child or enjoying a successful lobotomy. ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ ~WWW~ Journey to the west Since ever, he despised taking care of dim-witted overlings in fancy dresses, pretending to be in charge, feigning sovereignty and power, alas, his choice was down to Zero. The options consisted of staying in Japan and missing an important opportunity to get to know the foreigners flooding his beloved country, or depressingly babysitting an ambassador, a jolly fat, sly, piggy-faced descendant of a patriotic family, spoiled and a nagging nuisance to every intelligent being alive. At least that moron didn't expect the cold, stoic and sarcastic wolf of Mibu to entertain a feigned grin or applaud stupid, endless monologues. »The world becomes smaller with the dawning of a new century.« Saitou pondered silently, spinning the small globe. He had never imagined Japan, the chain of islands, to be so delicate, his home-country, the horizon of his vocation, his cherished god: a little, roughish line on a ball traveling space. This idea didn't match with his points of view to life in general but due to his code of honor and dedication, he had to change his mind, following the flow of time. Japan becoming a toy in the hands of nations not even half its age, infantile meddling about... Well, knowing the devil was the most important defense! In accordance, he had endured the long journey across the ocean on a huge ship with giant steam-engines supporting the sails. No mistaking, the rumor of traveling the world within four months could become a common concept. Deep within the consciousness of his countrymen, the sight of foreign ships at the coasts still caused dread and fear. »And this might be another proof...« Now, within the union of different states, establishing a new nation, in the midst of the west, he obtained a certain view about their leaders, the minds and ethics of those foreign rosy-faced barbarians. The outcasts, criminals, adventurers and poor of the so-called 'old' western 'world' had colonized a whole continent within four centuries, hunting down the former inhabitants, extinguishing the 'colored', enslaving humans, also 'colored', from another continent to serve their new 'white' masters. »And they consider us to be 'colored' as well.« Saitou tossed the butt of his current cigarette to the ground. »So, if Japan comes in handy to their ambitions to conquer the whole world, a nice short-stop to conquer Asia, will we suffer the same treatment? As humans not alike the white humans who believe in one sole god, preaching charity and equality?« Indeed, there existed a lot of things he considered to be dangerous to his own country, therefore it had been a very good decision to pamper the idiotic ambassador and meet the men in charge, listening to the common man who misjudged his cool, cold impression to be ignorant of their crude language. »Dangerous men with dangerous minds.« If they would ever come to terms with their former 'brothers' in the Old World, their new union would run down the rest of the small globe spinning by his hand. He did not fancy that perspective. Taking into consideration the fate of the inhabitants, the 'Red Indians', Japan would not be able to fight back. »Red Indians!« He snorted, enjoying the fresh breeze along the way, ignoring the rattling sound of the train. »Only twisted, boastful westerners would stick to a name basing on a despicable bad sense of orientation!« "Saitou-san!" A high-pitched voice scratched his sensible hearing. »Back to duty...damn!« ~WWW~ Their journey from the coast to the heart of the new nation had taken several days and nights in a train crossing the continent from border to border. A very impressive endeavor, Saitou had to admit and astonishingly, he enjoyed the time, the constant rattling, shuffling and 'breathing' of the locomotive. »Like a living being... another mean of colonization.« He noted. Steam engines everywhere. Electricity, a new strange concept. It seemed to him that the New World simply burst of new inventions. He learned a lot about their culture, especially the strange morals of using weapons. And there was a wide range of several items to kill! Every book at the train, every scratch of paper: he memorized everything that crossed his way, for it might come in handy some day. Those weapons... As a trained, skilled and close to supernatural brilliant sword-fighter, he despised every weapon that provided fools and clumsy idiots with means to easily kill. »Just a trigger... no elegance, no union of soul and mind... Tsk tsk. Causing severe wounds, an agonizing death if not aimed well... That's western charity and equality: every dim-witted dumbass can fire a gun and/or be killed by one.