"Lift up your arms."

'There are days I wonder if he'll ever learn. I'm very displeased with the lithe red-head. The Battousai has given me no other choice. He'll have to be punished for his neglectfulness, once again. No wonder his former master always called him his baka deshi...'

Tonight, is the Battousai's turn to take care of the preparations for the evening. Fortunately, I had no need to worry. My spiky-haired koi was out at the market, picking up an order I placed yesterday evening. I knew he'll be awhile, if he didn't gamble the money away first. The lines were always long on Friday's and especially this night, marking the start of the 'Crimson Blossom Festival.'

My lover always hates when I punish my rival. I can't see why? The Battousai is never left seriously hurt when I'm done. He just has to perform some extra services along with his other duties.'

I take a step closer until I'm in his personal space.

'The Battousai has lifted his arms as I requested but not high enough for my satisfication. Tonight, I'll be kind and assist him.' "Here." 'I take another step closer and to the Battousai's shock and my delight, our bodies mold together as one.'

He shiver's in my arms as I press my clothed chest to his bare back, as I take his thin wrist into my hands and pull them gently over his head.

With temptation so near, I press my thigh against his lower back and the Battousai arches beautifully like a bow in my hold.

'So breathtaking,' thought Saitou, 'It's a shame Himura's amethyst eyes were hidden behind his eyelids, or he would of seen the pride I held for him that shown in my amber-eyes. I must be getting soft. Who would of thought? Ironic, actually.

All of a sudden, the Battousai's body goes rigid against mine. He must of felt my blade brushing against his side. I forgot it was even there. I chuckled softly, unintentionally making my little red-head more on edge than he was. To soothe him, I bend down and kiss the crown of his head.

Surprisingly, the Battousai relaxes some.

I take the time to think back. I smile more to myself as he unconsciously loosens more. I learnt that this one, loves to be held. It calms the former hitokiri considerably.

**Memory**

I remember the day my spiky-haired koi had the nerve to bring home my most hated nemesis. To say I was shocked or angry was an understatement. For a split second, consequences aside, I was going to rush over to the two, throw my ahou koi to the side and dice the Battousai alive but by then, sanity had regained a good hold over my mind and I was able to rethink more clearly.

At that time, I noted something peculiar. The battousai wasn't kissing back. Odd, considering the circumstances. Then I understood why. My koi was going to do something that I never was able to do. Defeat and conquer my rival. In mind, body and spirit.

I frowned at that realization and felt a pang of jealousy. But I brightened up when I learned that my koi's other intention was to give me a show. I very much enjoyed that show too. I smiled like a loon, for weeks on end. I never heard the end of it from my lover, though. He always loved to remind me of his triumph over the Battousai but I had no problems with it. From then on, Sano brought home my rival every other month until the red-head came to live with us. That's when it really got interesting.

**End of Memory**

What's this? Saitou looked closely and to his horror, there were cigarette burns on the rurouni's flawless skin. 'I didn't do this...so that leaves only....Sano.'

He was quite surprise to learn that the ex-samurai had no other wound, except for the x scar on his cheek. He was also quite pleased. He himself had scars from the past war and it was unnatural for someone like his rival to have none what soother than what his ahou lover left behind. In a way, it was a gift.

Or was.

___________________________________________________________________________

"I'm home!" the ex-gangster cheerfully announced as he made his way through his koi's house. 'Huh? I wonder where the old man is?' "Saitou!"

"I've been expecting you."

"Well yeah, I know. Sorry I was late. I got your stuff though...," Sano became solemn as he trailed off, feeling uneasy around his koi, "Saitou, is there something the matter?"