Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Dawning Emotions ❯ Mine Only ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter Seven

~"Where are you going?"~

The voice shocked him out of his previous thoughts and he turned still smiling face in the direction of the rather shrill, possibly more than likely feminine voice. To no surprise, not much at least, it was Chieko.

Her expression was hard to read and with Soujirou's limited control over his own emotions (it came as a shock to Soujirou that he couldn't control he emotions, truly it had shocked him), he really hadn't been expecting someone to show so many different emotions. Soujirou didn't understand why people had so many emotions. It just made things more confusing. And the way the emotions affected people had Soujirou confused too.

But sometimes it seemed so clear. This of course wasn't that often and soon vanished. Emotions could lead to happiness. Soujirou couldn't see how that was possible but, really, it seemed like a good idea. Very confusing.

Chieko steeped back and placed her hands in front of her body. Her body was rigid but soon it relaxed, and tensed up again. She took a deep breath and opened her moth to speak, "I'm sorry for being so rude. It's no business of mine. Please forgive me." She bowed towards Soujirou.

"Um. There is no need. There was no rudeness. You had every right. I am an uninvited guest who has invaded on your hospitality. I am the one who should be apologizing. Please forgive me." He bowed towards her.

There was a brief silence while both people stood bowing. To an outsider it would seem quite strange. But the silence was broken by a soft sigh. "We are both to be forgiven as we are both at fault. I see myself as the one further in shame but let us forget this talk of forgiveness as both of us have forgiven however unwisely. But please tell why you are leaving. It may be the repayment for the hospitality my household has shown you." Chieko seemed to be trying not to smile.

"Well I suppose it won't cause any harm," he smiled more so, "I don't wish to be a further hinder to your household and your resources. It is also time for me to continue my journey. I hope I haven't caused you any trouble." Soujirou tilted his head to his side, his bangs briefly covering his face from view. He vision obscured. He righted his head.

"I don't really have a right to stop you. But Soujirou?" she lifted her hopeful eyes at him, "Please could you stay here for a moment? I will be back soon. You won't leave will you?" she lowered her head.

"No. I'll just wait here." As soon as those words were said Chieko had left him alone. Her quickened footsteps coming shadows of their former sounds fast.

So Soujirou stood there. Being a former assassin he had the skills for patience and focusing on one thing at a time. Usually this was the target but he wasn't on a mission to kill someone, so he decided to focus on tree.

It was a nice tree he supposed. Greenish leaves which was good. Through he didn't think the colours of the tree were entirely normal or natural. Was it supposed to be that particular shade? Could be? Soujirou groaned. Why did the simplest things have to be so confusing? Then that made it more confusing.

It was a mess he couldn't escape. But one that he wanted with all his heart. It was too bad that this would never happen. The fates had decided that a confused Soujirou was a cute Soujirou.

"Soujirou? Why are you looking at the tree like?" Soujirou whirled around, blinking at the curious face of Chieko, "Ah, well, I."

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me. It was rude of me to ask." Soujirou smiled warmly at her with relief.

"No worries. No worries at all."

"Good! Well from what I have gathered you seem to be about to go on a journey. But I noticed you don't have any supplies. Nothing but your clothing you are wearing right now. So l thought you might need this," reaching from behind her back she revealed a small bag, "I know it is not much but it was all I could get in the time period. It contains a spare set of clothes. They used to belong to my cousin but he out grew them," I'm not that short. Soujirou smiled.

"Some sen and a couple days worth of food." Giving him the food she stood back a small smile on her face.

"Soujirou. Soujrou Seta. It was a nice experience meeting you," she grinned, "Even through all the moments of our being in the same room were not all pleasant. I will have something to say when I meet with Kameko and Shina - " Her voice broke off suddenly. "I didn't mean it like that, it was nice to know you!" she was blushing quite heavily.

Soujirou (of course) didn't really understand but just smiled at her. Later he would reflect that this was not the best thing to do.

"Yes. I just want to say… Goodbye. Goodbye Soujirou. It was quite pleasing meeting you and I hope that some day we meet again. Goodbye Soujirou," smiling she gave him a quick bow before turning around and beginning to leave.

"Chieko?"

"Yes?"

"Goodbye Chieko."

"Goodbye Soujirou."

So he had begun his journey.

Or had he started it before but when he had passed out it had been detoured? It could be either really. What was his journey, his wandering across Japan supposed to do to him? Was it going to turn him into Mister Himura? That is it? Soujirou imagined himself as Kenshin Himura. Oro!

Soujirou's smile twisted slightly. He didn't think it suited him that well, plus, he didn't have red hair and purple eyes. He did have the height through. Or lack of.

The road was long. Won't be paved and straight. It might twist and turn and bend this way and that. But Soujirou was thinking that in the end that it would be worth it.

He hadn't yet experienced the real hardships of travel. Shishio had always provided him with transport and money but now he was on his own and he didn't have that support. He would have to find food for himself. The generosity of Chieko couldn't last forever. He would have to work. The smile continued.

But he wanted to choose the work. He could do what he wanted. He didn't have to haul rice. He didn't have to kill people. He could do anything! Anything!

His life was his own. He no longer had the support of Shishio or his demanding family but he had himself. The life that had seemed so meaningless in the past was his own. All his and no one else's. He might not like the new dangers and discomforts of the future but this was his life. All his.

The life that had been wanted by others, disgusted by others, discarded by others and enslaved by others was his. His alone.

Now he had only to figure out all these emotions and everything would be perfect.

But now he had a life of his own and he can live it.

Especially now that happiness seemed so close.

Soujirou continued onwards with a genuine smile on his face.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. I do not make any profits. This is simply for enjoyment.

AN: Well it's over. I want to thank all the people who have reviewed and the people who have read `Dawning Emotions'. I will be writing some others RK fanfiction, so you will be seeing more of me. Bye bye darlings!