« The small globe, a gift by the ambassador, rested at the small table by the window, very often spun while the former third captain of the Shinsengumi pondered silently. He was a born survivor, an untamed, invincible, lonesome wolf but right now, he felt the twinge of doubt in the abyss of his soul. This time, he was not absolutely sure he would make it. ~WWW~ Another town, colorful clad westerners prancing about, rushing busily, carriages, horses, less sand, sidewalks, houses with several floors. Saitou strolled through the vast area, enjoying his free time. People watched him with open curiosity. His western-style clothes did not hide his foreign origin, the unusual color of his eyes, his strong-willed expression, the graceful movements and his trustworthy katana by his side. »A wolf came into town, down to hunt. Now, who will he be chasing?« He hummed soundlessly the simple song from his early days at the Shinsengumi. »I'm whistling like a child in a dark forest!« He chided himself with a sour grin. »The wicked, evil wolf of Mibu!« Well, close to the end of their journey to the west, he had made up his mind, about his home-country and the foreigners. Japan had to become very strong, adapt the progressive means of the Old and New World to prevent ending up as the other 'colored' people. »Maybe ally with those barbarians...« Enlightening another cigarette, he inhaled deeply. Why did he bother, the minor policeman? Because they, the patriots currently running Japan, knew his true identity. They still feared his justice, his sword, his vast knowledge, his invincibility. He would, as long as his life lasted, keep an amber, cold, incorruptible eye on them and a sharp, fast, charitable sword by his side. Stepping into a rather huge building, a church, he took a seat, inspected calmly the symbols of Christianity. The sunlight danced through colored windowpanes, the hustle reduced to a low murmur. Honestly, he missed his Japan, the beauty of the countryside, the sound of the language, the smell of the sea, the food... »I'm homesick.« Saitou stated with a very rare grin. It hurt his face, the tight muscles had forgotten how to smile. Massaging his cheeks with indignation, the evil enforcer of his justice, presently out of duty, searched his mind for this unpleasant development. When had he laughed the last time, shown his infamous wicked grin, cracked a sardonic or ironic smile? He could not remember. ~WWW~ "We're staying at the farm, at the countryside, isn't it magnificent?!" Saitou stared, not bothering to answer. »He keeps on ranting and twittering...« A mild headache crept up to nestle in his head. »Too bad he's too damn stupid to be evil!« The former wolf of Mibu growled within. »I yearn so desperately to choke him!« Following the instructions of their host they rode to the mighty farm within acres from horizon to horizon, designed to breed cattle in huge numbers. As to his riding abilities, Saitou had been skilled before, but he preferred walking, not depending on anyone else. The ambassador was yet another story. To his private opinion, the fat idiot should have been bound to the saddle. Now he had to catch that damn twerp every few steps, balancing the over-weighted fool out and calming the poor, sturdy horse. Finally, dust covered and exhausted, they reached the manor of a so-called governor of state. »Another dinner with strange food, strange manners and chit chatting.« Saitou took gladly the opportunity to stroll around the vast plains, inspect the cattle. He preferred fish or chicken, definitely. No stampedes and less trouble. And all those flies...damn evil blood-suckers! With a few swift strokes they became an endangered species in his close range. "Aku soku zan." The wolf snarled lowly, cleaning the shiny blade of his katana. He heard the sound of hooves coming closer and strained his eyes to watch one of the few cowboys making his way through the herd. The sun still shone brightly, so he could scarcely distinguish a shape. A strange hat resting on a tall figure, clad with a blanket-like cloth they called poncho. "Hey, Mister, what's that....?!" The warm, sympathetic voice hesitated. Saitou blinked once, incredulously. "Sagara?" He growled finally. ~WWW~ "Fuck, I'm hallucinating! You can't still be alive, you old bastard!" A brash but cocky reply in his own language. Now, in close range, there was no mistaking. The red bandana underneath the hat, the beautiful, chocolate-colored eyes, the sharp chin, the heart-shaped face with that boasting, smuggish grin: definitely Sanosuke Sagara, one of the few surviving members of the Sekihoutai. "How come you're here?!" As impudent as ever, the reigns of Saitou's horse were in Sano's grip now, the hat flew down his back, revealing the dark-brown shock of unruly strands with some strokes spiky again. "How come you're not dead or imprisoned?" The evil enforcer of his law barked sharply, snatching his reigns back. A healthy laughter met his question, the smug grin accompanied a merry twinkle in two chocolate-colored orbs. "You won't believe it, but I got on a ship to America, back when I left Japan and found myself right here and since I had to adapt, I changed my clothes and", he leaned closer to whisper grinning, "somehow, there's a rumor about a lonesome gunfighter who sports his right arm and hand hanging low, so people tend to be very careful around me." He chuckled away. Saitou watched the gun snuggling close to the left side's hip, crooking a brow at the strange trousers. »Chaps.