Readers--Yes yes, short chapter, I know, I know! But still. It's the thought that counts, right? Two words for you, devoted readers, sexual tension. Oh! And evil plots unfold, muhahahah! And before I forget, It's come to my attetion that I have forgotten disclaimers for this story....OH MY!
Disclaimer: Dammit, I don't own Soujiro...but if the Tenken were mine, I'd make him teach me the shakuchi!
Chapter 8: A Hidden Agenda
Midnight. It was a mysterious hour of day even to those who held no sway of the superstitions surrounding the hour. To those who did believe, midnight was the hour of fear and dread. The hour of paranoia and where legend and myth stood sway over rational importance. It was the perfect time of day for those who deviled in shady dealings to delve in the schemes. Midnight was a time when the whole of Renko village was deserted, unless they were someone important. It was an hour when everything and everyone who dwelled in the daylight hours went inside.
Mori Ryu walked down the silent town streets, hands at his side, whistling a tune to himself. He was someone important, if to no one else, then to Mori Ryu himself. His father was the richest man in all of Renko Village, and that was saying something in a village of rather rich craftsmen. Ryu was the heir to his father's great fortune, so it left him feeling extremely confident and well off. Confident enough to even put up with the continuing spurns of his love, Akio. Sure, the glances from the ladies of the village were nice. But he wanted Akio! Her spirit, her fire, her beauty...but most of all, he wanted her because somewhere in his heart, he knew he could never have her.
Ryu himself was an impressive specimen of a man. His eyes were light brown, a ruddy brown color, and his hair jet-black hair was orderly, as the hair of a rich man's son should be. He was broad shouldered and well built, as a man of battle should be. He was strong, and very skilled with a sword. Masters and experts of sword craft had been common in Renko Village, once upon a time. They would sometimes take apprentices from the village itself, or teach while passing through. Ryu used these men to his advantage, learning whatever they could teach and collecting it into a hand-made sword style. He was a seasoned fighter and a cunning strategist, as all leaders should be. It was really no wonder why everyone in the village looked up to him, wanted to be with him or wanted to 'be' him. Mori Ryu was, for lack of a better word, perfect.
But no person can every truly be perfect. And as the wise words say, the most beautiful things are the most deadly. And Ryu was no shortage of deadliness. A spring was hidden behind those light eyes, one that wound tighter and tighter, urging him towards violence and anarchy, urging him towards power. And it was this internal urge that sent him to his father's door one night, years earlier, to discuss a plan to make the Mori family even richer and more powerful then they already were. This plan involved a man named Gama, a government official. And it was to meet with his father and this man that Ryu was going right now.
The abandoned forge on the outskirts of the town was their favorite meeting spot. Lord Mori even employed the use of his three most trusted guardsmen to make sure they were not disturbed. Their plans for the future of this mountain were very important and the actions already set into motion were better left unknown. Ryu knocked on the back entrance to the forge three times before being admitted.
"Ryu, what took you so long?" Lord Mori scolded his son. He and Gama were already seated on the floor of the forge, sipping tea idly. It didn't look as if they had been there long.
"I was preoccupied, Father," Ryu responded, pouring himself some tea and sitting with them.
"You better not have been flouting around with that bastard again," Lord Mori warned, eyeing Ryu with level, liquid eyes.
"No Father, I was in the company of a different young lady this evening," Ryu responded, sipping his tea. "Good evening to you, Lord Gama."
"Good evening," responded the third man. He was rather old, wrinkled skin pulled over a bony face and hands. He was skeletal and spooky to behold. His eyes were huge and black, and his smile would cause even the bravest man to shiver in fear. But despite the appearance of Gama, he was an important government agent, trusted and used. He had also been bought and taken care of by the Mori family for his allegiance and knowledge. A smart man knew with whom to bind himself.
"I'm glad you could get back to us so quickly, what have you?"
"I have good and bad news, young master," Gama replied in his nasally voice. He slurped his tea in a most unattractive way. "First off, everything you instructed of me has been set. The men you hired should reach the village in two days, at sundown."
