 written and performed by Mulberry Lane
[The music starts, and several views of the same room in Dr. Genzai's clinic are shown in rapid succession: over Sano's
shoulder but focused on Megumi; from Megumi's perspective, looking at Sano; from a corner showing both of them and
the distance between; from above. The two have obviously been exchanging words again. Sano's attitude is of disgusted
annoyance - both at himself and her; hers is regretful.]
I apologize (baby). [Flashback: Sano enters the clinic, wanting Megumi to check his hand. Through the open door behind him she sees Kenshin and Kaoru talking, the younger woman's hands wrapped gently around her husband's arm. Megumi's smile turns bitter, saddened and jealous. Kaoru has what she wants -- not the person she wants, but the happiness and security -- and the constant reminder makes Megumi despair of ever having the same. Sano says something to her, rousing her from her thoughts, and she snaps a response as embarrassment and resentment follow quickly on the heels of her sadness. Her words set the tone for the rest of his visit.] I think we're both to blame. [His face hardens from friendly teasing to angry hurt. He lashes back at her, and in moments they are arguing, almost yelling.] You say you've had enough, the water is rough, [Sano growls something biting, startling Megumi into silence. They stare at each other for a moment, then he curses, waving his hand in dismissal as he turns to leave. She jumps to her feet and reaches out to stop him, her expression apologetic.] You've got to believe, I'm begging you please, [He hesitates at the door, and she rounds her desk to take his injured hand between hers, urging him back into the clinic so she can check it as he originally asked. Still surly and offended, he allows her to settle him onto a stool. After a moment, head bowed over his hand, she murmurs something -- part apology, part peace-offering -- and he relaxes.] Tomorrow's gonna come, [Cinnamon gaze fixed on his wounded fingers as she unwraps the bindings, Megumi lets her thoughts wander, touching on arguments past. They always seem to start over nothing -- two people wanting so much to be together, but so uncertain as to how. Unthinking, she shakes her head ruefully, acknowledging that the arguing serves as a buffer against deeper hurt; neither quite willing to trust the other, so neither truly comfortable with the teasing their personalities tend toward. Unluckily, the shake of her head coincides with Sano's heartfelt request for forgiveness.] It's really no surprise, [Mind still occupied with regretful memory, an internal tallying of who wronged whom, she is startled when he pulls away and rises to his feet, his face shuttered once more with hurt.] I pace across the floor, your hand is on the door, [Searching frantically for what she's done wrong, mindful that hasty words are what started this in the first place, Megumi follows him to the door.] But baby turn around, don't make another sound, [As he moves to shove the well-worn door aside, she puts a hand on his arm, asking him to wait.] You've got to believe, I'm begging you please, [Words tumble out without cover of sarcasm, her heart in her eyes. Apology, explanation, regret. Gentle chiding -- how can he take her seriously if he doesn't expect her to do the same?] Here we are, closer to the end than the beginning. [Her pleading and cajoling come to a halt, and she stares at him, waiting for his response. He stares warily back, wanting to believe her, wanting to call a truce.] Don't let it end. [Close up of her anxious face.] Don't let it end. [Close up of his openly hopeful one.] Don't let it end. [Closer still. His jaw suddenly firms with determination.] You've got to believe in love, be strong in love, hold on. [Reaching out, his hands close around her upper arms, dragging her startled body close for a kiss.] You've got to believe, I'm begging you please, [Gradually she relaxes against him, her arms stealing up around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair. His hands come up to cup her face, framing her features like a flower held in open palms as the kiss comes to an end.] 'Cause there's a moon up above, it sure feels like love, [Sano presses a kiss to her forehead, murmuring something teasing. His voice is filled with rueful humor, laughing at himself and at her. As the music fades to silence -- her eyes still closed, her body comfortably boneless in his hold -- for the first time she smiles in response.] Sekihara Tae
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