« He recalled. "Hey, stop leering, old man!" Another melodic laughter. »Impudent and competitive as ever.« The wolf snorted disdainfully. "Now, com'on, just dash it out! What does it take to make old evil enforcer leave his beloved hell?" Sano insisted, smiling curiously. "Bodyguard to a nagging twerp." The wolf replied curtly, turning his horse with a certain force. He wanted to leave because he felt like bantering and smirking and ruffling those eerie locks... »I must be insanely home-sick!« "Hey, don't rush off, man! We've just met again! Com'on, tell me about the gang? How's Kenshin? Still in love with the missus? And little Yahiko? And the fox-lady? Did she find her family?" "Why don't you come back and see for yourself?!" Saitou hissed, glaring deadly daggers. "But maybe you're happy here, cowboy? Methinks, the company fits your slow brain." He drove his horse to gain a fast pace, a grim expression on his usually stoic face. Now he remembered the last time, he had smiled genuinely: fighting side by side with the cocky rooster at Enishi's. ~WWW~ A swishing sound... Alarmed Saitou sped up, but too late as the noose of a lasso snuggled intimately around his body. Instantly, his flight was stopped, he even lost contact to the saddle as the horse bucked nervously. Coughing dust, Saitou freed himself rapidly, spinning to face his opponent, his katana ready to wield out justice and peril. Sano came closer, lifting a leg easily to jump from his horse during the slowing pace, snatching his lasso skillfully. Indeed, his right hand was covered with a leathery glove-like device. "Say, Saitou, what's wrong? You're not afraid of me, aren'tcha?" "Did the sun fry your small brain or are you suffering mind-deprivation from all that meat?" Saitou growled acidly, preforming his gatotsu-stance, about to strike out. "I'm not fighting you, Saitou." The younger man informed him calmly, calling both horses to his side. "See, man, I just wanna talk, alright? We can have a little refreshment by the rocks over there, won't you like a bath?" Without waiting for his answer, Sano walked off, leading the horses. ~WWW~ The spring filled a small natural basin, the water was clear, refreshingly cold and tasted marvelous to Saitou's dry throat. He watched Sano undressing, which meant the throwing off of poncho, shirt and boots. Still wearing his chaps and a loincloth, his hat dangling down his slender back, the former fist-fighter entered the basin, humming merrily, diving and cleaning his skin as well as his remaining clothes. "Don't you undress?" Saitou could not refrain from asking. They did not consider 'this' to be bathing, did they?! Turning and spitting a small cascade of water, Sano grinned benevolently. "You mean the chaps? No way, they're too tight, I'd have to cut them off my skin, and since I can't afford a new pair, they'll just have to stay where they are." Saitou snorted disdainfully. »Horrible!« He walked over to the pile of clothing, took the gun to inspect it closely. »A revolver....« Carefully he aimed, traced every inch with his fingertips. Cold steel. It won't ever feel like the blade of a katana, the extended part of a body, obeying the strong-willed direction of its owner. This was just a stupid, plump device of evil. How come the cocky, brash rooster used it? Slightly disappointed, the wolf took a seat on a smaller rock, enjoying the shade of the huge cliff towering the spring. Sano left the water, crossed the distance, shaking beads off, raining Saitou's rigid frame, suntanned as before, slender muscled, a beautiful young man. Automatically, the wolf searched for his mark on the lavishly appealing body. "What are you looking at?" Sano asked in a low, careful voice, still dripping slightly. »I look at you. I can't stop admiring your looks. I remember your cheeks flushing, your eyes blazing with rage when we fought. Truly divine. But in the line of duty...« Saitou snorted. "That silly hat you're sporting and those trousers, so your vocation is pampering cattle? How considerate, matching intelligence." "Saitou", Sano broke in, kneeling, his arms crossing on Saitou's thighs, "what's wrong? You look so tired and restless." ~WWW~ »How can I explain my strange notion? You won't understand... maybe to a small degree...I've survived every battle I fought and there were a lot. Being the last one, I'll have to shoulder the heritage all alone. Every day means fight, and I love to compete, with my skills. I'm the best, the invincible, the last resort. But sometimes... sometimes, I can't remember why I still keep on fighting. Times are changing fast, the virtues we had, are gone. We'll have to adapt to foreign concepts of ethics to stand the ground. We're being ruled by forces from the outside, balance of power of two Worlds, dividing the land between themselves. Sometimes...I doubt. Which way will be best? How can I serve my country? The borders of honor, good and evil, they're fading out. Maybe... maybe I'm just fighting too long.« ~WWW~ There was no way Saitou could voice his pondering, so he enclosed them in his heart. Diving in those big chocolate-colored eyes, he rested his mind. »Still brash, cocky, boasting, tempting, luscious...