"And they will be professionals?" Lord Mori interrupted. "Not like the last bunch you gave us. That simpleton of a girl killed all of them in less then an instant. I want good fighting men this time, no screw ups Gama."
Gama bowed his head. "I assure you, Lord Mori, these men are the finest that the streets of Tokyo and Kyoto had to offer. Fighters from the underground. Thieves, cut-throats, mercenaries...all at your command, young master."
"Good," Ryu said approvingly. It had been his planning last fall, that caused the 'government officials' to attack the town. Gama had really bought them from the streets of the cities, given them subtle hints of government officers, and set them loose to rampage. The quiet town became so enraged and so fearful that they banished all non-villagers from setting foot past the borders. Thus beginning the end of Renko Village forever. The only money that came into the town anymore, was the money retrieved by the Mori family, whom were traders instead of craftsmen. While the village grew weak, they grew strong. And when the town finally died, the Mori family would rise from the ashes, rish and powerful, to take control of all the trading between the mountain communities and the larger cities. All of it had been carefully planned by Ryu. But it had been partially thwarted when Akio interceded and killed his men.
But this time, there was no opposition. Fifty men from the cities would attack in two days. And one girl could not hope to kill fifty men alone, armed with only a dull sword. Not even Akio was that skilled, even though she had been trained by expert swordsmen beside him in their childhood. Back when Akio could pass for a boy, she would often follow trainers, learning their wisdom. A few even wished her as their apprentice, but she declined always, to stay on the mountain with her memories. She was a gifted swordswoman, everyone knew it, but not even she could protect the pathetic village from this onslaught.
"You gave all the men their uniforms, correct Gama?" Ryu questioned closely. It would not work unless the cause of the destruction be blamed upon the government.
"Yes, they are all equipped and prepared."
"You said that you had bad news as well," Ryu commented. "Tell me."
"Well, young master, I have kept my ears open, as you have said to do, and I have heard something rather distressing." Ryu motioned for him to continue, but Gama looked flustered. "You are aware of the attempted coup over Japan two years ago, yes? The one that was being ushered by a former manslayer."
"We are very well versed in that," Lord Mori snapped. "Get to the point."
"The manslayers apprentice, a boy by the name of Seta Soujiro the Tenken, is my point. The government has tried its best to keep tabs on this boy since the failed attempted at power. When I left the city, it was reported that he was seen on this mountain, heading toward the village."
"And what does that matter?" the Lord asked. "He's only a boy."
"No, my lord, you misunderstand. He is no mere boy. This is the Tenken, once a member of Jupongatana, seated at the right hand of Makoto Shishio himself. If he so chooses, he could slaughter this entire town!"
"Calm yourself Gama," Ryu said casually. Lord Mori and the treacherous government official turned to him. "The guardians told me that a stranger attempted to get into the village a few days ago. He was carrying only a wooden sword and fit the description of the Tenken."
"And?" Gama pressed.
"He was shot twice in the side and shoulder, then dumped into the river. There's no coming back from that." Ryu calmly sipped his tea, not at all afraid. Gama paled considerably.
"You think that will kill him?" he asked, deadly serious. "He is not merely some mindless bandit. This is Set Soujiro!"
"What does it matter?" the Lord repeated again. "Even if he survived, our plan is already in motion. Besides, what would the Tenken care if we destroy this village and everyone in it?"
"There you go," Akio said with a smile as she finished re-bandaging Soujiro's shoulder. She was seated beside him on her futon, head bowed over his shoulder, intent upon her work. Soujiro was once more bare from the waist up. He shivered a little, muscles taunt and trembling, but she wasn't sure if it was pain, cold, or something else responsible.
"Thank you," Soujiro replied with a smile of his own. Akio ruffled a hand through his hair. It was soft against her palm. She knew, really, that she only wanted an excuse to touch him. Soujiro wasn't one to complain. He had enjoyed the light feeling of her fingers feathering around his wounds, gently on his skin. And now the feeling of her hand stroking his hair.
