I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
Homecoming
Dusk had long since fallen. As Hiko made his way up the mountain, the silvery light of the moon spilled over the treetops, occasionally slipping though the leaves to splatter onto the forest floor.
The trip had taken longer than he'd estimated – no doubt Kenshin would be in bed by now. He'd had his doubts about leaving the boy home alone, but it had been near a year since Kenshin had come to him, and the boy was fully capable of running away from an intruder even if he couldn't manage to defend himself. Besides, it wasn't as if many people wandered around this part of the mountain, and the chances that anyone would actually find their home were slim.
He carried his purchases in a traveler's bag, slung unceremoniously over his shoulder. As the house came into view, he saw (with slight irritation) that the cook-fire was still burning. Honestly. Didn't he specifically tell the boy to carry on with the day as normal? Bedtime had been at least three hours ago.
Kenshin's ki was subdued, but definitely not in the stable calm of sleep. There was a sense of worry mixed with anxious anticipation and a hint of fear.
Hiko sighed, knowing he shouldn't be surprised to find Kenshin waiting. It was the first time he'd been left alone all day.
Walking through the door, he paused in a fleeting moment of surprise upon finding the room empty.
A moment later, he spotted his young charge. Bright violet eyes peered up at him shyly from behind the wall of the corridor leading to the bedroom.
"Baka deshi, I'm home."
Kenshin blinked, and gave a small, adorable little smile, before ducking back even further, so that only his thick red hair was visible. He seemed to be caught in a bind, though between what his shishou didn't know. The boy inched out enough for Hiko to see his face, then fell back again. He repeated this several times while his shishou simply stood and looked on in amusement.
What a strange way of saying 'welcome home.'
"Oi, come on out. If you're up anyway, let's see if this fits you." Perhaps it was be a bit too cruel to scold the boy for disobeying his orders this time.
Kenshin stepped out from behind the wall and came forward, trying to keep his gaze on the floor, but looking up every few seconds as if he needed to make sure Shishou hadn't suddenly and magically disappeared.
Hiko pulled out a child's gi from his bag. Kenshin had grown over the past year, and his clothes were tattered and falling apart from daily practices and little forest expeditions. It was high time he got a replacement – couldn't have the heir to Hiten-Mitsurugi looking like a beggar.
Handing it to Kenshin, he told the boy to put it on. It was a good fit – a little too large, but he would grow into it soon.
"Wear that tomorrow. Now go on to bed, or you'll fall asleep during morning practice."
Kenshin nodded obediently, looking curiously at his new gi, fingering the soft fabric. Hiko turned to take out his new jug of sake. Now was as good a time as any to start on it.
There was soft platter of feet behind him, and before he knew it, Kenshin had wrapped both arms around his waist in a tight embrace, burying his face into his master's shirt.
Hiko sat still, shocked and uncertain. Kenshin wasn't exactly the most expressive boy around. What brought this on all of a sudden?
Loneliness.
The child had missed him.
Waiting for him, all alone in the suddenly and inexplicably too-big-house…it seems…the boy had just been lonely.
Longing…wanting a dependable person…someone to count on…
With a small, almost invisible smile, Hiko placed a gentle hand on the boy's head.
"Baka deshi," was all he could say.
Silly boy…I'll always come back to you.
Inspired by a chapter in Marimo Ragawa's adorable manga "Akachan to Boku" (or "Baby and Me" in Shojo Beat). Thanks for reading, please leave a review!