« Sano's right hand traveled up to caress a rigid cheek, the fingertips painting the infamous smirk back into the mouth's corners, tenderly striking the thin lips. "Tell me, Saitou, are my friends alright?" The former fist-fighter whispered lowly, never leaving the amber stare. "Hn." The older man answered. "You're staying just for tonight?" "Hn." Another low growl. "You're still with the Meiji police forces?" "Hn." "You want to mate with me?" ~WWW~ Saitou blinked, rapidly repeating the line of conversation in his mind. "What are you implying?" He hissed. "Are you proposing...?!" Getting up, Sano kept his cool, matter-of-fact expression. "You heard me right, Saitou. If you think it sissy or pervert, well, go back to hell. Else you're welcome to join me over there." ~WWW~ Although he was a trained and talented fighter, the wolf had never quite favored touching another living being except killing it swiftly. Well, he was married and there were three sons but he rarely visited his estranged family, preferring to dedicate his life to his vocation. »I've been alone all of my life, I don't need another one's comfort! Just another competition who will reign who, who will have to surrender...« Strange, imagining the hot-tempered Sanosuke Sagara to give in, to bow down, spread his legs... Growling, Saitou rose to his feet. No way, he was going to...!! »Improper, despicable flaw of character!« Listening up, he heard Sano moaning lowly. »So... he really is... ?!« Saitou rushed off into the heat of the plains. ~WWW~ Tossing about in a western-style bed, the evil enforcer finally gave in, left the torturing item to itself. How could those barbarians sleep on soft mattresses with all this covers, blanket and stuff?! Soundlessly, he left his chamber, moved through the huge building to leave for the stables. Maybe a ride in that cool night-air would clear his mind. »Wipe out those images....« Of a naked, suntanned body, wriggling beneath his pale one, hot breath condensing on his skin, a joint unit of spasms... »Stop it, damn! This is despicable, remember?! You're not a horny pervert ready to fuck anything crossing your path!« But why did he feel inclined to offer... well, did he offer himself? That furious, proud rooster would never ever...!! Rubbing his temples with a low curse, he walked through the lines of boxes, watching out for his horse. He needed to go home, back to Japan where everything was properly in state and order! Else the madness of the 'simple life' of a civilian would catch up on him... With a sour, bitter snort, he detected the right box but someone was already patting the horse, leaning to it. »He's a haunting, nagging nightmare!« His left fist darted out to meet the beautiful face of the former fist-fighter but Sano easily ducked the punch, his smile lacking the joyous attitude. Getting nervous, the horse bucked, thrashed... And Saitou was enforced to grab the younger man by his waist and hurriedly leave the box. Glaring at each other in the dim light of the moon, less than a silhouette, their panting slowed down to a steady breeze, traveling between both men. "Saitou..." Sano whispered. "What are we fighting for?" ~WWW~ »I've been in this huge country, a patchwork of states, for about two years. Leaving Japan, I desperately wanted to see the world, find a place to stick to, take my chances... do something really, really big. You know, the usual boasting fantasies, although I was not a child anymore. Well, I grew up fast when I met my taichou, for I wanted to fight his battle, to change minds and society. Those who murdered him, disrespected his intentions, are still in charge and the ideals of the Sekihoutai are illusions again. So, I thought, somewhere else I could stand a chance of living my ideals and I stranded with all kinds of jobs in a foreign land. As far as I've learned through stories and by my own view, there's no place where everyone's free, treated alike, justice for all. Maybe I'm staying in this huge country because I can evade the truth, that I'm imprisoned by my own ideals. Rather being all alone with a lot of cattle than realizing that the world's divided into humans and humans who are 'more alike'. The color of your skin, your heritage, your pedigree, all the fucking shit you can't change becomes your destiny. This isn't right! And I can't stand myself when I accept this point of view for a second... but I do so, nevertheless. It's all the same, everywhere. Peasants are hostages to wealthy landowners, the weak are food for the strong, survival of the coldhearted bastards... Sometimes, I just can't bear that shit anymore. Swearing and shouting into the plains... that's it....Back then, I wanted to be strong, the strongest fist-fighter of Japan, to help people, to end injustice but this is never enough. I'm not the man I used to be and not the man I wanted to. Watching those amber stars of dedication, I wish I could turn back time, fight at his side and maybe.... maybe die before I become this miserable puppet on broken strings.