Painted Sunset
. . . fanfiction inspired by Rurouni Kenshin. Standard disclaimers apply.

"... If ever a boy stood on the moon
carrying all of his treasures from the stars
to a rainbow which leads to where we are...
together we'd chase the sun ..."

- Where Is The Love, by Celine Dion

    Maybe tomorrow, when the Helios has almost finished driving his fiery chariot across the sky, and all that is left is dusk's fading light, you'll chase me through the fields once more. Past the swaying stalks of ripe wheat, kicking up dirt paths so carefully laid, reliving the childish game of hide-and-seek, all but given away by the sound of our laughter.

    When I think I've lost you in the maze of gold, and stand there cawing triumphant, you'll sweep me up from behind and muse my hair as I protest helplessly. But I know you're just playing along. Slowly, the squeals die down as you smooth back my hair with gentle fingers, draping your free hand around me, holding me close.

    And for a while, we'll stand there, watching the glorious sunset, as the wind rushes through the wheat fields, sending dry husks spiraling up and back down again. Then, you remember it's getting late, and we'll race each other back home, yelling and taunting each other when one of us falls behind.

    The shadows fall on the roads towards home, but I know I'm safe, as long as I'm with you. So we run, until we reach the gates, breathless.

    She opens the door for us and welcomes us back, telling us that the others are in the kitchen, impatient. You apologize profusely, and she shakes her head and sighs.

    You turn around and wink at me, secretly.

    "Really, sometimes I just don't believe you," I whisper.

    You just smile, that perfect, close-eyed smile and led me inside.

    And maybe tomorrow, we'll go chasing our dreams in those wheat fields again.

    Together.

Alexiel Au Yong, 29-11-2001