Of Wine And Water By: P.P.V.V.
Disclaimer: The Standard Disclaim applies…
AN: Thank you to all the readers and reviewers! I'm so ridiculously happy! You guys are my sunshine on a cloudy day, my sprinkles on my ice cream and my frosting on my cake! Seriously, I love you. The writer's block can't possibly stand against the inspiration I receive from you. Really, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart!
When I wrote this chapter a part of me was not sure I wanted to post it at all. It's a little off-track, but after some debate, I've decided that it works in bringing the Master and Student a little closer.
Onward.
Chapter 14
- Sentimental Value -
"It's a little salty, but it will do," Hiko said, putting his bowl of soup down.
Kenshin felt pride glow in him, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he placed the main course in front of his mentor, anxiety showing in his every movement. It was the first time the Master had let him take over the stove under careful supervision.
He'd been extra careful to keep his sleeves back from the fire and had kept a close eye on the food so that it would not get burnt. It was a simple meal, grilled fish, soup and fresh vegetables.
Without a word, Hiko began to eat.
Knowing better than to ask what he thought of it, Kenshin tucked in as well. To his surprise and delight, it did not taste horrible. He peered through his bangs to see Hiko eating without hesitation.
That must have meant he liked it too.
The man finished first, as he always did and leaned back on his hands, so that the top part of his muscular body was partially stretched out. "You need a haircut." Kenshin paused eating, surprised by the sudden statement. "You're starting to look like an untamed lion."
"You never cut your hair, Master," he protested.
"Yes, but no one has ever mistaken me for a girl."
Kenshin glared and Hiko gave him a smirk. Ever since he'd blown up that day in Town, the man took every opportunity to touch upon that sensitive nerve.
"I don't want to cut it," Kenshin growled, shoveling the rest of his meal into his mouth promptly afterward. He made to stand, announcing, "I'm finished."
"Well, I'm not," Hiko said, clearly enjoying the way he was rankling his student. "Besides, it's interfering with your training. You look like an idiot, trying to pick hairs from your mouth every few minutes. You can't very well stop in a battle just to do that, you know."
If that was all he was worried about, Kenshin resolved to try and ignore the uncomfortable feeling the next time it happened. He almost missed the fact that Hiko was talking again. "There is a way we can keep it out of your way without cutting it..."
"What?"
"We could tie it into a bun."
Kenshin blinked. A bun? Forgetting the fact that he was at the dinner table, he jumped up indignantly, nearly knocking over plates. "Then people really will think of me as a girl!"
"It's either that, or you cut it. No exceptions," the Master shrugged. "And sit back down. You know better than to throw tantrums with me, boy."
Crossing his legs beneath him, Kenshin hurried to comply, albeit grudgingly. He watched as his Master began to stack the dishes together, trying to imagine how he'd appear. If he went down to the Town with that kind of hairstyle, he'd be the laughing stock of the city. It was already bad enough that he was singled out for the color of it.
Trust his Master to embarrass him. Sometimes, he could really hate the man.
"It's not as bad as you're making it out to be," Hiko told him, and had he a free hand, he would have given Kenshin a slight smack on the head with it for looking glum. "You're so dramatic. It's just hair, you idiot."
Kenshin felt himself pout at Hiko's choice endearment for him. He was always calling him that. He really had no excuse no matter how much he tried to come up with valid reasons why he should not adopt what he considered a woman's hair style.
He could already hear his Master's laugher.
Scowling, Kenshin sadly settled on the thought that he'd have to cut his hair after all. Maybe he was being dramatic. It would grow back. But…
I love your hair, Shinta…it makes you so unique; so special.
He felt a lump hit his throat at the reminder of the words his mother used to say to him. And she would lovingly run her hands through it, often accompanying the action with raining kisses.
How he missed that!
But there was no need to get so sentimental.
He almost jumped out of his skin when he felt heat settle behind him, and firm hands grasp his shoulders.
Abruptly, he turned rigid, jolted out of his happy memory. But the aura of the person was not one that brought him fear. Instead, it exuded a calm, indifferent confidence that was almost comforting.
Kenshin forced himself to calm down. It was not some stranger – not some disgusting pedophile - out to hurt him in any way.
It was his Master.
"Oh, come here," the man was grumbling. The boy was yanked back a few paces by the hair, eliciting a yelp of both pain and surprise.
He felt his red locks being gathered up and secured. "Honestly. I leave you for a few moments and you start spacing out on me. I told you before, it's a bad habit."
Kenshin felt a blush sweep through him at the scolding. A few tugs later, and the Master announced that he was finished. "Much better!" he said, with an approving nod at his handiwork.
Oh no.
If the Master said that, he probably looked terrible.
As soon as Hiko dismissed him for some free time before bed, Kenshin scurried out of the cabin toward the brook to see for himself. The feeling of the night breeze on the back of his neck was different, but not all that uncomfortable. In fact, he very much liked the way it felt to have his hair out of his way. Instead of tying it into that aforementioned (and dreaded) bun, Hiko had simply tied it higher so that it reminded Kenshin of a horse's tail.
If it looked really bad, he would opt to cut it after all, he decided.
With dread, he forced himself to look at his reflection in the always-flowing, rippling water.
His appearance stared back at him, round and full, his eyes hidden behind wild bangs, not so different from before. In fact, he thought it might actually look quite dashing.
He reached out to swipe the fringe away so he could see better. For a long time, he stared at his reflection, realizing the real reason why he'd wanted to keep his hair long.
He felt his Master's presence behind him again, heard him perch himself onto a rock, not too far away. The sound of the sake bottle and its disk rang out in blatant contrast to the silence of the night.
Kenshin turned to face him after a while.
"You look more like a swordsman this way," Hiko told him.
Kenshin grinned.
Perfect.
Because Hiko Seijuuro was the greatest swordsman that he knew, and he wanted to be exactly like him.
Word Count: 1,134
Moving Forward…
AN: Very few fanfiction, I've realized, point out the fact that Kenshin must also voice his insecurities about the way he looks. Maybe because in the Manga, we don't see him get riled up. I'll take it for granted that he is probably used to all the jeers and taunts by then, but as a child, I'd imagine it's harder to get over. So ends my piece and defense about his horror at his Master's suggestion for a haircut. Your thoughts on this chapter would be greatly appreciated.
Please be considerate in leaving me some feedback. It's not so much the count that excites me (although, who doesn't like seeing the comments people leave?) but more the thought that people are appreciating the hard work and long hours I spend toiling over each chapter's revision, edition and posting. Alas, I don't make money off of this and I do this for everyone's enjoyment (including my own) but if it's brought you any form of satisfaction, I'd like to know! I'm so very grateful to all who consistently leave me a comment or took the time to drop me a line and I look forward to hearing any thoughts you may have!
Thanks for reading,
-P.P.V.V.
Edited: August 25, 2016
