title: Fireflies' dance author: kimera archive: http://www.kimerascall.lima-city.de/ contact: kimerascall@gmx.de fan fiction series: Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki SaiSa Sizzle and Burn-challenge no. 2, cigarette-caused fire PG: 16 category: suspense written: 21.05.2003 disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki, the challenge was originated by the Queen Yokozuna. Special Warning: No native, so millions of mistakes, misspellings... your mind will spin and possibly detonate but you've been warned ^_^ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ ~+~ Fireflies' dance »Weelll... things could be worse.« The tall, spiky-haired youth tried to cheer himself up but he had no idea how the mess he was walking in could be helped. He was running out of luck, this was definitely true. It started with the little chitchat with the crazy girlfriend of his buddy Kenshin, took over on Katsu who was waiting for the rent, then he had a fight with some stupid asshole who kicked his bike... And right now, on the special, honorable day he kept for his foster parent, he had to realize that the municipal authorities had cleared the graveyards. "Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck!!" He screamed at the top of his lungs, released some of the pressure that kept nagging on his mind. He checked back on the office if there was a delivery-job waiting but Kamatari just chirped him off. »Another day in hell.« He resumed wearily. »I gotta have a vacation. Short break anyways, something to cut off that bad luck strike!« "Yo, Chou!" He called out for a blond man with some kind of broom hairdo, joined his former rival, dragging along his bike. "Oi, roosterhead, what happened to you? Look like shit!" Chou's usual lack of tact cracked a small grin in the attractive features of his companion. "You didn't meet a mirror recently, owly!" He teased smirking, easily avoiding a hearty punch. "You still with that artist guy, whathisname?" Chou focused on the street, glaring at everyone in reach. He had been a mean street-fighter and he didn't bother for a show if he crossed the path of some moron in desperate need to get a surgical checkup. "Katsu? Yeah. He gets famous, has some rich guys to buy his stuff." Sanosuke didn't entrust Chou that he silently feared for the day when his foster brother decided that a split-up would improve his lifestyle. "Say, you know a place where I can like.. chill-out or something?" The owlish glance inspected his face closely, then the blonde shrugged. "Hell, if you're sure about it, there's some old warehouse down the block." ~+~ He didn't like the car. It was a trap, an illusion of safety. »It kept you away from the smell, the atmosphere, the unseen things between the shades, kept you civilized, stupid, human.« He took a drag of his cigarette, stroking some strands out of his gleaming eyes. »Patience.« ~+~ Sanosuke shouldered his bike, his most valued possession right now and climbed up a broken-down staircase, listening to the creaks and sighs of cheap and outdated wood. He entered the second floor, a wasted area with old furniture harboring the strong odor of filth and human deposits. There were at least signs of human life: three boys around his age were lying spread out, traveling far away with their spirits, judging by their intense grin. He hesitated. »Okay, you need a break but consider yourself helplessly wound up like them...« "Hi Gorgeous, wanna take a trip to the fairies?" Sanosuke's attention concentrated on a fragile girl in a schoolgirl's uniform. "You run this place?" He questioned incredulously, wiping the dark-brown mass of spiky hair. The girl giggled, reaching out for his hand. "Be my guest, please?" Her artificially attached green eyelashes blinked a secret code of seduction. "Uh, how much?" He managed to train his tongue, overcoming his confusion. His guide smiled encouragingly. "Don't worry, the first one's for free...happy hour!" She giggled again. »This is creepy...« Sanosuke decided. Nevertheless he could at least give it a try. »I need to cheer up and those guys didn't look too depressed...« ~+~ He needn't inspect the display to judge the time passing while the tall youth with the bike had entered the deserted house. »Just some moron who couldn't cope with reality and left his miserable state of existence to hop away in Alice's Wonderland.« Opening the door he glided out of the car and headed in a steady pace to the entrance. ~+~ Things were going worse. Sanosuke could smell trouble if he was in a fighting range but he couldn't smash his way out of this one, due to lying almost numb on his back, sweating heavily, his heart racing in high-speed performance. He had just asked for some little painkiller. NOW he would have been glad to even feel pain. »I gotta get outta here...« He tried effortlessly to turn around, get on his fours to crawl away. »No way to treat customers...if I can walk again, I'm gonna kick some ass really very hard...« He closed his eyes, catching breath in hasty drags. "Don't anybody move." A hoarse snicker. "This is law enforcement proceeding." Sanosuke convinced his eyelids to give way for an inquiring glance at the owner of that sinister voice from deep down. The man walking into his view was tall, slender and definitely malicious looking, black strands overshadowing a strong-willed face with intense, amber eyes. A piercing lupine quality seemed to encircle his menacing apparition like a corona. "Huaju?" Even his tongue was numb by now. "None of your business, moron. Get your ass moving." Sanosuke let out a brief snort. »Funny one, wolfie!« "You get out here!" The girl was giggling while aiming at the strange enforcer of the law who easily avoided the shot and hit her unconscious without any trace of emotion. »Yay, Sano, now THAT is creepy... nice break, dumbo!« "What's keeping you, dumbass?" Even the dark voice tingled of malice and sadistic amusement. »I am paralyzed, fucking copper, so how am I supposed to get up?!« Beyond his view he heard muffled sounds, the pacing of the stranger, creaking planks. Shortly afterward he detected smoke, the alarming sting of smoldering synthetic fibers used to fill up furniture. »Damn it!« Sanosuke reeled around, feeling dizzy, desperately forcing himself on his knees. He had spend a lot of his life in worn-down houses, mostly constructed out of concrete and wood, very easily to burn like a chimney if once in flames. Before he could clear his view he felt strong hands gripping his neck and the hem of his trousers, lift him eagerly from the ground. In his blurring eyes everything spun, followed by a rush of air and the horrifying impression of losing connection to the earth. But mother earth fetched him rather overenthusiastic again in no time: he hit a garbage heap hard and lost consciousness. ~+~ He collected the bike and checked every room before he left the building, in his usual calm pace. »By now the second floor should be burning. Bad thing about cigarettes and an old couch: they did never get along with each other. Not a shame anyway.« ~+~ The mind-blowing scream of sirens woke Sanosuke out of his drugged stupor. He managed to stagger out of the damping heap, blinked a few times, found to his utter confusion his bike waiting for a ride and fled. The old warehouse was burning like hellfire, clouded in black, poisonous smoke and he was still sweating heavily, shuddering and freezing alike. Whatever he had got by that chick, it was causing big trouble. »I better get to Katsu... better not be caught hanging around here.