Soujirou : Konnichiwa minna !!! *looks around* Since K-san isn't around, I'll do the disclaimers today ! K-san doesn't own Rurouni Kenshin, Watsuki-san does.

So don't sue her!!! ^_^

K'Dash : *cough cough*

Soujirou : She's a broke student ! *sweatdrop* :)

Soujirou's Dream - chapter 4

"Morning Jiya!" she glanced around the kitchen. "Hey Soujirou! How come you're up so early?" Misao exclaimed as she noticed him in the room as well.

"Oh I had to pack up a few things." Soujirou smiled.

"Oh. What's for breakfast Jiya?" Misao asked.

"Riceballs."

"Yum ! Itakimase !" Misao said happily.

Soujirou smiled. Misao's really cute.

~~**~~

"Ready to go Misao-chan ?" Soujirou asked.

"Eh ? Since when have you started calling me Misao-chan ??" Misao asked, mock suspicion in her voice.

Soujirou got nervous. "Anoo....." He turned speechless. Misao chuckled at his bewildered expression. "Its alright Soujirou. Chill, I was just joking."

~~**~~

Soujirou and Misao were walking along the road when suddenly they were caught in a rainstorm. Soujirou spotted a cave and they decided to take refuge there until the rain stopped. Unfortunately, the rain continued to pour on through the night. So they decided to spend the night there.

After Soujirou made a fire, Misao laid down to sleep. Seeing that Misao would probably catch a cold, Soujirou took off his gi, leaving his chest bare, and laid it softly on Misao. Then he laid down a bit further away and fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, Misao woke up to get some water to drink, and found Soujirou lying in the corner without his gi. She sighed and went over to Soujirou, laid the gi on his chest, and snuggled in next to him.

The next morning when Soujirou woke up he was surprised to find Misao sleeping next to him. He watched her sleeping for awhile, her head snuggled affectionately against his chest, her chest slowly heaving up and down... Oh great what the hell am I thinking now....

Meanwhile, Misao stirred awake. She awoke to Soujirou's smiling face above her, and got a bit shocked at it. She remembered how the night before she had got up and snuggled next to Soujirou, and a blush slowly crept up her cheeks.

"Misao-chan? Are you alright?" Soujirou asked, concerned etched in his voice.

"Hai... I'm alright..." Misao replied.

"Sure?" Soujirou felt Misao's forehead.

Misao nodded. "I can take care of myself. And even if I can't I have Soujirou-kun to protect me, ne ?" she winked playfully. "Just make sure you don't get yourself into the kind of trouble you did the last time ok ? You made me so worried you know." Misao scolded, a frown on her face.

"I did?" Soujirou asked.

Misao blushed again. Oh shit... I almost let it all out again... I don't even know if Soujirou feels the same about me...

As if Soujirou read Misao's thoughts, he said, "Don't worry Misao-chan... its ok." and he smiled. Once again, his eyes locked with Misao's. Misao was unsure whether or not to trust Soujirou as she didn't know whether he would hurt her or not. As if Soujirou had read her mind, his eyes told her : "Misao-chan... you can trust me... I know you've been hurt before... I promise... I won't ever do that to you..." But still her eyes read confusion and suspicion.

"Misao... I'm not gonna force you ok... if you don't know whether to trust me... I can understand..." Soujirou said.

"Iya... Soujirou..." Misao protested as she snuggled closer.

Taking the hint, Soujirou leaned in closer. Misao could feel his breath on her face as Soujirou inched in. Finally their lips met, and they were locked in a passionate embrace.

Soujirou's left hand strayed to her waist; he supported her to keep her from slipping and banging her head against the rock wall. His free hand went up to Misao's chin, he tilted it slightly to deepen their kiss. He felt so many different emotions coursing through his body; friendship towards her, love, trust; he knew he could trust his life on her if ever need be. And she could trust hers on him for all he cared...

Misao felt herself unconsciously returning Soujirou's kiss; secretly, she was saving it for Aoshi, but since he had rejected her... No! I am not getting back at him... I'm not trying to attract his attention anymore. I truly love Soujirou this time. I don't know if he feels the same... but if he actually dared to do this then... She sighed inwardly. Men!

After what seemed like another millenium, Soujirou broke off, blushing furiously and breathing heavily.

"Ano.... we better get going." Soujirou said hoarsely.

Misao nodded a light blush still covering her cheeks. "Ano... Soujirou, don't you think we should plan our journey first or something?"

"Hmm... good point. How good are you with your sword?" Soujirou asked.

"Well... I'm just a beginner, but I still can do basic defense and attack." Misao said.

"How about I train you for a while? The mountains here are great for doing katas. And we could practice close-combat too." Soujirou said and grinned.