Part 7

 The music played on and Kenshin and Sano stumbled their way through the dance, with Kenshin  tripping occasionally, and Sano supporting him. It was amazing how heavy and unbalanced he seemed on the dance floor compared to the light and graceful movements he used while fighting. Sano frowned slightly as they started to get into some sort of a routine. He wanted to enjoy this. Through his eyes he saw a goddess in front of him. A beautiful human being who’s dress and hair flowed wonderfully and delicately, however, his mind knew otherwise. He was dancing with a man, his friend, his mentor... The Hitokiri Bathousai. It was indeed an interesting situation.
 Kenshin, on the other hand, seemed completely uncomfortable. His eyes darted back and forth, trying to read and understand everyone and everything around him. He wetted his lips, only adding to their glossy shine, and turned his attention back to Kaoru and Yahiko, who were dancing not too far away. They were facing slightly away from him, so he couldn’t quite read their expressions. Kenshin sighed deeply, concentrating on the music for a few moments before building enough courage to speak.
 “I’m sorry you had to be a part of this,” Kenshin stated quietly, snapping Sano back into reality. Sano just shrugged.
 “It’s not fair for you to go through this alone,” Sano attempted to smile. “The good news is that the dojo’s almost fixed...”
 “Yes, we got a lot done...” Kenshin replied shortly. The rest of the dance went without much incident.
 

 Tae grinned to herself from her position by the wall. Her party was going great, and everything was running smoothly. She was a bit disappointed that Kenshin couldn’t make it, though. She was hoping to make this a nice stepping of point for his and Kaoru’s relationship. Having said that, she was happy to see someone was benefiting. It seemed Sano and Kiyone were hitting it off fairly well. It was almost like they already knew each other! Tae nodded slightly, silently hoping this relationship would go better then her previous attempts.
 
 
 The music ended and the dance floor slowly cleared. Sano and Kenshin lingered for awhile, and an uneasy expression washed over Sano’s face briefly. He started to mumble something incoherently, but finally gave up and departed after giving Kenshin’s hand a light squeeze. Kenshin stood confused and motionless, not sure how to react, when Kaoru came and joined his side, laying her hand on his shoulder.
 “Let’s go home...” She whispered softly. Kenshin nodded in silent agreement.

 
 After Kaoru’s and Kenshin’s departure, Tae’s party slowly came to a close and ended without much excitement. Although, that was probably to be expected, Sano reflected as he made his way down the empty nighttime streets of Tokyo. He had not come across a single person since he had left, which was perfectly all right with him, as it left him alone with his thoughts. He stopped walking momentarily and stared up into the dark sky, allowing himself to let out a sigh he hadn’t even realized he had been holding in. It had been one hell of an evening...
 Sano ran his fingers through his soft brown hair, watching the clouds illuminate from behind as they passed over the moon above. He smirked slightly to himself as scenes from the dance replayed themselves in his mind. It had indeed been one hell of an evening, but the night was just beginning. It was time for some serious drinking. Without another thought, Sano stuffed his hands in his pockets and went off on his search for a bar.

 
 Kenshin sat heavily onto the floor of his room and buried his face into his hands, sighing a deep breath of relief. The night was over. He had made it the whole evening without anyone finding out his identity or loosing his control, although it had taken every ounce of strength he had. If only Kaoru knew how thankful he was that she had suggested that they leave early! He was pretty sure he would have left anyway after that little fiasco with Sano, but he was glad he able to avoid the confrontation.
 He lay backwards onto his futon, stifling a yawn, and stared blankly up at the ceiling, frowning slightly. The walk home from the party had been rather uneventful, but something still bothered him, and lingered in the back of his mind. It had not been his imagination. Kaoru had been acting strangely since they had left. Normally she was full of things to say, but tonight she was silent and uneasy. When he had inquired about it, she had paused briefly before stating that she was just tired. That pause had only managed to convince him that there was indeed something that she wanted to tell him, and he was pretty sure he knew what it was.
 Kenshin yawned again, stretching his arms above his head and closed his eyes. He would confront her tomorrow. There was nothing he could do about it now anyway. Besides, the evening had taken a lot out of him, and he was ready for a long nights sleep. In the morning they would finish the repairs on the dojo and the nightmare would at last be over. The worst was finally behind him.

--End of Part Seven
 

Author’s notes: I want to take this time to thank everyone who has supported me in this little venture. If it wasn’t for all you loyal fans, I don’t know if I ever would have finished it! I also want to say that as you prepare to read the last part, please keep an open mind. If you have any complaints, well…. I’m really very sorry. I mean everything I write to be taken in jest and lightheartedness. If anyone has any ideas for a better ending, feel free to email me and let me know. I am open to suggestions. With that said, on to the final part of No Way Out! I hope you enjoy it!