« He somehow mounted his trustworthy bike and headed towards their own turf, the familiar blocks where he could attain shelter and sleep off this nightmarish drugging. Due to his lack of steady pedaling he changed his plans after a few seconds. He wouldn't make it to their place. Well, Kenshin was in reach and even his tomboy girlfriend couldn't let him down in the state he was in, at least he hoped so. He smelled like the garbage which caught his fall and this was breathtaking enough. Staggering to the front gate he banged heavily on the steel doors, unable to voice his need for entrance. "What the heck?! Kenshin, get the door, will ya?!" Light steps, the rheumatic screeching of the steel hinges and Sanosuke faced a smiling young man with a cross-shaped mark on his left cheek, the brilliant red hair flowing down a fragile-looking figure. "Sano? What's happened to you?" A small hand caught his wrist, dragging him inside while sniffing. "Uh... don't take this personally, but you..." "I know." Sanosuke managed to interrupt his friend. "Don't blame me! The psycho cop tossed me down the rubbish two floors." "Oro?" The small man blinked confusedly. Grinning faintly Sanosuke stroke his head. "Never mind, Kennie! I just need a rest... a shower and a nap will do." Right this instant an angry young woman appeared on the porch, causing Sanosuke's companion to flinch instinctively. "Kenshin Himura, if I recollect correctly, we had an agreement about your so-called buddies showing up unexpectedly!" She hissed menacingly. "Kaoru, sweetheart, this is an emergency." Kenshin hesitantly braved the piercing stare. "So what do you call the customers waiting in our laundry, hu? And why do you keep gathering street rats all the same?! I told you he's trouble!" The young woman with her black, shiny ponytail approached rapidly, gripping one earlobe of the redhaired man. "Now listen closely, darling: the authorities are looking for a young man with a bike, leaving a burnt warehouse down the street and I can smell someone soaked in smoke. Besides other horrible stuff." Both turned their gaze to Sanosuke who shrugged sheepishly. "You... didn't walk in there to take drugs, didn't you?!" Kenshin's voice shrieked in terror. His tall friend turned his head, wiping the mop of dark-brown hair. "I told you he is no good!" Kaoru ushered her boyfriend to the porch but Kenshin refused to move, his feet deep in the ground to maintain his stand. "Sanosuke, please, do answer me." He inquired, almost inaudible. "I... am sorry, Kenshin. I needed a break...damn it!" The tall youngster cursed ashamed. "You didn't set up the fire?" Kaoru wouldn't give credit that easily. "Hell, no! There was some freakish cop who broke into the place..." Sanosuke chewed his lip thoughtfully. He turned to focus on Kaoru. "They are asking for 'assistance' on the radio? How do they know...?" "Somebody must have seen you get away." Kenshin resumed aloud. "I am getting fucking mad anytime soon!" The tall roosterheaded youth fumed. You didn't need much of an imagination what rumors had spread while he was keeping his head down to reach Kenshin's place. The streets had ears and eyes invisible to the ordinary people. "You cannot leave, Sano, this is serious. They won't ask questions, I may add." Kaoru stamped her foot impatiently. "We can sort this out later on. Sano, get your lazy ass under the shower, I will prepare the guest room. And Kenshin, you'll fetch something decent for this big idiot." She rushed off, leaving the two men eyeing each other cautiously. "Just don't ask." The small man whispered. Sanosuke grinned broadly. "This must be love, then." He tried to cheer up his friend who returned this encouraging judgment by a fiery gleam on his porcelain cheeks. ~+~ Scrubbing off the drench of soap and remains of his deep-down plunge in the rubbish heap he felt released a little. Toweling his hair he inspected his slender body in the mirror, tracing the tracks the recent events had caused. He was losing his natural cheerfulness, rendering into some prick-headed hamster downward the treadmill, just worrying for the rent, for his image around people, his lack of education... Fuck, everything turned out to be less fun than growing up had used to promise! Whatever, right now he had to consider his next step carefully. Some psycho had burnt the drughouse and he had been seen... Well, somebody with a bike but he was pretty sure that the witness even knew his name...that fucking copper! No doubt he had spread the news and Sanosuke Sagara had some impressing record, like resisting custody, insulting officers, breaking the peace... and his hatred towards drugs and dealers was well-known. »I am done.« The youth judged severely. »They won't ask questions. No one will actually. I can't call Katsu and I have to leave Kenshin, too. They will watch out for me... oh, this is great!« He leaned heavily on the sink, gripping it tightly while collecting his wits in a joint effort. Telling the coppers what he had seen wouldn't help matters. He needed to take his chances with the street. »Bargaining with drug dealers...Dad, I am truthfully sorry!« He apologized silently. Adjusting the red bandana which kept the strands out of his chocolate-colored eyes, he granted his twin in the mirror an encouraging glare of self-confidence. »I can do this, no prob! Just get to the owner of that wreck, give a hint that the coppers are closing down their business. Hmm...« He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. The old shag surely was not part of some insurance-thing, wasn't it?! If true, he should better not deal with them. He could never gather enough money to pay insurance-sharks out. »Hell, cut the crab, dumbo! The cops won't kill you but the other guys might like to move your pretty ass in the bay, with those fancy shoes made of concrete!« He stuck out his tongue to mock off his fears. »I will talk them out of it. Finitum.« ~+~ Kenshin watched his younger companion anxiously, keeping his sheepish grin to the outside. He had found some boxers, an old muscle-shirt and worn-out jeans, the stuff someone left at the laundry's and never cared to collect. Sanosuke looked like his former self when they had met the first time: a street-fighter, ready to rumble, keen and always in the heat, charging at a glance. Besides his stunning amiability, if he didn't want to combat, and, after all, his breathtaking beauty, the quality of good-looking that sent you grabbing your hormones and hitting on him, regardless of everything else, because he was a male ideal, Adonis of the streets. »He's always in some kind of mess!« The redhaired man released an indulgent sigh. »And if I turn around, he will be gone, facing his fate on his own.« "Sano?" He softly touched the youth's wrist. "Please take this." He put a cellphone in one big hand, closing the lean, strong fingers around the shiny material. Chocolate-colored eyes met crimson one's. "Please." The fragile man repeated with his loveliest smile, only a rare sight, even to his friends. With the boasting grin that flashed as easily as the dark eyelashes winked, Sanosuke accepted the device of communication. "I am sorry for all this shit, seriously, Kenshin. I didn't mean to hurt you." He whispered, stroking cautiously the porcelain cheek with its cross. "Take the subway through the cellars." Kenshin advised, relating to the old custom of connecting the houses underground. Sanosuke nodded, placed a peck on the forehead. "See ya!" And left for the hidden staircase. Kenshin sighed again, suddenly encircled by supporting arms. "You know he is simply too stupid to get into real danger." Kaoru assured. »I dearly hope you're right.« ~+~ It took some time and several wrong turns until Sanosuke found the exit he planned to use. Walking the cool, narrow tunnels, he had time to reconsider his strategy towards the drug dealers. »First of all: find them without delay.