A place in Akio's heart suddenly began to ache. Soujiro's eyes were so deep and brown, free of all the apprehension and pain and fear from before. They were un-shadowed for the first time since she first met him. Never in all her life had she felt for anyone what she felt for him. But she wouldn't admit to herself that it was love. No, she couldn't do that. It would only hurt more. Akio was not some dreamy little girl. She knew what was to come. In a few short days, Soujiro would be healed enough to travel, and then he would leave. And Akio was not so naive, like her mother had been, to think he would return once he left. He had no reason to come back, not after what the guardians almost did. He had everything to lose, with little to gain. 'Only me,' she thought.
Akio stared at him, memorizing his face, burning it on to her heart forever. He looked back at her, a question in his eyes. Her hand slipped down from his hair and she ran her knuckles gently across the side of his face. His skin was so soft and warm. When she had been holding him before, she drew from his warmth. She had held on to him for all she was worth when he had told her his past. Because, he had been holding her just as tight. Like he couldn't let go or it would destroy him.
His story had been like nothing she had ever heard before. He was the Tenken--the Tenken was in her house! He was sitting on her futon, staring into her eyes. She could still see the unease in the depths of his eyes. He still expected her to run away, to not forgive him. Akio understood him, more then he could ever know. No one had ever forgiven her either, having someone who did was a frightening thing. Frightening, but wonderful. She forgave him, for every misdeed or black action. She forgave him because he could never forgive himself. Akio wasn't appalled or afraid. She had been shocked and saddened, but she'd never turn away from Soujiro, not because of a past he couldn't have changed.
Akio remembered her decision when she had found him, unconscious and bleeding, on the riverbank those few days before. No matter what, she'd swore that she'd help him, that she would take care of him. It was as true now as it was then. No matter what, Akio wanted to take care of him. She wanted to love him, wanted to have him love her back. She wanted his forgiveness as much as she wanted to give him hers. Without really meaning to, Akio leaned forward, green eyes fluttering shut, and pressed her lips to his.
Soujiro froze, not really sure what to do or what was happening. He'd never kissed a woman before, or ever been kissed by one. He didn't have much experience in the area of love. All he really knew was that the girl he was in love with was kissing him, of her own will. And that he liked it. He liked it a lot. Soujiro leaned into her, adding more pressure to their kiss. Akio responded readily, easing her arms around her neck. Soujiro locked his good arm around her waist as a subconscious action, pulling her closer to him until she was fully pressed against him. It was a feeling that sent a jolt through both of them, causing them to break apart. Akio panted as if she had run to the river and back, a deep blush spreading across her face. Soujiro panted as well, a small smile on his lips.
"I...I..." she stuttered, trying to break away from his eyes, but was unable to do so.
"What?" he asked, still smiling, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I've never done that before," she confessed with a shyness that was almost painful. "I've never been kissed before."
"Neither have I," Soujiro assured her. They both laughed a little nervously. Akio snapped out of it first, getting off the bed to fuss with the blankets that made up her bed on the floor. "Why don't you sleep in that other room?" Soujiro asked while watching her.
"That's my grandmother's room," she whispered. "It's not right for me to sleep there."
"Then why don't you sleep on the futon tonight?" he offered kindly. Akio only shook her head.
"No, you're still injured. I'm fine on the floor, really." Soujiro wasn't convinced, and was feeling almost guilty about depriving her of her own futon. It was her house, she shouldn't give up her comfort for him. Akio seemed to sense his objection because she smiled and walked over, kissing him on the forehead. "It's very sweet of you to offer, but I am fine."
"You shouldn't have to," Soujiro protested.
"What else could we do?" she questioned, looking him in the eye. A spark passed between them and the unspoken option shone in both their eyes. Soujiro was the first to look away this time. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Akio dropped to her knees in front of him, resting her elbows on his knees. She waited patiently until he looked at her again. Akio's green eyes were unreadable. "Soujiro, if there is one thing that my mother taught me, it's that there is no forever in this world."