« ~WWW~ He had waited at the stables for the wolf to sneak up, to flee the house, to run free, to drag at his poisonous cigarettes and hike the night. Giving chase, hunting, stalking... the evil enforcer of his justice, the law in the shades. Just sharing company with the older man subsided the constant pain in his heart. The emptiness in his soul did not hurt that much. »I can be as strong-minded as him. I can survive without giving in! And if he feels like it we could enjoy our company in another way.« He was used to his own touch, spending a lot of time on his own, a healthy, sometimes horny stud, as he considered himself. Traveling with sailors and working in camps, he got to know several techniques to cause and gain pleasure, but he had never actually offered to share. As easily as he made friends, he kept his distance, a reminder of his past, the loss of all his comrades. »So how come I want to be taken by him? If that's the only option to be close to him? Damn, I need a rest.....« ~WWW~ It did not matter who started it, who's hand boldly took the initiative and caressed smooth skin. An empty box, some straw, a bucket of water to refresh.... they undressed each other, glad for the lack of light, 'viewing' through fingertips, tongue, lips, ears. A rough picture framed in their minds, a strange country waiting to be conquered but carefully, slowly, as not to destroy its beauty. No force, no violation...an unexpected gift to cherish. Sanosuke had to bite the spiky end of his bandana, keeping himself from crying out. It was his first time with a male counterpart, holding tight, standing and the sly, infernally skilled wolf definitely knew how to make him crow like a true rooster! Gasping for air, he enjoyed the ride, wishing, he could overcome ancient morals and kiss the luring lips that tended to tease and taunt so wickedly beautiful. ~WWW~ Much too fast time fled, the sound of early morning causing them to dress again. "You'll be leaving?" He asked lowly. »Of course.« "Why don't you come home?" The wolf inquired. »Because I have no home. There's no place where I can be free, equal and happy.« ~WWW~ »So the journey to the west came to an end. Well... kind of.« Saitou cracked a bitter, worn out grin as he inspected the blanket covering his futon. Sweat and semen, every night. Dreaming of that beautiful body, those slender legs, tightly covered with leather chaps, the genitalia swinging free, proudly erected to be touched, massaged, licked, nibbled, tasted, kissed. He had done so, that night, experienced the flavor of every patch of the cocky rooster, memorized his voice, his moans and sighs, the humming of his rushing blood, the thunder of heartbeats... And every night, he re-lived that one night. They had been that intimate, connected, body and soul, taking a rest within each other... and he yearned for this sacred place. Every day shuffling paperwork, spacing out, eating without appetite... he knew he was in love. Even a lonesome wolf had some vague ideas about loving. Nevertheless, he knew his place. His life depended on his vocation. Justice for all in his beloved Japan. And the rooster.... the beautiful, wild, cocky rooster... was abroad. For he had no home to come to. ~WWW~ He had been busy the last sixth months, training the new special task forces, crime fighters who were capable to meet the dawning of a new century, men who could think for themselves, loyal, strong-minded, dedicated. The wolf had never been a 'sweet-talker' like Himura, for example, so he stuck to his own way of explaining his aims and the endeavor ahead. Describing the dangers and crimes following the foreigners, their inventions and flaws, he swore 'his' men in, to stand their ground, value certain virtues of their ancestors. No strict samurai-code, obviously, for he wanted his men to take the initiative, to adapt to every occurring situation. So the lonesome wolf of Mibu had a pack once again but it was not meant to be 'his' pack. There were too many other tasks to be fulfilled before he would be hunting again, convincing powerful men to listen to his unique points of view, consider his advice, follow his instructions. New Year's Eve passed in the silence of his office, reading, writing, preparing... Far away, distant from his consciousness, he was aware of the jolly celebrations, the crowd enjoying some days off, visiting relatives, feasting and drinking. Only the lonely, like himself, stayed on duty, hiked the streets with their swords and lanterns, guarded the happy people in their cozy homes. Close to midnight, he stored away his brush, the ink-stone, adjusted the stacks of paper. Stretching and yawning, he straightened his tall figure, ready to leave, to relish the freezing night's air. Heading for the harbor where his patrol started, he inspected the small fireworks coloring the sky brightly. Merry laughter and songs embraced his slender frame, an invitation to join the crowd, to forget about his vocation for once. He refused, as he had done since his childhood. »This is all vanity.« He recalled his father's saying. »Of no importance at all.