« He imagined that there had to be more warehouses like the one he had visited, so someone could give him a hint where to find the boss, if he asked politely. Thankfully that horrid drug had lost its grip on his trained body, so he felt ready to take on anyone, well, anyone unarmed. Blinking he climbed into the light of the setting sun, a few blocks away from Kenshin's laundry. Carefully he inspected his surroundings but the passersby didn't notice him as a suspect of arson the police likely wanted to question. He walked fast, heading for the lower end of the skid row, refusing the offers of street-hiking women and men. He never had deliveries in this area but it always paid to know your neighbors and to hide away your values. Some instants later he stood in front of the building he considered to be a 'chill-out'-place like the ruin back home. Sanosuke didn't bother checking for a proper entry, he just smashed some bars and ignited his lighter. The smell was encouraging, at least familiar, the sight, too: filth, rubbish, excrement.. A shadow moved to his left and the youth turned fast, gliding into a fighting stance without hesitation. "Oi, Sweetie, gotta spoon?" A haggard figure mumbled, bearing less than four teeth in a row. Sanosuke shrugged his nervousness off. "Sorry, gramps, no cutlery with me." He avoided the odor of this presumably human being. There was a staircase around a corner and he took his chances, very carefully checking on every step to stand his weight. The first floor consisted merely of holes in the ground, like a drop-zone for explosives. Second floor... he listened closely, trying to catch every indication of other people around. »Damn it, there has to be someone!« He climbed to floor number three, having some nice views directly to the sky. "Hello?" He called out eagerly, circling to get a glimpse at every room. "Waddayawant?" A meager youth with a skin like serpents on fire emerged from a room, separated with an old carpet hanging down the ceiling. "You the boss?" Sanosuke didn't lose any time, rushing forward and grabbing the backing man by the collars of his old-fashioned shirt. "Leggo, sonofabitch!" His prisoner whined, struggling meekly. »Uh, what a disgusting sissy....« The youth concentrated at the task at hand. "You don't wanna make me repeat my question, do you?" He glared, shaking the other man violently. According to his experience this had to be sufficient to get the answer and he was right. "No, man, I am just providing the little stuff! Now, let go, please?!" "So, where can I find the boss? And don't even think about lying, moron, or I cut off your ugly head!" "No need to threaten! Don't get that much..." His opponent made some efforts to reach the wall. Sanosuke watched him proceeding, drawing with his fingertips a rough sketch into the chalky plaster. "This the place?" He investigated, furrowing his brows to read the map. "Yeah, now let go of me!" Without further ado Sanosuke shoved his opponent aside. "Always a pleasure." The meager man disappeared hastily, leaving the youth memorizing the sketch. He had no idea about that place but he knew how to get there. Watching suspiciously his environment he left the old house and headed towards his new destination. Something fishy was going on... He was no fool. Things were running too smooth: nobody wanting to bring him down, no coppers at his heels, that weasel just bragging out the secret office of the drug dealers... Someone invited him to get to the place. But why? ~+~ Scratching his neck Sanosuke looked up to the mighty building, ornamented in Art Deco style, in the dusk ruling the neighborhood like an old castle although it did not tower the street's level. It was just... amazing! The haunting beauty of nature caught in one single, enticing house, stranded through the drifts of time in this deserted area. Well, not deserted like the places he had been this day but everything bore the lack of interest and the greedy urban jungle festered through crackles without limit. He liked the ancient building at first glance, like you could fall for another being: simple attraction mixed up with expectancy and the strong intention of a playful fate lurking nearby. Sanosuke hesitated, admiring the facade silently. The eyes of some hidden spectator burnt on his skin and he knew that something was definitely wrong about this whole setup. »Proceed or back off?« Even the enormous eyes of this forsaken castle inspected the difficult process of finally gaining a decision. He stepped further, entering a small, rough looking lawn when some gorilla-shaped men with the frosty attitude of bodyguards blocked his way. He flashed one of his famous smiles and asked for the boss, being sent from the weasel-guy at the wreck. Actually he didn't mind being brushed off. Nobody would let him pull that trick. Eventually, he was lead to the great hall to be seated. Gazing around, he sighed inwardly. Big trouble: someone really yearned to get to see him.... And he pitied the poor interior of the house, some furniture which gave home to all kinds of small animals and insects, puddles of water, leaking tubes behind walls which were covered with tags, the rotten smell of moistened plaster. He had been fooled another time but it didn't matter that much. A few minutes passed while he inspected the atrium, then two alike looking gorillas ushered him a big staircase up to another hall, presumably used in former times to join for a dance or a ball. There were heavy curtains shadowing the big windows, an incredibly large bureau reigned the spare place, ducked behind a man and another pair of gorillas. Sanosuke blinked but a lamp, the only resource of light in the entire hall, blinded him. "So it was you who burnt down my houses.", An unpleasantly pitched voice sneered at him. "No, I didn't!" The tall youth interrupted fast, spinning around to keep his gorilla guides at distance. "You did a big job, dumbass." The presumed drug dealer continued regardless. "Four houses in a day's time. Quite an endeavor, congratulations." "Hu?" Sanosuke took some steps further. "What are you talking about?!" "Just repeating the news, idiot." A feeble chuckle followed, the hollow ringing of defective lungs. "But I didn't do it, you asshole! Listen up, there's some psychic copper ..." Sanosuke staggered back, the mere shock of being hit by a bullet into his left shoulder drying out his wrath. He blinked, tried to shrug off the dreamlike stupor his brains seemed to adapt, feeling his blood dripping down his skin, soaking the muscle-shirt and the thin trousers. His guards grabbed his arms, ignoring the hiss of pain while wrenching them on his back. "Now, gentlemen, if you would be kind enough to show our guest the second floor. Make sure he is as uncomfortable as possible and provide this trash with our nastier goodies, will you?" The dark-haired youth started cursing and yelling at the top of his lungs, using every single insult he had met in his lifetime, to pay back to his tormentors. He fought down the paralyzing fear of dying at this place, the desire to close his eyes and flee the pain. »I need to remain strong, to be awake!! There must be some way outta here, there has to be!! I make these assholes pay!!« Swearing and struggling he was pushed one floor up, the path through rubbish and old furniture dimly illuminated by an old paper lantern with tiny Chinese scribbling on it. One of his guards forced him to the ground, taking his seat on Sanosuke's hip while wrenching his arms in an angle that even the former street-fighter could not endure without screaming in utter agony. The other man proceeded businesslike, heating some ingredients the youth was unable to see. The syringe appeared in Sanosuke's view and he gathered his last resources of strength to oppose both men but inevitably the injection stung in his right armpit. »They are experienced!