"What do you mean?" he breathed. She leaned forward until her face was only a few inches below his.
"There is only right now. There's never a guarantee for what is to come. All we have is the present, right now." Her eyes welled and her voice became a bit shaky. "Would you be my right now? For whatever hell has past and whatever is to come in the future, would you be with me right now? No promises, no guarantees, just now."
Soujiro swallowed, looking deep into the deep green eyes that stared at him so intently. His throat was too tight, he could never hope to answer her. There was no answer really, no answer beside what he gave. Soujiro leaned down and kissed her with everything in his heart, praying that what he felt could pass from him to her. Akio wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself up closer to him. Silent tears ran from her eyes and mixed with their kiss. Soujiro leaned her back across the futon, and she allowed him to deepen the kiss. There was no need for words that night, what needed to be said, Akio had said already. There was no guarantee for the future, but there was forgiveness for the past. Together, the two fractured people, created one whole being. They had the present, and that had to be enough for now. In the back of her mind, Akio finally understood her mother's decision.
Okay! Here is chapter 8. I've got some shout-outs here for ya! Be prepared, chapter 9 is gonna heat things up, more then the end of this chapter *cough* Oh come on! I didn't detail anything! Stop giving me that look, alright? Just read the shout-outs and stay tuned! Oh, and review of course.
Ya sure: I'm really glad you like my stuff! Keep reading and reviewing, ok? Thanks!
pruningshears: Yeah, I think Soujiro deserves a little happiness, you know? With all the stuff he's gone through, I say, screw you guys! Love conquers all! Woooo! Yes, Aoshi will appear in the next fic. No, Shishio is not her father. You'll see!!! Oh, and draw her! Definitely! I'm all for illustrations, yay!
Ken: So glad you like! I do too, lol. Keep reading and reviewing! Love ya like Ramen, cha!
Kenshin44: Yes, I want to show everyone Soujiro's cuddly side, lol. I'm really glad you like my story. Love you like Ramen too! *gets teary-eyed*
Okay, thanks again for reading everyone. Remember to review!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~
Disclaimer: Dammit, I don't own Soujiro...but if the Tenken were mine, I'd make him teach me the shakuchi!
Chapter 8: A Hidden Agenda
Midnight. It was a mysterious hour of day even to those who held no sway of the superstitions surrounding the hour. To those who did believe, midnight was the hour of fear and dread. The hour of paranoia and where legend and myth stood sway over rational importance. It was the perfect time of day for those who deviled in shady dealings to delve in the schemes. Midnight was a time when the whole of Renko village was deserted, unless they were someone important. It was an hour when everything and everyone who dwelled in the daylight hours went inside.
Mori Ryu walked down the silent town streets, hands at his side, whistling a tune to himself. He was someone important, if to no one else, then to Mori Ryu himself. His father was the richest man in all of Renko Village, and that was saying something in a village of rather rich craftsmen. Ryu was the heir to his father's great fortune, so it left him feeling extremely confident and well off. Confident enough to even put up with the continuing spurns of his love, Akio. Sure, the glances from the ladies of the village were nice. But he wanted Akio! Her spirit, her fire, her beauty...but most of all, he wanted her because somewhere in his heart, he knew he could never have her.
Ryu himself was an impressive specimen of a man. His eyes were light brown, a ruddy brown color, and his hair jet-black hair was orderly, as the hair of a rich man's son should be. He was broad shouldered and well built, as a man of battle should be. He was strong, and very skilled with a sword. Masters and experts of sword craft had been common in Renko Village, once upon a time. They would sometimes take apprentices from the village itself, or teach while passing through. Ryu used these men to his advantage, learning whatever they could teach and collecting it into a hand-made sword style. He was a seasoned fighter and a cunning strategist, as all leaders should be. It was really no wonder why everyone in the village looked up to him, wanted to be with him or wanted to 'be' him. Mori Ryu was, for lack of a better word, perfect.