« At the harbor people were dancing, wearing the most precious kimono they owned, a beautiful sight to behold. Some of the foreigners were standing aside, in their dark, formal clothing, strange designs and cuts, especially the few women among them. »They think of us as peasants because of our clothing and habits, because we still adapt to our living conditions.« He spat, in search for a drag of stinking poison. Smoking, a filthy, despicable habit, but the nicotine calmed his constant rage. Deep within, he yearned to break free and act like he wanted to... to become the wolf again, to hunt and track down, to punish, to kill... »The simple way to make the world a better place.« He grinned sourly. But he was imprisoned by his own choice, his vocation demanded to restrict his anger, his desires, his hunger.... to become the bitter, sharp, cold, cunning beast persecuting the law. ~WWW~ Some hours later, the first morning of a new year, he walked home. Well, to the place he slept when he had the opportunity. Someone was sitting on the front porch, not being noticed by his landlord, a fearsome, small twerp with a bad skin and a bald head. A foreign sailor by the cut of his clothes. Then, a chilly breeze came up, something danced merrily around the stranger's shoulders. Straps of cloth? Saitou paced faster, grabbing the hilt of his sword for support. His heartbeat sped up, somersaulting within. In the dim morning light the stranger arose, the right fist met the left palm with a mighty blow. "...Sanosuke..." ~WWW~ »Actually I was a little afraid to show up at Saitou's place... he indeed had one! I always imagined the guy not to sleep at all, or dangle upwards down from the ceiling. I finally made it back, still no home to come to, but I did not enjoy my journey to the west after his departure. Haunting my mind like he had done before, big bad wolfie... Anyways, if there was no place on earth where I can spend my life like I wish for, like a true Sekihoutai, I could at least show up again and visit my friends! Well, somehow I found myself asking for his house first thing. I wanted to hear his taunting again, that amused, sinister chuckling, those mysterious, luring, wicked amber stars of ice, just being with the infamous wolf of Mibu, watching him, listening to his voice. Maybe then I would find an answer to my question how to go on, where to go to but I never expected him to stand frozen to the ground, watching me with that intense stare of further peril... and desperation.« ~WWW~ »Shocked to the bone, how literally true.« He trembled, a minor shaking, only perceivable to the skilled - but he did. No way to move on. Sticking to the spot, he just watched. »It is you, finally and right now, I don't know how to react! Of all days, of all people: Sanosuke Sagara. Peasant boy, Sekihoutai, gangster, crime-fighter, cowboy, sailor...« "I got something for you from my trip." A little uncertain, the smooth, warm voice offered. "I found it in the spring..." A small blue stone rested on a strong palm, a turquoise. "You... could use it as a paperweight... well, a small one, alright..." Sanosuke trailed off, hesitating. "Ahem.. I just put it here, okay? Gotta run now, you're busy, I guess." Hurriedly, he snatched his bag. »Foolish to expect one person to bring his answers although the old bastard could at least have spared a greeting!« The former fist-fighter made his way past Saitou when, in one swift motion, the wolf grabbed an astonishingly delicate wrist. "Don't leave." He growled hoarsely. ~WWW~ Dragging the younger man in, he forgot about everything capturing his true nature. There was no prison, no cage for his heart when he felt like breaking free. Within a blink, he was back again, the hunter, the wolf, undressing his prey hurriedly, tossing away the clothes like the ruffled feathers of a rooster. He'd never let him go. ~WWW~ Sanosuke gasped, his throat achingly dry, his body collapsing once again in after-spasms. He'd be worn out to his limits if the wolf did not slow down a bit... Saitou was definitely serious about 'devouring' him completely. All those hoarse, growled words of devotion, of hunger, of desire, of possession... he had missed them without knowing so. With a low sated sigh, the older man sank to his side, embracing his lover protectively. Tracing the lines of age and exhaustion, Sanosuke smiled cautiously, striking the shiny, black strands. "I missed you, too, man." He whispered, smirking tenderly. The amber stars sparkled with hellfire. "You're a nice birthday gift." The wolf grinned wickedly. "I like to toy around with my prey." A short attack from close distance, a small fight to become another in-fight again. The wolf let out a deep, hollow cry of joy. ~WWW~ For the first time in his life, the wolf carefully shared his nights with another man, probing his will to stay with Sanosuke. In the day times, both men worked separately, Saitou on duty while Sanosuke tried his best to find a lasting occupation but he was not lucky, to his own distress. Too many people remembered the former gangster with the hot temperament, the fist-fighter and troublemaker. Without relatives, there was no way to earn a living as a craftsman, although he had the skills. Sanosuke hesitated to ask his lover for advice, regarding their frail relationship.. They shared a meal, a futon, a sound appetite for sexual exchange of energy - but they did not talk. Maybe Saitou feared he would be leaving soon or something else was amiss with the infamous evil enforcer of his law. Sanosuke pondered without solution. Of course, he had paid a visit to all his friends, glad to find them happy and prospering. Alas, all of them indicated that he'd be traveling in no time again, like a bird without a nest, flying with the winds, no roots, no connection to the ground, driven, not in charge of his own destiny, always looking for opportunities to sate the void in his soul. »Is it true?