« He swore helplessly. They didn't spend their time waiting for his blood carrying the poison: they went for his lymph system. "We are to make sure he will stay." The guard sitting on Sanosuke's hip rumbled slowly. The other one grunted... and planted his heel on Sanosuke's right hand, spread out by force. Sanosuke could listen to the crushing of his bones, gritting his teeth not to cry out and shed tears to relieve his pain. While the weight on his hips lifted, a well-aimed kick into his stomach drew out his breath. Then, through his blurring sight, he watched them leave, idly tossing a cigarette onto some puddle on the ground and block the door from the outside. Sanosuke rolled over and screamed in terror, the echoes bouncing off the walls. ~+~ He could smell the fear, the smoke, the gasoline, the male scent mingled with sadistic satisfaction. A grim smile wrinkled his thin lips. »Showtime.« ~+~ "Ha, this is all too easy. Snatch me my cellphone and call up that snoop, will ya? We're nothing more than law-abiding citizens, saving the tax-payers a lot of hard-earned money!" A meek snicker. "Now, let's see.. tomorrow I will have that appointment with the lawyer, then I meet that asshole from the city department and next week we can start tearing down this wreck." "I don't think so." A calm voice whispered maliciously. An instant later, the driver had literally lost his head and the big limousine headed straight into a massive container, waiting for his departure. The passengers, if still able to move, tried to get out of the wreckage but they didn't get far. A sword-wielding stranger who enforced the law took them down. ~+~ Sanosuke blinked, crawling across the floor which creaked menacingly. The fire smoked heavily from the puddles of gasoline but the dancing flames, spreading sparks, wouldn't take much longer before they conquered the floor. First, he needed to tie off his upper arm, second, he had to move out very fast. Just as he reached for the handle, the doors burst into the hall with a crash. A tall figure, completely clad in black, entered, amber eyes gleaming like sulfurous flames from hell. The youth swallowed, gasping at the fresh air which caused the fire to spread infuriated. "Get up." Although he felt like yelling at this because of all his sufferings Sanosuke restrained the impulse. He followed the stranger to the top of the staircase, to find the lupine face frown. The staircase had broken down. "You won't fly me out of the window again?" The spiky-haired youth teased weary, leaning to the rail as support. "No. Jump." Sanosuke tried a snorted laughter but coughed violently instead. "Well, have it your way." The dark man took another step to the gaping hole. "Please..." A bloodied hand caught his shoulder. "Help..me..." The stranger brushed off the weak grip and leaped right away, securely setting foot on a landing. Another series of crackles and creaks but it supported his weight nevertheless. "Now jump." Sanosuke winced in pain, steeled his limbs desperately, took a few steps to gain speed... and jumped. Much to his surprise the stranger caught his fall, reeling their joint unit around and down the stairs, simply tipping steps with his toes and pushing away. He stopped the circling motion on first floor, letting go of Sanosuke's frail body who panted painfully. »This guy... can't be... human... impossible...« "The ceiling will come down." He was informed casually. Sanosuke lunged forward, hitting his knees, sticking to an ankle. "You... owe... me..." He managed to utter. "Don't interfere with me." The dark voice somewhere above threatened. The youth spit out saliva and blood, writhing in agony. His skin gleamed of sweat while his body shook feverishly, the powerful drug forcing its way through his lymph system. Moaning he could not focus on begging or arguing anymore, his entire universe consisted of raging pain and spasms. The tall man got down, inspected the youth while listening to the sounds of the dying building. From far he could hear the sirens of the fire brigades. Maybe someone already reported the supposedly car accident... He absentmindedly adjusted his sword on his back. No time to hesitate, he had things to attend to! He picked up the almost unconscious youth, sought his way out of the back entrance where nearly a century ago had been a well-kept garden with stocks of beautiful flowers. Nowadays, the jungle had entered civilization again, casting fearsome shadows in the raging flames bursting out of empty windows. The house was mourning its decease one last time. The stranger didn't bother to look back. He mingled with the wild nature swallowing him gladly. ~+~ A strong hand whipped his cheek repeatedly, an urgent gesture, no personal interest. Sanosuke opened his eyes, hissing and glaring. At least he tried to. The room he found himself in, securely bound to an old-fashioned bedpost, didn't sport more light than the hall he had been supposed to die in. He fidgeted carefully and noticed frowning that his wrists were fixed to one end of the rack, his ankles to the opposing one. "You better not move." The cold dark voice advised him out of the shadows. Gathering his spirits the youth complained. "Why did you tie me up?" "Are you willing to fight?" His question was ignored. Sanosuke moaned as a sudden spasm tore his body. "This is just the initial blow." Velvet smoothed his aching mind. Confusedly he blinked, turning his head in a futile effort to watch the ghostly stranger. "Go to sleep." Hot breath caressed his skin, then waves of agony engulfed the spiky-haired youth. ~+~ While listening to the hushed panting of the young man he inspected the wounds closely. The injuries were far from lethal, he decided, cleaned the whole of them and covered the shoulder. Luckily, the bullet had passed through without major damage, so he considered the boy to recover to his full strength again. If he overcame the poisonous drug, of course. He fixed the broken bones and probed the muscles and sinews. This one would take more time, special training and patience. The youth cried in his narcotic sleep, silently spreading tears across his pale cheeks, whispering once in a while. "... dad..." The tall man in his black attire dried the streaks, following his own train of thoughts. Far from mocking the stupidity of his enemies he waited for the next step, polishing the shiny blade of his trustworthy sword. It could masterly cut through the roof of a big limousine when used properly, as easy as opening a can. They would never ever detect a trace of his presence at the sites of crime. Well, he was only half done by now... it was their turn to get into the finals. ~+~ Sanosuke woke in a blur of shades and dull pain. His body ached, every single nerve had to be inflamed, at least they stung like hell. Violently coughing he tried to sit up, coming to an abrupt halt by the ropes, keeping his limbs spread out. "Whuddeheg?!" He managed to grumble hoarsely before clearing his sore throat again. "Stay calm, else I will gag you." The malicious voice tingled down his spine, hastening shivers over his skin. The usually brash youth considered to decline the order but thought otherwise. He couldn't even swallow without tears welling in his eyes and the arrogant bastard at his side was not to be impressed with stubbornness. The resolute sound of his commands indicated this too clearly. A glass with sticky, smelling fluid touched his lips and he took sip after sip cautiously. The ache in his throat subsided slowly, ready to give room for the throbbing pain in his shoulder and his right hand. He eyed the black figure of the strange enforcer of the law suspiciously, the tranquil, self-restraint gestures and movements in the narrow room they were sharing. The kind of self-conceited guy you came to hate instantly at first sight, like a trained reflex but this one was different. This corona of beast-like stealth in combination with his straightforwardness had the quality of a pointed gun. The only thing that crowded your mind was the time left until the bullet hit you between the eyes. »No way to defeat me.