Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin; so don't sue me!
AN: I know that the term 'wolf' is always used in reference to Saito, but in a way Kenshin was the Ishin Shishi's lone wolf. That thought inspired this drabble.
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Choshu's Lone Wolf
Kenshin never really found it very odd that the other men never talked to him unless they were giving him orders. In fact, he didn't really blame them either. With his reputation it actually made sense that they avoided him, and, fortunately, he could really care less.
For meals he would always sit in the far corner, away from everyone. Then after, he would make a habit of retreating back to his room so he could sit in the windowsill and stare out at the animated street below. The windowsill. He was happy that he was small enough to fit in it. It was almost like a source of false security, like a blanket a young child held onto when scared. Yet, Kenshin knew very well not to let his guard down for even a moment. He knew what was out there, and he knew that in war there was no security, no trust.
Kenshin leaned his katana against his shoulder and closed his eyes while casting out his senses. He could detect the faint flicker of ki from most of the men in the inn. Yet, something else caught his attention. He opened one of his eyes and looked down at the busy street below. His eyes narrowed.
"Saito…" He hissed to himself.
He watched the tall wolf go into a soba shop then come out 10 minutes later. What was he doing out there alone? Trying to catch someone's attention? His height and the stupid blue and gold uniform of the Shinsengumi was enough to catch the world's notice. Kenshin couldn't help but snicker slightly at that thought.
Kenshin directed his full gaze on the tall man wandering the streets below. Perhaps, he should pay Saito a little visit…
He stood up and attached his daisho to his belt. He padded lightly over to the paper-thin shoji and tugged it open silently. Nobody would notice he was even gone. He ghosted down the hallway past Katsura's room. Kenshin could detect Katsura's even ki, and that was enough to determine that he was taking a catnap. Kenshin smiled slightly.
Once outside, Kenshin took to the roofs. It was much faster this way and he could keep himself hidden until he decided to show himself. He landed silently on another inn's roof and watched Saito turn into an alley. Just a bit longer and he would make himself known. He didn't want innocent people to get caught in the fire if a fight broke out; and where Saito was concerned a fight was bound to happen.
About 15 minutes later Saito was staring out over the water of a river. He leaned against the side of the bridge and watched the water flow swiftly by. Kenshin smiled. This is a good place to show himself. He used his god-like speed to move to the opposite wall of the bridge and he flared his ki slightly so Saito would know he was there.
There was a moment of silence before Saito said, "I was wondering how long you were going to snoop around for." His voice held no mockery or sarcasm in it. If anything, it held a hint of laughter.
Their backs were still facing when Kenshin responded with, "A lone wolf is just begging to be followed." And it was true.
"Oh? And what does that make you?" Saito asked flippantly.
"It takes one to know one, I suppose." Choshu's lone wolf agreed.
By this time they were both facing each other, hands posed readily over their katana's. They just stood there, staring the other down until some invisible signal made them spring into action; fangs bared, and claws extended.
-Owari-
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Well? What do you think? I'm happy with it.
R&R Please!