« He sat down at the porch, waiting for Saitou, not caring for the grumbling landlord who did not like the sounds he had to endure every night, the mating cries and shouts of wild animals... The dusk fell like a heavy blanket, depressingly dark-grey dimness embraced the slender frame rigidly waiting for assurance... or at least a lusting touch. The world had become colder when their fight ended, their ways parted. The times did not care for former heroes. »I depend on him... a burden... a subordinate... a freeloader...« He sulked, even the eerie, spiky strands hung low. »Even here, there's no home for me. I can't stay with him like that.« ~WWW~ The wolf headed home with a straightforward, fast pace, a smug grin twisting the corners of his mouth. Somehow he became strong-willed again with the prospect of Sanosuke waiting for him every night. A shameful yearning, admittedly, though the wolf did not bother anymore. Outliving his comrades, friend or foe, he felt justified to entertain one minor vice, serving his country, supporting his family, caring for his neighbors, sort of, at least. He stopped, watching Sanosuke cowering at the porch, legs tightly pressed to the slender body like a child trying to protect itself. »A rare sight of a grown-up man... maybe he's sick?« Saitou rushed over, bent to inspect the pale, sad face of his cocky rooster. A gush of fear flooded his mind. Instantly, he knelt down, caressing the cold cheeks tenderly. "What's up with you, Sano? Are you ill?" He inquired worriedly. "... tired... just tired, 'jime." The younger man answered, slowly rising to his feet, turning away. This night, he snuggled as close as possible to the wolf, evading the amber stars at every occasion. ~WWW~ »He'll be leaving...« Saitou could not sleep, holding the younger man tight. »I can't let him go... I won't! Why can't he look me straight into the eyes and just tell me...?! Does it hurt him, too? Why leaving then?« With the first beams of morning he rose, collected every strap and rope he could find, binding and gagging the drowsy lover. "You won't leave me, Sano. You're mine." He hissed in a low series of growls, kissing the damp forehead beneath the dark-brown spikes. The former fist-fighter did not fight back but turned away his head, curling together in silent misery. ~WWW~ Well, alright, he spent his life to wield out justice, but a future was nothing without people living it! And if he was not able to make one single person happy with his justice, a person very dear to his heart, what was his justice worth?! He wanted Sanosuke to laugh, to smile his gorgeous grin, to prance about, to burst of sheer lust for life.... how come he became that depressed?! So, he went about, searching the place where Sanosuke had asked for occupation, talking, listening, considering. At the end of his day, dedicated to another duty than sole justice, he entered his single room, taking a seat close to the gagged man. "I understand." He stated, softly striking the shock of dark-brown spikes. "But since you came back to me at my birthday, I think of you as a special gift I will never set free again, so you better start right now to get accustomed to me, rooster. We will make it together. Understood?" ~WWW~ Kissing the younger man, the wolf searched the bag for the chaps, a souvenir from the New World, dressing Sanosuke, feeding him, resting next to him. "We have to move on, Sano. The times are changing, but we're still alive, so we will go on. Have faith in me as I will trust in you." With this promise, he turned over to whisper a luscious offer to the blushing rooster, licking his ear, chuckling at the marvelous shade of rosy color at the suntanned cheeks. If they'd be starting over again, he wanted them to be equal partners and he yearned for the unique experience of being loved from within and without. ~WWW~ On the second day of imprisonment, Sanosuke spent the hours reading newspapers, watching the birds and children, listening to the buzzing life outside. He'd never guessed that the infamous wolf of Mibu loved to tease while making love, chew at his spiky strands, whisper definitely improper offers to his ears. They had been laughing at the end, panting, holding tight, admiring the virile beauty of each other, finally, they had come to terms. Once in a while, one had to realize that there was no way of saving mankind. Like a child, societies had to learn for themselves, too. And now, he could wait patiently for his lover to return. »So this is his birthday gift to me... a place to come back to, a safe haven in his heart, a sacred place in his arms.