« His amber glare signaled bluntly. Sanosuke sighed. He didn't want to give in but he had still some sense of self-preservation left. "Why did you have to tie me up?" He asked without rising his voice. "You would have tossed everything to the ground, including your sorry self, if I had not taken this precaution." The tall man retorted flatly. Controlling his temper the youth continued inquiring. "Why did you show up anyway? Did you know those were drug dealers?" A brief snort. Shuffling a little the spiky-haired youth tried to bed himself more comfortable. "You didn't just pass by, right? Like that stunt at the warehouse..." Sanosuke took a deep breath in. "You started the fire, didn't you?" The sulfurous gleam grew stronger, alighting the haunting eyes. "As far as I got to know", the dark voice bristled like hot-burning coals, "it was arson by a dark-haired youngster with a bike who held a grudge against drugs and tossed a cigarette at the wrong spot." "I didn't do it!" Sanosuke fumed, probing his strength on the ropes and the bedposts. He lost but honestly didn't expect otherwise. His opponent lit a cigarette and leaned back, the illusion of nonchalance betrayed by his piercing glare. "You should have listened to your father's advice." He baited teasingly. Sanosuke blinked, frowned and hissed back. "What's that to you?! You don't know nothing, you old bastard!" Another chuckle. The odor of nicotine invaded Sanosuke's nostrils. He shuddered and cursed under his breath. This psycho wouldn't set fire to his bed! That would spoil the efforts he had made to rescue him... wouldn't it? Maybe he thought this amusing... Sanosuke turned his head and glared into the amber stars of cold fire. "To start with", the lupine man bent down, "I do know both my parents." He hit home. Sanosuke gritted his teeth. "Second, you better not underestimate me. I am aware of absolutely everything regarding you, Sanosuke Sagara." ~+~ Sanosuke took another deep breath, his chocolate-colored eyes flickering, blinking. "You don't know how it's like to be young! You were never, I bet! Stiff, tight and well-trained! Who's your master, hu?!" A strong hand waited just a wink above his head and the youth counted the passing seconds to when it would strike. It didn't. Instead it picked some strands out of his view. "Your excuse for failing to sort out your life is your age? That's really a lousy one." And the stranger laughed for the first time, a surprisingly amiable melody of sonorous sounds. Sanosuke felt his cheek blush in dark crimson and screamed in sheer frustration, struggling and tossing about. "You got me all wrong! Untie me at once and I'll show you!" He challenged. The stranger smirked annoyingly sly. "You will stay right the way you are." He confirmed, leaning back, dragging another puff of his cigarette. Sanosuke banged his head to the mattress, freaking out, just to piss off his adversary, shaking, screaming, insulting, frantic like a madman on the run. This took a few minutes, then his ferocious outburst came to an end, lacking strength and vigor. "Now, tell me again why you chose to show up." The man repeated his question, absolutely not attained by the uproar before. "Fuck you, you pervert!" The youth suggested firmly, panting and sweating. "You seem to mistake me for someone else." The stranger smiled wickedly. "I do not belong to the 27th precinct." This caught the ultimate attention of the youngster. "So, the rumors are true?" The chocolate-colored eyes sparkled, relating to the latest gossip on the streets, concerning the officers of the precinct in question, a dark-haired and his partner with a Japanese nickname. "If properly and respectfully asked for assistance, I could of course provide the service." A malicious grin dueled the gleaming amber eyes. Distracted Sanosuke drew back with delay, swearing and kicking. "Don't even think about it, hear me?! I bite your thingy off and chew it like bubblegum!" He threatened desperately. "You would be glad to breathe and swallow at my permission." The black-clad man retorted, grinning viciously. The youth cursed, imitating the spiteful gesture of vomiting to express his view. "Why did you show up?" The question came back, in the same calm way it had done already two times. "What do you care?! It's none of your business anyway! If you're a copper, act like one. Arrest me, take me in custody, I don't care!" "I am no cop." Sanosuke blinked, frowning, he inspected his opponent closely. »No badge.. no uniform... no gun to be seen, no holster either...« "But you said you were an enforcer of the law!" He insisted reproachfully. "I am." The youth growled in annoyance. "So who are you?! Some snooping private? A dark hero? A secret agent?" He held his breath when the older man bent down, his jet-black bangs striking softly his skin, somber whispering at his ear, nicotine-bathed air tantalizing his neck. "I hike the shades, I walk the night, I mingle with the shadows. I fight where no lights will shine, I wield out justice. I extinguish evil. Instantly." Shivering feverishly Sanosuke closed his eyes, turned away, trying to cover himself, to get away from this presence of intangible might. The strong hands adjusted the blanket around his armpits anew. "What happened to the thugs at the mansion?" He dared to whisper hoarsely, avoiding the amber glare. "They quit business. Terminally." Sanosuke sighed, gathering his willpower to progress. "So you killed them." "They had an unfortunate encounter with a container for cargo." The tall man answered indifferently. "You're a killer." The youth stated, keeping his eyes fixed to the cushion he snuggled in for protection. "So what?" The stranger teased him menacingly. Turning around with bravado he faced the tall man. "You have no right to nag me about drugs! You kill people!! Who made you judge whether someone dies or not?! You think you're some kind of god?!" Sulfur illuminated the amber eyes to the sockets. The thin lips parted to bare sharp fangs in a beast-like manner. "You're an impudent fool, Sanosuke. What makes you think you can keep on insulting me with your stupidity and come out alive?" The spiky-haired youngster glared back, baring his own teeth, growling. "Oh, now you're going to be really mad, aren'tcha? Then go ahead, kill me, you asshole! Have it your way! Who could ever think of interfering with the almighty bad killer?!" They eyed each other ferociously. Corners wrinkling the older man grinned viciously, patting the dark-brown mop of hair in a patronizing way. "Actually you're too retarded to be honored by dying from my blessed sword, but I can arrange matters... later." Sanosuke backed off, as far as his bounds allowed to give in. "Your blessed sword?! How could anyone bless a sword?! You're some religious jerk?!" Another smirk. "It's a masterpiece of craftsmanship, so I bless it every time it renders me a service." The youth blinked, watched his adversary suspiciously. "You are really some fucked-up psycho, you aware of that?!" He insisted. "But I stay away from drugs." Another teaser. "Oh, shut up, willya ?! You're not