Of Wine and Water by: P.P.V.V.

Disclaimer: The Standard Disclaim applies…


AN: If there was such a thing as a "like" button for reviews on this website, I would have been clicking it like a madwoman. Alas, there isn't such a thing, but at least you know. Thanks again, everyone. I love you all.

The following chapter is really short, and it might remind you of a scene you've seen before. That said…

Warning: Slight spoiler alert for Trust and Betrayal.

Begin.


Chapter 27

- The Last Summer -

The night air was cool, which was a relief from the heat that pounded down on the earth during the day. Lately, the summer haze was almost suffocating. Kenshin would take pleasure in whatever breeze that he could; tomorrow promised to be another exhausting, hot day.

Nimbly, he climbed the rocks that lined the brook's bank. Once he managed to find a comfortable perch, he leaned his sword against him, anchoring himself with his feet spread on two separate rocks.

Hiko's pace was unhurried as he trailed after his student. In the glow of the moonlight, his white cloak seemed to shimmer. It reminded Kenshin of the first time he'd ever laid eyes on his Master and he felt that familiar admiration fill him as he watched the man approach.

"Tired, I expect," Hiko commented.

Kenshin did not respond to the rhetorical question, instead, turned his eyes to the water. He could make out the shadows of fish that had managed to swim upstream and were now lazily circling each other. From his position, he knew that trying to dip his fingers in the water would only cause him to topple over, so he didn't try,

Hiko wandered to a rock close by and the telltale sound of his sake bottle and disk rang out over the quiet clearing.

For a long time, Master and Apprentice were silent, lost in their own thoughts, the former drinking leisurely while the latter relished in the ability to rest.

The Master let out a sigh of bliss. "You get cherry blossoms in the spring, starry skies in the summer, a full moon in the autumn and snow in the winter. These things are what make sake taste good." He shot a smirk over his shoulder at his apprentice, raising his disk in a small toast. "If you don't like the taste, there must be something wrong within you."

Kenshin was too tired to even make a face at the memory of his first sip. It had only been a bitter experience, quite literally speaking.

Hiko seemed to read his thoughts because he said, "Someday you'll understand how to taste it. When that time comes, we can enjoy it together."

The boy tilted his head in silent consideration and Hiko shrugged, settling his bulk on the stone, positioning himself in much the same way as his student.

Raising his eyes heavenward, Kenshin stared at the stars, wishing that every day could end like this one.


Word Count: 411

Moving Forward…


AN: I feel like the ending of this chapter seemed rather ominous. I tried to make it as relaxing as possible, but the muse added in that underlying tone of tension. I hope you enjoyed. I'd love to know your thoughts.

Thanks for reading,

-P.P.V.V.

Edited: August 26, 2016