But no person can every truly be perfect. And as the wise words say, the most beautiful things are the most deadly. And Ryu was no shortage of deadliness. A spring was hidden behind those light eyes, one that wound tighter and tighter, urging him towards violence and anarchy, urging him towards power. And it was this internal urge that sent him to his father's door one night, years earlier, to discuss a plan to make the Mori family even richer and more powerful then they already were. This plan involved a man named Gama, a government official. And it was to meet with his father and this man that Ryu was going right now.
The abandoned forge on the outskirts of the town was their favorite meeting spot. Lord Mori even employed the use of his three most trusted guardsmen to make sure they were not disturbed. Their plans for the future of this mountain were very important and the actions already set into motion were better left unknown. Ryu knocked on the back entrance to the forge three times before being admitted.
"Ryu, what took you so long?" Lord Mori scolded his son. He and Gama were already seated on the floor of the forge, sipping tea idly. It didn't look as if they had been there long.
"I was preoccupied, Father," Ryu responded, pouring himself some tea and sitting with them.
"You better not have been flouting around with that bastard again," Lord Mori warned, eyeing Ryu with level, liquid eyes.
"No Father, I was in the company of a different young lady this evening," Ryu responded, sipping his tea. "Good evening to you, Lord Gama."
"Good evening," responded the third man. He was rather old, wrinkled skin pulled over a bony face and hands. He was skeletal and spooky to behold. His eyes were huge and black, and his smile would cause even the bravest man to shiver in fear. But despite the appearance of Gama, he was an important government agent, trusted and used. He had also been bought and taken care of by the Mori family for his allegiance and knowledge. A smart man knew with whom to bind himself.
"I'm glad you could get back to us so quickly, what have you?"
"I have good and bad news, young master," Gama replied in his nasally voice. He slurped his tea in a most unattractive way. "First off, everything you instructed of me has been set. The men you hired should reach the village in two days, at sundown."
"And they will be professionals?" Lord Mori interrupted. "Not like the last bunch you gave us. That simpleton of a girl killed all of them in less then an instant. I want good fighting men this time, no screw ups Gama."
Gama bowed his head. "I assure you, Lord Mori, these men are the finest that the streets of Tokyo and Kyoto had to offer. Fighters from the underground. Thieves, cut-throats, mercenaries...all at your command, young master."
"Good," Ryu said approvingly. It had been his planning last fall, that caused the 'government officials' to attack the town. Gama had really bought them from the streets of the cities, given them subtle hints of government officers, and set them loose to rampage. The quiet town became so enraged and so fearful that they banished all non-villagers from setting foot past the borders. Thus beginning the end of Renko Village forever. The only money that came into the town anymore, was the money retrieved by the Mori family, whom were traders instead of craftsmen. While the village grew weak, they grew strong. And when the town finally died, the Mori family would rise from the ashes, rish and powerful, to take control of all the trading between the mountain communities and the larger cities. All of it had been carefully planned by Ryu. But it had been partially thwarted when Akio interceded and killed his men.
But this time, there was no opposition. Fifty men from the cities would attack in two days. And one girl could not hope to kill fifty men alone, armed with only a dull sword. Not even Akio was that skilled, even though she had been trained by expert swordsmen beside him in their childhood. Back when Akio could pass for a boy, she would often follow trainers, learning their wisdom. A few even wished her as their apprentice, but she declined always, to stay on the mountain with her memories. She was a gifted swordswoman, everyone knew it, but not even she could protect the pathetic village from this onslaught.
"You gave all the men their uniforms, correct Gama?" Ryu questioned closely. It would not work unless the cause of the destruction be blamed upon the government.
"Yes, they are all equipped and prepared."
"You said that you had bad news as well," Ryu commented. "Tell me."
"Well, young master, I have kept my ears open, as you have said to do, and I have heard something rather distressing." Ryu motioned for him to continue, but Gama looked flustered. "You are aware of the attempted coup over Japan two years ago, yes? The one that was being ushered by a former manslayer."