my mother!" "Obviously not." Dry reply. Sanosuke sunk back, closing his eyes, feeling tired all of a sudden. His tantrum had cost him dearly. "Why did you save me?" He whispered exhausted. "Your skinny butt did not seem too eager to join the barbecue." The dark stranger laughed deep down his throat. Without intention the youth flashed an enticing smile. "Adorable butt, mine!" He mumbled before falling asleep again. The older man tucked the blanket, studied the pale face with intent. "I agree." ~+~ He cut the knots, rubbing hands and feet to speed up the blood circulation, listening to the moans of the youth, fighting for his rest. "Wake up now." He ordered, tearing the blanket away to reveal the stark-naked body, replacing with skilled fingers the bandages. He looked up, to meet the unsteady chocolate-colored gaze of his captive. "Feel dizzy." The spiky-haired mumbled, blinking wanly. "I will take care of that. Get up." Placing the long, well-shaped legs before the bedstead he waited for the youngster to push himself upright. Sanosuke tried, staggered halfway up, grabbed helplessly for support and got snatched by his waist. "Sorry!" He coughed wearily and judging by his former brash attitude the stranger knew that Sanosuke was not joking about his state of health. Leaning the shivering body next to his own the black-haired reached out for a simple training suit, white cotton with red ornaments. Awkwardly Sanosuke dressed, assisted by the slightly taller man who simultaneously gathered his few possessions. "Slip into the shoes." He was directed. Walking slowly leaning in to the other man, they made it to the door. Thus leaving, Sanosuke got to know that they had spent their time, -he did not know how long-, in a motel room. In short distance he could see a car, painted black but looking like the ordinary family van, absolutely common. He was lead to the passenger's seat and safely tucked in, followed by the installment of the stranger's belongings in handily reach. Without a distinguishable sound the vehicle came to life. They took a few yards when Sanosuke grasped what had struck him as odd: in the dark of the night they were driving without any light! Even the display was dimmed to a mere glimmer. "You're not... some kind of vampire?" He risked a guess, suspiciously glancing at his opponent. A brief laughter, the same enticing melody of deep, sonorous sounds, crawling up his spine, tickling his skin all over. "Drink." A translucent bottle hit his lap. Sanosuke considered refusing, pouting, complaining. He had to fasten his seatbelt while that freakish guy kept driving in complete darkness but he decided to give in, after all, he was pretty thirsty and somehow he felt that his state of condition would improve. "Where are we going?" He interrogated, seriously gulping down the second bottle of water. "Nowhere." "Great." The youth glared vexed. "Just keep me in the dark." "I do." A smug smile wrinkled the thin lips, menacingly carved out by the shadowfall. "Fine, have it your way, psycho! I will go to sleep!" Sanosuke announced and crept closer to the hard seat, closing his eyes firmly. He was about to doze off when he felt a strong hand arranging a heavy blanket around his shoulders. »Strange...« ~+~ It was utterly dark... or he had been blindfolded but there were muffled sounds, creaking and shaking like a distant earthquake. He sniffed desperately. Could it be... smoke? Fire? His limbs were numb, at least he couldn't stir a muscle. His heart raced, ferociously pumping blood. He shivered, waves of cold and heat in succinct pursuit. Panting he cleared his throat to call out for help. Something gagged him, condemned him to perish. ~+~ "Don't speak up." The sonorous voice woke him distinctively. "You had a nightmare." Sanosuke trembled in his blanket, gritting his teeth. He had felt trapped and deserted, and right now, he frantically wanted to be hold and assured that he would be alright. Just a childish whim of course, soon to be forgotten... A cool palm took the temperature of his forehead. "We are close to our destination. You have to hold on." His teeth chattered. "I don't think I can." He managed. "I will see to it." The stranger retorted nonchalantly. He steered the van down a lane into some kind of jungle, at least Sanosuke thought of it that way. He could not even make out the cringing passageway, covered with bushes, trees and other fierce looking outbursts of vegetation. "Now, get out." His dark companion ordered, slipping out of his seat and bolting the door. "I can't see anything!" The youth complained softly, forcing his exit into the green walls enclosing their lot. Without bothering to answer the tall man fetched his left wrist and lead down a path. Anyway, some trail where roots and slippery leaves didn't ambush their endeavor. As Sanosuke failed to get to use his sight he eagerly listened to the sounds of this strange world encircling their walk. He didn't like nature that way: untamed, unrestricted, acting to unknown rules, like survival of the fittest, not-tasty-animal at the upper end of the food chain. "It's damn dark! How can you manage to get us through this crap?" He hissed, turning his head every now and then, feeling watched by fierce, red eyes. "It's not." He really came to hate this stoical, arrogant, self-conceited bastard! Missing a tiny cavity in the ground he nearly fell over, hitting the back of the stranger hard who didn't as much as grunt disapprovingly and caught his staggering body. "Damn it, I told ya.." He was silenced by hot breath burning his face, strong lips covering his own, sharing saliva and an intriguing taste all the same. Sanosuke gasped in shock, by instinct's reaction pulling away. His taller opponent didn't mind. A fingertip sealed the youth's mouth, signaling to remain silent about this. "We're close. Don't speak." He was directed to a flicker of the gloomy sky. The pathway gave exit to a wasteland, kept back by a spiked fence of steel, guarding another mansion. Sanosuke was drawn to the ground, to have a seat, then the stranger offered field glasses, pointing to the dimly illuminated base of the big house. Obediently, the youth inspected the setting, frowned and eyed his companion irritated. [What-is-going-on-there?] He mouthed. He got view of the other smirking devilish, the amber eyes gleaming peril at hand. The stranger enclosed his nape, his strong, warm hand softly petting while leaning closer to the youngster, whispering to his ear. "What you can witness over there is a business meeting of the two rival gangs, providing the drugs, some corrupt cops and politicians." A soft chuckle trickling down Sanosuke's spine. "Everyone suspecting the other parties of hiding away the suspected arsonist and ready to blackmail, to gain more than the usual share of profit." The spiky-haired man couldn't refrain but noticing the satisfied smug on the lean face. A bunch of questions buzzed in his mind but he could not mutter a single one, relating to the overwhelming presence of his companion. Focusing on the view ahead he followed the course of action. He did not recognize one of the men but even at the distance he could sense the tension built up in the hall. The gathered men were uneasy with each other and considering the dangerous man at his side, they were absolutely correct. It took an eternity to Sanosuke's growing annoyance before some movement changed the sight, although it ripped the old curtains to shreds, the sound of automatic gunfire exploding. Shouting, screaming, the singing of bullets... The youth instantly cowered, gasping. The stranger didn't move a muscle. "Now..." The somber voice drew his attention to the horrible scene. "Watch the fireworks." Indeed, the shooting ignited walls of flames to rise from the grounds, greedily eating wood and cotton. "Should have brought some marshmallows along. Nice barbecue." The dark man shrugged, smiling vigorously. "You like that?! You like killing people, don'tcha?!" Disgusted the youth got up, nimbly forcing his way back the path, shivering slightly. He sensed the other man on his trail and increased his speed. Regardless for the scratching of his bare skin and his clothes he ran, panting laboriously. »I wanna wake up, right now! This isn't funny anymore! I swear, I won't try drugs till I die which could happen any time soon!