« ~WWW~ Saitou sported the wicked grin of a lusting hunter as he entered his single room. The rooster smiled mischievously, ready to share the worn-out futon for a tackling before dinner. "Hey, rooster, I've something for you!" Saitou lured the younger man, crossing his arms, baring his shiny fangs. "Come and get it." "Sooo... I guess, I've got to frisk you, wolfie, for I can't see anything special around your dirty old uniform." Sanosuke replied, kneading his knuckles. Saitou chuckled expectantly. "Go ahead, search me, finder's keepers." ~WWW~ Undressing Saitou was a painstakingly slow endeavor, for the older man hosted so many delicate spots Sanosuke liked to pay an intimate visit. Half an hour later he still had not found something new along the tall frame, while Saitou panted heavily, trembling, since he had to stand straight and patiently wait for his lover to finally get the clue. Licking the shaft of Saitou's penis, Sanosuke's skilled tongue met a strange feeling... a silken thread? Closely inspecting the tiny device, he doubled his efforts to watch the muscles erect his favorite toy... and, carefully attached at the scrotum, waited a small key to be detected. "Got it!" He exclaimed, cheering and kissing the soft skin to apologize for taking away its secret. Then, with a sharp twitch, he bit the thread. Saitou gasped in exhaustion sinking to his lover's proud embrace. "You're really taking your time!" He growled, patting the eerie shock of dark-brown strands benevolently. "Nice go." "Where does it belong to, that key?" Sanosuke kissed a small eyebrow, licked a sharp cheekbone inquiringly. "I'll show you when you're over with searching me." The wolf picked the rooster's nosetip admonishing. "Hu?" Sanosuke paid his debts by sucking an earlobe. "A thorough search goes to every spot. I still could hide something from you." The wolf growled, feigning disappointment with his slow pupil. An evil snicker met a wicked, leering grin. "I'd never miss out that particular hot-spot of yours, big bad wolfie!" Sanosuke whispered huskily, forcing his lover to the futon once again. ~WWW~ Taking his younger lover out to prove his serious intentions, Saitou had asked the former fist-fighter to wear his spare kimono, a black colored clothing made of silk. He enjoyed the enrapturing sight of his lover, a virile, strong, self-conceited and maliciously smirking rooster, with the proud red bandana topping his unusual attire. The wolf himself went like he had done before the Meiji times, wearing the Shinsengumi colors of loyalty and devotion to justice, matching the flaring amber of his eyes. They had shared a superb meal, walked a little to clear off the sake, breathing in the chilly night's air, watching the stars. He did not care for what people might think or dared to gossip. He had not been laughing that hard and often since a long time ago, just slipping out off his rigid, stoic public appearance. "It's over there." He directed the strolling rooster, stepping close to a small frontier of little houses in a rather mediocre neighborhood. Carefully, Sanosuke crossed the dusty small lawn, to open the shrieking sliding door. The house definitely had seen better days. Only two floors, the basement resembled a tiny shed, the store and working place of a craftsman while the first floor hosted the living quarters. The backyard held a separate, small bath house and the outhouse. And loads of pebbles and small rocks... "Well, justice does not pay high fees, but I think we can afford this place." Saitou shrugged, a little shy as his lover walked slowly through the small quarry. "Since I know you to be quite good with crushing rocks, you could have a try at masonry..." Patting for cigarettes, he cursed. »No smoking sticks with the kimono!« "So...." Sanosuke turned to meet the amber glow of uneasiness and hope. "This will be our home? Our place?" "Hn." Saitou grunted, blinking, to his utter shame nervous to his bones. "I like it." The rooster stated calmly. "It's cozy. A little refreshing, a patch of color here and there....yeah, it will look great." He trailed over, embracing Saitou carefully, entwining his chocolate-colored glow with the amber flare. "I feel at home with you, 'jime." He confessed with his velvety voice. "So whatever will happen to us, I'll never leave you. Promise." The wolf smiled genuinely, his heart somersaulting once again while he threw back is head and called out in utter joy. "Love you, too, Sano." ~WWW~ The end ~ ~WWW~ Thanks for traveling the west. kimera Notes of production Wrote this thingy because during the weekly torture for the sake of health, my gym teacher plays every time (buark) Will Smith's "Wild Wild West"... and I came to hate it! So while suffering, I had some minor vision of Sano in chaps, and Saitou dealing with the modern times... and ended up here. It's not a funny story, to be true, but even those guys can grow up and become serious about their future, right? ^-^