"We are very well versed in that," Lord Mori snapped. "Get to the point."
"The manslayers apprentice, a boy by the name of Seta Soujiro the Tenken, is my point. The government has tried its best to keep tabs on this boy since the failed attempted at power. When I left the city, it was reported that he was seen on this mountain, heading toward the village."
"And what does that matter?" the Lord asked. "He's only a boy."
"No, my lord, you misunderstand. He is no mere boy. This is the Tenken, once a member of Jupongatana, seated at the right hand of Makoto Shishio himself. If he so chooses, he could slaughter this entire town!"
"Calm yourself Gama," Ryu said casually. Lord Mori and the treacherous government official turned to him. "The guardians told me that a stranger attempted to get into the village a few days ago. He was carrying only a wooden sword and fit the description of the Tenken."
"And?" Gama pressed.
"He was shot twice in the side and shoulder, then dumped into the river. There's no coming back from that." Ryu calmly sipped his tea, not at all afraid. Gama paled considerably.
"You think that will kill him?" he asked, deadly serious. "He is not merely some mindless bandit. This is Set Soujiro!"
"What does it matter?" the Lord repeated again. "Even if he survived, our plan is already in motion. Besides, what would the Tenken care if we destroy this village and everyone in it?"
"There you go," Akio said with a smile as she finished re-bandaging Soujiro's shoulder. She was seated beside him on her futon, head bowed over his shoulder, intent upon her work. Soujiro was once more bare from the waist up. He shivered a little, muscles taunt and trembling, but she wasn't sure if it was pain, cold, or something else responsible.
"Thank you," Soujiro replied with a smile of his own. Akio ruffled a hand through his hair. It was soft against her palm. She knew, really, that she only wanted an excuse to touch him. Soujiro wasn't one to complain. He had enjoyed the light feeling of her fingers feathering around his wounds, gently on his skin. And now the feeling of her hand stroking his hair.
A place in Akio's heart suddenly began to ache. Soujiro's eyes were so deep and brown, free of all the apprehension and pain and fear from before. They were un-shadowed for the first time since she first met him. Never in all her life had she felt for anyone what she felt for him. But she wouldn't admit to herself that it was love. No, she couldn't do that. It would only hurt more. Akio was not some dreamy little girl. She knew what was to come. In a few short days, Soujiro would be healed enough to travel, and then he would leave. And Akio was not so naive, like her mother had been, to think he would return once he left. He had no reason to come back, not after what the guardians almost did. He had everything to lose, with little to gain. 'Only me,' she thought.
Akio stared at him, memorizing his face, burning it on to her heart forever. He looked back at her, a question in his eyes. Her hand slipped down from his hair and she ran her knuckles gently across the side of his face. His skin was so soft and warm. When she had been holding him before, she drew from his warmth. She had held on to him for all she was worth when he had told her his past. Because, he had been holding her just as tight. Like he couldn't let go or it would destroy him.
His story had been like nothing she had ever heard before. He was the Tenken--the Tenken was in her house! He was sitting on her futon, staring into her eyes. She could still see the unease in the depths of his eyes. He still expected her to run away, to not forgive him. Akio understood him, more then he could ever know. No one had ever forgiven her either, having someone who did was a frightening thing. Frightening, but wonderful. She forgave him, for every misdeed or black action. She forgave him because he could never forgive himself. Akio wasn't appalled or afraid. She had been shocked and saddened, but she'd never turn away from Soujiro, not because of a past he couldn't have changed.
Akio remembered her decision when she had found him, unconscious and bleeding, on the riverbank those few days before. No matter what, she'd swore that she'd help him, that she would take care of him. It was as true now as it was then. No matter what, Akio wanted to take care of him. She wanted to love him, wanted to have him love her back. She wanted his forgiveness as much as she wanted to give him hers. Without really meaning to, Akio leaned forward, green eyes fluttering shut, and pressed her lips to his.