« He whirled around to face the tall man, a shadow, only to be distinguished by the amber eyes glaring at him. "Just what do you want?! Do you think I would appreciate it?! Hell, no, I don't! I loathe your attitude!" He spit scornfully, gliding into a fighting stance as far as his injuries supported the act. The lupine man grinned nonchalantly. "I saved your life." He reminded bemusedly, watching the youth intensely, sizing him up and down. "You got me into this mess, to start with! Now, leave me alone, willya?!" "So you prefer staying here at your own in the darkness, the suspected arsonist? I am sure, the cops are going to like that one." The strange enforcer of the law teased, brushing aside Sanosuke's anger. The chocolate-colored eyes widened in sudden realization. "Now I got it..." He whispered hoarsely. "You will kill me, right? That's the intention, coming to this deserted place... Nobody's gonna check that fuckin'jungle!" He clenched his left fist, hissing the pain from his shoulder wound away. "You won't take me easily!" He warned with a grim expression. The stranger laughed in his somber melody. "If I am to take you, I will be easy because of you being a virgin!" He grinned maliciously. Sanosuke swore, ended up coughing, measuring his chances to get away. He was exhausted, his injuries prevented a fight, he was lost in this forest of nightmares, he could not see his own hands due to the darkness surrounding this forsaken place.... "I will not give in! I will not die!" Amused smile on this opponents lean face. "That's fine by me." He assured chuckling. The youth turned around and fled another time, tripping and falling, getting up and limping, trying to escape his hunter who took his time, slowly following the trail his prey forced through the green palisades. He did not need to wait for long. Sanosuke broke to the ground once more, passing out for seconds. The dark man got to his knees, lifting the youth without effort, leaving the urban jungle. Sanosuke shivered slightly, regaining consciousness. "Hold on tight. We're almost close." »I should kick him... bite his neck... try a punch...pick his eyes...« He leaned into the embrace, catching his breath. »I am done... too tired to fight...too much of everything to even care...« The older man let his feet down, supporting the slender waist while opening the rear of the van. "Get in, mind your head." He directed the spiky-haired youth who crashed down on a small mattress, panting, awkwardly trying to pedal his aching body in. He climbed graciously over the trembling body, closing the door without any sound. As he straddled down on the thighs Sanosuke winced, curled, tossed his head around to show his will to resist. "Don't." A strong hand stroke his forehead, followed by the ripping of the shirt. Sanosuke suppressed a sob, blocking his throat, started coughing again while unwanted tears welled up in his eyes. His opponent did not care. Both hands explored his bare chest down to his abdomen, inquiring every inch, bruising the skin by the simple touch of burning hot palms. Then, force came up... massaging his torso with resolute dedication. It took some time to subside the muffled cries of agony to simple moans. At last, the stranger sat back, wiping his forehead, confusing the jet-black strands. "You strain yourself too much. Your body still suffers from the drugs and dehydration." The youth blinked the tears away, clearing his sight. "So you won't kill me yet?" He grinned wearily. "If I wanted you dead, you'd be." He was informed indifferently. "But why did you take me here? Alone in the darkness, close to the crime scene?" Sanosuke was not that easily distracted. Another chuckle. "You're not alone and it's not dark." The youth tried to sit up, refusing to mind the weight of the older man on his hips, glaring angrily. "Fuck, are you blind?!" He indicated to a small window and hesitated. Turning his head to an aching angle, he inspected the front. "What the heck...?!" A deep, full laughter sneaked up his spine, electrifying his already spiky hair. "Fireflies. They're dancing in this remote place." Sighing profoundly Sanosuke sank to the mattress, closing his eyes. "I will never ever take drugs again. This is absolutely creepy." "Why did you do it in the first place?" Another somber whisper close to his earlobe, radiating heat of a body adjusted to his own. "Hell, you won't stop nagging on me till I spit it out, won'tcha?!" He growled, shading his eyes with his left arm to ease the throbbing pain. "Damn it, alright! I was tired, just had enough of everything. I wanted some rest, a break! And I know that's not the best way to get some!" He added, to cut off admonishments. The stranger patiently caressed the bare chest, avoiding the wound. "Actually, it is a good way to get a permanent vacation." He teased, maliciously picking some lost strands from the temples. Sanosuke was too deep into his own memories to be aware of this affectionate surveillance. "You know, my life's always been a mess and every time I got up like nothing. But somehow, I didn't get the hang of it this time. I have a job, I work hard, I am civilized, I don't fight or brawl but I just feel like wasting away. I am suffocating..." He broke off, with an uneasy laughter. "Man, this is crap anyway." He could sense the tall man bending, a draft of steaming hot breath tickling his sensitive skin, introducing a rain of kisses, ambling across his face, his neck, taking secret paths down to his abdomen, followed by circling hands to spread their heat. Sanosuke felt like crying. This was nothing like the horrible visions he had feared; simple affection, no claims. The stranger obviously did not mind his paralyzed state of being: he kissed the youth leisurely. He did not need to rush into things, the slender body in his arms would yearn for more, lusting for his attention in a short time, thanks to the always reliable quality of lust and hormones, just waiting to explode and carry away. "Why do you care?" He stopped licking the navel with delight, glancing into the chocolate-colored eyes, reflecting the dim sparkles of the fireflies' dance outside. He smiled intriguingly, resting his sharp chin in the muscled flesh of the flat belly. "To take advantage of you, of course." He whispered huskily, the amber eyes glowing in a golden shine. Surprisingly the youngster ruffled his hair, returning the smile. "Now, I can see that. But... why?" Breathing wickedly to run shivers down the suntanned skin and tighten the nipples the older man studied his companion. "Maybe because I enjoy seducing the innocent?" He offered, taking a lick on one nipple. "Hey, I am not..." Sanosuke moaned as the nipple was sucked hard, tensing rapidly. Panting he glared into the amber eyes, feeling a deep flush of red on his cheeks. "Stop that, okay? I am definitely not doing it with a guy!" He declared. "Fine by me." Another deep laughter vibrated down his abdomen and further on. "I will do it." Blinking to decode the message Sanosuke tried to back up but the stranger took hold under his armpits and kissed him deeply, ravishing the palate with a skilled tongue. He withdrew finally, leaving the youth about to pass out, panting and trembling from delight. "I will enjoy you." The amber eyes bore sulfurous flames. "I already like your taste." Sanosuke tensed, gritting his teeth. "So you want to rape me?" He hissed, hating himself for being deluded by the soft caressing before. »He tricked me into it, that bastard!« The stranger picked at his earlobe, chuckling while capturing the erection, exploring tip to testicles. "Just enjoy the ride." He teased, easily fending off Sanosuke's weak attempts to get up. "I won't! This is humiliating! Let go of me!" His adversary gently increased the tackling, rubbing their crotches, placing his lips all over the delicious tasting skin, till, indicated by a low moan, Sanosuke tipped beyond, spilling his seed. Panting he refused to meet the amber eyes, biting his lips to swallow his mortification. He knew he could not have helped it. The man was skilled and determined to seduce him. He himself was exhausted and his body desperately needed comfort and relief... but why this psycho?! The man in question sat up in the meantime, undressing casually, stretching his limbs. The resemblance to an animal could be distinguished by the display of natural strength and control, the indifference of his movements.. Sanosuke was taken aback. »I am not to admire this asshole!!« Even if he did look gorgeous... »No way!! Never ever!!« Peeling down the messed trousers the strange enforcer of the law smiled at the youngster eyeing him with disgust. "I can get you done, you know? I am underage! Besides, I don't want you!" He glared menacingly. A chuckle, a noncommittal smile. "You just rescued me to screw me!" Another accusation. "I wondered how you got that silly hairdo you sport... now I know." Another chuckle. "Much ado about nothing." With a low growl Sanosuke leaped for the older man, starting a rumble. He grew angrier with every kiss he earned, the tickling of laughter, the marks of teeth in his soft flesh, the playful slapping of his buttocks. The stranger was incredibly fast, leaving the youngster to rely on his wrath to fight. Alas, the tackling did not last long. Panting and cowering for support, Sanosuke straddled the lean hips of the stranger who took his time to caress the trembling youth, arch up to lick pearls of sweat, smug looking, the amber eyes on fire with amusement. "I hate you!" Sanosuke gasped, shaking. A quick kiss on his bruised lips, a soft whisper to hold on tight. Closing his eyes the youth gave in. "That won't change anything, you know?" He muttered distantly. "My life still sucks." "Don't whine, get your senses together and use them!" A low growl flanked by a harsh bite into the nape, embracing the youngster ferociously. Sanosuke did not retort as he would have done any time, he just clung to the older man, nuzzling the strong neck. »I am in no state to fight or to argue... I desperately need rest... and he's taking favor of it.« "You can't blame me." The husky voice answered his musings. "You were willingly risking your health on drugs and I can offer you something better, more intense and straining than that." A mocking chuckle brushing his dark-brown hair. "So..." Sanosuke held tight to the stranger, nourishing from the radiating heat. "..if we have it your way..." He blushed slightly. "...when I wake up, everything will be alright?" He challenged. "Take your chances." The enforcer of the law replied nonchalantly, cradling the shivering young man ever so lightly. With a deep drag of air Sanosuke got up, awkwardly trying to straddle comfortably, his pale face showing an impish grin to encourage himself. "Let's get on with it, you psycho killer on the loose! If this works out to be a really bad dream and I will suffer a hangover to pity the Gods, I can at least enjoy the tour!" The lupine man smiled temptingly, his hands meandering across the tanned skin, drawing luscious patterns. "Use your senses and you improve fast." He teased before igniting the fire hidden deep down in the trembling body towering his own. ~+~ Two hours.... the stranger smiled in satisfaction, adjusting the blanket covering the sleeping form of his young companion. Even exhausted, troubled and injured, the youth would not allow himself to be surrendered. He had taken part of their intercourse with the reckless vigor of someone who simply could not refrain. He did not know how. Maybe he lost his way but buried inside, there was the will to conquer and fight back. The dark man blew a kiss to the spiky mop of dark-brown hair. »You're more than gorgeous... you're beautiful.« Dutifully he climbed to the driver's seat, started the engine and headed for the big lights of the city, leaving the dancing fireflies behind. ~+~ Sunbeams tickled his bare feet as Sanosuke came back to his senses. Blinking he reorganized the recent events and got up startled, hissing away the pain in his shoulder. He was bare-naked sleeping in his own bed, his own room?! »But... ?!« Struggling out he tossed the clingy blanket away and reached for the hallway, limping down the staircase. Down the basement his foster brother's voice in soft, somber tones talked to someone with high-pitched urgency. "...I cannot leave without..." Both stopped stunned when the naked youth rushed inside, hugging his brother fiercely. "Sano?! Where have you been? What happened to your hand? And your shoulder?" The confused looking young man with his long, black hair, the sarong and his muscle-shirt embraced his lost brother carefully. "You got me worried to death, just disappearing two days! I thought you could be killed in that house!" He had to swallow tears of sheer relief. "Am sorry, Katsu... really, deeply, absolutely!" He heard the muffled apology while stroking that eerie mop of hair. "So, where have you been?" He ushered with a death-glare away the woman staring at his brothers butt. "A big bad wolf came and took me away." A slight snicker to the pun. "And I guess, he slipped in our house to bring me back." Katsu drew off a little, to send a suspicious glance. "You're not drunk or hit your head?!" Sanosuke flashed his brilliant, unique smile. "I am happy to the utmost you can ever imagine!" He boasted, leaning in to his brother, sighing softly. »Oh dear!« Katsu patted his crazy, roosterheaded brother. »He is in love.« He did not mention the headlines, consisting of the huge fire, the conspiracy of the two drug gangs, some cops and politicians to build an entire new quarter by taking down houses which had been under the protection of the city for their artistic values. Now everything ended well, the prosecuted shot or burnt, the secret selling-out of the neighborhood stopped due to lack of investors and his lost brother home again, strangely changed. He would not wonder if the accusation of arson surprisingly disappeared.. ~+~ A black-clad figure took down the field glasses, a malicious twist in the wrinkles of his mouth. He definitely would remember the castle where his adorable beauty slept. ~ The end ~ Thanks for enduring and reading along! kimera Notes of production The Sizzle and Burn-challenge is made up by Queen Yokozuna and lurking around my favorite Sano x Saitou-Yaoi-sites I just dared to give it a try... 'cause I did indeed have four ideas running... So, I know, there's nothing as my special English but nevertheless, I go on ^-^ This one came up while thinking about cigarettes and the usual disasters caused by dumping them. Adding a vision of fireflies dancing in the dark... kinda romantic ^_~ It is a bloody hell to write in English but somehow I can't refrain... those things must go off or I'll burst and you will likely miss that, trust me!