Soujiro froze, not really sure what to do or what was happening. He'd never kissed a woman before, or ever been kissed by one. He didn't have much experience in the area of love. All he really knew was that the girl he was in love with was kissing him, of her own will. And that he liked it. He liked it a lot. Soujiro leaned into her, adding more pressure to their kiss. Akio responded readily, easing her arms around her neck. Soujiro locked his good arm around her waist as a subconscious action, pulling her closer to him until she was fully pressed against him. It was a feeling that sent a jolt through both of them, causing them to break apart. Akio panted as if she had run to the river and back, a deep blush spreading across her face. Soujiro panted as well, a small smile on his lips.
"I...I..." she stuttered, trying to break away from his eyes, but was unable to do so.
"What?" he asked, still smiling, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I've never done that before," she confessed with a shyness that was almost painful. "I've never been kissed before."
"Neither have I," Soujiro assured her. They both laughed a little nervously. Akio snapped out of it first, getting off the bed to fuss with the blankets that made up her bed on the floor. "Why don't you sleep in that other room?" Soujiro asked while watching her.
"That's my grandmother's room," she whispered. "It's not right for me to sleep there."
"Then why don't you sleep on the futon tonight?" he offered kindly. Akio only shook her head.
"No, you're still injured. I'm fine on the floor, really." Soujiro wasn't convinced, and was feeling almost guilty about depriving her of her own futon. It was her house, she shouldn't give up her comfort for him. Akio seemed to sense his objection because she smiled and walked over, kissing him on the forehead. "It's very sweet of you to offer, but I am fine."
"You shouldn't have to," Soujiro protested.
"What else could we do?" she questioned, looking him in the eye. A spark passed between them and the unspoken option shone in both their eyes. Soujiro was the first to look away this time. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Akio dropped to her knees in front of him, resting her elbows on his knees. She waited patiently until he looked at her again. Akio's green eyes were unreadable. "Soujiro, if there is one thing that my mother taught me, it's that there is no forever in this world."
"What do you mean?" he breathed. She leaned forward until her face was only a few inches below his.
"There is only right now. There's never a guarantee for what is to come. All we have is the present, right now." Her eyes welled and her voice became a bit shaky. "Would you be my right now? For whatever hell has past and whatever is to come in the future, would you be with me right now? No promises, no guarantees, just now."
Soujiro swallowed, looking deep into the deep green eyes that stared at him so intently. His throat was too tight, he could never hope to answer her. There was no answer really, no answer beside what he gave. Soujiro leaned down and kissed her with everything in his heart, praying that what he felt could pass from him to her. Akio wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself up closer to him. Silent tears ran from her eyes and mixed with their kiss. Soujiro leaned her back across the futon, and she allowed him to deepen the kiss. There was no need for words that night, what needed to be said, Akio had said already. There was no guarantee for the future, but there was forgiveness for the past. Together, the two fractured people, created one whole being. They had the present, and that had to be enough for now. In the back of her mind, Akio finally understood her mother's decision.
Okay! Here is chapter 8. I've got some shout-outs here for ya! Be prepared, chapter 9 is gonna heat things up, more then the end of this chapter *cough* Oh come on! I didn't detail anything! Stop giving me that look, alright? Just read the shout-outs and stay tuned! Oh, and review of course.
Ya sure: I'm really glad you like my stuff! Keep reading and reviewing, ok? Thanks!
pruningshears: Yeah, I think Soujiro deserves a little happiness, you know? With all the stuff he's gone through, I say, screw you guys! Love conquers all! Woooo! Yes, Aoshi will appear in the next fic. No, Shishio is not her father. You'll see!!! Oh, and draw her! Definitely! I'm all for illustrations, yay!
Ken: So glad you like! I do too, lol. Keep reading and reviewing! Love ya like Ramen, cha!
Kenshin44: Yes, I want to show everyone Soujiro's cuddly side, lol. I'm really glad you like my story. Love you like Ramen too! *gets teary-eyed*
Okay, thanks again for reading everyone. Remember to review!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~